Foundations of Hunter: The Grit and Grace of Joseph & Sarah Morris

Homesteading Hunter: The Story of Joseph & Sarah Morris

Born to pioneer families who crossed the plains to Utah.

  • Married in 1871 — Joseph Morris & Sarah Ann Grow (daughter of Tabernacle builder Henry Grow).

  • Tried mining life in Alta, but returned to farm the valley.

  • Claimed homestead land in Hunter in the early 1880s.

  • Built a one-room cabin at 4100 S & 6400 W.

  • Hauled water five miles by wagon for years.

  • Raised ten children on the homestead.

  • Dug a 120-foot well by hand.

  • Built a larger brick-and-adobe house once the canal arrived.

  • Joseph built homes, barns, orchards, vineyards, and the first Hunter school and church.

  • Served an LDS mission in West Virginia.

  • Sarah kept the farm running after Joseph’s passing.

  • She bartered, churned butter, knitted socks, raised chickens.

  • They helped turn empty sagebrush fields into Hunter, Utah — now West Valley City

Outstanding Peoplesheri biesingerMorris, Joseph Morris, Sarah Grow MorrisComment