JOSEPH HENRY JOSEPH
Joseph
Henry Joseph, son of Henry Joseph and Ann Thomas, was born at Llanelly, Carmarthenshire, South Wales,
November
17, 1830. His father died when he was sixteen years old, leaving
him to care for his sister, younger brother, and mother. They made their living
by working the coal mines. As years went by he was baptized in the Mormon
Church. Like many other converts he desired to go to America,
then on to Utah.
(Can’t give the date he arrived in America with his mother and other
members of the family.) Just as other converts of the Church did, he remained
in the States a few years to earn more means so they could make them a home in Zion. His brothers and
sister did not come on with them but remained in Baltimore.
During the time was preparing to
make the journey to the West he met and married Mary Ann Richards,
she was the daughter of Thomas Richards, and Elizabeth Powell. She was born in
Myrther Tiddville, South Wales,
1
Oct 1837. Some of their married life was spent in the State of Ohio, where he worked in the coal mines, which were
located in Minersville, Meigs County.
While living at this part, three sons were born to them. His mother was still
with them. At that time she had not learned to speak English.
In 1860 the family started west and
arrived in Logan,
but did not remain there very long. Some relatives from southern Utah that lived at Parowan, Iron County
persuaded them to move to that place. Panquitch was
being settled then so they were among the first settlers (1864) of that place.
(Grandma used to talk Welch to the Indians.)
As the next few years went by, the
settlers were in dread most of the time. The redmen
were on the war path. The leaders of the Church gave them advice in the
situation. Life and property were not safe. The next move was to Paragonah. They lived in the Fort that was erected there
for the protection against the Indians. They would have remained there, had the
water supply been sufficient for the settlers.
The next move was to Adamsville, Beaver County
in 1867. He and his family helped to pioneer that locality, and were successful
in getting a comfortable home and assisted in erecting public buildings for the
members of the Ward. For a number of years he was bishop of the Adamsville Ward
and was successful in his calling. He and his wife were devoted to their
religion, and endeared themselves to all their general
straight forward course. Ten children were born to them, six sons and four
daughters; all of them lived to maturity. His mother lived to a good old age,
90 years. She is buried at Adamsville beside her son and wife and grandson.
Written by Mrs. John F. Joseph, Daughter-in-law
(Copied obtain from DUP
Museum, Salt Lake City, Utah)
