Duncan Spears Casper facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Duncan Spears Casper
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| Born | 8 December 1824 |
| Died | 20 May 1898 (aged 73) |
| Spouse(s) | Matilda Allison Elizabeth Ann Clark |
Duncan Spears Casper (born December 8, 1824 – died May 20, 1898) was an important early Mormon pioneer. He was one of the first people to settle in Holladay, Utah. His life story shows the challenges and adventures of pioneers moving west in the 1800s.
Contents
Who Was Duncan Spears Casper?
Duncan Spears Casper was born in Bellville, Ohio. His parents were William Casper and Avarilla Durbin. When Duncan was eight, his mother joined a church called the Campbellites. A year later, his older brother William Wallace Casper joined the Latter Day Saint Church of Christ. Duncan's parents joined this church two years after that.
Moving to Missouri
In 1837, Duncan's family moved to Missouri. They bought a home there. However, groups of people forced the Latter Day Saints to leave Missouri. The Casper family had to leave their home behind.
They rented a farm near Fairfield, Illinois. Then they moved to Carthage. In 1841, they moved to Nauvoo. Duncan was baptized into the church when he was 16 years old.
Starting a Family
In May 1845, Duncan was 20 years old. He married Matilda Allison, who was 24. She was also from Ohio. The next year, Duncan and his brothers left Nauvoo. This was because people were preparing to force the Latter Day Saints out of Illinois.
Duncan's parents stayed in Nauvoo with their two unmarried children. His father's horses had been stolen. That summer, his father became sick and died at age 62. Duncan returned to Nauvoo. He brought his mother and two siblings back to Missouri. They lived there for nine years.
Journey to Utah
In 1855, Duncan Casper traveled across the plains to Utah. He went with his wife, children, and mother. They were part of Captain Hindley's Company. In Utah Territory, they settled in a place called Big Cottonwood. Today, this area is known as Holladay.
They owned a home and land in Big Cottonwood. Duncan also raised cattle and sheep. He bought land for this in Idaho. He also helped the community by serving as a trustee. This meant he helped manage the Big Cottonwood School District.
Later Life and Family
In 1867, Duncan was asked to help a struggling community. This community was called the Muddy Mission. His wife, Matilda, was not well. She stayed behind and passed away in 1871. Duncan and Matilda had nine children together.
In 1872, Duncan married Elizabeth Ann Clark. She was an immigrant from England. Elizabeth had two children from a previous marriage. Duncan adopted her children as his own. Duncan and Elizabeth then had seven more children together.
Duncan Spears Casper did not practice plural marriage. This was a practice some early Latter Day Saints followed. He died in Holladay, Utah, and is buried there.
