Photograph of Samuel Brooks the Lighthouse Keeper?

Samuel Brooks (1789-1856), the lighthouse keeper and friend of Edward Lloyd Parry, migrated with his wife Emma Blinstone Brooks by handcart to Utah in 1856. Emma died in Nebraska, and Samuel died a few days after arriving to Utah, orphaning their three children, Mary, George, and Frank.

Edward Lloyd and Elizabeth Evans Parry subsequently adopted George. Edward and Elizabeth's son Edward Thomas Parry and his wife, Charlotte, had a daughter named Winnifred Parry. George and his wife, Emily, had a son named Samuel Brooks Sr. Samuel Sr. and Winnifred married in 1919.

This photo claims to be "Samuel Brooks, grandfather of Will Brooks." It can be found in the Juanita Brooks Photograph Collection. 

Up until today, I had never seen nor even heard of the existence of a photograph of him. 

Is this really him? If it is, it is an extraordinary find and priceless to our family!
 

Juanita Brooks Historical Preservation Society

Edward Lloyd Parry and Elizabeth adopted and raised George Brooks (1845-1930). One of George's sons, Will (1881-1970), married the renowned Southern Utah historian Juanita Brooks. 

Here is a website that explains the Juanita Brooks Historical Preservation Society. I encourage you to join!

Deed to Manti Property 1880

This two-page document, just uploaded to FamilySearch, details the transaction of the Shomaker home in Manti to Edward Lloyd Parry in 1880. (Click on the photos to enlarge.)

What's in the basement? Edward's tools!

Recent Pictures of the St. George Temple Renovation

Edward Lloyd Parry served as master stonemason of the St. George Temple from 1871-1877. Considering how closely he and his family worked on and sacrificed for this building, it has been dear to his descendants ever since. 

Now, 143 years later, renovation will give new life to the oldest operating temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Here are some recent pictures that expose the back side of the temple, where workers have stripped away exterior walls, revealing the original exterior.

On the bottom right-hand door (or window?) of the first photo, one can clearly see some of the original red sandstone exterior, prior to its being covered over with the familiar white plaster.

Utah's 19th Century Stone Quarries, by William T. Parry

Check out this new book, Utah’s 19th Century Stone Quarries, by William T. Parry. Bill is a direct descendant of ELP and a professor emeritus of geology and geophysics at the University of Utah. ELP is standing among others on the front cover of the book.

Joseph Parry Biographies

To download a PDF of the Joseph Parry biographies, click here.