Life of David Stoddard
Taken from the book "Windows of Wellsville 1856-1984"
David Stoddard was born 2 June 1830 at Cowpits, Mid Lothian, Edinburgh, Scotland, the son of John and Janet Kerr Stoddard. He worked in the iron stone mines in Edinburgh. After many changes in habitation and in his life style, at age eighteen he arrived in New Orleans, Louisiana, in October 1848. He was converted to Mormonism at age fourteen. After many trials with the Indians and the elements, they finely arrived in Salt Lake City, Utah, 5 October 1851.
David married Mary Williamson 23 March 1855 at Cedar City, Iron County, Utah. She was the daughter of James and Mary Rae Williamson and was born 6 March 1839 in Whiflet, Lanark, Scotland. They settled in Wellsville, Utah in the spring of 1859. David owned and operated the first furniture store in Wellsville. He owned his own sawmill and later moved it to Idaho. He made lath and shingles and many pieces of furniture; some are still in possession of his family members. He pioneered this area and gave employment to many men. His sawmill burned to the ground six times, but he rebuilt it and continued his work. He was a good businessman and kept his diary daily. He was an excellent surveyor and a member of the first band organized in Wellsville. David suffered from asthma most of his life, and this and other complications led to his death. He returned to Wellsville when his health failed. He was the father of eleven children: David, Mary Elizabeth, John, Alexander, William Samuel, Raymond, Albert Raymond, Maud, and Archibald Raymond.
David died 28 August 1913 and is buried in the Wellsville cemetery. Mary died 11 January 1925 and was buried beside her husband.
