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Elizabeth KEGG [Parents] 1 was born on 22 Dec 1805 in Rushen, Ellan Vannin. She was christened on 31 Dec 1805 in Kirk Rushen, Rushen, Ellan Vannin. She died on 06 Nov 1885 in Franklin, Franklin, Idaho, USA. She was buried in Nov 1885 in Franklin, Franklin, Idaho, USA. Elizabeth married William COMISH on 12 Feb 1831 in Kirk Arbory, Arbory, Ellan Vannin.
Microfilm GS-106742
It is assumed that Elizabeth lived in Onchan until she left for America.
History of Elizabeth Kegg Comish
Adapted From an Account by Her Granddaughter
Susie Allen
Elizabeth Kegg was born 22 December 1805 at Kirk Rushen, Rushen, Isle of Man to Patrick Kegg and Jane Moore. She was never able to go to school, but had a quick mind, particularly regarding math skills. She was of medium height and slim. Generally she wore a collar or ruching on the neck of her dress, and always wore a brooch or breastpin. She always wore her hair curled in front with a bob in the back.
Elizabeth married William Comish from Arbory, Isle of Man, 12 Feb 1831 at the age of 26. They had nine children. They are: Jane (11 Oct 1831), William (11 April 1833, Margaret (28 Sept 1834), John (1 Dec 1838), Eleanor (30 Dec 1840), Robert Nephi (12 Dec 1841), Joseph (7 July 1844), and Emma (12 Jun 1848). All grew into manhood and womanhood except for Joseph. He died at the age of eight in St. Louis, Missouri.
It was not until 1848 that Elizabeth joined the church. This was seven years after her husband was baptized, and a few months after their youngest child was born. It may have been her mother’s opposition to the Mormon religion that kept her from affiliating herself with the Church earlier. It is rumored that her mother threatened to disinherit her if she joined the Church and leave her inheritance to her sister Nell. Her mother died, 17 Sept 1845. Her father had died thirty-four years earlier. On one occasion while discussing the Mormon religion her mother asked how she knew it was true. She said, pointing to the fireplace, “Do you see that kettle on the hob?” Her mother answered, “yes.” “Well just as surely as you know that the kettle is on the hob, just so surely I know that Mormonism is true.
Elizabeth passed through many trials. It was particularly difficult when her husband and their eldest daughter, Jane, emigrated to America. She was left alone for two years to care for a large family. Not only that, but she had the anxiety of not knowing the status of her husband and daughter due to the time it took to get mail in those days.
In 1855 Elizabeth came to Utah and settled in Kaysville. She and William remained there until 1860 when they received direction from Brigham Young to move to Franklin. They were with the first group who settled in Franklin, the first settlement established in the State of Idaho. Elizabeth was accomplished in all the home skills. She spun her own yarn and made clothing from it. She kept a garden, a cow, chickens and turkeys to sustain the family. It was noted by her family that she could make do with very little and provide for her family when there were very limited resources. She was very independent and not only tried to support herself and her family with the necessities, she also was very generous and hospitable. Neighbors made a habit of stopping by for a visit and were always treated to great hospitality and served refreshments.
It is said that Elizabeth was a believer in witches and fairies. In her native land she would not walk across the park at midnight for fear of disturbing fairies dancing. Though she couldn’t read herself, she enjoyed listening to others read while she knitted.
Elizabeth’s husband died 16 December 1877 when she was 72. Before her own death, four of her children had preceded her. Joseph who died as a young boy and three other children, Elizabeth (age 46), Eleanor (age 44), and Robert Nephi (age 42). All died the same year, 1882. Elizabeth passed away in January, Eleanor in June and Robert Nephi in November. This must have been difficult because each of these children left families including young children. In one case, Elizabeth took a three-day-old baby to raise along with four other children until other arrangements could be made. Elizabeth died in Franklin, Idaho, 6 November 1885 of dropsy.
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