Sylvanus Cyrus Hulet Sr 1826 - 1901

Sylvanus Cyrus Hulet Sr. was born in Lee, MA in 1826. He heard the gospel when he was five years old, met Joseph Smith and went through the Missouri persecutions. He helped build the Nauvoo temple and at age 24 he saw and testified to the “Mantle of Joseph” descending on Brigham Young.

He married Catherine Stoker at Mt. Pisgah on the Mormon Trail in 1850. They came across the plains, colonized Springville, and during the 10 years they were there they built a home. They had 6 children, developed a farm, established a small herd of cattle, and had a small chair building business.

By Pioneer standards they were quite successful so it was a huge surprise when they were called to the Cotton Mission where they laid out a new town called: St. George. Again they built a home and prospered and later pushed their herd 75 miles north to Summit, Utah where he built another comfortable home. Through hard work and thrifty habits it was not many years later until they had orchards, vineyards, cotton, and other crops. Sylvanus’s home in Summit is still standing. He died at 75 and is buried in the Summit Cemetery.

Elzina Robena Hulet 1861 - 1930

October 5, 1889 Deseret Weekly:

Springville Home:



















St George Home: (demolished)










2010 Sylvanus St. George Home from K on Vimeo.






Summit Utah home:







Summit, Utah, home:








2010 Inside Sylvanus Hulet Sr's Home from Deborah Gardiner on Vimeo.










2010 Sylvanus Hulet and Two of His Wives by A.L. from K on Vimeo.










2010 Summit Home from K on Vimeo.






Where did Sylvanus go to church?


Answer:



2010 St. George Tabernacle from K on Vimeo.

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  In Loving Remembrance of SYLVANUS C. HULET Born in Ohio Mar 14, 1826. DIED oct 22, 1901. His words were kindness (east side) his deeds were love his spirit humble, he rests above. 2010 Summit Cemetery - Hulets/Dalleys from K on Vimeo. 2010 Summit Cemetery Surprise from K on Vimeo. 2010 Sylvanus Grave Placement from K on Vimeo. 2010 Summit Cemetery Story from K on Vimeo. 2010 Dixie College Monument from K on Vimeo. Event Map Map data ©2009 Google, INEGI - Terms of Use 200 mi 200 km Map Satellite Hybrid Event Married - 21 Mar 1883 - Saint George, Washington, Utah, USA Married - 7 Oct 1884 - Salt Lake City, Salt Lake, Utah, USA = Link to Google Maps = Link to Google Earth Pin Legend = Address = Location = City/Town = County/Shire = State/Province = Country = Not Set Notes NAUVOO RECORDS: Members, LDS, 1830-1848, by Susan Easton Black, Vol 24, pp 483-487 DEATH DATE VARIANT: 21 Oct 1901 Sources [S6] LDS - Membership of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints:1830-1848, 50 vols., Black, Susan Easton, Compiler, (LDS Church, Salt Lake City, 1990), 1830-1848, by Susan Easton Black, Vol 24, pp 483-487. [S23152] [S2] Internet Link - International Genealogical Index, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. [S35] Internet Link - Ancestral File, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, (Copyright (c) 1987, June 1998). RESEARCH NOTES: 1. Censuses: 1820 US: Madison Township, Jackson, Ohio, pg. 192, township had a little over 40 families; related families of Michael Stoker and Michael Graybill are in neighboring Bloomfield Township; columns are male 0-10, 10-16, 16-18, 16-26, 26-45, 45+// female 0-10, 10-16, 16-26, 26-45, 45+: David Stoker: 2,1,0,1,0,0//1,0,0,1,0. Peter Grabill: 1,0,0,1,0,1//0,0,2,0,1. Nancy Henson: 0,1,0,1,0,0//0,1,1,1,0. James McDaniel: 0,0,0,0,0,1//3,2,0,0,1. 1830 US: Madison Township, Jackson, Ohio, p. 93a: David Stoker: Males 10-15:2; 30-40:1; female 0-5:2; 10-15:1; 30-40:1. [Appears to be David, his wife Barbara, and their children: Christina, John, William, Sarah, and Catherine; appears from children enumerated that Nancy may have been dead by 1830.] 1840 US: Quincy, Adams, Illinois, the following related families living in near proximity to each other (with exception of John McDaniel and his wife Christina Stoker, all of David Stoker's siblings, children, and mother are accounted for and it confirms his father Michael was dead by 1840):P. 43a: David Stoker, males 5-10:1; 40-50:1//females 5-10:1; 10-15:1; 40-50:1. [David, his wife Barbara, and their children Sarah (13), Catherine (11?), and Michael (6). Note daughter Nancy not in census which means she was probably deceased by then.] Simeon P. Grabell [Graybill], males 0-5:1; 20-30:1//females 0-5:1; 20-30:1. [David's nephew: Simeon and his wife Amanda Hill and their two oldest children.] Jacob Stoker, males 20-30:1//females 0-5:1; 20-30:1. [Younger brother to David: Jacob and his wife Catherine and their oldest child.] P. 44a: Eller Stoker, males 20-30:1//females 0-5:1; 15-20:1; 60-70:1. [Youngest brother to David: Eller with his wife Margaret and their oldest child and probably their mother Catherine Eller.] James Walker [Welker], males 10-15:1; 15-20:1; 30-40:1//females 5-10:2; 40-50:1. [Living next door to Eller and ages work perfectly that this is James Welker and Elizabeth Stoker, who is David's sister.] John W. Stoker, males 0-5:2; 10-15:1; 30-40:1//females 0-5:1; 5-10:2; 30-40:1. [John and his wife Electa Sarah and their six oldest children.] John Stoker, males 0-5:1; 20-30:1//females 0-5:1; 5-10:2; 20-30:1. [David's son: John and his wife Jane and their children.] P. 52a: William Stoker, males 0-5:1; 20-30:1//females 20-30:1 (father-in-law Samuel Winegar is next door). [David's son William and his wife Almira with their child.] P. 55a: Michael Stoker, males 0-5:2; 5-10:2; 10-15:1; 30-40:1// females 30-40:1. [Michael, his wife Martha, and their five oldest children.] 1870 US: 7-Dist. Summit, Iron, Utah, p. 295a, entry 6 [neighbors to Edward and Sarah Davis; Barbara Graybill Stoker; Michael and Polly Stoker]: Cyrus S. Hewlett, 44, frmer, real estate $200, personal property $600, OH. Catherine, 41, OH. John K.[or R.], 19, UT. Sylvester, 13, UT. Malissa, 10, UT. Charles, 5, UT. Luvella, 3, UT. 1880 US: Summit Creek, Iron, Utah: "C. Sylvanus Hulet, occupation: farmer, age 54, married, birthplace: OH, father's and mother's birthplace: MA and OH. Catherine Hulet, occ.: keeping house, age 50, birthplace: OH [father's and mother's birthplace: NC]. Four children ages 9 through 23 listed all born in Utah." Source: FHL film 1255336, National Archives Film T9-1336, p. 366A. Note: Lived in same town as brother Michael Stoker and sister Sarah Davis. BIOGRAPHY: 1. From the book "History of Iron County Mission -- Parowan, Utah," compiled by Mrs. Luella Adams Dalton, pp. 194-95. In commenting on the early days of Summit, Utah, she mentions several early pioneers to the area such as Michael Stoker and his brother-in-laws Edward Davis and Sylvanus C. Hulet. Also mentioned is the Dalley family into which a Davis daughter marries and has a daughter in 1880, Sarah Mandana Dalley, who marries in 1902 William Heber Hales, a son of Charles and Jemima Adair Hales. Various citations: "In the spring of 1859 James Dalley, William Dalley and Labon Morrell moved their families from Johnson Fort to Summit and took up squatters claims. On the 15 April, 1859 a son, Joseph B. Dalley, was born to James and Lettie Wright Dalley in their dugout home, the first child born in Summit. Others came to join them, Edward Davis, John Allen, Thomas R. Smith, John White, William White, Mike Stoker, John Winn, Oliver Pierson and William O. Orton. (Source: Lillian D. White from the 'Life of James Dalley.')" "Sylvanus C. Hulet moved his family from St. George to Summit, where he had owned a farm and lot for a number of years. Sylvanus was chosen presiding Elder of Summit, to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Brother William Dalley. Summit Ward was organized 27 July 1877 with Sylvanus C. Hulet as Bishop. His wife Catherine Stoker Hulet helped a great deal with the sick and on the 10 March 1878 she was chosen as the first Relief Society president, a position she held until her death in 1882. 27 July 1877 Bishop Sylvanus C. Hulet, next in their order. Bishop Joseph B. Dalley, 1st C. William Smith, 2nd C. Sylvanus C. Hulet, Ward Clerk Barbara Tweedie... (Source: Ward Records -- Lillian D. White)" "Summit Ward Relief Society was organized 10 March, 1879, President Catherine Stoker, 1st C. Lette B. Dalley, 2nd C. Mandana H. Dalley, Secretary Mary E. Hulet... (Source: Ordena Dalley)" 2. The book "Pioneer Women of Faith and Fortitude" by Daughters of Utah Pioneers: "Catherine Stoker Hulet, b. 29 Jul 1829 at Bloomfield, Jackson, Ohio, d. 8 Nov 1882 at Summit, Iron, Utah, parents are David Stoker and Barbara Graybill/Graybell, pioneer of Sep 1850 with the Aaron Johnson Wagon Train, m. Sylvanous Cyrus Hulet at Mt. Pisgah, Iowa (he died 22 Oct 1901), children: John Riley, 27 Feb 1851 Sarah Ann, 20 Sep 1852 Barbara Adlind, 18 Nov 1854 Sylvanus Cyrus Jr., 17 Apr 1857 (twin) Sylvester Silas, 17 Apr 1857 (twin) Catherine Melissa, 18 Nov 1860 Emma Tryphina, 19 Jul 1862 (died as a child) Charles Franklin, 11 Nov 1864 Luella, 1 Jan 1867 Oscar Willard, 9 Mar 1870 Catherine Stoker was born in 1829, in Bloomfield, Jackson County, Ohio. She married Sylvanus Cyrus Hulet on May 19, 1850, at Mt. Pisgah, Iowa. Like their neighbors and friends, the Hulet and Stoker families suffered severely from the treatment they received from intolerant people. They were robbed, mobbed, and persecuted beyond endurance until it finally became necessary for them to leave their homes, farms, and other possessions and search for a haven of peace where they could worship how they wished. They moved from Jackson County to the other Mormon settlements. They suffered the typical trials of that time and finally arrived in the Salt Lake Valley in late Sep., 1850. They were called to go to Hobble Creek in Oct. of 1850, where they lived until 1860. They were then called to go south to help settle Dixie country. They found it very desolate, but they helped settle St. George. From there they moved to Summit, Iron County, in 1872, having been released from the Dixie Mission by Erastus Snow. Catherine gave birth to ten children; six born in Springville, and four born in St. George. Catherine labored a great deal among the sick. When the Relief Society was organized, March 10, 1878, she was called as President, a position she faithfully filled until her death. Catherine died Nov. 8, 1882, leaving her youngest child 12 years of age. Cahterine was buried in Summit, Iron county, Utah. She was a pioneer woman of great faith and fortitude and left a great legacy for those who followed her." 3. Harold B. Lee Library, L. Tom Perry Special Collections, Brigham Young University, microfilm MSSFilm 920 no. 1: "A Short Sketch of the Life of Sylvanus Cyrus and Catherine Stoker Hulet. Sylvanus Cyrus Hulet was born March 14, 1826 at Portage, Ohio. Catherine Stoker Hulet was born July 24, 1829 at Jackson, Ohio. The parents of both Sylvanus and Catherine were early members of the Church. When but a young boy and girl, they too were baptized members of the L.D.S. Church. With their parents they suffered the persecutions of the early saints. When Sylvanus was yet but a young boy his father took him to see the Prophet Joseph Smith. The memory of this occasion was always held dear. He was also at the meeting when Brigham Young was chosen to take the place of the Prophet Joseph and witnessed the manifestation when the mantle of Joseph fell on Brigham Young. On April 19, 1850, Sylvanus and Catherine were married at Mt. Pisgah, Iowa, by Reverend Marsh. Shortly after, the young coouple left with a company of saints to make the long journey across the plains to the Rocky Mountains. Many hardships were endured on this long hard trip to the west. During the course of the journey, cholera broke out in the company. Suffering and death occured along the trail and the mourning of some of the saints could be heard over the departure of a loved one[. M]any new graves marked the trail of those west bound emigrants. On one occasion Sylvanus had the good furtune to kill a buffalo. The meat being distributed among the needy of the company. Upon their arrival in Utah, they made their home at Springville. Sylvanus took up farming and chairmaking to provide a livelihood. It was at this place their first child was born Feb. 27, 1851. The Indians were bad and could not be trusted. One day while Catherine's husband was away from home, an Indian came into the house and asked for bread. Flour at that time was very scarce among the saints, so she told him she had no bread. At that he stepped up to the cradle, drew his bow and pointed the arrow at the baby. Through the mother's fear and anxiety for her child she gave him the bread they so sorely needed for themselves. After securing the food he desired, the Indian left satisfied. A while after their third child was born Sylvanus and Catherine were sealed in the Endowment House in Salt Lake City. In the spring of 1856 Sylvanus was called with others to go back across the plains to assist in bringing another company of saints to Utah. They made their home at Springville until 1861 when he was called to go south to help settle the Dixie country. They were one of the 300 familes sent by Brigham Young under the leadership of Erastus Snow and Orson Pratt to settle the region. During the years they lived in Springville they had built them a good home. In leaving they were forced to part with it at a great sacrifice. For the journey south, they purchased a big government wagon and also used the wagon they already owned. Three yoke of oxen were worked on one wagon and a mule team and a horse team pulled the other. The family then numbered eight including the parents. They took with them some cows and what household goods they could, then started on their way. One month was required to make the journey to their destination. Upon arriving in Dixie they found a very desolate country. However, the company of new settlers were thrifty and went earnestly to work. They laid out a townsite and called the new settlement St. George. They soon moved onto city lots and began once more to build homes. In the short space of two or three years, the place began to flourish. Cotton was grown, vineyards and orchards were planted. Farming was done. Besides work on the temple, tabernacle and courthouse had already begun. The cotton was carded and spun by the women. They trained their hands to do many things that only pioneers could accomplish. This couple, Sylvanus and Catherine put fourth their best efforts for the growth and development of that region. The Indians were still troublesome. On several occasions they drove off animals belonging to the settlers. Two men who were looking after horses and cattle, were killed by the Indans. Sylvanus and some other men were called to go and bring back the horses and cattle which had been driven off. Those were anxious hours, for the wives who were watching and praying for the safe return of thier husbands. After the temple was completed and dedicated, Sylvanus and wife did temple work there and had their three olderst children sealed to them. They made their home at St. George until 1872 but prior to this date they had purchased some farming land at Summit, Iron Co., Utah. Some 80 miles north of St George. For a few years they attempted to care for both places with the help of their older children. Which caused many journeys to be made between St. George and Summit with teams and wagon. Finally the St. George home was sold and the family settled permanently at Summit. Before leaving St. George, however, he was released from the Dixie mission by Apostle Erastus Snow. As yet there had been no Ward organiaation at Summit. A presiding elder looked after the church affairs at that place but the years following the arrival of the Hulet family, Sylvanus was chosen to fill the vacancy caused by the death of the presiding elder who had previously officiated in that capacity. He continued to fill that position until a Ward organization could be effected, which was July 27, 1877. He was then ordained Bishop of the Summit Ward. After locating at Summit his wife Catherine labored a great deal among the sick. Whenever there was sickness in that community, she was always called upon to help care for them. When the first Relief Society was organized at Summit March 10, 1878 she was chosen president, which position she faithfully filled until her death, November 8, 1882. She was the mother of ten children, nine of whom she raised to maturity. Their names are as follows: John Riley, born 29 February 1851, Springville, Utah. Sarah Ann, born 20 September 1852, Springville, Utah. Barbara Addilenda, born 18 November 1854, Springville, Utah. Sylvanus Cyrus and Sylvester Silas -- twins 17 Apr 1857, Springville, Utah. Melissa Catherine, born 18 Nov 1860 Emma Tryphena, born 19 July 1862, St. George, Utah. Charles Franklin, born 11 November 1864, St. George, Utah. Luella, born 1 January 1867, St. George, Utah. Oscar Willard, born 9 March 1870, St. George, Utah. After the death of his wife Catherine, Sylvanus married Zina Miller, March 21, 1883. From this union there were four daughters. On October 7, 1884 he was married to Betsy Dalley. From this marriage there was one daughter. He continued to fill the position as bishop until sometime in 1888 when he was released[. He] remained a faithful member of the Church until his death which occured October 22, 1901." 4. Visited Summit 25 Dec 2002. Town is just off Interstate 15 and only a few blocks long with one main street with little if any commerce. The original Hulet house is on the northwest corner of Center and Main streets. Many photos of house on file. It is a two story brick structure with three dormers, two chimneys on either end, and in poor repair being used for what appears as a low priced rental. There is a large memorial plaque and rock cairn placed on the property which reads (photos of house and plaque on file): "Sylvanus Cyrus Hulet, 1826 - 1901, a convert of 1831, Utah Pioneer 1850, Settled in Springville, Called to the Dixie Mission 1861, Moved to Summit 1872, Children by Catherine Stoker: John Riley, Sarah Ann, Barbara Adlinda, Sylvanus Cyrus, Sylvester Silas, Cathryn Melissa, Emma Tryphena, Charles Franklin, Luella, Oscar Willard, Children by Elzina R. Miller: Nora Dean, Eliza Ellen, Minnie Elzina, Theresa, Cora, Daughter by Elizabeth Dalley: Emma Wright." 5. From a typescript of an unknown source but most likely of the archives of the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers (copy in my files) with pages hand-numbered 49-51. Text [with typographical corrections by me]: "Life of Michael Stoker. Michael Stoker was born at Bloomfield Twp., Jackson County, Ohio, September 12, 1833. He was the son of David Stoker and Barbara Graybill. He was the youngest child in a family of seven children, four girls and three boys. There was a period of time we don't know much about the family or where they first heard and became interested in the 'Mormon' Church. According to records, Michael was baptized into the LDS Church in the year 1848. He would have been fifteen years old then. The Stoker family spent some time at Winter Quarters, Nebraska. They were advised to stay a while and get better prepared for the journey West, so they were among those who planted crops and harvested them so there would be food for the saints who came later on the long trek to the Rocky Mountains. In the spring of 1882 [1852], a few days before their company started West, Michael's father, David Stoker, died and was buried at Winter Quarters, Nebraska. I think it is now called Council Bluff, Nebraska. Michael and his mother and brother and sisters came on to Salt Lake Valley. Many lifelong friendships began on the journey across the plains. Brigham Young encouraged them to sing and dance and play music and tell stories around the campfire after the day's travel was done. In spite of their trials, they had some good times remembered for years after. And so it was that often when the wagons were parked in a circle for protection at night, after suppers were over; the men who could play would get out their fiddles and a dance on the ground would begin and the weary travelers would forget their wearniess for an hour or two... After arriving in Salt Lake Valley the Stoker family moved to Springville and were among the earliest settlers there... They lived in Springville about ten years... In 1860, two of Michael's sisters [Sarah and Catherine] and their husbands were called by Brigham Young to go down and help settle Iron County. Michael who was the youngest of his Mother's family liked to live near his sisters; so he took his wife, Polly, and their three sons and his mother, Barbara Graybill Stoker, who was getting quite old, and moved to Iron County. Settling first at Johnson's Fort, a new settlement north of what is now Cedar City. While living here their first daughter, Emma, was born. She had convulsions and died as a small baby and was buried at Johnson's Fort. They lived at Johnson's Fort about a year and then moved to a nearby settlement called Summit, between Parowan and Cedar City... About 1873, Michael moved his family to Monroe in Sevier County. The family enjoyed living in Monroe. After a few years they moved back to Summit to be near their friends and relatives..." (See Michael's notes for full quotation.) BIRTH: 1. Date per website for Utah State Historical Society Cemeteries Database; 8 Jan 2002. 2. Per DUP biography cited above. It has variant date of 29 Jul 1829 which is incorrect. 3. Per tombstone. 4. Online Ordinance Index information given by themselves: "#1 John Riley Hulet, b. 27 Feb 1851 at Springville, UT; #2 Sarah Anne Hulet Wimmer, b. 30 Sep 1852 at Springville, UT; #3 Barbara Adalinda Hulet, b. 18 Nov 1854 at Springville, UT. Sealed to parents Sylvanus Cyrus Hulet, b. 14 Mar 1826 at Portage Co., OH and Catherine Stoker Hulet, b. 24 Jul 1829 at Jackson, OH. M.F. Farnsworth, Recorder." (Per FHL film 170583, St. George Temple Adoption Records, book A, p. 71, 20 Feb 1878.) 5. Exact township per 1820 and 1830 censuses for Madison Township, Jackson, Ohio. MARRIAGE: 1. Per DUP biography cited above. Biography of husband cited in his notes also mentions a variant date of 19 Apr 1850. 2. Marriage info from Ordinance Index. DEATH: 1. Date per website for Utah State Historical Society Cemeteries Database online: Catherine Hulet, b. 24 Jul 1829, d. 8 Nov 1882, bur. Summit Cemetery, L-7 g. 2. Per DUP biography cited above. BURIAL: 1. Place per website for Utah State Historical Society Cemeteries Database; 8 Jan 2002. Notes: L-7 g. 2. Place per DUP biography cited above. 3. Visited and viewed tombstone 25 Dec 2002. Photos on file. Cemetery is right next to Interstate 15. Bottom of tombstone was covered with frozen sod so I could only get the following partial transcription: "In Memory of Catharine, Beloved Wife of S.C. Hulet, Born July 24, 1829, Died Nov..." Photo on file. ORDINANCES: Verified 30 Apr 2002. BAPTISM: Online Ordinance Index states 24 Aug 1851 without documentation is probably a rebaptism. Date used is from family history. ENDOWMENT: Online Ordinance Index without documentation. SEALING TO PARENTS: Online Ordinance Index FHL film 1239623, p. 385, 14530. Alt: 1553726, sht. 49, batch 5018657. Alt: film 884708, sht. 95, batch 8132205. SEALING TO SPOUSE: Online Ordinance Index FHL film 1396297, sht. 64, batch 8636501. Cannot find the 1856 date referenced in husband's "Biography" notes. SOURCES_MISC: 1. Mentioned in the book "The Howard Leytham Stoker Von Dollen Family Histories, "FHL 929.273 H833a, by Doris Lewis, 2017 So. 80th Ave., Omaha, Nebraska, 68124, p. 92. 2. Mentioned in the FHL book 929.273 P684pn: "Graybill/Stoker/Eller/Smith/Koons/Pitt Connections," by Norman E. 'Gene' Pitt, 1996, p. 86. 3. FHL Book 929.273EL54h “George Michael Eller and Descendants of His in America,â€� compiled by James W. Hook, 1957, also on FHL film 896571, item 2, p. 101. From the OS Cox Website: THE LIVES OF SYLVANUS CYRUS HULET AND CATHERINE STOKER HULET Hulet Family Organization, May, 1962 Sylvanus Cyrus Hulet was the only son of Charles Hulet and Margaret Ann Noah. He was born 14 March 1826 at Nelson, Portage County, Ohio. Catherine Stoker was a daughter of David Stoker and Barbara Graybill She was born 29 July 1829 at Bloomfield , Jackson County, Ohio. The Hulets and Stokers were early converts to the Church and were conse victims to the unjust treatment the saints received from the enemies of the people known as Mormons. Trials came upon the converts, not because they had committed any crimes, but due to the falsehoods and misrepresentations that were circulated about the "Mormons", by those who were against them. From "Historical Collection of Ohio", R. 977. H836A Vol. 2 p. 445, we find the following comments: "In the winter of 1831 Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon came to Hiram (a township next to Nelson) held meetings and made many converts to the then new faith of the Latter Day Saints or "Mormonism". But after a while it was rumored that they designed to eventually get possession of all the property of their converts. The people became alarmed. Among them were some of their dupes who went to the house of Smith and Rigdon, stripped them of their clothes, gave them a coat of tar and feathers and rode them on a rail -- where upon they left the place." The Hulets likely heard of this cruel treatment of the missionaries since they lived so near to the place that it happened. It was in the winter of 1831 that the missionaries visited the town of Nelson Portage Co., Ohio, and held meetings in the home of Charles and Margaret Hulet. The family soon became interested in the Gospel and in February 1831, the parents and their three children, Anna Maria, Catherine, and Electa Fidelia, who were over eight years of age, were baptized by Elder Parley P. Pratt. Sylvanus was baptized in 1838. When Sylvanus was ten years old his father took him to see the Prophet Joseph Smith. This memory was always held dear. Like their friends and neighbors who had joined the Church, the Hulets and Stokers suffered severely from the treatment they received from intolerant people. The saints were robbed, mobbed and persecuted beyond endurance until it finally became necessary to leave their homes farms and other possessions and flee in quest of a haven of peace where they could worship as they knew was right. The Hulets moved first to Jackson County, Missouri, under the same circum as many other church members. These people had been forced to leave their homes and other property so hurriedly that they could not take sufficient supplies for their needs. Some of the men decided to take the risk of going back to their homes to get some things they needed so desperately. The mobsters were waiting for them with clubs and guns. Several of the saints were killed and others were badly beaten, and threatened that if they returned they would be shot down. Florence Eva Graybill Wilson, of Omaha, Nebraska, a great-grand niece of Catherine Stoker has gleaned and collected family genealogy and history since she was a child. She has given much valuable information that she obtained from her grand parents and great-grandparents who experienced the many hardships and trials of the early converts to the Church. Sister Wilson tells us that "While in Jackson County, the saints worked to establish homes and cleared land and planted crops during the short time they were permitted to remain in that area. But hatred and violence followed these honest and peace loving saints. Soon they were harassed by ruthless mobs and by other forms of intolerance until they were again forced to move and sacrifice their homes and farms with the crops growing on them. The Company of saints lived for awhile at Independence, Missouri; there Sylvanus' sister Elizabeth was born 22 July 1832. It was not long until their persecutors drove these poor people away from their few possessions again and they fled into Clay County. They must have remained in Clay County four or five years and had time to make some progress with their homes and farms before they were forced to leave them. While the Charles Hulet family was in Clay County, two more daughters were added to their number. Sarah was born 12 April 1835 and Jane born 22 August 1838. Neither of these girls lived long enough to come to Utah with their family. When this company of church members could no longer cope with the violence and persecution that had followed them from the time they had joined the Church, they had to leave their hard earned property and flee before their tormentors and go into Caldwell County. Dorcus Tabitha, adopted daughter of Charles and Margaret Noah Hulet was born in Caldwell County, Missouri, 23 July 1839. We know so little of Dorcus, who were her parents, and where did she go after she left Springville? We have been told that she married a Mr. Coleman. There seemed to be no relief or prospects for the so-called Mormons to find a resting place or a chance to establish permanent homes and farms even after so many attempts to do so. From Clay and Caldwell Counties the saints were ordered to leave on very short notice at the risk of their lives if they delayed. They made a hurried exit and went into Illinois, where for a few years they were treated more tolerantly than in most places they had been since they joined the church. With their inspired leadership, their faith and loyalty for the church, and their industrious and persevering ways, they worked faithfully and diligently to accomplish all they did in the few years they were permitted to remain in the beautiful city they had made and named Nauvoo. Charles Hulet, his sons Orin and Sylvanus, (Orin was the son of Charles and his first wife, Anna Taylor) Sylvester Hulet, a brother of Charles, and Silas Hillman and Cyrus Winget, sons-in-law of Charles, and David Stoker, and no doubt many others who are our relatives helped with the building of the Nauvoo Temple, and some of the homes in the city of Nauvoo. They had the privilege of seeing the Prophet Joseph Smith many times and of hearing him speak. A cherished memory for Sylvanus was that he was in attendance at the conference in Nauvoo, when those present witnessed the mantle of Joseph Smith fall upon Brigham Young, showing that the Lord had chosen Brigham Young to lead His Church. Peace and prosperity came to an end in Nauvoo as in other places the church members had been. Trouble came again. The Prophet and other leaders of the church were arrested and put into prison, because they were accused of crimes, which they had never even thought of doing. They were tried in courts under the jurisdiction of men who were their bitterest enemies. The government gave these innocent, peace-loving, law-abiding men no protection whatever, while the lawless ruffians who were guilty of crimes of every caliber, were allowed a free hand to rob and plunder the homes and property of the Mormon people. After the Prophet was martyred and Brigham Young was chosen to lead the Church, conditions did not improve for the saints. Finally they were given notice to leave the city of Nauvoo or be driven out. What a monstrous order to move the people of a whole city, but it had to be accomplished, as their lives were threatened. There was no way to dispose of their homes or other property. They just had to take what they could, by any possible means they had of carrying it, not even knowing their destination. This forced exodus started in February in weather that was 20 degrees below zero. One can vividly imagine how wretched those people felt after all they had endured and then to look back and see many of their homes in flames, in their once beautiful Nauvoo. They tried to keep warm by wearing all the clothes they could put on and sleeping on the ground with their feet toward a roaring fire. The wagons and tents were reserved for the aged, the ill, and the young children. They had driven 9 miles to Sugar Creek. Everything was organized. Every able-bodied person had his or her work to be done. Here the outstanding gift for leadership of President Young was needed and well proven. The people of a whole city had been forced to move out on short notice, their preparations were hurried, but even in so short a time the large company was organized and there was order rather than panic and havoc. It was the last day of February when they started across Iowa, and by April they had gone 145 miles from Nauvoo. At Garden Grove they stopped long enough to build some houses, dig some wells, build some bridges, plant crops, and build fences to protect them for future migrations on their way to the haven of peace they hoped to find. They built other like villages -- one at Mt. Pisgah. A small group from the company stayed to protect the crops and shelters at these villages. It was at Mt. Pisgah that Sylvanus met and fell in love with Catherine Stoker. They were married 19 May, 1850 by a Reverend Marsh. Evidently, the Hulets and Stokers had been in groups who had stayed to protect some of the villages, because they were not in the first companies to go to Utah. However, it was soon after Sylvanus and Catherine were married that they started on their journey westward from Mt. Pisgah, with a company of saints under the leader Aaron Johnson, who was appointed by President Young. During the time this company of saints had been in Iowa, Silas Hillman and his wife, Electa Fidelia Hulet, had settled on a farm at Marion, Iowa. Later they went to Coonsville (now known as Glenwood), Mills County, Iowa. It was here that Sylvanus' sister Electa Fidelia died of consumption, 2 April 1847. She was only 26 years old and she left her husband with 2 little girls, Adlinda and Guiletta, who had been born in Nauvoo. She and her family had suffered through all the trials with the other saints. She was laid to rest on her husband's farm. Silas Hillman later married Emily Ann Cox and they raised a large family. Their home was at Tooele, Utah. In the words of Sister Florence Wilson; "There was little that was romantic about the loaded wagons, weary worn out women and children, slowly moving teams of oxen and the tired travel stained and anxious drivers as they wended their way over hills, through groves of timber, and across un-bridged streams. "Since it was not possible to take all the supplies they needed for the entire journey, food was often scarce. On one occasion, Sylvanus had the good fortune to shoot a buffalo. The meat was distributed among the needy of the company. However, the saints who remained true to their religious convictions went steadfastly onward to Utah, except those whose strength failed them when sickness took their lives. There was much sickness and suffering on their journey. Many graves marked the trail of these pioneers. At Winter Quarters, Catherine's father, David Stoker, was laid to rest. Catherine's mother, her brothers, John, William and Michael, and her sisters, Christina and Sarah, and Sarah's husband, Edward Davis, were in the company with the Hulets. It was the latter part of September when they arrived at Salt Lake City. They thought they had reached their journeys end, but President Young asked the Hulets to go on with the others to Hobble Creek and help settle that area. It was the first week in October 1850 when they arrived at this place, later named Springville. These new settlers now could cease their travels but winter was near and they had to prepare for the cold months ahead. Charles and Sylvanus and William Smith were the first to take their teams and wagons and go to the canyon for logs to build William Smith's house and for fuel. Here Sylvanus and his father took up farming and chair making as a means of providing for their families. It was in Springville that Sylvanus and Catherine's first child was born on 27 February 1851. They named their son John Riley. The Indians here were unfriendly and could not be trusted One day while Sylvanus was away from home, an Indian came and asked Catherine for bread and flour. At that time flour was very scarce among the Saints so she told him she had no bread. At that , he stepped over to the cradle, drew his bow and pointed the arrow at the baby. Fearing that he would harm the child, she gave the Indian the bread they so sorely needed for themselves. After securing the food, the Indian seemed satisfied and left. Shortly after their third child was born, Sylvanus and Catherine were sealed in the Endowment House in Salt Lake City. In the spring of 1856, Sylvanus was called with others to go back across the plains to assist in bringing another company of saints to Utah. Sylvanus and his family lived in Springville until 1861, when they were called to go south and help settle the Dixie Country. They were one of 300 families sent by Brigham Young under the leadership of Erastus Snow and Orson Pratt, to colonize that region. During the years they had lived in Springville they had built a home. When they were called to leave, they had to part with it at great sacrifice. For the journey south they purchased a large government wagon and also used the wagon they already had. Three yoke of oxen pulled one wagon and a mule team and horse pulled the other. They took with them some cows and as much of their household goods as they could carry. One month was required to make the journey to Dixie. This was a test of faith and endurance for Sylvanus and Catherine and their six young children. Five new members had been added to the family since John Riley's birth. They were: Sarah Ann, born 30 September 1852; Barbara Adlinda, born 18 November 1854; the twins, Syivanus Cyrus, Jr. and Sylvester Silas, born 17 April 1857; and Catherine Melissa, born 18 May 1860. Upon arriving in Dixie they found a very desolate country. However, the company of new settlers was thrifty and industrious and immediately went to work in earnest. They laid out a town site and called the new settlement St. George. They soon moved onto city lots and began once more to build homes. In two or three years the settlement began to flourish. Cotton was grown and vineyards and orchards were planted. Work on the Temple, Tabernacle, and courthouse had already begun. The cotton was corded and spun by the women. They trained their hands to do many things that only pioneers could accomplish. Sylvanus and Catherine put forth their best efforts for the growth and development of that new country. Here, too, the Indians were troublesome. Several times they drove off animals belonging to the settlers. On one occasion, two men, who were looking after the horses and cattle were killed by the Indians. Sylvanus and some of the other men were sent to bring back the horses and cattle, which had been driven off. Those were anxious hours for the wives who were watching and praying for the safe return of their husbands. After the Temple was finished and dedicated, Sylvanus and Catherine did temple work there and had their three oldest children sealed to them, 20 Feb. 1878. Since arriving in St. George, four more children had been born to them: Emma Tryphena, born 19 July 1862 and died 10 October 1864 Charles Franklin, born 11 November 1864; Luella, born 1 January 1867; and Oscar Willard, born 9 March 1870. Prior to 1872, Sylvanus had purchased some farming land at Summit, Iron County, about 60 miles north of St. George. For a few years they attempted to care for both places with the help of the older children. This required many trips between St. George and Summit with a team and wagon. Finally the St. George home was sold and in 1872 the family settled permanently in Summit. Before leaving St. George, Sylvanus was released from the Dixie Mission by Erastus Snow. Up to this time there had been no ward organization in Summit , but a presiding elder, Edward Davis, who was a brother-in-law of Sylvanus and Catherine, looked after the affairs of the Church there. The year after the Hulet family's arrival in Summit , Elder Davis died and Sylvanus was chosen to fill the vacancy. A ward organization was effected on 27 July 1877 and Sylvanus was ordained bishop, becoming the first bishop of the Summit Ward. Catherine labored a great deal among the sick. Whenever there was sickness in the community she was called on to help care for them. When the first Relief Society was organized in Summit, 10 March 1878, she was chosen as President, which position she faithfully fulfilled until her death on 8 November 1882. After the death of Catherine, Sylvanus married Elzina Robena Miller, on 21 March 1883. They had five daughters: Nora Dean (adopted) born 11 February 1877; Eliza Ellen, born 28 July 1884; Minnie Elzina, born 5 April 1887; Theresa, born 5 July 1889; and Cora, born 5 September 1891. On October 7th, 1884, Sylvanus married Elizabeth Wright Dalley. Of this union there was one daughter, Emma Wright born 10 March 1890. Sylvanus filled the position of bishop until 1888 when he was released. He remained faithful to the Church until his death 22 October 1901. Four of Sylvanus and Catherine's children lived to be over 90 years of age, Sarah Ann, Sylvester Silas, Catherine Melissa, and Luella. Sylvanus has a great posterity, well over 2000 in number. Many of his descendants have held responsible positions in the Church and civic affairs. Some have been School Teachers; some have served as missionaries for the Church; many of the grandsons and great grandsons have served their country doing military duty, and some lost their lives during active duty in the two World Wars. Sylvanus and Catherine proved themselves to be true to the Church and obedient to authority when called upon to perform any duty. They built strong and well a home in Springville, another home in St. George, and a third one at Summit. These homes are still standing and have been lived in continuously since they were built, with only a few changes. The integrity of these ancestors, their habits of thrift and industry, their patience and kindness toward others has made their lives exemplary to their descendants as well as to others, and worthy of our gratitude and pride for the heritage they have left us. Both Sylvanus and Catherine were systematic and orderly about their work. Everything was kept in order. They did not waste their means, or time. The home, farm buildings farm machinery, the farm and farm crops and the animals were all well cared for, but nothing was wasted. Yet there was always something to share with others who were in need of assistance. Catherine was a wonderful wife and mother, as well as a willing helper to those in need of assistance in times of sickness or sorrow. She and Sylvanus had President Brigham Young in their home as a guest several times, also others of the Church authorities when they were traveling through that section of the state, visiting the Saints. Catherine did not live long enough to enjoy much of the fruits of her labors. She had worked by the side of her husband through all their married life, but she passed away about the time they were able to live more comfortably than in former years. Elzina and Elizabeth were both wonderful women. They were good faithful and devoted wives and mothers, excellent homemakers and always true to the Church. The visiting authorities of the Church were entertained in Sylvanus' home as long as he was bishop of the Summit Ward. Friends and relatives were always made welcome there too. !Rebaptized 30 Mar 1851 "Sylvanus Cyrus Hulet and His Descendents", Compiled and Edited by J. Phillip Hanks, Community Press, Provo, Utah, 1980. Father: Charles Hulet, b. 3 Mar 1790 in Lee, Berkshire, Massachusetts, USA Mother: Margaret Ann Noah, b. 19 Apr 1794 in Kennet, Chester, Pennsylvania, USA Family 1: Elzina Robena Miller, b. 9 Feb 1861 in Parowan, Iron, Utah, USA Married: 21 Mar 1883 in St. George, Washington, Utah, USA 21 Mar 1883 29 Mar 2008 Nora Dean Hulet, b. 11 Feb 1877 in Parowan, Iron, Utah, USA Eliza Ellen Hulet, b. 28 Jul 1884 in Summit, Iron, Utah, USA Minnie Elzina Hulet, b. 5 Apr 1887 in Summit, Iron, Utah, USA Theresa Hulet, b. 5 Jul 1889 in Summit, Iron, Utah, USA Cora Hulet, b. 5 Sep 1891 in Summit, Iron, Utah, USA Family 2: Alice Elizabeth "Betsy" Dalley, b. 1 Nov 1860 in Summit, Iron, Utah, USA Married: 7 Oct 1884 in St. George, Washington, Utah, USA 7 Oct 1884 29 Mar 2008 Emma Wright Hulet, b. 10 Mar 1890 in Santa Clara, Washington, Utah, USA Family 3: Catherine Stoker, b. 24 Jul 1829 in Bloomfield, Jackson, Ohio, USA Married: 19 May 1850 in Mount Pisgah, Union, Iowa, USA 30 May 1856 29 Mar 2008 John Riley Hulet, b. 27 Feb 1851 in Springville, Utah, Utah, USA Sarah Ann Hulet, b. 20 Sep 1852 in Springville, Utah, Utah, USA Barbara Adlinda Hulet, b. 18 Nov 1854 in Springville, Utah, Utah, USA Sylvester Silas Hulet, b. 17 Apr 1857 in Springville, Utah, Utah, USA Sylvanus Cyrus Jr. Hulet, b. 17 Apr 1857 in Springville, Utah, Utah, USA Catherine Melissa Hulet, b. 18 May 1860 in Springville, Utah, Utah, USA Emma Tryphena Hulet, b. 19 Jul 1862 in St. George, Washington, Utah, USA Charles Franklin Hulet, b. 11 Nov 1864 in St. George, Washington, Utah, USA Luella Hulet, b. 1 Jan 1867 in St. George, Washington, Utah, USA Oscar Willard Hulet, b. 9 Mar 1871 in St. George, Washington, Utah, USA Hulet, Sylvanus Cyrus (March 14, 1826-October 22, 1901) As ten year old, met Joseph; present when Brigham Young transfigured, though makes no mention of what he may have experienced. When Sylvanus was ten years old his father took him to see the Prophet Joseph Smith. This memory was always held dear. . . . They had the privilege of seeing the Prophet Joseph Smith many times and of hearing him speak. A cherished memory for Sylvanus was that he was in attendance at the conference in Nauvoo, when those present witnessed the mantle of Joseph Smith fall upon Brigham Young, showing that the Lord had chosen Brigham Young to lead His Church. "A Sketch of the Lives of Sylvanus Cyrus Hulet and Catherine Stoker Hulet," LDS Church Archives, Salt Lake City, Utah. 2010 Named After a Hulet from K on Vimeo.