My mother’s (Rachel Richins’) father and mother, James Hennefer and Sarah Hulk Hennefer, and my mother’s Uncle William Hennefer, were the first settlers (1853) in Henefer, Utah. The town was named after them. At a later date (1860) the parents of my father, Charles Wager Richins, and Louisa Shill Richins moved to Henefer. You can find very valuable information in the book Henefer, Our Valley Home [compiled by Fannie J. Richins & Maxene R. Wright] regarding the dates and names, and learn about the lives of our courageous ancestors.

In the shadow of the beautiful Wasatch Mountains is nestled the little town of Henefer, Utah. The broad Weber River flowing peacefully on is lined on either side with towering cottonwood trees and willows. The rolling hills to the eastward form a beautiful scene both summer and winter. The high Wasatch Range is a symbol of protection and is a source of beauty, which adds a picturesque setting to passersby. In 1847, the Mormon Pioneers, seeking a permanent home in the West, followed down the Weber River as far as the narrows, hoping to find a way down the canyon to the Salt Lake Valley.

On July 19, 1847, the advance pioneer company, with Orson Pratt and Erastus Snow in the lead, traveled through the present site of Henefer. Brigham Young, with the remainder of the company, camped that night on the east bank of the river directly south of the town of Henefer. Thirteen companies, totaling 2,095 people, traveled over this trail during the first year.

In the pioneer plan of colonization, men with families were called to settle communities where there was good soil and water, securing their land by what was called a squatter’s right.