Patison Delos Griffeth Sr

The Life History of

PATISON DELOS GRIFFETH, SR.

The progenitors of Patison Delos Griffeth were a pioneering people. They seemed to follow the new frontier as it moved westward in the developing of this great country, America. Thus his father’s family were located in eastern New York, Delaware, Pennsylvania, and surrounding country.

Judah, Patison’s father, moved from eastern New York, to western New York, and settled in Orleans County.

Patison was the oldest of five boys and five girls. He was born January 3, 1824, in Bury Township, Orleans County, New York, the son of Judah and Mariah Rockwell Griffeth. It is not known for sure, but probably their second child, Phoebe Ann born September 19, 1825, was also born in Orleans county, New York. Their third child, Phoebe Evelyn, was born June 22, 1828 in Amherst, Lorraine County, Ohio. Their fourth child, Ermina Louisa, was born in February 1831, in Page county, Iowa. Melinda Melvina born October 9, 1833, and Joseph Don Carlos born June 2, 1836, in Scandia, Republic County, Kansas. The seventh child, Mary Melissa, was born July 23, 1638 in Berwick, Warren, County, Illinois. Their eighth child, Milton Arden was born January 1, 1843 in Concordia, Cloud County, Kansas. Ambrose Adelman was born April 20, 1845 and Anciel Fernando was born Nay 9, 1949 in Scandia, Republic County, Kansas.

While the family was living in Amherst, Ohio, they owned a grove of sugar maple trees from which they extracted the maple sap. The sap was processed and sold as syrup. To process the liquid it 1~ad to be boiled down in large vats over fires out of doors. Once it started to boil it had to be kept boiling night and day until it was done. Patison being very young took his turn in watching the boiling vats. Timber wolves were numerous and rather vicious and would come out at night to the fires. To protect themselves from the wolves, a small log cabin was built in the yard close to the fires. Whoever kept watch at night would sit or stand by the cabin so that the wolves could not attack from the rear. Patison has related that many nights as he sat watching, he could see a row of wolves’ eyes on the opposite side of the fire.

While he was living in Amherst, Ohio, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter—Day Saints was organized. One year after the Church was organized, Judah Griffeth, Patison’s father heard the gospel and accepted it. He was baptized in the small town of Amherst, Ohio. As the children grew up they too joined the church. Patison was baptized April 7, 1841 .t the age of seventeen. According to early church records, Judah was ordained a High Priest by Joseph Smith Sr. in Kirtland, Ohio.

As of record it appears that the Griffeth family must have given up their homes to live with the body of the church, which accounts for them moving from place to place. Although they were willing to forsake their homes for their new found religion. Their faith was not strong enough to keep them in the church when a division came, after the death of the prophet Joseph Smith, with the exception of Patison who remained true and faithful.

Patison was twenty—four year. old when the Prophet Joseph Smith was martyred. He walked a great distance without sleep night and day to attend the funeral. After the death of the Prophet, not only the Griffeth family, but many of the saints did not know what to do, or what to believe. Patison attended the meeting where the mantel of the Prophet Joseph Smith fell upon Brigham Young and he looked like and talked like the Prophet Joseph. Patison knew what to believe, for he knew that Brigham Young was the one chosen to lead the church.

About this time Elizabeth Carson, a girl from Pennsylvania came into his life. She is the daughter of George Carson and Ann Dough. Their friendship led to courtship and soon the marriage date was set. Patison needed a new suit of clothes for the occasion, so he and his cousin walked over to a town on the other side of the Mississippi River to make the purchase. They had crossed the river on the ice, but when they returned the river had swollen by flood waters of a spring freshet, and the ice was beginning to break up. There was no possible way for them to return home without crossing the river on foot.

Patison would not break his promise to his betrothed. Disregarding the danger of such a crossing, the new suit and a few things were made into a small bundle and tied to them so they would be safe and dry. Each young man found a pole of considerable length which was placed under each arm for protection. They jumped from one piece of ice to another until they made it safe and sound to the other side of the river.

Patison and Elizabeth were married in Nauvoo, Illinois April 26, 1846. This was the year when the mobs attacked Nauvoo and heaped much punishment upon the saints. Patison and his wife suffered from these persecutions, with the rest of the saints. They had no permanent home, but were driven hither and yon. Their oldest child Phoebe was born February 9, 1847 in Garden Grove, Decatur, Iowa. Two years later they were back in Greenbush, Warren County, Illinois when their second child, George Andrew was born January 5, 1649.

Even though the main body of the church had left for the Rocky Mountains, the mobs continued to harass the remaining saints. One rainy evening in the early summer of 1850 a mob attacked the town where Patison and his family were living, and the saints had to fight for their lives. Patison took his wife and two small children out into the field and hid them in a corn patch. The corn was not very high, so they had to lie down to keep under cover. For several hours they lay there in the rain, not knowing what minute the mob may come, or whether their husband and father would be killed and never return to them.

During the winter of 1850—51, plans were being made to make the journey westward to be with the body of the church. Patison moved from Greenbush, Illinois, taking wife and children and joining his wife’s family, the Carsons in Garden Grove, Iowa. The company that was being outfitted to make the journey west was known as the ‘Garden Grove Company’. On Kay 17, 1851 the Garden Grove company left for Salt Lake Valley. In the company along with others were the Carson, Egbert, Ewing and Griffeth families. When the company arrived at Council Bluffs, Iowa they procured the service of Harry Walton to lead them to Salt Lake City. William Huff Carson, a brother to Elizabeth, was a captain of ten, comprising the families listed above. There were sixty wagons in the company. Patison had two wagons, one drawn by oxen and the other pulled by cows. They used the cows to provide milk along the way. Not much has been written relating to the hardships encountered while crossing the plains, but we can be assured that there were many rough times.

Elizabeth, Patison’s wife was expecting her third child and to travel in a wagon was very uncomfortable. Patison laced rope back and forth across the wagon box making the wagon into a temporary bed while traveling. Elizabeth rode on this bed a good share of the way. While camped on the Green River, Sweet Water Wyoming, she gave birth to a little girl, Louisa Emily, born September 19, 1851. The next morning the main company moved on and one family stayed behind with Patison and Elizabeth. The following morning Patison and friend drove fast and finally caught up with the main company.

The Garden Grove company arrived in Salt Lake Valley September 24, 1851. The company was sent to South Cottonwood about ten miles south of Salt Lake City where the pioneers had made preparations for them to settle. We do not know how long Patison stayed in Cottonwood, but while there a fourth child was born, Lovina Samantha on February 19, 1854. Some time later they moved to Fairfield, Utah where they suffered greatly from the depredation of the Indians. Two of Elizabeth’s brothers, George and Washington, were killed in February, 1856 by the Indians. If her husband, Patison, had stayed a little longer with her brothers, he too would probably have been killed.

In the spring of 1856 all families were experiencing hard times. The following quote is taken from the history of Mads F. Christensen, a convert to the church who was living in Fairfield, in 1855. An experience from his history relating to Patison DeLos Griffeth is taken from the Daughters of Utah Pioneers Compilation, Autobiographies of Pioneers’, compiled by Kate B. Carter. I quote from his history:

"It was a very hard time to be turned out of employment, as a famine for breadstuffs caused by grasshoppers was in evidence. The previous season had practically destroyed the crops in Utah, and the territory was isolated from the rest of the world. I was discharged in the midst of the famine, but a good samaritan, Patison Griffeth, said he could find work for me if I could take such fare as his own family had to live on, which would be pretty short rations until harvest time, when half a crop was expected. He would let me board with him for my work and pay me $8.00 a month. I accepted his offer.

"About the last of May the bread was all gone in the family, and none could be bought or borrowed. Mr. Griffeth had a dozen sheep so he sold one for six dollars and with this money started out on horseback, taking a grain sack with him. Me went to Lehi, which was fifteen miles away, then to Salt Lake Valley calling on the mills as he went along. He went on to Ogden without finding any wheat or floor for sale at any price. He returned home without anything. The next day he started out again, going to Lehi, American Fork, Provo, Springville. Spanish Fork and then to Payson; afterwards to Santaquin where he found 50 pounds of ground, unbolted wheat for six dollars, and with this supply he came home. We lived on Greasewood sprouts, Pigweeds and a few green vegetables, some milk curdled with rennet and a very small ration of meat. When this small supply of breadstuff was exhausted, there were six weeks before the earliest wheat could be harvested from a two—acre plot with voluntary bunches of wheat. This we were permitted to help gather in and we all turned out one day and drove five miles to get it. The next day the oxen were put upon it on a smooth place on the ground and the wheat was trampled out. Then the chaff was fanned sway, and the wheat was sacked and sent to the mill 30 miles distance to be ground. When a sack of the flour and one of bran were brought in the house, there was a time of rejoicing hard to describe. The good housewife was touched to tears over what we passed through. Soon we got it in the form of warm biscuits and bread, which never tasted better. Later a modest harvest was gathered in and the famine was a thing of the past." (end quote)

This is only one experience among many that never have been recorded.

Their fifth child, Marinda Elizabeth, was born March 7, 1857 in Fairfield, Utah. Shortly after, the family moved and lived in old Cedar Fort, a few miles from Fairfield. It is not known just when Patison moved his family to Lehi, Utah but in Lehi, their sixth child was born, Urmina Tryphena, January 12, 1860. While living here a call came from President Young, calling Patison to be a member of a scouting party to go into Cache Valley to select places for settlements. As a consequence of this call, Patison and his family were among the first settlers in Hyde Park, Utah. Their seventh child, Mary Melissa, was born here July 17, 1862. Here Patison farmed his land, ran a store and worked as a carpenter. He made a great deal of furniture for his own home, and many other homes in Hyde Park.

Patison married his second wife, Sarah Elizabeth Gibson Roberts, in the Endowment House in Salt Lake City, February 7, 1863. To this marriage nine children were born, all of which were born in Hyde Park. The are: Sarah Angeline, born November 10, 1864; William Arden and Charles Henry (twins), born April 17, 1867; Susan Emeline, born July 21, 1868; Eleanor Elizabeth, born March 27, 1871; Edgar Milton, born April 13, 1874; Anciel Fernando, born February 16, 1876; Eva May, born February 14, 1880; and Ina Mariah, born October 24, 1882.

Patison was an accomplished musician and a dance master. He played his violin, taught and called for square dances all over cache Valley ~idle living in Uy4e Park -

He was a faithful church member serving as a counselor to Bishop William Hyde, (whom Hyde Park was named after). When the call came to turn over his store to church cooperative, he was willing to do so. This project failed and Patison suffered a great financial loss.

Patison was commissioned Major of the 3rd Battalion Infantry, 1st Regiment, 1st Brigade of the Nauvoo Legion in Cache Military District of Utah. This coimmission was signed by Charles Durkes, Governor, and Edwin Higgins, Secretary of the Territory of Utah on the 5th day of August, 1865. Then he was commissioned to the rank of Captain, Company B 1st regiment, 1st Brigade by the Territory of Utah on the 20th day of August 1869. (These documents are in the possession of Eudell Bodily).

Patison and his son, George Andrew, were among the first settlers to go into Fairview, Franklin County, Idaho. During the winter of 1869 they hauled lumber to build a house. Before the house was completed Patison and his wife, Sarah lived in a dugout and in a covered wagon. Upon the completion of the house, Patison lived there two years and then returned to Hyde Park. During the two years in Fairview, they were troubled with the Indians, but nothing violent. The Indians kept coming to beg for food and as long as they were given some they seemed quit friendly.

In 1873 Patison decided to go back east and visit his father and family. When he returned he brought his father, Judah with him to visit for a while. Judah was then a member of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter—Day Saints. He seemed as sincere in his belief in his church as Patison was sure that his church was true.

Because of having two wives and because the persecution of the polygamist families became so severe, Patison decided to move Sarah and family to Star Valley, Wyoming, where the Mormons weren’t persecuted so much. Patison took up land at Auburn, and again they were pioneers of a new community. He was among the first settlers in Star Valley. Sarah and her family lived there for five years, then came back to Fairview, for five more years. Then they moved back to Star Valley settling in Grover where they settled permanently.

During all these years of moving around Elizabeth (Carson) and her family had remained in Hyde Park, Patison divided his time between the two families driving the distance between homes usually in a one horse buggy, often driving a little high spirited white mare named KORA”.

While in Star Valley, Patison freighted supplies from Montpelier, Idaho to Star Valley. One night it was very stormy and cold when it was time to make camp. He found another freighter nearly frozen. He revived and cared for him. Four other wagon came into camp. The drivers of these wagons were very profane and drinking liquor. Patison rebuked them, he said, Mister I don’t like your smoke any better than your language’.

The following quotes are from children and grandchildren of Patison Delos Griffeth.

Anciel Griffeth, his son:

"Father was a man about five feet eleven inches tall, with blue eyes and dark brown hair. He was stately, very neat and particular. He was very kind, didn’t even scold, yet we knew we had to do what we should do. He enjoyed singing, he loved music, and he loved honesty and virtue. He surely was a good parent. He loved his family, and loved the gospel. He enjoyed a good joke. At one time he and his cousin were traveling together. They stayed at a hotel where there were two Irishmen. The cousin mimicked a hen and a chicken. The Irishmen hunted for them which amused father. He never told a joke that was not fit for everyone to hear. I consider him a model MAN”.

His youngest child, Ina Griffeth:

"I remember my father as a grey—haired, hazel—eyed, very fine looking man. He was gentle and kind. The thing that impressed me was the way he prayed in family prayer. Every word was spoken so clearly that everyone could hear all that was said. I was not very old when my father died and not being with him all the time it is difficult to remember all things about him. I know I loved him very much, and that he was honest and truthful in everything he did.”

His grandson, George Andrew Griffeth Jr..

"As far back as I can remember, Grandfather had gray hair. Aunt Phoebe and her three boys lived with Grandfather and Grandmother after Uncle William Hyde died. I remember how Grandfather used to catch us boys and have us saw off two or three lengths of wood before we went to play. We didn’t have coal. The wood was always piled high and neat. Grandfather was very tender hearted and sympathetic. It was a pleasure to associate with him”.

His granddaughter, Alice Albertie Griffeth Griffiths:

“1 would like to add that Grandpa was a great reader. I remember how he would tell us children that we had to go out and play or sit down and be quiet, because he had something that he wanted to read to father. So we would gladly go out and sit by the curb of the old deep well with its moss covered bucket, where there was a good rock for cracking walnuts that fell from the tree by the well. I remember how we used to watch him do carpentry work. When he would plane a board he would take the curls of wood and hang them on our hair, telling us that we had pretty ringlets”.

Patison died a faithful Latter—Day Saint in the home of his wife, Sarah Elizabeth Roberts, in Star Valley, Wyoming May 11, 1901. He was buried in Grover, Wyoming.

This life sketch was taken from the writings of his son Anciel; his daughter Ina; grandsons George A. Griffeth Jr. and Edward T. Griffeth; granddaughters Mary Eleanor Griffeth (Bodily) and Alice Albertie Griffeth (Griffiths); great grandchildren Zola Bodily (Dames) and Eudell Bodily (Gailey).

This history was compiled by a great granddaughter, Quida Griffiths (Auger)