History of Ralph Briggs Douglas. Came to Illinois 1842. Written by Claire M. Bennett Forrest for Daughters of Utah Pioneers of Morgan County, [Utah], May, 1960. Margaret Thackeray, Historian. RALPH BRIGGS DOUGLAS. Ralph Briggs Douglas was born 28 Dec. 1824 in Downham, Lancashire, England. He was the son of George Douglass and Ellen Briggs. They joined the Church during the first visit of Heber C. Kimball in 1840. The emigrated to America and landed in Nauvoo 7 April 1842. He was personally acquainted with the Prophet Joseph Smith and shared the persecutions with the Saints. His father died in Nauvoo. He was present at the meeting when the mantle of the prophet was placed on Brigham Young. He left Nauvoo with the first Company for the West. When the call came for volunteers in the Mormon Battalion he enlisted and was in Company D. He made the trip through Old Mexico going through lower California. He helped to lay the first adobes in the Old Forte Hall in Salt Lake City. In the Company of Brigham Young he returned to St. Louis staying there two years helping others to prepare for another western trip. He crossed the Plains several times to assist companies from the Missouri River. He settled in Ogden and assisted in building the first adobe house there. He operated a butcher shop in Ogden and played in the band. He was a member of the High Priests Quorum and was highly respected in the Councils of the Church. He the father of 15 children. He died in Ogden a faithful member of the Church 3 May 1900. He is buried in the Ogden City Cemetary. —By Claire M. Bennett Forrest, 4606 F St., San Diego, California (Granddaughter)