posted by Sandy on Keepsake Photographs

1 comment

Abraham B. Newberry was born in New York to James Newberry and Mary Smith.  He was the third child of ten born to his parents.  In 1842 he married Eliza Duty in New York.  They migrated to Nauvoo, Illinois as converts to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day-Saints along with Abraham’s family.  His youngest sister, Hannah Maria Newberry is our direct ancestor.   Shortly after the death of the Prophet Joseph Smith, many members of the Newberry family became unhappy with the leadership of Brigham Young and affiliated themselves with others who felt the same way.  They believed that the Presidency of the Church was meant to be patriarchal and should, therefore, rest upon a son of Joseph Smith.  This group became The Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day-Saints, today known as The Community of Christ.

Many members of the Newberry family, including Abraham, moved across the river to Lee County, Iowa, where they took up residence in The Half-Breed Tract.  Abraham and his wife were the parents of three children.  He owned 1800 acres of land where he farmed but primarily raised cattle.  His ranch was in  String Prairie.

Abraham and Eliza died and are buried in Iowa.

Tags: Duty, england, illinois, iowa, Morris, Newberry, smith, the mormon church