Utah Genealogical Records

Utah Birth & Baptism Records

Utah Birth Certificates (1903-1911)

An index and digital images of close to 75,000 birth certificates, which include name, gender, date and place of birth, parents' marital status, parents' names, parents' birthplaces, residence, father's occupation, number of siblings and more.

Utah Birth Registers (1892-1944)

An index to and images of registers recording around 36,000 births registered in the state. Records contain date of birth, sex, race, color, parents’ names, parents’ ages, child’s name, city, the name of the person reporting the birth and other details.

Utah Births and Christenings (1892-1941)

A name index to around 35,000 birth and baptism records. The index can be used to locate original records, which may contain further details.

Evangelical Lutheran Church of America Records (1875-1940)

An index to and images of Lutheran registers containing close to 3 million baptism, marriage and death records.

US Consular Reports of Births (1910-1945)

An index to and images of 36,000 birth records for children of US citizens registered abroad. Records contain child's name, date and place of birth, parents' names and ages, occupations, residence, passport numbers, consulate where registered, parents' naturalization dates, parents place of of birth and number of living children to the parents.

Utah Marriage & Divorce Records

Utah Marriage Index (1887-1985)

An index to 400,000 marriages, including names of the bride and groom, date and place of marriage and a reference which can be used to order a full marriage certificate.

Utah County Marriages (1887-1937)

An index of marriages recorded by counties in the state of Utah. The index can be used to locate original records, which may contain further information.

Utah Marriages (1887-1996)

An index to around 245,000 marriages, some of which include age and parents' names. The index can be used to locate original records, which may contain further information.

Western States Marriage Index (1809-2011)

A growing index to over 1 million marriages recorded in Alaska, Arizona, Idaho, Nevada, California, Colorado, Montana, Oregon, Utah, Washington, Wyoming and New Mexico.

Daughters of Utah Pioneers Obituary Scrapbook (1933-1939)

Extracted obituaries and other newspaper announcements relating to inhabitants of Utah.

Utah Death & Burial Records

Utah Death Certificates (1904-1956)

Indexed images of over 260,000 death certificates, which may list name, date and place of death, cause of death, gender, colour, spouse's name, date and place of birth, parents' names and birthplaces and other details.

Utah Death & Military Death Certificates (1904-1961)

An index to and digital images of 295,000 death certificates filed in Utah, including certificates for Utah men who lost their lives in WWII and the Korean War. They contain a wealth of information, such as occupation and parents' names.

Utah Death Registers (1847-1966)

Digital images of death registers, recording the name, occupation, age, length of residence, marital status, gender, race, residence, cause of death, date of death and name of the individual who reported the death of over 300,000 people. Searchable by a name index.

Utah Deaths and Burials (1888-1946)

An index to around 145,000 deaths and burials recorded in Utah. Entries may include date and place of birth and parents' names.

Daughters of Utah Pioneers Obituary Scrapbook (1933-1939)

Extracted obituaries and other newspaper announcements relating to inhabitants of Utah.

Utah Census & Population Lists

Mormon Membership Lists (1830-1848)

Names of 104,000 Mormons extracted from church membership records. The database may also contain gender, parents' names, spouse's name, children's names, date of birth, date of marriage, date of death, residence, burial location and church ordinances.

Utah Census & Substitutes Index (1850-1890)

An index to over 75,000 names extracted from federal censuses, an 1856 statehood census, tax lists and a veterans schedule.

US WWII Old Man's Draft Registration (1942)

Records registering over 15 million men born between 1877 and 1897, including name, age, birth date and place, residence, employer, and physical description.

1940 United States Census (1940)

A name index and digital images of registers recording almost 135 million people living in the United States. The registers record age, place of birth, relationships, occupations and more.

1930 United States Census (1930)

An index to 125 million people living in the United States, linked to registers recording their age, place of birth, family relationships and more.

Newspapers Covering Utah

Newspaper Archive: US (1753-Present)

Text-searchable editions of over 7,500 newspaper titles from the United States, containing 2 billion articles and over 100 million obituaries.

Newspapers.com (1728-Present)

A growing collection of text-searchable, digitalised newspapers from the United States of America. Contains thousands of titles and over 100 million pages.

Genealogy Bank Newspapers (1690-Present)

Text-searchable editions of and over 250 million obituaries and death notices extracted from over 7,500 United States newspaper titles.

US Quaker Periodicals (1828-1929)

This database contains digitized volumes of more than 60 Quaker publications, including some foreign-language periodicals. Names have been indexed from a variety of articles including births, marriage notices, obituaries, officers, missionaries, committee members, names of people who have moved, and other references to members of the Society of Friends.

Name Card Index to AP Stories (1905-1990)

An index to over 2.1 million people mentioned in Associated Press stories, including name, subject, location, date and a reference to the article.

Utah Wills & Probate Records

Utah Wills & Probate Records (1800-1985)

An index to and images of more than 40,000 wills and probate documents. They typically record details of the deceased's relatives; and sometimes describe real and personal property, sentiments, convictions, intended places of burial and more.

British Inheritance Disputes Index (1574-1714)

An index to almost 78,000 wills that were disputed. The index can lead you to documents that may shed a great deal of genealogical information as disputes often arose between siblings and cousins.

Genealogical Gleanings in England Vol. I (1400-1650)

Abstracts of English wills that are connected to early American families. In addition, it contains genealogical notes and pedigrees, maps, tabular charts, illustrations, and an index of 30,000 names as well as a fifty-one page index of places, with details of where many of the early families settled.

Genealogical Gleanings in England Vol. II (1400-1650)

Abstracts of English wills that are connected to early American families. In addition, it contains genealogical notes and pedigrees, maps, tabular charts, illustrations, and an index of 30,000 names as well as a fifty-one page index of places, with details of where many of the early families settled.

Utah Immigration & Travel Records

Utah Pioneers Companies (1846-1868)

Details of traveling parties who arrived in Utah. Includes names of captains and families who were part of groups migrating to Utah and details of journeys.

LDS Pioneer and Handcart Companies (1847-1856)

This database contains an index of names and other details for groups of Mormon pioneers who traveled to Utah primarily in handcart companies.

Utah Pioneers (1847-1850)

A list of pioneers who entered the Salt Lake Valley between 1847 and 1850. Each pioneer's name is given, along with their age, birth date, birthplace, death place, and pioneer company.

Utah Mormon Pioneer Overland Travel Database (1847-1868)

Details of thousands of people who migrated to the state during the period, with reference to sources containing further details on their journey and companions.

New York Passenger and Crew Lists (1909-1957)

Digital images of registers recording the arrival of passengers and crew at New York harbour. Varying details are included, such as name, age, gender, occupation, nationality, race, last place of residence, intended place of residence and more. The registers can be searched by a name index of over 28 million names.

Utah Military Records

Utah Death & Military Death Certificates (1904-1961)

An index to and digital images of 295,000 death certificates filed in Utah, including certificates for Utah men who lost their lives in WWII and the Korean War. They contain a wealth of information, such as occupation and parents' names.

Utah Military Records (1861-1970)

An index to and digital images of WWI service questionnaires, service cards and scrapbooks. The images of the collection are searchable via an index of over 210,000 names.

Utah Grand Army of the Republic Membership (1879-1934)

Membership registers, lists and descriptive books of local post for a Civil War veterans organisation.

Utah Census & Substitutes Index (1850-1890)

An index to over 75,000 names extracted from federal censuses, an 1856 statehood census, tax lists and a veterans schedule.

Veterans with Federal Service Buried in Utah (1844-1966)

An index to and images of registers recording the particulars of around 19,000 veterans buried in Utah.

Utah Criminal Case Files (1870-1896)

Around 40,000 records detailing criminal cases in the state, including robbery, illegal voting, violations of liquor and tobacco tariff laws, cohabitation, illegal fencing, trespassing, land disputes over preemptions and homesteads, defrauding the federal government of tax, and embezzlement.

Utah Third District Court Criminal Case Files Index (1882-1916)

An index to over 6,000 criminal cases, predominantly concerning Salt Lake, Tooele, Summit, and Davis counties.

US Passport Applications (1795-1925)

Digital images of applications for passports, which list name, date and place of birth, father's particulars, immigration and naturalisation details, residence, occupation, photograph and more. Searchable by a name index.

US Social Security Applications & Claims Index (1936-2007)

An index to 49 million applications and claims for social security. The index includes name, SSN, date and place of birth, nation of citizenship, gender, father's name, mother's maiden name and race.

FBI Case Files (1908-1922)

Over 2.3 million records from investigations of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Utah Taxation Records

Utah Census & Substitutes Index (1850-1890)

An index to over 75,000 names extracted from federal censuses, an 1856 statehood census, tax lists and a veterans schedule.

IRS Tax Assessment Lists (1862-1918)

An index to and digital images of registers recording 8.8 million instances of taxation. The records list the name of the person or business being taxed: their address and details tax assessed and paid.

Utah Land & Property Records

Utah Criminal Case Files (1870-1896)

Around 40,000 records detailing criminal cases in the state, including robbery, illegal voting, violations of liquor and tobacco tariff laws, cohabitation, illegal fencing, trespassing, land disputes over preemptions and homesteads, defrauding the federal government of tax, and embezzlement.

County Land Ownership Maps (1860-1918)

Various maps and documents listing and delineating around 7 million land plots and their owners. Searchable by a name index.

Historic Land Ownership and Reference Atlases (1507-2000)

This database is a collection of maps and atlases detailing land areas that comprise the present-day United States and Canada, as well as various other parts of the world.

Union Army Provost Marshals' Papers (1861-1867)

Over 235,000 documents relating to Union prisoners, legal proceedings, oaths, land forfeitures and more.

Revolutionary War Pension & Bounty-Land Applications (1800-1900)

An index to and digital images of around 80,000 applications for pensions or grants to public lands in lieu of military service. Some applications may contain over 200 pages of information.

Utah Directories & Gazetteers

Utah City Directories (1917-1979)

Books listing residents of the state, their address, occupation and sometimes other details.

Utah Gazetteer & Directory (1884)

A description of the state and its settlements; and a directory people living in Logan, Ogden, Provo and Salt Lake City.

The Utah Directory (1883)

A text index linked to digital images of a book that lists important information about the area and the names of its residents and businesses.

Utah Directory & Gazetteer (1879)

A text index linked to digital images of a book that lists important information about the area and the names of its residents and businesses.

Pacific Coast Directory (1867)

Contains the name and address of each merchant, manufacturer and professional residing in the states of California, Oregon and Nevada, territories of Washington, Idaho and Utah and the colony of British Columbia.

Utah Cemeteries

Utah Cemetery Inventory (1847-1950)

Details of over 350,000 cemetery burials in the state.

Utah Cemetery Index (1847-2010)

An index to vital detail found on over 350,000 gravestones, predominantly lying in Utah.

Utah Gravestones (1800-Present)

A growing database of over 55,000 gravestones, searchable by name and organised by cemetery.

Veterans with Federal Service Buried in Utah (1844-1966)

An index to and images of registers recording the particulars of around 19,000 veterans buried in Utah.

US Veteran's Gravesites (1775-2008)

A database containing details of the burial of 7.6 million US military veterans. Entries may contain details of birth, next of kin and more.

Utah Obituaries

Obituaries from Utah Newspapers (1850-2005)

An index to and digital images of over 120,000 obituaries concerning people connected with Utah.

Recent Utah Obituaries (2010-Present)

A growing collection of often lengthy obituaries, which may record biographical and genealogical information. Contains many photographs.

Newspaper Archive: US (1753-Present)

Text-searchable editions of over 7,500 newspaper titles from the United States, containing 2 billion articles and over 100 million obituaries.

US Cemetery & Funeral Home Collection (1777-Present)

A growing collection of millions of funeral and cemetery record transcriptions, including obituaries and names of relatives.

US Obituary Collection (1700-Present)

A growing database containing 10s of millions of abstract obituaries with a reference to the publication it occurred in and a link to the full obituary if available online.

Utah Histories & Books

Utah Pioneer Stories (1840-1900)

Personal accounts and stories relating to the settlement of the state of Utah. Searchable by an index of about 40,000 names.

The Mormon Legacy (12 Volumes) (1830-1970)

A sprawling work containing historical narratives, personal remembrances, poetry and extracts from archival material.

Utah Pioneer History (1830-1950)

A compilation of historic lore and romance of the pioneering of the West by the Mormon people.

Utah Since Statehood (1750-1919)

A detailed history for the territory and state and thousands of biographies of notable Utahans.

George Edward Anderson Photo Collection (1860-1928)

Photographs of over 14,000 people connected with Utah.

Utah School & Education Records

US School Yearbooks (1880-2012)

A growing index to over 300 million entries in middle school, junior high, high school, and college yearbooks linked to digital images of the yearbook pages. Yearbooks usually include name and photo, but may include biographical data, such as family relations, academic achievements and hobbies.

US School Yearbooks (1880-2012)

An index to and digital images of over 20,000 year books, listing details of schools, students and staff. Many contain photographs.

US School Catalogues (1765-1935)

A variety of publications listing names of students, faculty, alumni, and others associated with US universities, seminaries and theological institutes, normal schools, medical schools, academies, military schools, etc. Records include catalogues, obituary records and necrologies, class histories, speeches and addresses, commencement exercises, class reports, registers, prospectus, circulars, proceedings, annual reports, magazines and other documents.

High School Student Lists (1821-1923)

Digital images of a variety of publications listing the names of students, faculty, alumni, and others associated primarily with preparatory and similar schools, including academies, high schools, seminaries, reform schools, institutes, industrial schools, military academies, dance schools, grammar schools, Latin schools and others. Searchable by an index of around 650,000 names.

US College Student Lists (1763-1924)

Digital images of a variety of publications listing the names of college students, faculty, alumni, and others associated with places of learning. They include catalouges of students and officers, histories, biographical sketches, retrospectives, memorials, registers, anniversary books, annual reports, addresses and commencement exercises, alumni lists, lists of lectures and courses, board proceedings, catalogues of fraternity members, and other items.

Utah Occupation & Business Records

Union Pacific Railroad Personnel Records (1890-1965)

The records include details on employment history, and include a small number of rail trip passes granted to employees and their families.

FBI Case Files (1908-1922)

Over 2.3 million records from investigations of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

US Federal Census Non-Population Schedules (1850-1880)

An index and digital images of schedules recording statistical data concerning agriculture, industry, social and other areas. Includes many people and businesses.

Register of Civil Military & Naval Service (1863-1959)

Registers include the name of each government employee, office held, where employed, where born, whence appointed, and pay received, as well as information regarding the Navy, such as names and conditions of all ships and vessels belonging to the United States and when and where they were built.

Appointments of US Postmasters (1832-1971)

Books recording over 1.5 million post office appointments. They contain name, appointment date, date and cause of vacancy and post office of appointment. Searchable by a name index.

Pedigrees & Family Trees Covering Utah

Pioneers and Prominent Men of Utah (1847-1868)

Images and index of the portraits from Frank Esshom's Pioneers and Prominent Men of Utah: Comprising Photographs, Genealogies, Biographies.

Sons of Utah Pioneers Membership Applications (1790-1970)

This database contains various membership applications submitted to the Sons of Utah Pioneers. Some of the applications contain as little as name and address, while others give extensive information on both pioneer ancestors and applicants.

Daughters of the American Revolution Lineage Books (1620-1938)

Pedigrees of women who were descendants of one or more servicemen of The American Revolutionary War. Contains 100,000s of names.

FamilySearch Community Trees (6000 BC-Present)

A searchable database of linked genealogies compiled from thousands of reputable and not-so-reputable sources. Contains many details on European gentry & nobility, but covers many countries outside Europe and people from all walks of life.

Colonial Families in the US (1600-1920)

Genealogical charts, and coats of arms where appropriate, of prominent families in America's early history.

Utah Royalty, Nobility & Heraldry Records

FamilySearch Community Trees (6000 BC-Present)

A searchable database of linked genealogies compiled from thousands of reputable and not-so-reputable sources. Contains many details on European gentry & nobility, but covers many countries outside Europe and people from all walks of life.

History of England Society & Government (56 BC-1867)

A lengthy history of England detailing the country's connection to the U.S.A. Includes much detail on royalty, nobility and other historical figures of note.

Utah Church Records

The Mormon Legacy (12 Volumes) (1830-1970)

A sprawling work containing historical narratives, personal remembrances, poetry and extracts from archival material.

Encyclopedic History of the LDS Church (1941)

This reference work is a compilation of historical information, terminology, conference information, and church organization. Also included is a chronology of important events in church history and short biographies of key church members.

US Quaker Meeting Records (1681-1935)

An index to and digital images of documents recording almost 6 million names. They include registers of births, marriages and deaths; lists of members; movement of members between congregations; records of discipline; disownment; burials and more.

US Quaker Periodicals (1828-1929)

This database contains digitized volumes of more than 60 Quaker publications, including some foreign-language periodicals. Names have been indexed from a variety of articles including births, marriage notices, obituaries, officers, missionaries, committee members, names of people who have moved, and other references to members of the Society of Friends.

Index to Quaker Records (1680-1940)

An index to close to 900,000 names occurring in Quaker meeting records. These cover items such as discipline, admittance, movement between meetings, some vital events and much more.

Biographical Directories Covering Utah

Utah Since Statehood (1750-1919)

A detailed history for the territory and state and thousands of biographies of notable Utahans.

Utah: Our Pioneer Heritage (1840-1950)

Profiles of many of the state's early settlers and their families.

Women of the US West (1928)

This database contains approximately 1,100 short biographies of women from 11 western states complied in the 1928 edition of Women of the West.

Pioneers and Prominent Men of Utah (1847-1868)

Images and index of the portraits from Frank Esshom's Pioneers and Prominent Men of Utah: Comprising Photographs, Genealogies, Biographies.

Sketches of the Inter-Mountain States (1847-1909)

Articles on aspects of the states of Nevada, Idaho and Utah's development and biographies of their notable men.

Utah Maps

US Enumeration District Maps & Descriptions (1940)

Maps recording districts used to allot areas in which census takers would operate. Searchable by street name and more.

County Land Ownership Maps (1860-1918)

Various maps and documents listing and delineating around 7 million land plots and their owners. Searchable by a name index.

Historic Land Ownership and Reference Atlases (1507-2000)

This database is a collection of maps and atlases detailing land areas that comprise the present-day United States and Canada, as well as various other parts of the world.

Old Maps Online (1497-2010)

An interactive index to thousands of maps covering the world, continents, countries and regions. The majority of maps cover Britain and Ireland.

Civil War Maps (1861-1865)

A collection of around 2,000 reconnaissance, sketch, and theater-of-war maps.

Utah Reference Works

Periodical Source Index (1825-Present)

An index to over 2.7 million articles published in various genealogical, historical and ethnographic publications.

US Free Genealogical Data Search Engine (1513-Present)

A search engine that covers over 2.5 million pages of vital records, family trees, biographies and other genealogical resources.

A Guide to the NARA Field Branches (1988)

Details of record collections held by numerous sub-branches of The National Archives.

Spanish-American Family History Guide (1514-1990)

Detailed guides for researchers with Spanish-American ancestors. It includes biographies and genealogical charts for over 700 noted Spanish-American families.

US Family Historian's Address Book (1997)

A directory of bodies that hold important collections of genealogical and historical records, ordered by state. As it was published in 1997, some contact details may be out of date, but the organizations' names can be used to locate updated information.

Historical Description

UTAH is a newly-organized territory among the distant western possessions of the United States, deriving its name from that of the Pah-Utahs, a numerous tribe of native Indians, heretofore and still, with other tribes, occupying large portions of the country. It formerly composed a very considerable share of the wide-spread wilderness known as Upper or New California, and was consequently considered a Mexican dependency. Very few settlements have ever been made or attempted within the present limits of this region; in fact, it has scarcely been deemed habitable by civilized beings. The territory, together with that of New Mexico, and of the lately-formed State of California, fell to the United States by right of conquest, during the war with Mexico, and was duly transferred by the latter, under the treaty of 1848. For further information as to the general history of the country, see the articles California and New Mexico.

By the act of Congress passed September 9, 1850, establishing a territorial government for Utah, the limits of the territory are defined as follows: Bounded on the west by the State of California; on the north by the Territory of Oregon; on the east by the summit of the Rocky Mountains; and on the south by the parallel of 37° north latitude, which forms the dividing line between this territory and that of New Mexico. It extends from the 37th to the 42d degrees of north latitude, and lies between the 107th and 120th degrees of west longitude; having a breadth of 300, and an average length from east to west of some 600 miles, containing an area of about 180,000 square miles.

It is provided by the same act, that this territory, when admitted as a state into the Union, shall be received with or without the toleration of slavery, as may be prescribed by its own constitution. All free white males, residents in the territory at the date of said act, were empowered to vote at the first elections, and made eligible to any office in the territory; after which the legislative assembly shall fix the qualifications of electors. The governor holds office for four years, and receives his appointment from the executive of the United States. He must reside within the territory, act as superintendent of Indian affairs, and commission all territorial officers. He may pardon crimes against the laws of the territory, and reprieve offenders against the United States laws, until the president’s will be known. The President of the United States also appoints a territorial secretary for a like term, who administers the government in case of the governor’s disability. A Council of 13 members, and House of Representatives, 26 in number, compose the legislative assembly. The former serve two years, the latter one year, and are elected by plurality of the popular votes. They are to be chosen in appropriate districts, and a due apportionment thereof is to be made by law. Legislative sessions are not to continue beyond 40 days. No laws interfering with the primary disposal of the soil, imposing taxes on United States property, or requiring extra taxes on property of non-residents, can be passed by the legislature. No law is valid until approved by Congress.

A Supreme Court, District and Probate Courts, and justices of the peace, constitute the judicial power of the territory. The former comprises a chief and two associate justices, to sit annually at the seat of government, and to hold office four years. A District Court is held by one of the supreme judges, at times provided by law, in each of the three judicial districts of the territory. Justices of peace cannot try cases involving land titles, or debts exceeding $100. Both the Supreme and District Courts have chancery powers, and common law jurisdiction. Appeals from a District to the Supreme Court cannot have trials by jury. An attorney and marshal are appointed by the United States government for a term of four years.

After a survey of the lands under authority of the general government, two sections in each township, equivalent to one eighteenth part of the whole terittory, are to be set apart for the support of public education. It is trusted that the sinister disposal, in some of the new states and territories, of similar liberal provisions for this object, will in due time be guarded against, in this territory, by the friends of common schools.

Regarding the finances of this newly-formed territory, there are as yet no authentic reports.

Those who have explored the northern part of the country, the number of whom is not great, describe it as mountainous, rugged, and generally barren, without forests, and destitute of valuable indigenous vegetation. Spots occasionally are presented which yield good grass for pasturage; and here and there may be found valleys of small extent, which are tolerably fertile. Towards the western boundary, near the bases of the Sierra Nevada, the soil is generally good. Numerous lakes, emitting streams of moderate size, lie along this region, affording convenient means for irrigation. But the central portion of the country, judging from the imperfect accounts which are at present accessible, is a wide sandy waste, producing, it is true, for a short season after the winter rains, a profusion of grasses and beautiful flowers, all which the succeeding summer heat reduces to an ashy desert. In other quarters, the country exhibits a rolling surface, with tracts of considerable fertility, often well wooded and watered, with frequent and extensive openings of prairie lands, and tracts of low grounds composed of a rich and loamy soil. Upon the whole, although a very large portion of the territory has never been subjected to cultivation, and still seems unfit for the permanent abode of civilized human beings, it is nevertheless susceptible of unlimited improvement; and the efforts of industry and science may yet convert it into “a land flowing with milk and honey.”

The principal rivers within the territory, so far as they have yet been traced or partially examined, are named Rio de los Animas, Grand, White, Tampa, Vermilion, St. Mary’s, Vintan, and Duchesne Rivers, most of which, with their smaller branches, flow from the northeast, and ultimately unite with the Great Colorado of the West. The latter appears to take its rise in the western slopes of the Rocky Mountains, near the north-east angle of the territory, and, taking a south-western direction, passes through New Mexico, forming part of the boundary between that territory and the State of California, and finally discharges itself into the Gulf of California. Great Salt Lake, a vast body of water lying near the centre of the northern boundary, is the source of numerous watercourses flowing north and east. Humboldt’s River flows in a north-east direction, from a lake of that name near the mountains on the west. A river of some extent is connected with Nicollet’s Lake, a large sheet, lying in the central part of the territory. A chain of lakes extends northerly from Humboldt’s Lake, the principal of which are Carson’s and Walker’s Lakes. Pyramid Lake, which is of considerable magnitude, and several smaller collections of water, lie at the foot of the great mountain range which separates Utah from California. From each of these, several rivers stretch out in various directions, and are finally lost in the sands of the desert.

No regulal mineralogical survey of this region has yet been undertaken, and its mineral resources, which are doubtless great, remain of course undeveloped. Coal, alum, and salt, are said to have been found in some localities. Excellent clay for the manufacture of pottery abounds in the central and northern parts; and satisfactory indications of iron ore have been discovered.

Besides the rude utensils and habiliments fabricated by the natives, there are no manufactured articles, of any note, produced within the territory; unless, indeed, the operations of the Mormons be considered an exception. This unique and erratic people, at their large settlement on Salt Lake, have erected various manufacturing establishments, including grain and lumber mills, woollen factories, potteries, &c. and are able to construct most of the farming or domestic implements, including fine cutlery, required for their own use. This settlement, prior to the organization of the territory, was called by the colonists “the State of Deseret.” The only railroad yet projected in that country is to be forthwith commenced here, to extend from Mormon city eastward, to the base of a mountain, where are extensive stone quarries. The chief purpose of the road is to convey stone and other materials into the city, for building.

But little is known of the present condition and numbers of the native tribes that are constantly roaming through this and the neighboring regions. The character of these wanderers, generally, is no better than that of the wildest Arabs or Hottentots. Attempts are in progress to treat with some of the more approachable among them; and, where they can be reduced to a state less inconsistent with the true objects of human existence by no other means, large bounties in lands, or “tribute money,” will doubtless be resorted to by the general government.

Excepting the colony composing the Mormon settlement, and the occupants of the few armed stations established by the United States, with perhaps an occasional ranchero occupied by Roman Catholic missionaries, there are no white or civilized inhabitants among the population of Utah. At all events, the enumeration is not yet completed; for Congress, by a supplement to the act for taking the seventh census, foreseeing the difficulty of completing the same within the State of California, and the Territories of Oregon, New Mexico, and Utah, by the originally specified time, has authorized an extension of the period, at the discretion of the secretary of the interior. Years may therefore elapse before the completion of this work.

The climate of Utah is in general more mild than that of the states on the east included within the same latitudes. Upon the sterile deserts in the central and southern parts, the summer heats are intense, and the climate sickly. Nearer the more fertile districts on the west, the temperature is equable, with less difference between the extremes of heat and cold than is usually the case on the Atlantic coast. The elevated lands, to a certain height, are considered very healthy; but travellers upon the mountain summits have frequently been attacked by fatal fevers and other alarming maladies. In the north, the winters are sufficiently moderate to admit of hydraulic operations throughout most of the season.

The only religious organization, if it can be so called, which is now maintained in the territory, is that of the Mormons, or “Latter Day Saints.” Besides their establishment at Salt Lake, they have formed a colony in Iron county, about 250 miles south, among the high lands near the boundary of New Mexico; a position, around which the country is well wooded and watered, abounding in iron ore, and promising plenty of coal. See Salt Lake City, Appendix, No. 2.

A New and Complete Gazetteer of the United States (1854) by Thomas Baldwin

Most Common Surnames in Utah

RankSurnameIncidenceFrequencyPercent of ParentRank in United States
1Smith28,1031:1150.97%1
2Johnson26,4451:1221.20%2
3Anderson22,9251:1412.26%8
4Jensen17,4421:18511.06%229
5Christensen15,7921:20415.28%372
6Jones15,6711:2060.94%5
7Brown15,2911:2110.86%4
8Hansen15,2241:2128.10%174
9Peterson14,7681:2184.04%59
10Davis13,5561:2380.97%6
11Taylor13,0301:2481.45%11
12Nelson13,0251:2482.43%39
13Williams12,2801:2630.64%3
14Miller11,2021:2880.82%7
15Larsen10,1161:31912.83%512
16Wilson9,4241:3420.97%9
17Clark9,2271:3501.28%22
18Thompson8,4071:3841.07%20
19Allen8,3451:3871.34%28
20Martinez8,2281:3921.02%19
21Olsen8,2141:39310.10%497
22Thomas7,8971:4080.91%12
23Young7,7401:4171.29%31
24Wright7,6081:4241.37%33
25Adams7,2591:4441.31%34
26Harris7,1961:4480.93%21
27Nielsen7,0901:45512.25%727
28Evans7,0861:4551.56%46
29Carter6,7171:4801.38%42
30White6,5911:4890.81%18
31Robinson6,3131:5111.00%27
32Lee6,2721:5140.75%15
33Roberts6,2601:5151.32%43
34Hall6,2521:5161.01%30
35Garcia6,1141:5280.68%10
36Jackson6,0621:5320.73%16
37Hill6,0471:5331.11%35
38Lewis6,0321:5350.93%25
39Cook6,0251:5351.52%56
40Petersen5,4311:5946.82%507
41Wood5,3691:6011.60%69
42Nielson5,3521:60332.70%2,780
43Sorensen5,3481:60313.77%1,131
44Green5,3471:6030.99%37
45Allred5,3161:60720.51%1,738
46Martin5,1971:6210.63%17
47Gardner5,0921:6332.70%173
48Campbell4,9151:6561.00%41
49Rasmussen4,8081:6719.65%857
50Stewart4,7271:6821.18%54
51Baker4,7181:6840.87%36
52Lopez4,6471:6940.70%24
53Cox4,5881:7031.34%67
54Mitchell4,5461:7101.00%45
55King4,4941:7180.80%32
56Larson4,4231:7292.63%213
57Black4,3261:7462.10%145
58Palmer4,2881:7522.17%159
59Olson4,2361:7611.97%135
60Morgan4,1421:7791.14%60
61Bennett4,0871:7891.26%74
62Scott4,0841:7900.76%38
63Rodriguez4,0691:7930.48%14
64Price4,0161:8031.38%86
65Bailey3,9871:8091.11%64
66Hatch3,9791:81111.19%1,237
67Turner3,9441:8180.92%48
68Parker3,8571:8360.92%51
69Hernandez3,8481:8380.54%23
70Spencer3,7801:8532.18%201
71Phillips3,7111:8690.84%47
72Curtis3,6751:8782.78%280
73Hunt3,5161:9171.74%152
74Edwards3,4891:9250.82%49
75Madsen3,4821:92614.30%1,867
76Morris3,4781:9270.87%55
77Erickson3,4391:9383.05%327
78Richards3,4381:9382.07%217
79Porter3,4161:9441.70%153
80Ward3,4021:9481.03%71
81Stevens3,3971:9501.44%119
82Rogers3,3811:9540.88%57
83Bell3,3671:9580.93%62
84Jenkins3,3321:9681.22%100
85Webb3,1951:1,0101.51%137
86Andersen3,1371:1,0286.23%847
86Sanchez3,1371:1,0280.66%44
88Christiansen3,1221:1,03311.17%1,616
89Powell3,1051:1,0391.13%97
90Burton3,0641:1,0532.15%253
91Butler3,0521:1,0571.08%88
92Perry3,0011:1,0751.09%98
93Barker2,9701:1,0862.56%313
94Carlson2,9291:1,1011.73%207
95Bingham2,9171:1,1068.42%1,278
96Tanner2,8701:1,1244.54%668
97Call2,8601:1,12813.45%2,155
98Shaw2,8591:1,1281.37%143
99Fisher2,8461:1,1331.03%94
99Gonzalez2,8461:1,1330.46%29
101Jorgensen2,8431:1,1359.66%1,521
102Richardson2,8411:1,1350.91%77
103West2,8061:1,1501.09%104
104Bird2,7861:1,1585.92%915
105Harrison2,7651:1,1671.17%120
106Hunter2,7411:1,1771.38%158
107Howard2,7011:1,1940.81%70
108Reynolds2,6521:1,2161.04%105
109Day2,6381:1,2231.86%256
110Hughes2,6121:1,2350.86%78
111Ellis2,5601:1,2601.05%115
112Ross2,5451:1,2670.86%80
113Lloyd2,5441:1,2682.98%475
114Russell2,5371:1,2710.92%95
115Simmons2,5291:1,2750.99%106
116Snow2,5271:1,2764.04%674
117Barton2,5201:1,2802.72%427
118McDonald2,5101:1,2851.07%122
119Gray2,5031:1,2890.78%75
120Barney2,4831:1,29911.89%2,197
121Reed2,4771:1,3020.71%66
122Henderson2,4661:1,3080.90%99
123James2,4651:1,3090.82%79
124Mortensen2,4631:1,31015.97%2,952
125Merrill2,4601:1,3115.49%957
126Terry2,4521:1,3162.25%345
127Marshall2,4511:1,3161.08%128
128Beck2,4491:1,3171.86%282
129Benson2,4371:1,3242.07%307
130Barnes2,4311:1,3270.87%89
131Hardy2,4101:1,3382.32%370
132Perez2,3991:1,3450.45%40
133Cooper2,3971:1,3460.66%61
134Robertson2,3651:1,3641.23%163
135Warner2,3581:1,3682.13%336
136Murray2,3441:1,3761.01%124
137Barlow2,3181:1,3925.54%1,045
138Lund2,3051:1,3996.71%1,294
139Stone2,2991:1,4031.16%157
140Holt2,2541:1,4311.98%323
141Perkins2,2411:1,4391.39%226
142Watson2,2241:1,4500.70%76
143Shepherd2,2201:1,4532.93%530
144Mecham2,2171:1,45546.12%8,635
145Gonzales2,2141:1,4570.92%118
146Flores2,2111:1,4590.62%63
147Payne2,2001:1,4661.24%191
148Coleman2,1921:1,4720.79%92
149Knight2,1671:1,4891.26%206
150Hanson2,1621:1,4921.45%242
151Torres2,1611:1,4930.60%65
152Gibson2,1441:1,5050.89%117
153Stephens2,1341:1,5121.16%180
154Draper2,1181:1,5236.52%1,382
154Myers2,1181:1,5230.72%84
156Sorenson2,1101:1,5299.17%2,004
157Rose2,1051:1,5321.05%156
158Ramirez2,0861:1,5460.51%52
159Patterson2,0831:1,5490.82%107
160Bishop2,0561:1,5691.34%234
161Romero2,0541:1,5701.13%181
162Trujillo2,0531:1,5712.86%562
163Murphy2,0451:1,5770.53%58
164Wells2,0341:1,5860.91%130
165Fox2,0301:1,5890.99%147
166Sanders2,0251:1,5930.72%90
167Gordon2,0241:1,5940.94%136
168Wilkinson2,0161:1,6002.75%545
169Long2,0131:1,6020.70%87
170Gallegos2,0071:1,6073.03%632
171Wilcox1,9921:1,6192.71%544
172Cannon1,9911:1,6202.11%420
173Leavitt1,9901:1,62110.96%2,515
174Jacobson1,9851:1,6253.02%640
175Graham1,9791:1,6300.77%103
176Dunn1,9731:1,6351.04%172
177Giles1,9711:1,6373.73%806
178Pearson1,9651:1,6421.48%279
179Pace1,9561:1,6493.64%793
180Nguyen1,9511:1,6530.48%53
181Rowley1,9371:1,6659.38%2,220
182Gomez1,9261:1,6750.66%82
183Park1,9251:1,6761.54%291
184Tucker1,9071:1,6910.91%140
185Ford1,9031:1,6950.81%121
186Mills1,9001:1,6981.00%171
187Hamilton1,8951:1,7020.73%102
188Duncan1,8701:1,7251.04%187
189Holmes1,8681:1,7270.97%168
190Farnsworth1,8611:1,73311.85%2,901
191Dalton1,8591:1,7352.70%599
192Robison1,8461:1,7475.38%1,296
193Howell1,8321:1,7611.26%248
193Wallace1,8321:1,7610.72%110
195Kelly1,8211:1,7710.55%72
196Wall1,8191:1,7732.39%527
197Hart1,8161:1,7761.01%186
198Moss1,8121:1,7801.81%394
199Fullmer1,8061:1,78629.11%6,925
200Dean1,8041:1,7881.18%235
200Johnston1,8041:1,7881.02%193
RankSurnameIncidenceFrequencyPercent of ParentRank in United States
1Smith1,8681:760.30%1
2Johnson1,3191:1080.34%2
3Jensen1,3071:10928.61%1,436
4Anderson1,2041:1190.82%17
5Jones1,0571:1350.33%5
6Brown9441:1510.27%3
7Peterson9161:1561.87%79
8Hansen8791:1629.50%676
9Williams8381:1700.26%4
10Taylor8341:1710.49%9
11Davis8131:1760.32%7
12Larsen8101:17621.23%1,691
13Olsen7441:19211.94%1,034
14Petersen6431:22216.42%1,650
15Clark6041:2360.36%10
16Christiansen6031:23734.94%3,544
17Thomas6011:2380.41%16
18Young5831:2450.51%24
19Miller5491:2600.20%6
20Evans5281:2700.72%43
21Thompson5141:2780.33%13
22Nielsen5071:28254.81%6,097
23Christensen4961:28823.94%3,011
24Andersen4871:29313.28%1,757
25Hanson4811:2971.87%200
26Nelson4661:3060.67%47
27Robinson4351:3280.42%30
28Wilson4341:3290.23%8
29Allen4331:3300.36%21
30Wright4321:3310.40%26
31Hill4121:3470.39%28
32Green3941:3620.32%19
33Walker3891:3670.33%23
33Hall3891:3670.32%20
33Stewart3891:3670.54%45
36Lewis3801:3760.32%22
37White3711:3850.23%11
38Adams3601:3970.37%31
39Carter3491:4090.42%36
40Sorensen3461:41344.08%6,968
41Harris3431:4160.27%18
42Jackson2991:4780.20%14
43Allred2971:48116.89%3,489
44Gardner2791:5120.76%136
45Lee2781:5140.34%35
46Madsen2761:51744.73%8,549
47Cook2691:5310.31%33
48King2651:5390.25%27
49Larson2631:5431.70%381
50Morris2581:5530.37%46
51Stevens2521:5670.54%85
52Morgan2481:5760.39%53
53Webb2471:5780.68%141
54Rasmussen2461:58018.20%4,396
55Roberts2441:5850.31%39
56Jenson2391:5979.72%2,587
57Campbell2321:6150.27%34
58Snow2311:6181.67%436
58Wood2311:6180.29%38
60Baker2301:6210.21%25
60Neilsen2301:62153.12%11,432
62Cox2201:6490.37%57
63James2181:6550.44%78
63Nielson2181:65519.12%5,110
65Hardy2161:6611.23%321
66Moore2151:6640.13%12
67Curtis2141:6670.75%179
68Richards2111:6770.66%160
69Parker2101:6800.26%37
70Edwards2071:6900.32%52
71Barton2051:6971.21%337
72Martin2041:7000.14%15
73Hunter2011:7100.49%113
74Palmer1981:7210.48%110
74Watson1981:7210.34%63
76Willson1941:7361.37%422
76Sorenson1941:73612.84%3,987
78Shaw1931:7400.45%103
79Bird1921:7441.02%290
80Jenkins1871:7640.42%99
80Bennett1871:7640.35%70
82Neilson1831:7808.79%2,996
82Hatch1831:7801.76%603
84McBride1821:7851.11%353
85Powell1811:7890.42%106
86Cooper1791:7980.30%60
87Merrill1751:8161.35%476
88Butler1741:8210.33%71
88Porter1741:8210.39%95
90Burton1731:8250.72%218
91Spencer1711:8350.51%155
92Perry1681:8500.36%87
93Reynolds1661:8600.34%81
94Bailey1651:8650.30%66
95Turner1631:8760.21%40
95Pratt1631:8760.75%245
97West1621:8810.35%90
97Scott1621:8810.16%29
97Price1621:8810.29%67
97Hunt1621:8810.37%102
101Rogers1561:9150.25%55
101Wheeler1561:9150.40%120
103Russell1541:9270.33%86
104Rose1521:9390.50%167
104Phillips1521:9390.25%59
106Graham1511:9460.33%88
107Mitchell1501:9520.24%54
107Fisher1501:9520.22%49
109Tanner1491:9581.41%588
109Bates1491:9580.57%195
111Murphy1481:9650.16%32
111McDonald1481:9650.28%72
113Terry1461:9780.86%339
114Day1441:9920.46%163
114Simpson1441:9920.38%127
114Jorgensen1441:99223.92%8,722
114Bingham1441:9922.44%1,100
118Draper1421:1,0062.18%985
119Pace1411:1,0132.34%1,075
120Harrison1401:1,0200.32%100
120Richardson1401:1,0200.24%64
122Beck1381:1,0350.62%238
123Benson1351:1,0580.75%315
124Black1341:1,0660.34%121
125Kimball1331:1,0741.14%530
126Knight1321:1,0820.47%185
127Miles1311:1,0900.62%247
127Reid1311:1,0900.76%328
129Lund1301:1,0985.15%2,509
130Reese1291:1,1070.79%360
131Gibson1281:1,1160.31%111
131Rees1281:1,1162.91%1,487
133Perkins1251:1,1420.34%139
133Barney1251:1,1422.37%1,219
133Adamson1251:1,1424.08%2,079
133Park1251:1,1421.39%697
137Murdock1241:1,1522.16%1,116
137Lloyd1241:1,1521.25%639
139Robison1231:1,1611.13%569
139Burt1231:1,1611.41%719
141Wells1211:1,1800.26%92
142Farnsworth1191:1,2003.22%1,741
142Dalton1191:1,2001.15%606
142Warner1191:1,2000.41%175
145Ward1181:1,2100.18%50
145Cole1181:1,2100.23%73
147Wilcox1171:1,2200.61%283
148Alexander1161:1,2310.27%105
148Chase1161:1,2310.50%228
150Booth1151:1,2420.81%425
150Stevenson1151:1,2420.74%379
152Holt1141:1,2530.59%281
152Fuller1141:1,2530.34%157
154Giles1121:1,2751.13%634
155Thornton1111:1,2860.61%304
155Kelly1111:1,2860.15%44
157Ross1101:1,2980.22%76
157Mecham1101:1,29818.64%8,873
157Robbins1101:1,2980.62%318
160Barnes1091:1,3100.23%83
160Yates1091:1,3100.87%497
160Barker1091:1,3100.45%219
163Stephens1081:1,3220.35%165
163Erickson1081:1,3221.32%775
165Pierce1071:1,3350.29%133
166Mills1061:1,3470.29%138
167Sharp1051:1,3600.43%217
168Gray1041:1,3730.18%61
168Ellis1041:1,3730.23%94
168Hancock1041:1,3730.91%541
168Stoddard1041:1,3732.02%1,247
172Howard1031:1,3860.17%56
172Grant1031:1,3860.32%161
174Robertson1021:1,4000.28%142
174Snyder1021:1,4000.22%84
174Moss1021:1,4000.64%371
174Rich1021:1,4000.81%485
178Nichols1011:1,4140.29%146
178Jacobson1011:1,4141.69%1,083
178Workman1011:1,4141.88%1,191
178Hyde1011:1,4141.06%664
178Bell1011:1,4140.15%51
178Hamilton1011:1,4140.21%80
184Reed1001:1,4280.13%42
184Lamb1001:1,4280.58%330
186Strong991:1,4420.74%460
186Stone991:1,4420.25%116
186Hale991:1,4420.47%251
186Lawson991:1,4420.48%255
186Andrews991:1,4420.29%154
191Foster981:1,4570.17%62
192Norton971:1,4720.44%242
192Slater971:1,4721.14%735
194Bowen951:1,5030.44%246
194Simmons951:1,5030.24%123
194Page951:1,5030.37%198
194Kay951:1,5032.39%1,632
198Judd941:1,5191.82%1,238
198Hughes941:1,5190.20%89
198Dunn941:1,5190.22%109