John Western - Revision history

1857admin at 08:33, 6 January 2014

2014-01-06T08:33:17Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:33, 6 January 2014
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	'''John Weston~~/Western~~, his personal and family background, and his involvment in the Mountain Meadows Massacre'''		'''John Western/Weston, his personal and family background, and his involvment in the Mountain Meadows Massacre'''

	<br>		<br>

	'''John Weston~~/Western~~'''		'''John Western/Weston'''

	1807-1865		1807-1865
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	=== Early Life in Devonshire, England ===		=== Early Life in Devonshire, England ===

	John Weston~~/Western~~ was born in Devonshire, England in October 1807, the third of fourteen children born to John Western and Elizabeth Curham. Little is known of his early life. However, judging from his later life, he had work experience in the British iron works, he had a musical background, and he seems to have been a person of at least modest means.		John Western/Weston was born in Devonshire, England in October 1807, the third of fourteen children born to John Western and Elizabeth Curham. Little is known of his early life. However, judging from his later life, he had work experience in the British iron works, he had a musical background, and he seems to have been a person of at least modest means.

	=== Conversion to Mormonism ===		=== Conversion to Mormonism ===

1857admin: /* Early Married Life */

2014-01-06T08:29:59Z

Early Married Life

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:29, 6 January 2014
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	While the above facts are well attested, uncovering his married life from missing records and contradictory data is difficult. However, it appears that during the 1830s-1840s, Weston had married Mary Ann Sharples (1800-1860s?) and they had a son, Tom.		While the above facts are well attested, uncovering his married life from missing records and contradictory data is difficult. However, it appears that during the 1830s-1840s, Weston had married Mary Ann Sharples (1800-1860s?) and they had a son, Tom.

	Following their conversion to Mormonism in the late 1840s, they immigrated to Utah in ~~the early 1850s~~. With them was a 15-year-old English girl, Matilda Pool (1838-1903). Matilda had been born in Spain, the daughter of an English diplomat to the Spanish court. Weston married Matilda as a plural wife, probably late in 1853, after their arrival in Utah Territory. Late in 1854, after they had settled in Cedar City, Matilda gave birth to twin girls, one of whom survived. She later gave birth to four other children.		Following their conversion to Mormonism in the late 1840s, they immigrated to Utah in 1853. With them was a 15-year-old English girl, Matilda Pool (1838-1903). Matilda had been born in Spain, the daughter of an English diplomat to the Spanish court. Weston married Matilda as a plural wife, probably late in 1853, after their arrival in Utah Territory. Late in 1854, after they had settled in Cedar City, Matilda gave birth to twin girls, one of whom survived. She later gave birth to four other children.

	=== In the Iron Military District: Sergeant John Weston, Company F, John M. Higbee's 3rd Battalion ===		=== In the Iron Military District: Sergeant John Weston, Company F, John M. Higbee's 3rd Battalion ===

1857admin: /* Immigration to America and onto Utah */

2014-01-06T08:27:41Z

Immigration to America and onto Utah

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:27, 6 January 2014
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	=== Immigration to America and onto Utah ===		=== Immigration to America and onto Utah ===

	Soon Weston and his family immigrated to America ~~and moved west across~~ the plains to Utah Territory.		Soon Weston and his family immigrated to America. At Keokuk, Iowa, they joined the John Brown Company, which departed in early July to cross the plains to Utah Territory.
			[[Image:Mormon Trail.jpg\|thumb\|center\|700px\|<center>'''The Mormon Trail'''</center>]]

			They passed the usual milestones on the trail: Fort Kearney, the South Fork of the Platte River, Chimney Rock, Fort Laramie, the Sweetwater River, Independence Rock, Devil's Gate, Green River, Fort Bridger, Bear River, and Weber River. After suffering the usual hardships of overland trail they arrived in the valley of the Great Salt Lake in mid-October.

	=== To Cedar City and the Ironworks ===		=== To Cedar City and the Ironworks ===

1857admin: /* Early Married Life */

2013-11-13T07:16:36Z

Early Married Life

← Older revision		Revision as of 07:16, 13 November 2013
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	=== Early Married Life ===		=== Early Married Life ===

	While the above facts are well attested, uncovering his married life from missing records and contradictory data is difficult. However, it appears that during the 1830s-1840s, Weston had married Mary Ann Sharples (1800-1860s?) and they had a son, Tom. Following their conversion to Mormonism in the late 1840s, they immigrated to Utah in the early 1850s. With them was a 15-year-old English girl, Matilda Pool (1838-1903). Matilda had been born in Spain, the daughter of an English diplomat to the Spanish court. Weston married Matilda as a plural wife, probably late in 1853, after their arrival in Utah Territory. Late in 1854, after they had settled in Cedar City, Matilda gave birth to twin girls, one of whom survived. She later gave birth to four other children. ~~ ~~		While the above facts are well attested, uncovering his married life from missing records and contradictory data is difficult. However, it appears that during the 1830s-1840s, Weston had married Mary Ann Sharples (1800-1860s?) and they had a son, Tom.

			Following their conversion to Mormonism in the late 1840s, they immigrated to Utah in the early 1850s. With them was a 15-year-old English girl, Matilda Pool (1838-1903). Matilda had been born in Spain, the daughter of an English diplomat to the Spanish court. Weston married Matilda as a plural wife, probably late in 1853, after their arrival in Utah Territory. Late in 1854, after they had settled in Cedar City, Matilda gave birth to twin girls, one of whom survived. She later gave birth to four other children.

	=== In the Iron Military District: Sergeant John Weston, Company F, John M. Higbee's 3rd Battalion ===		=== In the Iron Military District: Sergeant John Weston, Company F, John M. Higbee's 3rd Battalion ===

1857admin at 07:14, 13 November 2013

2013-11-13T07:14:38Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 07:14, 13 November 2013
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	In the early 1890s, Andrew Jenson, the assistant church historian of the Mormon Church, conducted interviews with several surviving militiamen from the massacre. Among his miscellaneous notes from these interviews is the notation, "John Weston was not there [at the massacre]." He does not identify the source, if any, for this conclusion.		In the early 1890s, Andrew Jenson, the assistant church historian of the Mormon Church, conducted interviews with several surviving militiamen from the massacre. Among his miscellaneous notes from these interviews is the notation, "John Weston was not there [at the massacre]." He does not identify the source, if any, for this conclusion.

	[[Image:Beaver_Map.jpg\|right\|thumb\|~~350px~~\|<center>'''Map of Beaver County, Utah.'''</center>]]		[[Image:Beaver_Map.jpg\|right\|thumb\|400px\|<center>'''Map of Beaver County, Utah.'''</center>]]

	=== Later Life: Musicianship and Hardship ===		=== Later Life: Musicianship and Hardship ===
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	=== Final Years ===		=== Final Years ===
	[[Image:Millard_County.jpg\|right\|thumb\|~~350px~~\|<center>'''Map of Millard County, Utah.'''</center>]]		[[Image:Millard_County.jpg\|right\|thumb\|400px\|<center>'''Map of Millard County, Utah.'''</center>]]

	By the early 1860s, Weston's oldest son, Tom, had moved north to Meadow in Millard County. (Meadow is south of Fillmore, near Kanosh, in what had been the traditional lands of Chief Kanosh and the Pauvant Utes.) Following his son's lead, Weston and his two wives and children settled in Meadow. Reportedly, "the first wife [Mary Ann] and Matilda loved each other, so John got a farm with a three roomed house on it, in which all of the family could live." (Day, ed., ''Builders of Early Millard,'' 753.) Following past practice, he began a choir in Meadow. In 1864, Matilda gave birth to John's and her last child.		By the early 1860s, Weston's oldest son, Tom, had moved north to Meadow in Millard County. (Meadow is south of Fillmore, near Kanosh, in what had been the traditional lands of Chief Kanosh and the Pauvant Utes.) Following his son's lead, Weston and his two wives and children settled in Meadow. Reportedly, "the first wife [Mary Ann] and Matilda loved each other, so John got a farm with a three roomed house on it, in which all of the family could live." (Day, ed., ''Builders of Early Millard,'' 753.) Following past practice, he began a choir in Meadow. In 1864, Matilda gave birth to John's and her last child.

1857admin: /* In the Iron Military District: Sergeant John Weston, Company F, John M. Higbee's 3rd Battalion */

2013-11-13T07:11:49Z

In the Iron Military District: Sergeant John Weston, Company F, John M. Higbee's 3rd Battalion

← Older revision		Revision as of 07:11, 13 November 2013
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	In the early 1890s, Andrew Jenson, the assistant church historian of the Mormon Church, conducted interviews with several surviving militiamen from the massacre. Among his miscellaneous notes from these interviews is the notation, "John Weston was not there [at the massacre]." He does not identify the source, if any, for this conclusion.		In the early 1890s, Andrew Jenson, the assistant church historian of the Mormon Church, conducted interviews with several surviving militiamen from the massacre. Among his miscellaneous notes from these interviews is the notation, "John Weston was not there [at the massacre]." He does not identify the source, if any, for this conclusion.

	[[Image:~~Beaver_County_Map~~.jpg\|right\|thumb\|350px\|<center>'''Map of Beaver County, Utah.'''</center>]]		[[Image:Beaver_Map.jpg\|right\|thumb\|350px\|<center>'''Map of Beaver County, Utah.'''</center>]]

	=== Later Life: Musicianship and Hardship ===		=== Later Life: Musicianship and Hardship ===

1857admin at 07:10, 13 November 2013

2013-11-13T07:10:15Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 07:10, 13 November 2013
Line 57:		Line 57:
	In the early 1890s, Andrew Jenson, the assistant church historian of the Mormon Church, conducted interviews with several surviving militiamen from the massacre. Among his miscellaneous notes from these interviews is the notation, "John Weston was not there [at the massacre]." He does not identify the source, if any, for this conclusion.		In the early 1890s, Andrew Jenson, the assistant church historian of the Mormon Church, conducted interviews with several surviving militiamen from the massacre. Among his miscellaneous notes from these interviews is the notation, "John Weston was not there [at the massacre]." He does not identify the source, if any, for this conclusion.

	[[Image:~~Beaver_County~~.jpg\|right\|thumb\|350px\|<center>'''Map of Beaver County, Utah.'''</center>]]		[[Image:Beaver_County_Map.jpg\|right\|thumb\|350px\|<center>'''Map of Beaver County, Utah.'''</center>]]
	=== Later Life: Musicianship and Hardship ===		=== Later Life: Musicianship and Hardship ===

	In 1858, Weston and his family were among those who abandoned Cedar City, probably influenced by the dual disasters the previous year: the massacre at Mountain Meadows and the failure of the ironworks in Cedar City. He and his two wives and children moved north to Beaver County and were among the founding settlers in the city of Beaver. He also organized the first choir there. He was regarded as a good musician, skillful in harmony and composition. In addition, his favorable reputation with the Cedar City choir had preceded him.		In 1858, Weston and his family were among those who abandoned Cedar City, probably influenced by the dual disasters the previous year: the massacre at Mountain Meadows and the failure of the ironworks in Cedar City. He and his two wives and children moved north to Beaver County and were among the founding settlers in the city of Beaver. He also organized the first choir there. He was regarded as a good musician, skillful in harmony and composition. In addition, his favorable reputation with the Cedar City choir had preceded him.
	~~[[Image:Millard_County.jpg\|right\|thumb\|350px\|<center>'''Map of Millard County, Utah.'''</center>]]~~

	=== Final Years ===		=== Final Years ===
			[[Image:Millard_County.jpg\|right\|thumb\|350px\|<center>'''Map of Millard County, Utah.'''</center>]]

	By the early 1860s, Weston's oldest son, Tom, had moved north to Meadow in Millard County. (Meadow is south of Fillmore, near Kanosh, in what had been the traditional lands of Chief Kanosh and the Pauvant Utes.) Following his son's lead, Weston and his two wives and children settled in Meadow. Reportedly, "the first wife [Mary Ann] and Matilda loved each other, so John got a farm with a three roomed house on it, in which all of the family could live." (Day, ed., ''Builders of Early Millard,'' 753.) Following past practice, he began a choir in Meadow. In 1864, Matilda gave birth to John's and her last child.		By the early 1860s, Weston's oldest son, Tom, had moved north to Meadow in Millard County. (Meadow is south of Fillmore, near Kanosh, in what had been the traditional lands of Chief Kanosh and the Pauvant Utes.) Following his son's lead, Weston and his two wives and children settled in Meadow. Reportedly, "the first wife [Mary Ann] and Matilda loved each other, so John got a farm with a three roomed house on it, in which all of the family could live." (Day, ed., ''Builders of Early Millard,'' 753.) Following past practice, he began a choir in Meadow. In 1864, Matilda gave birth to John's and her last child.

1857admin at 07:09, 13 November 2013

2013-11-13T07:09:04Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 07:09, 13 November 2013
Line 57:		Line 57:
	In the early 1890s, Andrew Jenson, the assistant church historian of the Mormon Church, conducted interviews with several surviving militiamen from the massacre. Among his miscellaneous notes from these interviews is the notation, "John Weston was not there [at the massacre]." He does not identify the source, if any, for this conclusion.		In the early 1890s, Andrew Jenson, the assistant church historian of the Mormon Church, conducted interviews with several surviving militiamen from the massacre. Among his miscellaneous notes from these interviews is the notation, "John Weston was not there [at the massacre]." He does not identify the source, if any, for this conclusion.

			[[Image:Beaver_County.jpg\|right\|thumb\|350px\|<center>'''Map of Beaver County, Utah.'''</center>]]
	=== Later Life: Musicianship and Hardship ===		=== Later Life: Musicianship and Hardship ===

	In 1858, Weston and his family were among those who abandoned Cedar City, probably influenced by the dual disasters the previous year: the massacre at Mountain Meadows and the failure of the ironworks in Cedar City. He and his two wives and children moved north to Beaver County and were among the founding settlers in the city of Beaver. He also organized the first choir there. He was regarded as a good musician, skillful in harmony and composition. In addition, his favorable reputation with the Cedar City choir had preceded him.		In 1858, Weston and his family were among those who abandoned Cedar City, probably influenced by the dual disasters the previous year: the massacre at Mountain Meadows and the failure of the ironworks in Cedar City. He and his two wives and children moved north to Beaver County and were among the founding settlers in the city of Beaver. He also organized the first choir there. He was regarded as a good musician, skillful in harmony and composition. In addition, his favorable reputation with the Cedar City choir had preceded him.
			[[Image:Millard_County.jpg\|right\|thumb\|350px\|<center>'''Map of Millard County, Utah.'''</center>]]

	=== Final Years ===		=== Final Years ===

1857admin at 09:11, 2 March 2012

2012-03-02T09:11:25Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:11, 2 March 2012
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	=== In the Iron Military District: Sergeant John Weston, Company F, John M. Higbee's 3rd Battalion ===		=== In the Iron Military District: Sergeant John Weston, Company F, John M. Higbee's 3rd Battalion ===
			[[Image:Map southern utah 1.jpg\|left\|300px]]

			In 1857, the Iron Military District consisted of four battalions led by regimental commander [[William_H._Dame\|Col. William H. Dame.]] The platoons and companies in the first battalion drew on men in and around Parowan. (It had no involvement at Mountain Meadows.) [[Isaac_C._Haight\|Major Isaac Haight]] commanded the 2nd Battalion whose personnel in its many platoons and two companies came from Cedar City and outer-lying communities to the north such as Fort Johnson. [[John_M._Higbee\|Major John Higbee]] headed the 3rd Battalion whose many platoons and two companies were drawn from Cedar City and outer-lying communities to the southwest such as Fort Hamilton. [[John_D._Lee\|Major John D. Lee]] of Fort Harmony headed the 4th Battalion whose platoons and companies drew on its militia personnel from Fort Harmony, the Southerners at the newly-founded settlement in Washington, the Indian interpreters at Fort Clara, and the new settlers at Pinto.

	At the outbreak of the Utah War in September 1857, [[William C. Stewart\|William C. Stewart]] was first lieutenant and Weston, 49, was sergeant of the First Platoon in Company F of the Iron Military District, the local militia. [[Joseph Clews\|Joseph Clews]] and [[Joseph H. Smith\|Joseph H. Smith]] was privates in the same platoon. Company F was lead by Captain [[William Tait\|William Tait]] and it was attached to Major John M. Higbee's 3rd Battalion. See [[A Basic Account]] for a full description of the massacre.		At the outbreak of the Utah War in September 1857, [[William C. Stewart\|William C. Stewart]] was first lieutenant and Weston, 49, was sergeant of the First Platoon in Company F of the Iron Military District, the local militia. [[Joseph Clews\|Joseph Clews]] and [[Joseph H. Smith\|Joseph H. Smith]] was privates in the same platoon. Company F was lead by Captain [[William Tait\|William Tait]] and it was attached to Major John M. Higbee's 3rd Battalion. See [[A Basic Account]] for a full description of the massacre.

1857admin: /* To Cedar City and the Ironworks */

2012-03-02T06:38:44Z

To Cedar City and the Ironworks

← Older revision		Revision as of 06:38, 2 March 2012
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	=== To Cedar City and the Ironworks ===		=== To Cedar City and the Ironworks ===
			[[Image:Sketch - Iron works.jpg\|right\|thumb\|400px\|<center>'''The Early Ironworks in Cedar City'''</center>]]
	[[Image:Sketch - Iron works.jpg\|right\|thumb\|The Early Ironworks in Cedar City~~\|400px~~]]

	Then they headed south into southern Utah. By spring 1854, Weston was settled in Cedar City. City records reflect that he was the owner of a series of building lots. In the mid-1850s, Weston also served as director of the "English Choir" in Cedar City with its English, Welsh and Scottish voices.		Then they headed south into southern Utah. By spring 1854, Weston was settled in Cedar City. City records reflect that he was the owner of a series of building lots. In the mid-1850s, Weston also served as director of the "English Choir" in Cedar City with its English, Welsh and Scottish voices.