PIONEER HISTORY OF

Robert Meikle (1835 – 1890)

Robert Meikle

Born: 15 Apr 1835-36 at Hamilton, Lanarkshire, Scotland

Baptized: 6 Jul 1848, England

Died: 1 Sep 1890 at Smithfield, Cache, Utah

LDS Emigration Ship: ‘Old England”

5 Mar 1854, Port of Departure: Liverpool, England

Apr 1854, Port of Arrival: New Orleans, Louisiana

May 11, 1854 Arrival St. Louis, MO

Mid May 1854 Arrival Westport, MO

15 Jun to 15 Jul Departure from Westport, MO

3 to 28 Oct 1854 Arrival at SLC, Utah

Marriage(s)

Sarah Ann HATTON, Marriage: 12 Jan 1862 Salt Lake City Endowment House

Martha GARDNER, Marriage: 20 Oct 1867 Salt Lake City, Salt Lake, Utah

Mary Susan BOLLINGER, Marriage: 23 Jun 1881 Salt Lake City, Salt Lake, Ut

A Biographical Sketch of The Life Of Robert Meikle.

Written By His Daughter Agnes Meikle Thomas [Born: 16 Feb 1871 at Smithfield, Cache, Utah]

[Her mother was: Martha Gardener] and SMITHFIELD UTAH HISTORICAL SOCIETY, PERSONAL HISTORIES, [additions by J.E. Anderson – 2007]

PARENTS

William Meikle first married Marion M. Cochran and the couple had eight children

1- George /Meikle/ Born 18 Feb 1819 at Carnwath, Lanarkshire, Scotland

2- James /Meikle/ Born: 12 Dec 1820 at Carnwath, Lanarkshire, Scotland

3- Janet /Meikle/ Born: 18 Aug 1822 at Carnwath, Lanarkshire, Scotland

4- Elizabeth /Meikle/ Born 1823 at Bethwell, Lanarkshire, Scotland

5- William /Meikle/ Born: 15 Oct 1824 Bethwell, Lanarkshire, Scotland

6- Clifford /Meikle/ Born: 1827 at Bethwell, Lanarkshire, Scotland

7- Jane /Meikle/ Born 1 Jul 1830 at Bethwell, Lanarkshire, Scotland

8- Gilbert /Meikle/ Born 3 Feb 1833 at Bethwell, Lanarkshire, Scotland

Marion M. Cockran died during 1833 or 1834

William Meikle and Jessie Jackson Meikle were married on 22 Jun 1834 at Hamilton, Lanarkshire,

Scotland

The couple were sealed on 3 May 1870 at Endowment House, SLC, Utah, after Jessie Jackson Meikle

arrive in Utah

My Father, Robert Meikle, was born in Hamilton, Lanarkshire, Scotland, April 15, 1835.

He was the son of William Meikle and Margaret Jackson Meikle.

[The couple had three children:]

1- Robert /Meikle/ Born: 15 Apr 1835 at Hamilton, Lanarkshire, Scotland

2- Isabelle /Meikle/ Born: 6 Apr 1837 at Hamilton, Lanarkshire, Scotland

3- James Joseph /Meikle/ Born 5 Jul 1839 at Hamilton, Lanarkshire, Scotland

William and Margaret Jackson Meikle, were cultured, refined people. They loved the little rugged land

of Scotland, a land that maintained its independence through centuries of arduous struggle with England.

At the age of six, Robert Meikle entered a religious school (a product of John Knox). […]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Knox

http://www.nndb.com/people/588/000094306/

http://www.answers.com/topic/john-knox

Robert sought and found light employment during school vacations; he was the oldest child in the family, 13

years old when the family joined the Latter Day Saints Church, August 17, 1848.

The family was discussing and considering the “Come to Zion” call of President Brigham Young.

However, Grandfather (William Meikle) died (22 June 1853) before it was possible for them to emigrate.

Father (Robert Meikle), being the oldest son and a dependable, energetic young man, his mother decided

for him to come first. He was nineteen years old when he started for Utah. He landed in Salt Lake City in

1854.

[Meikle, Robert, 1854, NA, Old England, Ship roster on microfilm(s) 200177 25690]

“Old English” Ships Roster

MEIKLE, Robert <1835> Age: 19 Origin: Perth Note: BMR, p. 62

http://mormonmigration.lib.byu.edu/Search/searchAll/keywords:Robert+Meikle+

Vessel Rig Registry Tons Master No. LDS

Pass.

Depart.

Port

Depart.

Date

Arrival

Port

Arrival

Date

Passage

Days Comp

Old

England Ship U.S. 917

J.

Barstow 45 Liv. 3-5-54 N.O. 4-26-54 52

J.

Angus

Robert Meikle LDS Emigration

5 Mar 1854, Port of Departure: Liverpool, England aboard Ship: Old England

26 Apr 1854, Port of Arrival: New Orleans, Louisiana

May 11, 1854 Arrival St. Louis, MO

Mid May 1854 Arrival Westport, MO

15 Jun to 15 Jul Departure from Westport, MO

3 to 28 Oct 1854 Arrival at SLC, Utah

Ship: Old England

5 Mar 1854, Port of Departure: Liverpool, England

LDS Immigrants: 45 Church Leader: John O. Angus

26 Apr 1854, Port of Arrival: New Orleans, Louisiana

Source(s):BMR, Book #1040, pp. 61-62 (FHL 025,690); Customs #173 (FHL #200,177)

Notes: "DEPARTURES -- The Old England. -- Forty-five souls sailed for New Orleans on board

the Old England, Captain Barstow, which cleared on the 4th instant. Two ex-presidents of conferences

emigrated on this vessel, Elder J. O. Angus, president of the company, and Elder T. W. Brewerton. . . ."

<MS, 16:11 (Mar. 18, 1854), p.171>

"SEVENTY-THIRD COMPANY -- Old England, 45 souls. The ship, Old England, with forty-five Saints

on aboard, under the presidency of John O. Angus and Elder Thomas W. Brewerton; sailed from

Liverpool on the fifth of March, 1854. For twelve days the ship was tossed and tacked about in the

Irish Channel, owing to contrary winds, after which the company had a pleasant voyage, and arrived at

the mouth of the Mississippi on the twenty-fourth of April. One birth took place on board. From New

Orleans the company proceeded by steamboat to St. Louis, in connection with a few Danish Saints, and a

family by the name of Flewit, who had come from England in another ship. From St. Louis the company

subsequently continued the journey to the camping place near Kansas City. (Millennial Star, Vol. XVI:

pp.171, 218, 297, 346, 477.) <Cont., 13:11 (Sep. 1892), p.510>

Between June 15 and July 15 1854 eight (8) LDS Pioneer Co departed Westport, MO for SLC, Utah.

They Arrived in SLC, Utah between 3 Oct 1854 and 28 Oct 1854.

http://www.lds.org/churchhistory/library/pioneercompanysearch/1,15773,3966-1,00.html

Mormon Pioneer Overland Travel, 1847–1868

Meikle, Robert Birth Date: 15 Apr.1835, Death Date: 1 Sep.1890

Gender: Male, Age: 19, Company: Unidentified Companies (1854)

CONTINUED: A Biographical Sketch Of The Life Of Robert Meikle.

Written By His Daughter Agnes Meikle Thomas [Born: 16 Feb 1871 at Smithfield, Cache, Utah]

Soon after father landed in Salt Lake City, he met Brother John R. Winder who later became counselor

to President Joseph F. Smith and for whom the little settlement just northwest of Preston Idaho was

named. William Jennings owned the first tannery built in Salt Lake City. Brother Winder was

superintendent of this tannery, in which he gave father employment, also taught father the tanning trade.

Robert worked hard, kept steady employment, was highly respected as an employee and learned the

business thoroughly.

Father (Robert) worked hard, saved his money and, over two

years, sent enough money to help pay the passage for his mother,

sister Isabelle and brother James (and ½ brother William)

Grandmother (Jessie Jackson Meikle), with her three [3] children

(Isabelle, James & stepson William), bade goodbye to their native

land and started for Zion. In the company with other saints they

reached Iowa City in time to start across the plains with the first

two handcart companies. These two companies were led by

Edmund Elsworth and Daniel McArthur. Captain Elsworth left

Iowa City 9 June 1856, and Captain McArthue's company left 11

June 1856. My folks came in McArthur's company.

Grandmother Meikle pulled the handcart all away across the

plains. There were about 500 saints, 100 handcarts, 5 wagons, 24

oxen, 4 mules, and 25 tents in each company when they started.

On the 26th of September 1856, they were met in Emigration

Canyon by President Brigham Young, a company of minute men

and a large crowd of citizens. Imagine the joy when they met

their loved ones whom they had been separated from for years.

After a hearty welcome and a handshake, the company was

escorted into the city by William Pitt's Brass Band.

James Joseph, Robert’s younger brother, later

returned to Scotland and his place of birth to serve a

mission for the church, the family that was still their

told him he was a sight they never thought to see

again.

In the year 1860, father [Robert Meikle],

grandmother [Margaret J.Jackson Meikle], and

Uncle James [James Joseph Meikle] moved to

Smithfield, Cache County, Utah.

Here they built a home in the fort side of the creek.

Robert built a home on 176 West, First North Street,

Smithfield, Cache Co, Utah (that location became the

permanent home of Robert Meikle and his mother).

His brother James lived at 193 West First North

Street, Smithfield, Cache Co, Utah.

Robert and James procured some farm land and began a side line in the tanning business, but seeing the

possibilities of such a business, they moved zealously into it; soon supplying large quantities of good

leather for Cache Valley, and later, quantities to send to Ogden and Brigham City shoe makers, harness

makers and saddlers, in the Ogden area. They ground the bark for the tanning purposes by horse power.

On 12 January 1862 father married Miss Sarah Hatton in the Endowment House in Salt Lake City. She

passed away 22 February 1867 leaving father with three children: Robert William, and Sarah, Joseph

(children Joseph and James had died as children).

Marriage(s)

Sarah Ann HATTON,

Marriage: 12 Jan 1862 Salt Lake City Endowment House

Born: 2 Sep 1842 Manmouth, Warren Co., IL

Died: 15 Feb 1867 Smithfield, Cache Co., Ut

Four children were born to them; they were :

Robert William, Born: 28 Oct 1862

Sarah, (1866)

Joseph (who died at age 14)

James (who died in infancy).

Sometime after Sarah Ann HATTON died 15 Feb 1867, father met my mother, Miss Martha Gardener,

in Salt Lake City. She with her parents and the other members of the family joined the church in

Preston, Lancashire. England, and had recently immigrated to Utah. They were married in the

Endowment House 20 October 1867. She assumed the responsibilities of being a mother to father’s

children by his former wife. And she did it in a way that made them love and respect her.

Martha Gardner Meikle came into the Robert Meikle home 8 months

after the death of Sarah Hatton Meikle who had left three children:

Robert, Sarah, and Joseph (Joseph died at age 14).

Martha GARDNER

Born: 6 Dec 1849 Preston, Lancashire. England

Died: 10 Apr 1880 Smithfield, Cache Co., Ut

Marriage: 10 Oct 1867 Salt Lake City, Salt Lake, Utah

Five children were born to them; they were

Agnes, (1871)

Martha (1878)

Alice. (1880)

Nephi, (died at birth)

Lottie, (died at birth)

To father (Robert Meikle) and mother (Martha Gardener) were born five children: [list above] We had a

happy home. Father was a very devoted husband and father. He was cultured and kind but firm and

provided well for his family. Father loved the gospel and helped us to appreciate it. He strengthened our

faith by has example.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Father was again left with out a companion. Mother (Martha Gardner) died

10 April 1880 at the age of 31, leaving baby Alice just 10 days old. A year later

father married [on 23 Jun 1881] Swiss Nurse, named Mary Bollinger, who had

one son (Henry) whom she left in Switzerland. Father sent for him and

adopted him into our family.

Mary Susan BOLLINGER, Marriage: 23 Jun 1881 Salt Lake City, Salt Lake,

Ut

Born: 14 Aug 1855 Bussnang, Thurgau, Switzerland

Died: 14 Feb 1924, SLC, Utah

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

About 1875 the tannery was enlarged and improved, the bark was now ground by water power using

water from Summit Creek. The tannery now contained two lime and twelve tan vats, two soak pools, bait,

boiler, leach sink and a 14 inch turbine wheel running machinery for pumping and grinding bark, with

thirty cords of bark used yearly and 2,000 sides, calf, kip and hides, valued at $6000 tanned. Father was

superintendent of the tannery from the time it was started until his death. He took an active part in civic

and church affairs. He was a city councilman from 1870-1880 and was very interested in genealogy and

temple work.

Father [Robert Meikle] was a well built man.5ft.10in. in height and weighed 150 pounds. He had dark

blue eyes and black hair. Father had a keen sense of pride about his personal appearance and was always

clean and well dressed.

He was generally able to meet emergencies with calmness and good judgment. He did full well his share

in helping to build the communities in which he lived.

Robert Meikle in personality was a gentleman with many Christian

attributes. He was highly spiritual, moral, ethical, honest in word and

deed; he paid deference to rules, precepts and principles of his accepted

religion and civic regulations, supporting his church by contributions of

money and service; he became, by call, a leader in church position in

the priesthood for 22 years. In civic activities Mr. Robert Meikle was

elected to the office of City Councilman in 1870 and for seven

successive elections. The most intended service as councilman of any

man holding that office in Smithfield.

Father died 1 September 1890, at the age of 55. In Smithfield, Utah. He

was buried in that city cemetery the day the Utah Agricultural College

opened in Logan, Cache, Utah.

“Death of Robert Meikle,"

The Deseret Weekly, 13 Sep. 1890, Pg. 396.

Death of Robert Meikle

By letter from Smithfield we learn that brother Robert Meikle an old and much respected citizen

of that place died on the first inst., of dyspepsia and kidney disease and was to be buried today.

Brother Meikle was a native of Hamilton Lanarkshire, Scotland he embraced the gospel on the 17th

of

August 1848 being baptized by Elder John Shields and emigrated to Utah sometime in the fifties.

He resided in the Seventh Ward of this city for some years where he obtained a wife in the person of Miss

Sarah Hatton estimable lady who died several years ago. When Cache Valley was open for settlement the

deceased removed thither and became one of the pioneers of Smithfield which, has since his home.

He established a tannery there and labored in various other lines to develop the resources of the country.

He was a sterling Latter Day Saint of unswerving faith and performed every duty required of him in the

Church with fidelity. He died at the age of 55 years 4 months and 15 days, honored and respected by all

who knew him

===================================================================

NOTE: When did Robert Meikle come to Utah 1851 or 1854?

I have elected to show Robert Meikle as emigrating in 1854. Other may decide otherwise.

Both the biographies 1- “A Biographical Sketch Of The Life Of Robert Meikle. Written By His Daughter

Agnes Meikle Thomas” and the 2- “SMITHFIELD UTAH HISTORICAL SOCIETY, PERSONAL

HISTORIES” state that Robert Meikle came to Utah in 1851.

1- “He was sixteen years old when he started for Utah. He landed in Salt Lake City in 1851”

2- “When Robert was 16 years of age the family got necessary finances and arranged for his going to

Utah in 1851.”

http://mormonmigration.lib.byu.edu/Search/showDetails/db:MM_MII/t:voyage/id:308/keywords:1854

Pioneer Search

Meikle, Robert, 1854, NA, Old England, Ship roster on microfilm(s) 200177 25690 http://mormonmigration.lib.byu.edu/Search/showDetails/db:MM_MII/t:passenger/id:28507/keywords:1854

Meikle, Robert Last Name MEIKLE, First Name Robert Age 19 Origin Perth

Standard Surname MICHEL Standard Given Robert Head Surname MEIKLE

Meikle, Robert, 1856, 21, Daniel D. McArthur, Handcart Roster in Our Pioneer Heritage Vol. 14 p. 311

microfiche 6049788 (On pages 311 & 312 there is a roster listing of those traveling Danield D. McArthur 2nd

Handcart Co. “MEILKE, Margaret 57, children: Isabella 19, Robert 21, James 17 William 30.”

Robert may have gone east to meet his family and travel with the 2nd

handcart co. However, there is no

indication of this in the biographies.) No other sources show Robert was with the 2nd

Handcart Co.

Pioneer Search shows the following as being with the 2nd

Handcart Co.

Daniel D. McArthur Company (1856)

Meikle, Margaret Jessie Jackson (56) Mother, Step-Mother

Meikle, William (30) Step Son

Meikle, Isabelle (19) Daughter

Meikle, James (17) Son

2- “SMITHFIELD UTAH HISTORICAL SOCIETY, PERSONAL HISTORIES” state that

“In two years he earned and saved and sent to England enough money to pay the passage to Utah for his

mother, Isabelle, a sister, and his brother James.”

“They arrived at Iowa City in time to start West with the […] Hand Cart Company led by […]

Mc Arthur.” 1856 (therefore Robert would have arrived SLC during 1854)

“Old English” Ships Roster MEIKLE, Robert <1835> Age:19 Origin:Perth Note:

BMR, p. 62

The birth date <1835> is right but the Origin: Perth is

questionable. The family home was is Hamilton, Scotland near

Glasgow, Scotland.

Perth, Scotland is North East of Glasgow.

He may very well have been living and working in Perth, Scotland at the time he started his journey to

Utah. At this time folks started work, as young adults, by age 12 – 13.

Even though those who wrote Robert Meikle’s biographies show he arrive in SLC, Utah in 1851, others

records indicate he arrived in 1854. The Smithfield biography also contradicts itself when saying he

arrived two years before his mother and siblings (which would mean he arrived during 1854)

Genealogy records can include erroneous data; this erroneous data can get duplicated in other genealogy

records. These records seem to contradict each other. However, for this record, I have elected to show

Robert Meikle as emigrating in 1854. Other may decide otherwise.

http://www.lds.org/churchhistory/library/pioneercompanysearch/1,15773,3966-1,00.html

Mormon Pioneer Overland Travel, 1847–1868

Meikle, Robert Birth Date: 15 Apr.1835, Death Date: 1 Sep.1890

Gender: Male, Age: 19, Company: Unidentified Companies (1854)

http://www.lds.org/churchhistory/library/pioneerdetails/1,15791,4018-1-46846,00.html

“Evidence from emigration and church (Public Works Accounts Books) records proves he traveled to

Utah in 1854. This date of arrival is different than the year of arrival given in his brother James's 1924

obituary, but that family tradition is apparently muddied by the passage of time. Those who drafted

Robert Meikle's own obituary were unclear about his arrival year ("emigrated to Utah sometime in the

fifties").”

https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/MH2W-5VS

1860 Robert Meikle, "United States Census" name: Robert Meikle residence: Great Salt Lake, Utah

age: 23 years estimated birth year: 1837 birthplace: Scotland gender: Male

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/MNCY-NLD

1870 John Robert Meikle, "United States Census" Name:John Robert Meikle Birth Year (Estimated):1812 Gender: Male

Age (Original): 58y Race:White Birthplace:Scotland Event Place:Utah, United States

Household Gender Age Birthplace

John Robert Meikle M 58y Scotland

Mary Meikle F 58y Scotland

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/MNSJ-KXW

1880 Robt. Meikle, "United States Census"

Name:Robt. Meikle, Event Date:1880, Event Place:Smithfield, Cache, Utah, United States

Gender:Male Age:45, Marital Status:Widowed Occupation:Tannery Supr.

Race (Original):W Ethnicity:American Relation to Head of Household: Self

Birthplace:Scotland Birth Date:1835

Father's Birthplace: Scotland

Mother's Name:Margaret Jackson, Mother's Birthplace:Scotland

Household Gender Age Birthplace

Self Robt. Meikle M 45 Scotland

Son Robt. W. Meikle M 17 Utah, United States

Daughter Sarah U. Meikle F 14 Utah, United States

Daughter Agnes Meikle F 9 Utah, United States

Daughter Martha E. Meikle F 2 Utah, United States

Daughter Meikle F 0 Utah, United States

Mother Margaret Jackson F 78 Scotland

Page:205Page Letter:BEntry Number:2528Affiliate Film Number:T9-1336GS Film

number:1255336Digital Folder Number:004244808Image Number:00058

Your tombstone stands among the rest neglected and alone.

The name and date are chiseled out on polished, marbled stone.

It reaches out to all who care. It is too late to mourn.

You did not know that I exist. You died and I was born.

Yet each of us are cells of you in flesh, in blood, in bone.

Our heart contracts and beats a pulse entirely not our own.

Dear Ancestor, the place you filled those many years ago.

Spreads out among the ones you left who would have loved you so.

I wonder as you lived and loved, I wonder if you knew

That someday I would find this spot and come to visit you.

FIND A GRAVE http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-

bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GSln=Meikle&GSfn=Robert&GSiman=1&GScid=77435&GRid=181944&

Robert Meikle Birth: Apr. 15, 1835, Hamilton, Scotland

Death: Sep. 1, 1890, Smithfield, Cache Co., Utah

Burial: Smithfield City Cemetery

Smithfield, Cache County, Utah, USA,

Plot: SB_8_1