Ellerbeck Mansion History
Fervent Faith in the middle of the Wild West
Ellerbeck Mansion was built in 1892 as a home for the third wife of Thomas Ellerbeck, Henrietta Dyer, and their children.
Thomas W. Ellerbeck, born in England, was converted by missionaries to join the Mormon religion as a young man. Heeding the call to "Come to Zion," Ellerbeck traveled across the ocean and the western plains to Salt Lake City, where the early Saints had settled.
Because of his skill as an accountant, he made himself indispensable to the governor of the territory and prophet, Brigham Young. He became a prominent influence in government, was instrumental in bringing public utilities to the city, and started successful lumbar, gardening and gas businesses.
Ellerbeck was a polygamist, married to four women, though not all at once. His first wife died young and his second marriage ended quickly in divorce. Henrietta Dyer and Ellerbeck were married in 1863 and he took another wife a year later. He was the father of 22 children, 7 of which were with Henrietta.
After growing frustrated with the nature of her marriage, Henrietta filled for divorce, citing "neglect." When Ellerbeck failed to appear at court, she was granted her wish. She lived at the home until 1903, when Ellerbeck dissolved his estate and sold the mansion to an associate, the Armstrongs. Ellerbeck died in 1905, Henrietta in 1915.
The story continues…
The history of the Mormon Pioneers traveling across the West to establish “Zion” in Utah territory, are incredibly interesting and complicated. Kara & Tyler Alden both have Utah pioneer ancestry and, since taking ownership of Ellerbeck B&B in 2020, have committed to telling the story of Utah Territory during the turn of the century. Wirth collections of pioneer furniture and books, and art pieces from the late 1800s - we know you’ll enjoy stepping back into this time of fervent faith in the middle of the Wild West.