Born 1826 in St Clair Co., IL. Family joined the Church when he was about 7. As a boy, operated rafts on the Mississippi River. Endowed in Nauvoo Temple 1846. Crossed the Mississippi with the first company; Brigham Young told him to go back and take care of his mother and her family. In the Battle of Nauvoo 1846; at one point threatened with a gun by a member of the anti-Mormon mob. Married at age 21 in 1847 to Elizabeth Jane Henderson. In 1848 brought mother and family to Winter Quarters; later, had plans to go to California. To Utah in 1854, not part of a pioneer company, but took along some non-Mormons going west. Settled in Kaysville. In 1855, at age 29, took Louisa Tyler as his first plural wife. Another marriage in 1857, but wife soon left. In Salt Lake 1857-1859 or so. In Richmond, Cache County by 1859. Was Bishop there. About same time, spending part of the year in Chicken Creek, about 15 miles south of Nephi; moved from Richmond to Chicken Creek for good in the early 1860s. Raised stock in a joint venture with Brigham Young, who often stopped at his place on his way to Southern Utah. Served a mission to the States in about 1869; brought his mother and some siblings with him back to Utah. Moved to Green River about 1870. In 1883 to Dallas River District of Colorado, in beautiful area called Happy Hollow. To American Fork in 1896. Married another plural wife in 1897, divorced from her in 1907. Married again in 1909 at age 83; had a child the next year at age 84. Loved to ride horses, even into his 80s. In very good health his whole life. When he died in 1912 at American Fork, UT, he had more than 200 descendants. Loved to play with the children and loved music generally, and especially liked to play the violin.

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