My brother-in-law is getting into genealogy. He chose a line of the family I haven’t done any research on and got really excited to see the the work that was “already done.” His excitement quickly turned into annoyance when he discovered that none of what he found in online trees was sourced and that he had wasted a lot of time adding three generations to his tree that may not even be related! As I talked with him during our Thanksgiving get-together, I tried to emphasize the one big thing to remember:

Yes, the topic of sources is a big one and the nuances of each source type and its veracity in relation to any particular event or fact could be, and has been, discussed in depth. However, put very simply: I may suspect something, and possibly use family “knowledge” to help guide my search but until I have proof, it’s not true. It’s a frustrating lesson to learn but a very important one.

The ancestor in question: Mary Ann Waller (Mills).

At the party we were unable to find her death certificate online at the Utah State Archives…I was hoping to show him what kind of information he could get from that kind of record. Later, at home, I did find it:

Here’s part of the email I sent my BIL with suggestions on where he may look next:

I have also attached Mary Ann Waller (Mills) (Hatton)’s death certificate. She did remarry, which is why we didn’t find her death certificate the other day. I have not yet updated my database. This is the information I currently have for her:

b: 16 Jun 1838, Bagshot, Surrey, England, United Kingdom

d: 25 Oct 1925, Salt Lake City, Salt Lake, Utah, United States

m: 1855 to William Mills

Parents: Sammuel Waller and Diana Wild

Children: Annie Chelsea Mills

I don’t have any verification for any of it! I’m sure she had more children. I don’t know if she was married in England or in Utah.

Here’s the interesting thing about her death certificate – It has slightly different dates and names for her parents. 

Mary Ann Mills Hatton

Born: 16 January 1838, England

Died: 29 October 1928 (at home – 1788 So. 11 East, SLC)

Parents: Josiah Waller and Margaret Wild

The Informant was Edith P. Fowler who may be related…a married daughter, perhaps? Not sure.

I don’t know for sure that this is our Mary Ann but I believe that it is. 

From here we could try to find her in a census record living with Richard Hatton. Since William Mills (her first husband) died in 1887 she may be in the census with Richard as early as 1890 (which was destroyed), but also in 1900, 1910, or 1920. If some of her other known children (which we don’t know yet but will have to find) are also living with her, that would be evidence that this Mary Ann is our Mary Ann. 

To find her other children, we can try to find her in censuses with her first husband, William Mills. I’m not sure when they immigrated to the US but we could start with 1860, then go on to 1870 and 1880.

                        It appearing to the satisfaction of this Court, by the oaths of

Albert Nadauld and Edmund McLatchie citizens of the United States of America, witnesses for that purpose, first duly sworn and examined, that William Mills a native of England has resided within the limits and under the jurisdiction of the United States five years at least last past, and within the Territory of Utah for one year last past; and that during all of said five years’ time he has behaved as a man of good moral character, attached to the principles of the Constitution of the United States, and well disposed to the good order and happiness of the same; and it also appearing to the Court by competent evidence, that the said applicant has heretofore, and more than two years since, and in due form of law, declared his intention to become a citizen of the United States; and having now here, before this Court, taken an oath that he will support the Constitution of the United States of America, and that he doth absolutely and entirely renounce and abjure all allegiance and fidelity to every foreign Prince, State or Sovereignty whatever, and particularly to Victoria, Queen of Great Britain and Ireland

      It is therefore ordered, adjudged and decreed that the said William Mills be and he is hereby admitted and declared to be a CITIZEN OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

Stephen P. Twiss

Office the Clerk of District Court of the Second Judicial District

of the Territory of Utah, County of Beaver,                             }ss.

I, J.R. Wilkins Clerk of the District Court of the Second Judicial District of the Territory of Utah, said court being a Court of Record, having common law jurisdiction, and a Clerk and Seal, do certify that the above is a true copy of the act of Naturalization of William Mills as the same appears upon the records of said Court now in my office.

IN TESTIMONY THEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed

the seal of said Court, this 8th day of September

A. D. 1882

J. R. Wilkins Clerk

John Barraclough Deputy Clerk

I decided to split this up into two posts, one for Troy and one for me. Today, I’ll share Troy’s chart:

While most were born outside of the United States (9 out of 14), all died in the United States, and of those, all but one in Utah. Troy is from LDS Pioneer stock on both sides.

Here’s the details on everyone. 
I just used the “narrative report” option in Roots Magic to get all this information. It’s pretty long to read through, but this may help someone who’s doing a google search on these same ancestors – I’d love to meet new cousins! You can really tell who I’ve done the most research on!

16.  Mathias Christian Funk LUND was also known as Mathias Kristian Funch on 31 Aug 1849. He was born on 31 Aug 1849 in Arnager, Nylarsker, Bornholm, Denmark. He was born on 1 Sep 1849 in Arnager, Nylarsker, Bornholm, Denmark. Mathias was christened on 7 Oct 1849 in Nylarsker, Bornholm, Denmark. He was confirmed a member of the LDS Church on 1 Jan 1858. He was baptized into the LDS Church on 5 Sep 1858. Mathias immigrated on 28 Jul 1869 to New York, New York, United States at left from Liverpool, England and Queenstown, Ireland. He was naturalized in 1874. He received LDS initiatory on 11 May 1874 in the Endowment House. Mathias was endowed on 11 May 1874 in the Endowment House. He appeared in the census on 2 Jun 1880 in Plain City, Weber, Utah, United States. On 2 Jun 1880 he was a Farmer in Plain City, Weber, Utah, United States. Mathias served a mission from 20 Jun 1888 to 24 Apr 1890 at Copenhagen Conference in Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark. He was sealed to his parents on 29 Jun 1892 in the Logan Utah temple. On 7 Jun 1900 he was a Farmer in Plain City, Weber, Utah, United States. Mathias appeared in the census on 7 Jun 1900 in Plain City, Weber, Utah, United States. He appeared in the census on 20 Apr 1910 in Plain City, Weber, Utah, United States. On 20 Apr 1910 he was a Farmer in Plain City, Weber, Utah, United States. Mathias appeared in the census on 3 Jan 1920 in Plain City, Weber, Utah, United States. On 3 Jan 1920 he was a Farmer in Plain City, Weber, Utah, United States. He lived in Plain City, Weber, Utah, United States on 3 Jan 1920. Mathias was hopitalized from 24 Feb 1926 to 2 Mar 1926 at the Dee Hospital in Ogden, Weber, Utah, United States. He died of pneumonia following a prostectomy, at the Dee Hospital on 2 Mar 1926 at the age of 76 in Ogden, Weber, Utah, United States. He was buried on 5 Mar 1926 at Plain City Cemetery in Plain City, Weber, Utah, United States. Pauline Persson SWENSSON and Mathias Christian Funk LUND were married on 11 May 1874 in Salt Lake City, Salt Lake, Utah, United States. They were sealed together on 11 May 1874 in the Endowment House.

17.  Pauline Persson SWENSSON was born on 10 Dec 1854 in Swelufton, Svalov, Malmohus, Sweden. She was christened on 10 Dec 1854 in Svalov, Malmohus, Sweden. She immigrated in 1863. Pauline was baptized into the LDS Church on 5 Jun 1863. She was confirmed a member of the LDS Church on 5 Jun 1863. She immigrated in 1869. Pauline was naturalized in 1874. She received LDS initiatory on 11 May 1874 in the Endowment House. She was endowed on 11 May 1874 in the Endowment House. Pauline appeared in the census on 2 Jun 1880 in Plain City, Weber, Utah, United States as the wife of Mathias Christian Funk LUND. She appeared in the census on 7 Jun 1900 in Plain City, Weber, Utah, United States as the wife of Mathias Christian Funk LUND. She appeared in the census on 20 Apr 1910 in Plain City, Weber, Utah, United States as the wife of Mathias Christian Funk LUND. Pauline appeared in the census on 3 Jan 1920 in Plain City, Weber, Utah, United States as the wife of Mathias Christian Funk LUND. She died of cerebral apoplexy on 21 Jan 1924 at the age of 69 at at home in Plain City, Weber, Utah, United States. She was buried on 23 Jan 1924 at Plain City Cemetery in Plain City, Weber, Utah, United States. Pauline was sealed to her parents on 2 Apr 1974 in the Salt Lake temple.

20.  Oscar Alfred ANDERSON Sr. was born on 21 Oct 1854 in Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark. He was confirmed a member of the LDS Church on 1 Jan 1863. He was baptized into the LDS Church on 11 Nov 1863. Oscar received LDS initiatory on 11 Nov 1896 in the Manti Utah temple. He was endowed on 11 Nov 1896 in the Manti Utah temple. He was sealed to his parents on 11 Nov 1896 in the Manti Utah temple. Before 30 Nov 1922 Oscar was a Farmer in Meadow, Millard, Utah, United States. He died of a hemorrhage of the brain on 30 Nov 1922 at the age of 68 at at home in Meadow, Millard, Utah, United States. He was buried on 3 Dec 1922 at Anderson Cemetery in Kanosh, Millard, Utah, United States. Oscar was sealed to his parents on 10 Oct 1945 in the Salt Lake temple. Thirza Jane LEE and Oscar Alfred ANDERSON Sr. were married on 28 May 1878 in Meadow, Millard, Utah, United States. They were sealed together on 29 May 1902 in the Manti Utah temple.

21.  Thirza Jane LEE was also known as Thersea Jane Lee. She was born on 25 Oct 1855 in Palmyra, Millard, Utah, United States. She was baptized into the LDS Church in 1863. Thirza died on 16 Jul 1894 at the age of 38 in Meadow, Millard, Utah, United States. She received LDS initiatory on 29 May 1902 in the Manti Utah temple. She was endowed on 29 May 1902 in the Manti Utah temple. Thirza was baptized into the LDS Church on 30 Nov 1967 in the Salt Lake temple. She was confirmed a member of the LDS Church on 30 Nov 1967 in the Salt Lake temple. She was sealed to her parents.

22.  William MILLS was born on 15 Dec 1828 in Marylebone, Middlesex, England. He died in 1887 at the age of 59 in Kanosh, Millard, Utah, United States. Mary Ann WALLER and William MILLS were married in 1855.

23.  Mary Ann WALLER was born on 16 Jun 1838 in Bagshot, Surrey, England, United Kingdom. She died on 25 Oct 1925 at the age of 87 in Salt Lake City, Salt Lake, Utah, United States.

24.  George William RANSON was born on 21 Feb 1853 in Trindon, Durham, England. He was baptized into the LDS Church on 6 Jun 1863. He was endowed on 7 Jul 1881 in the Endowment House. George received LDS initiatory on 7 Jul 1881 in the Endowment House. He was buried in Aug 1888 in Coalville, Summit, Utah, United States. He died on 8 Aug 1888 at the age of 35 in Ogden, Weber, Utah, United States. George was sealed to his parents on 10 Oct 1895 in the Salt Lake temple. He was confirmed a member of the LDS Church on 20 Oct 1995 in the Salt Lake temple. Martha Maria ADDY and George William RANSON were married on 7 Jul 1881 in Salt Lake City, Salt Lake, Utah, United States. They were sealed together on 7 Jul 1881 in the Endowment House.

25.  Martha Maria ADDY was christened in 7. She was born on 16 May 1861 in Sheffield, West Riding of Yorkshire, England, United Kingdom. She was confirmed a member of the LDS Church in Jun 1869. Martha was baptized into the LDS Church on 6 Jun 1869. She was endowed on 7 Jul 1881 in the Endowment House. She received LDS initiatory on 7 Jul 1881 in the Endowment House. Martha was sealed to her parents on 28 Apr 1896 in the Salt Lake temple. She died on 3 Oct 1944 at the age of 83 in Santa Clara, Santa Clara, California, United States. She was buried on 8 Oct 1944 in Salt Lake City, Salt Lake, Utah, United States.

26.  John CORLESS was born on 12 Jan 1833 in Langton, Lance, England. He was christened on 10 Feb 1833 in Langton, Lance, England. He was baptized into the LDS Church on 23 Aug 1855. John was endowed on 9 Feb 1858 in the Endowment House. He received initiatory ordinances on 9 Feb 1858 in the temple. He was sealed to his parents on 22 Jul 1872 in the Endowment House. John was confirmed a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on 23 Aug 1872 . He died on 14 Nov 1924 at the age of 91 in Randolph, Rich, Utah, United States. He was buried on 18 Nov 1924 in Randolph, Rich, Utah, United States. John has Ancestral File Number 18PS-8F. Mary Ann “Polly” KNOX and John CORLESS were married on 22 Jul 1872 in Salt Lake City, Salt Lake, Utah, United States. They were sealed together on 22 Jul 1872 in the Endowment House.

27.  Mary Ann “Polly” KNOX was born on 9 Apr 1855 in Saint Louis, Saint Louis, Missouri, United States. She was baptized into the LDS Church in 1863. She was confirmed a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on 1 Jan 1863 . Polly was endowed on 22 Jul 1872 in the Endowment House. She received initiatory ordinances on 22 Jul 1872 in the temple. She died on 29 Jul 1931 at the age of 76 in Randolph, Rich, Utah, United States. Polly was buried on 1 Aug 1931 in Randolph, Rich, Utah, United States. She was sealed to her parents on 25 Oct 1950 in the Salt Lake temple. She has Ancestral File Number 27KR-KD.

28.  William Goodman WARNER was born on 14 Aug 1856 in Ogden, Weber, Utah, United States. He was baptized into the LDS Church on 18 Jul 1909. He was confirmed a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on 18 Jul 1909 . William was endowed on 2 Feb 1911. He received initiatory ordinances on 2 Feb 1911 in the SLAKE temple. He was sealed to his parents on 2 Feb 1911 in the Salt Lake temple. William died on 22 Dec 1943 at the age of 87 in Ogden, Weber, Utah, United States. He was buried on 27 Dec 1943 in Salt Lake City, Salt Lake, Utah, United States. He has Ancestral File Number 1P0S-JJ. Minnie Alena CANDLAND and William Goodman WARNER were married on 11 May 1879 in Ogden, Weber, Utah, United States. They were sealed together on 2 Feb 1911 in the Salt Lake temple.

29.  Minnie Alena CANDLAND was born on 12 Oct 1859 in Salt Lake City, Salt Lake, Utah, United States. She was confirmed a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on 1 Nov 1868 . She was baptized into the LDS Church on 1 Nov 1896. Minnie received initiatory ordinances on 1 Feb 1911 in the temple. She was endowed on 2 Feb 1911. She died on 22 May 1935 at the age of 75 in Salt Lake City, Salt Lake, Utah, United States. Minnie was buried on 26 May 1935 in Salt Lake City, Salt Lake, Utah, United States. She was sealed to her parents on 17 Oct 1974 in the Ogden Utah temple. She has Ancestral File Number 1FP3-DK.

30.  Edward FREESTONE was born on 7 Jul 1855 in St. Cross, South Elmham, Suffolk, England. He was christened on 10 Aug 1855. He was baptized into the LDS Church on 6 Jul 1877. Edward was endowed on 19 Jan 1888. He lived in Woods Cross, Davis, Utah, United States from 1905 to 1941. He was sealed to his parents on 29 May 1924 in the Salt Lake temple. Before 5 May 1941 Edward was a Farmer (Truck Gardener) in Woods Cross, Davis, Utah, United States. He died at 3:00 AM of myocarditis on 5 May 1941 at the age of 85 in Woods Cross, Davis, Utah, United States. He was buried on 8 May 1941 at Bountiful Cemetary in Bountiful, Davis, Utah, United States. Margaret Jane KIPPEN and Edward FREESTONE were married on 19 Jan 1888 in Logan, Cache, Utah, United States. They were sealed together on 19 Jan 1888 in the Salt Lake temple.

31.  Margaret Jane KIPPEN was born on 21 Oct 1858 in Bountiful, Davis, Utah, United States. She was endowed on 11 Jan 1875. She was baptized into the LDS Church on 11 Jan 1876. Margaret died on 2 Jun 1921 at the age of 62 in Salt Lake City, Salt Lake, Utah, United States. She was buried on 8 Jun 1921 in Bountiful, Davis, Utah, United States. She was sealed to her parents on 19 Oct 1965 in the Salt Lake temple. Margaret has Ancestral File Number 1P0S-KP.

My earliest recollection of home and family life was of a sweet, gentle, loving and attractive Mother [Annie Chelsea Mills]. She loved more than anything else taking care of her home and family. She was very good at about everything she did but most of all she was a real wonderful cook. She had a very special way of making every meal so delicious that her family cleaned up every morsel of food. I can still smell those delicious ginger cookies and raisened [sic] filled cookies, she would be baking when all of us children arrived home from school. She was there waiting for us children to tell her all about our day at school and she would give us a cookie and a glass of milk. What a treat this was, we were all so excited to tell her of our experience of the day and she was just as excited to listen. Some times she would let me help her cut the cookies out.