Willden Family History

Charles Willden, also found as Charles William Willden, was the fourth son of Jeremiah Wildon and Elizabeth Revil or Betty Revel. He was born 27 July 1806 in Anston, Yorkshire, England. His brothers and sisters of whom we have found record are Sarah, Jeremiah, Ann, Mary and John. There could have been more children as there was a lapse of seven years between Jeremiah and Ann. The children were all born in Anston.

As to Charles' childhood we know nothing. John was just older than he so they must have been quite close to each other. In his diary of 1869 he mentions John several times. Ann and Mary had died before the Willdens came to America, and Sarah died soon after. She did not come to America but her two sons, William and John came in 1855 settling in Scipio, UT. As far as we know all the Memmotts in the Church are descendants of Sarah¹.

Charles married Eleanor Turner (Hellenoir Turner), 21 January 1833 in Laughton, Yorkshire, England. Their first two children, Ellott (a surname) and Eleanor were born in Laughton/ They then moved to Sheffield Yorkshire, England about 1836 where Charles Turner, John, Feargus O"Connor, Ann and Mary were born. Tragedy came to their home when two year old Eleanor died. Two children remained, Ellot and Charles, the latter being less than a month old.

While living in Sheffield Charles worked as a laborer, and also in the steel mills. According to some in the family he discovered a way to refine steel. He was active in politics at the time of Ireland's fight for freedom². This could have been during the "tithe war" of the 1830's or the revolution of 1848.

It was in Sheffield that the family heard and accepted the gospel. He was baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 27 August, 1839. His wife, Eleanor, did not receive the gospel so readily as it was more than four years later before she was batized. The framily remained true and faithful to the Church throughout their lives. He did missionary work for the Church much of the tine from May 1844 until he came to America in the fall of 1849, traveling from town to town on foot. In his diary we find the following:"Traveled for the gospel from May 1844 to March 1847:

"Out of this I rode 12 miles"