Edmund Buckley

Edmund Buckley was born April 25, 1839 in Saddleworth, England to James and Emma Water Louisa Waterhouse Buckley. Edmund is a Pioneer of Richmond.

Early Life

In Edmund's early years, he worked in the cotton industry with his father, who was tutoring him. Edmund was converted to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Dec 13, 1856 at the age of 18. His parents who were against the teachings of the Church tried to persuade him to join, but Edmund did not listen. He left his home at the same age, only taking his clothing and his violin.1

After leaving his family, Edmund found refuge in the Green family home, an active LDS family. On June 17, 1859, Endund married Alice Green. While in England, Edmund became the Branch President of the Oldham, England Branch in 1862 until he left for Utah.2

Westward Journey

John Green, the head of the Green family, moved to live in Utah in 1859. One by one, other members of the Green family left for Utah. Edmund and Alice began their journey to Utah in 1863.1 They crossed the Atlantic in the Antarctic, and crossed the plains in Captian Peter Nebeker's company.4 Edmund and family moved to Franklin, Idaho to settle. 

Life in Richmond

Edmund and family moved to Richmond in 1865 when William D. Hendricks and Goudy E. Hogan convinced Edmund to run their carding machine. Edmund moved out of Richmond in 1872 to pursue more work in the Wool industry.5

North Star Wollen Mill

Because of his early years of tutoring with his father, Edmund started the North Star Woolen Mill in 1878 in Franklin, Idaho. At the mill, flannel, jeans, linsey, wool blankets, and yarns were made. The local news reported on the mill:

"Their woolen mills were running day and night, custom work is done and people bring their wool and take home blankets, cloth and yarn. Mr. Buckley, the manager, told me that last month, they paid out $700 in wages to their twenty working people... The factory does about $14,000 worth of business each year."3

Polygamy

Edmund started the practice of polygamy on Feb 21, 1870 by marrying Joanna Goold in Salt Lake. Edmund also married Jane Gordon, Oct 5, 1874, and Dinah Herd, March 21, 1885. Because of his practice, he was hunted by the state lawmen. He was sentenced to prison but was let out on good behavior.1

Epilogue