Louisa Aurelia Houghton Thomas

Louisa Aurelia Houghton (Thomas) was born to Louisa Aurelia Curtis and Ornon Houghton. She lost her mother the latter part of 1848. She witnessed the burning of the Nauvoo Temple while living in Nauvoo. Her dad married Mary Curtis, sister of her mother. Then her father Ornon died in 1847.

The Mary Curtis Houghton family came to Council Bluffs when she was ten years old. The following season they crossed the plains to Utah. They came by ox teams, a distance of 1030 miles and arrived in Salt Lake City, Utah in October 1850. Colonel Stephen Markham was the captain of the company in which she crossed the plains.

She married Joseph Madison Thomas February 13, 1857 in Spanish Fork, Utah, the marriage being performed by Stephen Markham.

They had eleven children: Mrs. Joseph Timothy, Mrs. John Moyes, Edgar Thomas, John Thomas, Norwood Thomas, Mrs. John Cook, Mrs. Hyrum Argyle and Frank Thomas.
She endured the hardships of pioneer life with great patience and never complained about the dangerous missions her husband was sent to do. She received a pension for the part he played in the Walker War of 1853.

She was a happy, good natured person and loved to travel. When her children would congregate at her home they'd all meet at the wood pile and have a talk and then each child would be given a gift of cash and provisions by her and her mate.

Louisa sewed well and made all her granddaughters clothes for little cost. She'd look at the rows of dresses and coats her granddaughter had and asked her mother if they could share them with the less unfortunate. She liked to share equally.
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Pioneer of 1850 Taken By Death
(From our Glines Correspondent)

Mrs. Louisa Houghton Thomas died February 2, at the home of her daughter, Mrs. John Moyes, at Roosevelt of old age and general debility.

Mrs. Thomas was born March 15, 1840 at Nauvoo, Illinois and accepted the gospel in her early life. She was a true Latter-Day Saint in every sense, being faithful, kind and generous always believing in the Golden Rule, "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."

She witnessed the burning of the Nauvoo Temple. When ten years old she came to Utah and in her early girlhood married Madson Thomas. Eleven children were born to them, eight of whom are living: Mrs. Ben Argillo, Frank Thomas, Norwood Thomas, Spanish Fork; Mrs. Joseph Timothy, Mrs. John Moyes, Edgar Thomas, Roosevelt; Mrs. John Cook and George Thomas, Vernal. There are sixty-four grandchildren and a number of great-grandchildren.

Mr. and Mrs. Thomas experienced many trials and hardships during the Black Hawk Indian War troubles. Mr. Thomas was a veteran of the Black Hawk War. He had many friends among the Indians and labored many years as a missionary among the Ute tribes. He preceded his wife in death about eighteen years. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas were residents of the Ashley Valley for about forty years.

The remains of Mrs. Thomas were brought here for burial. Funeral services were held in the Glines Ward Meeting House Sunday, February 5th, at 1 o'clock under the auspices of the Glines Ward Bishopric, Bishop M.M. Batty presiding. Prayer was offered by John Eaton. The speakers were Patriarch Nelson Merkley, Bishop M.M. Batty and first counselor John B. Eaton. All spoke of the beautiful and faithful life of the departed. Hymns were sung by the Relief Society choir and the girls' chorus. Two solos were rendered by Miss Florence Gregory and William Pearce. Nelson Merkley offered the benediction.

A large cortege of friends and relatives followed the remains to its last resting place in the Glines Ward Cemetery. The grave was dedicated by John Hair, Jr.

Vernal Express, February 10, 1922

Step-parents: Mary Curtis & Colonel Stephen Markham

Children not listed below: Francis Houghton