Samuel Claridge Research Papers, (1864-1987)
COLL MSS 228c
Collection Processed by: Jolyn Hunting, March 2003
Ellsworth Collections
Biographical Sketch:
Samuel Claridge was born 5 December 1828, Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshaire, England. When he grew up he ran a bakery in Hemel Hempstead. On 9 December 1849 he married Charlotte Joy who was born 28 September 1819. Son Samuel David Claridge was born 19 October 1850. Elizabeth Ann was born 19 January 1852. Samuel Claridge joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in June 1851, and emigrated to Utah in 1853. After spending the winter of 1853-1854 in cramped quarters, when spring broke he went to Nephi, Juab county, and established a farm, home, and family there. On 3 July 1865 he married Rebecca Hughes, in the Endowment House, Salt Lake City. In Nephi he built a house, fenced his fields, began farming, served in various church and civic jobs. At a conference in Nephi, 19-20 July 1868, Samuel Claridge was called by Brigham Young to settle the Muddy, Moapa Valley, Lincoln County, Nevada. He and some of his family lived there from 1868 until February 1871 when the Nevada Law prosecutions began. They then retreated to southern Utah to start again. The family located at Mount Carmel and remained there three years until Samuel Claridge joined the United Order at Orderville. He was an officer, a leader, and supporting member for nearly ten years. During those years he went to England on a proselyting mission for the church, where he also spent time collecting his genealogy and visiting his family. During the fall of 1883 he moved his family to the Gila Valley, Graham County, Arizona. His tent was one of the first staked at the site of the village of Thatcher. There he continued farming and raising a large family: four by his first wife (Charlotte died March 1884) and fifteen by his second wife Rebecca. Samuel Claridge served as bishop of Thatcher for thirteen years when he was ordained a patriarch, a position he held until his death twenty-two years later.
Scope and Content
This collection is split into four parts. The first part contains the original documents, writings and correspondence of Samuel Claridge, his wives and his children. Part II contains mostly photocopies of biographical material gathered during George Ellsworth’s research of the Claridge family. Part III and IV are research and drafts compiled in preparation for the Samuel Claridge Book. The Samuel Claridge Research contains biographical information on Samuel Claridge, his wives and children including some noteworthy individuals such as Alfred W. McCune, Elizabeth Claridge McCune, and Clare Kimball Claridge (Mrs. Hyrum Claridge). There are some original writings and correspondence. Some notable items in the collection are original autobiographies and Testimonial Essays by Samuel Claridge.
Some subjects covered in the Samuel Claridge Research Papers are Samuel Claridge’s conversion to Mormonism and his emigration from England to America. In his writings, he elaborates on the Mormon pioneering experience and institutions. Samuel Claridge describes the Mormon settlement experience and his moves to and from Utah, Nevada, and Arizona. (Salt Lake Valley, 1853-1854; Nephi, 1850s-1860s; The Muddy, 1868-1871; Mount Carmel, Utah, 1871-1875; Orderville, 1875-1885; Gila Valley, Arizona Territory, 1885-1923) Samuel Claridge gives his account of living as a polygamist having two wives and 19 children, touching on the importance of a large family, unity, and cooperation. He also describes his experiences as a Mormon pioneer bishop and Patriarch. Samuel Claridge gave a patriarchal blessing to Spencer W. Kimball who later became president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Box listing
Part I. Boxes 1-6
Writings of Samuel Claridge in his own hand
Writings of wives and children, in their own hands
Original documents, holographs
Letters sent/received; Poems
Part II. Boxes 7-11
Subjects: Claridge, wives, children
Biographical materials
Research notes, writings by families
Part III. Boxes 11-18
Subjects: Topics
Research correspondence
Genealogy
Chapters in the book: Samuel Claridge . . .
Connections: Coleman, Abbott, Millard, Hughes
Part IV. Boxes 19-23
Chapter Drafts
Book Manuscripts
Revisions and Reviews Samuel Claridge Research
Inventory:
PART I. Original Manuscripts - (Boxes 1-7)
Box 1. Samuel Claridge Autobiography and Personal Documents
Fd. 1 Samuel Claridge -
Documents:
Remembrance Card of George Claridge, 30 Dec. 1864
Declaration of Intention to become a citizen, 10 Jul 1878
Real Estate Deed, Elizabeth W. Layton to Samuel Claridge, 18 Sep 1890
Homestead Certificate, 11 Jan 1892
Salt Lake Temple Dedication Ticket, 7 Apr 1893
Copy of Certificate of Marriage, 7 Jun 1891
Copy of Personal Record of Patriarch, 28 Oct 1913
Copy of Biographical Encyclopedia entry, 26 Apr 1894
Copy of The Will of Samuel Claridge, 20 Aug 1919
Fd 2 Autobiographical Sketch I - “My children desire. . .” [original]
Fd 3 Autobiographical Sketch I [2 copies of the original, 3 typescripts]
Fd 4 Autobiographical Sketch II copy. - “I had been thinking seriously...”
[2 typescripts and 1 copy of the original]
Fd 5 Autobiographical Sketch III - “thankful that I joined the Methodist...” [original]
Fd 6 Autobiographical Sketch III [2 copies of original]
Fd 7 Autobiographical Sketch III [3 transcripts]
Fd 8 Autobiographical Sketch IV - “There was nothing particular...” [typescript of lost notebook]
Fd 9 Diary. Mission to England 1877-1878 Copy. “Samuel Claridge Diary May 8th 1877" [2 copies of the original]
Fd 10 Transcription of Original Diary - Mission to England
Box 2. Samuel Claridge Autobiography and Personal Documents
Fd 1 Autobiographical Essay Addressed to Susa Young Gates “Dear Sister Gates In as Much...” On: United Order [original, copy, 5 typescripts]
Fd 2 Testimonial Essay II- “I have cultivated the spirit...” [original, copy, 2 typescripts]
Fd 3 Autobiographical dictation - “My mother had 14 children...” (Interview with Samuel Claridge) [4 typescripts]
Fd 4 Family Record Book. Includes: [originals]
Poems -
“President Layton, Birthday, March 8th 1903"
“Reflections on Father and Mother”
“Reflections on Having Received a Kind Letter from Father” (by S. Joy Claridge)
“Farewell my Kind Parents With You I must Part”
“Ye Aged Fathers Who Still Live”
“Thatcher: A Few Lines Inscribed to Sister Fife...”
“Order Song”
“Farewell to Parents When Leaving England in 1853"
“The Gila Valley”
“Order Song”
“Christmas Song, 1898"
“Temple Song”
“A Mother’s Love”
Dreams
Endowment & Marriage Record (includes plural wives)
Patriarchal Blessings for: Rebecca Hughes Claridge, Edward M. Claridge,
Helen (Nell) Claridge, Mercy H. Claridge, Kate Claridge, Fay Claridge
Fd 5 Family Record Book: Transcripts
Box 3. Correspondence of Samuel Claridge’s Children and Samuel Claridge Writings
Fd 1 Samuel Claridge -
Letters Sent. Various items -
“Thatcher Graham Co. Arizona
Dear Nephews and Nieces”-Summer 1919 [original, 2 copies, 2 typescripts]
Fd 2 Letters Sent to Elizabeth Claridge McCune
Thatcher 27 Mar 1902 [original, 2 copies, 2 typescripts]
Thatcher 17 July [original, copy, 2 typescripts]
Thatcher 10 Apr 1918 or 1919 [original, copy, typescript]
Fd 3 Letters Sent to S. Joy Claridge
Thatcher 31 May 1916 [original, 2 typescripts]
Thatcher 18 Feb 1917 [original, 2 typescripts]
Thatcher 3 Apr 1917 [original, 2 typescripts]
1027 Pine Ave. Long Beach [original, 2 typescripts]
Fd 4 Letters Sent to Julia Claridge Ellsworth
Envelope. Thatcher 19--
Thatcher 9 Apr 1907 [original, copy, 2 typescripts]
Thatcher 27 Apr 1907 [original, typescript]
Thatcher 24 May 1907 [original, 2 typescripts]
Thatcher 6 Apr 1917 [original, copy, 2 typescripts]
Thatcher 20 Jun 1917 [original, copy, 2 typescripts]
Thatcher 27 Oct 1917 [original, copy, 2 typescripts]
Thatcher 2 Jan 1918 [original, copy, 3 typescripts]
Thatcher 16 Jan 1918 [original, copy, 5 typescripts]
626 Chestnut St. 7 Sep 1918 [original, copy, 4 typescripts]
Thatcher 13 Feb 1919 [original, copy, 2 typescripts]
Fd 5 Letters Sent to Katherine Claridge Morrow
Thatcher 10 Jan 1917 [original, copy, 2 typescripts]
Thatcher 8 Apr 1917 [original, copy, 2 typescripts]
Provo 30 Sep 1917 [original, 2 typescripts]
Envelope Dec 1917
Thatcher 27 Jan 1918 [original, copy, 4 typescripts]
Thatcher 2 Jul 1919 [original, copy, 2 typescripts]
Thatcher 16 Jul 1919 [original, 2 typescripts]
Fd 6 Letters Received
From Christopher Layton [originals, copies, and transcripts]
From Kate Claridge (sister) 1 Sep 1915 [original, copy, 5 typescripts]
From Lizzie Claridge (niece) 30 Mar 1918 [original, 2 copies, typescript]
Fragment
Copy - From Anne Claridge 24 May 1916 [copy, 2 typescripts]
From Frank W. Claridge 23 Nov 1918 [copy]
Fd 7 Poems
“What Glorious News to Children of Men” [original, typescript]
“Another Year Has Passed and Gone” [original, copy, 5 typescripts]
“The Temple Song” and “Our Mother’s 50th Birthday” [original, copy,typescripts]
“To President Andrew Kimball on his 50th Birthday” [original, 2 typescripts]
“Look at the Change Today” [original, typescript]
"On Leaving my Friends in England” and “Christmas Day” [original,typescripts]
Samuel Claridge Writings
Fd 8 “Gathering” L.D.S. Millenial Star 6 Nov 1852
Fd 9 “Farewell” L.D.S. Millenial Star 5 Mar 1853
Fd 10 “The Camp of Israel” L.D.S. Millenial Star 15 Oct 1853
Fd 11 “The First Principles” L.D.S. Millenial Star 25 Feb - 8 Apr 1878
Fd 12 “On Polygamy” Graham County Bulletin 25 Sep 1891
Fd 13 “Past and Present” The Advocate 4 Aug 1905
Fd 14 “Liahona” Liahona: The Elders’ Journal 14 Sep 1907
Fd 15 “The Gospel Restored” Liahona: The Elders’ Journal 7 Dec 1907
Fd 16 “Camp Inception” Liahone: The Elders’ Journal 22 Oct 1912
Fd 17 “A Dream” Deseret News
Fd 18 “Report of Missionary Labors” Liahona: The Elders’ Journal 13 Feb 1917
Fd 19 “United Order Song” Utah Historical Quarterly Oct 1939
Fd 20 Pseudo manuscript A. Autobiographical Sketch I
Fd 21 Pseudo manuscript A. Autobiographical Sketch I [Copy ]
Box 4. Files on Samuel Claridge, his wives and his Children
Fd 1 Pseudo manuscript B. Autobiographical Sketch I
Fd 2 Pseudo manuscript C. Autobiographical Sketch I
Fd 3 Testimonial Essays. Parallel Comparison by Cindy Durtschi
Fd 4 Newspaper Clippings
Fd 5 Composite of Samuel Claridge’s Life: poems, dreams, essays
Fd 6 Composite of Samuel Claridge’s Life: selected documents and letters
Fd 7 Samuel David Claridge
Fd 8 Elizabeth Ann Claridge McCune, Letters Sent
Fd 9 Rebecca Hughes Claridge: Documents
Fd 10 Rebecca Hughes Claridge: Letters Sent
Fd 11 Hyrum Claridge: poems
Fd 12 Joseph Hughes Claridge: poems and correspondence
Fd 13 David Harmon Claridge: correspondence and forms
Fd 14 Samuel Joy Claridge: Letters Sent and Received
[letter from M. L. Abbott, 1948, includes pictures of Leighton Buzzard]
Box 5. Writings of Samuel Joy Claridge
Fd 1 Samuel Joy Claridge Diary. Mission to Germany, 15 May 1899 - 15 Dec 1901
Fd 2 Copy of Samuel Joy Claridge Diary
Fd 3 Typescript of Samuel Joy Claridge Diary
Fd 4 Samuel Joy Claridge Poem: “Reflections on Having Received a Kind Letter From Father”
Fd 5 Samuel Joy Claridge Writings: Fragments
Fd 6 “From Covered Wagon to the Atom Bomb; An Autobiography”
Fd 7 “Samuel Claridge, the Sailor”
Fd 8 “My Brother Joe”
Fd 9 “A Rabbit Drive in Idaho”
Fd 10 “A Visit to Arizona and Points South” [Photos removed to Ellsworth photograph Collection]
Box 6. Files on the Children of Samuel Claridge
Fd 1 “The Story of Joseph Smith”
Fd 2 “The Charms of Oregon”
Fd 3 “Photographic Views of Oregon”-1942 [Photos and captions removed to Ellsworth Photograph Collection]
Fd 4 Ellen Grimshaw Claridge Layton, “Nell or Nellie” (1884-1948)
Note: Julia Eliza Claridge Ellsworth. See J. C. Ellsworth and Julia Claridge Ellsworth Family Papers.
Fd 5 Katherine Claridge Morrow (Kate) (1889-1961): “History of Wilford and Laura Claridge”
Fd 6 Poem - “A Reverent Hour”
Fd 7 Play - “A Missionary Call to the Muddy”
Fd 8 Writings - “Autobiography”
Fd 9 “Growing Up”
Fd 10 “Samuel and Rebbeca: The History of Our Parents”
Fd 11 Fay Layton Claridge Wasem Main (1893-1966): “Reminiscences of Father”
PART II. Biographical - (Boxes 7-11)
Box 7. Samuel Claridge Biography
Fd 1-4 “The Life of Samuel Claridge,” by SGE 1941
Box 8. Biographical Material on Samuel Claridge, Charlotte Joy and Samuel David Claridge
Fd 1 Samuel Claridge (1828-1919):
Claridge Name and Ancestry
Fd 2 Genealogy. Book of Remembrance
Fd 3 Genealogy Sheets
Fd 4 Genealogy. Endowment House and Temple Records
Fd 5 Decendents of Samuel Claridge
Fd 6 Temple Ordinances Performed form
Fd 7 Biographical Sketch. “My Grandfather” by Sheriff Grant Young
Fd 8 Various other Biographical Sketches of Samuel Claridge
Fd 9 Maps: Orderville, Long Valley, The Muddy, and England
Fd 10 Charlotte Joy Claridge (1819-1884): Biographical Material
Fd 11 Samuel David Claridge (1850-1917):
Biographical Material
Fd 12 Research Correspondence
Fd 13 Maps
Box 9. Biographical Information on Elizabeth Ann Claridge and Alfred Wm. McCune, Charlotte Joy Claridge Young and Rebecca Hughes Claridge
Fd 1 Elizabeth Ann Claridge McCune (1852-1924):
Biographical Sketches
Fd 2 Biographical Sketches
Fd 3 Biographical Sketch by Susa Young Gates
Fd 4 McCune Mansion
Fd 5 Research
Fd 6 Alfred William McCune (1849-1927): Biographical Material
Fd 7 McCune Genealogy; Family History
Fd 8 Charlotte Joy Claridge Young (1819-1884):
Biographical Sketches
Fd 9 Genealogy and Descendants
Fd 10 Rebecca Hughes Claridge (1847-1923): Biographical Sketches
Box 10. Biographical Information on the Children of Samuel Claridge
Fd 1 Hyrum Claridge (1868-1953):
Biographical Sketches
Fd 2 Children, Biographical Sketches
Fd 3 Genealogy
Fd 4 Joseph Hughes Claridge (1870-1944):
Biographical Material
Fd 5 Children, Biographical Sketches
Fd 6 Wilford Hopkins Claridge (1871-1951):
Biographical Material
Fd 7 Children, Biographical Sketches
Fd 8 David Harmon Claridge (1873-1944):
Biographical Sketches
Fd 9 Children, Biographical Material
Fd 10 George Birdsey Claridge (1875-1892): Biographical Material
Fd 11 Rebecca Hughes Claridge Porter (1877-1952):
Biographical Sketches
Fd 12 Children, Biographical Sketches
Fd 13 Samuel Joy Claridge (1879-1949): Biographical Sketches
Fd 14 Edward Maddock Claridge (1882-1952): Biographical Sketches
Fd 15 Ellen Grimshaw Claridge Layton (Nell) (1884-1948):
Biographical Material
Fd 16 Children, Biographical Sketches
Box 11. Biographical Information on Descendants of Samuel Claridge
Fd 1 Mercy Harmon Claridge Hoopes (1885-1969): Children, Biographical Sketches
Fd 2 Julia Eliza Claridge Ellsworth (1887-1953): Children, Biographical Sketches
Fd 3 Katherine Claridge Morrow (1889-1961): Biographical Material
Fd 4 Fay Layton Claridge Wasem Main (1893-1966): Biographical Material
PART III. Research Topics and Notes - (Boxes 11-15)
Fd 5 Samuel Claridge Research: Correspondence from Trevor Ridley
Fd 6 Research Concerning the John and Sarah Claridge Abbott Family
Fd 7 S. Grant Young: Research
Fd 8 J. Phillip Claridge: Research A
Fd 9 J. Phillip Claridge: Research B
Fd 10 Julia Claridge Ellsworth: Samuel Claridge Research
Research Correspondence
Fd 11 Research Notes and Ideas
Fd 12 Research Notes: inventories of Samuel Claridge Materials
Fd 13 Research
Box 12. Samuel Claridge Research
Fd 1 Samuel Claridge Research: Katherine Claridge Morrow
Fd 2 Lucille Claridge
Fd 3 Katherine Kempton
Fd 4 Ethna Claridge Robinson (Tish)
Fd 5 Angeline Alder
Fd 6 Maude M. Porter
Fd 7 Julie C. Johnson
Fd 8 Fred Claridge
Fd 9 Cindy Jorgensen
Fd 10 Melba Bryce
Fd 11 Ben Bennion
Fd 12 Tish and Grant Robinson
Fd 13 Miscellaneous Samuel Claridge Research Correspondence
Fd 14 Research Concerning the George Coleman Family
Fd 15 Research Concerning the Hannah Claridge Millard Family
Fd 16 Research Concerning Elizabeth Ward
Fd 17 Miscellaneous Research Correspondence
Fd 18 Addresses of Claridge Relatives
Fd 19 Claridge Family Reunions
Box 13. Noel R. Barton Research
Fd 1 Noel R. Barton: Documents, Death Certificates, Etc.
Fd 2 Family Group Sheets
Fd 3 Sealings
Fd 4 Documents; London: General Register Office
Fd 5 Genealogical Research Notes: G.S. and B.Y.U
Fd 6 Correspondence
Fd 7 Notes from Documents: Genealogical Society
Fd 8 Documents, Arizona Temple
Fd 9 Noel R. Barton: Notes, Gila Valley Sources
Fd 10 Documents: Nephi Records
Fd 11 Documents: Divorce
Fd 12 Naturalization Papers, Notes
Fd 13 Thatcher Ward Membership Records
Fd 14 Family Group Sheet, Samuel Claridge
Fd 15 Marriage Licenses and Certificates
Fd 16 Documents: LDS Church Census
Fd 17 U.S. Census: Copies, and Notes
Fd 18 Temple Index Cards
Fd 19 Samuel Claridge Research: CHD Research Notes
Fd 20 SLC Genealogical Society Research Notes
Fd 21 BYU Library Research Notes
Box 14. Samuel Claridge Research
Fd 1 Autobiographical Sketch I: Working Copy
Fd 2 Autobiographical Sketch II: Working Copy
Fd 3 Autobiographical Sketch III: Working Copy
Fd 4 Diary, Mission to England: Working Copy
Fd 5 Mission to England: Samuel Claridge and John R. Young