Abram Hatch facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Abram Chase Hatch
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| Born | January 3, 1830 |
| Died | December 3, 1911 (aged 81) |
| Spouse(s) |
Parmelia Jane Lott
(m. 1852–1880)Ruth Woolley
(m. 1882–1911) |
Abram Chase Hatch (born January 3, 1830 – died December 3, 1911) was an important Mormon pioneer and missionary. He also became a well-known politician in Utah Territory, which was not yet a state.
Contents
The Life of Abram Chase Hatch
Early Life and Moving West
Abram Hatch was born in a town called Lincoln, in Addison County, Vermont. When he was 10 years old, in 1840, his whole family joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They then moved to Nauvoo, Illinois, where many members of the Church were gathering. In 1850, Abram and four of his brothers and sisters moved even further west to Utah Territory.
A Busy Merchant and Pioneer Helper
Abram Hatch settled in Lehi, Utah. There, he started his own business as a merchant, selling goods, and also ran an inn. He often traveled back east to get supplies for his store. He also helped other Mormon pioneers make the long journey to Utah. Before the first transcontinental railroad was finished in 1869, Abram made 11 trips between the Missouri River and Utah. That's a lot of travel!
Serving as a Missionary
From 1864 to 1867, Abram Hatch served as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the United Kingdom. During this time, he was a leader for Church groups in Manchester and then Birmingham. After his mission, he traveled through western Europe before returning home to Utah in 1867.
A Leader in Wasatch County
When Abram returned to Utah, he became a presiding bishop in Wasatch County. A bishop is a local leader in the Church. In 1877, a larger Church area called the Wasatch Stake was created. Abram Hatch became its first president and served in this role until 1901. As a leader, he helped start many new towns in Wasatch County and other parts of Utah. Today, he and his brother Jeremiah Hatch are known as the founders of Vernal, Utah.
A Voice in Utah's Government
Abram Hatch also played a big part in the government of Utah Territory. He served as the probate judge for Wasatch County. This was an important job because it was the highest court position that local people could choose, not someone appointed by the federal government.
He was also a member of the Utah Territorial Legislature for 23 years. This was like being a representative in a state parliament. Abram Hatch was the first person in the Legislature to suggest that women in Utah should be allowed to vote. In 1870, Utah Territory actually granted women the right to vote! However, a federal law called the Edmunds–Tucker Act later took away women's voting rights in the territory in 1887.
On June 29, 1883, Abram Hatch became a member of the Council of Fifty. This was a special group of leaders in the early Church. He remained a member until he passed away.
Family Life and Later Years
Abram Hatch was married to Parmelia Jane Lott from 1852 until she died in 1880. They had seven children together. In 1882, after Parmelia's death, Abram married Ruth Woolley. He and Ruth had six children, including a son named Vermont Hatch.
Abram Hatch died in Heber City, Utah when he was 81 years old. He was buried in the Heber City Cemetery.
His Lasting Impact
In 1975, Abram Hatch's house in Heber City was added to the National Register of Historic Places listings in Wasatch County, Utah. This means it's an important historical building. Abram's older brother, Jeremiah, is the great-grandfather of U.S. Senator Orrin Hatch, who was a well-known politician.
