JOURNAL OF CHARLES HENRY JOHN WEST
Commenced in London, England
This journal is written in a gilt-edged, green leather volume, three and one-half by six inches long. Imprinted on the cover is a symbol of the Royal Crown of England. It is in the possession of Agness A. West, grand-daughter of Charles H. J. West, who is the secretary, treasurer of the John West Family Organization.
Inscribed on the fly-leaf of the journal in pencil is the following:
Found in my mother's (Annie West Neville) personal effects at the time of her death, July 13, 1930, at Byron, Wyoming.
(Signed) Joseph William Neville
Turned over to Agness A. West, my cousin June 19, 1931.
(Signed) Joseph W. Neville
This Small volume is well preserved, except for being well worn on the edges and binding. It contains 113 pages of small legible writing in black ink, except for the last 12 pages written in a fading ink. It covers the life of the author from birth, January 1833 in London, until his Golden Wedding Anniversary in Salt Lake City, December 25, 1900. It is a precious volume being carried across the ocean and plains. Agness has held this book in her possession as a sacred trust, debating whether to correct or rewrite it.
We have tried to put into these eighteen type-written pages, the exact duplicate of Grandfather's Diary, not changing the spelling or uniqueness of his construction as to phrasing or sentence structure, fearing lest we did, that some of the valuable interpretation we found between the difference of a punctuation mark, might be lost to you, the reader.
Because of the author's small writing and in the interest of time, it has been necessary to read this diary to a stenographer, then to re-read it again for correction. If errors have crept in it is because of modern speed.
Read this volume reverently, with a prayerful heart, as the author's nature would have you do. It contains the life history of a noble man, a scholar and a pioneer, any one of which held a sacred trust. The author's acceptance of life and living, hope and faith, and trust in the Latter-Day Saints way of life and in a personal God who answers prayer, in his testimony to his family.
You who are yet alive and knew the author have a sacred obligation as you put these pages in your Genealogical Record Book. Complete the author's history as you knew him, add to your book the incidents of his life which strengthened your testimony by knowing the worth of such a stalwart soul. Pass on this history to your children.
Agness A. West
Myrtle I. West Bitter
E. Ruth West Sorensen
Grand-daughters of author and daughters of Jabez W. West.
Originally printed July, 1951
Myrtle West Bitter
717 Elizabeth St.
Salt Lake City, Utah
JOURNAL OF CHARLES HENRY JOHN WEST
( Commenced in London, England)
Charles Henry John West was born in Old Street St. Lukes London Town Middlesex County England on the twelth day of January 1833. And was the third son of John and Lydia Johnson West. John West my father was a native of Middlesex County England and was born the 12 day of June 1799. My mother was a native of Middlesex County England and was born the 15th day of February 1803. In giving an account of my parents I am at a lost to know of what origin I am. From the motto of the crest of my name, I am of an opinion that I am of American descent (h)as Delaware is an American State. Delaware was named in honor of Thomas West, Lord De-la-warre, Govenor of Virginia 1610. The estate La-warre Warwick, was in Gloucestershire, England. But from what I know from my parents I am of English descent. My Father was a Vellum Binder and lived in London. My Great Grandfather John F. West born in London Middlesex County England don't know time of birth. My grandfather, Charles West, born about 1774 London Middlesex County England, his wife Elizabeth born about 1770. They had two sons and one daughter, Charles, John and Maria all of London Middlesex County England. My mother Lydia Johnson was the 5th or 6th child of (first name don't know) Johnson and Martha Hairs. They had six children Richard, Martha, Sarah, Elizabeth, Mary Ann and Lydia, all born in London. I learn from my parents that my Grand-father Charles West lost his life while glazing in an upper story house, fell from the window, his attention being attracted by something going on in the street. My father met with my mother a Silk Weaver and they were married after the ceremony of the English Church at St. Mathews Bethnell Green on the 25th day of April 1823. Their issue were eight children five sons and three daughters. The sons were called John Francis, John, Charles Henry John, Benjamin and William. The daughters were called Lydia, Elizabeth and Maria. My brother John Francis died when young 20 1828. Nothing very remarkable took place in my youthfull days, suffice it to say I continued at home with my parents following the occupation of Stationer with my father until I was sixteen years of age. About this time I began to think of an existance in another state. I began to have a religeous frame of mind, being brought up in a church Sunday School I thought most of that faith. My parents belonging to the sect called "Independance". My eldest brother John being a Latter-day Saint and my sister Lydia a Baptist. I knew not which was right. By the help of God I was determined to find out. I several times with my companion went to hear the Latter-day Saints at Theobalds Road Branch. More for curuosity than to find out the truth. After hearing what was said, I had no fault to find with them. At this period I was keeping company with a young woman Eliza Dangerfield the third daughter of Thomas and Caroline Dangerfield a leather cutter her father a deacon of a Baptist Church. One day while we were visiting the house of my cousin John Hyde who was a Elder of the Latter day saints. We were invited to attend again the church and read their works, We felt it a duty to be baptized for the remission of our sins, accordingly we were baptized on the 16th day of October 1849 in the Pentonville Baths, Islington by Elder John Hyde Sr. and confirmed the following Sunday, Elder John Hyde confirmed Eliza Dangerfield and Elder Orson Pratt an apostle myself. I continued in the church and rejoiced in the signs following. I felt I had become a member of the church and Kingdom of God and that I was not to be idle but was to be up and doing. On friday evening the first day of December 1850, we had a good meeting. Elder Wallace from Utah or Zion being present spoke upon the subject of young men going out to preach, towards the close of his remarks he asked wether there were any young men who would offer their services, upon so glorious an undertaking. Elder John Hyde who was president of the meeting pointed out my brother John and myself as suitable, we were asked our feeling about it, said we felt weak but had no objection to go.
The same evening I was called and ordained by Brother Wallace to the office of an Elder. To leave home and go out preaching I was promised that if I kept faithful to my calling I should be of great use in my generation and should be gathered home to Zion. Elder Eli B. Kelsey who was president of the London Conference told my Brother John and myself to labor in the Bedfordshire Conference under the presidency of Elder Squires. My parents who had joined the church was quite willing to our going. They done their best to help us out. My youngwoman's parents had no objections to my going although her Father was a member of another church (the Baptist). They thought it adviseable for me to first get married as that would bind us together, accordingly on the 25th day of December 1850, we were married at St. Andrews Church Holborn by the rector Mr. I. I. Ivogood. My wife Eliza was the third daughter of Thomas and Caroline Dangerfield born 7th day of September 1832 in cottage lane St. Lukes Parish. We introduced the gospel to the Dangerfield family, a few of the family after hearing and proving for themselves they felt convinced of the truth of the work. They were accordingly baptized for the remission of their sins, although the mother had been a member of the Baptist Church thirty years, she knew that her sins were not remited. I felt glad that so many of the family ( in all five) had joined the church. About this time a portion of the Saints at Theobalds Road Branch was removed to Goswell Road Branch 23 Ratcliff Terrace, that hall being taken for the Islington portion of the Saints, about the 28th day of December 1850. My brother John and myself started on our mission from the Euston Road Station to Bedford, we arrived the same day, the weather being very cold. We went direct to the house of Elder Squires and was well received by the Saints in Bedford. I shall never forget my feeling, when arriving here 62 miles away from home. I had never before been one night away from home. I was there to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ, had never stood up before a number of people to speak. I felt determined by the assistance of God to do the best I could. On the Sunday following I spoke before the Bedford Saints a short time about 10 minutes. I bore my testimony to the truth of the latter day work, In the evening I went to the house of one of the Saints and had some singing. I found the Saints on hand to assist me. I visited Eversholt in Woburn, went through Woburn Park (the seat of the Duke of Bedford). It's a beautiful park although it was the month of December it looked like spring all along the road the trees being evergreen. When going through the park a gentleman on horse-back stopped us an offered us money. We supposed that the Lord had put it in his heart to do so. I stopped at a house in Eversholt, was well received by the Saints who lived there. They had to entertain us on the quiet as the place was Priest-ridden. If it was known that they harbored any Mormon Elders they would be discharged from the Dukes services. After stopping there two or three days we walked to Bedford a distance of 11 miles. We saw Brother Job Smith. I asked President Squires permission to labour in Stoney Stratford as my wife's brothers wife had friends there. Accordingly we went and stayed at Mr. Stephen Brown my wife's Brother's wife's Father and Mother. We were well received there by them. They had no accomodations for sleeping. So we slept in the town. We went to Densaryer Branch 3 miles from Stoney Stratford across 3 fields it being night time. I was very much startled (being dark) by a man saying good night. I had a lettter from my wife telling me that her father had sent me by Express an overcoat as a present for he thought I must be very cold. In walking I found the roads somewhat different from London, on a wet day it was all one's work to walk, the mud being ankle deep. When visiting some of the villages round about I felt myself very backward in visiting the people, not having had been so for some years. He was the only preacher in that village. After reading and talking some time he said his religion was better than mine and said that we would come with a different tale this day seven years. We went to Wolverhampton did not visit anyone their, we tryed to get into peoples houses to talk. Also went to Buckingham and Leyhtons Buzzard. At Fenny Stratford we visited the homes of three of the Saints, had a meeting in the evening and elderly Elder spoke after meeting. We went to the house of Sister James a nurse by occupation. We slept that night at her house. She was very kind, she gave up her own bed to us, and kept up herself, which we did not know of till the next day. On our journey one day being my birthday 12th of January I wrote home that I had a hot dinner that day. Some of the Saints had given us bread and lard and I found a few onions in the field. After doing the best we could under the existing circumstances, and not seeming to be doing much good, we concluded to write our President our intention of returning home after being away from home three weeks. We returned home and reported ourselves to the President of the London Conferance. Told him that I did not feel competent to the task of a Preacher and teacher. We were received well by them at Jewin Street, was invited to supper at table was present Elder Orson Pratt of the twelve apostles. I shall never forget my feelings, being there in the presence of an apostle. I felt I had not done my duty, first of all getting married before starting on my mission and secondly not relying more on the arm of God. If I could crawl in a nut shell then I would gladly done it. I was spoken to by them very kindly. I went home and began looking after a situation. I went out in the morning seeking employment, in the afternoon and evening helped my wife at Fancy Box making. After a few weeks I was enabled to get employment at William Cooper and Co. 85 West St. West Smithfield (Stationers). I went to work on the Monday of the 16th day of February 1851, following the occupation of cutter and folder of Paper for note and letter paper, went on peace work, had 2 shillings for thirty reams of folio, cut into quarto and two shillings for twenty reams cut into octavo, put up in six sheets. After working very hard all the week, I was enabled to earn fifteen to seventeen shillings. I continued at this work for eight or nine months when my employer called me into his office and told me his head warehouseman was about leaving and wanted that I should take his place as Warehouseman at fifteen shilling a week. When I had done my own work I assisted my father-in-law at leather boot lace making. My part of the work was rolling laces making them round. I made at that work a few shillings every week, my wife doing all she could at home making things comfortable and also working at her trade box making. Taking all things together we were truly blessed by the Lord. On Sunday I attended our place of meeting 23 Ratliff Terrace under the presidency of Elder Cook of Jewin Street. On account of not continueiing my mission, I with my brother John, was suspended from our office for a short time. After a while by my good conduct I regained my former position as Elder. I continued at my employment and attended to my duties, and felt while doing so the Lord was blessing me all the time. On the 5th day of December 1851 at 5 o'clock A.M. my wife was delivered a fine girl by Mrs. Greenaway midwife at No. 15 Buxton Street, Clerkenwell Parish, London England. The mother and child doing well and receiving great kindness and attention from her Mother Caroline Dangerfield. We had the child blessed in the Goswell Road Branch, London on Sunday Dec. 21, 1851, by Elder Jacob Gates from the Valley America, her name being called Caroline Eliza West. She was promised that in her young days, she would be gathered to Zion and be a mother in Israel. Nothing particular took place from this time. (still work for William Cooper, and attending to church duties Sunday) until October 16th, 1853, when my wife gave birth to a son at 20 Foroters Street Honter Parish of Shoreditch by Mrs. Thompson midwife, at 11 o'clock P.M. We had him blessed in the Goswell Road Branch, London, Sunday Nov. 8, 1853, by Elder Mc Caughie, his name being called Thomas Charles West. I still worked for William Coopers with an advance of salary, Aug. 20, 1854 I baptized Mary Ann Eagle in the Cumberland St. Baths. This year 1854 on the 4th of February my father died and was buried in Illford Cemetry a good father and true Laterday Saint. I continued doing all I could to promote and build up the Kingdom in outdoor preaching and singing. Also acting as Sunday school teacher, sometimes delivering tracts, paying tithing and other calls.
If I donated any amount made of me, the Lord always opened up the way so that I never felt the loss but gained a blessing. On the 1st day of May 1856 we had another daughter born to us at 1/2 past 11 o'clock P.M. at No. 6 Kepple Row Stoke Newington, Parish of Hornsey. She was blessed in the Goswell Road Branch her name being called, Ann Lydia West. I continued working at William Cooper and Co. I recieved two shillings more per week making in all twenty two shillings per week. It seemed that the Lord put it in the hear of my employer to raise my wages about the time we needed it, done without the asking.
On the 22 day of May 1858, we had another son born to us, at 20 minutes to seven A.M. at No. 2 Brewer St. Parish of Clerkenwell, London, was in the Goswell Road Branch soon after but forgot the date, his name being called Jabez William West. While yet a baby in arms, a sister, a young woman living out, after meeting was dismissed, took the baby and fell with him over an as so he was badly hurt. We took him to the first doctor we came to when going home. He said that it was not serious, the baby still crying and in pain for two or three days. I had his mother take him to Bartholemews hospital. They examined his arm and said it was broke and commenced to set. They had to break it again and put in splints. He soon got over it.
On the 11th day of May 1860 we had another daughter born to us, at 1/2 past 2 o'clock P.M. at 6 Ellington Place, Liverpool Road, Islington. She was blessed in the Goswell Road Branch her name being called Mary Ann Young West, her initials forming May. It was so arranged because we had three children born to us, one after the other in the month of May, and was to be called May.
I continued working for William Cooper and Co. and received an advance of salary. On the 6th day of April 1862 being Conferance I attended meeting at St. George's in the Borough, when I got home to my surprise my wife had another daughter, born to us at 1/2 past 8 o'clock P.M. at No. 9 Rahere St. Goswell Road St. Lukes Parish. Soon after she was blessed in the Goswell Road Branch her name being called Eliza Alice West. At this time the Crystal Palace was opened and when her mother felt well enough we went to see this beautifull Palace. It was a Glass structure. A man of the name of Blondin gave a performance on the tightrope. He not only walked on the rope but wheeled a barrow over it and walked over blind folded.
About this time we had some of the American brethren visit us, their names John Brown and Gleason. We felt glad to entertain them and hear them talk. The subject of emigration was spoken upon, which then was always uppermost in our minds. I was saying that we had children faster than we could get means for our emigration. We had been trying since 1853 to save means, but up to that time had only a little over 13 pounds in the fund. We thought it would be some time before our way would be open to emigrate. Brother Brown wanted to know how we would feel, whether we felt like sending two of our children away to the mountains that spring. He said he would not tell us to do so, but if they were his children he would. After thinking it over, we found out a Brother and Sister King of the Holloway Branch (of which we were a member) who were going. They had no family, and they agreed to take charge of two of our daughters, Caroline Eliza and Ann Lydia, their ages being ten and six years old, said they would do so well with them as if they were their own.
In the spring of 1862 they left the Eustin Square Railroad for Liverpool to embark on board the ship, "Tapstock". We had full faith that they would arrive safe to their destination, nothing doubting. But the feelings of anguish, (when our children bid us goodbye, as the train went out, they waving their kerchiefs.) It was more than toungue could describe. We put our full trust in God and the feeling soon left us. We heard that they arrived safe in New York, all well. Next day took cars and other conveyance and booked all the way to the Frontiers. At St. Florence found there the brethren with teams oxen and wagons to take the saints over the plains. They soon started for the plains.
Brother King and our daughters arrived safe in Salt Lake during the journey Mr. King lost his wife and mother and had to bury them on the open prairie, but to his credit he done the best he could for our children, God bless him. His wife and mother could not stand the fatigue of the journey. While in Salt Lake Brother King took our daughters to Bishop Hunter and he said fine girls, fine girls. He having a large family of his own could not take them. Brother King took our children to Provo and they were left with Brother and Sister Mills, who was Bishop of Provo, he having no children of his own. He was kind to them, and treated them good. After hearing of their safe arrival we felt to thank God for it and we then strove with all our might and strength to get means and try to go after them the next season. They being there acted as a lodestone drawing us there. At the time our children left we incurred a debt of 5 pounds, so that they should have a good outfit.
We took the council of the brethren to live within our means, we did so. We found that with a fixed determination to get out to Zion, that the Lord was good to his word "He would help them that helped themselves." We found by studying economy and using wisdom in what means we had coming in every week, that we not only cleared the debt but was enabled to get means enough to take ourselves and four of our children the following year as far Florence, Nebraska. The names of our children being Thomas, Jabez, Mary Ann, and Eliza, who was our baby. We also had the charge of two belonging to the Saints, one of the children named Samuel Bezzant who were to leave at Battle Creek with his grandfather. The other was a young woman by the name of Mary Powell, whose father my parents adopted when a boy. He was found in an empty house that my parents had rented, was to be left at Salt Lake.
Before leaving England my employer Mr. Thomas Cooper was sorry to have me leave his firm, I gave him notice of my going away, he gave me every inducement to stay, said that I could have my place in his establishment as long as I live. He did not see why I had to leave. I told him that being a Mormon or a Latter Day Saint, that when we had a chance to go to a place that we called Zion in America that it was our duty to go, I thanked him for his kindness to me while in his employ. He seeing I was determined to leave, he made me a present of 30 shilling for good conduct which I was thankful for. When my wife went to the Latter Day Saint office to pay the balance of our emigration money, Brother Stains who was the emigration agent for the church, he told another brother that was present that she was the Sister who had sent two of her young daughters away to Zion a year before. Brother Stains blessed her and all of our family and said that we would get there safe and not one of us should die on the way (which promise was fulfilled to the letter).
One week before leaving England with my family we visited some of the principle places there. One place called Kew Gardens, the London docks, the Thames tunnel, also the Monument and other places. Although living in London so many years, I was not able to get out much to see what there was in London, so we enjoyed that week's visit.
We left the London docks on board the ship, "Amazon" first day of June 1863. Very near 1000 souls on board. My wife's mother and sisters, Mary Ann and Martha and Maria Dangerfield, wife of Charles Dangerfield, my wife's brother, came on board. They took tea with us. My wife's father sent a half crown, two shilling and six pence, by his wife for us. My mother felt very bad at us going away, at the same time knew we were doing our duty. We took on board a number of Welch brethren who were going, (they composed a brass band so we had some music on the start. Brother George Q. Cannon he spoke on the ship to the Saints and blessed us, so we had a good time in leaving London. We were piloted up the Thames River until we got to the open sea. After leaving the White Cliffs of Dover and getting into the English Channel, we began to get a little sea-sick. The Saints on board were divided up into wards, and had our weekly meetings, plenty of singing going on, and great rejoicing to know that we were leaving Babylon and going to Zion, which we had been looking forward to so long.
I had to take my turn at nights as guard, during our journey we had nothing but head and contrary winds all the way across the Atlantic Ocean. One night in particular there was a stormy sea. We lost some of our sail, the wind being so strong. I was on guard that night, when the sail came down; it made things lively, the sailors had everything they could do, to get it out of way, I had to hold on to the sails of the companion way, take it all together we had a pleasant journey together over the ocean. I was sea sick two days, but my wife she was prostrate with the sickness a long while, but when we got over it was as hungry as wolves. It was quite laughable to see the tin ware being thrown around through the ship tossing about. The ship doctor ordered my wife to have some pale ale to give her strength, being very low, which done her good. I had quite a scramble to get my food cooked for the family, some days when it was calm we had a good time, take it all together we had a good and safe journey over the ocean. We were on the sea 42 days. We arrived at Castle Gardens the fifth day of July, ( a large place built on purpose to receive emigrants). We stopped there one night and had to sleep on the stairs and make the best of it. Next morning took steam barge with our luggage and then went to the pier landing for the Hudson Railroad. We then traveled by cars day and night for seven days. We had to stay over at Chicago, one day being Sunday all of the stores were closed, so could not get any food, we had some not much. On account of the Civil War going on we had to rough it, while traveling part of the time was all crowded in sheep cars, they said they were afraid of their good cars being burned up by the Confederates. It was bad on account of the children, and could not leave the cars to get provisions, sometimes we were fortunate enough to get some. The Saints were scared of being left behind. We took steamer up the Missouri River as far as St. Joseph. It was a flat boat and we were very much crowded, we were thankful when we got to Florence and met the brethren there. We stayed at Florence a few days before starting for the plains. We were 10 weeks on the plains and arrived in Salt Lake City the 4th day of October 1863, just in time for Conference. In giving a description of our journey across the plains I must trust to memory as I was not in a position to take notes. The brethren from Salt Lake were there at Florence to take charge of them, they had been there some time waiting, they had brought from the valley a goodly number of wagons loaded down with Dixie cotton. After getting their cotton disposed of they had then to fix up for the Saints, besides merchandise, there were in all about 60 wagons in our company and so many Saints and their families allowed to each wagon with their luggage and provisions, with a captain over all. When all was in readiness some of the young men, being appointed teamsters, we had three or four yoke of oxen to each wagon. We started for a thousand mile trip, all able-bodied men and women and young women and children that could walk, had to do so. The first day to me the walking behind the slow gait of the oxen was fun. When we got to a place where there was good grass for the cattle we could stop and cook our dinner or supper as the case may be. My wife not being used to the way of mixing our flour for bread got to much salaratus in, so we had some nice looking yellow bread for buskits, one of the boys told my wife what proportion to put in, so afterwards we had some good bread. Our captain looked after the teamsters and saw that they (the oxen) all done their duty in pulling. He had a long black snake whip, when that came down on the cattle they had to get. In the evening we camped they would form a circle with the wagons, and had night herders to watch the cattle. We then had to build our fires of any dry sticks we could find near the water's edge. If we had to camp where there was no wood, we would on our journey pick up and carry Buffalo Chips and make a fire with that. It was the dry dung of oxen.
Before going to bed a few would gather together in the dance, but we always had prayers each evening. Sometimes we would come across some greens good for food, my wife would make many a good meal so we faired very well. We had made up our minds to enjoy the trip without grumbling and found it the best way, we had a few grumblers in the camp. We had to wade up to our breasts some rivers we had to go through, if the current was very strong we would hold hands. I would sometimes have our clothes dry on so we would not take cold. We would average in traveling 20 to 30 miles each day. Sometimes we had travel by night in order to get to good camping ground. One day towards evening our Captain told us to prepare for a big wind storm, had all the fires put out and the wagons all in a circle, the wheels of each wagon fastened together with heavy log chains, and the cattle all inside of the inclosure. We had barely got ready when the storm came, such a piercing and stormy wind, that it seemed to allmost take our breath away. We had to hold on to the wagons less we be blown away. After it was over I don't think there was one wagon cover left all had been blown to pieces. Our little daughter, Mary Ann Young, she was sick more or less while crossing the plains, her appetite failing her, I thought I would go to the river side-being near one) and get a fish. I know it would do her good. The river being very low and leaving small puddles of water I would try and chase the fish by my hands into shallow water, so catch one. I did not exceed in getting any. I then and there prayed to God that I might get some if it was only one. I was about leaving to catch up to the train, when a man came along with a string of fish and offered me one, my prayers being answered, I went along rejoicing. Our son Jabez William he got hurt through being run over by one of the wagons, and was badly hurt. I did not know whether it was broke or not it swelled up to a great size. I was recommended by one of the teamsters to catch the drippings of the oxen and apply it as a poultice. I done so several times, and the swelling went down and he soon got the use of his leg again.
We continued our journey day after day about the same routine, one continous stretch of country no houses to be seen on the journey. We would come across some of our young brethren, who were left to look after the provisions for the Saints, when we got the these different places, they being alone so long, when they saw our train, They would jump for joy and make quite a demonstration with their frying pans clapping them together. After loading up all the previsions they had for the camp, they would turn in and follow. We were in all 10 weeks on the plains, when we arrived at Salt Lake City on the camping grounds in the 8th Ward square. The friends and relations of different ones would come and take them away to their homes.
Brother W. Grimsdell of the 10th Ward being an old acquaintance of ours in London, and related on my brother John's side, he got a wagon and took us with our goods to his house. We stayed with them a few days attended Conference. We then arranged to go to Prove, with the Dixie wagon to see our daughters Caroline and Annie who were staying with Bishop Miller. I left the boy Samuel Bezzant at his grandfather's at Battle Creek. (The wagon going on without me). The grandfather was just killing a sheep, he made me a present of a shoulder of mutton, also some pluck, and I packed it eight miles before I got up to the wagon. The sun being very hot. Our teamster while in Salt Lake Married the young woman we had carge of (Mary Powell). They both went on to Dixie. His Name was Barney. He left us at Bishop Miller's house. We found our two children Caroline and Annie.They were glad to see us, and we them. We felt to thank God for our safe arrival in Zion and meeting again our little ones. We stayed with the Bishop's family few days and made us very welcome. I found Brother King working for Bishop Miller. My wife in London had a dream and saw the children, looking well and the kind of dress they had on also the way they looked when crossing the plains. When we got to the Bishop and, my wife seeing them, she recognized that they had on the same kind of dress that she saw in her dream.
We then took a small room in Provo City, a room belonging to the brother of one of Bishop's wives. My first work was helping to make mollassis, I got my pay in Mollassis, Potatoes, and carrots. Our daughter, Mary A.Y.West who was sick across the plains, she got no better but died October 22, 1863, at about 4 o'clock A.M. Just before her death, she called each one of us by our names, she wanted to get out of bed, being cold, I said you better not. I had her on my arm and she must have passed away. I knew nothing about it until I found her dead on my arm in the morning.
Brother Stains prophecy concerning us was fulfilled, we did not lose one of our family on the journey but did lose one soon after. She was buried next day, Friday, in Provo Cemetery. Brother Miller was very kind, let us have the use of his buggy and had her cared for properly, ourselves being the only mourners, the driver, I think, being the only one present. We returned home feeling very downcast, being so different to any funeral that I had seen before. Of course being newcomers we were not known. We had a few thing to start house keeping, our sea chest for table and a chair, rawhide bottom, our baking kettle and tinware, bedclotdhes we brought with us. We done the best we could, did not feel like murmuring but made the best of what we had and got. Yet our loss of our daughter sent a gloom and seemed more than we could bear. We reflected, what had we done that our child should be took from us, what sin had we committed, while pondering over these things in our mind a tall gentlemen came in without knocking, he sat down on the only chair we had, and commenced conversing with us. In his conversation he seemed to know our history. He comforted us in our trouble and blessed us, was with us for 1/2 an hour or 3/4. During that time we both felt a heavenly ingluence, and all our troubles ceased and we felt very happy. When he left he stepped backwards toward the door opened it and went out, I followed directly after, but could see nothing of him. He was a very tall man clothed in homespun, dark suit, was very gray, and his beard came down to his chest. Next day I went to Bishop Miller to thank him for his kindness in helping us to put away our dead, also thank him for sending us a teacher, we thought a very good man. I described to him the teacher (as I thought) giving him full particulars, he said, "Brother West, we have no such teacher as you describe. You have been blessed with the visitation of one of the Nephites, that was to remain on the earth."
I worked some in the tithing yard getting out dirt, in a wheelbarrow, I felt very clumsy, some of the passersby would laugh, coming down the plank I would shove the barrow before me instead of going between their handles and letting the barrow follow. I told one man to show me his way if he had a better one. I helped Brother Miller in his field binding wheat. The winter coming on and not seeing my way clear to provide, I asked the Bishop for work, he said, "You and your family had better turn out and glean wheat." We could glean in his field, and others, we took his advice and went out all hands wife and all, and gleaned and packed home our heads of wheat, when we finished and got it thrashed we had 21 1/2 bushels. That winter the flour went up very, I think, up $25 for cwt., we had plenty and to spare. An old friend of ours, that we knew in London, (he lived in our house in Holloway). He wrote us and wanted us to go and live in Provo Valley where his wife was teaching school, he thought we could do better there. We found a man that was going there with his team. Not having much of a load he agreed to take us. We had to spend one night in the canyon, it was very cold, in the morning when we awoke, a wolf was standing near the door, which scared us. We got into Provo Valley all right, and found our old friend, Brother Clark, we had our things put in his house. I omitted to say that before leaving for Provo my wife went to Salt Lake to see her brother Jabez who had been to California, also an old friend of London by the name of David Leaker and wife, Ann, who were living in the 11th Ward. While there she got some temple clothes for herself and me. I started from Provo on foot for Salt Lake, a distance of 50 miles, got in the same day very tired. A few days after we went to the Endowment House, 23rd day of March, 1804, and was married and sealed together for time and eternity. We felt fully paid for our journey and few trials we had passed through. Our previous marriage being not legal, being performed by a man only according to law. While at Provo we had a severe sickness in our family. I had my wife and daughter and Caroline both down with fever. Brother and Sister George Bean was very kind to us during that time. One time in Provo we had come down to our last flour, did not know where the next was coming from, in the morning I found a large size loaf of bread on our doosteps. Some of the brethren brought us a large stick of wood to burn, having only a small ax to chop with, it lasted quite a while. While at Provo I came across my old nurse of Bedford, Sister Jane, we visited her and she made us comfortable. She being a poor scribe, I done the corresponding for her folks at her dictation.
My wife kept a small school, and her efforts were much appreciated by the people there. The children were learning very fast, and they wanted her to stay. We were bound to go to Heber City. After our visit to Salt Lake and again returning to Heber City or Provo Valley I worked at anything I could do to get a living, a very poor one at that. We got a cow for my work and the milk was a great help to our living. We parted with our cow, Camp Kettle and the value of a few dollars besides and got a number A step stove, only one length of pipe. I could not get any piping in the valley so I made one of wood lined inside with clay, a little after this my wife brought me another daughter on the 9th day of January, 1866. She was blessed and named Mary Rebecca West. While she was in bed the stove pipe took fire, and had just commenced on the roof, when throught the timely help of Brother Rooker, our neighbor, it was soon put out. I was away at the time it caused a scare, but my wife took no hurt. Soon after the Indians being very troublesome, orders were given for all to live in the Fort. The parties that owned our house came in while my wife and children were away, took possession, and turned some of our things out in the yard. When it was raining a neighbor by the name of James Cole, and old pioneer, whose wife we knew in London, Lucy-- fetched up his team and got our things and took them to his house and he told the people his mind about it. They had a fire in our stove. He turned the fire out and took the stove away with the other things. During this time I was away at Salt Lake trying to procure employment. I was told that Brother Jesse C. Little wanted his farm worked on shares, the land was planted being then well advanced towards summer. I got a yolk of oxen and wagon of my wife's brother Jabez, and another yoke of oxen of Brother Little, and went to Provo Valley for them. When I got there my family and friends had lots to tell me. I thanked Brother Cole and his wife for their great kindness to my family. They had done the best they could for them. I told Brother Cole that I had worked for a set of house- logs of a brother there, I helping as tender on his rock house, told him he could get them soon as he entered his new house, I had also worked in the Canyon cutting poles and had about 500 cut with the help of my son Thomas. I had to leave them partly for want of team and having to leave while cutting the poles, I let the ax slip, and cut a deep gash from the top to the bottom of my second finger of my left hand. I bound it up and went on working, it was quite a time before it healed up. We soon loaded up our teams, and left for Salt Lake, which we were all thankfull for, I had a heifer that I had worked for tied behind the wagon. We got safe to Salt Lake, and glad to get away from Indians, and people like that, although very anxious to have new settlers, did not try to help them settle. We had a good house on the farm to go to and very warm and comfortable. After having our heifer one night in the correll, she got away and could get no tidings of her. That fall we had a good crop of wheat, and after thrashing I got a good share. We were out of meat and we had our wheat cradled, and just previous to thrashing our heifer came back looking well. I got one of the boys to shoot her she just came in good season for meat. On account of high water in the Jordan and also Mill Creek the farm being near the streams, could not put any seed in the following spring. During the winter and spring I would get my wife's brother Jabez team and haul wood from Lamb's Canyon, up at the head of Parley's Canyon, and take it to Camp Douglas east of Salt Lake City. I got some flour and clothes that way. The water being high had spread over the people's farms. One morning in November I wanted to go for a load of wood. I awoke early and found the oxen on a small island, a little distance from the house. I had to strip off my clothes and swim over the creek, and drive the oxen in, to yoke up, it was a cold dose. During the spring I got and sold a few loads of wood. One time after returning from my trip to the canyon, I had left my wagon box near the bridge, when I returned it seemed from the bridge to my house one sheet of water the farms being covered. I had some flour with me and to keep from getting wet I had to tie the wagons to the top of the standard of the wagon and put the flour on the seat board, at that, had to swim the cattle in several places but got home all right, my family very glad to see me as they had run out of flour. We had quite and exciting time. Our daughter Eliza had gone to sleep near the porch and had rolled over under the porch, we made sure she had got into the creek and washed away. I was about getting grappling irons when we discovered her, which caused great joy. From our house my wife had several times to wade through water to go to the City to take to Jesse C. Little their share of butter. My wife had to wash some wool for J. C. Little and take pay in cloth. She had a hard time to get her pay from him, she was determined to have it as she had worked very hard for it, said she would not leave the house without her pay, finally got it with some murmuring, after that made her stay to supper and gave her a glass of wine. Before going further we will have to go back to Provo Valley again. Provo Valley I found quite a settlement of our people, very friendly, had a log meeting house. Brother Murdock, Bishop, and Brother Crook, leader of the choir being fond of singing I joined the choir by doing so made a few friends. I found it a good place for grazeing, but very cold during the winter, made up my mind to settle there. I went to see the land agent to get a city lot. He told, ( after looking over the map ) me of one lot that was vacant but said a year ago, the party wanted him to keep it for him, he had not paid anything to secure it. So took my money for recording and entry, putting my name on the map. I commenced digging out a cellar for a log house when a man came along and told me I was jumping his claim. I told him how matters stood, and I had made an entry and paid for, which he had not, so had a perfect right to it. It soon got over the settlement and to save feelings I was counselled to let it go, which I did, I worked for different parties and got along the best I could just a mere existence. I worked at a lime kiln for a man the name of Clements. We burnt lime with wood about two miles from the settlement. One night while my partner was asleeping in the cabin, I had fired up good and set down with my back to the cabin and dropped off to sleep. I woke all of a sudden and found standing over me a tall Indian in the act of loading his gun, he wanted to sleep in the cabin. I told him he could not, my mate was in there asleep. He seemed put out about something, he told me his squaw had run away and left him, she was a good trader, he wanted to find and shoot her. After a while he went away, had not gone far, when he woke some women up, and made them get up, and cook some buskits, their husbands being away. I learnt this the next morning. I rented a log house of a man that was liveing a little way out of the settlement, and agreed to put up a rock chimney for the rent. My son Thomas and myself quarried rock being very cold and freezing weather. I was doubtfull of its standing after being built. Before leaving home I told the children to keep away, it might fall. When I came home the chimney fell and no one hurt. During the winter I got a yoke of oxen and sleigh and hauled wood on shares load for load, I got the wood from the river bottom the river being frozen over. Returning home with my laod, I dare not ride being so cold, soon as the sun went down, the cold would bring tears on my cheek and freeze. We burnt one load a month.
In 1867 we lived in a house belonging to Brother James Commings on his farm dureing cold weather. We had only willows to burn and not much to eat. I got the willows from the river bottoms. We done the best we could. Some of the teachers came to see us, asked how we were getting along, told them pretty well. I suppose not seeing much around they had sent around some firing wood and some pork which we felt thankful for. The school trustes came to see us and wanted us to teach the school, which embraced 5th and 6th Wards. We consented and part of the time lived in the back part of the school house. We had quite a few scholars my wife teaching the girls and I the boys. We had a few scholars from the 15th Ward. If he (we) had got all of our pay we would have done well. We done well anyhow. We could not get much flour on accoundt of the grasshoppers and the people afraid to part with their flour. We left then that is the house in of the meeting house and lived in adobe house south side of the old fort on the corner. And on the 23rd of February 1868 at 10 minutes to 9 o'clock P.M. we had a son born to us. He was blessed in the 6th Ward and named Charles Jesse West, Jesse being the name of the midwife's husband, Jesse West (no relation) although in conversing with Jesse West he remembered his folks speaking of an accident that happened in their family, one of which fell out of a window while working, that I told him was my grandfather, Charles West. We continued keeping school till April 1868 and then moved up to the 11th Ward Salt Lake City in a house of a Brother, by the name of Vine and joined the 11th Ward. I got me a piece of land 5 rods by 10 off of our Bishop McCrea. I found it no use paying rent, I was to pay the Bishop interest untill I had paid the capital. About this time, I was working for different parties, helping masons and plasterers, digging wells, and other things. About this time the Union Pacific was being built, and 21 of us out of the Ward took a small subcontract off of the company some distance up Echo Canyon. We was to have tools from the company soon as we got there. The tools not haveing arrived the supervisor set us to work clearing oak brush at $2.50 per day I think. We had a fill to make. The material we had to fill in with being hard to pick, we pointed it out to the road superintendent, and after a little trouble gave us more per yard, so we were enabled to do better. After getting through that contract a few of the company could (took) a small subcontract off of John Sharp about 1/2 mile, east of the Long Tunnel. It was a cut and had to be wheeled out with barrows. There were four of us on this. We had a face of earth to pull down, about 22 feet in height, having good hard work did not bother us, got used to it. Not hearing from home I felt uneasy, felt I could not work, so made up my mind to go in. I walked the whole distance. I stopped overnight at Brother Gleason's in Farmington, they asked me how many children we had. I gave him one short of count, thinking it over I thought how foolish, when there was one more. Next day I walked on until I reached the hot springs when I met Brother Willeam Brighton. He told me of the death of my daughter, Mary Rebecca. You could knocked me down with a feather I felt that my limbs was was losing its strength. I arrived home finding it too true. She died Tuesday Dec. 8, 1868 and was buried in Salt Lake Cemetery. I also worked out at the Promontory under Brother Brighton my son Thomas soon following. I worked by the day, my son Thomas was to work on the piece of work. Our work was a fill, picking and wheeling up in barrows, very heavy work, being course gravel. Many a time I could see stars in my eyes, when wheeling up the plank, on account of the strain on the body. My boy Thomas not being able to make wages with this company he put off and got work under John Sharps men, driving mules on a dump cart, not far from where I was working, he had good pay. At one time the Sharp contract had a big blast, 80 kegs of powder let off at one charge, it seemed to lift a large cut to the grade. It kept the men busy for a number of days moving the dirt. At one blast a piece of rock blew up in the air about 60 feet and traveled over a shanty that stood near, alighted on the ground and made a big hole big enough to bury a mule, then jumped out and rolled down hill. About this time I saw Brother Charles Livingston come down with his face black with powder and his arms shattered. I was a rough place near the works. Several men had been shot by roughs that followed the works. I was glad when we got through and paid off. I got on a flat car for home. We had to stop over night for an engine to hitch on. Being in a rough element, we gave all our money to one man and then stood guard over him with our fire arms all that night in turns. We got to Salt Lake all right (NO PLACE LIKE HOME). I worked for President Young quite awhile, doing all manner of chores. Sometimes in the garden and orchard, in the harvest field. While working there I had, with another teamster, to go after bridge timbers for the railroad, President Young having the contract, I went up City Creek Canyon about 7 miles to the mill, got loaded up, and made up my load with inch lumber. Coming down the canyon a voice said to me stop and rebind your load. I said no I will stop when I get up with the other team which was ahead of me. Some of the boards shoved forward and touched the mules and when I wanted to stop I could not, which scared the mules and I found I had a runaway team to handle. I made up my mind to start the mules uphill when I came to a good place and then jump off. It happened fortunate the the mules saw the team ahead of them and slackened their speed. I stopped and rebound my load. That was a lesson to me to give heed to the still small voice. I worked for the President a long time and finally left thinking I could do better. I was receiving $2 a day, but the provisons were very high, $8 per cwt. for flour and rationed at that, one pound per day for each one of the family. What we could save out of that, bought our groceries. Lumber was $8 per 100 ft. and other things in proportion. We were only allowed sugar in case of sickness and a few dollars in money on the 4th and 24th of July being holidays, also Christmas. The street Railroad started and I left the President's and started to work with pick and shovel on Main Street making grade, for ties. I also worked on the road from Desert News office to the depot. I road in the first street car that left the Desert News office, all down grade. President Young was there in his carriage. He jumped aboard the car and ran a race with his carriage. I also worked on the Tabernacle and Assembly Hall. I worked out $50 on my emigration account across the plains. ( In the Endowment House of February 8, 1869, Caroline E. West was married to Thomas H. Wright of the 11th Ward.)
The time I was working on the St. R. R'd., a brother by the name of Bulto said he was in summer an adobe maker. I agreed with hime to make me 11,000 adobe or enough for a two room house. I had bought a old long house for which I paid $50 and had it removed to my lot and then put it up, with mud roof. It leaked so bad and being very low I raised it two logs high, and put on a better roof. I commenced digging out foundation for a two-roomed house, and having nothing else to do my son Thomas and myself went to the foot of the 10th Ward bench, with a shovel and a pick and an old ax, to trim the rocks, that we found there, in the soil. We got out about a cord and a half of rock for the foundation. I soon got work and had them hauled down to the lot. I continued work and was able to pay for the adobes, and some more rock also for hauling. When not working out I put my time in setting out fruit treet and bushes. I needed some clay and sand for inside work. I made a hole in the lot and after moving the top soil I found some clay and going down deeper I found some sand, having such good luck I went still deeper and at 30 feet I found a spring of water. A Brother Swain a rock layer and mason agreed to put up my house. He put it up in a big hurry and before he got the building 6 feet high, the back part was l inch out of plum. I told him about it, he got mad and took his tools away. I got another mason and finished the house and made a good job of it. I got lumber together. At this time my son Thomas was working for a man or firm Gibson Brothers, in the lumber trade. We got a bill of lumber from them on my son's pay which was a great help. Brother Jabez Taylor done the carpentering work. He lived in the same ward. Finally we had a good house to go to and we appreciated it very much. Our first child born to us in that house, we named John Henry West, he lived only 2 1/4 hours and was buried in our lot on the 12th day of April 1870.
I had joined the tabernacle choir in the old tabernacle. Brother Sanders was our leader. My clothes being a little shabby I kept away several Sundays. Finally I made up my mind to go. I thought it was not my clothes but my voice that was needed. One Sunday after meeting was let out, a Brother John Cox (the brother-in-law of a young man by the name of Joseph Neville, who was keeping company with my daughter Annie) asked me what I was doing, I told him helping masons. He told me his brother-in-law, George H. Knowlden, wanted a clerk in the grain business on Main St. At noon the following day I saw Mr. Knowlden and he took me in his employ at $40 per month, so you see I done some good by going to meeting regardless of fine clothes. On the 7th day of June, 1872, my wife made me a present of another girl at 1/4 to 8 o'clock A. M. and was blessed in the 11th Ward meetinghouse by Bishop McCray, her name being called Fanny Elizabeth West. She had a swelling on her neck when about 5 months old a Doctor Crookwell looked at it and said it should be lanced, he lanced it and it got no better, finally she died the 29 day of November, 1872, and was buried in the Salt Lake Cemetery.
Our son Thomas who was acting as teamster for George Chandler, a Salt Lake butcher, was badly hurt by being kicked by a mule. A doctor came and looked at him and said it was only a matter of a short time when he would have to succomb. My wife stayed up with him and one all she could and had great faith in the ordinances of the church. By faith and perseverance he got well, but very weak for a long time. Our son Jabez William he also had a likeing for the butcher business and after looking on at the men working in the slaughtering house and helping the men, getting them water and making himself very usefull, he would bring home a pluck or something better, and finally got employment with George Chandler in the market. A brother Peterson who was working for the same man took a liking for him. I continued working for George Knowlden and got an advance of salary $50 per month.
On the 24th of July 1872 our holiday, I was taking a bath in the warm spring, when I heard the train coming in, it being an emigration train and expecting some of my wife's folks on that train by the name of Denney, I put my clothes on quick and got down to the depot in time to see my wife's sister, Mary Ann, her husband, and children, my wife being there, we were all glad to see them, being so long since we had the pleasure. I took them to the nearest saloon and we had some beer, which quite astonished my wife's sister, she thought that in Zion there was nothing of the kind. It was only done out of good feeling, we did not make a practice of visiting those places. After staying a little while, we took the street cars and went to her son Charlie's house which was in the 11th Ward, and had a good time, chatting over days gone by, we were all glad that they were enabled to come out. There son Charles was working (h) as type setter at the Deseret News office, he had sent some means prior to help them out and also some others of the family contributed. On May the 5th, 1873, our daughter Annie was married to Joseph Neville in the Endowment House. And on the 29th day of August 1873 we had born to us another son. He was blessed in the 11th Ward meeting house and was named William Joseph West (making in all 5 sons and 6 daughters). At this birth my wife had a Sister Bowman, a midwife, my wife having a bad time we had to send for a doctor by the name of __________. Through timely help she got well, the doctor said she had a very strong constitution or she would have never got over what she had to pass through. I gave my son Thomas a portion of my land (south side, with deeds) a strip a rod and a half by 10 rods long, to build on. He put on it a very nice adobe house. My daughter Caroline had a sone born to her, and it died soon after its birth. On account of my wife's weakness she did not have much milk for her boy, our daughter helped her mother out in nursing our son.
My wife's sister Mary Ann, not having a good husband, she was not treated good by him in England, and she seemed to fare worse here, he would drink. She wanted him to take her to the Endowment House to get sealed, she was willing to put up with anything in order to be married according to the laws of the church, he would not listen to her, and was being backward instead of forward. My wife told her that her husband, she considered a good man and advised her to be sealed to me. Finally she saw no other course to pursue, she got a divorce from him. She took council from the brethren of the church.
She got her recommend for the blessing of the house of the Lord and was married to me in the Endowment House on the 23rd day of August in 1874. She was the fourth child of Thomas and Caroline Dangerfield, sister to my wife Eliza, her name being Mary Ann, she was a mother of 13 children by her former husband a few were dead and buried in England and the rest brought out here at different times with the exception of one by the name of Jabez who was away from their home at the time of their departure from England. She had with her when she reached here 4 children, Henry, Alfred, Willard, and the youngest Arthur. Edward who had come out with his sister Rebecca previously was then staying with her son Charles and family, he also stayed with his mother. Her son Charles had a vacant lot that he had bought east of the City called Butcherville, near the East Bench, Brother Leaker who had married one of her daughters by the name of Elizabeth, Brother Leaker her brother Jabez, and myself we went to work and dug out a building spot there and got up one good room, 1/2 dug out. After living there awhile, thought we could do better by renting. We rented a place on the same block on which I had my house, on the south side. While living there her youngest boy Arthur, who took a great liking for me died 29 August 1875, which was a great grief to us. I done the best I could with my means in looking after the family, on account of my own family, I could not do all I would liked to have done. I also divided up my time according to what I thought was right. My wife Mary Ann, she would do all she could and helped, taking all things together we got along the best we could.
On the 27th day of October, 1875 I became a citizen and got my papers. November the 10th, 1874, my own son Thomas was married to the eldest daughter of N. H. Felt in the Endowment House. I continued working for George Milton in the grain business. Our garden and our trees, were doing well also our small fruit which was a great help to our family. One fall of the year my wife Eliza, she dried very near 300 pounds of peaches and apricots which bought me a nice suit of clothes. My wife Mary Ann was working in the Sisters hospital in the woman's department and doing pretty well, she bought of her son-in-law, Joseph Taylor, a building spot east side of the hospital, 11th East St. between 1st So. and Temple. Soon after at my spare time mornings and evenings when the days were long, I would help to build the house, an adobe one, I put in a concrete foundation and built the house up with some assistance that her son Charles would give at his spare time, finally we got the house finished. She furnished most of the means from her work. We moved in and I felt thankful that she had a home of her own, she continued working for the sisters of Holy Cross. My employer, George Knowlden, had to give up his business on account of non-attention, drinking and playing. One of my work-mates having a little means, by the name of Thomas C. Armstrong, opened up the same kind of business in First South St. and I worked for him, we done a good business.
November 25, 1880, my daughter Eliza Alice was married to George H. Draper in the Endowment House.
My son Thomas he followed the business of plasterer and he done pretty good at it. His father-in-law had a piece of land in Round Valley, Morgan County and wanted him to take charge of it. He sold out his home and went out there to live.
My son Jabez William went to work for William Peterson, butcher in Market Row. He, doing pretty well, took unto himself a wife and on the 20th day of January 1881 he was married to Jessie Hoggan in the Endowment House. This was when Jabez was working for Chandler, I forgot to mention that while he was working for Mr. Chandler the bishop, Brother McCrea, wanted the rest of his money for the land we got of him, and said that unless it was paid up at once, he would take it from us. Brother Chandler who my wife went to, for the amount the bishop wanted, on my son Jabez's pay, kindly gave her the required sum, so we finally got our deeds for our land which took a heavy burden off our minds. We still continued living in Salt Lake City until the end of the year 1885. Our daughter Caroline Wright who lived in Peoa, Summit County, wrote me that a brother, Frank Miles, had 25 acres of land to dispose of for $500 cash down. I wrote him on November 27 concerning it. We were then living in Round Valley in one of my son Thomas's rooms.
(Copy of letter)
Mr. Frank Miles
Dear Brother,
My daughter Caroline Wright tells me by mail that Hyrum Wright had spoken to you for me in reference to the farm you have for sale, and you would like an immediate answer as you had other offers for it. Hyrum gave me a description of the farm and what you would sell it for. He said it consits of 25 acres of broke land, including 1 acre in lucerene, also a two room rustic house, log house, corralls, and etc., fenced in field, fence, water right, and guarantee title deed to it for which you asked $500 in cash which I would like to purchase if we could come to terms. I have real estate property in Salt Lake City which I shall have to dispose of to make a purchase on account of the real estate being very low in market and not wanting to sell at too much disadvantage I should like time. I would like and immediate answer and would want to know what time you could give me to pay it in and all particulars. Hyrum says also there is a piece of land in your father's entry that joins on to it and you will see I get it soon as your father gets the deeds from the government, would like to know in reference to that. By doing so you will oblige.
Respectfully
Charles H. J. West
I don't recollect whether he sent us an answer or not. Anyhow we went out there in December or early in spring and saw the land and house and took his word that what had been told us by Hyrum was correct. We was to get a deed from A. G. H. Marchant for 18 42/100 acres (being in his claim). Soon as the $500 was paid and the other parts one of which was 5 acres less or more on school section where the improvements were, and the other two acres, soon as they could get a deed for it, I was to have it. I put our real estate in the hands of my old employer George K. Knowlden who was following that business and he got me a purchasee by the name of Mrs. Whitsides for which we got $800. I went to Peoa and made the purchase, the land was situated in what they called the new field, place called Oakley, about 2 1/2 miles from Peoa, east, on the first day of March, I got my deed for 18 42/100 acres and had the same turned over to my wife Eliza in her name. They were recorded on March 4, 1886. We soon went out there to live and improve the place. From that time till 1891, my two boys Charles J. and William Joseph worked with me on the farm. We took out with us a wagon and seed and other tools, when we first went there. On the early part of the year 1891, I was asked to take charge of the coop store in Peoa as superintendent, and in order to do so, I took two shares 24th of March, 1891, $5 per share. I got along pretty well for nearly two years. The directors thought they would like a change. In 1892 I went to Salt Lake and worked as a bookkeeper for Knight and Co. Prior to this on the 26th day of February 1891, my son Charles Jesse was married to Elizabeth May Newman of Peoa, married in Logan Temple, August 29, 1892. I received a letter from Rachel M. Miles for her attorney, Oscar Lyons, of Peos, her husband having died previously. The letter reads thus:
Dear Sir
In behalf of myself and the other heirs of the late B.A. Miles, we have this proposition to make as to the land you occupy which is in our patent. We will sell you the above land for twenty-five ($25.00) per acre, 1/2 of the amount to be paid in one month from the date of this notice, and the balance $12.50 per acre to be paid within 6 months from the date of this notice. We shall expect you to make satisfactory arrangements for the purchase on the land within 1 month of date or vacate the said land that we may take peaceful possessions of the same.
Signed
Rachel M. Miles per L
I wrote in answer telling her through her attorney that I had an agreement made out, for the 5 acres more or less, that I was to have a deed soon as it came in their possession, written by her husband and signed by two witnesses and did not feel like paying twice for the same thing. Her son, Frank, knew this, so did others of the family but did not want to know. After writing and employing the same man, O. F. Lyons, as my attorney stateing the case and forwarding my agreement and also my survey plat made out by Rhead of Coalville for the upperpiece of land 5 20/100 acres and wanted my deed at once, without delay. Frank Miles wrote me and told me I could get a deed for the upper piece, if I paid for the deed but the lower piece about 2 1/2 acres I could only get by paying for it and that I was asking something for nothing. Although my agreement said I was to have all in Frank Miles claim and a deed free of expense the surveying at mine, I wanted the deed filled in and signed by the parties made out to Liza West, my wife, consideration $1. I paid him his charges; this was in June 27, 1893, and on the 31st day of August, 1893, I got a warranty deed of Rachal Miles to Eliza West recorded September 11, 1893.
I could not get the lower piece 2 1/2 acres of the family, I had it planted in lucerene. It was too good a thing for them to part with. They still hold it and it put my land in a very bad shape. They will suffer for this sure as there is a God in Heaven. I was working at this time for Wood Brothers butchers and kept their books. They had previously bought the business of Knight and Co., my son Jabez being one of the company. I rented a place of____________________. I was taken sick of Rhuematic Fever and was helpless for nearly five weeks. I was taken sick in my son's Jabez's house and had to stay until I got well. Dr. Taylor of the 11th Ward attended me. Before I got strong I started for home in Oakley, took the cars at Salt Lake for Park City, all I could do to get on the cars, being very weak. I told my son William who was at Oakley to meet Mother and myself at Park City. Elijah Horton was on board the cars. I told him of my sickness. He said that home was the best place to die in. He said this jokeingly. I was met at the depot. Henry Wright, a neighbor, had a buggy meeting him, he had me travel with him. I found in traveling from there the air was putting new life in me. We had to travel about 16 miles before I reached home. I felt very much better. During my sickness my wives Eliza and Mary Ann were very kind to me. I felt more need of mother's help. I soon got well, when at home, I think the sickness though very sever done my system good. My son Jabez was very kind to me during my sickness, his wife's patience was very much tested although very kind I was glad to get home. So was Mother.
My wife, Mary Ann, bought a farm in Oakley of Walter Walker and gave him $400 cash for 40 acres 1/2 cultivated with water rights, also a log house on it, it was very small but fit to live in. She got a good deed of it. She had sold out her home in Salt Lake for a good sum. I think $800. She had a two roomed house, rustic, put up, the work being put in by Brother Johnson, a mason, he made a good job of it. I put in the foundation with her son Edward's help. She got her sons Willard and Edward to work it. Willard getting married to a sister in Rockport on 3 miles. It left Eddy to do the work alone. My wife Mary Ann, not being contented living in the country moved into Salt Lake City. Soon after Edward he got married to a Miss English of Tooele, he continued on the farm and was doing pretty well. My wife sold a protion of her land, I think 20 acres, for $400 to a man by the name of Jenson. My son William helped me on our farm until 1895. We done the best we could with it. Our cows and chickens being our mainstay for groceries, etc. The latter part of spring I went to Salt Lake and done some work for Knight and Co. on their farm at Kaysville. My son-in-law, George Draper, having charge, he and his family living there. On July 23 or 25, 1895 I entered a piece of land at the land office for 169 acres as a homestead situated in Mountain Green, Morgan County, about 3 miles up a mountain ravine from the main road. The latter part of Octoer 31, 1895 we moved in from Oakley to Morgan and rented a log house of two room of Edward Hunter at $1 per month with a chance of wintering stock with his feed at $1 per head for the winter. Our son and family, Thomas and wife Maggie, living close by which made it pleasant and agreeable on both sides during the winter. I worked in summer for Knight and Co. getting up their hay at Kaysville and also working sometime at the homestead or ranch being grazing land and not agricultural. We made our home with our daughter Eliza in Kaysville when we stay there. I say we, becuse my wife Eaiza goes with me. My son-in-law and myself put up a one roomed lumber house 16X14 shingle roof on the ranch so that is our summer house when I am working there. On the 1st of April 1896 we leased our farm for five years to Charles Wright according to an agreement, the land being run out with wild oats. We had put in lucerene to kill the wild oats. We take half of all that's raised having a crop put in the first year. we got about 90 bushels of wheat for our share. On the 25th day of April, 1897, our son Jabez left the city to go on a mission for Great Britain, he was to labor in the British Isles. I gave him letters of introduction to my brothers and sisters who live in London, my brothers' names are John, Benjamin, and William, and sister Maria. He arrived there all right. My son Jabez in going left a good situation, also a wife and family of 6. He went away with a good blessing when he was set ajpart. He was to be away for two years. Isaw him off and also some of his fellow workmen and friends, he left on the morning train on the Union Pacific for Philadelphia where he was to embark on a steamer for England. He wrote me and told me of his arrival in Philadelphia, there were in all 24 elders going, he said they were all merry as larks, he visited a few places of note. I received a letter from him after his arrival in Liverpool He felt well. He got his appointment to labor in the Manchester Conference and was to travel in a place called Oldham. He wrote and told me that he had seen my brothers and sister and was then staying with my brother William and family. He was shown around London, and visited several places of note but could not stay long having to go back to Oldham and continue his labors there. He says he was kindly treated by them all. They were sll surprised to see him and thought he was very much like his uncle Welleam. His visit to London was about the time that they were having great doings on account of the Queen's Jubilee, 60 years on the throne of England. On the 20th to the 24th the pioneers had a great celebration. It lasted four days. The city was covered withflags and electric lamps strung from side walk to side walk, east and west side two stories high of different colors. It was all of five blocks long. Each day they had their parade which was grand. Floats represinting different counties and what was being done in each county. Also had a queen for every county. The old pioneers each had a gold medal given them. Indians turned out, quite a few representing the early days. When the lamps were lit at night it was an imposing sight. I have days gone by, seen some illumination but nothing to equal that, thanks for electricity. The last day was the grandest of all, was a general turnout. We had from the county and otherv places about 50,000 visitors. President Young's monument was unveiled ond day by Wilford Woodruff. About 5,000 children gathered with their folks in the Tabernacle. That was a grand sight. The last day the temple was illuminated and grand fireworks from Capital Hill at night, the grandest ever seen here. I cannot begin to give a full account of the doings then. I continued to get letters from our son Jabez telling us of his doings and how the Lord was blessing his efforts as a missionary. He says it was to him a great experience which he would not part with and if he had seven sons he would send them all on missions. He wanted his brother William to prepare himself to go. Our son Charles Jesse is running a butcher shop for the Utah Slaughtering Co. in Murray. He acting as its manager, has done now for three years. He gives satisfaction, very energetic, he bought himself a one-room house and 50 acres of land two of which can be cultivated, for $300, about 1 1/4 miles east of State Street (Murray). I have geen there and think he has a cheap place, with plenty of labor can be made a good home. Just received another letter from Jabez saying that he was invited to spend Christmas with his uncle William of London, he wishing Jabez to baptize him. Jabez says in his letter to me that all the blessings that the brothern pronounced over his head before leaving Salt Lake were being so far fulfilled to the letter. Janusry 8, received a letter from my son Jabez's family saying that their baby Eliza Rudth was very sick, and would like Mother to come in. My wife left on the 9th of January Morgan for Salt Lake . In one letter saying she was better, also said that Sister Rose Chandler at night wentd after a doctor as they had done all they knew of. She prayed while going that the doctor would not be home. He was out when she got there so went to the 10th Ward and got an Elder and he administered to her and promised she would get better. She was in a good sleep when the doctor came. He said he could nodt recommend anything more than what had been done. My son Jabez' family wife and children felt glad and their eyes spakled with joy when they saw Mother come in. January the 14th received a letter from England. Jabez said he reached London on the 23th of December 1897, It was very foggy, so dark it stopped traffic on the streets, ofter inquiry he found 23 Penton Street, Islington, in time to bear his testimony, Thursday Evening being the meeting night for the saints. My brother William's son, Arthur being there he went home with him to his father's house, all glad to see him. He spent Christmas with them. He remained there a week and had thepleasure of baptizing my brother William. I sent a letter to Jabez on the 30th, 1898. My wife returned from Salt Lake and reported Jabez's children much better, nearly all well.
The beginning of June our son Thomas of Round Valley, Morgan was taken sick and continued getting worse. On the 24th day of June he passed away and was buried in the North Morgan Cemetery, on Monday fo the 29th day of June. Cause of death typhoid fever, turning into pluerisy, he had to undergo an operation by Doctor Asgood recently from Chicago, was too low to recover. He kept his senses till the last. All was done for him that kind friends and relatives could do and was frequently administered by the priesthood, some very kind words was said at the stakehouse over the remains, to the family. The casket was beautifully decorated with flowers by his choir and friends. Everybody present mourned his loss in Morgan and (he) left a good record behind. It was a great blow to his parents and his wife Maggie and children.
We received a letter from Jesse West for Mother to go to Salt Lake as her daughter Agness called Dot was sick. Mother took train from Morgan for Salt Lake and found the child down with typhoid fever but by the blessing of God and constant care she got better. Dureing the summer months our son-in-law George Draper lost his father and mother, his father through old age and mother by paralysis. About 1 month elapsed between each other's death. October 6 went to Salt Lake Conference. After Conference I helped the mason on our son Charlies' house in Murrya, came home to Morgan. We received a Millennial Star from England at their London conference. Our son Jabez was appointed President and Brother Dance secretary. I sent letter to Jabez congratulating him on his appointment November 29, also a letter to my brother William. Our son Jabez William was released from his mission to England, left on the steamship "City of Rome" and arrived in Salt Lake City, June 1899 and found his family all well. My wife Mary Ann went to live with her son Charles Denny at Union, Salt Lake County. She had a two-room house put up on his land. Our daughter, Caroline married again to a good man by the name of Thomas Larrabee, who treats her kindly. She moved from Peoa to Weber Canyon.
Since our son Jabez returned from his mission, the stake presidency appointed him Bishop of the 9th Ward. He succeeded Bishop S. Wooley. The people of that ward think him the right man to fill that position. Our daughter, Annie and husband Joseph Neville, with their family left their home in Woodruff, Rich County, with others to go to the Big Horn County in Wyoming to colonize that place under the direction of Apostle Woodruff. They have to bring out a canal-(April 1900). They arrived safe and well. Brother Woodruff told them that if they were united they would have a fine city and a temple would be built there. Our son William Joseph also went there with them. Also our two grandsons Charles and Jabez Wright went there. They all speak well of the country and are satisfied.
Christmas Day, Dec. 25th, 1900. The family of Charles H. J. and Eliza Dangerfield West met at the house of our son and daughter (552 E. 5th South St. Salt Lake) Jabez and Jesse West, to celebrate the anniversary of their 50th wedding day. There were present on this memorable occasion Jabez William West and wife Jessie of their family, Lilly, Jabez, Agness, Myrtle, Walter, Lionel, and Eliza Ruth, also Charles Jesse West and wife Elizabeth and their family Ella May, Viola, Zelma, Berth Day and Jessie also. George H. Draper and wife Eliza West Draper also Mary Ann Dangerfield West; wife; also Elizabeth Leaker, niece, also Charles Denney and wife, Sarah Ann, nephew and niece of our old friends, John Knight and wife, sister Connell, Brother and Sister George, and Annie Vine, and their daughter Anne May. In all 31 present. Those of our family not able to be present were Anne West Neville and her husband Joseph, also William Jabez Dangerfield and wife not able to attend through the wedding reception of their son,Jabez Jr., they sent a very good and kind letter which was read. Those of our old time friends, David Leaker and wife Ann not able to attend on account of David's severe sickness. One omission of our family, Maggie Felt West, our son Thomas's widow not able to attend living too far, and she thought that it would be more than she could bear. Charles Denny composed some beautiful verses for the occasion.
Some very handsome presents were made by our family and friends. The gifts and expressions of kindness towards us, was more than we could bear we appreciated it not expecting any gifts. Following are the names of those who gave us presents. Jabez W. West, wife, daughter Lillie, and son Jabez, an 8-day clock, the dial set with brilliance, cupid on top, showing time rolling on and inocence, two ornamental images, cupid holding candle sticks to lighten our path through life, all triple- plated gold.
George H. Draper and wife a solid gold pen and pencil holder and a gold thimbell. Maggie and Lida West a chain for Mother. George, Charles, Roy, and Amy, a chain and a charm, triple-plated gold. Charles J. West and wife Elizabeth gold cuff buttons and ear-rings. Brother and Sister Knight of the 11th Ward Salt Lake City, a gold locket. Brother and Sister David Leaker, two souveniors showing Salt Lake Temple and Saltair. Brother and Sister Charles and Sarah Denny and autograph album. A facsimille of the Wedding Cake:
GOLDEN WEDDING
50 Years
C and E
Sister Detta Neville of our grandson, Joseph Neville, who is on a mission to Chicago she had with her our Great-grandson. Also Sister Ann Leaker visited us on that day, could not stop on account of Brother Leaker being sick.
We had a very enjoyable time with our families and friends that day, Jabez and Jesse made us all welcome and spared no expense to make us all feel happy. A time long to be remembered by us. We ask Father in Heaven to bless them and all present and absent for kindness and good wishes. We visited all our children on our return home, with the exception of those living too far away. Went first to Murray and visited our son Charles Jesse, wife and grand-children. After that we returned to Jabez's house got our grips, and took the train for Clearfield to visit our daughter, Eliza. After that took train for Morgan and visited our daughter Maggie West and family. After that took wagon and visited our nephew and family, Charles Heber West, and from there home after spending 15 days, and enjoyable time, but yet glad to get home again. Found everything all right. We had more presents on our return trip from grand daughter Eliza Jane, a pair of socks for me and a neck tie. From Charles Heber West a pocket handkerchief and collar buttons for me and a linen kerchief for Mother, also a pair of linen towells from Sister Gibben of Round Valley. We found when we arrived home a pair of gloves for Ma and cuffs for Pa sent by mail, since we found that our son William Joseph West sent them.
This history has been re-typed by Donald P. and Jackie A. West as the current historians for the family of Preston Dangerfield West and Eliza Genevieve Mecham West.
Due to the condition of the original manuscript it was necessary to re-type this history. The only changes that we made were obvious typing errors and any typing errors that we may have made.
Donald P. West
Jackie A. West
2906 Talisman Dr.
Dallas, Texas 75229
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