PIONEER HISTORY OF

James Joseph Meikle ( 1839 – 1924) & 1st wife Harriet L. Peacock and 2nd wife Lavina Noble Aiken

NOTE: Wives histories, prior to marriage, are in separate history files

Harriet Louisa Peacock Meikle (1836 – 1915) & Lavina Noble Aiken Meikle (1839 – 1900)

Files of: Erma P. Gordon Anderson (additions by Joe Anderson: A great grandson)

James Joseph Meikle

Born: 6 Jul 1839, Hamilton, Lanarkshire, Scotland

Baptized: 6 Jul 1848

Death: 3 May 1924, Smithfield, Cache, Utah

LDS Emigration

23 March 1856 DEPARTED: Liverpool, England,

aboard ship “Enoch Train”.

30 April 1856 ARRIVED: Boston, Massachusetts; 2 May 1856

DEPART: Boston, Massachusetts, via train

Mid May 1856 ARRIVED: Iowa City, Iowa

11 June, 1856 DEPART: Iowa City, Iowa,

with 2nd Handcart Company

26 Sept. 1856 ARRIVDE: Salt Lake City, Utah,

Passengers aboard Ship “Encoh Train” and with Daniel D. McArthur 2nd Handcart Company

MEIKLE, Margaret <1799> 57 Glasgow, Scotland, Widow (mother)

MEIKLE, William <1826> 30 Glasgow, Scotland, Weaver (step-son)

MEIKLE, Isabella <1837> 19 Glasgow, Scotland, Spinster (daughter)

MEIKLE, James <1839> 17 Glasgow, Scotland, Carpenter (son)

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Married:

1st Wife: Harriet Louisa Peacock on 3 Jan 1864, at Smithfield, Cache Co., Utah

Born: 10 Nov 1836 at Watford, Hertfordshire, England

Died: 25 Mar 1915 Smithfield, Cache, Utah

LDS Emigration: Harriet Louisa Peacock

4 Jun 1863: Port of Departure: London, England

aboard the ship “Amazon”

18 Jul 1863, Port of Arrival: New York, New York

21 July 1863. Departed New York

31 July 1863 Arrived Florence, Nebraska

6 to 14 Aug. 1863 Departed Florence, Nebraska

3 to 15 Oct 1863 Arrived Salt Lake City, Utah

Married:

2nd

Wife: Lavina Noble Aiken on 17 Oct 1872 in Salt Lake City, Utah

Born: 13 Mar 1839 Irchester, Northampton, England

Died: 25 Nov 1900 Smithfield, Cache, Utah

LDS Emigration: Lavina Noble

11 May 1860: Port of Departure:Liverpool, England

aboard the ship “William Tapscott”

16 Jun 1860: Port of Arrival: New York, New York

23 July 1860: Departure Florence, Nebraska

3 October 1860: Arrival in Salt Lake Valley

Lavinia’s first husband was Benjamin Burke Aiken. They were married 6 Nov 1861 and later divorced

HISTORY OF James Joseph Meikle

From the files of: Erma P. Gordon Anderson (additions by Joe Anderson)

James Joseph Meikle was born: 5 Jul 1839 at Hamilton, Lanarkshire, Scotland. He was the youngest of

three children of William Meikle and Margaret Jessie Jackson. His father William Meikle (b: 19 July

1798) at Hamilton, Scotland, and mother Margaret Jessie Jackson (b: 19 Jul 1798), at Cumberslang,

Scotland and they were married 22 Jun 1834.

William, James father, had been married before, to Marian Cochran, and had had a family of five

children: Elizabeth, William, Clifford, Jane and Gilbert.

His first wife died during 1833 and by banns* posted June 15 and June 22, 1834, he married Margaret J.

Jackson.

William Meikle and Margaret J. Jackson Meikle, had three children:

Robert, born 15 April 1835 at Hamilton, Lanarkshire, Scotland

Isabella, born 6 April 1837 at Hamilton, Lanarkshire, Scotland

James Joseph, born 5 July 1839 at Hamilton, Lanarkshire, Scotland

James father, William, worked in the knitting mills in Glasgow, and the family moved to Glasgow.

(Hamilton is a suburb of Glasgow)

The family had joined the LDS Church and was considering the “Come to Zion” call of President

Brigham Young. However, father, William Meikle died 22 June 1853 and was buried at Parkhead

Cemetery on Gallow Gate Road, Lanankshire, Scotland; before it was possible for them to emigrate.

James Joseph’s brother, Robert, was the first to emigrate and departed home in 1854

[Meikle, Robert, 1854, NA, Old England, Ship roster on microfilm(s) 200177 25690] http://mormonmigration.lib.byu.edu/Search/showDetails/db:MM_MII/t:voyage/id:308/keywords:meikle

Vessel Rig Registry Tons Master No. LDS

Pass.

Depart.

Port

Depart.

Date

Arrival

Port

Arrival

Date

Passage

Days Comp

Old

England Ship U.S. 917

J.

Barstow 45 Liv. 3-5-54 N.O. 4-26-54 52

J.

Angus

During 1855-56 Margaret Jessie Jackson

Meikle (age 58) along with her step son William

(age 32), daughter Isabella (age 19) and son

James Joseph (age 17); decided to emigrate,

with others, to Salt Lake City, Utah.

They made their way from Glasgow, Scotland

to Liverpool, England. (a distance of about 210

mile)

There, along with 500+ other LDS members,

they began their journey to Utah. This group

became the 1st and 2nd Handcart Company’s.

“Enoch Train” http://mormonmigration.lib.byu.edu/Search/showDetails/db:MM_MII/t:voyage/id:133/keywords:1853

LDS Emigration

23 March 1856 DEPARTE: Liverpool, England, aboard ship “Enoch Train”.

30 April 1856 ARRIVE: Boston, Massachusetts;

2 May 1856 DEPART: Boston, Massachusetts, via train

Mid May 1856 ARRIVED: Iowa City, Iowa

11 June, 1856 DEPART: Iowa City, Iowa, with 2nd Handcart Company

26 Sept. 1856 ARRIVDE: Salt Lake City, Utah,

Passengers aboard Encoh Train and members of Daniel D. McArthur 2nd Handcart Company Include:

MEIKLE, Margaret <1799> 57 Glasgow, Scotland Widow

MEIKLE, William <1826> 30 Glasgow, Scotland Weaver (step-son)

MEIKLE, Isabella <1837> 19 Glasgow, Scotland Spinster (daughter)

MEIKLE, James <1839> 17 Glasgow, Scotland Carpenter (son)

SEE History for his mother, Margaret Jessie Jackson Meikle, for more info about journey from Scotland

to Utah : Margaret Jesse Jackson (1798 – 18870 and William Meikle (1798 – 1853)

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B_eJKktq8nX_Sk9UV21wY1c0Mm8/edit?usp=sharing

Grandpa (James Jos. Meikle) said they were rationed to a pint of flour per day. He and his Mother and ½

Brother William and Sister, Isabella, were in the Company. They arrived and made it through the

mountains before the bad weather came that caused the Martin Handcart Company so much trouble

On Friday 26 Sept 1856: The first two companies of immigrating Saints, which crossed the plains with

handcarts, arrived at Salt Lake City, in charge of Captain Edmund Ellsworth and Daniel D. McArthur.

They were met and welcomed by the First Presidency of the church, a small Brass Band, and a company

of Lancers, and a large concourse of citizens. Captain Ellsworth's Company had left Iowa City June 9th

and McArthur’s June 11th. When they started the Companies included 497 souls, with 100 handcarts, 5

wagons, 24 Oxen, 4 Mules, and 25 tents.

My Grandfather (James Joseph Meikle) and his ½ brother, William, pulled the handcart all the way

across the plains. Grandfather (James J.) was 17 and his brother William 30 years of age. Often they

would get their mother (Margaret J. Jackson Meikle) and sometimes their sister (Isabella Meikle) to sit

on the handcart for a while and let them pull them

ARRIVE IN SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH Friday 26 Sept 1856

Robert, James J. brother, had arrived in Salt Lake City, Utah during 1854 and had since been working

for the William Jennings Hide Tanning Company, managed by John R. Winder. Robert worked hard

and was highly respected as an employee, learned the business thoroughly. It is assumed that both Robert

and James J. worked at the tannery between 1857 and 1860.

1859

Smithfield, Utah was settled by Latter-day Saints in 1859, about

the same time that the city of Logan was founded. The first

settlers were Seth Langton and Robert and John Thornley.

Others followed and the saints who settled on Summit Creek,

the original name for Smithfield, were organized as a Branch of

the Church in 1859, with John G. Smith (in whose honor the

settlement was named) as Presiding Elder. A town site was

surveyed in 1860. I can't find out exactly when Grandpa (James

Jos. Meikle) went to Smithfield, but he was among the first few.

It was probably either late 1859 or early 1860.

By the end of 1859 Cache Valley contained six small

settlements, Wellsville, Providence, Mendon, Logan, Smithfield,

and Richmond. The total population of about one hundred fifty

families. These small towns scattered over twenty miles, were

too sparsely populated to have resisted an Indian attack if they had chosen to go on the war path.

Fortunately no conflict took place that year. These Pioneers of Cache Valley held possession of the

country only to share it the following year when more settlers came to the region. Smithfield grew from

thirteen families in 1859 to sixty eight in 1860

At first the people in Smithfield lived in wagons, dugouts or houses failing to follow Brigham Young's

advice to build in fort lines. However, the loss of two lives in July of 1860, because of conflict with the

Indians, brought a change and the people built their homes for style, similar to the other towns in the

valley, building 68 houses on both sides of Summit Creek with the houses side by side forming a square

and the corrals on the outside. They lived this way until 1864.

NORTHERN UTAH 1860

James Joseph Meikle and his brother, Robert, and their mother, Margaret Jessie Jackson Meilke, went to

Cache County with the first group of people sent to colonize the area. A Brother Peter Maughan was the

leader of the Company. They helped build the fort and prepared to fight the Indians..

Robert’s biography from Smithfied Hist. Soc.In 1860 Robert Meikle, his mother and James came to

Smithfield and built a home on 176 West, First North Street, Smithfield, Utah (that location became the

permanent home of Robert Meikle and his mother. His brother James lived at 193 West First North

Street., Smithfield, Utah.

Robert and James procured some farm land and began a side line in the tanning business, but seeing the

possibilities of such a business, they moved zealously into it; soon supplying large quantities of good

leather for Cache Valley, and later, quantities to send to Ogden and Brigham City shoe makers, harness

makers and saddlers, in the Ogden area.

1860 Tannery

During 1860 ames Joseph Meikle and his brother Robert Meikle owned and operated a tannery which

they operated for many years. They operated the tannery and took up several parcels of land in the

farming areas west and north of Smithfield. James only took up about half of the land allowed each one

and some of the land he chose was very poor soil and in a very poor area, which showed that he knew

little about farming. James lived in Smithfield the rest of his life.

1860 Census

The United States census enumerator, gathering statistics for the census year of 1860, found in Cache

Valley (5 small towns) 527 Dwellings with 510 Families-making a total population of 2,605 persons in the

valley. Of these 1,655 were native born, including 833 born in the Utah territory. Of the other natives

Americans 159 were born in Illinois, 111 Born in New York, 90 in Iowa, 67 in Missouri, 53 on Ohio, 41 in

Pennsylvania, 25 in Kentucky, and 24 in Indiana, with smaller numbers from other states. Of the foreign

born population 450 came from England, 149 from Scotland, 100 from Denmark, 97 from Wales, 29 from

bland ?, 22 from the Isle of Man, 19 from Switzerland, 11 from Norway, 9 from the Isle of Jersey, 9 from

Sweden, 8 from Italy, 6 from Germany, smaller numbers from other countries.

Of the ones listing their occupations they were 328 farmers, 144 labors, 28 servants, 11 farm labors, 5

shoe makers, 3 tanners (the three tanners included James and Robert Meikle). 3 carpenters, 2

blacksmiths, 2 millers, 2 mill wrights, 1 machinsts, 1 butcher, 1 plaster, 1 chair maker, 1 distiller, 1

herder, 1 cooper, and 1 cabinet maker. The men out numbered the women 1,312 to 1, 293.

A news clipping of some years later described the tanning operation thus: “It was a two story building 25

by 62' that contained two lime and 12 tan vats, two soak pools, bait, boiler, leach, sink, and a 14 inch

turbine wheel running machinery for pumping and grinding bark, with 30 cords of bark used yearly and

200 sides, calf, kip and hides valued a $6,000”. Tanners were important as they had to make leather for

both harnesses and shoes

1860 Minute Men

Though the pioneers found Cache Valley "swarming with Indians" no overwhelming dangers confronted

them. This was because Peter Maughan followed wise council of Brigham Young and because the Cache

Valley pioneers dealt wisely and justly with the red men. The Mormon President regarded the Indians as

"children of God" descendants from the tribe of Israel. He exercised great caution in dealing with the

indians, holding conferences with them, and making gifts to them. To President Orson Hyde and the

bishops in Sanpete and Sevier, he wrote in 1865 that "it is cheaper to feed the Indians than to fight

them." In, spite of this beneficent policy, serious Indian wars, occurred in many parts of Utah. Cache

Valley was more fortunate because of the wisdom and justice of Peter Maughan, who followed his

leader’s advice in dealing with the Indians and because of the alertness of the Pioneers and the fine work

of the minute men. Though the Indians of Cache Valley resented the invasion of their hunting grounds by

the pioneers, they did not unite to oppose the intruders. When they did approach the settlements with

possible warlike intent, they found the settlers prepared to defend themselves and found the minute men

armed and ready.

Many of the Indians were friends with the white man and manifested their good will in many ways.

Others stole horses and cattle in retaliation for the occupation of their lands, while a few Indians

attempted to destroy the Pioneers. This division of opinion and purpose on the part of the Indians

prevented an Indian War of major proportions and made it possible for the settlers to live in the area so

long as they were constantly alert to the possible Indian attacks. The pioneers guarded their fort style

settlements constantly whenever the Indians menaced them. They formed military forces for protection.

Undoubtedly this pioneer alertness saved serious loss of life. James Jos. Meikle was one of these minute

men and fought in some of the Indian troubles around Franklin. In one of the accounts of Smithfield

History tells: “On June 14 1860 a Cache Valley Militia was organized every man supplied him self with

his own arms and ammunition. Smithfield as well as the other towns had its portion of Minute Men, each

man took his turn. Whenever danger threatened a settlement, men would hastily mount their horses and

ride to help those needing it. Their were about 50 men under the command of Thomas Ricks. In January

1893 they fought a decisive battle of Bear River.”

1860

On April 29 1860 the people of Logan organized a company of Minute Men with the best horses and men

in the place to be ready at a minute’s warning if necessary. Thomas Ricks was chosen captain. In, June

the settlers of the Valley enlarged the Military organization. Choosing Ezra T. Benson colonel of the

Cache Valley Militia and Thomas E Ricks major in command of a body of mounted men known as the

Minute Men. They were organized into companies each consisting of five "tens". Each "tens" consisting

of a second Lieutenant, Sergeant, nine Privates and a Teamster, for hauling the baggage and provisions

of the ten.

The first serious clash with the Indians occurred at Smithfield, July 23, 1860.The indians sought to free

one of their number who had been captured for stealing horses, and was detained under guard in one of

the houses. As he tried to escape, one of the guards shot him and a conflict ensued. John Reed and Ira

Merrill fell before the Indian attack and two red men also lost their lives. Logan averted an Indian attack

and the next day because of the vigilance of the Minute Men. In the winter of 1863, the Indians stole a

little Thurston girl near Mendon. She was never recovered.

1860-62

During the Winter of 1860-61, there were sixty eight houses built in the Fort Line, among the Families,

Robert and James Meikle and their families lived on the north side, they occupied the fort during 1861-63

Wholesome entertainment was a need and they organized a dramatic company, organized by Robert L.

Fishburn (Lavina Noble Aiken Meikle’s brother-in law) in the fall of 1862. Some interesting plays were

presented, among which were, Rent Day, Ben Bolt, and Rough Diamond. Among the actors were James

Meikle, Thomas Smith (who is Emily Ellen Peacock’s husband), Calvin Cragun, and etc.

1863

Between 4 Jun 1863 and 3 to 15 Oct 1863, Harriet Louisa Peacock was in the process of emigrating to

SLC. Utah and on to Smithfield, Cache Co., Utah.

SEE Harriet Louisa Peacock History.

The affair at Franklin was one of the last serious encounters with the Indians, though they remained

troublesome for years to come. In fact, the power of the Indians was largely broken in 1863 when Colonel

Conner and 400 U.S. troops from Fort Douglas fought a battle at the junction of Battle Creek and Bear

River, some 12 miles north of Franklin, and killed 368 Indians including 90 women and children. Though

the settlers sorrowed that some peaceful Indians and women and children had been killed, they rejoiced

in the victory because it broke the spirit and power of the Indians, and enabled the settlers to occupy new

and choice locations hither to unsafe." This victory in 1863 gave the settlers the opportunity to leave their

crowed quarters in 1864 and move out upon their city lots and farm lands. Though the settlers were alert

during these years of Indian difficulty, they lost many horses and cattle. Voluntarily they gave much flour

and many head of cattle to the Indians to keep the peace.

1864

On September 14, 1864 the settlers of Franklin narrowly escaped disaster. Some hundreds of Indians

camping north of town, procured liquor from two of the settlers, and became menacing. A drunken

Indian tried to ride his horse over a white woman. To save her life one of the settlers shot the Indian and

then escaped. The Red Men then seized one of the white men, Robert Hull, and threatened to kill him

unless the offending settler was given to the Indians as compensation for the wounds suffered by the

drunken red skin. While Bishop Hatch pleaded with the Indians not to kill the captive, messengers rode

that night to the other towns for assistance.

The next morning 300 Minute Men arrive from Logan and other places under the command of Major

Thomas Ricks, accompanied by Bishop Peter Maughan. The white hostage was released as Peter

Maughan held a conference with Chief Washakie. The Indian chief told the Mormon leader that the

whiskey sold by two Franklin settlers caused the trouble. Peter Maughan agreed to give the Indians two

yoke of oxen. His wisdom dealing with the Indians justly, illustrates how effective the great pioneer leader

proved to be in preventing serious outbreaks. When he died, many Indians attended his funeral and

sorrowed at the passing of their friend. One of the Indians said "Our father has gone and he never had

two tongues". Grandpa (James Josrph Meikle) was one of these Minute Men at Franklin.

1864

"The Utah Legislature passed an act creating the city of Smithfield in January, 1864, and George Barber

became the 1st Mayor, and James Joseph Meikle, Chief of Police with six assistants. These officers served

without compensation, serving to better their fellowmen in their community for a term of 10 years."

1864

James J. Meikle MARRIED Harriet L. Peacock on 3 Jan 1864 in Smithfied, Cache Co., Utah

On 14 Jan 1865 and they were Sealed in the Endowment House in Salt Lake City, Utah

James Joseph & Harriet’s eight (8) children are:

1- James Jackson Meikle- Born 24 Sept 1864, Married 23 Feb 1888 to Marinda Tidwel,

Died 28 Sep 1929

2- Thomas William Meikle- Born 8 July 1866, Died 27 Oct 1867

3- Robert Gilbert Meikle- Born 5 June 1868, Married 1894 to Annie Sophia Mack,

Died 2 Oct 1939

4- Alfred William Meikle-Born 30 Jan 1870, Married 23 Feb 1893 to Amelia Allen,

Died 21 June 1911.

5- Isabell Merrion Meikle-Born 22 Jan 1872, Married 29 Dec 1898 to Foster J. Gordon,

Died 11 Sep 1939

6- Samuel-Born 20 Mar 1874, Died 29 Dec 1874

7- Joseph Arthur Meikle- Born 10 Jan 1877, Married 10 May 1899 to Temperance Allen,

Died 1 Feb 1960

8- Harriette Louisa Meikle-Born 28 Jun 1879, Married 27 Feb 1901 to Samuel A Gordon ,

Died 8 Mar 1943 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1868

Elections were held May 20 1868 for the purpose of electing municipal officers, James Joseph Meikle, as

Police Capitan..

1869

Fortified by grants of power, the cities organized their governments. Smithfield, in 1869, passed

ordinances to prohibit disturbing the peace, fast riding in the streets and around public meetings and

scuffling with the Indians. Ordinances to preserve the public peace were passed as were ordinances to

provide poll tax labor on the city streets, acts to open streets, construct sidewalks, build bridges, permit

ferries to be privately operated within city limits. Numerous acts fixing crimes and punishments and

ordinances preventing operation of immoral establishments were enacted in the various cities. Licenses

were issued to do all kinds of business under council regulations.

1870

During the elections of 1870, Samuel Roskelly was elected Mayor. Robert Meikle (Born: 1836) was

elected councilman. James Joseph Meikle ( Born: 1839) was elected Chief of Police and also one of the

fence viewers.

NOTE: Uncle James Jackson Meikle, (Born: 1864, son of James J. Meikle) held the office of Mayor from

1905-1909 also he served as councilman for many years

1871

The Maximum number of acres might be secured for such town was determined by the number of

inhabitations in each locality. Thus the federal government prepared the way for the pioneers of Cache

Valley to secure legal title to their lots. Smithfield secured its land in 1871 and disposed of it to the actual

possessors at one dollar and fifty cents an acre for each lot, and their farm land at one dollar and fifty

cents per acre. The settlers living within the precincts obtained their town site land from the probate

judge.

1872

James Meikle took a second wife. On 17 Oct 1872 MARRIED Lavinia Noble (Aiken) in Salt Lake City,

Utah. Lavinia was born 23 Mar 1839 in Hartford, England

She was a daughter of William Goodwin Noble and Mary Ann Harper, Pioneers in 1862.

Between 11 May 1860 and 3 Oct 1860 Lavina Noble was in the process of immigrating to SLC. Utah and

on to Smithfield, Cache Co., Utah. Refer to her biography – SEE Lavina Noble Aiken History

James & Lavinia’s six(6) children are:

1- Lavina Priscilla Meikle- Born 25 Sept 1873 Married 30 Oct 1898 to James Kirby,

Died 31 May 1942

2- Katy Violett Meikle- Born 16 Aug 1875, Married 15 June 1904 to Wickliff Ewing,

Died 3 Aug 1968

3- Margaret Jessey Meikle- Born 17 Jan 1877, Died 4 May 1877

4- Zilpha Meikle- Born 3 June 1879 Married 12 Jan 1899 to Lindsay Lightfoot,

Died 28 May 1963

5- Mamie Rebecca Meikle- Born 7 April 1882 Married 5 Jun 1902 to Carl Neilson, Died

6- Birdie Meikle- Born 11 Sept 1884 Married 11 Sep 1902 to Frank Covey, Died 13 May 1902

Polygamy.

Considerable political difficulties occurred between Mormons, local non-Mormon citizens and the

Federal government over the issue of polygamy. Federal legislation against the Mormons began in 1862

with the passage of the Anti-Bigamy Act. The law was poorly written and its enforcement almost

impossible. The Mormon institution was not, however, threatened until the 1880's, although other federal

legislation struck at Mormon political rights in Utah Territory.

1875 Robert’s biography from Smithfied Hist. Soc.

Robert and James Joseph Meikle formed a company and in 1875 enlarged the dipping vat capacity, so as

to increase bark and lime capacity; increased the water heating capacity by installing a larger water

boiler, installed a new fourteen inch turbin wheel stirring bark and lime; bark use increased to fifteen

cords daily. Output of leather 3000 sides, valued at $6000 highest monthly output. Robert Meikle

retained the position of manager of Meikle Brothers Tannery Company until his death Sept. 1, 1890.

1882

The Edmunds Act of March 22, 1882, more exactly defined polygamy, set fines and punishments and de-

franchised and declared ineligible for public office practicing polygamists of both sexes. To enforce the

latter provision there was set up the Utah Commission, a body of five men, bipartisan and presidentially

appointed. It was hoped by the lawmakers the denial of political power to the polygamist element in

Mormon society would so weaken the political and social position of the group that polygamy would be

abandoned. The Commission administered election laws and became the dominant administrative force

in Utah politics from 1882 to 1896. But the work of disfranchising polygamists only solidified Mormon

political unity.

In 1882 prosecutions began and increased intensity. In 1885 all the polygamous Mormons were trying to

avoid being arrested they were sent away on missions and a special hiding place was made in their homes,

Grandpa (James Joseph Meikle) was on the underground, for quite a while until grandma (Harriet L.

Peacock Meikle) finally lost her patience and said she was not going to fool with it any longer. Grandpa

then evidently, did not hide any more but I don't think he was ever arrested.

1882-83 Mission

James Joseph Meikle [grandfather] was a missionary to England and Scotland 1882-1883. He was in

Scotland on his mission the same time as President David O. McKay. He was president of Birmingham

Conference, in England

He left both families to get along while he was gone. He went first to Glasgow where on 25 June, 1882. He

became President of the Hetherwell Branch. President David McKay was President of the Glasgow

Conference. On 3 May, 1883, he was appointed to the Birmingham Conference in Britain as President of

the Conference, which position he held until his release. He returned home on the ship, Wisconsin, 27

October 1883.

While he was in Glasgow he looked up some of his half brothers and sisters and visited with them and

their families. There is no report of whether any of them ever joined the Church, but they were very

happy to see James and to hear of their stepmother and the other members of James' family.

1884

James daughter (Isabella M Meikle Gordon) has told us of how her father (James Joseph Meikle) used to

hide from the sheriff when he came looking for him for being a polygamist. Finally, one day, his wife,

Harriet refused to hide him anymore and told the sheriff where they could find him. They caught

Grandfather (James J Meikle) and after he agreed to appear in court in Ogden, Utah, on the day

appointed, let him stay out of prison. My mother (Isabella M. Meikle) and one of her brothers and two of

the girls from the other family had to come to Ogden to be witnesses at his trial. They had a great outing

and were paid $3.00 a day for the two days they had to be here in Ogden. Grandfather was given the

ultimatum to choose one of his wives and live with her. However, he was not put in jail nor did they do

anything to him. He chose to live with my grandmother, Harriet L. Peacock, his first wife, but he took

care of his other wife (Lavina Noble Aiken Meikle) and family and provided for them. He also saw them

often

1886

In 1886 the crusading Marshal, Fred T. Dubois, was elected delegate to congress from the Utah Idaho

Territory. The position of the Idaho anti-Mormons was fully consolidated. The Utah Commission,

influential in launching the judicial crusade, now encouraged Congress to adopt sterner measures against

the Mormons. Dubois was there to help. Congress complied with the Edmunds-Tucker Act of March,

1887.

The Edmunds-Tucker Act abolished woman suffrage, the Perpetual Emigration Fund Company and the

Nauvoo Legion, dissolved the Church as a corporation, cheated the larger holdings of Church property,

established a test-oath for voters which practically excluded Mormons from voting, suspended territorial

school laws and constituted polygamy a continuous offense under the title of "Unlawful Cohabitation".

To the Church and the Saints, the execution of this law became a most severe trial.

1889: Margaret Jessie Jackson Meilke, James Joseph and Robert’s mother, died 22 Feb 1889 at

Smithfield, Cache, Utah

President Wilford Woodruff, acting to save the Church through the Manifesto, relieved Church members

of further obligation to sustain the principle and declared his intention to abide by the law of the land

and publicly advised all Latter-day Saints to do likewise.

The Manifesto, published in the Deseret News on September 25, 1890, and in the Logan Journal two days

later, was approved as the position of the Church by the General Conference October 6, 1890. At Stake

Conference in the Valley and in the press, the Manifesto was discussed and supported by the people.

Territorial Supreme Court Judge, Charles A. Zane, accepted the statement as final, although other

officials, for the most part, continued to wrangle.

1893

Amnesty for the Mormons came by Presidential proclamation, January 4, 1893, upon petition of the

Mormons (December 1, 1891) and recommendation of the Utah Commission (September 1892). The Saints

exalted in the era of peace that now dawned on them.

1900

James Joseph Meilkie’s wife, Lavinia Noble, died 25 November, 1900

SMITHFIELD, CACHE CO. UTAH

James Joseph Meikle wife Harriet Louisa Peacock Meikle and their children

BACK ROW: Alfred William, Harriet Louisa, Joseph Arthur, Isabella Marion

FRONT ROW: James Jackson, Harriet Louisa Peacock, James Joseph Meikle, Robert Gilbert

1914

We celebrated Grandma (Harriet L. Peacock Meikle) and Grandpa’s (James Joseph Meikle) golden

wedding anniversary in 1914. We celebrated it on New Years Day so more of the family could be there.

The real wedding day was Jan 3 1864. 1915

James Joseph Meikle was ordained a Patriarch in the Benson Stake of Zion 17 January, 1915 by Apostle

A. W. Ivans, assisted by Patriarch Hyrum G. Smith. This position he held until his death in 1924.

Grandma (Harriet L. Peacock Meikle) had a green thumb and always had beautiful flowers around her

house, she loved flowers. She didn't like to set and read and so did very little of it, but grandpa (James Joseph

Meikle) loved to read and did a lot of it. He had quite a number of books, some small with very small print,

and little old fashioned binding that you see on so many of the early books.

1915

Grandma's health was more precarious for a long time than I as a child could realize. I know she slept in

the north room so she could get plenty of fresh air to sleep. She couldn't stand to be any place where it

was the least bit stuffy. She left London, England because of the climate, and her lungs, she was advised

to get out if she wanted to live. She didn't have TB so it was probably a tendency toward asthma,

although I can't remember hearing her wheeze.1t seemed as long as she had plenty of fresh air she was

alright. She had a determined nature and quite small, she seemed not to be ill much of the time, and also

seemed to get along fine in the Smithfield climate. She died of pneumonia, but she was only ill a couple of

days before. She probably was not feeling to well for some time. She seemed to be making arrangements

about her things. She had a big cupboard full of beautiful dishes. I had given her a cup and saucer for her

birthday one year and when I was there one day she returned it to me, so that someone else would not get

it, when she was gone. It seems it was some time before she died, so she must have not been feeling too

spry.

1915

James Joseph Meilke’s wife Harriet L. Peacock Meikle died 15 Mar 1915

1919

James Joseph Meikle: At his 80th birthday celebration it was stated that he was the father of 13 children,

67 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren.

The Smithfield Sentinel, a weekly town newspaper, carried this new item the week of 5 July, 1919: "One

of the leading social events of the past week was the James Meikle Family Reunion held in the First Ward

Meeting House basement on Saturday evening, July 5th in honor of the eightieth birthday of James

Meikle. It was noted for being one of the most social entertainments and enjoyed by all who were

present".

He [Grandpa James Joseph Meikle] always attended conference as far back as I can remember, and he

new personally most of the General Authorities very well. He seemed to know B.H.Roberts very well. He

spoke of him often and had most of his books, One time I borrowed one of his books and took it home to

read, when I finished it I returned it to Grandpa. It is almost too bad that I didn't keep it at the time and

just return it if he needed it, but I didn't think to do this.

I believe that grandpa knew that he was getting near the end of his time, as it approached he gave me the

things that I have mentioned, and told me that he wanted me to have them. He also told me to keep his

record book, as I was doing all the writing in it. and when he died to turn it in to the Church Historian

Office. I did darning the summer before I went east in 1924.

James Joseph Meikle died 3 May 1924 at Smithfield, Utah.

He was buried in Smithfield.

He was almost 85 years old and, at his death, he still had coal black wavy hair.

He died in May of 1924 and when I (Edith M. Gordon Rosengren) went to Salt Lake City that summer, I

took the record book down and turned it in to the Church Historian.

SUMMARY

Emigrated to Utah in 1856 (Aboard Enoch Train and member of 2nd

Handcart Co.)

Member of Lieut. General James Ferguson's detachment of Mormon Battalion;

Minute Man in Cache Valley under Major Thomas E. Ricks

He was a member of the Pony Express and among the first riders from Salt Lake City to Skull Valley

James Joseph Meikle was a missionary to England and Scotland 1882-1883

He was in Scotland on his mission the same time as President McKay.

He was president of Birmingham Conference, in England.

Chairman of the Old Folks Committee of Benson Stake

President High Priests' Quorum of Smithfield , Utah

Ordained, 8 Apr 1922, as Patriarch of the Church of Jesus Christ of LDS in Cache Valley.

Member of the University Land Board for two years

Commissioner of Cache County 4 Years

Mayor of Smithfield from 1905-1909.

Captain of Police, 14 Years

Water Commissioner for seven years,

He would drive his horse and buggy from Smithfield to Logan, about seven miles, nearly every day to do

Temple work in the last years of his life.

He was a great lover of homes and he had a beautiful home with large pine trees around it.

He gave me (Foster LeRoy Gordon) my Patriarchal Blessing on 8 April 1922, in South Jordan, Utah.

I was 14 years old.

As his granddaughter (Beth Gordon Lawrence) I remember him as a very fine man who had a lot of

interesting stories to tell.

Granddaughter, Edith M. Gordon Rosengren, recalled “We loved to sit on his knee and listen to him tell

of his experiences with the Indians and of his trip across the plains.”

“Patriarch Meikle, Cache Valley Pioneer is Dead," Deseret News, 6 May 1924, 7.

I have not been able to get a good copy of this article, obituary -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

JAMES MEIKLE

PASSES ON TO

HIS REWARD

James Meikle, Parriarch, pioneer

and worthy citizen of Smithfield, died

at his home from ailments incident

to old age on Saturday, May 3, 1924.

at 10:45 p.m. at the age of nearly

85 years.

He was the son of William and Margaret

Jackson Meikle, born at Edinburgh,

Scotland, July 5, 1839. He

embraced the L.D.S. doctrine in his

native land at the age of nine. His

father died soon after. He emigrated

to Utah in the year 1856 in connection

with his mother. His brother Robert

came the year before. He crossed

the plains in the John McCarthy

company, and landed in Salt Lake in

the fall of 1856. James and Robert

Meikle, worked in the “Jennings Tannery,

at Salt Lake City until they

came to Smithfield in the spring of

1860. Here they built a tannery and

engaged in this business as well as

farming for a number of years. In

a church capacity he was patriarch

for about ten years prior to his death.

He was presiding teacher in the High

Priest Quorum for many years, as

well as many other positions in the

ward. He also held many political positions

among them being Chief of

Police, which position he held for ten

years in the early history of Smithfield.

He was also a City Councilman

For four years. In the County he was

??water board ?? commissioner, elected

by the Republican party and held

the office for four years. He also

served as land commissioner for

about six years. During pioneer days

he took a prominent part in the build

ing up of Smithfield, and was active

in the Indian war service. At the time

of his death, he was the vice com

mander of the Indian War Veterans.

He is the father of a large and

respected family. He married his first

wife, Harriet L. Peacock, January 3, 1864,

from which marriage are the

following children: James J. Meikle,

of Smithfield; William, who died in infancy;

R.G. Meikle of Cache, Idaho;

Alfred W., who died in infancy;

Isabelle M. Gordon, of Smithfield;

Joseph A. Meikle of Smithfield, and

Mrs. Harriett L. Gordon of Cornish,

Utah. By his second wife, Lovinia

Noble, were born the following daughters;

Mrs Lovinia Kirby of Lincoln,

Idaho; Mrs. Kate Ewing, Smithfield;

Mrs. Zilphia Lightfoot, Seattle,

Wash., Mrs. Mamie Nilson of Smithfield,

Mrs. Birdie Coved of Oxnard,

California.

Funeral services will be held in the

First Ward Chapel tomorrow after-

noon, May 7, at 2 p.m.

JIM MEIKLE’S CHAIR

While there is a chair left vacant

in the home with passing of

James Meikle, there is another which

is a reminder of his presence. It is

located in the office of the Smithfield

Sentinel. For years, yes many years

this chair has been occupied practically

every day by Mr. Meikle. The

ctizens of Smithfield long since termed

it, “Jim Meikle’s Chair”. Mr.

Meikle was a great reader and would

daily come to this office, and in the

winter time, pull his chair up to the

Stove and scan the many papers

which we received from other cities.

With Mr. Meikle in his chair, we

have held many interesting conversations

with him, upon many subjects,

but being young in years ourself we

always had much enjoyment – in

listening to his pioneer experiences, and

Mr. Meikle was at all times ready to

talk on this subject. He possessed a

wonderful memory and was always

exacting in mentioning dates and

places.

But Mr. Meikle has not occupied

this chair much during the past winter,

owing to his ill health, and the

chair will be occupied by many others,

but it will long linger in our memory

as “Jim Meikle’s Chair”.

http://files.usgwarchives.org/ut/cache/bios/meikle-james.txt

Extracted from: UTAH SINCE STATEHOOD HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL

ILLUSTRATED VOLUME IV CHICAGO-SALT LAKE: THE S. J. CLARKE PUBLISHING

COMPANY 1920

submitted by Joy Fisher (sdgenweb@yahoo.com)

***********************************************************************

Copyright. All rights reserved: http://www.usgwarchives.org/copyright.htm

http://www.usgwarchives.org/ut/utfiles.htm

***********************************************************************

JAMES MEIKLE: is a retired rancher living at Smithfield, Cache Co, Utah

He was born in Glasgow, Scotland, July 5, 1839, a son of William and Margaret (Jackson) Meikle. The

father died in Scotland and the mother came with her family to Utah in 1856, settling at Salt Lake City.

She made the trip across the plains with the first handcart Companies (2nd

) during 1856 and for four

years remained a resident of Salt Lake City, after which she removed to Smith-field (1860), being among

the first residents in this section. Here James Meikle and his brother established the first tannery and

continued in that business until 1889, when the brother, Robert, passed away. James Meikle then turned

his attention to farming and carefully developed his fields as the years passed. He remained active in

agricultural pursuits until a recent date, when he retired from business and his sons now conduct the

farm.

On the 3d of January, 1864, Mr. Meikle was married to Miss Harriet Louise Peacock, a daughter of

William and Phillis (Hyam) Peacock, who were natives of Herefordshire, England, and came to Utah in

1863, settling at Smithfield. Mr. and Mrs. Meikle became the parents of nine children, seven of whom are

yet living. Mr. Meikle's second wife was Lavina Noble, a daughter of William and Mary Ann Noble, and

they had six children, five of whom survive.

In 1882 Mr. Meikle went to Scotland on a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

and remained abroad for two years, spending one year in Birmingham, England, having charge of the

conference. He has been actively identified with Utah for a period of sixty-three years and has therefore

been a witness of practically the entire growth and development of the State. He has contributed much to

the improvement of Smithfield and has been called upon to fill a number of public offices.

He served for fourteen years as chief of police of Smithfield and for two terms was a member of the city

council. He is an Indian war veteran, having participated in the Indian troubles in northern Utah and

southern Idaho and he is vice commander of the Indian War Veterans of Cache County at the present

time. He has been prominently identified with the building of canals and roads and with various other

public activities which have been of great benefit to the community and to the state at large. Mr. Meikle

has now reached the advanced age of eighty years, having come as a youth of seventeen to Utah, and

through the intervening period he has continuously remained a resident of this State save when filling a

mission in Great Britain.

https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/MNSJ-K6B 1880 United States Census

Rella- Marital Birth- Father’s Mother’s

Name tion Status Gender Race Age place Occupation Birthplace Birthplace ----------------- --------- ------ --------- ----- ---- ---------- -------------- ----------- ------------ James MEIKLE Self M Male W 45 SCOT Farms SCOT SCOT Harriet MEIKLE Wife M Female W 45 ENG Keep House ENG ENG James MEIKLE Son S Male W 15 UT Wk-Farm SCOT ENG Robert G. MEIKLE Son S Male W 13 UT Wk-Farm SCOT ENG Alfred W. MEIKLE Son S Male W 11 UT SCOT ENG

Isabella MEIKLE Dau S Female W 8 UT SCOT ENG Joseph MEIKLE Son S Male W 3 UT SCOT ENG Harriet MEIKLE Dau S Female W 11Mo UT SCOT ENG

Source Information: Census Place: Smithfield, Cache, Utah

Family History Library Film: 1255336

NA Film Number: T9-1336

Page Number: 205B

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/MMRJ-GFP

1900 James Meikle, "United States Census" Name:James MeikleTitles and Terms:Sr.Event Place:ED 84 Smithfield Precinct Smithfield City, Cache,

Utah, United StatesBirth Date:Jul 1837Birthplace:ScotlandRelationship to Head of Household:HeadFather's

Birthplace:ScotlandMother's Birthplace:ScotlandRace:WhiteGender:MaleMarital Status:MarriedYears

Married:38Marriage Year (Estimated):1862Immigration Year:1850

Household Gender Age Birthplace

Head James Meikle M 63 Scotland

Wife Addie Meikle F 64 England

Daughter Hattie Meikle F 21 Utah

Son Joseph Meikle M 22 Utah

Daughter-in-law Tempe Meikle F 23 Utah

Granddaughter Margaret Meikle F 0 Utah

Page:4Sheet Letter:BFamily Number:75Reference ID:72GS Film number:1241682Digital Folder

Number:004115257Image Number:00698

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/XMB9-7ZC

1910 James Meikel, "United States Census" name:James Meikel birthplace:Scotland relationship to head of household:Self

residence:Smithfield, Cache, Utah marital status:Married race :White gender:Male

immigration year:1856

father's birthplace:Scotland mother's birthplace:Scotland

Household Gender Age Birthplace

Self James Meikel M 70y Scotland

Wife Harriet Meikel F 72y England

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/M8P8-NX3

1920 "United States Census" James Joseph Meikle living with son Joseph A. Meikle

====================================================================

Your tombstone stands neglected and alone.

The name and date are chiseled out on polished, marbled stone.

It reaches out to all who care. It is too late to mourn.

You did not know that I exist. You died and I was born.

Yet each of us are cells of you in flesh, in blood, in bone.

Our heart contracts and beats a pulse entirely not our own.

Dear Ancestor, the place you filled so many years ago.

Spreads out among the ones you left who would have loved you so.

I wonder as you lived and loved, I wonder if you knew

That someday I would find this spot and come to visit you.

Author Unknown

Find A Grave

http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=18099173

James Joseph Meikle Burial: Smithfield City Cemetery , Smithfield, Cache County, Utah, USA, Plot: A_161_4

Find A Grave

Harriet Louisa Peacock Meikle Memorial# 180010 http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=180010

Find A Grave

LaVina Noble Aiken Meikle (1839 – 1900) http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=18098903

http://images.archives.utah.gov/cdm/compoundobject/collection/2217/id/8135/rec/1

AFFIDAVIT CONCERNING SERVICE IN INDIAN WARS

Series 2217

Agency Commissioner of Indian War Records

Caption James Meikle

Title Indian War affidavits

Source Container Box 2 Folder 17

Source Relation Series 2217 | Commissioner of Indian War Records | Indian War affidavits | James Meikle

Date-Original 1907; 1908; 1909

Date-Digital 2007 Type Text Format Image/jpeg

Conversion Specifications Digitized by Genealogical Society of Utah; Redlake Digital Camera TIFF 96 PPI

8 bit Indexed color into JPEG using Adobe Photoshop CS2.

Language eng

Rights Management Digital Image 2007 Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Used by agreement by

the Utah State Archives which is the custodian of the original records from the Commissioner of Indian War

Records.

Holding.Institution Utah State Archives

Finding Aid http://archives.utah.gov/research/inventories/2217.html

Directory MEIKLE-JAMES

Abstract Legislation in 1909 created a Board of Commissioners of Indian War Records to ascertain

the names of the persons who were members of any organization performing military duties during Indian wars

against the Indians during territorial years.

Subject Indians of North America--Utah--Wars - Veterans--Utah Military pensions--Utah

NOTE:

Town Marshal: http://www.smithfieldcity.org/index.php?module=ibcms&fxn=police.officers

This photo incorrectly identifies Robert Meikle and James

Joseph Meikle. The photo has been included in some family

biographies. James Joseph Meikle was a town Marshal about

1870, but this IS NOT a photo of Meikle brothers.

PHOTO FROM 1915

At this site, James J. Meikle is listed as a Marshal. He is about #14 in the list.

History

The Smithfield City Police Department has been in operation since 2001. However, before that

Smithfield has had a long legacy of men serving in law enforcement. In 1868, Thomas G. Winn was

elected as the first marshal of Smithfield. From then until 1971 Smithfield law enforcement was handled

by a marshal and a night watchman. The following are the most complete lists of the men who have

served as the Smithfield Marshal and as the Night Watchmen that is available.

Marshalls Include: James J. Meikle