Edward Killick Roberts was born in Leeds Co. Crosby, Canada, April 14, 1828, son of John Williams and Mary Gilchrist Roberts, later coming to the U.S.A. with his parents, crossing the St. Lawrence river on ice. They settled in Iowa. There were a number of brothers and sisters. One brother, William, gave his life for his country, the U.S.A., in the war with Mexico.
I think his father, mother and most of the children joined the L.D.S. Church, although all but Edward K. left it and went into the Reorganized Church, he being the only one to come to Utah. He drove an ox team all the way across the plains, arriving here in 1849.
He had many faith promoting experiences just one of which I’ll try to relate. As they were on their way, they came to the Little Plat River which was running high and very treacherous with quick sand. They camped on the bank of the river for about two weeks trying to find a place to cross. After about two weeks the Captain of the company called all the Priesthood members together and held a prayer service, each member taking his turn in the prayer circle. After they arose to their feet the Captain told some of the men to cut some long willows and some to take the willows and stick them up straight across the river from camp, while others hooked up several yoke of oxen and hitched them to one or two wagons. The Captain then told the men to drive the teams across the river below the stakes, as close as possible without knocking them down. When one ox dropped into the quick sand the other pulled him out. If one wheel of the wagon dropped in they pulled it out. This was continued through the day until by night the camp had pulled up across the river so that the wagons as though they were on hard roads and they were able to drive their loose cattle and even a small bunch of sheep across the river. All showing that the Lord is willing to help those who put their faith in him.
After coming to Utah, he, Edward K, married Emeline Mathews the 24 September 1850. (daughter of Anson Mathews and Elizabeth Burges) She was born February 7, 1833, Macomb, McDonough County, Ill., died April 17, 1867. To this union there was born the following children, Eliza Emeline born August 21 1851 - married Jeremiah Bingham March 1869; Susannah born June 5, 1853 - married Calvin Pendleton May 1870; Julia S. born October 17., 1854 - married Joseph Asay 1872. William Edward born November 19, 1856, died; Elizabeth E. born August 14, 1858; Joseph Samuel born August 31, 1860; Mary A. born April 28, 1863 - married Joseph Asay 1877; George Hannibal born February 13, 1865 - married Almina Malinda Lewis September 27, 1883; John Henry born April 17, 1867. Family home Payson, Utah.
Emeline, his wife, died, when George was but a small boy. He then married Ann Sophia Rollins Beckstead on 19 April 1869, Salt Lake City (daughter of Enoch P. Rollins of Cache Valley, Utah, and Sophia W. Philbrook, married at Bangor, Penobscot County, Me., pioneers 1852; and widow of Sidney Beckstead, by whom she had the following children: Sarah Ann Beckstead Elmer, married Henry Elmer, Sabra Jane Beckstead Hatch, married George B. Rust, married George A. Hatch; Lillian Beckstead Patten, married George W. Pattenl and Mary Emily Beckstead Jacksonl married Joseph Jackson, Rosa died child; Cordella Lorretta died infant. Family home West Jordan, Utah). She was born March 25 18321 at Bangor I died May 10, 1884; pioneer 1852. Their Children: Melinda Elvina born February 12, 18701 married George B. Rust I 1888; Sidney Enoch born November 5, 18711 married Marilla Hooper June 101 1903. (Pioneers and Prominent of Utah)
At the same time, April 19, 1869, he also married Hannah Gleave, it being a polygamist marriage in the old Endowment House in Salt Lake City by Joseph F. Smith, who later became President of the L.D.S. Church. Edward Killick Roberts was a High Priest.
Hannah Gleave was born in Stockport England, October 23/1846, the daughter of John and Jane Brindle Gleave. She had her knee hurt by a horse when about 8 years old and was crippled and walked on a crutch all the rest of her life. While she was yet a small girl, her father, John Gleave, brought the Mormon Elders to their home, to which Hannah was quite opposed and she remained so for quite sometime.
She later became interested and was converted to the church and was baptized a member in 1863. She came to the U.S.A. - coming across with her parents, brothers and sisters in the first steamship to cross the Atlantic Ocean. She had the following brothers and sisters; Walter, Hebert, Samuel, and Bertha Gleave. To she and Edward Killick Roberts, her husband, were born eleven children. Three of whom died as children. These children are: Hannah Jane who died as a child. Killick Elton, born June 23, 1871, at Glenwood, Utah and who married Edna May Gardner. He was later Y.M.M.I.A. Superintendent, Sunday School Superintendent, faithful Ward Teacher, High Priest. President of Annabella Irrigation and Canal Company. Member of town board and filled other positions of responsibility. Died November 6, 1944.
Lucy Ann Roberts died when about 5 years old.
Rosetta was born October 81 1874 at Annabella, Sevier, Utah. Married Hyrum Thurston. Was president of Y.W.M.I.A. Worked as teacher in Sunday School M.l.A. and Relief Society.
Walter, born June 231 1876 at Annabella, Sevier, Utah. Filled a mission to New Zealand under President John E. ___lby, president of New Zealand Mission. Married Millie Jocbreker, was county commissioner in Willard County and Bishop of Southerland Ward, Deseret Utah at the time of his death on March 5, 1921.
Rebecca was born January 1, 1878 at Annabella, Sevier, Utah. Married John Axel Nordfors. Was president of the Primary, and Relief Society and teacher in the Relief Society.
Bertha was born January 5, 1880 and died when just a child.
Thomas Wilburn was born August 13, 1881 at Annabella, Sevier, Utah. Married Hulda Oberg, who died. Married Jeannie Gleave, was Superintendent in Sunday School and counselor in the Bishopric in the Antimony Ward, Gar. Stake.
Herbert Franklin was born September 7, 1883 at Annabella, Sevier, Utah. Married Martha Rosetta Davis. Acted as counselor in Bishopric 17 years. Bishop 10 years, Stake High Councilman in Sevier Stake 4 years.
Sabra Saphronia Roberts was born February 1, 1886, at Annabella, Sevier Utah. Was president of Primary, President of Y.W.M.I.A. and teacher in Sunday School. Married John Franklin Davis December 5, 1919.
Ammon Roberts was born August 6, 1888. (August 5, 1888 SEB) at Annabella, Sevier, Utah. Married Susie Emma Adams in the Manti Temple January 27, 1909 by President Lewis Anderson.
They, our parents, were very thankful and faithful members of the Church and had very strong testimonies of the truthfulness of the Gospel.
Father was very faithful as a Priesthood member, as a Ward Teacher and every responsibility coming to him.
Mother bore a very strong and sincere testimony of the truth of the Gospel and divinity of the organization of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. She labored faithfully as a counselor in the Relief Society for many years.
They taught their family, the Gospel by example just as faithful as by precept - always interested in the welfare of their children. They raised Hannah Gleave, daughter of Herbert Gleave, from three weeks of age until she married Dormus Larson. Hannah loved them as her own parents.