Continuing on the Bodell side…
Emma Jane Farmer crosses the plains in 1856 with her family at 13 years old. In May 1862 she marries a young widower named Joseph Bodell. Joseph was born in England to Henry Bodell and Jane Elsie (Elsey?). Jane was baptized when Joseph was seven, with Henry being baptized two years later. Joseph was baptized 4 FEB 1852 at age 12. It is unknown when Joseph came over, but before his 20th birthday he is already in SLC and getting married to his first wife (May 1860). They have a baby a little over 18 months later, and his wife dies two weeks after that (14 APR 1862). He marries Emma Jane Farmer about a month later (17 MAY), and the baby dies 2 SEP 1862, about six months old.
The following year (1863), his father Henry dies and is buried “on the plains.” When did Joseph Bodell come over? Is it possible that he came over with his father’s family, and Henry died on a later trip bringing another group of Saints across? When did Henry’s family leave England? Anybody want to tackle these questions?
Jeremiah Reuben Freeman’s side is next….
Joseph had to come over prior to 1858 because that is when his company, led by John W. Berry, leaves Iowa. He is the only Bodell listed in the company roster.