Received from May Christensen, age 93, on 15 Sep. 1990, contained in pages compiled by George Burton Standley, Nov 8, 1931:
Excerpts of a letter written to me in December, 1931 by great-aunt Lydia Standley Burnham, the daughter of Alexander Scoby Standley and Philinda Upson:
After leaving Nauvoo, my parents went to Punca (Indian Nation) Nebraska where I was born Dec 13, 1846. The cream of the male population were called to make up the Mormon Battallion, otherwise my parents along with others would have journeyed westward, but being instructed to make themselves as comfortable as possible for the winter, they constructed houses or dugouts to dwell in. A house was provided for my mother prior to my birth December 13. She did not recover from confinement as she should have done, having had serious trouble with one of her legs, varicose veins or milk-leg, so called in all probability. Friends used to sympathize with my older sister, Ellen, for they predicted that mother would never walk again. When warm weather came, having been laid up since December, she was carried to a nearby river, called the Running Water, and baptized for her health. She walked out of the water herself. She lived many years, after that, spun hundreds of skeins of yarn, and was a hard working woman.
Showing posts with label spiritual experiences. Show all posts
Showing posts with label spiritual experiences. Show all posts
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
The conversion of Frances Farr Mills
(The following is taken from the history of Louisa Harriet Mills Palmer) It was while at "Winchester Hampshire, England Salt Lake City and William Wilde of Coalville , Utah
Until this time my mother had belonged to the Baptist and Methodist churches, but did not seem satisfied with either. The gospel came to them in a very peculiar way. I was a baby of eleven months and was so ill the Doctor had given up all hopes of my recovery. The minister passed judgment upon me and said that I would be dead by morning. My mother was watching over her dying baby, waiting for the Doctor and minister to return, when someone knocked upon the door. Upon answering the door she found two home missionaries who were strangers to her.
Monday, July 18, 2011
Charles Wilkinson has Faith that his family will be safe
Charles had received the letter telling him when she would sail, and the name of the ship. He had rented a large home, as there was a big family involved. One baby girl was added to the family short after he had left England.
At the appointed time he began visiting the docks to see if the ship had come in, but no ship and no word of her anywhere. After three weeks of waiting they told him it was no use of coming anymore. That the ship they were coming on had surely gone down with all on board. But somehow he couldn’t give up the idea that his wife and children would never come to him again. For he had prayed to the Lord, and had always gotten up from his knees with the feeling that they would come. So, he made more trips to the dock, where they told him not to come again, and one day on his sad way home, he ran into his son, William, running down the street with a letter in his hand. Charles had just said to himself, "I guess I have asked too much, but now he knew that the Lord had heard his prayers, for the letter said his family was waiting for him in Castle Gardens.
Leaving William to have the house in order, Charles took the first train for New York. On his way down he told the people that he was going to meet his wife and nine children and he had never seen one of them. But he never explained, that it was only one, whom he had never seen—for she was born shortly after he had left England. They all wondered how he could have nine children, and had never seen one of them, it was a puzzle to the whole crowd. He laughed when he told his, wife, Sarah, and supposed those friends of his were probably still wondering about the whole thing.
After arriving in America, they settled temporarily at Lawrence, Massachusetts and remained there six years. Charles Wilkinson and family and Moses Wilkinson and family crossed the plains from Boston to Salt Lake City in 1862. They crossed the plains with the help of the Perpetual Immigration fund, in the Henry W. Miller company, which left Florence, Nebraska, August 7th with 60 wagons and about 665 immigrants and arrived in great Salt Lake City 17 October 1862. The company suffered considerable sickness and about 28 persons died on the journey.
The family remained in Salt Lake until 1864, then moved to Hoytsville, Summit County, Utah. They settled on a farm on the west side of the Weber River, about centrally located north and south of the settlement.
At the appointed time he began visiting the docks to see if the ship had come in, but no ship and no word of her anywhere. After three weeks of waiting they told him it was no use of coming anymore. That the ship they were coming on had surely gone down with all on board. But somehow he couldn’t give up the idea that his wife and children would never come to him again. For he had prayed to the Lord, and had always gotten up from his knees with the feeling that they would come. So, he made more trips to the dock, where they told him not to come again, and one day on his sad way home, he ran into his son, William, running down the street with a letter in his hand. Charles had just said to himself, "I guess I have asked too much, but now he knew that the Lord had heard his prayers, for the letter said his family was waiting for him in Castle Gardens.
Leaving William to have the house in order, Charles took the first train for New York. On his way down he told the people that he was going to meet his wife and nine children and he had never seen one of them. But he never explained, that it was only one, whom he had never seen—for she was born shortly after he had left England. They all wondered how he could have nine children, and had never seen one of them, it was a puzzle to the whole crowd. He laughed when he told his, wife, Sarah, and supposed those friends of his were probably still wondering about the whole thing.
After arriving in America, they settled temporarily at Lawrence, Massachusetts and remained there six years. Charles Wilkinson and family and Moses Wilkinson and family crossed the plains from Boston to Salt Lake City in 1862. They crossed the plains with the help of the Perpetual Immigration fund, in the Henry W. Miller company, which left Florence, Nebraska, August 7th with 60 wagons and about 665 immigrants and arrived in great Salt Lake City 17 October 1862. The company suffered considerable sickness and about 28 persons died on the journey.
The family remained in Salt Lake until 1864, then moved to Hoytsville, Summit County, Utah. They settled on a farm on the west side of the Weber River, about centrally located north and south of the settlement.
Sarah Mercer is inspired about how to get funds to travel to Zion
Many of the saints were migrating to Zion, and Charles and Sarah had a great desire to do the same. In 1842, when they first heard the gospel they had 4 children, 2 boys and 2 girls. The eldest was William Charles being 8 years old. But now they had a large family of nine children and most of them too small to earn much wages. Charles and all the family, who were old enough, worked in the woolen factories at Bradford. Charles and William Charles were wool combers and Sarah was a weaver. Every child at the age of 6 years was put in the woolen mills or factory, a half-day and then school the other half day until they were eight years, then they were "Full Timers" and worked the full day.
But with all of their wages combined, they just managed to pay the rent and eat, with a very small surplus to put away, for nine mouths took a lot of food.
After trying for a year or two to get enough money to pay their fare to America, they decided the only thing to do was for Charles to go to American where they understood wages were better than in England. So, taking William, the oldest boy, who was now 15 years old they used what money they had saved and sailed from Liverpool, England on the ship "Wellfleet" for American, the 3rd of June 1856, with 146 saints aboard and landed in Boston, Massachusetts, 13 July 1856 and found work there.
The family grew until when they left in 1857 there were 10 children. The last, Elizabeth Ann, may have been born after Charles left for America.
They planned that the rest of the family would come inside one year, from the time Charles and son, William had sailed, so they started accumulating a fund again. But it was a slow process, even though Sarah took in extra washing, instead of working in the factory, so she might care for the smaller children at home, although her mother always helped with the children.
When almost a year had passed and the savings were far below what was necessary to pay their way to America, Sarah knew something had to be done, or she and her children would never cross the ocean. So that night at prayer she told the children they must take a turn in asking their Heavenly Father’s guidance in the matter. She led and then the oldest boy was to follow her. But as she finished her prayer she told him he did not have to pray, only to thank the Lord, for the plan had come to her as she prayed. He was to go to the docks and find the name and date of the ship that would sail for Boston, the date his father had sailed the year before, and to write him a letter that they would be on that vessel.
Now her obligation was to carry out the plan that had been revealed to her, as she knelt there praying. Her faith was so strong that she told the children to go on to work and never to doubt for a moment that they would sail on that vessel.
Taking her small children over to her mother and telling her to watch and if it started to rain to go over and gather in the wash she had hung out to dry. She dressed herself in her best clothes and taking her bag she started out, not among the poor class of people of the town but to a wealthy home where she had done laundry for years. She knocked at the front door and when the maid answered the door she told her she wanted to see the Master. The maid asked her why she didn’t go to the servant’s entrance, but Sarah told the maid she was not begging nor seeking employment, just wanted to see the Master of the house on important business, and to tell him it was Mrs. Wilkinson calling. The servant doubted very much if he would see her, but went to ask and in a moment was back with the word to bring her in.
Sarah explained her difficulties and told him she wanted a recommendation, as to her character, so that she might present it to other homes where she expected to ask for money. He not only gave her a recommendation, a lovely one, but gave her a pound note, equal to five dollars in American money to start her on her way.
With her bag on her arm, Sarah would go every day that she could get away from her home to the doors of the rich, and always the Front Door. For she always said she was no beggar, but was following what the Lord had revealed to her. And though she became foot-sore and weary at times, and some doors turned her away, she kept on until she had enough and to spare, by the time the vessel sailed.
But with all of their wages combined, they just managed to pay the rent and eat, with a very small surplus to put away, for nine mouths took a lot of food.
After trying for a year or two to get enough money to pay their fare to America, they decided the only thing to do was for Charles to go to American where they understood wages were better than in England. So, taking William, the oldest boy, who was now 15 years old they used what money they had saved and sailed from Liverpool, England on the ship "Wellfleet" for American, the 3rd of June 1856, with 146 saints aboard and landed in Boston, Massachusetts, 13 July 1856 and found work there.
The family grew until when they left in 1857 there were 10 children. The last, Elizabeth Ann, may have been born after Charles left for America.
They planned that the rest of the family would come inside one year, from the time Charles and son, William had sailed, so they started accumulating a fund again. But it was a slow process, even though Sarah took in extra washing, instead of working in the factory, so she might care for the smaller children at home, although her mother always helped with the children.
When almost a year had passed and the savings were far below what was necessary to pay their way to America, Sarah knew something had to be done, or she and her children would never cross the ocean. So that night at prayer she told the children they must take a turn in asking their Heavenly Father’s guidance in the matter. She led and then the oldest boy was to follow her. But as she finished her prayer she told him he did not have to pray, only to thank the Lord, for the plan had come to her as she prayed. He was to go to the docks and find the name and date of the ship that would sail for Boston, the date his father had sailed the year before, and to write him a letter that they would be on that vessel.
Now her obligation was to carry out the plan that had been revealed to her, as she knelt there praying. Her faith was so strong that she told the children to go on to work and never to doubt for a moment that they would sail on that vessel.
Taking her small children over to her mother and telling her to watch and if it started to rain to go over and gather in the wash she had hung out to dry. She dressed herself in her best clothes and taking her bag she started out, not among the poor class of people of the town but to a wealthy home where she had done laundry for years. She knocked at the front door and when the maid answered the door she told her she wanted to see the Master. The maid asked her why she didn’t go to the servant’s entrance, but Sarah told the maid she was not begging nor seeking employment, just wanted to see the Master of the house on important business, and to tell him it was Mrs. Wilkinson calling. The servant doubted very much if he would see her, but went to ask and in a moment was back with the word to bring her in.
Sarah explained her difficulties and told him she wanted a recommendation, as to her character, so that she might present it to other homes where she expected to ask for money. He not only gave her a recommendation, a lovely one, but gave her a pound note, equal to five dollars in American money to start her on her way.
With her bag on her arm, Sarah would go every day that she could get away from her home to the doors of the rich, and always the Front Door. For she always said she was no beggar, but was following what the Lord had revealed to her. And though she became foot-sore and weary at times, and some doors turned her away, she kept on until she had enough and to spare, by the time the vessel sailed.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Thomas and Mary Ann Ovard are blessed for their service
In the spring of 1905, when my brother was called on a mission, my parents were hard pressed to raise the $45 a month necessary for his keep. The Relief Society gave a farewell dinner for him and presented him with a purse of $75. I helped them all I could by taking my two tiny children, Joseph and George, in the baby carriage into the field with me while I helped harvest hay and grain. For two summers, I loaded and stacked every load of hay and grain that was hauled in.
My husband used to get a few days work here and there. I remember he worked for John Paskett for two days digging post holes for $1.50 per day. The day he came home and handed me the money, I had received a letter from my brother stating that he needed money.
I told my husband, "Will needs money and our two children need shoes. What shall we do?" He said, "Send it to your brother. We will get shoes for our children somehow."
That night I had a dream, a vision or some wonderful thing. I dreamed that my husband and I went down in the narrows along the railroad tracks to pick up coal. We had to go by Croyden then, because there was no road through the narrows. It was told in my dream that we would find plenty of coal and shoes for our children, if we would go to a certain little sage brush, by the side of the tracks.
So, the next morning I got up and told my dream to my husband. We hitched our old black horse to our wagon and went to see what we could find. I walked down the track to the spot I had seen in my dream. There was a shoe lace sticking out of the cinders. I started to dig the dirt and cinders away with my hands. There in the dirt, were 13 pairs of shoes all in men's and boy's sizes. I called to my husband and he helped my gather them and take them to the wagon.
We also got so much coal we could not carry it.
When we got home we checked with the local stores to see if any shoes had been stolen. None had, so we sold five pairs and my husband had enough shoes to last for years.
"I learned through that vision, or whatever it may have been, that by doing good to others and not being selfish, we are blessed."
My husband used to get a few days work here and there. I remember he worked for John Paskett for two days digging post holes for $1.50 per day. The day he came home and handed me the money, I had received a letter from my brother stating that he needed money.
I told my husband, "Will needs money and our two children need shoes. What shall we do?" He said, "Send it to your brother. We will get shoes for our children somehow."
That night I had a dream, a vision or some wonderful thing. I dreamed that my husband and I went down in the narrows along the railroad tracks to pick up coal. We had to go by Croyden then, because there was no road through the narrows. It was told in my dream that we would find plenty of coal and shoes for our children, if we would go to a certain little sage brush, by the side of the tracks.
So, the next morning I got up and told my dream to my husband. We hitched our old black horse to our wagon and went to see what we could find. I walked down the track to the spot I had seen in my dream. There was a shoe lace sticking out of the cinders. I started to dig the dirt and cinders away with my hands. There in the dirt, were 13 pairs of shoes all in men's and boy's sizes. I called to my husband and he helped my gather them and take them to the wagon.
We also got so much coal we could not carry it.
When we got home we checked with the local stores to see if any shoes had been stolen. None had, so we sold five pairs and my husband had enough shoes to last for years.
"I learned through that vision, or whatever it may have been, that by doing good to others and not being selfish, we are blessed."
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Friday, February 4, 2011
Mary Ann Stockdale Carter is healed by the priesthood
After the death of her husband she had to work very hard for a living for her family of little children. At one time not knowing how to get bread for her children she had her beautiful hair cut off and sold so she could provide for them.
One day as she was washing clothes, (she took in washing for a living,) she needed a place to put them. She quickly picked up a stocking she had been darning and brushed the table with it; not knowing a large darning needle with a string of yam was hidden in the stocking. It ran through the fleshy part of her hand: she couldn't pull the needle out with her fingers, so taking one end of the needle between her teeth and placing her other hand on her wrist she pushed with all her might with her free hand and pulled with her teeth, the needle and yam went through her hand. Then regardless of the agony and pain she suffered she finished the washing. Blood poisoning set in causing her hand to swell twice it's normal size and turn dark. The doctor said her hand must be amputated to save her life. In great faith she was administered to by the Mormon Elders, they rebuked the disease that had set in, the darkness and swelling left immediately and her hand was restored to it's normal health.
She continued on caring for her children rejoicing in the blessings of the Lord to her.
One day as she was washing clothes, (she took in washing for a living,) she needed a place to put them. She quickly picked up a stocking she had been darning and brushed the table with it; not knowing a large darning needle with a string of yam was hidden in the stocking. It ran through the fleshy part of her hand: she couldn't pull the needle out with her fingers, so taking one end of the needle between her teeth and placing her other hand on her wrist she pushed with all her might with her free hand and pulled with her teeth, the needle and yam went through her hand. Then regardless of the agony and pain she suffered she finished the washing. Blood poisoning set in causing her hand to swell twice it's normal size and turn dark. The doctor said her hand must be amputated to save her life. In great faith she was administered to by the Mormon Elders, they rebuked the disease that had set in, the darkness and swelling left immediately and her hand was restored to it's normal health.
She continued on caring for her children rejoicing in the blessings of the Lord to her.
Sunday, June 27, 2010
William Morley Black conversion story
I took quite an interest in politics, and in 1848, I ran for sheriff on the Democratic ticket and was elected. In the winter of 1848-49, the news of the discovery of gold in California created quite a fever in our town, and I caught the fever. In the spring of 1849 a joint stock company was formed to go to the gold field. I resigned the sheriff's office and paid one hundred dollars into the company, which entitled me to a passage across the plains to California.
On the first of April, 1849, twelve citizens of the town of Cuba met together and formed a joint stock company, each member paying one hundred dollars into the treasury to be used in purchasing teams and outfits for a journey of two thousand miles through an unsettled Indian territory. We formed as it were a community compact for our defense and protection. The agreement bound us together until we should reach the gold fields. Anyone could withdraw from the company, but in so doing they forfeited the capital they had invested in it. William Maxwell was elected captain. I was elected as a teamster. On the 3rd of April, with light hearts and high ambitions we kissed our wives, children and parents goodbye and took the trail for the Eldorado of the West.
One hundred miles from Cuba brought us to Nauvoo on Saturday, and we rested the Sabbath. I strolled the streets of the city. Many of the houses were vacant. Those that were inhabited were occupied by a people whose language was strange to me. I was told that the builders of the city were a lawless set who for their crimes had been driven out and their beautiful substantial homes had become a prey almost without price to a company of French Icarians who purchased from the mob at low prices the homes of the exiled Mormons. Here we crossed the Mississippi River and followed westward on the roads made three years previously by the fleeing fugitives from Nauvoo. We crossed the Missouri River at Omaha and rested a few days until we were joined by other gold seekers; we numbered 75 men and 30 wagons. William Maxwell was elected as Captain over the new comers to our group.
The journey to Salt Lake Valley was a prosperous one. The most lively incidents were the days when for sport we hunted buffalo, thousands of them were shot down for the mere fun of the thing. No one seemed to consider that they were the property of the Red Men, and that they by generations of inheritance claimed them as we claim our marked and branded cattle. Sad indeed was it for the Sioux nation when the white men made a thoroughfare through their well stocked hunting grounds.
On the 24th of July we entered the Salt Lake Valley, emerging from Emigration canyon. We were all on tiptoe and anxious to see the kind of civilization the Mormons would exhibit to us. Descending from the bench lands we soon encountered well cultivated fields that extended westward in evidently small compact holdings to the very doors of their homes. Every field was irrigated by a newly made irrigation canal, and the scarcity of weeds gave evidence of careful culture. Passing through their city I saw the marking of several blacksmith shops, but not a sign of a saloon, or even barber pole, tavern or hotel could I see. But in the northern and thickest settled part of the town we passed a large brush bowery constructed evidently as a screen from the sun and used for the public gatherings. And today it looked as if the entire community, both old and young, male and female, were assembled there. At first I thought we had lost our reckoning and this was the Sabbath day, but this could not be, as the Mormons were an unchristian, lawless set who doubtless paid no heed to the Sabbath. Passing the city we camped on open ground, on the bank of a small stream called the Jordan. Across the street opposite us stood a low two-roomed house. The laughter of the children announced to us that the inmates of the house had come. I met the father whom the family called Uncle Buck Smithson. I asked if myself and companions could get supper with them. He hesitated and finally said: "You are welcome, we would be glad to have you come, but I am afraid that our simple supper of milk, meat and pigweed greens would seem very poor to you. We have no bread because the flour we brought a year ago has given out. We have not had bread for three weeks, and have no hopes of any until our harvest."
I gave him a pan of flour and in return partook of as relishable a meal as I ever have eaten. The dirt floor was cleanly swept; in fact everything, though crude and primitive, was neat and tidy. When seated at the table Uncle Buck said he wanted them to be quiet, and then he gave thanks for the ample supply of food and asked the Father to bless it to our use. This was the first time in my life that I had heard a blessing asked on our daily food, and this prayer fell from the lips of an uncultured Mormon.
Toward evening I met another Mormon, a Mr. William Wordsworth. He was a man of pleasing address, evidently well educated. He explained to me the nature of the gathering in the bowery. Two years ago today the pioneer company of the Mormon people, the fugitives from Nauvoo, entered this uninhabited and almost unknown valley, and their thankfulness was enhanced by the hope that they were beyond the reach and power of their old enemies who had cruelly mobbed and persecuted them for the last 15 years.
Their suffering and the martyrdom of the Prophet was all news to me and I wished to know the nature of all their suffering. To my surprise Mr. Wordsworth invited us to attend their church services on the morrow. I accepted the invitation and he promised to call for me. Sunday, July 25, 1849, is a day ever to be remembered by me. Mr. Wordsworth called early and after chatting ten or fifteen minutes with members of the company, and again extending an invitation to us all to attend their church, he and I walked together to the bowery. We secured seats near the front of the congregation. On the west was a raised platform of lumber on which were seated some twenty of their leading elders, including President Brigham Young. Under the shade of the bowery, seated on neatly made slab benches were the choir and congregation.
Services opened with singing and prayer, and the sacrament (bread and water) of the Lord's supper was blessed and passed to all the people. Then a man of noble, princely bearing addressed the saints. As he arose Mr. Wordsworth said: "That is Apostle John Taylor, one of the two men who were with our Prophet and Patriarch when they were martyred in Carthage jail." The word "Apostle" thrilled me, and the powerful sermon and testimony that followed filled my soul with a joy and satisfaction that I never felt before, and I said to Mr. Wordsworth, “If that is Mormonism, then I am a Mormon. How can I become a member of your Church?" He answered, "By baptism." I said, "I am ready for the ordinance." He replied, "Do not be in a hurry. Stay here and get acquainted with the people. Study more fully the principles of the Gospel, then if you wish to cast your lot with us, it will be a pleasure to me to baptize you."
That night I slept but little. I was too happy to sleep. A revelation had come to me, and its light filled my soul. My desire and ambition for gold was swept away. I had found the 'Pearl of Great Price' and I resolved to purchase it, let it cost what it would.
After a few days rest the company pushed on for California, but another man drove my team. I gave them my all and in exchange received baptism at the hands of Levi Jakeman. I had lost the world and become a Mormon. “He that putteth his hand to the plow and turneth back is not worthy of me." The parting with Captain Maxwell and company as they continued their journey was a little painful. Their warm, cheery goodbyes touched me in a tender place. As neighbors and companions for 1400 miles on the plains they had become dear to me, and the parting turned my thoughts back to home and loved ones, and a shade of homesickness rested upon me. I stood alone with strangers, but Uncle Buck Smithson saved the situation and strengthened my young faith with brotherly sympathy, inviting me to make my home with them, and he contrived to set me to work, which is a sure antidote for the blues. My first week's work in Utah was running an Armstrong mowing machine (scythe) for Uncle Buck, cutting wire grass on the Jordan bottoms.
On William Morley Black's headstone appears the phrase "I found the gold I was looking for"
On the first of April, 1849, twelve citizens of the town of Cuba met together and formed a joint stock company, each member paying one hundred dollars into the treasury to be used in purchasing teams and outfits for a journey of two thousand miles through an unsettled Indian territory. We formed as it were a community compact for our defense and protection. The agreement bound us together until we should reach the gold fields. Anyone could withdraw from the company, but in so doing they forfeited the capital they had invested in it. William Maxwell was elected captain. I was elected as a teamster. On the 3rd of April, with light hearts and high ambitions we kissed our wives, children and parents goodbye and took the trail for the Eldorado of the West.
One hundred miles from Cuba brought us to Nauvoo on Saturday, and we rested the Sabbath. I strolled the streets of the city. Many of the houses were vacant. Those that were inhabited were occupied by a people whose language was strange to me. I was told that the builders of the city were a lawless set who for their crimes had been driven out and their beautiful substantial homes had become a prey almost without price to a company of French Icarians who purchased from the mob at low prices the homes of the exiled Mormons. Here we crossed the Mississippi River and followed westward on the roads made three years previously by the fleeing fugitives from Nauvoo. We crossed the Missouri River at Omaha and rested a few days until we were joined by other gold seekers; we numbered 75 men and 30 wagons. William Maxwell was elected as Captain over the new comers to our group.
The journey to Salt Lake Valley was a prosperous one. The most lively incidents were the days when for sport we hunted buffalo, thousands of them were shot down for the mere fun of the thing. No one seemed to consider that they were the property of the Red Men, and that they by generations of inheritance claimed them as we claim our marked and branded cattle. Sad indeed was it for the Sioux nation when the white men made a thoroughfare through their well stocked hunting grounds.
On the 24th of July we entered the Salt Lake Valley, emerging from Emigration canyon. We were all on tiptoe and anxious to see the kind of civilization the Mormons would exhibit to us. Descending from the bench lands we soon encountered well cultivated fields that extended westward in evidently small compact holdings to the very doors of their homes. Every field was irrigated by a newly made irrigation canal, and the scarcity of weeds gave evidence of careful culture. Passing through their city I saw the marking of several blacksmith shops, but not a sign of a saloon, or even barber pole, tavern or hotel could I see. But in the northern and thickest settled part of the town we passed a large brush bowery constructed evidently as a screen from the sun and used for the public gatherings. And today it looked as if the entire community, both old and young, male and female, were assembled there. At first I thought we had lost our reckoning and this was the Sabbath day, but this could not be, as the Mormons were an unchristian, lawless set who doubtless paid no heed to the Sabbath. Passing the city we camped on open ground, on the bank of a small stream called the Jordan. Across the street opposite us stood a low two-roomed house. The laughter of the children announced to us that the inmates of the house had come. I met the father whom the family called Uncle Buck Smithson. I asked if myself and companions could get supper with them. He hesitated and finally said: "You are welcome, we would be glad to have you come, but I am afraid that our simple supper of milk, meat and pigweed greens would seem very poor to you. We have no bread because the flour we brought a year ago has given out. We have not had bread for three weeks, and have no hopes of any until our harvest."
I gave him a pan of flour and in return partook of as relishable a meal as I ever have eaten. The dirt floor was cleanly swept; in fact everything, though crude and primitive, was neat and tidy. When seated at the table Uncle Buck said he wanted them to be quiet, and then he gave thanks for the ample supply of food and asked the Father to bless it to our use. This was the first time in my life that I had heard a blessing asked on our daily food, and this prayer fell from the lips of an uncultured Mormon.
Toward evening I met another Mormon, a Mr. William Wordsworth. He was a man of pleasing address, evidently well educated. He explained to me the nature of the gathering in the bowery. Two years ago today the pioneer company of the Mormon people, the fugitives from Nauvoo, entered this uninhabited and almost unknown valley, and their thankfulness was enhanced by the hope that they were beyond the reach and power of their old enemies who had cruelly mobbed and persecuted them for the last 15 years.
Their suffering and the martyrdom of the Prophet was all news to me and I wished to know the nature of all their suffering. To my surprise Mr. Wordsworth invited us to attend their church services on the morrow. I accepted the invitation and he promised to call for me. Sunday, July 25, 1849, is a day ever to be remembered by me. Mr. Wordsworth called early and after chatting ten or fifteen minutes with members of the company, and again extending an invitation to us all to attend their church, he and I walked together to the bowery. We secured seats near the front of the congregation. On the west was a raised platform of lumber on which were seated some twenty of their leading elders, including President Brigham Young. Under the shade of the bowery, seated on neatly made slab benches were the choir and congregation.
Services opened with singing and prayer, and the sacrament (bread and water) of the Lord's supper was blessed and passed to all the people. Then a man of noble, princely bearing addressed the saints. As he arose Mr. Wordsworth said: "That is Apostle John Taylor, one of the two men who were with our Prophet and Patriarch when they were martyred in Carthage jail." The word "Apostle" thrilled me, and the powerful sermon and testimony that followed filled my soul with a joy and satisfaction that I never felt before, and I said to Mr. Wordsworth, “If that is Mormonism, then I am a Mormon. How can I become a member of your Church?" He answered, "By baptism." I said, "I am ready for the ordinance." He replied, "Do not be in a hurry. Stay here and get acquainted with the people. Study more fully the principles of the Gospel, then if you wish to cast your lot with us, it will be a pleasure to me to baptize you."
That night I slept but little. I was too happy to sleep. A revelation had come to me, and its light filled my soul. My desire and ambition for gold was swept away. I had found the 'Pearl of Great Price' and I resolved to purchase it, let it cost what it would.
After a few days rest the company pushed on for California, but another man drove my team. I gave them my all and in exchange received baptism at the hands of Levi Jakeman. I had lost the world and become a Mormon. “He that putteth his hand to the plow and turneth back is not worthy of me." The parting with Captain Maxwell and company as they continued their journey was a little painful. Their warm, cheery goodbyes touched me in a tender place. As neighbors and companions for 1400 miles on the plains they had become dear to me, and the parting turned my thoughts back to home and loved ones, and a shade of homesickness rested upon me. I stood alone with strangers, but Uncle Buck Smithson saved the situation and strengthened my young faith with brotherly sympathy, inviting me to make my home with them, and he contrived to set me to work, which is a sure antidote for the blues. My first week's work in Utah was running an Armstrong mowing machine (scythe) for Uncle Buck, cutting wire grass on the Jordan bottoms.
On William Morley Black's headstone appears the phrase "I found the gold I was looking for"
Saturday, June 5, 2010
Charles Henry John West is visited by one of the three Nephites
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."
Charles Henry John west - a fish for his daughter
Our little daughter, Mary Ann Young, she was sick more or less while crossing the plains, her appetite failing her, I thought I would goto 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
Friday, June 4, 2010
Calming the storm
A Story From Chloe Spencer, Daughter Of Celestia Curtis Durfee and Grand Daughter Of Enos Curtis:
When the mobs were in some of the vicious raids two or three families would gather together in one home for protection. On one such occasion the mob came to the home of Enos Curtis, the men were away. The mob ordered the occupants out of the house. The family told them that Grandmother Ruth Franklin Curtis was ill and could not leave the house. The mob left, but came back the second and third time and finally set fire to the house. The women carried Grandmother away out on a sheet. As the men folks heard about the raid, they rushed back and carried Grandmother away in a wagon as she could not walk. The mob even chased the wagon, but they finally got away.
Enos Curtis, family and a family by the name of Stowell were on the ferry crossing the river from Montrose, Iowa to Nauvoo. A terrific wind came up and as some people had previously gone down the rapids below the ferry crossing there was much anxiety and excitement. People on shore shouting and screaming for help. It was so strong it looked as if it would break the cable that controlled the ferry when Enos Curtis raised his arm to the square and commanded the wind to take them to shore. It ceased its velocity and changed so the ferry drifted to shore and both families were saved. As soon as they were on shore, the gale began as fierce as before.
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Isaac Edwin Black - a spiritual experience
Isaac was a spiritual man. He related a heavenly experience that he had when he was in his late twenties or early thirties and living in Emery County, Utah. He and his older boys were hauling timber to help build up Huntington, when he suffered a severe pain in his right side. He prepared food for the boys and they retired. Sometime during the night he felt his spirit leave his body. Isaac looked down and could see his own body and the boys lying in the bed. He stood about tree feet above them, wondering where he was supposed to go and what to do. He didn't remember anything more until he want through a gate and some immortal being looked up his record and said, "We know him" Then, turning to another man, he asked him to take Brother Black those his relatives, which he did. Brother Black saw his mother and they greeted each other with joy. While they were talking, someone else came up and said, "You come and go with me. You must go back; your work on earth is not finished." He felt so regretful about leaving he wept, but and angel said, don't feel badly; at the age of 52, 62 or 72 (Isaac could not remember which age the angel said) you will come back and your work will be finished. Your family is too young and they need you." When Brother Black's spirit returned to his body, he saw it and it was cold as he entered it again.
From then on he spent his life working in the church, doing everything he could do to complete his mission on earth so he could return to the beautiful conditions and scenes of his heavenly experience. On October 25, 1931, at the age of 71 years and 10 months, he had a heart attack and died, saying he knew it was the time he was to go.
From then on he spent his life working in the church, doing everything he could do to complete his mission on earth so he could return to the beautiful conditions and scenes of his heavenly experience. On October 25, 1931, at the age of 71 years and 10 months, he had a heart attack and died, saying he knew it was the time he was to go.
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