Reuben Collett: A Life of Productivity

Reuben Collett was the husband of Elthura Merrill. He was born in England, and immigrated with his family to the United States after joining the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He was a person larger than life, and played a huge role in settling the west. His life was one of productivity despite his personal handicaps caused by losing most of his arm in a threshing machine accident.  The following excerpts from his obituary summarizes him the best.

“Reub Collett’s life has been unusual in the scope of his pioneer activities, as this has extended into Idaho, Wyoming, and Arizona as well as Utah He has been a builder of homes and redeemer of pioneer conditions in all these states … In the summer of ’55, young Reub became one of the members of the “Salmon River” mission in Idaho passing thru all the thrilling details of this trying and exciting expedition, and from this time on to the end of his life was known and admired for his wonderful physical endurance and courage”[1]

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[1] "A Pioneer Gone to His Rest," Vernal Express, January 30, 1920, accessed April 7, 2015, Utah Digital Newspapers. (http://udn.lib.utah.edu/cdm/compoundobject/collection/vernal1/id/81527/show/81558/rec/5).

“So beautiful a Christian life”

 

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Elizabeth Merrill was an early Mormon pioneer who came with her husband Samuel Bemis and their children to Utah in 1850. Within a few years of moving to Utah, the Merrill family made Smithfield, Cache County, their home and lived there for many years. It was a real treat for me while I was researching Elizabeth to find such a beautiful memorialization of her.

“The Funeral services over the remains of Elizabeth Merrill, who died in Preston July 4th, at her son’s residence, Mr. Orrin Merrill, were held at the tabernacle Friday at 3 P.M. … The speakers were the Bishop of Preston, A.B. Chambers and Bishop Woodruff. They spoke of the sterling qualities and the lovable character of the deceased, and expressed the wish that so beautiful a Christian life would serve as a shining light leading the young people to a better life.”[2]

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[1] FamilySearch, as contributed by Joan Montgomery1

[2] "All the Smithfield News: What Was Done On The Fourth. What Will Be Done on the Twenty Fouth," The Logan Republican. 11 Jul. 1906, p8, col. 1: digital image, Newspapers.com. http://www.newspapers.com/image/79991459/?terms=cynthia+merrill+douglass+utah: accessed 18 March 2015)

                                                                                                                                              

Elthura Merrill Collett in the News!

[1]

Elthura Collett was the daughter of Samuel Bemis and Elizabeth Merrill. She married Reuben Collett and for a time, they lived in Uintah County, Utah. Elthura was mentioned in two newspaper articles describing her participation in Relief Society conferences. The following quotations are excerpts from two of those articles, one in 1900 and the other in 1906.

 “The stake conference of Relief Societies was held in the stake house, Saturday, March 10^th, 1900. Quite a large number of ladies belonging to the various societies were in attendance…President Sarah Pope made a few opening remarks, after which Bishop John N. Davis delivered quite a lengthy address He stated that not  only in the world, but among the saints, practices were being introduced that are an abomination in the sight of God. He counseled the members of the society to use their influence to have these practices cease among the Saints…Elthura Collett gave the report of the Merrill ward society she endorsed the remarks of Bishop Davis, and enlarged upon the necessity of living pure and upright lives.”[2]

“The regular quarterly conference of the Relief Society of the Uintah Stake of Zion was held at the stake house, at Vernal, Wednesday, February 21^st, 1906…Elthura Collett spoke upon the subject of prayer.”[3]

From these articles, it can be inferred that Elthura was a prominent figure in the Uintah community. The articles also demonstrate the importance of Relief Society and religion in her life.

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[1] Familysearch.org as contributed by Marvis F. Collett.

[2] "Relief Society Conference," Vernal Express, March 17, 1900, accessed April 7, 2015, Utah Digital Newspapers. (http://udn.lib.utah.edu/cdm/compoundobject/collection/vernal1/id/15444/show/15468/rec/3).

[3] "Relief Society Conference," Vernal Express, February 24, 1906, accessed April 7, 2015, Utah Digital Newspapers. (http://udn.lib.utah.edu/cdm/compoundobject/collection/vernal1/id/27210/show/27239/rec/4).