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: