Joseph Fish (Mormon pioneer) facts for kids
Joseph Fish (1840–1926) was an important early settler in places like Iron City, Utah and Snowflake, Arizona. He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. A book called The Life and Times of Joseph Fish tells the story of his life as a pioneer. This book was published in 1971. Joseph Fish had a large family with 20 children.
A detailed story of Joseph Fish's life is available online. It was put together by his grandson. This story includes Fish's own "Autobiography." It also has a timeline of important dates from his life.
Contents
Joseph Fish's Family Roots
Joseph Fish's family had a long history of moving and settling new places. His grandfather, also named Joseph Fish, was born in 1770 in Pepperell, Massachusetts. His grandmother, Sarah Spear, was born in 1770 in Walpole, New Hampshire.
Grandparents' Journey
Joseph Fish and Sarah Spear got married in Redding (Reading) Vermont in 1793. A few years later, they moved north to find a new home. They became the first settlers of Stanstead County, Quebec. They didn't even know they were in Canada until the land was officially surveyed!
Parents' Lives
Joseph Fish's father, Horace Fish, was born in Hatley, Quebec. His mother, Hannah Leavitt, was born in 1805. She was born in either Walpole, New Hampshire or St. Johnsbury, Vermont. Horace Fish and Hannah Leavitt were married in Quebec in 1824.
Moving to Join the Saints
In 1837, many members of the Leavitt family, including Horace Fish and his family, left Quebec. They wanted to join the Mormons. Horace Fish and his family stopped at a place called "the Grove." This was about twelve miles from Joliet, Illinois. They lived there for three years.
Joseph Fish's Childhood
Joseph Fish was born on June 27, 1840, at "The Grove" in Will County, Illinois. Just a few months later, in September 1840, his family moved again. They moved to Nauvoo, Illinois.
Life in Nauvoo
In Nauvoo, Joseph's father, Horace Fish, worked on the Temple. This was an important building for their church. In May 1846, Horace Fish and his family crossed the Mississippi River. They moved into Iowa, continuing their journey westward.
