Lake, George, 1838-1898

File — Box: 7, Folder: 5

Identifier: VI

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

A brief biographical sketch that tells of James and Philomelia Smith Lake and their fourteenth child, George. He was born in 1838 in Kane County, Illinois. His father joined the church in 1832 so George grew up in the church. He was eleven years of age when the family crossed the plains and arrived in Salt Lake Valley in 1850. They settled in Ogden and at a young age George became an interpreter and a friend of the Indians. George's first wife was the widow of his brother. His second wife was Sarah Jane Hill, and his third wife was Mary Edda Foster. The following dates highlight his life.

1868: Went on a mission to England.
1871: Returned home. Settled in Oxford, Idaho, where he became bishop of Oxford Ward.
1874: Three of his children died of diphtheria.
1875: Forced to leave his home when United States marshals began the hunt for polygamists. Was called to settle in Arizona Territory.
1876: Settled on the Colorado River and named the settlement Obed.
1877: Dams were swept out by high water.
1878: Arizona settlements were organized into a Stake of Zion with Lot Smith as president.
1879: Suffered from the fever. United Order began to break up and the people scattered. Moved to Forest Dale.
1885: After much discouragement and many moves started to Mexico to find a place to live.
1885-1898: During years in Mexico worked at many things, including the practice of medicine and minor surgery, lawyer, and peacemaker among the colonists and Mexicans.
1898: Died of typhoid pneumonia.

Dates

1838-1898

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