George Thomson

George Thomas was born March 1, 1830 in Thornhill, Scotland to Moses and Janet Steel Thomson. George is a Pioneer of Richmond. George was a veteran of the Indian Wars.

History

At a young age, George began working in coal mines as a candleholder. Then, as a miner when he was older. During this time, George was introduced to the teachings of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and was baptized on April 7, 1847.

"An older brother became so enraged because of his baptism that he held George by force while his mother whipped him."

In 1851, George saved enough money to sail to the United States and live with the Saints. George boarded the Ellen from Liverpool on Jan 8, 1851 and arrived in New Orleans, Louisiana on March 14. During his travels, George met Alice Tomlinson. George traveled to Nebraska Territory, joined the Joshua Grant Freight Train, and arrived in the Salt Lake Valley the same year.

During the travel, George became acquainted with Joanna Murray Bee. George and Joanna were married in 1853 in Bountiful, Utah. During this time, George began sending money to his younger brother Moses, who also came to the faith. In 1856, enough money was collected, and Moses began his journey. Moses joined the Martin Handcart company and tragically died while crossing the plains.

In 1860, the Thomson family formed a small company with the Andersen Family, William Aller, and his brother-in-law Richard J. M. Bee, and moved to Richmond. During their time in the Richmond Fort, George was caring for a man who had been injured, taking up much of George's time. Because of this, Joanna divorced George and moved away. Soon after, George was reacquainted with Alice Tomlinson and married in 1860. 

Family

George married Alice Tomlinson in 1860. George entered the practice of polygamy in 1865 by marrying Hannah Maria Crossley. George had 10 children, with nine living to adulthood.

George was sealed to Alice's deceased sister Winifred Tomlinson in 1885.

Indian Wars Service

After the construction of the Richmond Fort in 1860 and other forts in Cache Valley, the Territory of Utah created the Cache Military District on Oct 15, 1861 with Church Apostle Ezra T. Benson as Colonel. On June 16, 1863, Richmond was organized into two companies of Infantry and two squads of Cavalry. George was appointed as a Private in both instances.

On Sep 14, 1864, the Richmond Home Guard was established with Henry Standage as its Captain. At any cost, the city Guard was to protect. Most of the Guard, including George, consisted of Minute-Men. They had regular drills every night.3 The Home Guard was released from active duty on Oct 25, 1864.4

Epilogue