The Life Story of Julia Jills Johnson by Jessie Jolley Terry

by Jessie Jolley Terry

Julia Hills was born 26 September 1783 at Upton, Massachusetts, in the County of Worcester. She was the daughter of Joseph and Esther (Ellis) Hills.

Very little is known of Julia's early life. There are records, however, that lead us to believe that she came from a religious family; and that she and her brothers and sisters were given the opportunity of an education. One of her father's prize possessions was his small, well-used dictionary, which infers that he was an educated man.

Their family seemed to be very close. A letter written to their mother by Joel Hills, Julia's brother, tells of the love and devotion that they felt for their mother.

Dear and affectionate Mother:

Do not suppose that I have forgotten you in consequence of my having remained so long silent, for although I have been rather undutiful through a multiplicity of business, yet give me leave to assure you that your welfare and happiness will ever occupy the first place in my heart.

I arrived with my family in good health in Cincinnati, Ohio, on the opposite side of the Ohio River on the 7th day of January, 1815, and in a few months after, moved to this place where I have established a brick yard and have found my expectation answered in regards to the country. My prospects are still brightening and I have only to regret not coming to this country a few years sooner, as in that case a small sum of money well laid out according to the course of events which have since transpired, would have placed me at this time in a state of independence. The only regret that I feel in my present situation is the being so far removed from so many friends, and particularly from you, my dear mother, as it would afford the greatest happiness to contribute to yours, and in some measure to discharge the natural and affectionate debt due to the care of the dearest and best of mothers, by dispensing her cares and fulfilling her wishes in the evening of her days when nature appears to claim a return of that care and tenderness, which is generally lavished on us in our infancy.

Give my best respects to my sister and the rest of our kindred at Grafton, and be sure you write me soon after receiving this, and make me acquainted with in your health and circumstances. My family are all good health and join with me in their concern and good wishes for your happiness.

With a heart glowing with the warmest gratitude for the parental care and affection which you have ever evidenced toward me, and an earnest Prayer to Almighty God that a triple portion of his choicest mercies may attend you, I  subscribe myself, your ever dutiful son,

Joel Hills

Julia's family belonged to the Presbyterian Church. They held a strong belief that what we do in this life will affect us in the hereafter. This belief had a great influence on their actions and thoughts throughout their lives.

Joseph Hills, Julia's father, died while she was still at a young age. Her mother Esther (Ellis) Hills later married Enock Forbush. They had several children by this marriage.

Julia grew to womanhood in one of the most imaginative and creative periods in our nation's history. It was just after the Revolutionary War had been fought, and when our present government was being formed.

Julia was six years old when George Washington took the oath of office to become the nation's first president. With the forming of the government and the signing of the constitution came not only national advancement, but also cultural and religious advancement. For the first time, people could worship as they pleased. Public Schools were becoming more plentiful, and education was encouraged to a greater extent. At this time, however, only one in every one thousand were able to attend a university.

At the age of 17 Julia married Ezekiel Johnson, January 12, 1801, in Grafton, Massachusetts. Ezekiel Johnson was born in Uxbridge, Massachusetts, January, 1773. He was described as being of "full middle stature" about 5' 10" tall, and of solid build. He had fine light brown hair, and mild but piercing blue. eyes. Ezekiel was loved by all who knew him.

Ezekiel left the home of his mother, Bethiah Gurnsey and his stepfather, Mr. King when he was fourteen years old. It is said that Ezekiel preferred to be on his own rather than to endure the presence of his step-father whom he disliked. Very little is known of Ezekiel Johnson before he met and married Julia Hills.

Their first child, Joel Hills, was born in Grafton, Massachusetts, 23 March 1802. Their second child, Nancy Mariah, was born in Northboro, Massachusetts on 1 August 1803, and their third child, Seth Gurnsey was born 14 February 1805 in Royalston, Massachusetts. After the birth of Seth, the family moved to Westford, Vermont. It was there that Delcina Diadamia was born on 19 November 1806. They remained in Westford for about seven years. Three more children were born there. Julia Ann was born 9 November 1808, David was born 10 September 1810 and Almera Woodward, on 12 October 1812.

The records of the births of Julia and Ezekiel's children show that the family was always on the move. Ezekiel was born with a restless spirit which kept him looking for the perfect location. His love for new places was not held down by his growing family. Ezekiel would take his family with him when he could, but he would usually go ahead to find a good piece of land. He would clear the land, plant a garden, and if possible, build a rough cabin. As soon as the homestead was ready, he would return for his family.

In June 1813 they moved to Pomfret, New York. Pomfret was a beautiful place, warmer than Vermont. They had a variety of fruit trees and were able to raise good crops. Julia seemed to like Pomfret better than any place she and Ezekiel had lived thus far.

It is probable that Ezekiel took little or no interest in religious matters, but their older sons and daughters attended the Presbyterian church with their mother, where they learned to read the Bible. Every letter written by Julia expresses a keen religious temperament. Her letters to her mother show an abiding faith in God and always contain a prayer which seeks the blessings of the Lord upon her family and friends.

Pomfret, Chautaugua Co., N.Y.

February 27, 1815

After my love to you, I will inform you that through the blessings of God, we are all in good health and hope this, will find you so. I have not heard a word from you for more than a year. I have written to you four letters since I have received any. Mr. Johnson has gone to Cincinnati, Ohio. He started on the last day of January. I have not heard a word from Joel for a year or more. I am very anxious to hear from my friends. I wrote the particulars of our journey thus far in my last letter. If Mr. Johnson likes that country we calculate to move on in the Spring, if we live and are well. Many families are passing here every day for that place. We like this country first rate upon many accounts. It is not as cold as Vermont and is excellent for grain, grass, and all kinds of produce. With good inhabitants and good schools, my children go to school and learn very fast. Seth and Nancy want to write to their grandmother, but it will cost too much to pay for their letters. I had a daughter born on the 16^th of December, who is smart and well. I want you to write how you enjoy religion. Whether you are cold and stupid like myself, or are you engaged in the good cause of Christ. I hope you are like Mary and have chosen the better part, which shall not be taken away. I hope we shall live so we shall be prepared to meet in heaven to dwell with the righteous forever. I hope we shall see each other again in a few years, but life is uncertain. I want you to give my love to Aunt Woodwards family, tell the girls to write to me. I remain your affectionate child.

Julia Johnson

Pomfret, Chautuaqua Co., N.Y.

November 11, 1818

 I have another chance of writing to you, which I improve. I have written several times but received no answer. I have heard of the dearth of our mother which was very heary news to me. We have lost a very kind, affectionate parent of which no doubt you are sensible, but we have and prepare to follow or dear deceased mother. I wish you would write the particulars concerning her death and write ne a long letter. I have been anxious to hear from you for a long time. Almera Woodward (Julia's cousin) wrote to me that you was keeping house for your father and made out very well, which I was glad to hear. I sent this letter by Mr. Johnson; he will tell you the particulars of our affairs. I want your father to send me that Great Dictionary that was my father's and if Joel (Hills) has a chance to get it from here he shall have it, for that was my mother's desire as she expressed it to me when she was up to Vermont. And I wish you would send me some straw braid for a bonnet and Mr. Johnson will pay you for it. Such things are very scarce here. Remember my love to your father and family and take a food share yourself.

 Julia Johnson 

To Delcina Forbush My half Sister

Julia and Ezekial were blessed with nine more children while they lived in Pomfret.

Susan Ellen, born 16 December 1814

Joseph Ellis, born 28 April 1817

Benjamin Franklin, born 28 July 1818

Mary Ellen born 7 February 1820

Elmer Wood, born 26 May 1822

George Washington born 19 February 1823

William Derby, born 27 October 1824

Esther Melita born 12 January 1828

Amos Partridge born 15 January 1829 

Ezekiel worked as a miller and a carpenter while they were there. It was not easy for them to raise such a large family. Each of their fifteen children had to help in every way possible to clear the land, raise food, and make clothing.

As children, their family seemed to be strong and healthy.  They only lost one child, Elmer Wood, who died at the age of three months on the 14th of September 1822. Their second misfortune was when Nancy accidentally fell from a horse and broke her hip socket. At that time in medicine, nothing could be done for her. Nancy was left crippled. She could walk only with the aid of her crutches.

Julia's brother, Joel Hills, visited them on his way from Canada to his home in Kentucky. Julia and Ezekiel decided to let their oldest son Joel join him on his journey home to Kentucky.

After Joel had been away from home for two years, Ezekiel got restless again and started west. He wanted to see what Ohio had to offer. He was not impressed with Ohio, so he crossed over to Kentucky to pick up his son Joel, who was thirteen years old at that time. Together they walked 500 miles to return to Pomfret, New York. They had to make their way through thick wooded areas, and past places where Indians had killed entire families.

In their long journey, Ezekiel was not able to find a place that he had a desire to move to, so the family remained in Pomfret.

November 2, 1826, their son Joel Hills married Anna Pizly. Three years later, in 1829, Delcina married Lyman Sherman. Their son Joel and his wife made their home in Amhurst (Loren) Ohio. They were still living there in 1831 when the, Latter-day Saint missionaries were beginning to circulate throughout the states. At first Joel was not interested but he and his wife continued going to the meetings that the missionaries were holding. After they had attended several meetings he began to understand more fully the principles of the new Gospel. He, like his brothers and sisters, had had a great love for the Bible and so what the missionaries said made a lot of sense to him.

Joel's brother, David, was living with Joel at the time and they were both baptized members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on June 1, 1831, by Elder Sylvester Smith. Joel wanted to share all he had with his family so he wrote a letter to his brother Seth and with it he sent a copy of the Book of Mormon.

The news of Joel's conversion was looked upon by his family with horror and disgrace. Benjamin describing this event in his book, My Life's Review, said, "My mother, brother Seth, sister Nancy and Lyman R. Sherman, with some neighbors, who were all devoted to religion, met together secretly to read the Book of Mormon, or perhaps to deplore the delusion into which Joel had fallen. But their reading soon led to marveling at the simplicity and purity of what they read. After a few days of secrecy I was permitted to meet with them, to hear the Book of Mormon read. I was only thirteen at the time, but sensed the importance of the book.

In January 1832 my brothers came to see us and bear their testimony My mother and Lyman R. Sherman, my brother-­in-law, were soon baptized by Elder Joseph Brackenbury, shortly followed by the baptism of all my brothers and sisters who had attained their maturity. At this time my father was not inclined to accept the Gospel and would not permit we minor children to receive our baptism. No sooner than my family and neighbors had been baptized and the news spread around, the priests had started to howl about Faith, Prophet, and Delusion. They tried everything possible to turn us away from the truth, calling for "signs",etc., asking why my sister Nancy, who still used crutches, was not healed .

Young Benjamin went back to Ohio with Joel. The following summer when Ezekiel was not so bitter about the Church, he went to Ohio to see the Prophet and decided to sell his home and move to Chicago, Illinois, which was then a small town.

But all hope that he would join the Church soon vanished. What little light there had been soon disappeared, and so great was his darkness that he seemed possessed of the devil.

In June183_, Julia went to Kirtland with her children. They traded two of their teams for a home on what they called Kirtland Flat. The home was close to the schoolhouse where Susan and Seth taught.

Julia was so dedicated to the church that she would not leave Kirtland to go with Ezekiel to Chicago When Ezekiel found that his family would not go with him to Chicago he decided to stay with them in Kirtland. However, there was so much strife over his refusal to join the Church that he soon left. Julia then had the added responsibility of supporting her large family alone.

With the children's help, Julia manufactured stocks, which were men's ruffled neck wear. They also made palm leaf hats, which were then coming into use. The family supplied both the stocks and hats to the merchants. This helped them obtain a comfortable living.

It was at this time that the members of the Church were told that they must prepare to build a temple. This was to be the first temple in this dispensation. The entire family gave everything they had. All of Julia's sons worked diligently. David, who was twenty-three years old, tried to work too hard. His lungs started to bleed and on October 30, 1833 he died of tuberculosis.

Before David died, he was able to bear his testimony through the gift of tongues. This was interpreted by his best friend, Don Carlos Smith (brother of the Prophet). The Prophet tells us in Church History of the loss David's death was to the Church.

One of the first miracles in the Church came shortly after, when Joseph Smith Sr. and Jared Cutler came to Julia's home to give them a blessing. When brother Cutler saw Nancy on her crutches, he commanded her in the name of Jesus Christ to leave her crutches and walk, which she at once did.

At this time the Saints that 'had gone to Missouri were being persecuted to the extent that the Prophet felt he should take a large group of the most faithful to Missouri to help relieve the trouble and tension that existed. Julia's son Seth, her son-in-law Lyman R. Sherman and her future son-in-law Almon W. Babbit, were among those called upon to help at Zion's camp. It was such a strenuous and difficult trip that Seth became ill. The following February they returned home. Seth was so weak that when he tried to work, he became seriously ill. February 19, 1835, he, too, contracted consumption and died.

The first of March Susan, age 22, was taken suddenly ill, vomiting blood. All possible was done for her that the loving sympathy of kindred friends and physicians could suggest, but without avail. She lingered but a few days and on the 16^th day of March 1836 she died. She died as she lived, faithful to her religion. Just before death, she called her family to her bed and bore to them her testimony of the truth of the Gospel, told them to be faithful to it's trusts and bid them farewell, and fell asleep. Such bereavement came with crushing weight. So much sickness and death tended not only to keep the family limited in means, but no doubt, the more prompted them in humility to seek the Lord.

That fall, measles and whooping cough swept the town and death knocked once more. Julia's baby became very ill. Ezekiel, who was living a few miles away, brought three doctors to the house, however, nothing could be done. Julia felt she could not lose him, so she called upon the Elders and through the power of healing, he was saved. But death was not to be deluded, for on 30 October 1836, consumption won once more. This time it was their beloved Nancy who had been not only their sister, but had also been their teacher and second mother. Nancy had been a wonderful influence on all their lives.

With Nancy's death, Julia had lost all of her older children that were living at home. Without their help she could not keep up her production of stocks and palm leaf hats. However, with the money she had saved, she was able to buy a farm just outside of Kirtland.

No sooner had the temple been completed than the Saints became unwelcomed in Kirtland. The mob violence became so hard for the Saints to bear that many left the church. The faithful Saints who remained true to the church, continued their labors with an axe or shovel in one hand and a gun in the other. Julia turned the ground floor of her house over to the Saints to be used as a gunsmith shop.

The temple was at last dedicated and never has there been more wonderful manifestations than were given at that time. The family rejoiced with the rest of the Saints.

But the pressure on the Saints became more extreme, and all that could be done was to leave for Missouri. Within a short time the only Saints that were living in Kirtland were the blind, sick, lame and destitute families.

The Prophet asked the presidency of the Seventies, Joel being one of them to take over the task of supervising the remaining Saints on their journey from Kirtland to Missouri. This was called the Kirtland Camp. There were 520 Saints to be cared for in the Kirtland camp. The Johnson family were members of this group.

The Seventies had the saints ship what household goods they could by water. Sixty teems and wagons were found to carry the needed supplies.

Money was very scarce, each member put what they had into a community fund. When they arrived in Dayton, Ohio, it was decided that they would stay there for a month to try to raise what money they could.

There had been much sickness and death along the way. Delcina's husband, Lyman Sherman died leaving six small children. Delcina decided that it would be best for her to leave the camp and care for her children. She made her home in Quincy, Ohio.

The Kirtland camp moved on. When they were just outside Springfield, Samuel Hale and his wife died. Julia adopted their ten-year-old daughter to raise with her own children.

By the time they reached Springfield, there was so much illness that it was decided that Julia, Joel, and their families should drop out of the camp to care for the sick. Those that were well were to go on. Julia and her family stayed in Springfield for two years before she was able to join the Saints in Nauvoo. While there she wrote this letter to her sister.

Dear Sister:

having an opportunity of sending a few lines to you or rather to send them to where we last heard of you to improve it.

It is now six years since we heard from you in any way, we have written several times, but have been moving about so much that we could not have received one even though you had written. You must know we have been very anxious to hear from you as the last news we heard was that you had lost your husband. Oh, my dear sister, how shall I use words to express my feeling, when I look back to the time when we saw each other, the vast change in our situation and circumstances in life, the change of seasons, places and nations, the commotion of the earth and the disposition of men, deceiving and being deceived - the signs of the last day, the fulfillment of scriptures, etc. I will say we are well, who are with us, as usual. And though strange it may appear, I am happy to inform you that we have had the misfortune (if it may be called one) to belong to that poor deluded (as the world may say) despised sect of beings called Mormons or Latter-day Saints who are verily persecuted for righteousness sake. We left the state of New York about six years ago, went to Kirtland Ohio where the Lord saw fit to afflict us by taking from us four of the elderly members of my family, Nancy, Seth, David and Susan. They were all taken from us in four years. How shall, how can, I express my feelings. "But the Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away". Blessed be the name of the Lord.

We have suffered a great deal of sickness. I was very extremely sick last fall in this place with the fevers almost unto death, but the Lord saw fit to restore my life and measurable restore me to health. Joel is about one hundred miles west of here with his family. Julia and Almera are married, they both did very well, married respected men. Delcina has lost her husband, he died last winter 27th of January. She is in Missouri. We expect her here soon. I have three sons, grown up, unmarried. Joseph, Benjamin, and George. Two of them are with me, the other with Delcina. I have two daughters with me, Mary and Esther. Write immediately on the reception of this. Direct your letter to this place. Give all our respects to our friends of your acquaintance. I remain in affection, your sister.

Julia Johnson

This letter is different from the other previous letters of Julia's in that it lacks the joyousness of the others. Her testimony is stronger and her greatest desire seems to be to present the Gospel message to her kindred. She had suffered affliction, endured persecution and sorrow, but she is still valiant to the cause and there is no suggestion that she regrets having cast her lot with the persecuted Saints.

Julia and her family traveled another one hundred miles to reach Nauvoo. Julia felt that it would be nice if she and her children could settle some land together, and have their own little town just outside Nauvoo. They called their town Ramas, which was later named Macedonia.

while they lived in Ramas death struck her family again. This time Julia's faith was not strong enough to save her youngest child Amos Partridge, who was only 13 years old. He died May 9, 1842.

The next year cupid played a big part in the family. Mary married George Wilson, Esther married David Tully Le Baron, Joseph married Harriet Snyder, Benjamin married Melissa Bloomfield La Baron and George married Maria Jan Johnson.

On June 11, 1845 death took Mary Ellen. It was up to Julia to care for Mary's son David and her newborn baby. The baby died six months later. The boy David Wilson stayed with Julia until her death. Julia's adopted daughter Mary Ann Hale married Julia's son Benjamin as a plural wife.

The Johnson family had been very close with the Prophet Joseph Smith from the time they arrived in Kirtland. Anyone of them would do anything to help the Prophet if they could. When the prophet's wife Emma was instructed to select songs for the church hymn book, she chose one of Julia's:

 The Joy and the Song by Julia Hills Johnson

We praise Thee, O God, for the joy and the song Which unto us this beautiful season belong;

We love and adore Thee, for light and for love, And for all the rich blessings that come from above.

The gates are wide open, and they beckon us all, Each to follow and serve at the sound of Thy call:

Thro' portals of praise and thro' Zion's fair gates, We will pass on with songs to the work that awaits.

At last in that city with it's glories untold,

With its gates all of pearl and its streets of pure gold. We'll give to the Savior, who dwelleth in light,

All the power and dominion and wisdom and light.

Chorus:

Hallelujah! Hallelujah! O the jot and the Song!

With happy hearts and merry voices we the glad strains prolong. 

 When the Prophet received the revelation on celestial marriage, it was to Julia he talked with. It was a very difficult law, and so many people could not understand it. But Julia could and she gave her consent for her daughter Almera to be one of his first plural wives. They were married by William Clayton. They also, had Julia's daughters, Nancy and Susan sealed to the Prophet, as wives.

As the Prophet was now a member of the Johnson family through marriage envious people nicknamed them "the royal family". In Benjamin's book, Life Review, it mentions the incident as follows:

"In Macedonia the family were quite numerous and influential and envious people sometimes dubbed us the Royal Family. When the Prophet Joseph Smith heard of this honor conferred upon us by our neighbors, he said, "The name is and should be a reality; that they were a royal family," and he, knowing the intemperance of my father, said that he should yet be a great man and sit at the head of kingdom, and on one occasion he blessed my mother and made her this promise; 'for your faithfulness and acceptance of so unpopular a doctrine, and bringing such a numerous family into the church, that when the crown should be made for her brow in the Eternal world, every one of her jewels(children) would be there.'

Because the two families had been so close, the martyrdom of the Prophet and his brother was a real shock to the family. It also greatly affected Ezekiel who had been inactive in the gospel. Ezekiel was full of remorse and from that time on he stopped drinking and started fighting the mobs. In one or the fights he was brutally wounded and was never well again. He died 13 January 1848 in Nauvoo, Illinois.

Although Ezekiel did not always share his family's view on the kind of life they followed, he always had love and devotion for his family. His temple work was done in 1879 and their sixteen children were all sealed to them in 1926.

We have no personal history of Julia after the Saints were driven out of Nauvoo. We do know her daughter Almeria and sons William and Joseph cared for her and that she died on her way to Utah at Council Bluffs, Iowa of May 30, 1856. Her chlidren were some of the first colonizers in Utah. They all had large families.