DUP Museums: Great Resources for Learning More about Edward Lloyd Parry

If you would like to obtain primary documents and photographs of Edward Lloyd Parry, try visiting the Daughters of Utah Pioneers Museum, located at 300 N. Main Street, in Salt Lake City. Their phone number is 801-532-6479.

They also have a satellite museum in St. George, located at 145 N. 100 E. in what is called the McQuarrie Memorial Pioneer Museum. Their phone number is 435-628-7274.

In both locations, one can pay a modest fee to obtain photocopies of his history, as well as jpegs of his photographs.

James G. Bleak, Dear Friend of Edward Lloyd Parry

James Godson Bleak, (1829-1918) dear friend of Edward Lloyd Parry, is buried in the St. George Cemetery.

As a member of the ill-fated Edward Martin Handcart Company of 1856, Southern Utah historian Bleak knew about sacrificing for his religion. His life and the life of ELP intertwined in many instances throughout their lives, as follows:

• Both migrated from Great Britain to Utah in the 1850s.

• Both his family (1861) and ELP’s family (1862) were called to settle St. George.

• In 1863, Bleak and others assisted ELP in building the St. George Tabernacle.

• In 1866, Bleak confirmed ELP’s oldest daughter Elizabeth Ann after her baptism.

• In 1868, Bleak confirmed ELP’s son Edward Thomas after his baptism.

• In 1869, Bleak was the clerk who helped ELP obtain U.S. citizenship.

• In 1877, Bleak was called to be the St. George Temple’s first recorder.

• In 1886, Bleak was a speaker at the funeral of ELP’s wife Ann in the Manti Tabernacle. Both Bleak and Ann had migrated to Utah in 1856.

• In 1888, Bleak and ELP were in attendance at the special dedication of the Manti Temple.

• Both Bleak and ELP lived to be 88.

Here is his gravestone, which is located in the northwest corner of the St. George Cemetery:

And here is a painting of him, which hangs in the Brigham Young winter home, also located in St. George:

And here is his wife, whose painting also hangs in the Brigham Young winter home:

Recent Pictures of the Edward Lloyd Parry Home in Manti

These pictures were taken on November 8th of this year, while my brother and I were in town to pay respects at the passing of Blodwen Parry Olson. The owners continue their careful restoration of this beautiful home. 

Obituary for Blodwen Parry Olson

Blodwen Parry Olson, the last surviving granddaughter of Edward Lloyd Parry, passed away earlier this week at the age of 101. She was a legacy among her family and San Pete County. When we visited her several years ago in Ephraim in order to gather information for the book The Life of Edward Lloyd Parry, she was instrumental in providing information, photographs, and artifacts. We will miss her greatly!

(click on photo to enlarge)

Here is her obituary.