Organization

BFO Organizational Information

The Brough Family Organization (BFO) is directed and supported by the Richard Brough Family Organization (RBFO)--which is a non-profit Ancestral Family Organization.

Corporate History

In December 1890, Samuel Richard Brough (1857-1947) returned to Utah after serving a four-year mission to the British Isles for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. After returning to Utah, Samuel encouraged his Brough relatives living in the western United States to begin holding Brough Family Reunions. The "Brough Family Organization" was formally organized in 1918, with Samuel Richard Brough serving as its first president from 1918 to 1938. Between 1918 and 1968, Brough Family Reunions were held in such places as Bountiful, Kaysville, Lagoon, Morgan, Porterville, Ogden, and Randolph, Utah, and in Lyman, Wyoming.

In 1969, Hyrum C. Brough, a son of Samuel Richard Brough, founded the Samuel Richard Brough Family Organization (SRBFO). From 1979 to 1982, the SRBFO operated alongside the Brough Family Organization-which was incorporated in 1979 in Utah as the Richard Brough Family Organization (RBFO) and approved in 1979 as a non-profit organization by the IRS (IRS #94-2612574). In 1983, the SRBFO was fully merged into the RBFO (and the SRBFO's existence as a separate corporation was allowed to expire in 2005). In February 2011, the RBFO changed its on-line identity to the Brough Family Organization (BFO). From 1969 to 2019, Brough Family Reunions were held in Utah and England. In 2020, the BFO sponsored a virtual International Brough Reunion.

Today the Brough Family Organization sponsors research projects and holds virtual international reunions every five years.

RBFO Articles of Incorporation

Articles of Incorporation of the Richard Brough Family Organization

Originally dated 29 March 1979. Updated on 31 December 2023.

Article 1: Name

This family organization shall be known as the Richard Brough Family Organization

Article II: Term

The corporation shall be perpetual unless sooner terminated by law, or under such terms and conditions as may be hereinafter referred to.

Article III: Corporate Purposes

The purpose of this corporation's existence shall be lawful purposes set forth in and provided for by the State of Utah, but particular emphasis shall be placed upon the following specific purposes to carry out the intent of this corporation:

A) The activities and pursuits of this corporation shall be guided by and be consistent with the principles of religious belief of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and particularly as such religious teachings embrace and direct genealogical research and family history activities.

B) The corporation shall engage in genealogical and historical research throughout the world in behalf of the ancestors, descendants and relatives of the Broughs of the British Isles--with specific emphasis on the ancestors, descendants and relatives of Richard Brough and Mary Horleston of Staffordshire, England. (Richard Brough was born in Staffordshire, England, on 14 February 1786; he married Mary Horleston on 7 August 1825; and he died in Staffordshire, England on 31 January 1873.)

C) The corporation shall educate the membership and others of the history and family traditions within the genealogical lines of the memberships.

D) The corporation shall compile current records and establish a means for perpetuating and publishing such records for future generations using all current and future technological means available.

E) The corporation shall organize and provide family reunions and historical tours so that family members can gain a greater knowledge and appreciation of the history and family traditions within the genealogical lines of the membership.

F) The corporation shall hire specialists (as needed) to engage in appropriate genealogical and historical research anywhere in the world related to the ancestors, descendants and relatives of the Broughs of the British Isles--with specific emphasis on the ancestors, descendants and relatives of Richard Brough and Mary Horleston of Staffordshire, England.

G) The above purposes shall not be construed as limitation in any way upon the activities of this corporation and it shall be entitled to pursue any or all of the purposes cited in or provided for in such statutes.

Article IV: Members

The corporation shall have members. All descendants and relatives of the Broughs of the British Isles--and especially those descendants and relatives of Richard Brough of Staffordshire, England (who was born in Staffordshire, England, on 14 February 1786; married Mary Horleston on 7 August 1825; and died in Staffordshire, England on 31 January 1873), are eligible for membership in this corporation. Each descendant or relative may become a member thereof by submitting to the Secretary a written statement containing his/her name, address, and showing his or her relationship to the Broughs of the British Isles or to Richard Brough of Staffordshire, England. Persons under eighteen shall be Junior Members and are not permitted to vote nor hold office and are exempt from the payment of any dues.

Article V: Shares of Stock

Shares of stock evidencing membership in the corporation shall not be issued or required.

Article VI: Meetings

An annual meeting of the Board of Trustees will be held as determined by the President of the Board of Trustees. A By-Decadal Family Reunion (for all members of the organizations) will be held as determined by the President of the Board of Trustees. Other specific meetings of various operating divisions within the Board of Trustees can be held at any time as determined appropriate by the President of the Board of Trustees.

The main purposes of the annual meeting will be to inform the Board of Trustees of the accomplishments during the past year of the purposes of the corporation, as well as to elect Trustees and Officers of the Board of Trustees. Failure to hold an annual meeting--or other meetings and reunions-- will not disorganize this organization. In the event a meeting or election is not held the elected Trustees will remain in their offices until such time that a meeting and election can take place.

Article VII: Board of Trustees

The affairs, businesses and properties of the corporation shall be managed by a Board of Trustees. The members of the Board of Trustees shall consist of up to twenty-five individuals, comprised of voting or Governing Members of the Board of Trustees--who must be documented descendants or relatives of Richard Brough of Staffordshire, England (mentioned above), and non-voting or International Members of the Board of Trustees.

Trustees must be members of the corporation but need not be residents of the state of incorporation. The term of office of the Board of Trustees shall be one to five years or until their successors have been elected and qualified.

A Trustee may be nominated and voted into office by a majority of the Board of Trustees at their annual meeting or on other occasions as agreed upon by the majority of the Board of Trustees, or by the general membership of the corporation at their By-Decadal Family Reunion. A Trustee can be removed by the majority vote of the remaining Trustees, or can be removed if he or she is deemed inactive (such as by not attending annual meetings, reunions or participating in organizational activities or projects) for more than two years by the President or the majority vote of the remaining Trustees. Also, the President of the organization shall have the right to appoint a new member of the Board of Trustees should a vacancy occur between annual meetings or By-Decadal Family Reunions. However, this new member of the Board of Trustees must be voted into office by a majority of the Board of Trustees at their first annual meeting or By-Decadal Family Reunion following such an appointment by the President or the appointment is nullified.

[In 1979 the names and addresses of the initial Trustees of the Governing Board included the following seven individuals: Kent L. Brough, R. Clayton Brough, Warren D. Brough, R. Marshall Brough, Robert S. Brough, Janene B. Wood, Marie B. Nielson.]

Article VIII: Executive Officers

The Executive Officers of the corporation must be members of the Board of Trustees and must consist of a President, Vice-President, Secretary/Treasurer, and other officers (listed in the corporation's By-Laws) as determined appropriate by the majority members of the Board of Trustees, or by the President if such should become necessary between annual meetings of the Board of Trustees. In addition, the President, Vice-President and Secretary/Treasurer of the corporation must be documented descendants of Richard Brough of Staffordshire, England (mentioned above).

Executive Officers shall be appointed to and serve in their office as determined by the majority members of the Board of Trustees, and shall serve until they resign voluntarily from their office or are replaced or voted out of their office by a majority of the Board of Trustees at an authorized meeting of the Board of Trustees. The specific duties of Executive Officers shall be determined by the majority members of the Board of Trustees. Also, the President of the organization shall have the right to appoint a new Executive Officer should a vacancy occur between annual meetings or By-Decadal Family Reunions. However, this new member of the Board of Trustees must be voted into office by a majority of the Board of Trustees at their first annual meeting or By-Decadal Family Reunion following such an appointment by the President or the appointment is nullified.

Executive Officers shall meet and/or communicate on a regular basis to plan, organize and execute the affairs of the corporation. They shall report their activities to the Board of Trustees at the annual meeting of the corporation and at the by-decadal family reunion of the corporation.

[In 1979 the initial officers of the corporation included the following three individuals: Kent L. Brough, President; R. Clayton Brough, Vice-President; Janene B. Wood, Secretary/Treasurer.]

Article IX: Finances and Compensation

Members of the corporation may freely contribute to the needs of the corporation for such purposes as genealogical research, the preservation of historical records, related religious work, and family meetings and activities. Dues may be established for members of the corporation by a majority vote of all members present at the by-decadal family reunion, if deemed appropriate or necessary by the Board of Trustees.

All monies of the corporation not otherwise employed shall be deposited from time to time to its credit in such banks as the Board of Trustees may select or as may be selected by any officer or agent authorized to do so by the Board of Trustees.

All checks shall be authorized to be released for payment, and shall be signed by such officer(s) and/or agent(s) of the corporation in such manner and by whom the Board of Trustees may from time to time determine appropriate.

The Board of Trustees of the corporation shall serve in the general and regular capacity of their office without compensation; provided, however, they shall be reimbursed by the corporation for any unusual service performed for the corporation as directed by the Board of Trustees.

Article X: Incorporators

The present incorporators are the current Executive Officers of the RBFO.

Article XI: Principal Office:

The present principal office is: 115 East 800 North, Bountiful, Utah, 84010.

Article XII: Termination and Dissolution

Upon the winding up and dissolution of this corporation, after paying or adequately providing for the debts and obligations of the corporation, the remaining assets shall be distributed to a nonprofit fund, foundation or corporation, which is organized and operated exclusively for charitable, educational, or religious and/or scientific purposes and which has established its tax-exempt status under Section 501

No part of the net earnings of this corporation shall ever inure to or for the benefit of or be distributed to its members, trustees, officers, or other private persons, except that the corporation shall be empowered to pay reasonable compensation for services rendered and to make payments and distributions in furtherance of the exempt purposes for which it was formed.

Notwithstanding any other provisions of these articles, the corporation shall not carry on any other activity not permitted to be carried on by a corporation exempt from Federal Income Tax under Section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 of the United States of America.

RBFO By-Laws

By-Laws of the Richard Brough Family Organization

Originally dated 29 March 1979. Updated on 31 December 2023.

Article I: Members

Article II: Meetings

An annual meeting of the Board of Trustees will be held as determined by the President of the Board of Trustees. A By-Decade Family Reunion (for all members of the organization) will be held as determined by the President of the Board of Trustees. Other specific meetings of various operating divisions within the Board of Trustees can be held at any time as determined appropriate by the President of the Board of Trustees.

Article III: Governing Officers - Board of Trustees

The affairs, businesses and properties of the corporation shall be managed by a Board of Trustees. The members of the Board of Trustees shall consist of up to thirty individuals, comprised of voting or Governing Members of the Board of Trustees--who must be documented descendants or relatives of Richard Brough of Staffordshire, England (mentioned above), and non-voting or International Members of the Board of Trustees.

A Trustee may be nominated and voted into office by a majority of the Board of Trustees at their annual meeting or on other occasions as agreed upon by the majority of the Board of Trustees, or by the general membership of the corporation at their By-Decadal Family Reunion. A Trustee can be removed by the majority vote of the remaining Trustees, or can be removed if he or she is deemed inactive--such as by not attending annual meetings, reunions or participating in organizational activities or projects--for more than two years by the President or the majority vote of the remaining Trustees. Also, the President of the organization shall have the right to appoint a new member of the Board of Trustees should a vacancy occur between annual meetings or By-Decadal Family Reunions. However, this new member of the Board of Trustees must be voted into office by a majority of the Board of Trustees at their first annual meeting or By-Decadal Family Reunion following such an appointment by the President or the appointment is nullified.

Article IV: Duties of the Members of the Board of Trustees

All Members of the Board of Trustees shall represent various family branches of the RBFO and encourage descendants of these branches to participate in the family organization.

Governing Members of the Board of Trustees shall vote on current and proposed projects and goals of the organizations at its Annual Board Meeting, and shall suggest projects and goals for the organization, and participate in directing and facilitating RBFO sponsored International Brough Reunions.

International Members of the Board of Trustees shall suggest projects and goals for the organization, and shall participate in directing and facilitating RBFO sponsored International Brough Reunions.

Article V: Governing Officers – Executive Officers

The Executive Officers of the corporation must be Governing Members of the Board of Trustees and must consist of a President, Vice-President, Secretary/Treasurer, and other officers as determined appropriate by the majority members of the Board of Trustees, or by the President if such should become necessary between annual meetings of the Board of Trustees. In addition, the President, Vice-President and Secretary/Treasurer of the corporation must be documented descendants of Richard Brough of Staffordshire, England (mentioned above).

Executive Officers shall be appointed to and serve in their office as determined by the majority members of the Board of Trustees, and shall serve until they resign voluntarily from their office or are replaced or voted out of their office by a majority of the Board of Trustees at an authorized meeting of the Board of Trustees. The specific duties of Executive Officers--who are also members of the Board of Trustees--shall be determined by the majority members of the Board of Trustees. Also, the President of the organization shall have the right to appoint a new Executive Officer should a vacancy occur between annual meetings or By-Decadal Family Reunions. However, this new member of the Board of Trustees must be voted into office by a majority of the Board of Trustees at their first annual meeting or By-Decadal Family Reunion following such an appointment by the President or the appointment is nullified.

Article VI: Duties of Organizational Officers:

Duties of the President

The President shall oversee the Board of Trustees and preside over the Annual Meeting of the Board of Trustees and Executive Officers and RBFO sponsored International Brough Reunions. The President shall also guide the regular and general operations of the family organization and must approve all expenditures of the organization. In addition, the President must be a documented descendant of Richard Brough of Staffordshire, England (mentioned above).

Duties of the Vice President

The Vice President shall assist the President and encourage members of the organization to participate in RBFO research project, communication endeavors and International Brough Reunions. In addition, the Vice-President must be a documented descendant of Richard Brough of Staffordshire, England (mentioned above).

Duties of the Secretary/Treasurer

The Secretary/Treasurer shall keep a record of the general operations of the organization, an accurate account of all financial transactions of the organization, and an up-to-date list of all registered family members. In addition, the Secretary/Treasurer must be a documented descendant of Richard Brough of Staffordshire, England (mentioned above).

Duties of the Social Media Coordinator(s)

The Social Media Coordinator(s), with the approval of the President and Vice-President, shall help institute, manage and maintain RBFO related websites and social media accounts.

Duties of the Reunion Coordinator(s)

The Reunion Coordinator(s), with the approval of the President and Vice-President(s), shall plan for, implement and direct the activities of RBFO reunions which are advertised, sponsored and supported by the family organization.

Duties of the Ambassador(s)

The Ambassador(s), with the approval of the President and Vice-President(s), shall represent the family organization to his/her family members and relatives, encourage others to freely join the organization, contribute genealogical information to the organization, and use the organization's genealogical information to enhance related family history activities.

Duties of the Family Genealogist(s)

The Family Genealogist(s) shall conduct genealogical and historical research throughout the world in behalf of the ancestors, descendants and relatives of the Broughs of the British Isles, and shall contact and encourage potential family members to join, contribute, and participate in the activities and purposes of the family organization.

Family Genealogists shall have the following titles and responsibilities:

Chief Genealogist: Responsible for managing all Brough-related research projects throughout the world which are financially or materially supported by the BFO. This genealogist also maintains and manages the BFO Global Brough Database--which contains all Brough-related deceased and living individuals.

Ancestral Genealogist(s): Researches and updates information on deceased Brough ancestors and relatives who were born between 1500 and 1910 for entry into the BFO Global Brough Database and FamilySearch.

Descendant Genealogist(s): Researches and updates information about living Brough descendants for entry into the BFO Global Brough Database. Note: Information about living Brough descendants is kept confidential by the BFO and is not posted online.