Stephen was born 27 March, 1807, on the Isle of Malta. He arrived in Nauvoo, March 27, 1842. That same day he met the Prophet Joseph Smith. Stephen generously gave both time and money for the growth of the church. He labored charitably in the building of the Nauvoo House. He also joined the Nauvoo Legion and was a bodyguard to the prophet, Joseph Smith. He received a wonderful blessing from the Prophet. On the 9th of January, 1846, he and Harriet Rushton were endowed and sealed in the Nauvoo Temple by Amasa Lyman. They owned land on Sidney Street, Block 254, Kimball 1st Addition.
He was the son of William and Margaret Nixon. William was a soldier or sailor in the British military service, so they were aboard ship many times. In 1819, Stephen was twelve and obtained a pass and went to Leek, Staffordshire, England, where he lived until his parents came home in 1825. There he met and fell in love with Harriet Rushton. They married on June 26, 1827. They had seven children; John James, 7 March 1828; William, 13 Oct 1830; Sarah Ann, 13 April 1834; Thomas Stephen 19 Feb 1836; Harriet 26 Jan 1839; Margaret 13 Nov 1843 (Nauvoo); and Rose Hanna, 26 July,1846.
In 1840, in England, Mormon missionaries shared the Restored Gospel with the Nixon family. On the 14th of January, Stephen and Harriet Nixon were baptized. The following May, Brother Nixon was ordained an Elder by George Albert Smith and soon after was called to be a missionary. Elder Alfred Cordon called him to labor at Doncaster, Yorkshire, and other cities. He labored in these parts for some time, after which he returned to Yorkshire for additional successful missionary work.
Times and Seasons, Vol. 3, Pg.636- Pg.637:
'Elder Stephen Nixon writes from Doncaster, Yorkshire, under date of August 21st, informing us that he had lately commenced laboring in that place--that he had baptized two local preachers and three members of the Aitkenite society. This was done in two or three days from the first introduction of the gospel into that place. Many more are believing, and one more preacher had given his name for baptism.'
Like all English Saints at that time, the Nixons were anxious to reach Zion, so in January of 1842 he went to Liverpool to arrange for passage to Nauvoo and Zion. When he arrived in Liverpool he was called by Elder Parley P. Pratt to take charge of a large company of Saints on the ship "Tremont". Many tragic experiences, which included a burial at the sea, made the voyage unforgettable. But happy times were also enjoyed during the long eight week voyage across the ocean. Upon their arrival in New Orleans, Brother Nixon chartered a boat for St. Louis, then came to Nauvoo.
After the martyrdom of the Prophet and Hyrum Smith, they were among the Saints who were forced to flee from Nauvoo. On July 26, 1846, Rose Hannah was born, and on the 15th day of November Harriet Nixon died while crossing the plains and was buried beside the trail.
Brother Nixon and his family continued on to Winter Quarters where they stayed until 1852, when he felt he could take his family on to Utah. Upon their arrival in Salt Lake City, President Brigham Young sent them south to help settle Provo. While there he married Mary Paine, but for some reason the marriage was not successful. The children were growing up and some of the older ones were married.
In September 1859, he and his daughter, Margaret, who was now sixteen years of age, and a young man named Henry Roper left Provo and by way of Three Mile Canyon to enter Weber Valley he had been called to pioneer. They followed the Weber River north to a point where another stream entered the river. It was later known as Silver Creek. Here the party stopped and immediately built a log cabin, the first structure in the locality. They lived alone in the cabin that winter and in February 1860, Stephen Nixon's son, Thomas, and his family joined them.
The settlement grew and in spring, the men broke up six acres by ox team and raised a light crop. In 1861, about three hundred Indians camped near the settlement and as the story goes, the settlers shared food with the Indians that winter till there was no more. It has been said the Chief was friendly to the little group of pioneers who had settled at the 'meeting place of the waters'. Apparently, the townspeople revered Chief Wanship enough to name their settlement after him. Wanship, today, is simply beautiful, nestled in the valley of creeks, surrounded by mountains.
Mr. Nixon managed to take care of his family by opening up a general store. It was the first in the Valley. He carried it on in a log cabin he built with the help of Margaret, who also helped him with a small farm taken out of the brush, so to speak. Often they went to work in the fields with just bread and water for dinner. They also dug sego roots and gathered wild berries to add to their food supply.
He was known far and wide and loved dearly for his kindly nature. He always kept a barrel of peppermint candy in the store to give to the children.
The love of music was inherent in this family. Mr. Nixon went to Salt Lake City where he purchased instruments and secured the services of a music teacher, Mr. Chapman, who helped organize a Fife and Drum Corps, which was greatly enjoyed. In 1864, Stephen became the first postmaster in Wanship. He had always stayed true to the Church and its principles. His family was now grown up, married, and settled in the valley, following the teachings of their parents.
The first church services were held in the homes. A short time later it was held in a small rock schoolhouse, used as a chapel Stephen Nixon had assisted in building.
The country was growing, and in 1867, a nice brick church building was begun. It was built by George Dunford with Stephen Nixon doing the woodwork. It was completed and dedicated by Apostle Franklin D. Richards on January 12, 1890. (This lovely church burned to the ground November 14, 1958.)
Early in 1893, Stephen Nixon went to visit the home of Daniel Bates on Willow Creek. Daniel was an old friend and neighbor from Wanship. Stephen took seriously ill and died there March 5, 1893. He was eighty-five years, eleven months, and six days of age. He was buried at Willow Creek Cemetery.
He was the son of William and Margaret Nixon. William was a soldier or sailor in the British military service, so they were aboard ship many times. In 1819, Stephen was twelve and obtained a pass and went to Leek, Staffordshire, England, where he lived until his parents came home in 1825. There he met and fell in love with Harriet Rushton. They married on June 26, 1827. They had seven children; John James, 7 March 1828; William, 13 Oct 1830; Sarah Ann, 13 April 1834; Thomas Stephen 19 Feb 1836; Harriet 26 Jan 1839; Margaret 13 Nov 1843 (Nauvoo); and Rose Hanna, 26 July,1846.
In 1840, in England, Mormon missionaries shared the Restored Gospel with the Nixon family. On the 14th of January, Stephen and Harriet Nixon were baptized. The following May, Brother Nixon was ordained an Elder by George Albert Smith and soon after was called to be a missionary. Elder Alfred Cordon called him to labor at Doncaster, Yorkshire, and other cities. He labored in these parts for some time, after which he returned to Yorkshire for additional successful missionary work.
Times and Seasons, Vol. 3, Pg.636- Pg.637:
'Elder Stephen Nixon writes from Doncaster, Yorkshire, under date of August 21st, informing us that he had lately commenced laboring in that place--that he had baptized two local preachers and three members of the Aitkenite society. This was done in two or three days from the first introduction of the gospel into that place. Many more are believing, and one more preacher had given his name for baptism.'
Like all English Saints at that time, the Nixons were anxious to reach Zion, so in January of 1842 he went to Liverpool to arrange for passage to Nauvoo and Zion. When he arrived in Liverpool he was called by Elder Parley P. Pratt to take charge of a large company of Saints on the ship "Tremont". Many tragic experiences, which included a burial at the sea, made the voyage unforgettable. But happy times were also enjoyed during the long eight week voyage across the ocean. Upon their arrival in New Orleans, Brother Nixon chartered a boat for St. Louis, then came to Nauvoo.
After the martyrdom of the Prophet and Hyrum Smith, they were among the Saints who were forced to flee from Nauvoo. On July 26, 1846, Rose Hannah was born, and on the 15th day of November Harriet Nixon died while crossing the plains and was buried beside the trail.
Brother Nixon and his family continued on to Winter Quarters where they stayed until 1852, when he felt he could take his family on to Utah. Upon their arrival in Salt Lake City, President Brigham Young sent them south to help settle Provo. While there he married Mary Paine, but for some reason the marriage was not successful. The children were growing up and some of the older ones were married.
In September 1859, he and his daughter, Margaret, who was now sixteen years of age, and a young man named Henry Roper left Provo and by way of Three Mile Canyon to enter Weber Valley he had been called to pioneer. They followed the Weber River north to a point where another stream entered the river. It was later known as Silver Creek. Here the party stopped and immediately built a log cabin, the first structure in the locality. They lived alone in the cabin that winter and in February 1860, Stephen Nixon's son, Thomas, and his family joined them.
The settlement grew and in spring, the men broke up six acres by ox team and raised a light crop. In 1861, about three hundred Indians camped near the settlement and as the story goes, the settlers shared food with the Indians that winter till there was no more. It has been said the Chief was friendly to the little group of pioneers who had settled at the 'meeting place of the waters'. Apparently, the townspeople revered Chief Wanship enough to name their settlement after him. Wanship, today, is simply beautiful, nestled in the valley of creeks, surrounded by mountains.
Mr. Nixon managed to take care of his family by opening up a general store. It was the first in the Valley. He carried it on in a log cabin he built with the help of Margaret, who also helped him with a small farm taken out of the brush, so to speak. Often they went to work in the fields with just bread and water for dinner. They also dug sego roots and gathered wild berries to add to their food supply.
He was known far and wide and loved dearly for his kindly nature. He always kept a barrel of peppermint candy in the store to give to the children.
The love of music was inherent in this family. Mr. Nixon went to Salt Lake City where he purchased instruments and secured the services of a music teacher, Mr. Chapman, who helped organize a Fife and Drum Corps, which was greatly enjoyed. In 1864, Stephen became the first postmaster in Wanship. He had always stayed true to the Church and its principles. His family was now grown up, married, and settled in the valley, following the teachings of their parents.
The first church services were held in the homes. A short time later it was held in a small rock schoolhouse, used as a chapel Stephen Nixon had assisted in building.
The country was growing, and in 1867, a nice brick church building was begun. It was built by George Dunford with Stephen Nixon doing the woodwork. It was completed and dedicated by Apostle Franklin D. Richards on January 12, 1890. (This lovely church burned to the ground November 14, 1958.)
Early in 1893, Stephen Nixon went to visit the home of Daniel Bates on Willow Creek. Daniel was an old friend and neighbor from Wanship. Stephen took seriously ill and died there March 5, 1893. He was eighty-five years, eleven months, and six days of age. He was buried at Willow Creek Cemetery.
Stephen was born 27 March, 1807, on the Isle of Malta. He arrived in Nauvoo, March 27, 1842. That same day he met the Prophet Joseph Smith. Stephen generously gave both time and money for the growth of the church. He labored charitably in the building of the Nauvoo House. He also joined the Nauvoo Legion and was a bodyguard to the prophet, Joseph Smith. He received a wonderful blessing from the Prophet. On the 9th of January, 1846, he and Harriet Rushton were endowed and sealed in the Nauvoo Temple by Amasa Lyman. They owned land on Sidney Street, Block 254, Kimball 1st Addition.
He was the son of William and Margaret Nixon. William was a soldier or sailor in the British military service, so they were aboard ship many times. In 1819, Stephen was twelve and obtained a pass and went to Leek, Staffordshire, England, where he lived until his parents came home in 1825. There he met and fell in love with Harriet Rushton. They married on June 26, 1827. They had seven children; John James, 7 March 1828; William, 13 Oct 1830; Sarah Ann, 13 April 1834; Thomas Stephen 19 Feb 1836; Harriet 26 Jan 1839; Margaret 13 Nov 1843 (Nauvoo); and Rose Hanna, 26 July,1846.
In 1840, in England, Mormon missionaries shared the Restored Gospel with the Nixon family. On the 14th of January, Stephen and Harriet Nixon were baptized. The following May, Brother Nixon was ordained an Elder by George Albert Smith and soon after was called to be a missionary. Elder Alfred Cordon called him to labor at Doncaster, Yorkshire, and other cities. He labored in these parts for some time, after which he returned to Yorkshire for additional successful missionary work.
Times and Seasons, Vol. 3, Pg.636- Pg.637:
'Elder Stephen Nixon writes from Doncaster, Yorkshire, under date of August 21st, informing us that he had lately commenced laboring in that place--that he had baptized two local preachers and three members of the Aitkenite society. This was done in two or three days from the first introduction of the gospel into that place. Many more are believing, and one more preacher had given his name for baptism.'
Like all English Saints at that time, the Nixons were anxious to reach Zion, so in January of 1842 he went to Liverpool to arrange for passage to Nauvoo and Zion. When he arrived in Liverpool he was called by Elder Parley P. Pratt to take charge of a large company of Saints on the ship "Tremont". Many tragic experiences, which included a burial at the sea, made the voyage unforgettable. But happy times were also enjoyed during the long eight week voyage across the ocean. Upon their arrival in New Orleans, Brother Nixon chartered a boat for St. Louis, then came to Nauvoo.
After the martyrdom of the Prophet and Hyrum Smith, they were among the Saints who were forced to flee from Nauvoo. On July 26, 1846, Rose Hannah was born, and on the 15th day of November Harriet Nixon died while crossing the plains and was buried beside the trail.
Brother Nixon and his family continued on to Winter Quarters where they stayed until 1852, when he felt he could take his family on to Utah. Upon their arrival in Salt Lake City, President Brigham Young sent them south to help settle Provo. While there he married Mary Paine, but for some reason the marriage was not successful. The children were growing up and some of the older ones were married.
In September 1859, he and his daughter, Margaret, who was now sixteen years of age, and a young man named Henry Roper left Provo and by way of Three Mile Canyon to enter Weber Valley he had been called to pioneer. They followed the Weber River north to a point where another stream entered the river. It was later known as Silver Creek. Here the party stopped and immediately built a log cabin, the first structure in the locality. They lived alone in the cabin that winter and in February 1860, Stephen Nixon's son, Thomas, and his family joined them.
The settlement grew and in spring, the men broke up six acres by ox team and raised a light crop. In 1861, about three hundred Indians camped near the settlement and as the story goes, the settlers shared food with the Indians that winter till there was no more. It has been said the Chief was friendly to the little group of pioneers who had settled at the 'meeting place of the waters'. Apparently, the townspeople revered Chief Wanship enough to name their settlement after him. Wanship, today, is simply beautiful, nestled in the valley of creeks, surrounded by mountains.
Mr. Nixon managed to take care of his family by opening up a general store. It was the first in the Valley. He carried it on in a log cabin he built with the help of Margaret, who also helped him with a small farm taken out of the brush, so to speak. Often they went to work in the fields with just bread and water for dinner. They also dug sego roots and gathered wild berries to add to their food supply.
He was known far and wide and loved dearly for his kindly nature. He always kept a barrel of peppermint candy in the store to give to the children.
The love of music was inherent in this family. Mr. Nixon went to Salt Lake City where he purchased instruments and secured the services of a music teacher, Mr. Chapman, who helped organize a Fife and Drum Corps, which was greatly enjoyed. In 1864, Stephen became the first postmaster in Wanship. He had always stayed true to the Church and its principles. His family was now grown up, married, and settled in the valley, following the teachings of their parents.
The first church services were held in the homes. A short time later it was held in a small rock schoolhouse, used as a chapel Stephen Nixon had assisted in building.
The country was growing, and in 1867, a nice brick church building was begun. It was built by George Dunford with Stephen Nixon doing the woodwork. It was completed and dedicated by Apostle Franklin D. Richards on January 12, 1890. (This lovely church burned to the ground November 14, 1958.)
Early in 1893, Stephen Nixon went to visit the home of Daniel Bates on Willow Creek. Daniel was an old friend and neighbor from Wanship. Stephen took seriously ill and died there March 5, 1893. He was eighty-five years, eleven months, and six days of age. He was buried at Willow Creek Cemetery.
He was the son of William and Margaret Nixon. William was a soldier or sailor in the British military service, so they were aboard ship many times. In 1819, Stephen was twelve and obtained a pass and went to Leek, Staffordshire, England, where he lived until his parents came home in 1825. There he met and fell in love with Harriet Rushton. They married on June 26, 1827. They had seven children; John James, 7 March 1828; William, 13 Oct 1830; Sarah Ann, 13 April 1834; Thomas Stephen 19 Feb 1836; Harriet 26 Jan 1839; Margaret 13 Nov 1843 (Nauvoo); and Rose Hanna, 26 July,1846.
In 1840, in England, Mormon missionaries shared the Restored Gospel with the Nixon family. On the 14th of January, Stephen and Harriet Nixon were baptized. The following May, Brother Nixon was ordained an Elder by George Albert Smith and soon after was called to be a missionary. Elder Alfred Cordon called him to labor at Doncaster, Yorkshire, and other cities. He labored in these parts for some time, after which he returned to Yorkshire for additional successful missionary work.
Times and Seasons, Vol. 3, Pg.636- Pg.637:
'Elder Stephen Nixon writes from Doncaster, Yorkshire, under date of August 21st, informing us that he had lately commenced laboring in that place--that he had baptized two local preachers and three members of the Aitkenite society. This was done in two or three days from the first introduction of the gospel into that place. Many more are believing, and one more preacher had given his name for baptism.'
Like all English Saints at that time, the Nixons were anxious to reach Zion, so in January of 1842 he went to Liverpool to arrange for passage to Nauvoo and Zion. When he arrived in Liverpool he was called by Elder Parley P. Pratt to take charge of a large company of Saints on the ship "Tremont". Many tragic experiences, which included a burial at the sea, made the voyage unforgettable. But happy times were also enjoyed during the long eight week voyage across the ocean. Upon their arrival in New Orleans, Brother Nixon chartered a boat for St. Louis, then came to Nauvoo.
After the martyrdom of the Prophet and Hyrum Smith, they were among the Saints who were forced to flee from Nauvoo. On July 26, 1846, Rose Hannah was born, and on the 15th day of November Harriet Nixon died while crossing the plains and was buried beside the trail.
Brother Nixon and his family continued on to Winter Quarters where they stayed until 1852, when he felt he could take his family on to Utah. Upon their arrival in Salt Lake City, President Brigham Young sent them south to help settle Provo. While there he married Mary Paine, but for some reason the marriage was not successful. The children were growing up and some of the older ones were married.
In September 1859, he and his daughter, Margaret, who was now sixteen years of age, and a young man named Henry Roper left Provo and by way of Three Mile Canyon to enter Weber Valley he had been called to pioneer. They followed the Weber River north to a point where another stream entered the river. It was later known as Silver Creek. Here the party stopped and immediately built a log cabin, the first structure in the locality. They lived alone in the cabin that winter and in February 1860, Stephen Nixon's son, Thomas, and his family joined them.
The settlement grew and in spring, the men broke up six acres by ox team and raised a light crop. In 1861, about three hundred Indians camped near the settlement and as the story goes, the settlers shared food with the Indians that winter till there was no more. It has been said the Chief was friendly to the little group of pioneers who had settled at the 'meeting place of the waters'. Apparently, the townspeople revered Chief Wanship enough to name their settlement after him. Wanship, today, is simply beautiful, nestled in the valley of creeks, surrounded by mountains.
Mr. Nixon managed to take care of his family by opening up a general store. It was the first in the Valley. He carried it on in a log cabin he built with the help of Margaret, who also helped him with a small farm taken out of the brush, so to speak. Often they went to work in the fields with just bread and water for dinner. They also dug sego roots and gathered wild berries to add to their food supply.
He was known far and wide and loved dearly for his kindly nature. He always kept a barrel of peppermint candy in the store to give to the children.
The love of music was inherent in this family. Mr. Nixon went to Salt Lake City where he purchased instruments and secured the services of a music teacher, Mr. Chapman, who helped organize a Fife and Drum Corps, which was greatly enjoyed. In 1864, Stephen became the first postmaster in Wanship. He had always stayed true to the Church and its principles. His family was now grown up, married, and settled in the valley, following the teachings of their parents.
The first church services were held in the homes. A short time later it was held in a small rock schoolhouse, used as a chapel Stephen Nixon had assisted in building.
The country was growing, and in 1867, a nice brick church building was begun. It was built by George Dunford with Stephen Nixon doing the woodwork. It was completed and dedicated by Apostle Franklin D. Richards on January 12, 1890. (This lovely church burned to the ground November 14, 1958.)
Early in 1893, Stephen Nixon went to visit the home of Daniel Bates on Willow Creek. Daniel was an old friend and neighbor from Wanship. Stephen took seriously ill and died there March 5, 1893. He was eighty-five years, eleven months, and six days of age. He was buried at Willow Creek Cemetery.
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