Seth May's web site, which includes James May's autobiography and biographies of many more descendants of George May and Hannah Hobson.

James May and Martha Allen May and their family in 1899. Run the cursor over the faces for their names. Picture kindly supplied by Frank Reid May

James May and Martha Allen May

Andrew and Laura Summerill May
Picture kindly supplied by Jean M. Morris

George and Martha May
Picture kindly supplied by Jean M. Morris

Frank May
Picture kindly supplied by Jean M. Morris

The Old Rock House, built by James May, near Honeysville, Utah. It is still inhabited by his descendants.
Picture kindly supplied by Frank Reid May

Use your browser's 'Back' button to return to 'The May Tragedy'

For my known May ancestors, visit my Family History http://homepage.ntlworld.com/john.boon/Index.html

The May party
who left England
in 1852

George May born 1809
Hannah May born 1809
Elizabeth May born 1830
James May born 1832
Harriet May born 1838
Thomas May born 1840
Richard May born 1843
William May born 1846
Emily May born 1850

Henry Ballard born 1832

This narrative gives only the known experiences of the May family, together with brief details of the conditions they are likely to have experienced on their journey. There are many more detailed accounts of such journeys, and these can be accessed through the 'Sources' button on the left.

James May's tombstone in the cemetery at Call's Fort, Utah. The land for this cemetery was given to the community by James May.

In the 1860 census James and Martha May were living in Bountiful, Utah. James is described as a farm labourer. His Real Estate is valued at $100 and his personal estate at $130.

This web site is a work in progress which I have put 'on-the-air' in the hope of making contact with those who know more than I about the subject.

I will be adding to the narrative and the data as I learn more.

There are many links to external web sites on these pages, and I check from time to time that the links still work. I endeavor to find a new address for any link which ceases to work or to delete the link if the site has been removed from the internet.

The following message comes from
Mark B. Smith
of Oakley, CA.

I'd like to thank the May Family in behalf of my family for the help they gave us. We are a little slow expressing our gratitude, and for that, I apologize. I guess 144 years late is better than never!

In August of 1862, our family, the Smiths, were traveling west on the Oregon Trail. According to their log, and other accounts, they were attacked by Indians in Idaho, near the Raft River.

Several members of the train were killed. My great aunt, a child, was severely wounded, and died six days later. My great great grandfather, and my great grandfather were also wounded.

Without wagons or supplies, they walked south, enduring many hardships. ...Now you can pick up the story by reading James May and Martha Allen May's autobiography, also "James May's Story" in volume #12 of "Heartthrobs of the West" complied by Kate B. Carter, Daughters of the Utah Pioneers. ....(My words)

Two men from the wagon train stumbled on the May's cabin. The Mays hitched up their wagon, and gathered up the scattered remnants of the train, including the Smiths, providing food, and aid. ...The last sentence ends with "and that was the last we ever heard of them.," Well, we'd like to correct that now, and say "Thanks"!!

Also refer to chapters 1 through 3 in the Placerville, Ca. Chamber of Commerce's book "I Remember"..Stories and pictures of El Dorado County Pioneer Families. This gives a vivid account of the two attacks on the wagon train, and the events that followed.

If you would like to contact Mark Smith please let me know and I will send you his email address.