Preserving the story and family of Israel Barlow
The Israel Barlow Family Association gathers the descendants of Israel Barlow — Zion's Camp veteran, Bountiful pioneer, and patriarch — to preserve his history, connect his family across generations, and share genealogy.
Who was Israel Barlow?
A brief introduction to the man this family association is named for.
Early convert
Born September 13, 1806, in Granville, Massachusetts, Israel Barlow met missionaries of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and traveled to meet Joseph Smith in Hiram, Ohio. He was baptized in May 1832 by Brigham Young and later ordained one of the first members of the First Quorum of the Seventy.
Path to Nauvoo
After being driven from Missouri, Barlow helped locate refuge across the Mississippi River near Montrose, Iowa, and Commerce, Illinois — the settlement that would become Nauvoo. His work to identify and investigate the Half-Breed Tract through Dr. Isaac Galland opened the way for thousands of Saints.
Bountiful patriarch
Barlow crossed the plains to the Salt Lake Valley in 1848 and settled in Bountiful, Utah, where he became one of the area's first nurseryman, served a mission to England, and was ordained a patriarch in 1882. He died November 1, 1883.
What the association does
A volunteer-run family organization for anyone descended from or connected to Israel Barlow.
Genealogy & family history
We help descendants find, verify, and share genealogical records for Israel Barlow, his wives, and his children, and point researchers toward primary sources and archives.
Reunions & connection
We organize periodic family reunions and gatherings so descendants scattered across the country — and the world — can meet, share stories, and stay in touch.
Preserving the history
We collect journals, photographs, letters, and oral histories relating to Israel Barlow's life so that future generations can learn from his example.
A welcoming family
Whether you are a direct descendant, connected by marriage, or simply researching this line of the Barlow family, you are welcome here.
“Israel always seemed to be there when he was needed.”
— History of Israel Barlow and Elizabeth Haven BarlowSources
The facts on this site are drawn from the following published sources.
| Source | What it covers |
|---|---|
| Wikipedia: Israel Barlow | General biography, dates, marriages, and Bountiful/nurseryman years. |
| Joseph Smith Papers: Israel Barlow biography | Ordination and Church-service dates. |
| Brent A. Barlow, “Israel Barlow and the Founding of Nauvoo,” BYU Religious Studies Center (2009) | The founding of Nauvoo. |
| Church News, “A Monument for Israel Barlow” (2006) | His role connecting Church leaders to the Commerce, Illinois land. |