Meadowville Pioneer Cemetery

Meadowville Pioneer Cemetery. . Meadowville, a small valley in the extreme northeast part of Utah's Rich County, is noted for its abundant wild hay, watered by melting snows. The high altitude of this area makes it subject to deep snow and very cold winters. , , In the early fall of 1863, Harriet and Ellen Sanders Kimball, wives of Heber C. Kimball, came to this valley with eleven Kimball sons and settled around Big Creek. In 1869 about one hundred families were called to strengthen the settlements in Bear Lake. These families came up Ogden Canyon, through Blacksmith Fork Canyon, and into Meadowville. , , The cemetery has thirty-five known graves. The first deaths and burials were two Eldredge babies who died in 1876 and 1879. Many grave markers are those of newborn babies and very young children who died mostly from typhoid fever, diphtheria, or pneumonia. The harsh climate took its toll on these pioneer families who had young children. Josiah Tufts was appointed Presiding Elder for the settlement and is buried in this cemetery. Harriet Sanders Kimball remained in Meadowville and served as midwife and nurse until her death in 1896 at the age of 71. She is also buried here. , , The last grave to be placed in the cemetery was that of David Heber Kimbell in 1927. He was one of the original Kimball sons to settle here I only one who stayed in Meadowville.