Thomas Grover - Left at Ferry as Overseer

                                                             Written by Margaret Hess

Thomas Grover was born July 22, 1807, in Whitehall, New York.  He was identified with all the early movements of the church and was one of the first to declare himself in readiness to start for the mountains.  His company left Nauvoo February 9, 1847.

Thomas was selected for one of the first companies of Pioneers arriving at Winter Quarters.  After crossing the Platte River, he was the one left there to ferry over the stream the companies that would follow.  Consequently he was behind the others in entering the Salt Lake Valley.  This company had a long, tedious journey.  Like most of the other pioneers, they had songs, dances and held religious services on Sunday.  They also held mock trials.  The camp verses "James Davenport" for blockading the highway and turning ladies out of their coures.  One brethern acted as Judge, one as Attorney for the people and one as Prosecuting Attorney.  Many such trials were held in the camp with amusing results.

Brigham Young, William Clayton and Porter Rockwell were in this caravan.  They had a telescope with them and spent much time on the high bluffs.  They could see the formation called "Chimney Rock."  It resembled the large factory chimneys of England.   They gathered together timber and rails and made rafts to cross the rivers and large streams.  Often they were caught in quick sand and had to unload a wagon and oxen before they could get pulled out again.  They encountered all kinds of weather, some bitter cold, from which they suffered considererably.  The roads were rough and rugged and they had many steep hills and deep rivers to cross.  They had many experiences with Indians.  They would give food to the Indians to keep on the good side of them.  They passed a few places where the caravas had been destroyed by the Indians.

Thomas Grover had a large family, having two wives.  He was industrious and thrifty.  When he arrived in Salt Lake City, they only stayed there a short time.  Then they moved to Centerville, where he raised one crop.  Then they moved to Farmington, being one of its first settlers.  He was a very influential man in helping to settle the little town which he came to love.  He died February 20, 1886.