Historical Society hosts field trip to site of Toquerville murders

L-R Theresa Fryer and Richard Fryer. Richard Fyer murdered his wife Theresa and their infant son Moses (not pictured) during a fit of rage in Toquerville, Utah, circa 1875 | Photo courtesy of the St. George Historical Society, St. George News

TOQUERVILLE – The Washington County Historical Society is sponsoring a field trip to Toquerville Saturday. They will visit the site of some of the first murders in Washington County.

The killings occurred on March 16, 1875, when Richard Fryer, in a fit of rage, killed his neighbor and then his own wife, Theresa, and their baby son, Moses. Later in the day, Fryer was killed in a shootout with the sheriff.

Richard Fryer, in a fit of rage killed his wife and son and was later killed by the sheriff in Touquerville, Utah, circa 1875 | Photo courtesy of the St. George Historical Society, St. George News
Richard Fryer, in a fit of rage killed his wife and son and was later killed by the sheriff in Touquerville, Utah, circa 1875 | Photo courtesy of the St. George Historical Society, St. George News

Richard Fryer was a founding pioneer of Toquerville and a well-loved musician and teacher. His descent into mental instability had been noted by his family, but their appeals for help did not bring action in time to avert the tragedy.

Members of the public are invited to join the Historical Society for this field trip. There is no charge. Participants will visit the site of the murders and learn more about the event. They will also visit other historical sites in Toquerville.

Those wishing to join in this outing should meet in the parking lot of the Bureau of Land Management St. George Field Office, 345 E. Riverside Drive in St. George at 9 a.m. Alternatively, participants may meet at 9:30 a.m. in the parking lot of the chapel of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Toquerville, 63 N. Toquerville Blvd.

The Washington County Historical Society sponsors a monthly field trip from September to May. Usually the outings are open to the public.

Information about the field trips and other activities of the Society is available at wchsutah.org under “Calendar.” This site is a rich source of historical information about Washington County.

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Event details

  • What: St. George Historical Society Field Trip
  • When: Saturday, Sept. 19, 9 a.m.
  • Where: Meet at the BLM St. George Field Office, 345 E. Riverside Drive, St. George at 9 a.m. or The LDS chapel in Toquerville, 63 N. Toquerville Blvd.
  • Cost: Free
  • Resources: St. George Historical Society | Website

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