Harriet Ann Aston

Harriet Ann Aston was born 22 September 1870 in Gainsborough, the daughter of Elias Aston and Eliza Fowlke. Harriet was the tenth child in the family. Elias worked as a blacksmith. The family were members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, and they saved their money to emigrate to Utah.

They were finally able to emigrate to the United States 8 July 1874, on the ship Minnesota. The ship’s list showed Elias Aston, Eliza, Joseph, Orson, Eliza, John Frederick, Alfred, Elias Jr., Harriett and Harry.

The transcontinental railroad, completed in 1869, carried the family to Utah. They set up a home in Pleasant Grove, Utah, where Eliza's parents had settled.

Elias bought a home, a little, old four-room adobe house in Lindon, where he settled down and farmed all his life. Elias’s granddaughter, Irene Aston Shumway, remembered, “Elias had quite a hard time raising all those children. I have heard Grandmother (Eliza Fowlke Aston) tell about pinning some of the little ones to her apron when she sat down to sew. I remember Elias as a little man with a long beard, walking with his hands clasped behind his back. Grandfather (Elias Aston) studied the Bible and could recite the scriptures by heart. He was very religious.”

Above the family home was a large ditch, and in the summer all the boys would go to the ditch for their morning washing. The family worked and played hard together. They all enjoyed square dances. The family also had tragedies. Orson was killed at age 20, as they sat on a hillside eating their lunch. A large rock rolled down, striking him in the back, killing him instantly. Harriet was only eight years old when her brother died.

Elias Aston, age 50, born in England, occupation: Farming
Eliza F. Aston, age 48, born in England, keeping house
Joseph Aston, age 23, born in England, occupation: Laborer
Edwin Aston, age 17, born in England, occupation: Laborer
John Aston, age 14, born in England, at home
Alfred Aston, age 13, born in England, at home
Elias Aston, age 11, born in England, at home
Harret Aston, age 9, born in England, at home
Harry Aston, age 8, born in England
Sarah E. Aston, age 4, born in Utah
Mary M. Aston, age 1, born in Utah

Harriet married Charles Edward Green 11 December 1888 in Manti, San Pete, Utah. Charles and Harriett settled on a farm in Pleasant Grove. Ten children were born to Charles and Harriet, but only five lived to adulthood. Their first son, Vernice Samuel was born in 1889, but died when he was 16 months old. Eliza Pamelo was born in 1890, but died at two months old, on the same day as her older brother. Curtis Charles was born in 1892. Vera Harriet was born a year later, in 1893. Herman Elias was born in 1895. Mable Gertrude was born in 1898. Leo was born one year later, in 1899. Ella Lafern was born in 1901, and only lived to be four years old. Arvilla Nettie was born in 1903 and died the same day. Frank William was born in 1909 and died the day he was born.

The family lived on a farm on the east side of the Utah State Highway on the outskirts of Pleasant Grove. Charles worked as a farmer, and also hired out as teamster around Utah County. He was known for his great strength. Charles died when he was only 44 years old, of a heart attack. Harriet was left a widow at the age of 41. Her family was young. The children were all under twenty years of age, the youngest being twelve years old.

Green, Harriet, Head, age 49, occupation: None
Green, Leo E., son, age 20, occupation: Laborer
Green, Myrel, granddaughter, age 9
Green, Aline, granddaughter, age 7
Green, Jack C., grandson, age 5

Charles’ death presented a serious problem for 41 year-old Harriet. She had to work hard to support her family. Her granddaughter, Beulah Green Carey, remembered, “My Grandma Green, when Grandpa died, through some not too wise financial dealings, lost the farm, and most of her money, so she moved to Salt Lake and ran a boarding house. She was a little, tiny, dark-haired woman."

Harriet's granddaughter remembered that she had married a Mr. Downs later in life. Salt Lake City marriage records show that Harriet married John Richard Downes 4 June 1924 in Salt Lake City. He was shown as divorced and 65 years old. Harriet was 53 years old. John had been married twice before, to Eliza Duffin 1886 in Queensland, Australia, and to Sarah Kent 1921 in Salt Lake City. The marriage of Harriet and John did not work out, as Harriet is found living alone in the 1930 census, and John Downes did not die until 7 October 1935 in Salt Lake City.

IN THE THIRD JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT IN AND FOR SALT LAKE COUNTY , HARRIET DOWNES , Plaintiff , --- JOHN R. DOWNES Defendant . STATE
OF UTAH COMPLAINT Plaintiff complains of defendant and for cause of action alleges:

1 . That plaintiff and defendant intermarried at Salt Lake City , Utah on June 4, 1924 and ever since said marriage have been and are now husband and wife.

2 . That both plaintiff and defendant are now and for more than one year immediately preceding the commencement of this action have been actual and bona fide residents of Salt Lake County , Utah.

3 . That no children were born as the issue of said marriage.

4 . That the defendant ever since said marriage has treated plaintiff in a cruel and inhuman manner to such an extent as to cause her great mental anguish, suffering, and distress, rendering it impossible for plaintiff longer to live with defendant and in particular as follows;

5 . That ever since said marriage defendant has repeatedly cursed and sworn at plaintiff and called her vile and profane names and threatened to kill her and among other things about week prior to the commerce of this action he said to her "Damn you take your furniture and go," and on several occasions about three weeks prior to the commencement of this action he said to defendant "If you ever try to leave me, I will kill you before you get away." That on April 7, 1928, the defendant, without provocation or excuse , became enraged at plaintiff and threatened to kill her and ran after plaintiff in a threatening manner and would have injured her if she had not run from the house; and that when plaintiff later in the day returned to the home of the plaintiff and defendant with her daughter to get some necessary clothing and personal belongings, defendant again cursed and swore at her in a loud and boisterous manner and continued to swear at her in a loud and angry tone after she had left the house. That defendant has constantly nagged at plaintiff and found fault with her about everything she did and particularly about money matters, and although, defendant has refused to give plaintiff sufficient money with which to maintain their household, he has constantly and falsely accused her of giving away and lending money. That the aforesaid acts and conduct of said defendant have been without reason, justification or excuse and have caused plaintiff great mental anguish, as well as bodily pain and suffering.

6 . The defendant, ever since said marriage, has failed, neglected, and refused to provide for plaintiff the common necessaries of life, and has refused to pay doctor bills which were necessarily incurred by plaintiff during her married life.

7 . That plaintiff has no money or property of her own, except a one - half interest in the home in which plaintiff and defendant are living and the furniture therein. That plaintiff has no trade or money or property sufficient for her support and and no home except the interest in said house above mentioned, and that she is wholly dependent upon defendant for her support, and that she is in ill health and unable to work for her support.

8 . That the plaintiff and defendant are each the owner of a one - half interest in the dwelling house and premises in which they are living situated at the rear of 856 South Third East Street , Salt Lake City, Utah, which particularly described as follows : Commencing 105 feet west of the Southeast corner of Lot 8, Block 1 , Plat " A " , Salt Lake City Survey, and running thence West 60 feet, thence North 414 feet, thence East 60 feet, thence south 41 ½ feet to the place of beginning. Subject to and together with a right of way commencing 36 ½ feet North of the Southeast corner of said Lot 8, and running thence West 132 feet, thence North 10 feet, thence East 132 feet, thence South 10 feet to the place of beginning.

9 . That the said defendant has declared that he will not care for plaintiff or provide for her support, and that he has voluntarily quit his work so as not to be required to support her.

10 . That defendant has money which he has left in the custody and care of D. H. Livingston, a friend of his, and that unless he be restrained from so doing, he will dispose of said money and will sell his interest in said home and place the proceeds thereof beyond the reach of plaintiff or this Court, and plaintiff will be unable to collect any judgment for all money or otherwise which may be rendered in her favor against said defendant and will be left destitute and suffer irreparable injury. That defendant should be restrained from living in or coming to the home of plaintiff.

11 . That plaintiff has no money or means with which to pay court costs or attorney 's fees, and no means of livelihood for her support during the pendency of this action, and that $150.00 is a reasonable amount to be awarded her as attorney 's fees for her attorney herein, and that $30.00 per month is a reasonable sum to be allowed her as temporary alimony pending the trial of this action. That the former name of plaintiff was Harriet Green and she desires said name be restored to her.

12 . That it is necessary that plaintiff be awarded the interest of said defendant in the home and furniture of said parties above described as permanent alimony for her support.

1 . That the marriage and bonds of matrimony between plaintiff and defendant be dissolved, and that said parties be freed andreleased from the obligations thereof.

2 . That plaintiff 's former name of Harriet Green be restored to her and that defendant be restrained from coming to the home of plaintiff or annoying her, and from encumbering or disposing of any of his property during the pendency of this action. That plaintiff be awarded the dwelling house and premises and furniture therein and all interest of said defendant in the same as permanent alimony for her support, and that she be awarded $30.00 per month, and the right to live in said house temporarily pending the trial of this action, and that she be awarded a temporary attorney's fee, and that defendant be required to show cause why he should not be compelled to pay temporary alimony, and attorney 's fee pending this action; and that she be awarded $150.00 as attorney's fees for her attorney herein and costs of suit, and such other and further relief as may be proper.

STATE OF UTAH COUNTY OF SALT LAKE Walter C. Hurd Attorney for Plaintiff Harriet Downs, being first duly sworn deposes and says: That she is the plaintiff in the above entitled action, that she has read the foregoing complaint, knows the contents thereof, and that the same is true of her own knowledge, except as to matters stated therein upon information and belief as to which matters she believes to to be true. Hart Daniel - Subscribed and sworn to before me this 14th day of April, 1928. - Walter C. Hurd Residing at Salt Lake City, Utah My Commission Expires November 18 , 1929 .

IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF THE THIRD JUDICIAL DISTRICT IN AND FOR SALT LAKE COUNTY, STATE OF UTAH
HARRIET DOWNES , Plaintiff , JOHN R. V - TOWNES , Defendant . No. 41 , 912

DECREE This cause coming on regularly for hearing in open Court this 25th day of June , 1928 upon the complaint and Amendment to complaint of the plaintiff and Answer of the defendant and the Court , having heard the proofs and made its findings of fact and conclusions of Law whereby it appears that plaintiff is entitled to a decree in her favor. NOW THEREFORE, on motion of D. B. Hempstead, attorney for the plaintiff, it is hereby ORDERED, ADJUDGED and DECREED that the plaintiff is entitled to a decree of divorce dissolving the bonds of matrimoney between the plaintiff and the defendant and dissolving and severing the marriage contract heretofore existing between the said plaintiff and the said defendant and releasing and freeing the said parties and each of them from the obligations thereof ; and to have this interlocutory decree entered pending the further order of the Court, and that upon the expiration of six months from the date of this decree, unless an appeal be taken or the Court otherwise orders, a final decree be entered herein, perpetually dissolving the bonds of matrimony between the plaintiff and the defendant. It is further hereby ORDERED, ADJUDGED, and DECREED that the plaintiff be and she is hereby awarded as permanent alimony an undivided one - half interest, as tenant in common with the defendant, in and to the premises hereinafter described and also all the furniture, except the personal property of the defendant now situate in said premises, and the further sum of $45.00 which is now due and owing the defendant from Harry G. Selledy; provided, however, that the defendant shall be and he is hereby given the right to the possesion of said premises, but not the possession of said furniture, until the first day of April, 1929, after which date the said plaintiff and defendant shall both be entitled to the joint possession of said premises as tenants in common. That the plaintiff 's former name of Harriet Green is hereby restored to her. It is hereby further ORDERED, ADJUDGED, and DECREED that the plaintiff have judgment against the defendant in the sum of $75.00 to be paid plaintiff 's attorney in this action; that said sum is hereby made a first lien upon the defendant 's undivided one - half interest, as tenant in common, and to the following described real estate situate in the City and County of Salt Lake, State of Utah, to wit: Commencing 105 feet west of the Southeast corner of Lot 8, Block 1, Plat " A ", Salt Lake City Survey, and running thence West 60 feet; thence North 41 ½ feet; thence East 60 feet; thence south 41 ½ feet to the place of beginning. Subject to and together with a right of way commencing 364 feet; North of the Southeast corner of said Lot 8, and running thence West 132 feet; thence North 10 feet; thence East 132 feet; thence South 10 feet to the place of beginning.

That plaintiff be given judgment against the defendant for the costs of this action. Dated this 27th day of June, 1928.

In the 1930 census, Harriet was in Salt Lake City, and is listed with a boarder. Her marital status is widowed.

208 East Third South St.
Green, Harriet Head Age 59, occupation: Proprietor Rooming House
Walker, Ed. Roomer Age 50, occupation Wireman

Source: 1930 federal census, Roll: T626_2420, Page 1A, ED 89, image 0713, at www.ancestry.com.

Like her brothers, Harriet suffered from asthma all of her life. Her granddaughter, Beulah, remembered her having a large cupboard full of medicine, in an effort to find relief from the asthma. She died of asthma on 20 April 1931 in Salt Lake City, at the age of 60. She was buried in the Pleasant Grove Cemetery next to Charles.

An obituary for Harriet stated: "Harriet Aston Green Dies in Salt Lake - Mrs. Harriet Aston Green, widow of Charles Green, died at her residence, 208 East Broadway, Salt Lake City, Monday morning from kidney trouble. Her son, Herman E. Green is chief dispatcher for the Salt Lake & Utah Railroad. Mrs. Green was a resident of Pleasant Grove most of her life but moved to Salt Lake about five years ago. She was born in England, March 19, 1871. Surviving are five children, Mrs. Vera Baldwin, Mrs Mabel Shelby, Herman E. Green and Leo Green, all of Salt Lake and Curtis C. Green of Murray. Sixteen grand children and five brothers also survive, Jack and Alfred Aston, Lindon; Harry Aston, Salt Lake; Joseph Aston, Orem and Elias Aston, Idaho; are the brothers. Funeral services were held Wednesday afternoon at 1 p.m. in the Timpanogos Stake Tabernacle. Counselor H.W. Jacobs of the First Ward bishopric conducted the services."

Another obituary read: "Harriet Green Passes Away - Pleasant Grove - Harriet Anna Green widow of Charles Green, for nearly 50 years a resident of this city, died at her home 208 East Third South Street, Salt Lake City, Monday night following a three months' illness. She was born in Liverpool, November 2, 1870, and came to Pleasant Grove with her parents when four years of age. She lived here all her life except the past eight years which were spent in Salt Lake. She was married to Charles Green in the Manti Temple in 1888. Eleven children were born to them five of whom survive as follows: Curtis, Herman and Leo Green, Mrs Vera Baldwin and Mrs. Mable Shellady, all of Salt Lake City. Fourteen grandchildren and the following brothers also survive: Joseph Aston, Orem; Elias Aston, Idaho; Jack and Alfred Aston, Lindon and Harry Aston, Salt Lake. Funeral services will be held in the Timpanogos stake tabernacle in this city Wednesday afternoon at 1 o'clock. Friends may view the body at the William Green home here from 11 to 1 o'clock Wednesday. Interment will be at the Pleasant Grove cemetery."