Left: The flat stone marker on the ground in front of the sign was placed by
descendants of those buried here. It was erected in the 1960's and lists
all of the family members known to be interred in the Stoker - Graybill
Cemetery.
Burial: Stoker - Graybill Cemetery, Council Bluffs Pottawattamie County, Iowa, USA
A brief history of David and Barbara Graybill Stoker
Burial: Stoker - Graybill Cemetery, Council Bluffs Pottawattamie County, Iowa, USA
A brief history of David and Barbara Graybill Stoker
David and Barbara Graybill Stoker are the parents of my Great grandmother Catherine Stoker Hulet.
David was born, 23 March 1795 in the Appalachian Mountains, Ashe County, North Carolina. He was the son of Michael and Catherine Eller Stoker. David was raised on a farm. Barbara Graybill was born 1 April 1792 also in Ashe County, North Carolina. She was the daughter of John Peter and Christina Wampler Graybill. She was the 7th child out of 10. (Uncle Kent records that Barbara may have had a white mother and a Cherokee father)
Both David and Barbara came from German ancestry. It is believed their grand parents had once settled in Maryland. There is no place or exact date of their marriage in 1814. They settled in Bloomfield, Jackson Co., Ohio. Their first child was born here in 1816; several other children were born in this area. Catherine was born 1829. The census record indicates they had 2 male slaves, one adult and other under 14 years old. The family moved from Ohio before 1830.
Sometime after leaving Ohio they joined the church. Barbara was baptized in 1836. There are records in Harrison Co. Indiana where David brought 52 acres of land. Census and genealogical family records indicate that David and Barbara migrated west with the main body of the church to settle in Caldwell Co., Missouri. The Stoker family were active church members, they held church callings. The family suffered through he trials and hardships of the mobs while in Missouri.
The Redress petition shows a list of property lost by David Stoker when the saints were driven out of Missouri. The Stokers and relatives reported that the “mobs” had stolen plows, wagons, tools, mill wheel, beehives, pigs and horses. Their furniture was damaged, guns taken, crops and homes burned. David’s nephew, a son of Polly Stoker Graybill, recorded this time also: “I went with my father’s family and others, to Caldwell County, Missouri, in the autumn of 1837, and was with the Saints in their time of terrible trials. We planted a crop, which we were never allowed to harvest. I was a member of the State Militia under Colonel Hinkle. The mob came upon us near Farr West, in October 1838….for weeks they had been stealing and driving off our stock, taking a team of horses from my father and all the horses I owned.” By 1840 the Missouri Governor’s expulsion order had forced every member of The church to leave their homes, father died at this time when they had to leave Missouri. Some believe he was buried in the “Saints Cemetery” in Far West. There are no records to indicate that this is true. The family settled in the southeast area of Quincy, Illinois. David and his brother found work on farms in Columbus, Illinois Records show that Stokers and Graybills owned property in the area between Nauvoo and Carthage, Illinois. David helped with the building of the Nauvoo Temple and some of the homes in the City of Nauvoo.
David and Barbara and their grown children left Nauvoo when the saints were driven out during the winter of 1846. They settled temporarily at Mount Pisgah, Iowa. They stayed long enough to replenish their supplies and help others who came after them with crops they were able to raise. It was here at Mount Pisgah that their daughter Catherine married Sylvanus Cyrus Hulet, 19 May 1850. David and Barbara moved on the Council Bluffs where David died from Cholera. David died just 2 or 3 weeks before the family left for the west. David is buried in the Graybill/Stoker family cemetery located east of Council Bluff. Records show that 12 members of the Graybill and Stoker families died from cholera at this time. Barbara and all of her children and their families came west to Utah. Barbara, her son William and Michael and daughters Christina dad Sarah and Sarah’s husband Edward Davis were in the wagon company with the Hulets’, arriving in Salt Lake city the latter part of August 1850.
Barbara Graybill Stoker was living in Summit, Iron County, Utah, with her daughter Catherine, when she died 3 Oct 1872. She is buried at the Summit town cemetery on the hill.
Elayne Stoker took this history from a book “Our Stoker Family histories 1731-1881 Volume 2” compiled and edited.
WILLIAM STOKER
Author Unknown
(Copied from a Dau. of Utah Pioneers book pages 114-117)
Minor editing by 2ndGreat Grandson William Wells Houghton Jr.
The grandfather of William, Michael Stoker, moved from Frederick, Maryland to North Carolina and married Catherine Eller. They had a son David Stoker who married Barbara Graybill of Ohio and suffered persecution at Nauvoo, then later was forced to cross the Mississippi River to Mt. Pisgah and later Council bluffs and David Stoker and family were preparing to leave there in the spring of 1852 when he died on the 27th of May of Cholera. The mother Barbara Graybill Stoker left in about two weeks after his death with part of the family.
William Stoker, son of David Stoker and Barbara Graybill was born in Jackson County, Ohio, on the 26th of march 1819. His parents were of German Dutch descent. He was the third child of a family of six children. He stayed and helped his father with the work of the farm until he was seventeen years of age when the Gospel message came to him. This he readily accepted in the year 1836.
The years following his conversion he moved with the Saints to Far West, Missouri. While there he met a girl, Almira Winegar, daughter of Samuel and Rhoda Cummins Winegar. They were married there in October 1838.
They lived in the vicinity of Far West until the Saints left for Nauvoo, Illinois. He and his wife moved along with the body of the Church and settled about six miles outside the city of Nauvoo. When the Saints were expelled from the city of Nauvoo they came to Mt. Pisgah in Iowa. Here they lived six years. In 1850 they moved to Council Bluffs, Iowa and lived a year.
In June 1852 they started for Utah. One brother the Church at the same time as William, but while living at Mt. Pisgah he became dissatisfied and left the Church and thus leaving William as the only one of his immediate family to come with the Saints at that time. William endured the hardships that were common with the other pioneers. He crossed the plains in the Isaac Stewart Company. While coming to Utah there was a stampede of oxen directly back of William which threatened disaster to the wheels on the wagon, it seemed the driver of the oxen could not control them. William realizing the danger of damaging his wagon as well as danger to members of the company drew back his whip stock and brought the ungovernable oxen to the ground. This act enraged the owner of the oxen and he threatened to whip William. Immediately Captain Issac Stewart was brought to the scene of the trouble and other members of the Company said William did the right thing perhaps saving many lives by his act.
Before coming to Spanish Fork, then known as Palmyra, William and his family stopped at Bountiful to visit another brother, John Stoker, for a few days. They moved to Palmyra in the year 1852. Later they moved up and helped layout the city of Spanish Fork, Here he built a two roomed adobe house built from some of the adobes from the old fort. Later adding on a room at a time until as I remember it there were four rooms and a front porch on the south portion of the house.
He followed the occupation of farmer having taken up land in different parts of the vacant tracts outside of town. To him and his forst wife, Almira, were born nine children. He served two terms as City Councilman of Spanish Fork. He guarded the homes of the settlers during the Walker and Blackhawk Indian Wars, but never was in actual warfare with the Indians. In the Spring of 1873 he married Emily Togersen. She was a convert from her native Denmark. To them were born five children making him the father of fourteen children. In later years he left the farm work to his boys and he purchased a large colony of bees which he took care of with the aid of us small children.
He was never blessed with a great amount of worldly wealth but he was honest to the cent and a devout Latter-Day Saint. He served as the President of the 50th Quorum of Seventies for twenty years. This position he held at the time of his death.
While returning from the Sunday afternoon Sacrament Meeting on the 9th of May 1892, just as hr reached the corner of our home he dropped, having been stricken with paralysis. He was carried in the home by some friends who were passing by. He died from the effects of the same on the 19th of May 1892, leaving a posterity of eleven children, twenty-nine grand children and four great grandchildren.
Second history:
Brief History of John Stoker's Ancestry and Conversion
A colony of families of German ancestry
settled in the Vega area of Jackson County, Ohio. Jackson is located at
the southern end of the state not far from the Ohio River. Michael
Stoker, Elizabeth’s father received and 80 acres patent from the United
States Government. The land is located in Jackson County, Madison
township.
Shortly after the Mormon Church was founded in New York state, migrants
and missionaries came to this county. Many converts were obtained in
this German colony, as well as a few in the town of Jackson. Most of the
meetings were held in the home of Michael Stoker.
During the fall of 1833 Michael Stoker (1762-1838) and his family,
living in Bloomfield Township, Jackson County, Ohio, first heard the
preaching of the missionaries from the Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter-day Saints. These missionaries exhorted them to join the new
church and told them about Joseph Smith receiving inspired revelations
from God. In addition the Church was noted for its new scripture, the
Book of Mormon.
The Stokers were drawn to the message. Many accepted baptism before the
end of 1833. They included sixteen-year-old John Stoker (1817-1881) who
was baptized November 13, 1833 by Seymour Brunson and four days later
his double cousin, fifteen-year- old Joseph Levi Graybill, who was
baptized by John A. Fisher. These two grandsons of Michael Stoker (1762-
1838) were among the first of the Stoker family to embrace the new
church.
In 1834 Seymour Brunson moved his family to Bloomfield and organized a
branch of the Church. John's parents, David (1795-1852) and Barbara
Graybill Stoker, joined the branch during that year. David’s younger
brother, Michael, Jr., (1805-1858) was affiliated with the Mormons.
Evidence of his affiliation with the church comes from the fact that his
son, born on July 10, 1834 was named, “William Moroni.” Clearly the
name Moroni marked Michael as having read the Book of Mormon. Moreover,
in his journal Michael, Jr., writes, “The names of the members who were
baptized by me in February, 1836. Baptized James Toinbuson and ordained
him an elder.” He also baptized William and Barbara Stoker that year.
Michael held the Mormon priesthood to officiate in these ordinances. The
Stokers and their relatives were very enthusiastic about their new
church. They contributed to its growth and sustained its leadership.
In the spring of 1836, some Members of the Bloomfield branch made the
200 mile trip north to Kirtland, Ohio to attend the dedication of the
temple. In that group was Michael Stoker’s son-in-law and grandson,
Michael Graybill, Sr., and Joseph Levi Graybill. Michael Graybill’s
wife, Polly Stoker (17921864), was expecting the birth of her eleventh
child, a son who was born April 6, 1836. She didn’t go with them.
Michael Graybill while at the conference temple dedication at Kirtland
was impressed by Sidney Rigdon’s two and a half hour sermon. Upon
returning to Bloomfield, he named his newly born son, Sidney Rigdon
Graybill.
The family, listening to their church leaders, were anxious to gather to
Zion. On October 27, 1836, Michael, now past the age of 74 and
Catherine 63 years old, sold out their holdings in southern Ohio and
headed west to join the Saints in Missouri. With all of his children
married except their youngest son, Eller (1816-1855), Michael Stoker
(1762-1838) and a couple of dozen or more of his married descendants and
their families headed west.
David Stoker's wife, Barbara Graybill. and Polly's husband, Michael
Graybill, brother and sister, said their good byes to their parents,
John Peter Graybill, Sr. (1762-1842), Christina Wampler (1771-1844).
This couple had journeyed from the Blue Ridge North Carolina mountains
in Ashe County with the Stokers in 1815 to southern Ohio and they had
planned to die there, which Christina Wampier may have trembled to see
her children leave for the west. She had been kidnaped by the Delaware
Indians from her Pennsylvania home when she was three years o/d. With
pressure from the increasingly stronger armed forces of the whites, the
Indians relinquished when she was eleven years old, along with other
children. She became easy to identify as she sang a lullaby, no doubt a
German one, which her mothe had taught her. When her mother heard her
sing, she knew immediately that it was her Christina.
Stoker that year. Michael held the Mormon priesthood to officiate in
these ordinances. The Stokers and their relatives were very enthusiastic
about their new church. They contributed to its growth and sustained
its leadership.
In the spring of 1836, some Members of the Bloomfield branch made the
200 mile trip north to Kirtland, Ohio to attend the dedication of the
temple. In that group was Michael Stoker’s son-in-law and grandson,
Michael Graybill, Sr., and Joseph Levi Graybill. Michael Graybill’s
wife, Polly Stoker (17921864), was expecting the birth of her eleventh
child, a son who was born April 6, 1836. She didn’t go with them.
Michael Graybill while at the conference temple dedication at Kirtland
was impressed by Sidney Rigdon’s two and a half hour sermon. Upon
returning to Bloomfield, he named his newly born son, Sidney Rigdon
Graybill.
The family, listening to their church leaders, were anxious to gather to
Zion. On October 27, 1836, Michael, now past the age of 74 and
Catherine 63 years old, sold out their holdings in southern Ohio and
headed west to join the Saints in Missouri. With all of his children
married except their youngest son, Eller (1816-1855), Michael Stoker
(1762-1838) and a couple of dozen or more of his married descendants and
their families headed west.
David Stoker's wife, Barbara Graybill. and Polly's husband, Michael
Graybill, brother and sister, said their good byes to their parents,
John Peter Graybill, Sr. (1762-1842), Christina Wampler (1771-1844).
This couple had journeyed from the Blue Ridge North Carolina mountains
in Ashe County with the Stokers in 1815 to southern Ohio and they had
planned to die there, which Christina Wampier may have trembled to see
her children leave for the west. She had been kidnaped by the Delaware
Indians from her Pennsylvania home when she was three years o/d.
With
pressure from the increasingly stronger armed forces of the whites, the
Indians relinquished when she was eleven years old, along with other
children. She became easy to identify as she sang a lullaby, no doubt a
German one, which her mothe had taught her. When her mother heard her
sing, she knew immediately that it was her Christina.
A reprint of a newspaper article in the Jackson, Ohio, Hearld. Friday
February 27, 1959 p. 7
“The Life of John Stoker” Compiled by Eunice Stoker Southwick.
Early Members of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day
Saints Vol 111 G.K. Compiled by Susan Easton Black. Provo” Religious
Studies Center, Brigaham Young University, 1993 p. 149.
"Seymour Brunson," LDS Biographical Encyclopedia Vol. 3 compiled by
Andrew Jenson. Salt Lake City: Andrew Jenson History Co.. 1901. o. 331.
0- 10 16- 26- 45+ 0-10-16-26- 45+
9 16 26 45 9 16 26 45
Burkett, Christian 1 2 0 1 0 1 0 2 0 0
Burkett, Christian 4 1 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 0
Eller, Elizabeth 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 1
Eller, John 3 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 1 0
Graybeal, Henry 0 0 1 0 0 2 0 1 0 0
Graybeal, Peter 2 1 1 0 1 3 1 0 0 1 Slaves
Henson, William 0 1 1 0 0 2 0 1 0 0
Henson, William 3 0 0 0 1 1 1 1 0 0
Koons, George 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 1
Koons, John 0 0 1 0 1 0 1 2 0 1
Lewis, James 2 2 1 0 1 4 1 0 0 1
Lewis, James, Jr. 1 0 1 0 0 1 0 1 0 0
Pennington, William01 0 1 0 1 2 1 0 1
Pennington, William00 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0
Stucker, Michael 1 0 0 1 0 2 0 0 1 0
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.]
1850 US: Can't find.
1851 Iowa State: Pottawattamie County. FHL film 1022203. The entire state was counted but only Pottawattamie listed everyone by name in the household and their ages; other counties only listed the head of the household and a numerical count without names of the various ages by sex in the household. No date is given when the census was taken but it was certified in Dec. 1851; however, the other counties show a Sep 1851 date which also appears more likely for Pottawattamie as well in light of ages given some children with known birthdays in October. Census return:
Stoker: David 57, Barbary 57, Michael 17. [Note that the following related families are in this census and very close neighbors: Simeon P. Graybill, Michael/Polly Graybill with Polly's mother Catherine Eller Stoker, Eller/Margaret Stoker, Jacob/Catherine Stoker, Philip/Catherine Gatrost, David/Barbara Stoker, Edward/Sarah Davis, and William/Almira Stoker. Other relatives in same county but separated by several pages of census include the following families: Thomas/Hannah Pilling whose daughter Hannah, later marries William Lenore Graybill, Levi/Patience Graybill, John W./Sarah Stoker, Hannah Ford whose son Martin later marries Zibiah M. Stoker, and John/Sarah Smith.]
1852 Iowa: the census has David Stoker in Kanesville, Pottawattamie, IA, p. 22. This census is statistical and only lists heads of household with numbers of males, females, and voters. It is not very helpful for families or positively identifying a given individual. The following Stokers are shown as being in the same area: David, Eller, Jacob, John, and William as well as Michael Graybill, Martin Ford, Philip Gatrost, John Smith, George Graybill, and Levi Graybill. This David could actually be David N. Stoker, a different individual in this database, because the David died in May 1852 which may or may not proceeded this census.
3. The following information may have some bearing as to when David joined the LDS Church: the book "Latter-Day Saint Biographical Encyclopedia," in regards to David's son John has a biography in which it states that John's baptism was 13 Nov 1836 by Seymour Brunson. (Note that Ordinance Index notes 1 Nov 1833.) The following information was found on Seymour Brunson in the same book, p. 331: "Seymour Brunson, one of the first elders of the Church, was born Sept. 18, 1799, in Virginia, the son of Reuben Brunson and Salley Clark. He served in the war of 1812, became a convert to 'Mormonism' and was baptized in January, 1831, by Solomon Hancock at Strongsville, Cayhoga county, Ohio; was ordained an Elder by John Whitmer Jan. 21, 1831, and labored as a missionary in Ohio, Virginia and other States, raising up several branches of the Church. He moved to Bloomfield, Ohio, in 1834, thence to the town of Tompkins, Illinois, and moved to Missouri in the spring of 1837. He located near Far West, Caldwell county, and passed through the persecutions to which the Saints in that part of Missouri were exposed. Being expelled from Missouri, he settled temporarily in Quincy, Illinois, and a few months later moved to Commerce (afterwards Nauvoo). When the Nauvoo Stake of Zion was organized in October, 1839, Seymour Brunson was chosen as a member of the High Council and served in that capacity until the time of his death which occurred Aug. 10, 1840." Even though the dates are uncertain, the Stoker baptisms around 1833 to 1836 are likely. Judging from Brunson's arrival to Bloomfield in 1834, Brunson could have been the one who introduced the Stoker family to the LDS faith, or at the very least was a participant in John's baptism. If the 1833 date for John is correct, then perhaps Brunson came through earlier as a missionary before settling. Judging from the 1837 date, it could also be likely that the Brunson family traveled with the Stoker family to Missouri from Bloomfield.
4. FHL Book 929.273EL54h €œGeorge Michael Eller and Descendants of His in America, compiled by James W. Hook, 1957, also on FHL film 896571, item 2, pp. 17-31, clarifies early North Carolina counties and land grant practices:
"Land grants in North Carolina originated with an entry application which was filed in the county where the land was situated and if not lost are now on file there. This was followed, sometimes soon and sometimes years later by an order from the land office for the tract to be surveyed. Sometimes soon and sometimes years later the survey was made and a surveyor’s plat filed with the Secretary of State in Raleigh. Then came the grant which may have been issued reasonably near the date of the survey or sometimes several years later. These grants, orders to survey and the survey itself are on file now in the Secretary of State office at Raleigh...
Many counties were formed from what originally was Rowan County, namely Surry and Guilford in 1770, Burke and Wilkes in 1777, Randolph in 1779, Iridell in 1788, Stokes in 1789, Buncomb in 1791, Ashe in1799, Davidson in 1822, Yancey in 1833, Davie in 1836 and Yadkin in 1850. Some of these counties were grandchildren of Rowan County; for instance Wilkes was taken partly from Burke and partly from Surry, Randolph from Guilford, Buncomb and Yancy form Burke, Ashe from Wilkes and Stokes and Yadkin from Surry. These facts must be kept in mind when tracing early Rowan County families."
BIOGRAPHY:
1. The book "Pioneer Women of Faith and Fortitude" by the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers: for Barbara Graybill Stoker, m. David Stoker 1814 (he died 27 May 1852 in Council Bluffs, Iowa), children:
Christina, 24 Aug 1815
John, 8 Mar 1817
William, 26 Mar 1819
Nancy, Oct 1824
Sarah, 20 Jun 1827
Catherine, 25 Jul 1829
Michael, 12 Sep 1833
The Wamplers, Graybills, and Stokers were of German origin coming to this country in the mid-1700's and settling in Ashe County, NC. They were neighbors and friends, and their children grew up together. Barbara was the fifth child born to her parents. When she grew up, she married David Stoker. After a forest area of Ohio was cleared in the early 1800's, the main body of Stoker and Graybill relatives crossed the border into Ohio on Christmas Day, 1815. While living in Ohio, the Stokers became members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In 1836, they moved to Missouri with the main body of the Saints, but great persecutions took place here and they were forced to flee to Illinois for saftey. Enemies of the church soon drove them from Nauvoo to Iowa. They then went to Council Bluffs where David and his brothers were operating a ferry across the Missouri River to obtain enough money for their journey west to Utah. On May 27, 1852 David Stoker died of cholera and was buried in the Stoker-Graybill cemetery at [near] Winter Quarters, Iowa. Barbara came West with her children in June, 1852, and lived with her children. On Oct. 3, 1872, she passed away at the home of her daughter in Summit, Iron County, Utah."
2. 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. 87: Michael Stoker, the son of (John) Michael Stoker, was a 28 year old bachelor in Wilkes County, NC when the US census was taken in 1790. The farm which Michael Stoker bought from John Dick was on the north fork of New River in Ashe County. (The boundary line had been changed from Wilkes.) In 1792 Michael married Catherine Eller, the oldest daughter of Peter Eller and Elizabeth Dick. The Ellers and Dicks were settlers in this same area and all of Michael and Catherine’s children, except Eller, were born and raised among numerous family members in North Carolina. In 1815, the family joined a migration of relatives moving west into Ohio. This party of Graybills and Stokers, all ages from babies to the elderly crossed the border into Ohio on Christmas Day, 1815. Michael and his son David, who had just turned 21, took part in the first election held in Jackson County on April 1, 1816. John Michael Stoker, Michael’s father, settled in Perry County, Ohio, about 60 miles north. While in Ohio the Stokers became members of the newly organized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. In 1837 [error: Feb 1836?], Michael, Jr., who was now a man and a member of the Priesthood, baptized Eller’s future wife and her mother, Margaret and Rhoda Judd. Pauline Stoker of Council Bluffs has Michael Jr.’s old notebook where he kept records of baptisms, birthdays and deaths. On October 27, 1836, Michael and Catherine Stoker sold their land in preparation of the move to Missouri where the Saints were gathering. Michael was then 74 and Catherine 63 years old. Great persecutions took place in Missouri during the next two years and the family had to flee to Illinois for safety. Michael was not among those who reached Illinois, and how or when he died is not known. Catherine was at Nauvoo, IL, when the Saints again had to flee in February of 1846. She settled in Pottawattamie County, living with her eldest daughter, Polly, where she died. She is buried in the Stoker-Graybill Cemetery east of Council Bluffs, Iowa.� The above is almost verbatim also in the FHL book 929.273 P684pn: "Graybill/Stoker/Eller/Smith/Koons/Pitt Connections," by Norman E. 'Gene' Pitt, 1996. Is also notes that Herman
3. 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... (See Michael's notes for full quotation.)"
4. The book "Mormon Redress Petitions, Documents of the 1833-1838 Missouri Conflict," edited by Clark V. Johnson, contains a copy of the "Scroll Petition" dated 28 Nov 1843 at Nauvoo, IL addressed to the U.S. Congress by members of the LDS Church who had property destroyed by Missouri mobs in the 1830's. Included with over a couple thousand signatures is David Stoker.
5. Part of the Stoker family group mentioned in sister Polly (Stoker) Graybill's biography in the FHL book 929.273 P684pn: "Graybill/Stoker/Eller/Smith/Koons/Pitt Connections," by Norman E. 'Gene' Pitt, 1996, pp. 17-24, note that this book has a considerable downline of the children of this couple: "Michael Peter Graybill, b. 14 May 1787, Jefferson, Wilkes Co. (now Ashe Co.), NC; d. 24 Sep 1856, Council Bluffs, Pottawattamie Co., IA; bur. in the Graybill-Stoker Pioneer Cemetery; Pottawattamie Co,., IA; md. 1811, Ashe Co., NC to Mary ‘Polly’ Stoker. Michael was the s/o John Peter Graybill and Christena Wampler. Polly was b. 24 Nov 1792, Ashe Co. [Wilkes], NC; d. 18 Feb 1864, Pottawattamie Co., IA; bur. in the Graybill-Stoker Pioneer Cemetery. She was the eldest child of Michael Stoker and Catherine Eller... Michael and Polly left North Carolina probably in early 1816, and settled in Bloomfield Twp., Jackson Co., OH. Michael’s parents, Peter Sr. and Christena (Wampler) Graybill, accompanied them; also, Michael’s brother Henry and sister Barbara who had married Polly’s brother David Stoker. Polly’s parents, Michael and Catherine (Eller) Stoker, and other Stokers also made the journey with them. [Also John Graybill?] In the early 1830’s, the family was visited by Missionary John Fisher from Bloomfield Twp. and was introduced to the early Latter Day Saints church. Those who were old enough were baptized in 1833. Involved in the church, Michael Graybill Sr. and related families anxiously followed the news from Independence, MO. The wanted to gather with the Saints in Caldwell Co., MO to be part of Zion, the new Jerusalem. Michael sold his farm to his father, Peter Graybill Sr., who along with Henry, Michaels’ brother, and sister Celia (Graybill) Henson, decided to stay in OH. In 1836, Michael and other relatives packed to make the trip to Far West, MO. They spent the winter with Stoker relatives in Monroe Co., IN, then arrived at Far West in September 1837. The family withstood the dangers and aggravations of mob attacks. They endured many hardships. They had their plows, wagons and horses taken and even their first crop was taken just before it was harvested. With no provisions of food for the coming winter, Michael’s sons, Simeon and Levi, left to look for work. They found jobs chopping railroad ties for the Eastern Railroad in Hannibal, MO. But they were unable to collect their pay until the following spring of 1839, when they were allowed to take the amount of their earnings out in goods. This allowed them to obtain wagons and horses and move the related families to Quincy and Nauvoo, IL. Michael Sr. and his family, Simeon’s family and Catherine (Eller) Stoker’s lived eleven miles southeast of Quincy, IL. After the death of Joseph and Hyrum Smith in 1844, Simeon went to Nauvoo to help guard the secretly hidden bodies of Joseph and Hyrum. Fearful that the anti-Mormon mob might try to do further violence to Joseph’s and Hyrum’s bodies, their caskets were filled with sand for the public burial. By 1846, most of Nauvoo had been vacated. Michael Sr.’s and Levi’s families had gone west and settled in Kanesville, now Council Bluffs, IA. Some of the related families went on to UT. Michael Sr.’s daughters, Juliana and Mary Ann, were among those who went to UT. Michael Sr.’s sister Barbara (Graybill) Stoker went to UT later. Michael’s and Polly’s children were David, Catherine, Simeon Peter, Joseph Levi, George Washington, William Lenore, Juliann or (Julia Ann?) Michael S., Jr., Mary Ann, Elizabeth, Sidney Rigdon and Christina.�
6. From a FHL film copy, of which I made a photocopy, of the “Journal of John Stoker, b. 1817; Journal starts November 1, 1869.� John was the son of David Stoker and Barbara Graybill. The first 35 pages detail his mission taken from Utah to Virginia and Tennessee through Council Bluffs, Iowa, which I have summarized and included with his notes in this database. Pp. 36-227, the balance of John’s journal, are genealogical notations of family. Many pages are blank. Besides family, the journal also notes many other unrelated Stokers who were probably gleaned from books and other sources. It appears as if maybe his son David may have taken over the book later. Many entries are repetitive at different times. Pertinent data for this family or individual is quoted verbatim as follows on pages:
98: Michael Stoker/Catherine Eller, born Mar. 9, 1773 [the 9 is overwritten over the 6]. Children:
Polly Stoker, born Nov. 24, 1792, died Feb. 7, 1864.
David Stoker, born Mar. 23, 1795, died May 27, 1852.
Elizabeth Stoker, born Feb. 28, 1800.
John W. Stoker, born May 16, 1803, died Aug. 2, 1857.
Michael Stoker, Jr., born Feb. 10, 1805.
Rebecca Stoker, born Mar. 19, 1807.
Catherine Stoker, born July 19, 1809.
Jacob Stoker, born April 7, 1812.
Eller Stoker/Margaret, born July 28, 1816, died July 18, 1855.
101: Catherine Eller, wife of Michael Stoker born Mar. 6th 1773.
John W. Stoker, son of above parents, born Mar. 16, 1803, died Aug. 2, 1857.
David Stoker was born 23 March 1795, died May 27, 1852.
Polly Stoker (Graybill), born Nov. 24, 1792, died Feb 7, 1864.
Michael Stoker, born July 10, 1805.
Jacob Stoker, born April 7, 1812.
Eller Stoker, born July 28, 1815, July 18, 1855.
Elizabeth Stoker (Walker), born Feb 28, 1800.
103: David Stoker, born Mar. 23, 1795, died May 27, 1852. Barbara Graybill wife of David Stoker and daughter of Peter Graybill and Christenia Wampler, died Oct. 3, 1872, Summitt, Utah. Children:
John Stoker, born 8 Mar 1817, died 11 June 1881 Bountiful, Utah.
Sarah Stoker, born 26 Jun 1827, married Edward H. Davis.
William Stoker.
Michael Stoker.
189: Barbara Stoker, daughter of Peter Graybill and Christenia Wampler and wife of David Stoker died October the 3d, 1872, at Summet Creek, Iron County, U.T., aged 81 years.
Edward Davis, husband of Sarah Stoker, the daughter of Barbara Stoker, died Jany 9th, 1873 of Putrid Sore throat, Iron Co., U.T., Summet Creek
189: David Stoker, son of Michael Stoker and Catherine Eller and father of John Stoker, died May 27th, 1852 at Trader’s Point, Potawatamie Co., Iowa. The family emigrated to Utah the same Spring.
190: Sarah Davis, daughter of David Stoker and Barbara Graybill was born June 26th 1827, State of Ohio, Jackson Co., Bloomfield Township. Baptised by Wm. Stoker Feby 1850.
BIRTH:
1. Per Ancestral File 4.19 (27 May 2001). Note that occasionally I see a 25 Mar in lieu of 23 Mar date; however, I see more 23 Mar than the other. Neither has been documented so I use 23 Mar 1795.
2. Daughter Sarah Stoker Davis in 1900 US census states this parent born in NC.
3. Per tombstone.
4. Wilkes County, NC split off to make Ashe County in late 1799.
MARRIAGE:
1. Per wife's DUP biography as cited above.
DEATH:
1. Per Ancestral File 4.19 (27 May 2001): Place of death listed as "Trader's Point (Council Bluffs), Pottawattamie, Iowa".
2. Per wife's DUP biography as cited above.
3. Per tombstone.
BURIAL:
1. The following name is found on a new memorial stone with 33 other related family members at Graybill/Stoker Cemetery: "David Stoker 1795-1852." It is 3 miles east of Council Bluffs, Iowa in Garner Township on old Highway 6 (also known as McPherson Highway), then a right after the railroad overpass onto State Orchard Drive for about a mile, then east about 1/4 mile, then north on a "dead end" road to the first farm gate on the left. After permission from the farmer, the cemetery is about a half mile back west through the field.
2. Per Ancestral File 4.19 (27 May 2001).
3. Graybill Cemetery Relationships (Individuals not buried in this cemetery are in parentheses); Cemetery in Pottawattamie County, Iowa:
1- Catherine Eller 1773-1850 m. (Michael Stoker)
2- Polly Stoker 1792-1864 m. Michael Graybill 1787-1856
3- Catherine Graybill 1814-1886 m. Phillip Gatrost 1811-1870
3- (Simeon Peter Graybill) m. (Francis M. Graham)
4- George A. Graybill 1864-1873
4- Almeda Graybill 1869-1873
3- (Levi Graybill) m. (Patience Smith)
4- Abigail Graybill 1842-1885 m. John T. Pritchett
4- Levi Graybill 1851-1879
3- (George Washington Graybill) m. Mary Smith 1823-1860
4- Polly J. Graybill 1849-1872 m. (Wayne Downs)
4- Massie Graybill 1855-1872 m. (Thomas McGrew)
4- Sarah Graybill 1856-1857
3- William Lenore Graybill 1823-1880 m. (Hannah Pilling)
4- Sydney Graybill (Infant)
2- *David Stoker 1795-1852
2- John Stoker 1802-1857 m. Sarah McDaniel 1806-1857
3- John R. Stoker 1828-1847
2- Michael Stoker Jr. 1805-1858 m. Martha McDaniel 1808-1873
3- Gabriel Stoker 1829-1852
3- David N. Stoker 1832-1852
3- Martha R. Stoker 1849-1871
2- Eller Stoker 1816-1855 m. Margaret Judd 1822-1893
2- (Jacob Stoker)
3- America Stoker 1846-1847
3- Peter Stoker [twin] 1851-1851
3- Julia Stoker [twin] 1851-1857
Unplaced Individuals:
David N. Stoker [infant]
Emily J. Stoker [infant]
Jesse Stoker [infant]
Mrs. Pilling [possibly mother of Hannah Pilling]
ORDINANCES: Verified 5 Jul 2002.
BAPTISM: Online Ordinance Index with no further source.
ENDOWMENT: Online Ordinance Index without film documentation.
SEALING TO PARENTS: Online Ordinance Index FHL film 1239623, p. 385, ord. 14534.
SEALING TO SPOUSE: Online Ordinance Index FHL film 1553726, sht. 49, batch F518657.
SOURCES_MISC:
1. Per family group sheet archive record submitted by Grace Beck Larsen, 378 S. 11 E., SLC, Utah. She references: "David Stoker of Clearfield, Utah. Vinal Barlow of Midville, Ut. Ora Barlow. GS F Ohio 38718 pt 1. George Mikael Ellers Family 19A220. David Stoker Archive Sheet.
2. 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.
3. FHL book 929.273 P684pn: "Graybill/Stoker/Eller/Smith/Koons/Pitt Connections," by Norman E. 'Gene' Pitt, 1996. This book also mentions that Herman Stoker, David's grandson, has worked on this line for many years.
4. Rootsweb.com WorldConnect 17 Feb 2004 database ":480580" of Donna Shell .
5. FHL Book 929.273EL54h “George Michael Eller and Descendants of His in America,� compiled by James W. Hook, 1957, also on FHL film 896571, item 2, p. 100.
ACTION:
1. Look for journal of Seymour Brunson to see if he was the individual who may have converted Stoker family. See notes above
From Nauvoo records:
0- 10 16- 26- 45+ 0-10-16-26- 45+
9 16 26 45 9 16 26 45
Burkett, Christian 1 2 0 1 0 1 0 2 0 0
Burkett, Christian 4 1 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 0
Eller, Elizabeth 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 1
Eller, John 3 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 1 0
Graybeal, Henry 0 0 1 0 0 2 0 1 0 0
Graybeal, Peter 2 1 1 0 1 3 1 0 0 1 Slaves
Henson, William 0 1 1 0 0 2 0 1 0 0
Henson, William 3 0 0 0 1 1 1 1 0 0
Koons, George 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 1
Koons, John 0 0 1 0 1 0 1 2 0 1
Lewis, James 2 2 1 0 1 4 1 0 0 1
Lewis, James, Jr. 1 0 1 0 0 1 0 1 0 0
Pennington, William01 0 1 0 1 2 1 0 1
Pennington, William00 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0
Stucker, Michael 1 0 0 1 0 2 0 0 1 0
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.]
1850 US: Can't find.
1851 Iowa State: Pottawattamie County. FHL film 1022203. The entire state was counted but only Pottawattamie listed everyone by name in the household and their ages; other counties only listed the head of the household and a numerical count without names of the various ages by sex in the household. No date is given when the census was taken but it was certified in Dec. 1851; however, the other counties show a Sep 1851 date which also appears more likely for Pottawattamie as well in light of ages given some children with known birthdays in October. Census return:
Stoker: David 57, Barbary 57, Michael 17. [Note that the following related families are in this census and very close neighbors: Simeon P. Graybill, Michael/Polly Graybill with Polly's mother Catherine Eller Stoker, Eller/Margaret Stoker, Jacob/Catherine Stoker, Philip/Catherine Gatrost, David/Barbara Stoker, Edward/Sarah Davis, and William/Almira Stoker. Other relatives in same county but separated by several pages of census include the following families: Thomas/Hannah Pilling whose daughter Hannah, later marries William Lenore Graybill, Levi/Patience Graybill, John W./Sarah Stoker, Hannah Ford whose son Martin later marries Zibiah M. Stoker, and John/Sarah Smith.]
1852 Iowa: the census has David Stoker in Kanesville, Pottawattamie, IA, p. 22. This census is statistical and only lists heads of household with numbers of males, females, and voters. It is not very helpful for families or positively identifying a given individual. The following Stokers are shown as being in the same area: David, Eller, Jacob, John, and William as well as Michael Graybill, Martin Ford, Philip Gatrost, John Smith, George Graybill, and Levi Graybill. This David could actually be David N. Stoker, a different individual in this database, because the David died in May 1852 which may or may not proceeded this census.
3. The following information may have some bearing as to when David joined the LDS Church: the book "Latter-Day Saint Biographical Encyclopedia," in regards to David's son John has a biography in which it states that John's baptism was 13 Nov 1836 by Seymour Brunson. (Note that Ordinance Index notes 1 Nov 1833.) The following information was found on Seymour Brunson in the same book, p. 331: "Seymour Brunson, one of the first elders of the Church, was born Sept. 18, 1799, in Virginia, the son of Reuben Brunson and Salley Clark. He served in the war of 1812, became a convert to 'Mormonism' and was baptized in January, 1831, by Solomon Hancock at Strongsville, Cayhoga county, Ohio; was ordained an Elder by John Whitmer Jan. 21, 1831, and labored as a missionary in Ohio, Virginia and other States, raising up several branches of the Church. He moved to Bloomfield, Ohio, in 1834, thence to the town of Tompkins, Illinois, and moved to Missouri in the spring of 1837. He located near Far West, Caldwell county, and passed through the persecutions to which the Saints in that part of Missouri were exposed. Being expelled from Missouri, he settled temporarily in Quincy, Illinois, and a few months later moved to Commerce (afterwards Nauvoo). When the Nauvoo Stake of Zion was organized in October, 1839, Seymour Brunson was chosen as a member of the High Council and served in that capacity until the time of his death which occurred Aug. 10, 1840." Even though the dates are uncertain, the Stoker baptisms around 1833 to 1836 are likely. Judging from Brunson's arrival to Bloomfield in 1834, Brunson could have been the one who introduced the Stoker family to the LDS faith, or at the very least was a participant in John's baptism. If the 1833 date for John is correct, then perhaps Brunson came through earlier as a missionary before settling. Judging from the 1837 date, it could also be likely that the Brunson family traveled with the Stoker family to Missouri from Bloomfield.
4. FHL Book 929.273EL54h €œGeorge Michael Eller and Descendants of His in America, compiled by James W. Hook, 1957, also on FHL film 896571, item 2, pp. 17-31, clarifies early North Carolina counties and land grant practices:
"Land grants in North Carolina originated with an entry application which was filed in the county where the land was situated and if not lost are now on file there. This was followed, sometimes soon and sometimes years later by an order from the land office for the tract to be surveyed. Sometimes soon and sometimes years later the survey was made and a surveyor’s plat filed with the Secretary of State in Raleigh. Then came the grant which may have been issued reasonably near the date of the survey or sometimes several years later. These grants, orders to survey and the survey itself are on file now in the Secretary of State office at Raleigh...
Many counties were formed from what originally was Rowan County, namely Surry and Guilford in 1770, Burke and Wilkes in 1777, Randolph in 1779, Iridell in 1788, Stokes in 1789, Buncomb in 1791, Ashe in1799, Davidson in 1822, Yancey in 1833, Davie in 1836 and Yadkin in 1850. Some of these counties were grandchildren of Rowan County; for instance Wilkes was taken partly from Burke and partly from Surry, Randolph from Guilford, Buncomb and Yancy form Burke, Ashe from Wilkes and Stokes and Yadkin from Surry. These facts must be kept in mind when tracing early Rowan County families."
BIOGRAPHY:
1. The book "Pioneer Women of Faith and Fortitude" by the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers: for Barbara Graybill Stoker, m. David Stoker 1814 (he died 27 May 1852 in Council Bluffs, Iowa), children:
Christina, 24 Aug 1815
John, 8 Mar 1817
William, 26 Mar 1819
Nancy, Oct 1824
Sarah, 20 Jun 1827
Catherine, 25 Jul 1829
Michael, 12 Sep 1833
The Wamplers, Graybills, and Stokers were of German origin coming to this country in the mid-1700's and settling in Ashe County, NC. They were neighbors and friends, and their children grew up together. Barbara was the fifth child born to her parents. When she grew up, she married David Stoker. After a forest area of Ohio was cleared in the early 1800's, the main body of Stoker and Graybill relatives crossed the border into Ohio on Christmas Day, 1815. While living in Ohio, the Stokers became members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In 1836, they moved to Missouri with the main body of the Saints, but great persecutions took place here and they were forced to flee to Illinois for saftey. Enemies of the church soon drove them from Nauvoo to Iowa. They then went to Council Bluffs where David and his brothers were operating a ferry across the Missouri River to obtain enough money for their journey west to Utah. On May 27, 1852 David Stoker died of cholera and was buried in the Stoker-Graybill cemetery at [near] Winter Quarters, Iowa. Barbara came West with her children in June, 1852, and lived with her children. On Oct. 3, 1872, she passed away at the home of her daughter in Summit, Iron County, Utah."
2. 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. 87: Michael Stoker, the son of (John) Michael Stoker, was a 28 year old bachelor in Wilkes County, NC when the US census was taken in 1790. The farm which Michael Stoker bought from John Dick was on the north fork of New River in Ashe County. (The boundary line had been changed from Wilkes.) In 1792 Michael married Catherine Eller, the oldest daughter of Peter Eller and Elizabeth Dick. The Ellers and Dicks were settlers in this same area and all of Michael and Catherine’s children, except Eller, were born and raised among numerous family members in North Carolina. In 1815, the family joined a migration of relatives moving west into Ohio. This party of Graybills and Stokers, all ages from babies to the elderly crossed the border into Ohio on Christmas Day, 1815. Michael and his son David, who had just turned 21, took part in the first election held in Jackson County on April 1, 1816. John Michael Stoker, Michael’s father, settled in Perry County, Ohio, about 60 miles north. While in Ohio the Stokers became members of the newly organized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. In 1837 [error: Feb 1836?], Michael, Jr., who was now a man and a member of the Priesthood, baptized Eller’s future wife and her mother, Margaret and Rhoda Judd. Pauline Stoker of Council Bluffs has Michael Jr.’s old notebook where he kept records of baptisms, birthdays and deaths. On October 27, 1836, Michael and Catherine Stoker sold their land in preparation of the move to Missouri where the Saints were gathering. Michael was then 74 and Catherine 63 years old. Great persecutions took place in Missouri during the next two years and the family had to flee to Illinois for safety. Michael was not among those who reached Illinois, and how or when he died is not known. Catherine was at Nauvoo, IL, when the Saints again had to flee in February of 1846. She settled in Pottawattamie County, living with her eldest daughter, Polly, where she died. She is buried in the Stoker-Graybill Cemetery east of Council Bluffs, Iowa.� The above is almost verbatim also in the FHL book 929.273 P684pn: "Graybill/Stoker/Eller/Smith/Koons/Pitt Connections," by Norman E. 'Gene' Pitt, 1996. Is also notes that Herman
3. 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... (See Michael's notes for full quotation.)"
4. The book "Mormon Redress Petitions, Documents of the 1833-1838 Missouri Conflict," edited by Clark V. Johnson, contains a copy of the "Scroll Petition" dated 28 Nov 1843 at Nauvoo, IL addressed to the U.S. Congress by members of the LDS Church who had property destroyed by Missouri mobs in the 1830's. Included with over a couple thousand signatures is David Stoker.
5. Part of the Stoker family group mentioned in sister Polly (Stoker) Graybill's biography in the FHL book 929.273 P684pn: "Graybill/Stoker/Eller/Smith/Koons/Pitt Connections," by Norman E. 'Gene' Pitt, 1996, pp. 17-24, note that this book has a considerable downline of the children of this couple: "Michael Peter Graybill, b. 14 May 1787, Jefferson, Wilkes Co. (now Ashe Co.), NC; d. 24 Sep 1856, Council Bluffs, Pottawattamie Co., IA; bur. in the Graybill-Stoker Pioneer Cemetery; Pottawattamie Co,., IA; md. 1811, Ashe Co., NC to Mary ‘Polly’ Stoker. Michael was the s/o John Peter Graybill and Christena Wampler. Polly was b. 24 Nov 1792, Ashe Co. [Wilkes], NC; d. 18 Feb 1864, Pottawattamie Co., IA; bur. in the Graybill-Stoker Pioneer Cemetery. She was the eldest child of Michael Stoker and Catherine Eller... Michael and Polly left North Carolina probably in early 1816, and settled in Bloomfield Twp., Jackson Co., OH. Michael’s parents, Peter Sr. and Christena (Wampler) Graybill, accompanied them; also, Michael’s brother Henry and sister Barbara who had married Polly’s brother David Stoker. Polly’s parents, Michael and Catherine (Eller) Stoker, and other Stokers also made the journey with them. [Also John Graybill?] In the early 1830’s, the family was visited by Missionary John Fisher from Bloomfield Twp. and was introduced to the early Latter Day Saints church. Those who were old enough were baptized in 1833. Involved in the church, Michael Graybill Sr. and related families anxiously followed the news from Independence, MO. The wanted to gather with the Saints in Caldwell Co., MO to be part of Zion, the new Jerusalem. Michael sold his farm to his father, Peter Graybill Sr., who along with Henry, Michaels’ brother, and sister Celia (Graybill) Henson, decided to stay in OH. In 1836, Michael and other relatives packed to make the trip to Far West, MO. They spent the winter with Stoker relatives in Monroe Co., IN, then arrived at Far West in September 1837. The family withstood the dangers and aggravations of mob attacks. They endured many hardships. They had their plows, wagons and horses taken and even their first crop was taken just before it was harvested. With no provisions of food for the coming winter, Michael’s sons, Simeon and Levi, left to look for work. They found jobs chopping railroad ties for the Eastern Railroad in Hannibal, MO. But they were unable to collect their pay until the following spring of 1839, when they were allowed to take the amount of their earnings out in goods. This allowed them to obtain wagons and horses and move the related families to Quincy and Nauvoo, IL. Michael Sr. and his family, Simeon’s family and Catherine (Eller) Stoker’s lived eleven miles southeast of Quincy, IL. After the death of Joseph and Hyrum Smith in 1844, Simeon went to Nauvoo to help guard the secretly hidden bodies of Joseph and Hyrum. Fearful that the anti-Mormon mob might try to do further violence to Joseph’s and Hyrum’s bodies, their caskets were filled with sand for the public burial. By 1846, most of Nauvoo had been vacated. Michael Sr.’s and Levi’s families had gone west and settled in Kanesville, now Council Bluffs, IA. Some of the related families went on to UT. Michael Sr.’s daughters, Juliana and Mary Ann, were among those who went to UT. Michael Sr.’s sister Barbara (Graybill) Stoker went to UT later. Michael’s and Polly’s children were David, Catherine, Simeon Peter, Joseph Levi, George Washington, William Lenore, Juliann or (Julia Ann?) Michael S., Jr., Mary Ann, Elizabeth, Sidney Rigdon and Christina.�
6. From a FHL film copy, of which I made a photocopy, of the “Journal of John Stoker, b. 1817; Journal starts November 1, 1869.� John was the son of David Stoker and Barbara Graybill. The first 35 pages detail his mission taken from Utah to Virginia and Tennessee through Council Bluffs, Iowa, which I have summarized and included with his notes in this database. Pp. 36-227, the balance of John’s journal, are genealogical notations of family. Many pages are blank. Besides family, the journal also notes many other unrelated Stokers who were probably gleaned from books and other sources. It appears as if maybe his son David may have taken over the book later. Many entries are repetitive at different times. Pertinent data for this family or individual is quoted verbatim as follows on pages:
98: Michael Stoker/Catherine Eller, born Mar. 9, 1773 [the 9 is overwritten over the 6]. Children:
Polly Stoker, born Nov. 24, 1792, died Feb. 7, 1864.
David Stoker, born Mar. 23, 1795, died May 27, 1852.
Elizabeth Stoker, born Feb. 28, 1800.
John W. Stoker, born May 16, 1803, died Aug. 2, 1857.
Michael Stoker, Jr., born Feb. 10, 1805.
Rebecca Stoker, born Mar. 19, 1807.
Catherine Stoker, born July 19, 1809.
Jacob Stoker, born April 7, 1812.
Eller Stoker/Margaret, born July 28, 1816, died July 18, 1855.
101: Catherine Eller, wife of Michael Stoker born Mar. 6th 1773.
John W. Stoker, son of above parents, born Mar. 16, 1803, died Aug. 2, 1857.
David Stoker was born 23 March 1795, died May 27, 1852.
Polly Stoker (Graybill), born Nov. 24, 1792, died Feb 7, 1864.
Michael Stoker, born July 10, 1805.
Jacob Stoker, born April 7, 1812.
Eller Stoker, born July 28, 1815, July 18, 1855.
Elizabeth Stoker (Walker), born Feb 28, 1800.
103: David Stoker, born Mar. 23, 1795, died May 27, 1852. Barbara Graybill wife of David Stoker and daughter of Peter Graybill and Christenia Wampler, died Oct. 3, 1872, Summitt, Utah. Children:
John Stoker, born 8 Mar 1817, died 11 June 1881 Bountiful, Utah.
Sarah Stoker, born 26 Jun 1827, married Edward H. Davis.
William Stoker.
Michael Stoker.
189: Barbara Stoker, daughter of Peter Graybill and Christenia Wampler and wife of David Stoker died October the 3d, 1872, at Summet Creek, Iron County, U.T., aged 81 years.
Edward Davis, husband of Sarah Stoker, the daughter of Barbara Stoker, died Jany 9th, 1873 of Putrid Sore throat, Iron Co., U.T., Summet Creek
189: David Stoker, son of Michael Stoker and Catherine Eller and father of John Stoker, died May 27th, 1852 at Trader’s Point, Potawatamie Co., Iowa. The family emigrated to Utah the same Spring.
190: Sarah Davis, daughter of David Stoker and Barbara Graybill was born June 26th 1827, State of Ohio, Jackson Co., Bloomfield Township. Baptised by Wm. Stoker Feby 1850.
BIRTH:
1. Per Ancestral File 4.19 (27 May 2001). Note that occasionally I see a 25 Mar in lieu of 23 Mar date; however, I see more 23 Mar than the other. Neither has been documented so I use 23 Mar 1795.
2. Daughter Sarah Stoker Davis in 1900 US census states this parent born in NC.
3. Per tombstone.
4. Wilkes County, NC split off to make Ashe County in late 1799.
MARRIAGE:
1. Per wife's DUP biography as cited above.
DEATH:
1. Per Ancestral File 4.19 (27 May 2001): Place of death listed as "Trader's Point (Council Bluffs), Pottawattamie, Iowa".
2. Per wife's DUP biography as cited above.
3. Per tombstone.
BURIAL:
1. The following name is found on a new memorial stone with 33 other related family members at Graybill/Stoker Cemetery: "David Stoker 1795-1852." It is 3 miles east of Council Bluffs, Iowa in Garner Township on old Highway 6 (also known as McPherson Highway), then a right after the railroad overpass onto State Orchard Drive for about a mile, then east about 1/4 mile, then north on a "dead end" road to the first farm gate on the left. After permission from the farmer, the cemetery is about a half mile back west through the field.
2. Per Ancestral File 4.19 (27 May 2001).
3. Graybill Cemetery Relationships (Individuals not buried in this cemetery are in parentheses); Cemetery in Pottawattamie County, Iowa:
1- Catherine Eller 1773-1850 m. (Michael Stoker)
2- Polly Stoker 1792-1864 m. Michael Graybill 1787-1856
3- Catherine Graybill 1814-1886 m. Phillip Gatrost 1811-1870
3- (Simeon Peter Graybill) m. (Francis M. Graham)
4- George A. Graybill 1864-1873
4- Almeda Graybill 1869-1873
3- (Levi Graybill) m. (Patience Smith)
4- Abigail Graybill 1842-1885 m. John T. Pritchett
4- Levi Graybill 1851-1879
3- (George Washington Graybill) m. Mary Smith 1823-1860
4- Polly J. Graybill 1849-1872 m. (Wayne Downs)
4- Massie Graybill 1855-1872 m. (Thomas McGrew)
4- Sarah Graybill 1856-1857
3- William Lenore Graybill 1823-1880 m. (Hannah Pilling)
4- Sydney Graybill (Infant)
2- *David Stoker 1795-1852
2- John Stoker 1802-1857 m. Sarah McDaniel 1806-1857
3- John R. Stoker 1828-1847
2- Michael Stoker Jr. 1805-1858 m. Martha McDaniel 1808-1873
3- Gabriel Stoker 1829-1852
3- David N. Stoker 1832-1852
3- Martha R. Stoker 1849-1871
2- Eller Stoker 1816-1855 m. Margaret Judd 1822-1893
2- (Jacob Stoker)
3- America Stoker 1846-1847
3- Peter Stoker [twin] 1851-1851
3- Julia Stoker [twin] 1851-1857
Unplaced Individuals:
David N. Stoker [infant]
Emily J. Stoker [infant]
Jesse Stoker [infant]
Mrs. Pilling [possibly mother of Hannah Pilling]
ORDINANCES: Verified 5 Jul 2002.
BAPTISM: Online Ordinance Index with no further source.
ENDOWMENT: Online Ordinance Index without film documentation.
SEALING TO PARENTS: Online Ordinance Index FHL film 1239623, p. 385, ord. 14534.
SEALING TO SPOUSE: Online Ordinance Index FHL film 1553726, sht. 49, batch F518657.
SOURCES_MISC:
1. Per family group sheet archive record submitted by Grace Beck Larsen, 378 S. 11 E., SLC, Utah. She references: "David Stoker of Clearfield, Utah. Vinal Barlow of Midville, Ut. Ora Barlow. GS F Ohio 38718 pt 1. George Mikael Ellers Family 19A220. David Stoker Archive Sheet.
2. 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.
3. FHL book 929.273 P684pn: "Graybill/Stoker/Eller/Smith/Koons/Pitt Connections," by Norman E. 'Gene' Pitt, 1996. This book also mentions that Herman Stoker, David's grandson, has worked on this line for many years.
4. Rootsweb.com WorldConnect 17 Feb 2004 database ":480580" of Donna Shell .
5. FHL Book 929.273EL54h “George Michael Eller and Descendants of His in America,� compiled by James W. Hook, 1957, also on FHL film 896571, item 2, p. 100.
ACTION:
1. Look for journal of Seymour Brunson to see if he was the individual who may have converted Stoker family. See notes above
From Nauvoo records:
Birth 23 Mar 1795 , Ashe, North Carolina, USA Gender Male Baptized (LDS) 1834 Died 27 May 1852 Trader's Point (Council Bluffs), Pottawattamie, Iowa, USA Endowed (LDS) 14 Mar 1923 Internet Locations http://www.charter-pierce.org/citiest.htm Internet Locations http://www.ePodunk.com.htm Person ID I29729 Early Latter-day Saints Last Modified 07 Feb 2007 Father Michael Stoker, b. 24 Mar 1762, Frederick, Frederick, Maryland, USA , d. 27 Oct 1836, (near), Far West, Caldwell, Missouri, USA
Mother Catharine Eller, b. 6 Mar 1773, Rowan, Bladen, North Carolina, USA Married 1792 Sealed P (LDS) 3 Feb 1928 SLAKE Family ID F7094 Group Sheet Family Barbara Graybill, b. Apr 1792, , Ashe, North Carolina, USA Married 1814 Sealed S (LDS) 28 Jun 1869 Children 1. John W. Stoker, b. 8 Mar 1817, Bloomfield, Jackson, Ohio, USA 2. William Stoker, b. 26 Mar 1819, , Jackson, Ohio, USA 3. Catherine Stoker, b. 24 Jul 1829, Bloomfield, Morrow, Ohio, USA Family ID F12915 Group Sheet -
GRAYBILL CEMETERY
The legal description for this cemetery reads as follows: Beginning at a point “the NW corner of the SW of NW of Section 34, Township 75N, Range 43 - go east 34 rods to NW corner of cemetery, thence S i6 rods, then E 6 rods, thence N i6 rods and N 6 rods to starting place of corner of cemetery” in Garner Township. It is 3 miles east of Council Bluffs on old Highway 6, to the first gravel road south after the railroad overpass, go about a mile, turn east about 1/4 mile, then north on a “dead end” road to the first farm gate on the left. The cemetery is about half a mile walk back west through the field. As always with farm gates--be sure to close them. Mr. Donald C. Swanson lives on the farm, so ask his permission. This is thought to be an old Mormon Cemetery. The stones are old and many are broken. The new stone, as pictured, was erected to all those known to be buried here.
This cemetery was charted 30 Oct 1984.