Joseph Thorpe, Sr., 12 February 1852

ANOTHER VALLEY PIONER PASSSES TO HIS REWARD

Mammoth Funeral Tells How Oneida County Esteemed The Departed, Joseph Thorpe, Sr.

Joseph Thorpe, Sr., one of Malad Valley’s real picturesque characters, was laid to his final rest beneath a profusion of beautiful flowers at testimony of a sorrowing community when the grave culminated a useful career here, March 10, 1932.

An overflow funeral service was held from the stake tabernacle where friends gathered to pay a lasting tribute to a departing friend and brother.

Bishop Hyrum W. Jones gave a finished review of his life work and history which brought him here as a youth from England and followed him to a well earned rest.

Bishop William H. Thomas who had been his Bishop for a number of years, paid a glowing tribute to him and expounded his belief in the reward awaiting the deceased. H.I. Mills, a long time friend and associate also spoke feelingly of his departure.

Special music was furnished by R.B. Davis and Howell M. Williams as soloist; Lester and Ella Ipsen, duet; Violin Solo by Mrs. Owen Howard, accompanied by Mrs. Robert Gilchrist and a vocal duet by Kate Jones and Myrle Reynolds.

The pass bearers were Will Wight, A.R. Castleton, David J. Davis, Tallie Hughes, C. Hutteball and W.P. Camp.

Benediction was offered by Stake Patriarch W.H. Richards.

OBITUARY NOTES

Joseph Thorpe, Sr., the son of William and Elizabeth Symms Thorpe, was born at Manchester, England on February 12, 1852. In 1862 he came to America with his parents and the family settled in Brigham City, Utah.

While residing at Brigham, his father, William Thorpe, was killed by the Indians who were attempting to drive off some of the cattle belonging to himself and others. Shortly afterward the widow with her family, moved to what was then known as Four Mile, near Malad, and from there Mr. Thorpe moved to Samaria before the death of his mother.

On this 28th birthday, February 12, 1880, the deceased married Jane Mason of Samaria and in 1889 they went to what is now known as Pleasantview to make their home. The family resided at Pleasantview for 31 years during which time they took a very active part in all the activities of the ward, contributing very liberally to the building of the ward chapel.

In the labors of Mr. Thorpe as Superintendent of Sunday Schools, Ward Teacher, and other missionary works, it was said that there was always a spirit of courage and conviction to do his duty.

In 1920 the family moved to Malad City, where he resided until his death, March 10, 1932. Surviving are his widow, eleven children: Mrs. Joseph Josephson, Thomas Thorpe and Raymond Thorpe of Pleasantview; Ephriam Thorpe, Joseph Thorpe, Jr., Edgar Thorpe, William Thorpe and Mrs. A.W. Christensen of Malad; Mrs. Joseph Facer of Samaria; Mrs. Thomas Jones of St. John and Mrs. J.C. Hartley of Tremonton. Mr. Thorpe also has 47 living grandchildren and five living great grandchildren.

Preceding him in death are his parents, his seven brothers and five sisters, one daughter and five great grandchildren.