Norton Jacob KWJB-883 was born on 11 August 1804, in Sheffield, Berkshire, Massachusetts, United States, his father, Udney Hay Jacob, was 23 and his mother, Elizabeth Hubbard, was 22. He married Emily Heaton on 20 November 1830, in Busti, Chautauqua, New York, United States. They were the parents of at least 6 sons and 5 daughters. He lived in Provo, Utah, Utah, United States in 1860 and Santaquin, Utah, Utah, United States in 1870. He died on 30 January 1879, in Glenwood, Sevier, Utah, United States, at the age of 74, and was buried in Glenwood Cemetery, Glenwood, Sevier, Utah, United States.

Emily Heaton KWJB-88Q was born on 28 November 1810, in Burlington, Chittenden, Vermont, United States, her father, Elias Heaton, was 32 and her mother, Mary Hubbard, was 24. She married Norton Jacob on 20 November 1830, in Busti, Chautauqua, New York, United States. They were the parents of at least 6 sons and 5 daughters. She lived in Nauvoo, Hancock, Illinois, United States in 1839 and Salt Lake City, Salt Lake, Utah, United States in 1850. She died on 6 December 1859, in Spanish Fork, Utah, Utah, United States, at the age of 49, and was buried in Pioneer Heritage Cemetery, Spanish Fork, Utah, Utah, United States.

From the book How Beautiful Upon the Mountains. Page 662 through 663 is the following. “Norton Jacobs was born August 11th, 1804. At Sheffield, Mass. a son of. Udney Hay Jacob. He married. Emily Heaton at Busti , New York in 1830. They were endowed in the Nauvoo Temple with the second company on December 2nd, 1845. Norton also married Elizabeth Harris Mott.

Norton Jacobs was born of sturdy American stock. His forefathers had come to America from England in the early 1600’s and played an influential role in the Revolutionary War.

Norton became acquainted with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and espoused it with all his heart. He and his wife were baptized members on March 15th, 1841 at La Harpe, Illinois.

Norton received much opposition from his family, who told him they would rather be dead than a Mormon. He finally was able to convert his father to the church and Udney Jacob. became a strong member. A skilled Carpenter and cabinet maker, Norton was called to work on the Nauvoo Temple during its construction. He also assisted in building wagons for the trek of the Saints westward. His wage for a winter spent building wagons was a wagon.

Norton began the trek to the West but was forced to leave his wife and family of 6 at Baker’s Camp, some five days travel from winter’s quarters. Here their seventh child, a girl, was born. Norton continued on West with the first company of Saints, and on the first night in the valley of the Great Salt Lake, plowed 3 acres of ground and planted various crops the next day.

After seeing his company safely in the valley, Norton turned eastward to join his wife and family and bring them West. During the trip West in 1845, his son Oliver became ill and died in route. His son Lucian was a great help to Emily and the family as Norton had many responsibilities with the company he was directing.

After settling in Salt Lake, Norton was made foreman of the carpenters and Joiners. Working on the Temple block. He married 5 wives under polygamy, three of whom bore him no children.

Norton spent ten years in Salt Lake in construction projects, and then obtained a farm on Mill Creek, later moving to Spanish Fork and then coming to Heber City July, 1860. He moved to Midway in 1862 and was part of the Fort String. He was elected Justice of the Peace in Midway. In later years he moved to American Fork and then Glenwood Sevier County where he died.

His wife Emily was a constant support to him throughout his life. She bore him 11 children and her uncomplaining attitude, coupled with her faith, courage, and fortitude were a comfort to Norton.”

Source “How Beautiful Upon the Mountains Pages 662-663.

From a review of the information in Family Search, Norton Jacobs was listed as one of the Captains of 10 in the July 1847 Pioneer Company. This company was the original company that first arrived in the Salt Lake Valley.

Children (11) of Norton Jacob and Emily Heaton

Elsie Pamelia Jacob; Female 1831–1891 KWVQ-21X

Benjamin Jacob; Male 1833–1833 KWVQ-ZZB

Oliver Barr Jacob; Male 1834–1848 KWVQ-ZDH

Lucian Heaton Jacob; Male 1836–1875 KWJ8-7XB

Elizabeth Jane Jacob; Female 1838–1839 KWVQ-Z89

Ira Norton Jacob; Male 1840–1906 KWJJ-PSX

Emma Jacob; Female 1842–1844 KWVQ-ZD7

Joseph Jacob; Male 1845–1918 KWNV-6VX

Emily Amelia Jacob; Female 1847–1933 KWJB-8WR

Mary Eliza Jacob; Female 1849–1933 KWNL-Q7W

Isaac Jacob; Male 1852–1929 KW8J-MC4

 

Norton Jacob married Ann Maria Van Valkenburg on 20 April 1851. No Children were born to this marriage

Ann Maria Van Valkenburg

Female; 1835–Deceased LKVY-TDM

Marriage – 20 April 1851, Salt Lake City, Salt Lake, Utah, United States

Ann Maria Van Valkenburg was born on 23 June 1835, in Hector, Schuyler, New York, United States, her father, Peter Aker Van Valkenburg, was 23 and her mother, Margaret Predmore, was 25. She married Norton Jacob on 20 April 1851, in Salt Lake City, Salt Lake, Utah, United States. She lived in Salt Lake City, Salt Lake, Utah, United States in 1850.

Female; 1835–Deceased LKVY-TDM

Marriage: 20 April 1851 Salt Lake City, Salt Lake, Utah, United States

Norton Jacob Married Elizabeth Graham on 29 June 1859 and four children were born to this marriage. Frank and Sidney were both born in Midway or Mound City.

Elizabeth Graham

Female 1826–1911 KWNV-V41

Marriage: 29 June 1859 Salt Lake City, Salt Lake, Utah, United States

 Children (4)                                                                                                                                       

Norton Kellog Jacob    : Male 1860–Deceased LQTN-BF9

Frank Graham Jacobs Male 1862–1891 K2WT-NZQ

Sidney Osborn Jacob Male 1865–Deceased 218G-717

Alonzo Benjamin Jacobs Male 1868–1923 K2WT-N4K

What follows is a Brief History of Elizabeth Graham that has details not found elsewhere in family search .

“Elizabeth Graham Harris Mott Jacob Mott, 1826 – 1911, age 84, was born on 8 July 1826 in Batavia, Genesee, New York to Sylvanus and Electa Kellogg. She was the seventh of ten children, six girls and four boys, all born in Batavia, Genesee, New York. She first married George Harris about 1847 at the age of 21 in Batavia,Genesee, New York. They had twins, Persis Amanda Gilbert and Persus Gilbert born on 27 December 1847. Only Persus Gilbert survived. She married Daniel Richmond Mott on 12 August 1849 in Decatur, Green,Wisconsin at the age of 23. Daniel was born on 25 April 1826 in Bethany, Genesee, New York to Samuel R.and Elizabeth Dwight Mott. He was the tenth of fifteen children,five girls and ten boys. They had two children while in Decator. Helen Electa was born about May 1850 and Juliett was born on 12 February 1852. Helen died in 1851. Her family came to Utah Territory in an Unknown Company in 1854.Her grandparents, Samuel, age 72; Elizabeth, age 63; her father Daniel Richmond, age 27; and Juliett, age 1 were in the company. His wife Elizabeth Graham is listed as Elizabeth Harris, age 27. Elizabeth was his first wife. They were married on 12 August 1849 in Decatur, Green Wisconsin. They had two other children after they got to Utah Territory. Dwight Graham was born 22 March 1855 in Spanish Fork, Utah, Utah Territory, and Jane Elizabeth was born 25 December 1856 in Payson, Utah, Utah Territory. Elizabeth was baptized on 6 December 1856 at the age of 30. must have divorced Daniel and then she married Norton Jacob on 29 June 1859 in Salt Lake City, Salt Lake, Utah Territory at the age of 32. Norton was born on 11 August 1804 in Sheffield, Berkshire, Massachusetts to Udney Hay and Elizabeth Hubbard Jacob. He was the oldest of seven children, two girls and five boys. Norton was first married to Emily Heaton on 20 November 1830 in Busti, Chautauqua, New York at the age of 26. He was baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on 15 March 1841 at the age of 36. He was 54 when he married Elizabeth. Daniel married Isabel McFerren McCleve on 19 May 1860 in Payson, Utah, Utah Territory. They had seven children, four girls and three boys. The first four were born in Payson, Utah, Utah Territory. Their fifth child was born in Spanish Fork, Utah, Utah Territory. The last two were born in Fayette and Fountain Green, Sanpete, Utah Territory. Norton Jacob was the only member of the Jacob family who believed the good news of the gospel. He wrote in his journal: “I was first led to investigate the principles and doctrines of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the summer of 1840 by reading a little  pamphlet. … During the fall and winter following, I heard some of the Elders preach…. and on the 15th of March 1841 I was baptized by Elder Zenos Gurley [Sr.] at La Harpe.” His father was very much opposed and yet in 1843 he joined the Church then later asked to have his name removed. Norton was first married to Emily Heaton in 1830. They had eleven children,four girls and seven boys. Seven of them survived to adulthood. Their last two children were born in Utah Territory. His first wife Emily died on 6 December 1859 in Spanish Fork, Utah, Utah Territory. Norton came to the Great Salt Lake with the Brigham Young Vanguard Company in 1847. They departed on 16 April 1847 with 149 individuals. Everyone gathered to a place about 20 miles from Winter Quarters on the banks of the Platte River. There they worked repairing wagons, organizing supplies, and chopping firewood. It wasn’t until the 16th of April that the company was officially organized into the hundreds, fifties,and tens, with captains appointed and they started on their way.

Once organized, this vanguard pioneer company consisted of 142 men, 3 women, 2 children, and 72 wagons. They traveled 1031 miles before reaching their destination. Some members of the company traveled ahead and arrived in the Salt Lake Valley as early as the July 21,1847. By the 24th of July, the entire company had arrived. After he got to the valley, we don’t know how much time he was there before going back to get his family. They came a year later with the Heber C. Kimball Company in 1848. They departed on 7 June 1848 with 662 individuals in the company which began its journey from the outfitting post at Winter Quarters, Nebraska. Norton was then 43 years old; Emily his first wife was 37; Oliver Bar was 14; Lucian Heaton was 12; Ira Norton was 7; Joseph was 3; and Emily Amelia was an infant.

On the second day they were at the Elkhorn River trying to cross but the water was so high. Peter Wilson Conover writes: The second day we came to the Elk Horn river. It being high, we had to build a raft to ferry our wagons across the river. While we were getting them over, the Indians came and stole our cattle. Heber’s boys and mine were herding them. We had to swim the wagons. Heber came and asked me to get some men and go after some of the men who went down within a half mile of three hundred lodges. The Indians took them prisoners,held a council of war over them and decided that they be shot, since there had been ten or fifteen Indians killed. Tom Ricks ended up getting shot. They appointed the Indians to shoot them but when they tried to raise their guns,they could not. They told their Chief that they could not raise them. The Chief then told the men to get in the wagon and go home. They left Tom’s trunk and a valuable two year old colt with the Indians. While they were holding the council, the men grabbed Tom and started off. They came after them. After talking with them, they finally let them go. As they crossed the river Howard Egan was shot in the wrist. That night they had extra guards to watch over the camp.” They arrived in the Great Salt Lake valley on 24 September 1848. A fort had been built and they were able to stay in and around it. Norton and Emily had two children in the valley before she died. Norton and Elizabeth had four children, all boys. Norton Kellog was born on2 April 1860 in Spanish Fork, Utah, Utah Territory; Frank Graham was born on 7 May 1862 in Midway, Wasatch, Utah territory; Sidney Osborn was born on 22 March 1865 in Mound City, Wasatch; and Benjamin Alonzo was born on 18 June 1868 in Santaquin, Utah, Utah Territory. Norton was a millwright and an engineer. He died on 30 January 1879 in Glenwood, Sevier, Utah Territory at the age of 74. He was buried in the Glenwood Cemetery, Glenwood, Sevier, Utah Territory. No record is given of their divorce. Elizabeth married John Wentworth Mott on 24 November 1874 in Salt Lake City,Salt Lake, Utah Territory. She was 48 years old. John was married to Caroline Matilda Lee, Catherine Irene Holden, and Elizabeth.. John was the older brother of Daniel. He was the third child born in the family. He was 51 when they married. They did not have any children. John died on 7 April 1903 in Vernal,Uintah, Utah at the age of 80. He was buried on 20 April 1903 in the Vernal Memorial Park, Vernal, Uintah, Utah. Elizabeth died on 16 March 1911 in American Fork, Utah, Utah at the age of 84. It is not known where she was buried. Somehow she was sealed to all four husbands.” by Margebecraft

Norton Jacob Married Sarah Swain Clark on 31 October 1873 in the Endowment House in Salt Lake City. No children were born to this marriage.

Sarah Swain Clark Female 1817–1895 2MRR-7LM

Marriage: 31 October 1873 Endowment House, Salt Lake City, Salt Lake, Utah Territory, United States

Norton Jacob was a prominent early Latter-day Saint pioneer best known for keeping one of the most detailed and historically valuable journals documenting the Mormon Vanguard Company of 1847. Led by Brigham Young, this elite advanced group blazed the Mormon Pioneer Trail from Winter Quarters, Nebraska, to the Salt Lake Valley. As a “captain of ten,” Jacob was an essential “foot soldier” whose daily recordings provided an unmatched, ground-level perspective of the arduous 111-day migration. [1, 2, 3, 4]

Key Biographical Facts

• Birth & Death: Born August 11, 1804, in Sheffield, Massachusetts; died January 30, 1879, in Glenwood, Utah.
• Conversion: Baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Illinois in 1841 despite facing intense family opposition.
• Nauvoo Period: Following the death of Joseph Smith, Jacob returned to Nauvoo, Illinois, where he worked on construction of the Nauvoo Temple and received his temple endowments. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

Role in the 1847 Vanguard Company

In April 1847, Brigham Young chose Jacob to join the historic vanguard expedition. He left his wife, Emily Heaton, and their six young children in a cabin at Winter Quarters to complete the journey. [1, 2]

• The 12th Company: Jacob served as the Captain of the 12th

• Practical Contributions: Utilizing his technical skills, he personally helped construct several of the pioneer wagons.
• The Return and Final Migration: After reaching Utah in July 1847, he journeyed back to Winter Quarters that winter. In 1848, he permanently moved his family west as part of the Heber C. Kimball Company. [1, 2, 3, 4]

Historical Legacy of His Journal

Historians view Jacob’s journal as a cornerstone document of Western American history. While many accounts focus heavily on Church leadership, his writings capture the raw reality of the rank-and-file pioneer experience. His detailed records were eventually compiled and annotated by historian Ronald O. Barney in the highly regarded book, The Mormon Vanguard Brigade of 1847: Norton Jacob’s Record.

Heber Valley Heritage Foundation Midway Fort Project.