Amos Moses Virgin
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Amos Moses Virgin, son of George Thompson and Mary Ann Barker Virgin, was born in Marston, England, on January 23, 1854. After his father was accidentally killed being crushed between two cars when the wrong signal was given, his mother was faced with supporting two sons and a baby daughter. Mary Ann Barker had the great desire to go to Zion. On May 14, 1862, she with her two sons, Amos Moses and Nephi Charles, and Mercy Ann, a baby, left England. They with eight hundred Saints on board the "William Tappscott" set sail.
Amos Moses Virgin was now eight years of age, his brother, Nephi Charles, was under six. Even at this young age they with their mother and baby sister walked almost the entire distance across the plains. They traveled with the Horton D. Haight Company. At times Amos and Nephi would get so tired they lagged behind. One time they became so tired they lagged quite a ways behind and would have been lost or devoured by the wolves if the provisions wagon had not stopped and picked them up. His baby sister, Mercy Ann, had died on the plains near the Utah-Wyoming boarder October 6, 1862.
They arrived in Salt Lake Valley October 19 1862. Amos Moses and his family lived in Grantsville, Utah, with some relatives. Two years later they moved to St. Charles, Idaho, in Bear Lake Valley to make their home in October 1864.
Although Amos Moses was but ten years of age, he did everything possible to earn a living for his mother and brother. This was a hard task during the early years of the valley as homesteads were being made. Becoming a fisher and hunter, Amos Moses also became an expert trapper and shipped furs to an eastern market. He made his own snowshoes to run his traps. He also loved boating, swimming, skating, and sports of all kinds.
They were very poor. His mother, Mary Ann, was forced to glean wheat fields while Amos and Nephi fished and trapped. When Amos and Nephi were looking after their traps at the mouth of the creek that emptied into Bear Lake, their feet and clothing would get so cold and wet that they would take off their socks and wade in the icy water and then put their socks back on. They often laid on the ice where they were fishing until their clothing would dry in the sun. They often became snow blind caused by the glare of the sun on the ice and water.
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On September 27, 1875, Amos Moses married Sarah Francis Merkley, daughter of Christopher and Xarissa Fairbanks Merkley. Making their home in St. Charles, Idaho, near Bear Lake, Amos Moses and Sarah Francis were blessed with ten children: Sarah Francis, Alice Xarissa, Linda Rose, Mary Ann, George Amos, Eugenie, Jessie, Zalia Louise, Alicia Naomi, and Heber Harold.
Amos Moses loved music. He played the violin and sang in the choir. He loved to dance and called for dances. During the time of his stay in St. Charles, he was a teacher in the Sunday School and also a ward teacher. On July 18, 1886, Amos Moses Virgin was ordained a Seventy by C. D. Fulstead. Also during this time a daughter, Linda Rose, was buried in St. Charles.
One Sunday Brother Floyd told Amos' mother that he was going to Salt Lake City on Monday. He said he would bring her some chairs if Amos would catch one hundred pounds of fish to send. After Sacrament Meeting Amos and his mother went to the creek where he caught nine fish. His mother said this was enough so she took them to the house and dressed them. -They weighed one hundred pounds. Floyd took the fish to Salt Lake City, sold them and brought home the chairs.
One time when Amos had saved five dollars for some needed shoes, t2iev aske6 for money to build "--he Logan Temple. He gave the five dollars for the temple and pulled the old shoes together with wire and then went to the logging camp in Logan Canyon to help get logs to build the temple
In August Amos ' Moses Virgin and his wife Sarah Francis moved to Salem,, Idaho, with their four daughters and two sons to be nearer to their two oldest daughters who had married and moved there. There he bought a farm and in the Snake River Valley pioneered again. He worked in ' the office of the Church while he served as a ward teacher.
After he had converted James Inman, his wife and two sons while ward teaching, they joined the Church. Amos Moses was blessed with the gift of healing and was called many times to administer to the sick. His examples and precepts were always worthy of a Latter-day Saint. George A. Pinnock ordained him a High Priest on May 1, 1909. His family is a credit and honor to him and his wife.
Sarah Francis Merkley Virgin died at Fish-Haven December 17, 1939, and was buried in St. Charles, Idaho. Amos Moses Virgin died at the home of his youngest daughter, Alicia V. Howell, in Fish Haven, Idaho, on October 12, 1942. He was buried by his wife and daughter in St. Charles, Idaho.
The following is information from the ship records of the William Tapscott. Amos Moses crossed the ocean, and walked accross the plains with his mother when only seven years old.
Virgin, Amos, 1862, NA, Horton D. Haight, Deseret News Vol. 12 p. 98 microfilm 26589
Virgin, Amos, 1862, NA, William Tapscott, Ship roster on microfilm(s) 175576 25691
Virgin, Levi, 1862, NA, Horton D. Haight, Deseret News Vol. 12 p. 98 microfilm 26589
Virgin, Mary Ann, 1862, NA, William Tapscott, Ship roster on microfilm(s) 175576 25691
Virgin, Mary Ann, 1862, NA, William Tapscott, Ship roster on microfilm(s) 175576 25691
Virgin, Mercy, 1862, NA, Horton D. Haight, Deseret News Vol. 12 p. 98 microfilm 26589
Virgin, Nephi C., 1862, NA, William Tapscott, Ship roster on microfilm(s) 175576 25691
VIRGIN, Mary Ann
Age: 30 Origin: England Occ: Widow
Note: BMR, p.150.
VIRGIN, Amos
Age: 7 Origin: England
VIRGIN, Nephi C.
Age: 5 Origin: England
VIRGIN, Mary Ann
Age: infant Origin: England
Note: "Infant" (BMR).
Ship: William Tapscott
Date of Departure: 14 May 1862 Port of Departure: Liverpool, England
LDS Immigrants: 807 Church Leader: William Gibson
Date of Arrival: 25 Jun 1862 Port of Arrival: New York, New York
Source(s): BMR, Book #1047, pp. 126-164 (FHL #025,691); Customs #610 (FHL #175,576); SMR, 1862 (FHL #025,696)
Notes: ". . . On Tuesday, the packet ship William Tapscott, Captain Bell, cleared with 807 souls of the Saints on board, under the presidency of Elder William Gibson, with Elders John Clark and Francis M. Lyman as his counsellors, and sailed on Wednesday morning. Elder Gibson arrived from Zion in the beginning of December 1859, and for some time travelled through the Mission, teaching and instructing the Saints in the various conferences where his labors extended. Since January 1st, 1860, he has presided over the Cheltenham District. Elder F. M. Lyman, who arrived July 27th, 1860, has been presiding over the Essex Conference, and Elder Clark over the Sheffield Conference. The following elders accompanied these brethren on the William Tapscott -- namely, Elder Samuel Hargraves, late president of the Durham Conference, who arrived September 21st, 1860, Elder William Dallin, late president of the Newcastle - on - Tyne Conference, who arrived August 26th, 1860, and Elder Thomas C. Staynet, from Zion, who have been on missions to this country; also Elders Thomas Liez, late president of the Preston Conference, Thomas W. Rees, late president of the Eastern Glamorgan Conference, Israel Bale, late travelling elder in the Worcestershire Conference, William Shires, late travelling elder in the Leeds Conference, and Joseph R. Morgan, late travelling elder in Herefordshire Conference, who with gladness and joy embrace the privilege of gathering with the Saints. These brethren have all labored with diligence and faithfulness and are released with the blessings of the presidency, and the prayers of hte Saints. Elder H. Whittall, who has labored in this office for some years, likewise sailed with this company, feeling to rejoice at the privilege of gathering with his family to the valleys of the mountains. On Tuesday afternoon, Presidents Lyman, Rich, and Cannon held a meeting on board, addressed the Saints, and organized the company. Good feelings seemed to be enjoyed by all, and the Spirit of God was copiously poured out. May the prayers which were offered up on their behalf be realized in their fulfilment, that their voyage and journey may be speedy and prosperous, till they reach their destination in the home of the Saints. . ."
"Wed. 14. [May 1862] -- The ship William Tapscott sailed from Liverpool, with 808 Saints, under the direction of William Gibson, John Clark and Francis M. Lyman. It arrived safely at New York."
Ancestral File Number: 1P24-MH
Amos Moses Virgin, son of George Thompson and Mary Ann Barker Virgin, was born in Marston, England, on January 23, 1854. After his father was accidentally killed being crushed between two cars when the wrong signal was given, his mother was faced with supporting two sons and a baby daughter. Mary Ann Barker had the great desire to go to Zion. On May 14, 1862, she with her two sons, Amos Moses and Nephi Charles, and Mercy Ann, a baby, left England. They with eight hundred Saints on board the "William Tappscott" set sail.
Amos Moses Virgin was now eight years of age, his brother, Nephi Charles, was under six. Even at this young age they with their mother and baby sister walked almost the entire distance across the plains. They traveled with the Horton D. Haight Company. At times Amos and Nephi would get so tired they lagged behind. One time they became so tired they lagged quite a ways behind and would have been lost or devoured by the wolves if the provisions wagon had not stopped and picked them up. His baby sister, Mercy Ann, had died on the plains near the Utah-Wyoming boarder October 6, 1862.
They arrived in Salt Lake Valley October 19 1862. Amos Moses and his family lived in Grantsville, Utah, with some relatives. Two years later they moved to St. Charles, Idaho, in Bear Lake Valley to make their home in October 1864.
Although Amos Moses was but ten years of age, he did everything possible to earn a living for his mother and brother. This was a hard task during the early years of the valley as homesteads were being made. Becoming a fisher and hunter, Amos Moses also became an expert trapper and shipped furs to an eastern market. He made his own snowshoes to run his traps. He also loved boating, swimming, skating, and sports of all kinds.
They were very poor. His mother, Mary Ann, was forced to glean wheat fields while Amos and Nephi fished and trapped. When Amos and Nephi were looking after their traps at the mouth of the creek that emptied into Bear Lake, their feet and clothing would get so cold and wet that they would take off their socks and wade in the icy water and then put their socks back on. They often laid on the ice where they were fishing until their clothing would dry in the sun. They often became snow blind caused by the glare of the sun on the ice and water.
-2 -
On September 27, 1875, Amos Moses married Sarah Francis Merkley, daughter of Christopher and Xarissa Fairbanks Merkley. Making their home in St. Charles, Idaho, near Bear Lake, Amos Moses and Sarah Francis were blessed with ten children: Sarah Francis, Alice Xarissa, Linda Rose, Mary Ann, George Amos, Eugenie, Jessie, Zalia Louise, Alicia Naomi, and Heber Harold.
Amos Moses loved music. He played the violin and sang in the choir. He loved to dance and called for dances. During the time of his stay in St. Charles, he was a teacher in the Sunday School and also a ward teacher. On July 18, 1886, Amos Moses Virgin was ordained a Seventy by C. D. Fulstead. Also during this time a daughter, Linda Rose, was buried in St. Charles.
One Sunday Brother Floyd told Amos' mother that he was going to Salt Lake City on Monday. He said he would bring her some chairs if Amos would catch one hundred pounds of fish to send. After Sacrament Meeting Amos and his mother went to the creek where he caught nine fish. His mother said this was enough so she took them to the house and dressed them. -They weighed one hundred pounds. Floyd took the fish to Salt Lake City, sold them and brought home the chairs.
One time when Amos had saved five dollars for some needed shoes, t2iev aske6 for money to build "--he Logan Temple. He gave the five dollars for the temple and pulled the old shoes together with wire and then went to the logging camp in Logan Canyon to help get logs to build the temple
In August Amos ' Moses Virgin and his wife Sarah Francis moved to Salem,, Idaho, with their four daughters and two sons to be nearer to their two oldest daughters who had married and moved there. There he bought a farm and in the Snake River Valley pioneered again. He worked in ' the office of the Church while he served as a ward teacher.
After he had converted James Inman, his wife and two sons while ward teaching, they joined the Church. Amos Moses was blessed with the gift of healing and was called many times to administer to the sick. His examples and precepts were always worthy of a Latter-day Saint. George A. Pinnock ordained him a High Priest on May 1, 1909. His family is a credit and honor to him and his wife.
Sarah Francis Merkley Virgin died at Fish-Haven December 17, 1939, and was buried in St. Charles, Idaho. Amos Moses Virgin died at the home of his youngest daughter, Alicia V. Howell, in Fish Haven, Idaho, on October 12, 1942. He was buried by his wife and daughter in St. Charles, Idaho.
The following is information from the ship records of the William Tapscott. Amos Moses crossed the ocean, and walked accross the plains with his mother when only seven years old.
Virgin, Amos, 1862, NA, Horton D. Haight, Deseret News Vol. 12 p. 98 microfilm 26589
Virgin, Amos, 1862, NA, William Tapscott, Ship roster on microfilm(s) 175576 25691
Virgin, Levi, 1862, NA, Horton D. Haight, Deseret News Vol. 12 p. 98 microfilm 26589
Virgin, Mary Ann, 1862, NA, William Tapscott, Ship roster on microfilm(s) 175576 25691
Virgin, Mary Ann, 1862, NA, William Tapscott, Ship roster on microfilm(s) 175576 25691
Virgin, Mercy, 1862, NA, Horton D. Haight, Deseret News Vol. 12 p. 98 microfilm 26589
Virgin, Nephi C., 1862, NA, William Tapscott, Ship roster on microfilm(s) 175576 25691
VIRGIN, Mary Ann
Age: 30 Origin: England Occ: Widow
Note: BMR, p.150.
VIRGIN, Amos
Age: 7 Origin: England
VIRGIN, Nephi C.
Age: 5 Origin: England
VIRGIN, Mary Ann
Age: infant Origin: England
Note: "Infant" (BMR).
Ship: William Tapscott
Date of Departure: 14 May 1862 Port of Departure: Liverpool, England
LDS Immigrants: 807 Church Leader: William Gibson
Date of Arrival: 25 Jun 1862 Port of Arrival: New York, New York
Source(s): BMR, Book #1047, pp. 126-164 (FHL #025,691); Customs #610 (FHL #175,576); SMR, 1862 (FHL #025,696)
Notes: ". . . On Tuesday, the packet ship William Tapscott, Captain Bell, cleared with 807 souls of the Saints on board, under the presidency of Elder William Gibson, with Elders John Clark and Francis M. Lyman as his counsellors, and sailed on Wednesday morning. Elder Gibson arrived from Zion in the beginning of December 1859, and for some time travelled through the Mission, teaching and instructing the Saints in the various conferences where his labors extended. Since January 1st, 1860, he has presided over the Cheltenham District. Elder F. M. Lyman, who arrived July 27th, 1860, has been presiding over the Essex Conference, and Elder Clark over the Sheffield Conference. The following elders accompanied these brethren on the William Tapscott -- namely, Elder Samuel Hargraves, late president of the Durham Conference, who arrived September 21st, 1860, Elder William Dallin, late president of the Newcastle - on - Tyne Conference, who arrived August 26th, 1860, and Elder Thomas C. Staynet, from Zion, who have been on missions to this country; also Elders Thomas Liez, late president of the Preston Conference, Thomas W. Rees, late president of the Eastern Glamorgan Conference, Israel Bale, late travelling elder in the Worcestershire Conference, William Shires, late travelling elder in the Leeds Conference, and Joseph R. Morgan, late travelling elder in Herefordshire Conference, who with gladness and joy embrace the privilege of gathering with the Saints. These brethren have all labored with diligence and faithfulness and are released with the blessings of the presidency, and the prayers of hte Saints. Elder H. Whittall, who has labored in this office for some years, likewise sailed with this company, feeling to rejoice at the privilege of gathering with his family to the valleys of the mountains. On Tuesday afternoon, Presidents Lyman, Rich, and Cannon held a meeting on board, addressed the Saints, and organized the company. Good feelings seemed to be enjoyed by all, and the Spirit of God was copiously poured out. May the prayers which were offered up on their behalf be realized in their fulfilment, that their voyage and journey may be speedy and prosperous, till they reach their destination in the home of the Saints. . ."
"Wed. 14. [May 1862] -- The ship William Tapscott sailed from Liverpool, with 808 Saints, under the direction of William Gibson, John Clark and Francis M. Lyman. It arrived safely at New York."
Ancestral File Number: 1P24-MH
Date & Place:
in Idaho USA
