Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Saturday, December 27, 2008
St. Johns Overson Home
...And here is the Overson house in St. Johns. Granny's Christensen grandparents lived in a house that was torn down to build the elementary school.
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St. Johns Home
Now that I have all the Tanner files posted, I was looking online for some information to start the Morgan posts, and found that St. Johns (of all places) is on Google Street View. Many of you may recognize this home...
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Friday, December 26, 2008
George and Ann Jarvis Children
George Frederick Jarvis was ten years old when the family sailed to Boston and thirteen years old when they moved to Utah. He worked extensively on the plastering of the St. George temple. He was bishop in St. George and later patriarch and was held in very high regard in his community. He married Eleanor Woodbury and had eight children and later also married Rosinia Sylvester.
Ann Catherine Jarvis Milne was born in London and made the trip across the ocean with the family. Her biography notes that the Jarvis family also lived in Ashland, Massachusetts, for awhile. Ann was David Milne's second wife and they had eight children. She was still alive when the Jarvis book was written. She passed away in 1956 at age 109.
Brigham Jarvis was also born in Stepney, London. He married Mary Forsythe the first day the St. George temple was open and they had twelve children, seven of whom died as infants or toddlers. Brigham was involved in construction and irrigation work.
Amelia Jarvis Webb married William Webb and had twelve children, two of whom died in infancy. They were farmers and very hard workers although her health was poor throughout her life.
Samuel Walter Jarvis was the last of the children born in England. He married Frances (Fanny) DeFriez, who was the sister of our ancestor Charles Godfrey (Defriez) Jarvis. They had twelve children. Samuel married next in 1902 in Mexico to Pearl Taylor and they had seven children. The family fled Mexico in 1912 and settled in Benson, Arizona, and eventually returned to Mexico. Mary Ann Godfrey Defriez lived with her daughter Fanny and her family in the years before she died.
Margaret Jarvis was our ancestor. She was born in Boston and married in St. George to Charles Godfrey DeFriez Jarvis (he changed his name and was sealed into the Jarvis family). They had eight children and lived most of their lives in Arizona. Among the other many forms of work they did, living in a pioneer community, he trained in Chicago as a dentist and she trained in Salt Lake City as a midwife.
Elizabeth Jarvis was born while the Jarvis family was living in the Boston area. She died there at the age of four months.
Heber Jarvis was born in Salt Lake City, six weeks after the family arrived in Utah, his mother having walked almost the entire way across the plains. He settled in Arizona and married Susan Janet Smith. They lived in Snowflake, Nutrioso, Eager, and finally St. Johns. Heber and Susan had fifteen children. Heber was a member of the Arizona legislature and a firm supporter of women's suffrage.
Emmaline Jarvis Cottam was said to be the first child born in St. George. She married Thomas Cottam who later served (among other things) as President of the St. George Temple and Mayor of St. George. They had ten children.
Victoria Josephine Jarvis Miles was a school teacher for many years before marrying George Miles slightly later in life. They had seven children. Shortly after their marriage, George was called on a four year mission in the Southern States.
Thomas William Jarvis was the last child of George and Ann Jarvis. He was killed by lightning on the steps of the St. George Tabernacle on April 5, 1881, when he was seven years old.
Tanner 31: Ann Prior Jarvis
Ann Prior Jarvisb. 29 December 1829 Stepney, London, England
m. 17 September 1846 Harlow, Essex, England
d. 10 January 1913 St. George, Washington, Utah
b. 12 January 1913 St. George, Washington, Utah
Husband: George Jarvis
Father: William Prior, Jr.; Mother: Catherine McEwan
A poem written by Clarence Jarvis and copied by Ann Prior Jarvis and sent to Margaret Jarvis Overson on the date shown on the poem.
Ann Prior Jarvis, youngest child of Catherine McEwan and William Prior, Jr., was born in Stepney, Middlesex, London, England, December 29th 1829.
Her father was a very well-to-do contractor, but when she was a young child, he had the misfortune of losing his business, home and all savings through a fire, leaving him broke and very much discouraged. He managed to obtain a hundred year lease on a small home in a poorer district of London, where Ann grew to womanhood, and where she stayed with her mother, often when her children were born or her husband off on voyages.
Her father, William Prior Jr., never really seemed to rally after his loss, but became ill, and gradually grew worse until his death, when Ann was about seven years old.
Her mother was a splendid strong character, and did all she could to raise her children well, and educate them properly, but Ann could see that her mother had to work very hard, and she would ask her mother to let her go to work instead of to school, so she might earn a little to help her mother. She went to school until she was about eleven years old, when she got work helping make shirts, thereby saving her tuition and earning about fifty cents a week. She did this for some time before her mother found it out. She saved her money and gave it to her mother. Later she was apprenticed to a dressmaker, and learned to do very fine stitching, and make her own clothes, which was useful to her all her life. She says she might have been better educated if she had stayed in school, but she was always glad she helped her mother.
At school they read the Testament, and she always wished she had lived when Christ was on the earth. She was a deeply religious nature, and the memory of that reading never left her.
When Ann was about fifteen years old she was invited to a party by her friend, Phyllis Robinson, in honor of her brother, who was just home from a sea voyage. During the party the young sailor paid no special attention to our Ann, being busy entertaining guests with stories of the countries and peoples he had visited. When she returned home her mother asked her about the party, and what she did. She answered, “I saw my future husband.” Her mother said “Silly child! I’ve never heard you speak so foolishly before.” All through life, Ann was to have “Impressions” forecasting events in her life. The young man, George Jarvis, soon went on another voyage, and was sick, lost an eye, and was in a hospital for months, and was finally sent back to London as an out-door patient, but not very long after he returned, they were married, September 17th, 1846, three months before she was seventeen. She had other beaux who tried to get her to promise them, but she knew George was the one for her.
The next great event in their lives was when elders from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints spoke on the street of the town where they lived, and George listened spellbound to all they had to say. After the meeting he went home to tell his wife what he had heard, and she listened intently, and then said, “George, it’s true!” In that was also the hand of the Lord, and showed how her impressions were right, for not one of her other suitors were known to accept the “Mormon” religion, in which they both rejoiced all their days, notwithstanding the many hardships they had to endure because of accepting it. After she had walked across the plains to Salt Lake City, and seen the prophet of the Lord, Brigham Young, she said she felt she could gladly endure much more for that privilege.
Sister Jarvis loved to sing and knew all the old English songs of her girlhood days, and loved to teach them to her children. On stormy days or cold evenings, or when she was homesick or lonely for her mother and dear ones in England, she would gather her children about her and sing to them for hours, teaching them the dear old songs, and instilling in them a love for each other and strengthening the home ties. Through the years, the home was a gathering place for the town young folks, especially those young men who were away from home working on the temple. They enjoyed the singing, and also the stories of the sea and foreign countries that brother Jarvis would tell.
She bore and reared a large family, and taught them to be industrious, self-reliant, cheerful under trying circumstances, loyal to each other, their Church and its authority, truthful, trustworthy, honest, kindly and friendly to all, loving beauty, learning and refinement, and above all, having faith in the Lord and trusting in Him for His blessings. Her faith was unbounded, and she never failed to pray and call the elders in times of sickness. She related many instances of healing in her family life. She seemed to be able to detect any wrong in her children, and they knew they could not deceive her. She died January 10th, 1913, four days after the death of her companion, after more than 66 years together.
Overson, Margaret Jarvis. George Jarvis and Joseph George DeFriez Genealogy. Mesa, Arizona: 1957, i:41–46.
m. 17 September 1846 Harlow, Essex, England
d. 10 January 1913 St. George, Washington, Utah
b. 12 January 1913 St. George, Washington, Utah
Husband: George Jarvis
Father: William Prior, Jr.; Mother: Catherine McEwan
A poem written by Clarence Jarvis and copied by Ann Prior Jarvis and sent to Margaret Jarvis Overson on the date shown on the poem.Ann Prior Jarvis, youngest child of Catherine McEwan and William Prior, Jr., was born in Stepney, Middlesex, London, England, December 29th 1829.
Her father was a very well-to-do contractor, but when she was a young child, he had the misfortune of losing his business, home and all savings through a fire, leaving him broke and very much discouraged. He managed to obtain a hundred year lease on a small home in a poorer district of London, where Ann grew to womanhood, and where she stayed with her mother, often when her children were born or her husband off on voyages.
Her father, William Prior Jr., never really seemed to rally after his loss, but became ill, and gradually grew worse until his death, when Ann was about seven years old.
Her mother was a splendid strong character, and did all she could to raise her children well, and educate them properly, but Ann could see that her mother had to work very hard, and she would ask her mother to let her go to work instead of to school, so she might earn a little to help her mother. She went to school until she was about eleven years old, when she got work helping make shirts, thereby saving her tuition and earning about fifty cents a week. She did this for some time before her mother found it out. She saved her money and gave it to her mother. Later she was apprenticed to a dressmaker, and learned to do very fine stitching, and make her own clothes, which was useful to her all her life. She says she might have been better educated if she had stayed in school, but she was always glad she helped her mother.
At school they read the Testament, and she always wished she had lived when Christ was on the earth. She was a deeply religious nature, and the memory of that reading never left her.
When Ann was about fifteen years old she was invited to a party by her friend, Phyllis Robinson, in honor of her brother, who was just home from a sea voyage. During the party the young sailor paid no special attention to our Ann, being busy entertaining guests with stories of the countries and peoples he had visited. When she returned home her mother asked her about the party, and what she did. She answered, “I saw my future husband.” Her mother said “Silly child! I’ve never heard you speak so foolishly before.” All through life, Ann was to have “Impressions” forecasting events in her life. The young man, George Jarvis, soon went on another voyage, and was sick, lost an eye, and was in a hospital for months, and was finally sent back to London as an out-door patient, but not very long after he returned, they were married, September 17th, 1846, three months before she was seventeen. She had other beaux who tried to get her to promise them, but she knew George was the one for her.
The next great event in their lives was when elders from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints spoke on the street of the town where they lived, and George listened spellbound to all they had to say. After the meeting he went home to tell his wife what he had heard, and she listened intently, and then said, “George, it’s true!” In that was also the hand of the Lord, and showed how her impressions were right, for not one of her other suitors were known to accept the “Mormon” religion, in which they both rejoiced all their days, notwithstanding the many hardships they had to endure because of accepting it. After she had walked across the plains to Salt Lake City, and seen the prophet of the Lord, Brigham Young, she said she felt she could gladly endure much more for that privilege.
Sister Jarvis loved to sing and knew all the old English songs of her girlhood days, and loved to teach them to her children. On stormy days or cold evenings, or when she was homesick or lonely for her mother and dear ones in England, she would gather her children about her and sing to them for hours, teaching them the dear old songs, and instilling in them a love for each other and strengthening the home ties. Through the years, the home was a gathering place for the town young folks, especially those young men who were away from home working on the temple. They enjoyed the singing, and also the stories of the sea and foreign countries that brother Jarvis would tell.
She bore and reared a large family, and taught them to be industrious, self-reliant, cheerful under trying circumstances, loyal to each other, their Church and its authority, truthful, trustworthy, honest, kindly and friendly to all, loving beauty, learning and refinement, and above all, having faith in the Lord and trusting in Him for His blessings. Her faith was unbounded, and she never failed to pray and call the elders in times of sickness. She related many instances of healing in her family life. She seemed to be able to detect any wrong in her children, and they knew they could not deceive her. She died January 10th, 1913, four days after the death of her companion, after more than 66 years together.
Overson, Margaret Jarvis. George Jarvis and Joseph George DeFriez Genealogy. Mesa, Arizona: 1957, i:41–46.
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Tanner 30: George Jarvis
George Jarvisb. 25 March 1823 Harlow, Essex, England
m. 17 September 1846 Harlow, Essex, England
d. 6 January 1913 St. George, Washington, Utah
b. 8 January 1913 St. George, Washington, Utah
Wife: Ann Prior
Father: Thomas Jarvis; Mother: Elizabeth Billings
Our pioneer ancestor, George Jarvis, was born in Harlow, Essex, England, March 25th, 1823, and was the fifth child and fourth son of Thomas and Elizabeth Billings Jarvis. Thomas was a hostler and farmer. Elizabeth was a nurse.
As a boy and youth he worked at farming and gardening, and later, in a grist mill. His employer had often heard George express a desire for the sea, and through his influence, obtained for the lad a position on ship-board as an apprentice for four years, when he was near seventeen years of age. He started on a voyage to South Australia, visiting China, India, and South Africa, and being gone about a year.
Another voyage was to West Australia, China, and the Malay Islands, loaded with tea, and return to London, lasting twenty-two months. Another voyage loaded with troops for South Africa; then went to Ceylon, and Calcutta. After that he changed ships and went again to China, loaded with tea, and returned again to London. Next he went on a voyage to North America, loaded with lumber, and returned to London, being gone about four months.
His apprenticeship over, George now joined the British Navy, and went to the West Indies. There he was unfortunate; he lost his big toe, got sick, and was blinded in one eye, and there was fear that he might lose both eyes. He was placed in a hospital in Jamaica, where he remained for four months. He was then invalided home to London, passed a medical examination by a naval surgeon, was an outdoor patient of the hospital and given a pension of sixpence a day for life. (He lost that, however, when he left England.)
George had previously met a beautiful girl, who was now almost seventeen, Ann Prior. They were married September 17th 1846, and went to Woolwich, where he was given the job of ship-keeper in the British Navy, and belonged to Her Majesty’s Flagship for about three years.
While here he met Lorenzo Snow and Franklin D. Richards, elders of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He went home that night and told his wife what he had heard, that an angel had appeared to Joseph Smith and that the church had been organized as it was anciently, and now missionaries were visiting the people, being sent out as the apostles of Christ were. Ann listened intently to all he told her and then said “George, it’s true.”
They were both baptized by Ira Bradshaw on Christmas 1848, in the Thames river.
Not long after this, George went to work for Ravenhill and Miller, on Blackwall, London, as leading seaman for rigging purchases for lifting heavy machinery. He held that position for nine years, sometimes going on short voyages. He was anxious to emigrate to Utah, so he went on a voyage to China to get money for that purpose. On the voyage over the chief engineer was very friendly, and told George he would keep him on the steamboat to run from Hong Kong. Soon, however, he was discharged. He was much disappointed and grieved. He went to the engineer and asked if he had not given satisfaction. The engineer replied, “Yes, George, you know I like you, but you are a married man, and I think you had better go back to England.” He tried to get another job, but had a large boil on his arm and had to go to a hospital, which was very expensive. Everything seemed to be against him, and he finally sought the Lord in prayer, and the impression came, “Go home.”
At a post on the way home he heard of the massacre of European sailors. The Chinese war with England had begun. Had he remained he might have been slain with the other sailors. He felt that the Lord had overruled for his protection. He had been gone about a year, but had not obtained as much means as he had hoped. He found they only had enough to take them to Boston. They decided, however, to make the start.
It was the spring of 1857, and they had five small children. On board the SS George Washington, the cook became seasick, and George was given the position of chief cook, which lasted all the voyage, as the other man did not get well enough to take over. With only one helper, George cooked for 815 passengers, leaving his wife to care for the little ones.
Their stay in Boston was a very trying experience. It was a time of bank failures and general financial panic. Work was hard to get and wages were small. George was willing to work at whatever he could get to do, but was often out of a job. Housing could only be had in the poorest part of the city, which was also an unhealthy part. They were often without proper food, and in winter, fuel was also scarce and sometimes impossible to get sufficient to keep the family warm, as the weather was extremely cold. Added to these conditions, the wife and mother bore a child in the last of November 1857 (Margaret), and was so ill she was not able to be out of bed for four months. She could not nurse her baby, and with insufficient means to hire help, the little one was delicate, and had a real struggle to live.
In March 1859, another little girl was born, a beautiful child, and was apparently doing well, but at four months it died from cholera, after only a day or two sickness. The mother sorrowed for her loss, and was not completely recovered from her illness. They were, however, able to change locations to a little better place, and were getting some household necessities, but she grew worse again.
George Q. Cannon visited them, and advised Brother Jarvis to leave Boston and start for Utah. He said, “You may lose your wife on the way, but you will surely lose her if you stay here.” He administered to her, and gave him promise of work when they got to Florence, Nebraska. They sold their few belongings and managed to get enough means to take them to the frontier of the immigration, about a thousand miles from Salt Lake City.
Here George was employed by the church making tents and wagon covers for outfitting the company for the journey. They had to wait until all were ready, and while waiting, the mother was gaining in health, so that she was more fit to attempt the long journey. Brother Cannon arranged to have Brother Jarvis and a Brother Hunt have one outfit together, so that Sister Jarvis could ride, and the others take turns riding and walking.
But Brother Jarvis was not used to handling a team, so the other man drove and his wife rode, and the Jarvis family walked all the way, not even being allowed to let the little children ride occasionally for a rest.
They arrived in Salt Lake City in August 1860. George and the two oldest boys soon had work, they found a room to live in, and President Young let them have what food they needed in advance. On the 14th of October a son was born, who was named Heber.
They all rejoiced at being with the Saints, and during the next year had begun to prosper, and gain health and strength.
At October Conference 1861, President Young called for volunteers to go to Dixie. Our George was one of the first to volunteer. His wife was not pleased, but by early December the company was ready to start. The Jarvis family did not have as good an outfit as had been requested, nor the provisions specified, but they went, walking most of the way. They were the first to move onto their city lot in the St. George townsite.
First they lived in a tent, but soon worked together and made adobes and built a house with upstairs rooms, and later added other rooms on the ground. The first years it was hard to get flour enough, and they had to substitute caneseed and corn and some bran, and sometimes the flour was sticky, so they wanted for some necessities and all niceties for some years. But by industry and taking advantage of natural resources, they managed to live and build up a home city that has been noted all over the Church.
There were dams and ditches to build, crops to plant, care for the harvest, they built a tabernacle and the first temple the Saints built this side of the Mississippi River. All of these projects received due support from the Jarvis family. George had charge of all the scaffolding during the construction of the temple, and also charge of swinging the font into place on the backs of the oxen.
He sent to England for grape seeds, and from them originated two kinds of grapes that were extensively planted in Southern Utah, and both became very popular—a white and a dark grape. His home lot contained many sorts of vegetables, fruits, vines and flowers, and was a show place in the city.
Nor were his church duties neglected. He served as superintendent of Sunday School, president of ward teachers, a member of the bishopric for many years, and later, was ordained a patriarch, and gave hundreds of blessings. He expressed himself as more pleased with that calling than if a million dollar legacy had been given him.
His daughter Josephine makes the following comments:
During the last years of his life his health was poor and his memory failed to some extent. He passed quietly away on the 6th of January 1913, after about a week’s illness from Lagrip or “flu.” He would have been ninety years old in March.
Adapted by Margaret Overson from sketches and history had in the family, and from a sketch written by his youngest daughter, Josephine Jarvis Miles. In Margaret Jarvis Overson, George Jarvis and Joseph George DeFriez Genealogy. Mesa, Arizona: 1957, i:34–38.
I see that someone put up a family site online at www.george-and-ann-prior-jarvis.org.
Image of St. George temple from http://flickr.com/photos/clementi/2393750904/. Image of St. George desert landscape from http://flickr.com/photos/bossco/107320587/ Photo of grapes http://flickr.com/photos/farlane/127551550/ Photo of art of ships at sea http://flickr.com/photos/agroguru/2516978871/
m. 17 September 1846 Harlow, Essex, England
d. 6 January 1913 St. George, Washington, Utah
b. 8 January 1913 St. George, Washington, Utah
Wife: Ann Prior
Father: Thomas Jarvis; Mother: Elizabeth Billings
Our pioneer ancestor, George Jarvis, was born in Harlow, Essex, England, March 25th, 1823, and was the fifth child and fourth son of Thomas and Elizabeth Billings Jarvis. Thomas was a hostler and farmer. Elizabeth was a nurse.
As a boy and youth he worked at farming and gardening, and later, in a grist mill. His employer had often heard George express a desire for the sea, and through his influence, obtained for the lad a position on ship-board as an apprentice for four years, when he was near seventeen years of age. He started on a voyage to South Australia, visiting China, India, and South Africa, and being gone about a year.Another voyage was to West Australia, China, and the Malay Islands, loaded with tea, and return to London, lasting twenty-two months. Another voyage loaded with troops for South Africa; then went to Ceylon, and Calcutta. After that he changed ships and went again to China, loaded with tea, and returned again to London. Next he went on a voyage to North America, loaded with lumber, and returned to London, being gone about four months.
His apprenticeship over, George now joined the British Navy, and went to the West Indies. There he was unfortunate; he lost his big toe, got sick, and was blinded in one eye, and there was fear that he might lose both eyes. He was placed in a hospital in Jamaica, where he remained for four months. He was then invalided home to London, passed a medical examination by a naval surgeon, was an outdoor patient of the hospital and given a pension of sixpence a day for life. (He lost that, however, when he left England.)
George had previously met a beautiful girl, who was now almost seventeen, Ann Prior. They were married September 17th 1846, and went to Woolwich, where he was given the job of ship-keeper in the British Navy, and belonged to Her Majesty’s Flagship for about three years.
While here he met Lorenzo Snow and Franklin D. Richards, elders of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He went home that night and told his wife what he had heard, that an angel had appeared to Joseph Smith and that the church had been organized as it was anciently, and now missionaries were visiting the people, being sent out as the apostles of Christ were. Ann listened intently to all he told her and then said “George, it’s true.”They were both baptized by Ira Bradshaw on Christmas 1848, in the Thames river.
Not long after this, George went to work for Ravenhill and Miller, on Blackwall, London, as leading seaman for rigging purchases for lifting heavy machinery. He held that position for nine years, sometimes going on short voyages. He was anxious to emigrate to Utah, so he went on a voyage to China to get money for that purpose. On the voyage over the chief engineer was very friendly, and told George he would keep him on the steamboat to run from Hong Kong. Soon, however, he was discharged. He was much disappointed and grieved. He went to the engineer and asked if he had not given satisfaction. The engineer replied, “Yes, George, you know I like you, but you are a married man, and I think you had better go back to England.” He tried to get another job, but had a large boil on his arm and had to go to a hospital, which was very expensive. Everything seemed to be against him, and he finally sought the Lord in prayer, and the impression came, “Go home.”
At a post on the way home he heard of the massacre of European sailors. The Chinese war with England had begun. Had he remained he might have been slain with the other sailors. He felt that the Lord had overruled for his protection. He had been gone about a year, but had not obtained as much means as he had hoped. He found they only had enough to take them to Boston. They decided, however, to make the start.
It was the spring of 1857, and they had five small children. On board the SS George Washington, the cook became seasick, and George was given the position of chief cook, which lasted all the voyage, as the other man did not get well enough to take over. With only one helper, George cooked for 815 passengers, leaving his wife to care for the little ones.
Their stay in Boston was a very trying experience. It was a time of bank failures and general financial panic. Work was hard to get and wages were small. George was willing to work at whatever he could get to do, but was often out of a job. Housing could only be had in the poorest part of the city, which was also an unhealthy part. They were often without proper food, and in winter, fuel was also scarce and sometimes impossible to get sufficient to keep the family warm, as the weather was extremely cold. Added to these conditions, the wife and mother bore a child in the last of November 1857 (Margaret), and was so ill she was not able to be out of bed for four months. She could not nurse her baby, and with insufficient means to hire help, the little one was delicate, and had a real struggle to live.
In March 1859, another little girl was born, a beautiful child, and was apparently doing well, but at four months it died from cholera, after only a day or two sickness. The mother sorrowed for her loss, and was not completely recovered from her illness. They were, however, able to change locations to a little better place, and were getting some household necessities, but she grew worse again.
George Q. Cannon visited them, and advised Brother Jarvis to leave Boston and start for Utah. He said, “You may lose your wife on the way, but you will surely lose her if you stay here.” He administered to her, and gave him promise of work when they got to Florence, Nebraska. They sold their few belongings and managed to get enough means to take them to the frontier of the immigration, about a thousand miles from Salt Lake City.
Here George was employed by the church making tents and wagon covers for outfitting the company for the journey. They had to wait until all were ready, and while waiting, the mother was gaining in health, so that she was more fit to attempt the long journey. Brother Cannon arranged to have Brother Jarvis and a Brother Hunt have one outfit together, so that Sister Jarvis could ride, and the others take turns riding and walking.
But Brother Jarvis was not used to handling a team, so the other man drove and his wife rode, and the Jarvis family walked all the way, not even being allowed to let the little children ride occasionally for a rest.
They arrived in Salt Lake City in August 1860. George and the two oldest boys soon had work, they found a room to live in, and President Young let them have what food they needed in advance. On the 14th of October a son was born, who was named Heber.
They all rejoiced at being with the Saints, and during the next year had begun to prosper, and gain health and strength.
At October Conference 1861, President Young called for volunteers to go to Dixie. Our George was one of the first to volunteer. His wife was not pleased, but by early December the company was ready to start. The Jarvis family did not have as good an outfit as had been requested, nor the provisions specified, but they went, walking most of the way. They were the first to move onto their city lot in the St. George townsite.
First they lived in a tent, but soon worked together and made adobes and built a house with upstairs rooms, and later added other rooms on the ground. The first years it was hard to get flour enough, and they had to substitute caneseed and corn and some bran, and sometimes the flour was sticky, so they wanted for some necessities and all niceties for some years. But by industry and taking advantage of natural resources, they managed to live and build up a home city that has been noted all over the Church.There were dams and ditches to build, crops to plant, care for the harvest, they built a tabernacle and the first temple the Saints built this side of the Mississippi River. All of these projects received due support from the Jarvis family. George had charge of all the scaffolding during the construction of the temple, and also charge of swinging the font into place on the backs of the oxen.
Picture of the scaffolding on the St. George Temple.
He sent to England for grape seeds, and from them originated two kinds of grapes that were extensively planted in Southern Utah, and both became very popular—a white and a dark grape. His home lot contained many sorts of vegetables, fruits, vines and flowers, and was a show place in the city.
Nor were his church duties neglected. He served as superintendent of Sunday School, president of ward teachers, a member of the bishopric for many years, and later, was ordained a patriarch, and gave hundreds of blessings. He expressed himself as more pleased with that calling than if a million dollar legacy had been given him.
His daughter Josephine makes the following comments:
One day during an illness when my brother Brigham was taking care of father, he said, "Brig, I have traveled all over the seas, have visited many countries, and I thank God I am as pure as the day my mother bore me." ... He has accumulated no wealth, yet to my mind he is rich, vastly so, in the record he has made of honesty, temperance, purity of life, and integrity to the Gospel. I lived at home until my 29th year and I can testify that I never heard or knew of a dishonest act of his. I never heard him utter a vulgar or profane word: he was always loyal to those in authority in the Church. Never a word of fault-finding in them was allowed in our home. He was the kindest, most indulgent father! Words fail me when I try to express my love and admiration of his character.
During the last years of his life his health was poor and his memory failed to some extent. He passed quietly away on the 6th of January 1913, after about a week’s illness from Lagrip or “flu.” He would have been ninety years old in March.
Adapted by Margaret Overson from sketches and history had in the family, and from a sketch written by his youngest daughter, Josephine Jarvis Miles. In Margaret Jarvis Overson, George Jarvis and Joseph George DeFriez Genealogy. Mesa, Arizona: 1957, i:34–38.
I see that someone put up a family site online at www.george-and-ann-prior-jarvis.org.
Image of St. George temple from http://flickr.com/photos/clementi/2393750904/. Image of St. George desert landscape from http://flickr.com/photos/bossco/107320587/ Photo of grapes http://flickr.com/photos/farlane/127551550/ Photo of art of ships at sea http://flickr.com/photos/agroguru/2516978871/
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Tanner 29: Mary Ann Godfrey DeFriez
Mary Ann Godfrey DeFriezb. 12 August 1822 Chatham, Kent, England
m. 19 October 1842 Christ’s Church, London, England
d. 22 June 1902 Colonia Morelos, Sonora, Mexico
b. 23 June 1902 Colonia Morelos, Sonora, Mexico
Husbands: (1) Joseph George DeFriez, (2) George Baker
Father: William Hinds Godfrey; Mother: Rebecca Bailey
Mary Ann Godfrey DeFriez (Baker), my maternal grandmother, was a native of England, having been born August 12th, 1822, in Chatham, Kent. Her parents were William Hinds Godfrey and Rebecca Bailey.
About the only incidents I can now recall of her early life, were, that her mother required her, as also her sisters, to commit to memory a certain number of lines of poetry daily; and that when about twelve years of age, she had a severe sick-spell which caused her hair to come out, never again to reappear. This was the cause of her having to wear a wig all her days. As a young girl, a beautiful set of curls adorned her face; thereafter changing to suitable designs to suit her age and the trends of the times. In color, it was dark brown tinged with red. Her eyes were scummed over with a white film, giving them a blue-black hue, but as I remember, she said naturally they were light brown.
She learned music under her father, who was a fine violinist. She accompanied him on the piano. He was, however, very stern and strict, and many times gave vent to his wrath, by slapping her off her stool if she failed to keep proper tempo, and then requiring that she resume without further interruption. She thereby became very adept in her art.
She was married to Dr. Joseph George DeFriez, a practicing Physician and Surgeon, 19th of October, 1842, in London. They moved a few times to more desirable locations. Their last home being a very large house on Bethnal Green Road. Ten children, eight boys and two girls, graced this union.
Grandmother was a painstaking mother, seeing that her children were well cared for physically, but she never indulged them in any way. She told me a neighbor once said to her, “I’ve never heard one of your children cry.” Grandmother explained to me that this was because she looked to their needs and wants.
When her family no longer needed such care, she assumed the responsibility of Postmistress in one of the five head, or largest offices in the City of London. This was housed on the street floor of their home. In this business she was assisted by her youngest daughter, Francis, my mother, lovingly called “Fan” by her father and “Fanny” by others. Mary, her eldest daughter, had charge of the Telegraph Office, a division of the Post Office at that time.
Having been brought up in a God-fearing home, she had a broad understanding of the Bible (having committed to memory many of the Proverbs). But yet, she could not content herself with any of the sects of the day. She joined first one and then another, attempting thereby to satisfy her religious desires.
My grandfather DeFriez was a ranking member of the Free Masons Lodge, and often took grandmother to their Banquets, lawn parties, &c. Also they frequented the High class theaters, and at times visited different Churches to hear the great Divines of the day. In this way she heard a Dr. Adams, whose doctrines appealed to her, and she forthwith affiliated herself with his church. Disappointment again manifest itself. He proved to be an apostate “Mormon,” and while he preached many of our principles, she soon detected his human weaknesses, and his lack of Divine Authority.
About this time her own son, Ebenezer, returned home from a voyage abroad, and a trip to the continent. Having heard the Gospel in a sea-port town in Australia, he had joined the “Mormons” and gone to Utah, and from there been sent back to England as a Missionary.
Now, indeed, had the Restored Gospel in its purity, been brought to listening ears. Grandmother at once recognized it, the True Church of Christ. At last she had reached the end of her quest, and found the Pearl of Great Price. She remained faithful to her testimony to her dying day, June 22nd, 1902, though it cost her loss of husband, home, and loved ones, wealth, position, and all the comforts of life. At first Grandfather was kindly disposed towards the Elders, inviting them to his home. He outfitted Uncle Eb at the best Taylor Shoppe because he felt his clothes were not becoming to or dignifying enough for a Minister, and showed many other kindnesses. But through indiscreet actions on the part of Elder Albert Carrington, then President of the British Mission, he turned against them, forbidding them ever to again enter his door. Mother and Grandmother, however, were faithful to their testimonies, and Uncle Eb was released to accompany them to Utah.
They took passage on the ship S.S. Wyoming, July 25th, 1877, thence to Salt Lake City by rail.
From there they went direct to St. George, Utah, where Uncle Charles was residing. He had left the sea, (having been a sailor for three years), landing at Puget Sound, Washington. He heard of the “Mormons” while abroad, and came to Utah to gain first-hand information concerning them.
He worked for the Bishop at Filmore a year, was baptized there, and called to go to St. George to work on the Temple, where he remained until its completion, consequently was still there when his mother and brother and sister arrived from England, but he was soon called to go to help in the settlement of Arizona.
In St. George Grandmother gave Music Lessons and worked in Church capacities. She married George Baker (as a plural wife). It soon became apparent that Grandmother and Mrs. Baker were of such different natures and dispositions as to make life unhappy for them both, so, while grandmother always retained his name, she did not long make her home with them.
She was at this time, President of the Primary and was teaching the children a Cantata. While seated at the piano with the group about her, grandmother said it seemed as if a cloud passed before her eyes, and she could no longer see the music. Gradually her sight diminished until she could only discern objects; and after months sight faded to a glimmer. This was in 1886 or 1887.
About this time, my parents were advised by the Apostle Erastus Snow, then presiding over the LDS Colonies in Mexico, to pay a visit to their parents in St. George, in the hope that the trip would prove beneficial to my elder sister, then an invalid baby.
After staying in Dixie for some time, they made preparations to again return to Mexico, taking grandmother with them her sight having totally failed.
Were it possible to have two mothers, I should feel that blessed person, for Grandmother, though blind, was my mother’s nurse and my caretaker at birth. My memories of her are interwoven with my early life. I just can remember her at the table a few times, but she became so self-conscious that she preferred eating by herself, therefore, almost as far back as my memory runs, it was my duty and privilege to take Grandmother’s serving to her, before I ate, and ‘ere I had finished, see if she desired anything more. I was likewise trusted to lead her without the house whenever she wished to go. In short, I grew up with her. She never failed to be helpful in some manner or other; e.g. she and I almost daily peeled a pan of potatoes for mother to cook. After the weekly washing was done, she folded many of the clothes and often held the baby. When father brought home a wild turkey, she would strip all the larger feathers for pillows. And for past-time, before we had an organ, she would knit—principally with two needles—a ball of yarn, then undo it and do it over—though she did knit wrist-bands for herself.
From her I learned to do simple knitting. Again she would hem pieces of cloth to use as handkerchiefs—it was remarkable how uniformly and neatly this was done.
As I grew older, she would have me read a poem to her, a line at a time, and repeat until she memorized it.
For a few years she used to go, occasionally, to our neighbor, Hannah Jane Spencer’s home and visit for hours together and play her organ.
My brothers, like all youngsters, were up to snuff sometimes. We had no screen doors in those early days, and sometimes a hen became troublesome, but if ever one began picking, Grandmother would at once move in that direction and shoo it out, by waving a handkerchief. One day mother was away, George and Will thought to have fun, providing themselves with sticks, they tapped on the doorstep. Grandmother took it to be chickens, so out came her pocket handkerchief, but shoo as she would, that old hen still pecked away. At length she moved her chair along until she reached the door, and remained on guard until mother’s return.
Patient, kind, long-suffering, thoughtful, cheerful, considerate, loving, humble, meek, sympathetic, willing, faithful—and many other adjectives could well be used, in an effort to describe her sweet disposition and gentle nature. She took great pride in personal neatness, was always clean looking and prim. Each Sunday she would dress as if expecting to go out for the day.
In the late fall of 1896, we moved to Colonia Juarez. Father at once procured an organ, which proved a real companion for Grandmother. She played by the hours, and was a marvel to all who were priveleged to hear her. Though she regretted not being able to teach us from notes, she taught us the scales and chords in all keys, and also simple tunes.
With my father to do her bidding, she delivered my mother with five births beside my own. Grandfather had imparted knowledge which made her equal to this task.
On Sunday just two weeks to the day before her death, Bishop O.P. Brown spent the time between Sunday School and Sacrament Meeting (then held at 2 p.m.) with her. After a brief exchange of greetings, she entertained him by reciting “The Broken Crutch” and “The Miller’s Maid,” which consumed more than an hour—two poems she had learned in her youth.
She always observed the Monthly Fast, and was true to every principle of the Gospel. Her language was couched in the best of English, her words flowed freely and with no grammatical errors; expressive and well accented, her diction seemed perfect.
She possessed a large vocabulary, hence a great variety in wording. To listen to her or converse with her was music to one’s ears. No one ever visited her who did not feel blessed for having done so.…
Grandmother never wore common-day clothes on Sunday, she varied her garb from week to week, and was extremely methodical and orderly in all she did, having a place for everything, and everything in its place. No matter what article she wanted she knew just what part of which trunk to feel for it.
No one ever meddled with or disturbed her belongings, but many times I’ve stood by and watched her while she took out the things she wanted, noticed how everything was placed with precision, and marveled at her ability to judge size and space and fit things in with exactness. It was inspirational to watch her fold different articles of clothing, and her arrangement of the same in putting them away.
Her end came peacefully, though unexpectedly, in the twilight hour. Most of the family had gone to an evening meeting. I had been in her room shortly before, but noticed nothing unusual, except that she had seemed a little weary all day. As I finished my evening chores, I felt impressed to go to her, and was surprised to hear a wheezing, rattling sound in her throat. I called Mother. Grandmother tried to talk, but her tongue seemed partially paralyzed. (This, however, had happened at least twice before in years passed.) She raised her right arm, placed it over her breast, as a peaceful calm spread over her countenance. “She has gone to sleep,” I said. But it was the sleep of death.
Fenn, Grace Jarvis. “Mary Ann Godfrey DeFriez Baker.” in Margaret Jarvis Overson, George Jarvis and Joseph George DeFriez Genealogy. Mesa, Arizona: 1957, ii:35–39.
Editor's Note: Grace Fenn notes that Mary Ann DeFriez (Baker) wrote the hymn, "Master, the Tempest is Raging." I'm not sure where her information came from, but it is not true. Here is a brief biography of the woman who wrote the song, and some notes about the writing of the song.
m. 19 October 1842 Christ’s Church, London, England
d. 22 June 1902 Colonia Morelos, Sonora, Mexico
b. 23 June 1902 Colonia Morelos, Sonora, Mexico
Husbands: (1) Joseph George DeFriez, (2) George Baker
Father: William Hinds Godfrey; Mother: Rebecca Bailey
Mary Ann Godfrey DeFriez (Baker), my maternal grandmother, was a native of England, having been born August 12th, 1822, in Chatham, Kent. Her parents were William Hinds Godfrey and Rebecca Bailey.
About the only incidents I can now recall of her early life, were, that her mother required her, as also her sisters, to commit to memory a certain number of lines of poetry daily; and that when about twelve years of age, she had a severe sick-spell which caused her hair to come out, never again to reappear. This was the cause of her having to wear a wig all her days. As a young girl, a beautiful set of curls adorned her face; thereafter changing to suitable designs to suit her age and the trends of the times. In color, it was dark brown tinged with red. Her eyes were scummed over with a white film, giving them a blue-black hue, but as I remember, she said naturally they were light brown.
She learned music under her father, who was a fine violinist. She accompanied him on the piano. He was, however, very stern and strict, and many times gave vent to his wrath, by slapping her off her stool if she failed to keep proper tempo, and then requiring that she resume without further interruption. She thereby became very adept in her art.
She was married to Dr. Joseph George DeFriez, a practicing Physician and Surgeon, 19th of October, 1842, in London. They moved a few times to more desirable locations. Their last home being a very large house on Bethnal Green Road. Ten children, eight boys and two girls, graced this union.
Grandmother was a painstaking mother, seeing that her children were well cared for physically, but she never indulged them in any way. She told me a neighbor once said to her, “I’ve never heard one of your children cry.” Grandmother explained to me that this was because she looked to their needs and wants.
When her family no longer needed such care, she assumed the responsibility of Postmistress in one of the five head, or largest offices in the City of London. This was housed on the street floor of their home. In this business she was assisted by her youngest daughter, Francis, my mother, lovingly called “Fan” by her father and “Fanny” by others. Mary, her eldest daughter, had charge of the Telegraph Office, a division of the Post Office at that time.
Having been brought up in a God-fearing home, she had a broad understanding of the Bible (having committed to memory many of the Proverbs). But yet, she could not content herself with any of the sects of the day. She joined first one and then another, attempting thereby to satisfy her religious desires.
My grandfather DeFriez was a ranking member of the Free Masons Lodge, and often took grandmother to their Banquets, lawn parties, &c. Also they frequented the High class theaters, and at times visited different Churches to hear the great Divines of the day. In this way she heard a Dr. Adams, whose doctrines appealed to her, and she forthwith affiliated herself with his church. Disappointment again manifest itself. He proved to be an apostate “Mormon,” and while he preached many of our principles, she soon detected his human weaknesses, and his lack of Divine Authority.
About this time her own son, Ebenezer, returned home from a voyage abroad, and a trip to the continent. Having heard the Gospel in a sea-port town in Australia, he had joined the “Mormons” and gone to Utah, and from there been sent back to England as a Missionary.
Now, indeed, had the Restored Gospel in its purity, been brought to listening ears. Grandmother at once recognized it, the True Church of Christ. At last she had reached the end of her quest, and found the Pearl of Great Price. She remained faithful to her testimony to her dying day, June 22nd, 1902, though it cost her loss of husband, home, and loved ones, wealth, position, and all the comforts of life. At first Grandfather was kindly disposed towards the Elders, inviting them to his home. He outfitted Uncle Eb at the best Taylor Shoppe because he felt his clothes were not becoming to or dignifying enough for a Minister, and showed many other kindnesses. But through indiscreet actions on the part of Elder Albert Carrington, then President of the British Mission, he turned against them, forbidding them ever to again enter his door. Mother and Grandmother, however, were faithful to their testimonies, and Uncle Eb was released to accompany them to Utah.
They took passage on the ship S.S. Wyoming, July 25th, 1877, thence to Salt Lake City by rail.From there they went direct to St. George, Utah, where Uncle Charles was residing. He had left the sea, (having been a sailor for three years), landing at Puget Sound, Washington. He heard of the “Mormons” while abroad, and came to Utah to gain first-hand information concerning them.
He worked for the Bishop at Filmore a year, was baptized there, and called to go to St. George to work on the Temple, where he remained until its completion, consequently was still there when his mother and brother and sister arrived from England, but he was soon called to go to help in the settlement of Arizona.
In St. George Grandmother gave Music Lessons and worked in Church capacities. She married George Baker (as a plural wife). It soon became apparent that Grandmother and Mrs. Baker were of such different natures and dispositions as to make life unhappy for them both, so, while grandmother always retained his name, she did not long make her home with them.
She was at this time, President of the Primary and was teaching the children a Cantata. While seated at the piano with the group about her, grandmother said it seemed as if a cloud passed before her eyes, and she could no longer see the music. Gradually her sight diminished until she could only discern objects; and after months sight faded to a glimmer. This was in 1886 or 1887.
About this time, my parents were advised by the Apostle Erastus Snow, then presiding over the LDS Colonies in Mexico, to pay a visit to their parents in St. George, in the hope that the trip would prove beneficial to my elder sister, then an invalid baby.
After staying in Dixie for some time, they made preparations to again return to Mexico, taking grandmother with them her sight having totally failed.
Were it possible to have two mothers, I should feel that blessed person, for Grandmother, though blind, was my mother’s nurse and my caretaker at birth. My memories of her are interwoven with my early life. I just can remember her at the table a few times, but she became so self-conscious that she preferred eating by herself, therefore, almost as far back as my memory runs, it was my duty and privilege to take Grandmother’s serving to her, before I ate, and ‘ere I had finished, see if she desired anything more. I was likewise trusted to lead her without the house whenever she wished to go. In short, I grew up with her. She never failed to be helpful in some manner or other; e.g. she and I almost daily peeled a pan of potatoes for mother to cook. After the weekly washing was done, she folded many of the clothes and often held the baby. When father brought home a wild turkey, she would strip all the larger feathers for pillows. And for past-time, before we had an organ, she would knit—principally with two needles—a ball of yarn, then undo it and do it over—though she did knit wrist-bands for herself.
From her I learned to do simple knitting. Again she would hem pieces of cloth to use as handkerchiefs—it was remarkable how uniformly and neatly this was done.
As I grew older, she would have me read a poem to her, a line at a time, and repeat until she memorized it.
For a few years she used to go, occasionally, to our neighbor, Hannah Jane Spencer’s home and visit for hours together and play her organ.
My brothers, like all youngsters, were up to snuff sometimes. We had no screen doors in those early days, and sometimes a hen became troublesome, but if ever one began picking, Grandmother would at once move in that direction and shoo it out, by waving a handkerchief. One day mother was away, George and Will thought to have fun, providing themselves with sticks, they tapped on the doorstep. Grandmother took it to be chickens, so out came her pocket handkerchief, but shoo as she would, that old hen still pecked away. At length she moved her chair along until she reached the door, and remained on guard until mother’s return.
Patient, kind, long-suffering, thoughtful, cheerful, considerate, loving, humble, meek, sympathetic, willing, faithful—and many other adjectives could well be used, in an effort to describe her sweet disposition and gentle nature. She took great pride in personal neatness, was always clean looking and prim. Each Sunday she would dress as if expecting to go out for the day.
In the late fall of 1896, we moved to Colonia Juarez. Father at once procured an organ, which proved a real companion for Grandmother. She played by the hours, and was a marvel to all who were priveleged to hear her. Though she regretted not being able to teach us from notes, she taught us the scales and chords in all keys, and also simple tunes.
With my father to do her bidding, she delivered my mother with five births beside my own. Grandfather had imparted knowledge which made her equal to this task.
On Sunday just two weeks to the day before her death, Bishop O.P. Brown spent the time between Sunday School and Sacrament Meeting (then held at 2 p.m.) with her. After a brief exchange of greetings, she entertained him by reciting “The Broken Crutch” and “The Miller’s Maid,” which consumed more than an hour—two poems she had learned in her youth.
She always observed the Monthly Fast, and was true to every principle of the Gospel. Her language was couched in the best of English, her words flowed freely and with no grammatical errors; expressive and well accented, her diction seemed perfect.
She possessed a large vocabulary, hence a great variety in wording. To listen to her or converse with her was music to one’s ears. No one ever visited her who did not feel blessed for having done so.…
Grandmother never wore common-day clothes on Sunday, she varied her garb from week to week, and was extremely methodical and orderly in all she did, having a place for everything, and everything in its place. No matter what article she wanted she knew just what part of which trunk to feel for it.
No one ever meddled with or disturbed her belongings, but many times I’ve stood by and watched her while she took out the things she wanted, noticed how everything was placed with precision, and marveled at her ability to judge size and space and fit things in with exactness. It was inspirational to watch her fold different articles of clothing, and her arrangement of the same in putting them away.
Her end came peacefully, though unexpectedly, in the twilight hour. Most of the family had gone to an evening meeting. I had been in her room shortly before, but noticed nothing unusual, except that she had seemed a little weary all day. As I finished my evening chores, I felt impressed to go to her, and was surprised to hear a wheezing, rattling sound in her throat. I called Mother. Grandmother tried to talk, but her tongue seemed partially paralyzed. (This, however, had happened at least twice before in years passed.) She raised her right arm, placed it over her breast, as a peaceful calm spread over her countenance. “She has gone to sleep,” I said. But it was the sleep of death.
Fenn, Grace Jarvis. “Mary Ann Godfrey DeFriez Baker.” in Margaret Jarvis Overson, George Jarvis and Joseph George DeFriez Genealogy. Mesa, Arizona: 1957, ii:35–39.
Editor's Note: Grace Fenn notes that Mary Ann DeFriez (Baker) wrote the hymn, "Master, the Tempest is Raging." I'm not sure where her information came from, but it is not true. Here is a brief biography of the woman who wrote the song, and some notes about the writing of the song.
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