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Ezra Taft Benson

Ezra Taft Benson

Male 1899 - 1994  (94 years)  Submit Photo / DocumentSubmit Photo / Document

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Generation: 1

  1. 1.  Ezra Taft BensonEzra Taft Benson was born on 4 Aug 1899 in Whitney, Franklin, Idaho, United States; was christened on 1 Oct 1899 in Whitney, Franklin, Idaho, United States (son of George Taft Benson, Jr and Sarah Sophia Dunkley); died on 30 May 1994 in Salt Lake City, Salt Lake, Utah, United States; was buried on 4 Jun 1994 in Whitney Cemetery, Franklin, Idaho, United States.

    Other Events and Attributes:

    • FamilySearch ID: KWCC-C2X
    • Census: 1900, Preston, Franklin, Idaho, United States
    • Initiatory (LDS): 14 Jul 1921, LOGAN

    Notes:

    13th President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

    He was an American farmer, government official, and religious leader w h o served as the 15th United States Secretary of Agriculture during bot h p residential terms of Dwight D. Eisenhower and as the 13th president o f Th e Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) from 198 5 unti l his death in 1994.

    Born on a farm in Whitney, Idaho, Benson was the oldest of eleven childr e n. He was the great-grandson of Ezra T. Benson, who was appointed by Br ig ham Young to be a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in 1846 . Wh en he was 12 years old, his father was called as a missionary to th e midw estern United States, leaving his expectant mother alone with seve n child ren. Benson took much of the responsibility for running the famil y farm a nd in the words of his sister, "He took the place of father fo r nearly tw o years." Benson began his academic career at Utah State Agri cultural Col lege (USAC, modern Utah State University), where he first me t his futur e wife, Flora Smith Amussen. Benson alternated quarters at US AC and worke d on the family farm.

    Benson served an LDS Church mission in Britain from 1921 to 1923. It w a s while serving as a missionary, particularly an experience in Sheffiel d , that caused Benson to realize how central the Book of Mormon was to t h e message of Mormonism and in converting people to it. Due to local ant ag onism and threats of violence, LDS Church leaders sent apostle David O . M cKay to personally oversee the mission. McKay was impressed with Bens on a nd appointed him as president of the Newcastle Conference.

    After his mission, Benson studied at Brigham Young University and finish e d his bachelor's degree there in 1926. That year he married Flora Smit h A mussen, shortly after her return from a mission in Hawaii. They had s ix c hildren together. Benson received a master of science degree in agri cultu ral economics in 1927 from Iowa State University. Several years lat er, h e did preliminary work on a doctorate at the University of Californ ia a t Berkeley, but never completed it.

    Just after receiving his master's degree, Benson returned to Whitney t o r un the family farm. He later became the county agriculture extensio n agen t for Oneida County, Idaho. He later was promoted to the superviso r of al l county agents and moved to Boise in 1930. Benson encouraged cro p rotati on, improved grains, fertilizers, pest controls, and establishme nt of far mer's cooperatives to market farm commodities.

    While in Boise, Benson also worked in the central state extension offi c e connected with the University of Idaho Extension Service. He also fou nd ed a farmers cooperative. Benson was superintendent of the Boise Stak e Yo ung Men's Mutual Improvement Association and later a counselor in th e sta ke presidency. Benson was a critic of national agricultural policie s impl emented in the 1930s under Franklin D. Roosevelt. In particular, h e objec ted to farm subsidies, and efforts by the Agricultural Adjustmen t Adminis tration to raise prices by paying farmers to destroy crops an d kill lives tock.

    In 1939, he became president of the Boise Idaho Stake. Later that year , h e moved to Washington, D.C., to become Executive Secretary of the Nat iona l Council of Farmer Cooperatives, overseeing around five thousand fa rm co operatives which represented two million farmers throughout the cou ntry.

    Benson became the first president of a new church stake in Washington, D . C.

    Ezra married Flora Smith Amussen on 10 Sep 1926 in Salt Lake City, Salt Lake, Utah, United States. Flora (daughter of Carl Christian Amussen and Barbara McIsaac Smith) was born on 1 Jul 1901 in Logan, Cache, Utah, United States; was christened on 29 Sep 1901 in Logan, Cache, Utah, United States; died on 14 Aug 1992 in Salt Lake City, Salt Lake, Utah, United States; was buried on 18 Aug 1992 in Whitney Cemetery, Franklin, Idaho, United States. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

    Children:
    1. Reed Amussen Benson was born on 2 Jan 1928 in Salt Lake City, Salt Lake, Utah, United States; died on 24 Aug 2016 in Provo, Utah, Utah, United States; was buried in Whitney Cemetery, Franklin, Idaho, United States.
    2. Mark Amussen Benson was born on 2 May 1929 in Salt Lake City, Salt Lake, Utah, United States; was christened on 9 Jun 1929 in Salt Lake City, Salt Lake, Utah, United States; died on 29 Jul 2012 in Salt Lake City, Salt Lake, Utah, United States; was buried on 4 Aug 2012 in Whitney Cemetery, Franklin, Idaho, United States.
    3. Barbara Amussen Benson was born on 20 Jun 1934 in Boise, Ada, Idaho, United States; died on 26 Mar 2020 in Mesa, Maricopa, Arizona, United States; was buried on 20 Jun 2020 in Whitney Cemetery, Franklin, Idaho, United States.
    4. Beverly Amussen Benson
    5. Bonnie Amussen Benson
    6. Flora Beth Benson

Generation: 2

  1. 2.  George Taft Benson, Jr was born on 24 Jun 1875 in Logan, Cache, Utah, United States (son of George Taft Benson and Louisa Alexandrine Ballif); died on 13 Aug 1934 in Preston, Franklin, Idaho, United States; was buried on 15 Aug 1934 in Whitney Cemetery, Franklin, Idaho, United States.

    Other Events and Attributes:

    • FamilySearch ID: KWC7-YH4
    • Census: 1880, Logan, Cache, Utah, United States
    • Initiatory (LDS): 19 Oct 1898, LOGAN
    • Census: 1900, Preston, Franklin, Idaho, United States

    George married Sarah Sophia Dunkley on 19 Oct 1898 in Logan, Cache, Utah, United States. Sarah (daughter of Joseph Dunkley and Margaret Wright) was born on 29 Jun 1878 in Franklin, Franklin, Idaho, United States; died on 1 Jun 1933 in Preston, Franklin, Idaho, United States; was buried on 4 Jun 1933 in Whitney Cemetery, Franklin, Idaho, United States. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]


  2. 3.  Sarah Sophia Dunkley was born on 29 Jun 1878 in Franklin, Franklin, Idaho, United States (daughter of Joseph Dunkley and Margaret Wright); died on 1 Jun 1933 in Preston, Franklin, Idaho, United States; was buried on 4 Jun 1933 in Whitney Cemetery, Franklin, Idaho, United States.

    Other Events and Attributes:

    • FamilySearch ID: KWC7-YHH
    • Initiatory (LDS): 19 Oct 1898, LOGAN
    • Census: 1900, Preston, Franklin, Idaho, United States

    Children:
    1. 1. Ezra Taft Benson was born on 4 Aug 1899 in Whitney, Franklin, Idaho, United States; was christened on 1 Oct 1899 in Whitney, Franklin, Idaho, United States; died on 30 May 1994 in Salt Lake City, Salt Lake, Utah, United States; was buried on 4 Jun 1994 in Whitney Cemetery, Franklin, Idaho, United States.
    2. Joseph Dunkley Benson was born on 12 Nov 1900 in Whitney, Franklin, Idaho, United States; died on 24 Apr 1936 in Provo, Utah, Utah, United States; was buried on 26 Apr 1936 in Provo, Utah, Utah, United States.
    3. Margaret Dunkley Benson was born on 16 Feb 1902 in Whitney, Franklin, Idaho, United States; died on 3 Jul 1999 in Burley, Cassia, Idaho, United States; was buried on 7 Jul 1999 in Hillcrest Memorial Gardens, Caldwell, Canyon, Idaho, United States.
    4. Orval Dunkley Benson was born on 30 Aug 1903 in Whitney, Franklin, Idaho, United States; died on 1 Jul 1991 in Whitney, Franklin, Idaho, United States; was buried on 6 Jul 1991 in Whitney Cemetery, Franklin, Idaho, United States.
    5. Louisa Benson was born on 10 Oct 1905 in Whitney, Franklin, Idaho, United States; died on 2 Jul 1996 in Salt Lake City, Salt Lake, Utah, United States; was buried on 6 Jul 1996 in American Fork Cemetery, Utah, Utah, United States.
    6. Lera Benson was born on 4 May 1907 in Whitney, Franklin, Idaho, United States; died on 10 Jun 2009 in Orem, Utah, Utah, United States; was buried in Fairview, Franklin, Idaho, United States.
    7. Valdo Dunkley Benson was born on 23 Apr 1911 in Whitney, Franklin, Idaho, United States; died on 30 Oct 1990 in Pleasant View, Weber, Utah, United States; was buried on 3 Nov 1990 in Logan, Cache, Utah, United States.
    8. George Taft Benson, III was born on 27 Aug 1912 in Whitney, Franklin, Idaho, United States; died on 15 Apr 1990 in Salt Lake City, Salt Lake, Utah, United States; was buried on 19 Apr 1990 in Dry Creek Cemetery, Boise, Ada, Idaho, United States.
    9. Sarah Benson was born on 30 Sep 1914 in Whitney, Franklin, Idaho, United States; died on 26 Sep 2001 in Redding, Shasta, California, United States; was buried in Millville, Shasta, California, United States.
    10. Ross Dean Benson was born on 20 Jan 1917 in Whitney, Franklin, Idaho, United States; died on 23 Oct 1985 in Tustin, Orange, California, United States; was buried in Whitney Cemetery, Franklin, Idaho, United States.
    11. Volco Ballif Benson was born on 11 Apr 1920 in Whitney, Franklin, Idaho, United States; died on 13 Mar 1992 in San Diego, San Diego, California, United States; was buried in Valley Center, San Diego, California, United States.


Generation: 3

  1. 4.  George Taft BensonGeorge Taft Benson was born on 1 May 1846 in Garden Grove, Decatur, Iowa, United States (son of Ezra Taft Benson and Adeline Brooks Andrus); died on 16 May 1919 in Logan, Cache, Utah, United States; was buried on 20 May 1919 in Logan City Cemetery, Cache, Utah, United States.

    Other Events and Attributes:

    • FamilySearch ID: KW66-Z2D
    • Census: 1860, Logan, Cache, Utah, United States
    • Initiatory (LDS): 15 Apr 1865, EHOUS
    • Census: 1870, Logan, Cache, Utah, United States
    • Census: 1880, Logan, Cache, Utah, United States
    • Census: 1900, Preston, Franklin, Idaho, United States
    • Census: 1910, Whitney, Franklin, Idaho, United States

    Notes:

    SOURCE: Pioneers and Prominent Men of Utah. Esshom, Frank. 1913 Page: 750

    SOURCE: Family Group Sheet-Father

    SOURCE: Family Group Sheet-Self

    SOURCE: Temple Index Bureau

    SOURCE: Whitney Ward Records--Preston, ID

    SOURCE: Journal of Elise Benson Alder

    George was a Sunday school superintendent, high counselor, and counsel o r in the bishopric.

    George was the bishop of Whitney for 20 years.

    SOURCE: Death Certificates, State of Utah
    Occupation: Farmer

    Pioneer
    Charles C. Rich Company (1847) Age at departure: 1
    126 individuals were in the company when it began its journey from t h e o u tfitting post on the Elkhorn River about 27 miles west of Winte r Qu arte rs, Nebraska

    George married Louisa Alexandrine Ballif on 20 Dec 1867 in Salt Lake City, Salt Lake, Utah, United States. Louisa (daughter of Serge Louis Ballif and Elise Marie LeCoultre) was born on 25 Feb 1850 in Lausanne, Vaud, Suisse; died on 7 Feb 1922 in Logan, Cache, Utah, United States; was buried on 9 Feb 1922 in Logan City Cemetery, Cache, Utah, United States. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]


  2. 5.  Louisa Alexandrine BallifLouisa Alexandrine Ballif was born on 25 Feb 1850 in Lausanne, Vaud, Suisse (daughter of Serge Louis Ballif and Elise Marie LeCoultre); died on 7 Feb 1922 in Logan, Cache, Utah, United States; was buried on 9 Feb 1922 in Logan City Cemetery, Cache, Utah, United States.

    Other Events and Attributes:

    • FamilySearch ID: K2QX-47X
    • Census: 1860, Logan, Cache, Utah, United States
    • Initiatory (LDS): 20 Dec 1867, EHOUS
    • Census: 1870, Logan, Cache, Utah, United States
    • Census: 1880, Logan, Cache, Utah, United States
    • Census: 1900, Preston, Franklin, Idaho, United States
    • Census: 1910, Whitney, Franklin, Idaho, United States

    Notes:

    SOURCE: Death Certificates, State of Utah

    Pioneer
    Robert L. Campbell Company (1854)Approximate age at departure: 4
    397 individuals were in the company when it began its journey from the o u tfitting post at Westport, Missouri.

    Killed a wolf with a poker.

    Children:
    1. Louisa "Lulu" Benson was born on 28 Mar 1869 in Logan, Cache, Utah, United States; died on 15 Jul 1938 in Salt Lake City, Salt Lake, Utah, United States; was buried on 17 Jul 1938 in Salt Lake City, Salt Lake, Utah, United States.
    2. Ezra Taft Benson was born on 6 Aug 1871 in Logan, Cache, Utah, United States; died on 28 Aug 1871 in Logan, Cache, Utah, United States; was buried on 29 Aug 1871 in Logan City Cemetery, Cache, Utah, United States.
    3. Elise Benson was born on 10 Mar 1873 in Logan, Cache, Utah, United States; died on 22 Aug 1937 in Salt Lake City, Salt Lake, Utah, United States; was buried on 25 Aug 1937 in Salt Lake City Cemetery, Salt Lake, Utah, United States.
    4. 2. George Taft Benson, Jr was born on 24 Jun 1875 in Logan, Cache, Utah, United States; died on 13 Aug 1934 in Preston, Franklin, Idaho, United States; was buried on 15 Aug 1934 in Whitney Cemetery, Franklin, Idaho, United States.
    5. Serge Ballif Benson was born on 2 Oct 1877 in Logan, Cache, Utah, United States; was christened on 30 Oct 1877 in Logan, Cache, Utah, United States; died on 18 Jan 1959 in Logan, Cache, Utah, United States; was buried on 21 Jan 1959 in Logan, Cache, Utah, United States.
    6. Adeline Benson was born on 31 Jul 1879 in Logan, Cache, Utah, United States; died on 27 Jan 1960 in Ogden, Weber, Utah, United States; was buried on 30 Jan 1960 in Ogden, Weber, Utah, United States.
    7. Florence Benson was born on 31 Jul 1879 in Logan, Cache, Utah, United States; died on 5 Nov 1967 in Boise, Ada, Idaho, United States; was buried on 8 Nov 1967 in Salt Lake City Cemetery, Salt Lake, Utah, United States.
    8. William Kennedy Benson was born on 9 Feb 1882 in Logan, Cache, Utah, United States; died on 28 Feb 1882 in Logan, Cache, Utah, United States; was buried on 2 Mar 1882 in Logan City Cemetery, Cache, Utah, United States.
    9. Frank Taft Benson was born on 23 Apr 1883 in Logan, Cache, Utah, United States; died on 19 Feb 1923 in Logan, Cache, Utah, United States; was buried on 21 Feb 1923 in Logan City Cemetery, Cache, Utah, United States.
    10. Marie Benson was born on 19 Jul 1885 in Preston, Franklin, Idaho, United States; died on 6 Mar 1891 in Whitney, Franklin, Idaho, United States; was buried in Whitney Cemetery, Franklin, Idaho, United States.
    11. Carmen Benson was born on 7 Nov 1887 in Preston, Franklin, Idaho, United States; died on 5 Jul 1974 in Boise, Ada, Idaho, United States; was buried in Boise, Ada, Idaho, United States.
    12. Jenny Benson was born on 30 Jun 1890 in Whitney, Franklin, Idaho, United States; was christened on 7 Aug 1890 in Whitney, Franklin, Idaho, United States; died on 12 Jul 1970 in Preston, Franklin, Idaho, United States; was buried on 15 Jul 1970 in Whitney Cemetery, Franklin, Idaho, United States.
    13. Kathinka "Kinnie" Benson was born on 15 Mar 1894 in Whitney, Franklin, Idaho, United States; died on 20 May 1960 in Salt Lake City, Salt Lake, Utah, United States; was buried on 24 May 1960 in Salt Lake City Cemetery, Salt Lake, Utah, United States.

  3. 6.  Joseph Dunkley was born on 6 Aug 1824 in Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, England; died on 23 Jan 1901 in Whitney, Franklin, Idaho, United States; was buried on 26 Jun 1901 in Franklin, Franklin, Idaho, United States.

    Other Events and Attributes:

    • FamilySearch ID: KWNN-3CT
    • Initiatory (LDS): 26 Oct 1861, EHOUS

    Joseph married Margaret Wright on 14 Nov 1868 in Salt Lake City, Salt Lake, Utah, United States. Margaret was born on 19 May 1850 in Busby, Renfrewshire, Scotland; was christened on 10 Dec 1851 in Busby, Renfrewshire, Scotland; died on 21 Apr 1913 in Whitney, Franklin, Idaho, United States; was buried on 24 Apr 1913 in Franklin, Franklin, Idaho, United States. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]


  4. 7.  Margaret Wright was born on 19 May 1850 in Busby, Renfrewshire, Scotland; was christened on 10 Dec 1851 in Busby, Renfrewshire, Scotland; died on 21 Apr 1913 in Whitney, Franklin, Idaho, United States; was buried on 24 Apr 1913 in Franklin, Franklin, Idaho, United States.

    Other Events and Attributes:

    • FamilySearch ID: KWJ8-BX6
    • Initiatory (LDS): 14 Nov 1868, EHOUS

    Children:
    1. Joseph Leitch Dunkley was born on 15 Sep 1869 in Franklin, Franklin, Idaho, United States; died on 14 Oct 1957 in Pocatello, Bannock, Idaho, United States; was buried on 17 Oct 1957 in Whitney Cemetery, Franklin, Idaho, United States.
    2. John Alexander Dunkley was born on 21 Apr 1871 in Franklin, Franklin, Idaho, United States; died on 9 Dec 1932 in Logan, Cache, Utah, United States; was buried in Whitney Cemetery, Franklin, Idaho, United States.
    3. Elizabeth Anne Dunkley was born on 30 Oct 1872 in Franklin, Franklin, Idaho, United States; died on 21 Nov 1892 in Whitney, Franklin, Idaho, United States; was buried in Whitney Cemetery, Franklin, Idaho, United States.
    4. Benjamin George Dunkley was born on 10 May 1874 in Franklin, Franklin, Idaho, United States; died on 21 Dec 1929 in Preston, Franklin, Idaho, United States; was buried on 24 Dec 1929 in Whitney Cemetery, Franklin, Idaho, United States.
    5. Parley Briggs Dunkley was born on 17 Feb 1876 in Franklin, Franklin, Idaho, United States; died on 28 Jul 1964 in Franklin, Franklin, Idaho, United States; was buried on 31 Jul 1964 in Franklin, Franklin, Idaho, United States.
    6. 3. Sarah Sophia Dunkley was born on 29 Jun 1878 in Franklin, Franklin, Idaho, United States; died on 1 Jun 1933 in Preston, Franklin, Idaho, United States; was buried on 4 Jun 1933 in Whitney Cemetery, Franklin, Idaho, United States.
    7. Kittie Watterson Dunkley was born on 1 Mar 1880 in Franklin, Franklin, Idaho, United States; died on 30 Oct 1947 in Logan, Cache, Utah, United States; was buried on 3 Nov 1947 in Whitney Cemetery, Franklin, Idaho, United States.
    8. William Job Dunkley was born on 1 Mar 1880 in Franklin, Franklin, Idaho, United States; died on 11 Mar 1963 in Boise, Ada, Idaho, United States; was buried on 15 Mar 1963 in Franklin, Franklin, Idaho, United States.
    9. Jane Theodora Dunkley was born on 26 Feb 1883 in Franklin, Franklin, Idaho, United States; died on 16 Nov 1883 in Franklin, Franklin, Idaho, United States.
    10. Loren Richard Dunkley was born on 6 Sep 1884 in Franklin, Franklin, Idaho, United States; was christened on 6 Nov 1884 in Franklin, Franklin, Idaho, United States; died on 2 Dec 1965 in Preston, Franklin, Idaho, United States; was buried on 6 Dec 1965 in Whitney Cemetery, Franklin, Idaho, United States.
    11. Son Dunkley was born in 1886 in Franklin, Franklin, Idaho, United States; died about 1886 in Franklin, Franklin, Idaho, United States; was buried about 1886 in Franklin, Franklin, Idaho, United States.
    12. Wilford Dunkley was born on 23 Aug 1888 in Franklin, Franklin, Idaho, United States; died on 23 Aug 1888 in Franklin, Franklin, Idaho, United States.
    13. Lester Leroy Dunkley was born on 29 Sep 1889 in Whitney, Franklin, Idaho, United States; was christened on 5 Dec 1889 in Whitney, Franklin, Idaho, United States; died on 25 Nov 1973 in Preston, Franklin, Idaho, United States; was buried on 28 Nov 1973 in Whitney Cemetery, Franklin, Idaho, United States.


Generation: 4

  1. 8.  Ezra Taft BensonEzra Taft Benson was born on 22 Feb 1811 in Mendon, Worcester, Massachusetts, United States (son of John Perry Benson and Chloe Taft); died on 3 Sep 1869 in Ogden, Weber, Utah, United States; was buried on 5 Sep 1869 in Logan, Cache, Utah, United States.

    Other Events and Attributes:

    • FamilySearch ID: KWJH-CWG
    • Initiatory (LDS): 15 Dec 1845, NAUVO
    • Census: 1860, Logan, Cache, Utah, United States

    Notes:

    SOURCE: Nauvoo Temple Endowment Register 1845-46

    SOURCE: Hearthrobs of the West. Carter, Kate Volume: 8 Page: 56 Volum e : 3 Page: 294 Guide to Mormon Diaries and Autobiographies. Bitton, Davi s

    SOURCE: Pioneers of 1847. Easton, Susan W.

    SOURCE: Rosters of Pioneers 1847

    SOURCE: Book of Patriarchal Blessings Index (Pat Bless) Volume: 4 Pag e : 2 36

    SOURCE: Mormon Manuscripts to 1846. Andrus, Hyrum. 1977

    SOURCE: Progressive Men of Bannock, Bear Lake...Counties, ID. 1904

    SOURCE: Nauvoo: Early Mormon...Series, 1839-1846. Platt, Lyman. 1980

    !Treasures of Pioneer History. Carter, Kate Volume: 3 Page: 485

    !Improvement Era Volume: 59 Page: 234

    SOURCE: The Revelations of Joseph Smith. Cook, Lyndon. 1981 Page: 300

    SOURCE: LDS Biographical Encyclopedia. Jenson, Andrew. 1951 Volume: 1 Pa g e:99-100 Volume: 4 Page: 339 Volume: 4 Page: 694

    SOURCE: Pioneers and Prominent Men of Utah. Esshom, Frank. 1913 Page: 750

    !Illinois, Nauvoo City Tax Lists 1841-44

    Pioneer
    Brigham Young Pioneer Company (1847) Approximate age at departure: 36
    The original pioneer company consisted of 142 men, 3 women, and 2 Childr e n, and 72 wagons when they left the outfitting post of Winter Quarters , N ebraska. They covered the 1031 miles of the trail in 111 days and arr ive d in the Salt Lake Valley 21-24 July 1847.

    Ezra T. Benson Company (1849) Age at departure: 38
    The company began its journey from the outfitting post at Kanesville, Io w a. They combined with the George A. Smith company as they traveled clo s e together crossing the plains.

    Orson Pratt/Ezra T. Benson/Ira Eldredge Company (1854) Age at departur e : 4 3
    Initially this company was the Orson Pratt/Horace S. Eldredge company. L a ter it became the Ezra T. Benson and Ira Eldredge Company. They left t h e Missouri River late in July.

    Company Unknown (1857) Age at departure: 46

    Orson Pratt/Ezra T. Benson Company (1858) Age at departure: 47
    A small group of returning missionaries and others from Californi a t o o k a steamer from San Francisco to Los Angeles, then traveled to S an B ernardino, from which place they quickly traveled overland to Utah.

    Ezra T. Benson was the first son of John and Chloe Taft Benson of Worces t er County, Massachusetts. His father was a farmer and a very industrio u s man - a quality which his son inherited - and Ezra T. lived at hom e h e l ping him on the farm until he was sixteen years old. Then, he we n t t o live with his sister, Abby Ann Benson and her husband, Calvin Raw so n, who we re keeping a hotel in the center of town of Uxbridge, Mass . H e remained working for them for three years. His grandfather, Easmo n Taft , was also a farmer, and while engaged in the field, he fell and d ied sud denly on the 29th of April 1829 at Uxbridge. At the age of ninete en his g randmother, Hannah Taft, requested him to take charge of the far m.

    Apostle, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, settler of Cac h e V a lley. Member of first Mormon pioneer company arriving in Salt La k e Valle y, July 24, 1847. He is also the great grandfather of Ezra Taf t B enson, thirteenth president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-d ay S aints.

    (son of John Benson and Chloe Taft of Mendon, Worcester county, Massachu s etts). Born February 22, 1811, at Mendon, Massachusetts. Came to Utah J ul y 24, 1847, captain second ten, Brigham Young first division, and on A ugu st 2 with Porter Rockwell, returned to meet the incoming immigrant t r ai n s with mail, and a special letter from President Young. Having per forme d their mission they returned and on the Big Sandy met the memorabl e expe dition east-bound for Winter Quarters, headed by President Young , an d re t urned east with the caravan. The following year, May 7, 1848 , with par t of his numerous family he joined the exodus for Utah that le ft Winter Q uarters practically uninhabited.

    Married: Pamelia Andrus January 1, 1832 (daughter of Jonathan Harvey A n drus and Lucina Parsons, married July 16, 1807). She was born October 2 1 , 1809, and came to Utah in 1848.

    Their children:

    Chloe Jane;
    Adin Parsons;
    Jonathan;
    Harvey;
    Charles Taft;
    Emma Parsons born February 28, 1842, married Bolivar Roberts;
    Isabella born March 9, 1846, married William Goodwin;
    Charlotte Taft born July 4, 1851, married W. S. Narcross.

    Married: Adeline Brooks Andrus April 27, 1844, Nauvoo, Illinois. (daug h ter of Jonathan Harvey Andrus and Lucina Parsons), who was born Marc h 1 8 , 1813, Windsor, Connecticut. Came to Utah October 2, 1847.

    Their children:

    George Taft born May 1, 1846, married Louisa Ballif December 20, 1 8 67;
    Florence Adeline born September 17, 1851, died December 24, 1 852;
    Frank born October 13, 1853, married Amanda Eliason.

    Married: Eliza Perry March 4, 1847, Council Bluffs, Iowa (daughter o f J ohn Perry and Grace Ann W. Williams, pioneers July, 1849). She was bo rn M arch 30, 1829, and came to Utah 1848 with husband.

    Their children:

    Alice Eliza born August 11, 1848, married James Goodwin December 2 0 , 1867;
    John Perry born September 24, 1849, married Evalina Hales 1870;
    Malina A. born September 27, 1851, married Frederick Goodwin 1874;
    Orion W. born October 4, 1853, married Harriet Williams October 1 6 , 1876;
    Carrie S. born May 22, 1860, married William J. J. Price 1890;
    Abbie Delia born October 16, 1862, married Hyrum Thatcher 1884;
    Grace A. born January 31, 1867, married John E. Price 1893.

    Married: Mary Knight (daughter of James Knight and Maria Wallace, pion e ers 1852, Edward Hunter company). She was born January 29, 1829, Worces te r, England.

    Their children:

    Louise, married Charles Bruce;
    Heber, died;
    Moroni born November 8, 1861;
    Lorenzo T. born August 3, 1863, married Margaret A. Morgan March 29 , 1 884;
    Joseph born July 13, 1865, married Sigrid L. Larson September 24, 189 0 ;
    Ida born April 16, 1867, married Edward Lewis December 30, 1889;
    Don Carlos born September 29, 1869, married Lillian Hurst April 26, 1 8 99.

    Married: Elizabeth Golliaher June 8, 1852, Salt Lake City (daught e r o f William C. Golliaher and Elizabeth Orton), who was born Decembe r 30 , 1831.

    Their children:

    Fred Golliaher born January 17, 1854, married Clara J. Rice;
    Brigham Young born December 17, 3858, married Margret Ann Adams;
    Luella born November 1860, married Harvey W. Curtis;
    William C. born November 1862, married Ida M. Mason;
    Hyrum Smith born May 3, 1864, married Nana Rice;
    Edith born April 22, 1867, married William B. Parkinson;
    Lizzie born July 9, 1869, married Evan R. Owen.

    Married: Mary Larsen September 3, 1866 (daughter of Magnus and Mary La r sen), who was born December 19, 1843.

    Their children:

    Walter born June 17, 1867;
    Henry T. born March 19, 1869, married Selma Lundberg October 4, 19 0 6.

    Families resided in Salt Lake City and Logan, Utah.

    Ordained member high council of the twelve apostles July 16, 1846; presi d ent Boston conference 1844-45; missionary in eastern states; missionar y t o England 1856, and presided over the British mission. In 1864 he, wi th A postle Lorenzo Snow, Elders Joseph F. Smith, William W. Cluff and Al ma L . Smith were sent on a special mission to the Sandwich Islands to se t i n order the affairs of the church, which they successfully accomplish ed , returning in 1865. Took active part in organization of provisional g ove rnment of Deseret; member house branch of legislature several sessio n s , 1 859-69. Contractor on Central Pacific. Preeminently connected wit h th e settlement of Cache valley. Died September 3, 1869, Ogden, Utah.

    Ezra married Adeline Brooks Andrus on 27 Apr 1844 in Nauvoo, Hancock, Illinois, United States. Adeline (daughter of Jonathan Harvey Andrus and Lucina Pearson) was born on 18 Mar 1813 in Northbridge, Worcester, Massachusetts, United States; died on 20 Apr 1898 in Logan, Cache, Utah, United States; was buried in Logan City Cemetery, Cache, Utah, United States. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]


  2. 9.  Adeline Brooks AndrusAdeline Brooks Andrus was born on 18 Mar 1813 in Northbridge, Worcester, Massachusetts, United States (daughter of Jonathan Harvey Andrus and Lucina Pearson); died on 20 Apr 1898 in Logan, Cache, Utah, United States; was buried in Logan City Cemetery, Cache, Utah, United States.

    Other Events and Attributes:

    • FamilySearch ID: KWJH-CWR
    • Initiatory (LDS): 23 Dec 1845, NAUVO
    • Census: 1860, Logan, Cache, Utah, United States

    Notes:

    Nauvoo Temple Endowment Register 1845-46

    Adeline Brooks came to Utah 2 October 1847 in the Charles C. Rich pione e r company. She was 34 at departure.

    In an account by Drusilla Hendricks during great hardship, she says th a t Adeline Brooks saved her own rations for the Hendricks family an d t h e n brought these rations to the Hendricks family saying, "Here, ha ve s omething good."

    Our Pioneer Heritage. Carter, Kate. 1958 Volume: 20 Page: 267



    Adeline was only a fraction over five feet tall, and really no match phy s ically, but with the spiritual strength with which these hardy pioneer s w ere blessed. She was always neat and clean. She wore a black dress wi t h a clean white collar on it and her hair was brushed and arranged nice ly . Adeline lived the last seventeen years with her son, Frank Andrus Be nso n and his family.

    Children:
    1. 4. George Taft Benson was born on 1 May 1846 in Garden Grove, Decatur, Iowa, United States; died on 16 May 1919 in Logan, Cache, Utah, United States; was buried on 20 May 1919 in Logan City Cemetery, Cache, Utah, United States.
    2. Florence Adeline Benson was born on 17 Sep 1851 in Salt Lake City, Salt Lake, Utah, United States; died on 25 Dec 1852 in Salt Lake City, Salt Lake, Utah, United States.
    3. Nellie Benson was born on 30 Nov 1851 in Logan, Cache, Utah, United States; died on 24 Jan 1885 in Logan, Cache, Utah, United States; was buried on 26 Jan 1885 in Logan, Cache, Utah, United States.
    4. Frank Andrus Benson was born on 16 Oct 1853 in Salt Lake City, Salt Lake, Utah, United States; died on 5 May 1937 in Logan, Cache, Utah, United States; was buried on 8 May 1937 in Logan, Cache, Utah, United States.
    5. Samuel Benson was born in 1853 in Cache, Utah, United States.

  3. 10.  Serge Louis Ballif was born on 17 Apr 1821 in Perroy, Nyon, Vaud, Suisse; was christened on 28 Jun 1821 in Perroy, Nyon, Vaud, Suisse (son of Jean Francois Frederic Ballif and Henriette Louise Clermonde Begue); died on 25 Apr 1901 in Logan, Cache, Utah, United States; was buried on 30 Apr 1901 in Logan City Cemetery, Cache, Utah, United States.

    Other Events and Attributes:

    • FamilySearch ID: KWNB-FT5
    • Initiatory (LDS): 10 Feb 1858, EHOUS
    • Census: 1860, Logan, Cache, Utah, United States

    Notes:

    Pioneer
    Robert L. Campbell Company (1854)
    Age at departure: 33
    397 individuals were in the company when it began its journey from t h e o u tfitting post at Westport, Missouri.


    History of Serge Louis Ballif

    Serge Louis Ballif was born on April 17, 1821 in Perroy, Vaud, Switzerla n d the son of Jean Francois Frederic Ballif and Henriette Louise Clermon d e Susanne Alexandrine Begue. The Ballif family was an upperclass wealt h y and influential Vaudois family, especially with their legacy as Prote st ant preachers in the Lausanne Cathedral. Jean Francois Frederic wa s a ca ptain in the Swiss Army and served in Russia under the duc de Rich elieu . Serge’s mother died when he was only fourteen years old, and hi s fathe r shortly after Serge’s first marriage. As a youth Serge was ref ined an d well educated in both Switzerland and Russia. He became fluen t in Fren ch, German, Italian, and Russian and could read Latin, Greek an d Hebrew . Serge became a well respected Protestant minister at the Laus anne Cath ederal.

    While working in Russia in 1849, Serge met and married a Swiss travele r , Elise Marie LeCoultre. When Elise was about to give birth to their f ir st child, they hired a governess to help. Her name was Henriette Jean net te Vuffray. She was a hard working, devoted, and loving woman who wo ul d later become Serge’s second wife. Henriette was born on May 7, 183 4 i n Morges, Switzerland the daughter of Marc Jean Francois Vuffray an d Susa nne Marie Porchet.

    In the fall of 1851 the missionary Thomas B. H. Stenhouse came to Lausan n e from Geneva where he had received a cold welcome. That same year th e L ausanne city council passed a law forbidding Mormons to hold public m eeti ngs. In 1852 after secret meetings held in the basement of the Laus ann e Cathedral, Serge was converted by Brother Stenhouse to the truthful nes s of Christ’s restored church. Serge left his family legacy of the P rote stant faith behind and was baptized a member of the LDS church in La ke Ge neva in 1852. His conversion shook the entire city of Lausanne bec ause o f his high position, and the newspaper dedicated a full page to th e proce edings of his excommunication.

    The large home which Serge had aquired by his grandfather, the Protesta n t Reverend Jean Francois Louis Ballif had earlier been a meeting plac e fo r their religious get togethers and now was used as a meeting plac e for t he small group of Mormons in Lausanne. The home is still standin g and i s located around the corner from the Cathedral and across the str eet fro m the Academy, the forerunner of the present-day University of La usanne . Serge took in Brother Stenhouses wife and children as he preache d a s a missionary, housed the local missionaries on the third floor, fin ance d the printing of Mormon literature in French, and paid for the publ icati on ‘Le Reflecteur’ which spread the message of Mormonism in French -Switz erland. Soon after his conversion, Serge left Lausanne in 1853 t o serv e a mission in Basel and Neuchatel, Switzerland and baptized thre e famili es. The missionaries in Switzerland came across much oppostitio n, and ma ny were beaten and stoned by the locals .

    Serge was so absolutely devoted to the truthfulness of the church tha t h e was willing to give up all his resources and his status for the ne w fai th. In 1854 Serge took his wife, three children and their governes s Henr iette along with other converts, to America to join the Saints i n Utah . It was a sad journey as his daughter died and was buried at sea . Notw ithstanding the hardships, they arrived in New Orleans in May o f 1854. T hey reached Salt Lake after a difficult journey on October 28 , 1854.

    Upon arriving in the Valley, Serge settled on some land near Big Cottonw o od Canyon where he could look up at the mountains and remember Switzerl an d. On February 8, 1857 Serge married Henriette as his second wife. T oge ther they had ten children between 1858 and 1878, four of whom died y oung . Serge joined the bretheren to defend Utah when Johnston’s Army t hreat ened to invade. After the incident was over, he took his familie s and se ttled in Logan, Utah which was green, lush and rugged and remind ed the fa mily of Switzerland. In Logan Serge took up the trade of farmi ng. In 18 60 he was called on a mission to his home land of Switzerland . When he l eft he only had thirty- eight cents in his pocket and signe d as a crewma n on a Europe bound vessel from New York. Upon his retur n he was in char ge of a company of emigrating Saints to Utah. In 1862 S erge served as le ader of the German speaking Saints in Logan .

    In 1872 Serge’s wife Elise died leaving Henriette to raise her survivi n g seven children along with her own totaling thirteen children, with ma n y of the children overlapping in age. Henriette was a woman of stron g co nstitution and provided the physical strength and loving devotion t o rais e and nurture a large family. In 1879 Serge was called to return t o Switz erland as President of the Swiss-German mission. During this mis sion o n a trip to Berlin, he was jailed as a result of his missionary ac tivites . He returned to Logan leading another company of Saints in 188 1 and liv ed the remainder of his years there, but always continued to ha ve a kee n interest in the events taking place in Switzerland. Serge co ntinued t o preside over the German group in Logan and also was a preside nt of hi s quorum of seventy. He passed away on April 25, 1901 and was b uried i n the Logan Cemetery.

    Serge was remembered by his grandchildren as a refined gentleman who w a s kind and understanding of children. One of his grandchildren throug h h is wife Elise was the LDS Prophet Ezra Taft Benson. Serge always spo ke F rench with his children, and even sat one grandson up on a kitchen t able , putting pebbles in his mouth and patiently teaching him how to mak e th e proper sounds in order to speak French. At some point Henriette e ithe r moved to or was visiting in Preston, Idaho where she died on Octob er 16 , 1924, surviving Serge twenty-three years. Henriette was buried b y Serg e in the Logan Cemetery.




    "The Ballif home in Lausanne, Switzerland. Missionaries moved into th e t hird floor of this home, being spared much hardship by the kindness o f th e Ballifs." Copied from the August Ensign 1982 page 42 & 43.
    In the same Ensign article it says "Serge Louis Ballif and his wife, Eli s e.[refering to photos which are already in the photos memories]. A wea lt hy man, Brother Ballif gave of his money freely to support the mission ari es and publish tracts and newsletters. He served as a local missiona ry , baptized several families, and then emigrated to America. He late r ret urned to Switzerland as a missionary in 1860, and as a mission pres iden t from 1879 to 1881. His son, Serge Frederick, served as presiden t of th e Swiss and German Mission from 1905 to 1909, and from 1921 to 19 23."

    Serge married Elise Marie LeCoultre on 27 Apr 1849 in Lausanne, Vaud, Suisse. Elise (daughter of Noe David Benedict LeCoultre and Jeanne Marianne Moinat) was born on 24 Nov 1824 in Lausanne, Vaud, Suisse; died on 13 May 1872 in Logan, Cache, Utah, United States; was buried in Logan City Cemetery, Cache, Utah, United States. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]


  4. 11.  Elise Marie LeCoultre was born on 24 Nov 1824 in Lausanne, Vaud, Suisse (daughter of Noe David Benedict LeCoultre and Jeanne Marianne Moinat); died on 13 May 1872 in Logan, Cache, Utah, United States; was buried in Logan City Cemetery, Cache, Utah, United States.

    Other Events and Attributes:

    • FamilySearch ID: LKVY-KS5
    • Initiatory (LDS): 10 Feb 1858
    • Census: 1860, Logan, Cache, Utah, United States

    Children:
    1. 5. Louisa Alexandrine Ballif was born on 25 Feb 1850 in Lausanne, Vaud, Suisse; died on 7 Feb 1922 in Logan, Cache, Utah, United States; was buried on 9 Feb 1922 in Logan City Cemetery, Cache, Utah, United States.
    2. Marie Jeanne Ballif was born on 6 Jan 1852 in Lausanne, Vaud, Suisse; died on 29 May 1926 in Salt Lake City, Salt Lake, Utah, United States; was buried on 1 Jun 1926 in Logan City Cemetery, Cache, Utah, United States.
    3. Helen Ballif was born on 8 Apr 1853 in Lausanne, Vaud, Suisse; died in May 1854 in At Sea.
    4. Kathinka Caroline Ballif was born on 23 Sep 1855 in Murray, Salt Lake, Utah, United States; died on 25 Nov 1937 in Logan, Cache, Utah, United States; was buried on 28 Nov 1937 in Logan, Cache, Utah, United States.
    5. Rachel Elizabeth Ballif was born on 2 Jan 1857 in Murray, Salt Lake, Utah, United States; died on 27 Jan 1941 in Salt Lake City, Salt Lake, Utah, United States; was buried on 29 Jan 1941 in Salt Lake City Cemetery, Salt Lake, Utah, United States.
    6. Sergine Cecile Ballif was born on 19 Apr 1858 in Murray, Salt Lake, Utah, United States; died in Nov 1859.
    7. Serge Frederick Ballif was born on 21 Sep 1859 in Ogden, Weber, Utah, United States; died on 17 Nov 1942 in Oakland, Alameda, California, United States; was buried on 24 Nov 1942 in Logan City Cemetery, Cache, Utah, United States.
    8. John Lyman Ballif was born on 23 Dec 1863 in Logan, Cache, Utah, United States; died on 6 Dec 1941 in Logan, Cache, Utah, United States; was buried on 8 Dec 1941 in Logan, Cache, Utah, United States.
    9. Jennie Charlotte Ballif was born on 24 Jan 1868 in Logan, Cache, Utah, United States; died on 17 Aug 1946 in Ogden, Weber, Utah, United States; was buried on 20 Aug 1946 in Ogden, Weber, Utah, United States.