Author: Buttars

PETER SHEFFIELD BARSON 
by Ann G. Hansen (granddaughter) 
Peter Sheffield Barson was born February 12, 1849 in Wellingborough, Northampton, England. He was the son of Ellen Sheffield and Samuel Barson. 
When he was five and one-half years old, he, with his father and mother, brother and sister, left England to come to as converts to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  The crossed the Atlantic Ocean on the ship Wandamere. While sailing up the Mississippi on a steamboat, cholera broke out. Ellen Sheffield Barson was stricken with the disease and died. With saddened hearts, the father and his three little children left her to rest on the banks of the Mississippi River and journeyed on to St. Louis, where Peter's grandfather Sheffield lived. He persuaded Samuel Barson to leave his two smallest children with him now that their mother was taken. He consented and soon left with his one son, Peter, to cross the plains by ox team in Captain Richard's company. They had not been in Utah long when their hearts were saddened with the news that the brother and sister left in St. Louis had died. 
Great-grandfather married Ann Genkinson and home life was established again. Their first child died. Two more children were born to them: John William and Martha Jane. 

When Grandfather was sixteen years old, his father died. Some time later, his wife took her two children and moved to Missouri. Left alone, Grandfather lived wherever he could get work. He worked many a day for fifty cents and boarded himself. 
He kept worrying about Mormonism and wondering if it were true. He wished that he could ask his father. One night as he was lying on a lounge thinking and pondering over religion, a light appeared in one corner of the room. In the light he saw his father clothed in temple robes. Grandfather knew this was his chance, so asked his father if Mormonism were true. His father answered, "Yes, but not the way some people live it.” Grandfather has said, "If all the world would go in darkness and people say there was no resurrection, I would believe in Mormonism and the resurrection, because I have seen my father." He also said he would have believed in no church if his father had not appeared. 
He married Mary Ellen Scott on October 20, 1869 in the old Salt Lake Endowment House. She died on December 11, 1935. Obedient to the teachings of the church, he married Eliza Ann Scott, sister of his first wife, on August 8, 1875. She died on September 25, 1887. Five children were born to Mary Ellen and three to her sister, Eliza Ann. 
The comforts of modern living were appreciated by Grandfather who, with his two wives, welcomed improvements as they came along. They moved nine times and bettered their conditions each time. They finally settled in Clarkston, Utah, where Grandfather became one of the prosperous farmers of that community. 
Grandfather found time to take part in church activities. He owned the first organ in Clarkston. They packed it to and from church for many months. He served as both leader and organist of the choir. He was a lover of good music. 
For many years he served as justice of the peace. He also served as a school trustee. His interest in the public schools was outstanding. He made more visits to the schools than any other parent. He related on numerous occasions to the students how he had driven oxen, mules, horses, and automobiles. 
His keen sense of humor and his many practical jokes will be appreciated and remembered by many residents of Cache Valley. He met his appointments promptly and advocated keeping out of debt. Music, interior and exterior painting, culture of flowers, and the making of scrap books were among his hobbies. He played the 
violin, enjoyed baseball games, picture shows, and dancing, and visits from his friends. 
Peter Sheffield Barson died November 9, 1942 at his own home at the age of 93 years and 9 months. He was buried November 12, 1942 in the Clarkston cemetery. 
(Written December 9, 1964)