Thomas & Margaret
Thomas John (1820–1890) and Margaret Thomas (1814–1894) were a couple from Wales who, in 1861, emigrated with their family to the United States, facing challenges during their journey. Settling in Utah, they contributed to the founding of Portage and endured hardships while remaining devoted to their religious beliefs and family.
Here's an overview of who they were:
Thomas John (1820–1890):
- Born on January 22, 1820, in Woodrich Parish, Pembrokeshire, Wales.
- Limited schooling but became a skilled reader and studied scripture.
- In 1848, he heard of prosperous times in America, leading to his decision to try his fortune there.
- Faced misfortunes and returned to Wales but learned about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints upon landing in Liverpool.
- Joined the LDS Church, baptized in 1851, and faced persecution for his beliefs.
- Emigrated to America in 1861 with his family
- Settled in Utah, helping to found the city of Portage.
- Married Margaret Thomas in 1840 and later married Jane Green in 1872.
- Worked as a cordwainer (shoe cobbler) and faced challenges but remained faithful to his beliefs.
- Passed away on January 25, 1890, in Portage, Box Elder, Utah Territory.
Margaret Thomas (1814–1894):
- Born on August 18, 1814, in Lochfaen, Brawdy Parish, Pembrokeshire, Wales.
- Married Thomas John on July 14, 1840, in Mathry, Pembrokeshire, Wales.
- Mother to several children, including William, Charles, Ann, James, Levi, Henry, Letitia, and Mary Jane.
- Faced challenges during the immigration to the United States in 1861.
- Lived with Thomas John in Utah, contributing to the establishment of Portage.
- Immigrated with her husband to America, enduring challenges such as a shipwreck during the journey.
- Passed away on May 8, 1894, in Portage, Box Elder, Utah Territory.
Together, Thomas John and Margaret Thomas navigated the complexities of life, including religious conversion, immigration, and establishing a new home in Utah. Their resilience and faith played a significant role in shaping their family's history.
Timeline
18 August 1814: Margaret Thomas is born in Lochfaen, Brawdy Parish, Pembrokeshire, Wales.
22 January 1820: Thomas John is born in Woodrich Parish, Pembrokeshire, Wales.
5 March 1820: Thomas John is christened in Brawdy, Pembroke, Wales.
14 July 1840: Thomas John and Margaret Thomas get married in Mathry, Pembrokeshire, Wales.
1835–1835: Thomas John and Margaret have a son named Thomas John (born and deceased).
1837–1872: Phoebe John, a daughter of Thomas John and Margaret, is born and later passes away.
1841: William John, their son, is born in Mathry, Pembrokeshire, Wales.
1843: Charles John, their son, is born in Mathry, Pembrokeshire, Wales.
1845: Ann John, their daughter, is born in Mathry, Pembrokeshire, Wales.
1846: James John, their son, is born in Mathry, Pembrokeshire, Wales.
1849: Levi John, their son, is born in Mathry, Pembrokeshire, Wales.
1851: Henry John, their son, is born in Mathry, Pembrokeshire, Wales.
1853: Letitia John, their daughter, is born in Mathry, Pembrokeshire, Wales.
1855: Mary Jane John, their daughter, is born in Mathry, Pembrokeshire, Wales.
14 May 1861: Thomas John and Margaret Thomas immigrate to the United States from Liverpool to New York aboard the ship Manchester.
28 October 1872: Thomas John marries Jane Green in Salt Lake City, Salt Lake, Utah Territory, United States.
8 May 1894: Margaret Thomas, wife of Thomas John, passes away in Portage, Box Elder, Utah Territory, United States.
25 January 1890: Thomas John, the husband, passes away in Portage, Box Elder, Utah Territory, United States.
10 May 1894: Margaret Thomas is buried in Portage, Box Elder, Utah Territory, United States.
Family Statistics
10
Children
144
Grandchildren
307
Great-Grandchildren
Thomas John's Headstone
Located in the Portage Utah Cemetery
Margaret John's Headstone
Located in the Portage Utah Cemetery
Thomas&Margaret.pdf