Elizabeth T. L. Mason

Elizabeth Tabitha Luckock Mason was born Dec 28, 1826 in Birmingham, England to John and Mariah Brittle Mason.

History

Betsy came from a wealthy family who had high expectations for her. However, when she joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, her family disowned her, believing the church to be terrible. She was kicked out of her home but found support from a family member and worked to save money to go to America and join the Saints. Her mother eventually accompanied her to America, although she never joined the church.

After crossing the ocean and reuniting with her brother in New Orleans, they traveled up the Mississippi River and joined the Saints. Betsy crossed the plains to Salt Lake City, where there was a surplus of young girls compared to young men in the church. She was assigned to marry Henry Jarvis, who was already married, becoming his second wife and having two daughters with him. However, Mr. Jarvis defied church counsel and bought from non-LDS merchants, resulting in his excommunication. He took his family back east, leaving Betsy on her own in St. Louis.

Betsy became a chambermaid to support her family but faced financial difficulties. Her mother decided to return to England, but Betsy refused to go with her. She reached out to her brothers for financial assistance but received no response as they had disowned her. Determined, she worked and saved enough money for her two daughters to return to Salt Lake City while she walked back herself.

She stayed in touch with Mr. Jarvis's first wife, who had remarried twice in St. Louis. Betsy maintained her membership in the church and worked for Ezra Benson in Salt Lake City. Her daughter Emily, suffering from consumption (TB) needed to leave the city, and Betsy married Ariah Coats Brower to accompany Emily to Richmond, Utah, known for its clear air. 

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