Ancestor Stories #7 Sarah Ann Nelson

We may have found a Mormon connection in our ancestors.  Sarah Ann Nelson, born October 30, 1852, in Nauvoo, Illinois.

I learned about Sarah in correspondence from one of my Dad's cousins.  The old family story says that Sarah ran away from home at age 17 and was hidden by the Bradshaws.  She is quoted as saying, "I was tired of being stoned."  Her family migrated to Utah when the Mormons were persecuted and chased out of Nauvoo, but she did not go.  She married Charles, one of the Bradshaw sons, when she was 18.  {note:  this is a representational picture and not really her}

Charles and Sarah moved to Lenexa, Kansas and bought some land.  He is considered the founding father of Lenexa because he donated the land for the town and railroad station.  Here is a painting that shows the Bradshaw store in the background.

They had nine children and are pictured here with all their children.  Daughter Louisa married Freeman Swift, who is my Dad's grandfather.  Louisa is the fourth oldest child and is seated in the front row, first on the left.