Thomas Etherington is another of England's sons who spent the better part of his manhood in this country, and became a loyal citizen of the country of his adoption. He was born in Bishop Aucland, Durham, England, November 1, 1836, a son of John and Elizabeth Hensley (Hemsley) Etherington.

Thomas was the only son in his father's family to join the Mormon Church. He came with his family to Utah, September 7, 1855, and lived for several years with his father in Slaterville; where he once owned a valuable farm, but was compelled to abandon it owing to high water, then they moved over the river into West Weber. His interests were land, sheep and cattle business.

He married Sarah Wheeler March 9, 1859, in the Salt Lake Endowment House. Sarah was the daughter of John and Elizabeth Gillings Wheeler, who came to Utah in 1857, in the William Walker Company. Sarah was born October 21, 1840, at Gravely, Cambridgeshire England. To this union the following children were born: Elizabeth 4nn, b., December 29, 1859, m. Samuel Hadley; Sarah Jane, b., January 30, 1860, m. Hyrum Goodale; Mary E. b., July 19, 1862, m. James McFarland; Susan A., b.~ April 2, 1864, m. Charles ~. McFarland; Frances A., b., March 9, 1886, m. Edward C. Charlton; Ellen Maria, b., January 4, 1868, d. November 24, 1868; Thomas W., b., September 29, 1869, d. October 5, 1869; Emily E., b., October 22, 1870, d. August 24, 1873; Laura M., b., June 2, 1873, m. Joseph Blanch; Esther C., b., February 13, 1876, m. Peter F. McFarland; George W., b., October 31, 1879, m. Hannah Clark; James A., b., October 31, 1882, m. Hannah Bingham; and m. Rachel Hoskins.

Thomas and James McFarland were two of the thirty who drove back Johnston's Army in Weber Canyon. Thomas left his wife and family at home in Slaterville, with only a quilt at the door. The river came up and water was in the house, 90 John Etherington, Thomas' father came and took them to his home on 27th Street.

Thomas Etherington was a member of the Utah Militia during the invasion of Johnston's Army and when the move south took place he was detailed to protect the property of the Ogden people who had gone south. He was one of the company sent out as an escort to protect the settlers who were going to California, from the Indians; and to see them safely beyond the Utah line, and for 18 months was subject to call to arms at any time.

In 1869 Thomas bought the home in West Weber. He was always interested in the subject of good irrigation and assisted in building Marriott, many of Slaterville and West Weber irrigation ditches. Throwing the weight of his personal influence into every plan for the advancement of the public good.

He was one of the promoters and held the office of president of the Slaterville Consolidated Creameries, from 1897 to 1905. His large individual interests have prevented his taking a very active part in the life of the municipality, but in the early days he was Constable of West Weber from 1872 to 1878~ for a time he was trustee of the public school, and a director of Blackman and Griffin from 1905 until his death.

In the church he taught a class in Sunday School for many years, he was Assistant Superintendent of the 'Jest Weber Sunday School from 1884 to 1886, when he accepted a mission call to England from 1886 to 1888.

Thomas Etherington began life empty handed and by his constant efforts made himself one of the wealthy men of Weber County. His success did not turn his head; on the contrary he was a most genial, liberal hearted man, enjoying a host of friends and always happy when contributing to some worthy cause. He has made an honorable record to which his posterity may always point with pride.

Thomas Etherington was married to Margaret Newby in 1867, at Salt Lake City, Utah. Margaret was born September 4, 1835, at Sunderland, Durhamshire, England, a daughter of John and Elizabeth Smurthwaite Newby. To this union three children were born: John, b. February 24, 1869, m. Ann Skeen; Margaret, b., July 31, 1872, m. Henry B. Dance; Isabella A., b., November 13, 1875, m. Nathaniel Montgomery.

Thomas Etherington died at the age of 71 years on January 20, 1907, at his home in West Weber and was buried in the Ogden City Cemetery.

Submitted by Eliza Blanch Wagstaff, and Dee and Virginia McFarland.

Source:

In The Bend Of The River

History Of West Weber 1859-1976