Biography of Elizabeth Stewart Marriott
by a Grandchild

Elizabeth Stewart Marriott was born April 12, 1829, in Colmworth, Bedfordshire, England. Her father's name was Charles Stewart, and her mother's name was Sophia Tingey. Elizabeth was the youngest of five children. Her mother died when she was five years of age. When she was nineteen years of age her father died. At his death-bed, his sister, Caroline, was blessed with the "Gift of Tongue." She later blessed all of Elizabeth's brothers and sisters and told them that Mormonism was the true Church of God. This was her father's testimony to them, but he was too weak to tell them. On October 11, 1848, Elizabeth was baptized into the Latter-Day Saints church, known as the Mormon Church. She was employed, doing domestic work. On Sunday she would have four hours off to attend church which was ten miles away. She would run most of the way, and she was so sincere in the church that it was a pleasure for her to attend.

In 1852 her brother decided to leave for Zion. Elizabeth wished to go but she did not have enough money. She prayed to the Lord to help her. She was able to work up to the day of sailing, and she sold her clothes in order to have enough money for the trip to Zion.

When she arrived in St. Louis she had 25 cents in her pocket. She was forced to get work and save enough money to get to Salt Lake City. While employed she was carrying a lamp, and it exploded and burned her severely. For three years she could not work, but she finally got well with the help of the Lord. Her desire was to go to Zion where her people were. In 1853 she left for Salt Lake City. She went with a company of Saints, but had to walk all the way. When she arrived she was penniless. She tried to get work but she could not find work. She finally was able to work for her room and board as a domestic.

One day while sitting and looking out the window, she saw a stranger coming up the path. The voice of the spirit of the Lord spoke to her and said, "This man is to be your husband." It was not long until they were married. On February 26, 1854, she was married in the endowment house in Salt Lake City, Utah, to John Marriott, Jr. She was a polygamy wife and had many trials to go through. She never once regretted her choice. She lived in Kaysville until June 1855, when they moved to a place which had not been settled, and they named it Marriott, after her husband. She lived in a wagon box for six months until they could build a house. Many a weary traveler found peace and rest at Grandmother's home. She always gave good counsel and encouragement to them.

For many years she was president of the Relief Society and Primary of Marriott. The children loved and respected her. They would gather around her and listen to the stories about the pioneers and her conversion to Mormonism. She was a ministering angel among the sick. She cheered their hearts, and with kind words of encouragement helped them get well. She also had the gift of tongue which is a blessing from God. She was a mother of three sons and seven daughters. She spent her later days with Caroline Hewitt of Marriott, her daughter. She died at the age of 84 years, on February 10, 1914, at Marriott, Weber County, Utah. (Undated)