The Petty Families

The early life of Margaret is unknown. Margaret met Robert C. Petty while living in the same area and married on Oct 27, 1831.

Robert was known as a man of knowledge, and in 1836, he was appointed Sheriff of Benton County. As Sheriff, two Missionaries for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints were arrested for their teachings. Robert brought them to his home and discussed with the missionaries about their teachings. After the lessons with the missionaries, Robert's father, Thomas, was baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, but Robert did not join. In 1837, Albert Petty, who was related to Robert through marriage, moved to Iowa and returned in 1844 to Robert as a missionary of the Church. Robert listened to the teachings again and was baptized into the Church on April 4, 1844.

Margaret was not so inclined. Margaret had grown up strong with a Methodist background and did not accept the 'Mormon' teachings. On the journey west, Margaret was baptized a member of the Church in 1847.

After their journey west, the Petty family moved to West Jordan, Utah. The family organized with the Harriman, Butterfield, and Stocking families became the first settlers of Herriman, Utah. 

In 1855, Robert was called to serve a mission in the Oklahoma Territory. To pay for the mission, he sold one of the horses and used the other to ride to travel in Oklahoma. Unfortunately, Robert died in Oklahoma in 1856.

As a widow, Margaret wove clothing to make money to support her family during this difficult time and moved in with one of her sons. With most of her surviving family, the Petty family moved to Cache Valley and lived in the "Old Fort" that would later become Richmond. Margaret is the oldest Founder of Richmond.