Life Story of JOHN WESLEY WITT

By: Terry Robinson

 Early Years: John Wesley Witt was born on 10 Feb. 1829 in McLeansboro, Hamilton Co., Illinois. His parents were Robert Nahum Witt and Dorcas Willis, who had joined the ‘Mormon Church’ soon after it was organized in 1830. John was the second of five children in the family, with the two youngest brothers dying in infancy. His father, Robert, passed away in 1835 when John was only six years old.

Early Church Leadership Association: John Wesley was baptized and confirmed a member of the

L.D.S. Church at Far West, Caldwell Co., Missouri, in 1837, when he was eight, by Alex Williams. Two years later, he and his mother moved to Quincy, Adams Co., Illinois. Sometime during this same year, his mother married Elisha Averett, and in 1840, the family moved to Nauvoo, Hancock Co., Illinois. Even though he was a young boy at the time, he had the opportunity to labor on the construction of the Nauvoo Temple. This allowed him to become acquainted with most of the Church leaders at the time, including being intimately acquainted with the Prophet Joseph Smith and his brother,

Hyrum – John had lived with Hyrum’s family for several years. He felt privileged to have viewed the bodies of these two brothers after their martyrdom in Carthage Jail in 1844. John’s mother, Dorcas, died while living in Nauvoo in 1843 and is buried in the Old Nauvoo Burial Grounds on Parley Street, Nauvoo, Hancock Co., Illinois. Like the rest of the Saints, John was driven out of Nauvoo in 1846 and worked on river steamers up and down the Mississippi River for the next four years.

Immigration to the Great Salt Lake Valley: On 21 June 1850, at the age of 21, John joined the William Snow/Joseph Young Wagon Company to travel to the Great Basin in the Utah Territory. The company arrived between the 1^st and 4^th of October of that year.

1^st Marriage: Five months later, on the 27^th of March, 1851, John married his first wife, Lovina Bigelow, “about 16 miles north of Salt Lake City,” which would be assumed to have been near Farmington, Davis Co., Utah Territory. They were later sealed on 27 July 1861 in the Salt Lake Endowment House.

Lovina was the daughter of Nahum Bigelow and Mary Gibbs. She was born on 24 March 1834 in Coles County, Illinois, where the family lived in a hewed log cabin. The Bigelow family was converted to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints after three missionaries, Elders Coombs, Dibbins, and

Comett, visited in the fall of 1836 or 1837. The family moved to Nauvoo in the fall of 1843. Because of the mob persecution, they were forced to leave and eventually made their way to the Salt Lake Valley. They joined the William Snow Oxen Team Company for the almost 2,000-mile journey, arriving on 6 October 1850. Shortly after, they settled in Farmington, David Co., Utah Territory. She married John Witt on 27 March 1851 in Farmington at the home of John Bair. She and her new husband each possessed a single chest comprising all their possessions.

During the diphtheria epidemic, when entire families were lost, Lovina was one of the few people who were willing to go into the homes to comfort and assist the bereaved in their preparations for burial. She suffered many years with crippling arthritis but never complained, simply commenting that “it could be worse.” Lovina passed away on 5 November 1900 of pneumonia at home. It was her request to hold funeral services at her home and not remove her body until it was time to be taken to the cemetery. She was buried in the Heber City Cemetery following those services.

Transplanting to Heber Valley: Soon after being married, John and Lovina moved to Provo, Utah Co., Utah, where John claimed to have built the first adobe house in that city. Then, in the spring of 1859, the family, which consisted of five children – the youngest being a tiny infant, made their way from Provo City to what was then called ‘Provo Valley.’ This trek was challenging, with almost impassible trails following the winding Provo River. The snow completely hid the faint trail in some places, making it extremely dangerous. At one point, the wagon, with all its contents, tipped over into the river’s swirling waters. Working quickly, Lovina’s brother, Daniel Bigelow, helped lift the wagon box off the family and snatched up the 13-day-old infant as it began floating downstream. The group salvaged what they could, but everything was lost except a black oven, a sack of flour, and one chest of clothing. But, even after such a harrowing experience, their spirits were undaunted, and they courageously continued their journey. They finally arrived in the “Provo Valley” on the 29^th of April, 1859, where they once again made their home from a rough dugout. Later, they would build a cabin with the other settlers in the Heber Fort for protection from wild animals and Indians. The fort contained a meeting place in the center for church, school, and other entertainment purposes. Nineteen families celebrated that Christmas of 1859 in the soon-to-be-called Heber Valley.

During the early Heber settlement, Indian trouble was a constant worry. By the spring of 1866, nearly every able-bodied man in the county was engaged in active military service. John was one of the first men to be appointed to active duty. He was commissioned a Major in the Wasatch County Militia due

to his ability to direct operations and lead men. Under his direction, cavalrymen were assigned to scout the mountains for signs of hostile Indians, primarily due to the raids and uprisings of the Black Hawk War.

When Wasatch County was officially organized on 22 Feb. 1862, John W. Witt was appointed Probate Judge by the Territorial Legislature. He then appointed three more men, known as the County Court.

He held this position for 26 years, from 1862 until the 1^st of June 1888. John was vital to the new

settlement and the county’s political, municipal, and business affairs. He owned the first store in Heber City and operated the first post office. He was also very active in ecclesiastical work, where the entire Heber Valley was initially organized into one L.D.S. Ward. This took place in 1861, at which time John was called as a counselor to Bishop Joseph S. Murdock.

John’s brother-in-law, Daniel Bigelow, married President Brigham Young’s daughter, Rhoda Mabel Young. This meant that whenever President Young or other church authorities came to the Heber Valley, they would be entertained at the home of John and Lovina Witt. He remained faithful to the gospel and was a high councilman when he passed away.

Second Marriage: On the 1^st of November 1869, John married a second (plural) wife, Martha Jane Taylor, in Heber City, Utah. Martha Jane was born on 13 April 1852 in Alchamoore, Lancashire, England. She was the daughter of James Taylor and Alice Walker. Missionaries Orson Pratt and Orson Hyde brought news of the restoration of the Church of Jesus Christ to the family. Martha’s mother, Alice, accepted the gospel and was soon baptized, but her father fought against it for a long time. But he experienced a personal struggle with the devil and changed his mind. He joined the Church and was faithful from that time forward.

As was the case for many English converts, the Taylor family also desired to join the Saints in Zion (Utah). When Martha was six, the family left England and sailed to New York City. They remained in Philadelphia with other family members for two years until moving to St. Louis. In the Spring of 1861, they started west but were directed to go to Heber Valley straight away. She married John W. Witt on 1 November 1869 in the Old Endowment House in Salt Lake City by Daniel H. Wells. After about five years of living with John and his first wife, she and John divorced. She moved to her mother’s old home and then to other locations. She depended on her labors for a livelihood until her sons were able to be of

assistance to her. Martha Jane Taylor Witt died on 14 January 1940 in Heber City, Utah, and was buried in the Heber City Cemetery.

In 1973, a descendant, Marvin M. Witt, wrote that John presumably elected to marry his second wife, Martha Jane Taylor, because of his desire to follow the counsel of church leaders. However, his first wife, Lovina, and her family disapproved of this second marriage. Government authorities then decreed on 6 October 1890 that all men married to multiple wives must cease the practice of polygamy or suffer a penalty, of which there were three alternatives offered: Move to Mexico where polygamy was allowed; Serve a year in jail, which was the customary sentence; Or divorce all but one of the wives. Most men could not move to Mexico or simply refused to divorce their wives. Many, including church leaders, elected to serve a jail term, often reduced to less than a year. John Witt, however, elected to accept the third option and divorced Martha, which was a tough decision for that family, whether right or wrong.

A certificate, dated 5 July 1900 at Heber City, was found wherein John and Martha agreed and signed to “Dissolve all the relations which have hitherto existed between us as Husband and Wife and to keep ourselves Separate and Apart from each other from this time forth.” Even so, John was a great man and left a wonderful heritage of integrity, capability, and service to all his descendants.

Census Data: In the 1850 U.S. Census of Salt Lake City, Salt Lake Co., Utah Territory, John was listed as head of household at the age of 22. It also shows that he was born in the State of Illinois. John is listed with his wife, Lovina, who was born in Illinois at the age of 17. Lastly, the only other person shown with the family is a newborn son, DeWitt Clinton Witt, who is one month old and born in

‘Deseret.’

The 1860 U.S. Census for “Provo Valley,” the precursor name of Wasatch County, lists John W. Witt, age 30, a stone mason by profession with real estate valued at $200 and personal estate valued at $350. His wife’s name is written as Linora, age 26, and born in Illinois. There are also five children, all born in the Utah Territory: Lucy (8), John W. (6), Robert N. (4), Anna V. (2), and Nancy (1).

The 1870 U.S. Census of Heber City, Wasatch County, Utah Territory, lists John as “William Witt,” and many of his family members are shown with incorrect or anonymous names. This was assumed to be intentional to prevent John from being identified or located as someone with multiple spouses. John is also listed in this 1870 census with $6,100 in real estate and $1,400 in personal property – a considerable

amount for the time period. His second wife of seven months, Jane, is listed at the bottom of the record

as a family member with the last name ‘Witt’ and is shown as “keeping house.”

In the 1880 U.S. Census of Heber City, Wasatch County, Utah Territory, there are two separate pages containing John’s family. On page 19 of the census is shown John as the head of household at the age of 50 with his wife, Lovina, 46, and their nine children: John W. Jr. (26), Susan M. (19), Daniel B. (16), Sarah E. (14), Milton M. (12), Alfonzo M. (10), Franklin L. (8), Dorcase (sic) M. (5), and Jesse M. (2).

Additionally, Mary Bigelow, presumed to be Lovina’s mother, is enumerated with this family. Then listed on page 20 is his second wife, Martha Witt, and the three young children living with her: Joseph

1. (7), John E. (5), and James T. (2).

In the 1900 U.S. Census of Heber City, Wasatch County, Utah, two separate pages once again contain

John’s family. On sheet 11, John W. Witt is listed as the head of household at 71, and his wife Lovina is

67. Only two children remain at home with them: John W., Jr. (46) and Milton Musser (32). Then, on sheet 14, Martha J. Witt is found as head of the house at the age of 48, and two sons live with her: James
68. (22) and Alma (7).

Personal Portrayal: John was about 5 feet 10 inches tall, had a light complexion, and averaged about 195 pounds in size. He had a jolly demeanor, full of life and energy. He had only had seven weeks of formal schooling, but his mother taught him all she could about reading, spelling, and writing. He enjoyed those studies and loved reading very much. He also loved music, and in the later years, he bought a little French accordion about sixteen inches long, ten inches thick, and seven inches wide. It was jet-black with nicely polished white pearl keys and a clean tone. In the long summer evenings, he would often sit on his porch and play and sing songs such as “Away Down South in Dixie” and “Down by the Green Bushes My Mary Met Me.”

During his life, large amounts of snow would commonly fall in the Heber Valley, becoming so deep that one could only see the tops of fences. John loved sleigh-riding with sleigh bells that he would attach to his fine horses. He had also purchased two or three beautiful buffalo robes from the Indians that he used for riding in his horse-drawn sleigh. After living in Fort Heber, John acquired approximately 1,500 acres of land in Lake Creek Canyon. He built a small reservoir on this land, and below it, he built a water-powered sawmill.

Passing Away: John Wesley Witt passed away on 30 June 1907 in Heber, Utah, Wasatch County, Utah. The death certificate indicates that he was a widow and a farmer. The cause of death was a cardiac circumstance, with general debility given as a contributory condition, of which he was afflicted from 20 April to 30 June of 1907. The informant providing the information for the death record was listed as

D.B. Witt of Heber City, who is presumed to be his son, Daniel Brigham. John Wesley Witt was buried in the Heber City Cemetery, Heber City, Wasatch Co., Utah, on the 2nd of July 1907, next to his first wife, Lovina Bigelow Witt.

The children of Lovina Bigelow and John Witt:

1. DeWitt Clinton Witt was born approximately in the first half of 1850 in Provo, Utah Co., Utah. His mother was 17, and his father was 22 years of age at the time of his birth. He was listed in the 1850 S. Census for the Utah Territory at the age of 1 month, though no date can be found to indicate which month the census was enumerated. It is also presumed that he died at an early age, as no other data can be found of him.

2. Lucy Lovina Witt was born on 4 February 1852 in Provo, Utah Co., Utah Territory. Her mother was 18, and her father was 23 years of age at the time of her birth. She married Alphonzo Pierce McMullin on 12 May 1872 in Heber City, Wasatch Co., Utah Territory. Together, they had at least seven daughters and two Lucy died on 12 February 1927 in Raymond, Alberta, Canada, at the age of 75. She is buried in the Temple Hill Cemetery of that city.

3. John Wesley Witt, Jr. was born on 17 December 1853 in Provo, Utah Co., Utah Territory. His mother was 19, and his father was 24 years of age at the time of his The 1900 U.S. Census for Heber City lists John, Jr. as single at 46 and living with his parents. It is presumed he never married. He died on 14 August 1924 in Heber City at the age of 71 and was buried in the Heber City Cemetery.
4. Robert Naham Witt was born on 9 December 1855 in Provo, Utah Co., Utah Territory. His mother was 21, and his father was 26 years of age at the time of his birth. He married Annie Elizabeth McNaughton on 10 December 1877 in Heber City, Utah, and they did not have any children prior to Robert’s passing that same year. He died near the time of their marriage in Heber City and is assumed to have been buried there as well.

5. Anna Eudora Witt was born on 24 January 1858 in Provo, Utah , Utah Territory. Her mother was 24, and her father was 29 years of age at the time of her birth. Anna died at the young age of 4 years old in Heber City, Utah, and is presumed to have been buried in the city cemetery.

She is two years old in the 1860 U.S. Census for ‘Provo Valley’ (the precursor to being named Wasatch County).

6. Nancy Louisa Witt was born on 13 April 1859 in Provo, Utah Co., Utah Territory. Her mother was 25, and her father was 30 years of age at the time of her birth. Nancy was the infant child described in the ‘Transplanting to Heber Valley’ section who fell into the Provo River when the wagon she was riding in tipped over. Luckily, her uncle, Daniel Bigelow, Lovina’s brother, rescued her as she was swept However, she only lived fourteen months when she passed away on 16 June 1860 in Heber City, Wasatch Co., Utah Territory. She is presumed to have been buried in the Heber City Cemetery.

7. Mary Susanna Witt was born on 16 May 1861 in Heber City, Wasatch , Utah Territory. Her mother was 27, and her father was 32 years of age at the time of her birth. She married Heber John Giles on 2 December 1880 in Salt Lake City, Utah. Together, they had at least three girls and two boys. Mary died on 8 September 1950 in Heber City, Utah, at the age of 79. She was buried in the Heber City Cemetery.
8. Daniel Brigham Witt was born on 15 August 1863 in Heber City, Wasatch Co., Utah Territory. His mother was 29, and his father was 34 years of age at the time of his birth. Daniel became a Doctor of Dentistry and established his practice in Heber City, Utah. He married Rhoda Mabel Young – daughter of Brigham Young, on 25 July 1887 in Heber City, Utah Territory. They had one child, a son, together. They divorced approximately four years later. Daniel then married a second wife, Susanna Palmer Goodwin, on 22 March 1897 in Heber City, Utah. They also had one child, a son, together. Daniel died on 15 January 1951 in Provo, Utah Co., Utah, at the age of 88. He was buried in the Heber City Cemetery.

9. Sarah Elizabeth Witt was born on 28 September 1865 in Heber City, Wasatch Co., Utah Territory. Her mother was 31, and his father was 36 years of age at the time of his birth. She married John Watson on 15 August 1890 in Heber City, Utah Territory, and together they had at least two daughters and two sons. Sarah died on 26 August 1937 in Salt Lake City, Utah, at the age of 72. She was buried in the Heber City Cemetery.

10. Milton Musser Witt was born on 30 December 1867 in Heber City, Wasatch , Utah Territory. His mother was 33, and his father was 38 years of age at the time of his birth. He married Elizabeth Baird on 23 December, 1902 in Heber City, Utah, and together they had at least three daughters and two sons. Milton died on 7 March 1945 in Salt Lake City, Utah, at the age of 78. He was buried in the Salt Lake City Cemetery.
11. Alphanzo Moroni Witt was born on 17 January 1870 in Heber City, Wasatch Co., Utah His mother was 36, and his father was 41 years of age at the time of his birth. He died at the early age of seventeen years and never married. Alphonzo died on 15 February 1887 (location unknown) and was buried in the Heber City Cemetery.

12. Franklin Leo Witt was born on 15 February 1872 in Heber City, Wasatch Co., Utah Territory. His mother was 38, and his father was 43 years of age at the time of his birth. He married Maude Agnes Waddell on 2 June 1898 in Heber City, Utah, and together they had at least three daughters and three Franklin died on 26 February 1957 in Heber City, Utah, at the age of
13. He was buried in the Heber City Cemetery.

13. Dorcus Marion Witt was born on 4 June 1875 in Heber City, Wasatch , Utah Territory. Her mother was 41, and her father was 46 years of age at the time of her birth. She married James Campbell on 26 November 1896 in Heber City, Utah, and together, they had at least two daughters and three sons. Docus died on 14 March 1955 in Heber City, Utah, at the age of 80. She was buried in the Heber City Cemetery.

14. Jesse Monroe Witt was born on 16 July 1877 in Heber City, Wasatch Co., Utah Territory. His mother was 43, and his father was 48 years of age at the time of his birth. He married Elizabeth McDonald on 10 April 1900 in Heber City, Utah, and together, they had at least seven daughters and no sons. Jesse died on 1 January 1955 in Heber City, Utah, at the age of 78. He was buried in the Heber City Cemetery.

The children of Martha Jane Taylor and John Witt:

15. Joseph William Witt was born on 6 October 1872 in Heber City, Wasatch Co., Utah Territory. His mother was 20, and his father was 43 years of age at the time of his birth. He married Amelia Brittingham Murdock on 21 June 1899 in Salt Lake City, Utah, and together, they had at

least three daughters and two sons. Joseph died on 28 January 1917 in Heber City, Utah, at the age of 45. He was buried in the Heber City Cemetery.

16. John Edwin “Jack” Witt was born on 21 April 1875 in Heber City, Wasatch Co., Utah Territory. His mother was 23, and his father was 46 years of age at the time of his birth. He married Sarah Jane Clotworthy on 12 January 1899 in Heber City, Utah, and together they had no daughters and three John died on 16 March 1960 in Los Angeles County, California, at the age of 85. He was buried in the Pacific Crest Cemetery in Redondo Beach, Los Angeles Co., California.

17. James Taylor Witt was born on 25 February 1878 in Heber City, Wasatch , Utah Territory. His mother was 26, and his father was 49 years of age at the time of his birth. He married Minnie Sonderegger on 6 June 1906 in Midway, Wasatch Co., Utah, and together they had no daughters and two sons. James died on 7 January 1911 in Provo, Utah Co., Utah, at the age of
18. He was buried in the Heber City Cemetery.

18. Charles Witt was born on 1 November 1880 in Heber City, Wasatch Co., Utah Territory. His mother was 28, and his father was 51 years of age at the time of his He only lived for two years, dying on 6 May 1882 in Heber City, Utah. He was buried in the city cemetery.

19. David Witt was born on 4 December, 1886 in Heber City, Wasatch County, Utah Territory. His mother was 34, and his father was 57 years of age at the time of his birth. He only lived for five and a half years, dying on 10 June 1892 in Heber City, He was buried in the city cemetery.
20. Thomas Alma Witt was born 29 June 1893 in Heber City, Wasatch County, Utah His mother was 40, and his father was 63 years of age at the time of his birth. He married Mary

“Mazie” Elizabeth Stitcher on 2 April 1939 in Heber City, Utah. They did not have any children together. Thomas died on 3 February 1975 in Long Beach, Los Angeles Co., California. He was buried in a cemetery in Westminster, California.

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