A detailed chronology of the Tidwell family alongside historical events, compiled by Richard Tidwell. This record traces the lineage of Absalom Tidwell from 1792 forward, set against the backdrop of early Latter-day Saint history.
The Tidwell chronology presented here represents a labor of love, carefully assembled by Richard Tidwell to bridge the gap between family memory and documented history. By placing the lives of Absalom Tidwell and his descendants within the broader sweep of early Latter-day Saint history, this record offers readers a richer understanding of how one family navigated the challenges and triumphs of their era. The timeline format allows researchers and descendants alike to see at a glance how personal milestones—births, marriages, moves, and losses—intertwined with the larger movements of their community and faith.
For those exploring their own family connections, this chronology serves as both a reference tool and an invitation to dig deeper. Each entry, while concise, points toward stories that could fill volumes—the sacrifices of migration, the resilience of frontier living, and the quiet faithfulness that sustained generations. The Hackworth family website has long been a gathering place for shared histories and exchanged stories, and this Tidwell record continues that tradition by offering a structured foundation upon which relatives can build, correct, and expand their own narratives.
The inclusion of historical context alongside family dates is what sets this chronology apart from a simple list of names and dates. Understanding that a particular birth or wedding occurred against the backdrop of significant church and national events helps readers appreciate the circumstances that shaped their ancestors' decisions. It humanizes the past, reminding us that these were real people making real choices under real pressures, and it encourages a deeper empathy for the paths they chose and the legacies they left behind.
Visitors to this page are encouraged to treat the chronology as a starting point rather than a finished product. Family histories are living documents, and corrections, additions, and personal recollections from relatives are always welcome additions to the record. Whether you are a seasoned genealogist or someone just beginning to trace your roots, the Tidwell chronology offers a meaningful entry into a shared past, and the broader Hackworth site provides a warm, ongoing exchange of poems, prose, and family stories for those who wish to participate.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 1792 — March 8 | Birth of Absalom Tidwell in Tennessee or Kentucky. |
| 1803 — January 20 | Birth of Elizabeth McBride in Kentucky. |
| 1804 — January 13 | Birth of Amy Kirby in Burbage, Leicester, England. |
| 1805 — December 23 | Birth of the Prophet Joseph Smith in Sharon, Windsor County, Vermont. |
| 1817 — August 7 | Absalom's older brother, Roland Tidwell, married Betsy Cox in Randolph County (license dated July 28, 1817). |
| 1820 — Spring | Joseph Smith's First Vision, beginning the restoration of the Church. |
| 1822 — October 10 | Marriage of Absalom Tidwell. |
Compiled by Richard Tidwell. The chronology interweaves Tidwell family milestones with significant events in early Latter-day Saint history.
This chronology places the Tidwell family story within the broader context of 19th-century religious history. Absalom Tidwell, born in 1792, lived through the formative years of the Latter-day Saint movement. His descendants — including Peter Tidwell, Royal Tidwell, and Evaleo Brighton — are documented across the Tidwell family records and pedigree charts.
For a broader overview of the family across generations, see the Tidwell Time Line. Pedigree charts and family photographs are also available through the Family Histories section.