Margaret Jefferson Wells

Margaret Jefferson Wells was born in Edgecombe, North Carolina on March 2, 1806, to Leonard Well and Sarah Barnes. She was one of the first Settlers of Richmond in 1859.

History

The early life of Margaret is unknown. Margaret met Robert C. Petty while living in the same area and married on Oct 27, 1831.1

Robert was known as a man of knowledge, and in 1836, 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 was baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In 1844, Albert Petty, who was related to Robert through marriage, came to visit Robert and his family. Through this family, Robert was baptized into the Church on April 4, 1844.2

Margaret was not so inclined. Margaret had grown up strong with a Methodist background and did not accept the 'Mormon' teachings. In December 1844, Robert sold his land and was dedicated to moving west with the other saints. Margaret tried to stop the move and insisted that she would not leave. She was convinced otherwise and moved west with the rest of her family. On the journey west, Margaret was baptized a member of the Church in 1847.2

After their journey west, the Petty family moved to West Jordan (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, and the body was unable to travel to Utah, so Robert was buried in Oklahoma.2

Now as a widow, Margaret wove clothing to make her money to support her family during this difficult time. With most of her surviving family, they moved to Cache Valley and lived in the "Old Fort" that would later become Richmond.2 She lived with one of her sons.

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