ONE of Andover Genealogy Society’s members, Maggie Eltham, gave a talk on ‘Hidden Mormon Ancestors’ at their April meeting.

She said that all have the problem of the ‘Brick Wall’ but maybe ones missing ancestor could have been converted to the Church of the Latter Day Saints (LDS) and emigrated to America in the 19th century.

The church of LDS organised two missions to Britain to introduce their religion and gain converts as the community, started in 1830 in America, needed to grow. Starting in Lancashire their mission spread throughout Britain establishing centres in Scotland, the Isle of Man, Ireland and Wales.

Between 1840 and 1869 it is thought that 70,000 converts emigrated. Many of the poor were able to go as the Church of LDS established the ‘Perpetual Emigration Fund’ whereby emigrants were financed by the church and costs paid back once they were settled and working in Salt Lake City.

They went in droves. The Trans Continental Railway was not completed until 1869 so until that time the arduous 1,300 mile journey across America was made by wagon or handcart. You can only admire the endurance and fortitude to take on such a journey alone or with their families.

Maggie found an ancestor of hers who had made the journey of which she was completely unaware. She said that their many web sites where you can attempt to trace these ancestors.

The society’s next meeting is on 11 May at the Weyhill Fairground Hall at 7.15pm for 7.30pm start where they will have a members’ evening. This will give members the opportunity to discuss the ‘Brick Walls’ in their family history. Anyone interested in family history are most welcome to join us.