Miles Park Romney facts for kids
(1842–1929)
Miles Park Romney (born August 18, 1843 – died February 26, 1904) was an important builder in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was born in Nauvoo, Illinois. His father was Miles Romney.
Miles Park Romney held many important roles in his community. He was the president of the St. George Social Hall Company and the St. George Dramatic Association. He also worked as a police chief, a lawyer, a newspaper editor, and an architect. One of his sons, Gaskell Romney, was the father of George W. Romney and the grandfather of Mitt Romney.
Early Life and Work
Miles Park Romney moved to Utah with his church community when he was a child. Like his father, he became a builder. After marrying his first wife, he went on a mission for the Church in England. When he returned, he followed the Church's teachings at the time and married more than one wife. This practice was known as plural marriage.
Romney became well-known in his community. He even helped build the home of Brigham Young, a leader of the Church.
Moving to New Settlements
Miles Park Romney, along with his families, was asked by Church leaders to help settle new areas. They moved to St. Johns, Arizona. However, life in St. Johns was challenging for the new settlers. Because of the difficulties, Romney and his families decided to move again.
They sought a place where they could live according to their beliefs without problems. On April 7, 1885, Romney joined a group traveling to Chihuahua, Mexico. This move was made because of a U.S. law called the Edmunds Anti-Polygamy Act of 1882. This law made the practice of plural marriage illegal. The Romney family wanted to find land outside the U.S. where they could live freely.
Miles Park Romney passed away on February 26, 1904, in Colonia Dublan, Mexico.
Romney's Families
Miles Park Romney had five wives during his life. They were Hannah Hood Hill (married 1862), Caroline "Carrie" Lambourne (married 1867), Catherine Jane Cottam (married 1873), Alice Marie "Annie" Woodbury (married 1877), and Emily "Millie" Henrietta Eyring Snow (married 1897).
He married Hannah Hood Hill on May 10, 1862, in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Images for kids
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Catherine Jane Cottam married Romney as a plural wife in 1873. Her personal diaries, which have been published, offer a great look into her life and times.
