Abraham Marchant facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Abraham Marchant
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| Born | March 17, 1816 |
| Died | October 6, 1881 |
| Spouse(s) | Lydia Johnson Mary Ann Johnson |
Abraham Marchant (born March 17, 1816 – died October 6, 1881) was an important early leader in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He also helped found the town of Peoa, Utah in the United States.
Contents
Abraham Marchant's Life Story
Early Life in England
Abraham Marchant was born in Bath, England, on March 17, 1816. His father was a firefighter who sadly died before Abraham was born. He passed away while trying to save someone from a fire.
After finishing his training, Abraham became a successful tailor in Bath. He grew into a tall, strong man. He secretly married Lydia Johnson, a young milliner (someone who makes hats), on February 17, 1837.
Joining the Church
In 1843, missionaries from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints began teaching in Bath. Lydia became interested in their faith in early 1844. Abraham first tried to stop her from being baptized.
However, he was delayed by an animal on his way to stop her. By the time he arrived, it was too late. Soon after, Abraham changed his mind and was also baptized into the church.
Some of their friends accepted their decision to join the church. Others, however, made fun of them. The Marchants faced some difficult times because of their new religion.
Moving to Birmingham
Abraham invested some money in a company that helped Mormon immigrants travel to the United States. Unfortunately, the money was mismanaged, and many investors lost their savings. Church leaders, like John Taylor, helped comfort members who had lost money. Taylor became a lifelong friend to the Marchants.
The Marchants really wanted to move to the United States. They needed to save enough money for their family's journey. In late 1851, they moved to Birmingham, a busy industrial city. Abraham hoped to find more work as a tailor there.
His good reputation in the church meant he was quickly given a leadership role in the Birmingham area.
Journey to America
By February 1854, Abraham had saved enough money for his family to travel. He booked tickets for himself, Lydia, and their eight children on a ship called the Windermere. They sailed on February 22 and arrived in New Orleans on April 20.
When they reached St. Louis, they found that the cost of supplies for crossing the plains had doubled. This meant they needed help from the Perpetual Emigration Fund (PEF) to continue their journey.
Life in Utah
Abraham Marchant arrived with other settlers in the area now called Peoa in 1862. He quickly became a leader in the settlement, first as "First Elder" and then as a Bishop.
As more towns grew in Summit County, Abraham became the Bishop for the entire southern part of the county. This included towns like Peoa, Rockport, Wanship, and Kamas. He served in this important role until he passed away.
Abraham was also the first postmaster in Peoa. He led a group that turned Abes Lake in the Uinta Mountains into a reservoir. The lake is named after him.
Abraham Marchant died on October 6, 1881, at the age of 65. He passed away from heart disease.
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