Edward, John - Life History

JOHN EDWARDS' BOOK

 

Dated 1894

 

I was born on tenth of May Eighteen Hundred and Thirty One (1831) at a place called Herwan in Glamorgaeushire, South Wales.  My father's name was Edward Edwards and my mother's maiden name was Elizabeth Thomas.  The birth place of my father was called "Neathdale" and my mother's birth place was called Lansamlet (The Welsh name of these places are "Cwin Nadd" and "Llansamlad" - these places are not far from "Swansea" all in South Wales.  I was the fifth child of my parents if I remember right.  I had but one brother that lived to manhood.  My eldest broth­er, then two sisters, then a brother who died when twenty-two months

old, then I came to fill the kind arms and hearts made sorrowful and empty by his death:  After me an angel who, held the keys and closed the door and said "enough" for the alloted number had come, and this angel staid with us mortals for the long period of about sixteen years, then spread her wings to the breeze, and while we stood gazing, disappeared from our mortal view, gone to Him, who gave her to us.

 

I will now proceed to give the names of my family - I mean father's and ages in the order of births therefore my brother Edward comes first.

     1.  Edward Thomas Edwards          born      April 29, 1821

     2.  Ann                             "        July 20, 1823

     3.  Catherine                       "        January 8, 1826

     4.  John   died 22 months old       "        May 3, 1828

     5.  John (myself)                   "        May 10, 1831

     6.  Mary                            "        May 23, 1833

 

These dates are correct according to my father's record which was left me at the death of my parents.  I have coppied them with care as I think that all genialites should be kept as correctly as its possible.

 

Our people in former years were crimminally neglectfull on this matter, for I find many that complain of the little knowledge they have of their ancestors.

 

I will say right here, that if the everlasting gospel was on the earth this terrible carelessness would not have existed.  Who ever thought of baptizing for the dead since the days of the Apostles up to 1830; from that time forth the people called "Mormons" have been officiating in this capacity and are the only people that believe in this grand principle, a principle in which the Mercy of God, is shown as plainly as in the atonement it self, yet no "Christian" believe it, or under­stands it although it is plain Bible doctrin.  Paul speaks of it Malachi shaddows it in saying "I will send Elijah the prophet before the great and terrible day of the Lord, to turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers lest I *smite the earth with a curse."  (*come and) 

 

And I doubt not but many have asked "Why do the followers hunt up genealogies when it costs them so much money" and, "they did not used to do it!"  No! they did not, but God has moved upon them by that power spoken of above, and are impel'd by a power they know not of.  God is useing them as His tools to accomplish His purpose for this work must be done or, He must "smite the earth with a curse."  Please pardon me for my digression, yet, I may commit myself on these points as I go on.

I shall now proceed to give the names of father folk as I have them; Father was the eldest of his father's house.  I think I better give the names of my grandparents first then, it will be as far as I can go back on that line.

 

Grandpa's name same as father.  Grandma's maiden's name I know not, Only her Christian name that was Margaret.  My father being first borne but, as to his birth time, I do not know, the nearest I can come to it is that I understood in some way or other that when father died he was 62 or 63 this was in (49), fourty nine.

 

I have heard my father say that he was married when 28 twenty-eight years old and as near as I can now reccolect my eldest Bro. Was born 12 months after marriage or 1821 take 29 out of 1821-29 being father's age at this birth, making allowences for few months under or over, the time of father's birth would be about the year 1791 my dear mother was 4 years younger than father 1795 would be as near as I can get at their ages.

1.  Father had five brothers who's names are as follows

2.  David (born abt - 1793) Edwards

3.  William (born abt - 1795) Edwards

4.      Richard (born abt - 1797) Edwards

5.           Alexander (born abt - 1799) Edwards

6.  and John (born abt - 1801) Ewards  Uncle John, I never knew, but

the others I did.  I saw my Grandmother father's, brother, but not my

Grandfather he was dead e'er I was born.

 

(NOTE**Grandmother Hazel Edwards Sperry, added the year dates to the above names.)

 

The ages of these people I know not as I never saw any record, if there was one.  I am astounded at the indifference manifested on this, by our people, so important a subject.  But the world is waking up on this point, and with great dilling once the genialogies are being serched out all over the earth.

 

Now I will say all that I can say of my dear mother's family but very Little it is as I have no record of her people - I can write nothing But what my memory has conretained through the years.  My mother you remember was born in "Lansamlet" near Swansea South Wales but I never saw any of her folks although my grandmother lived with my parents yet, I was too young to remember her.  My mother's father died when my mother was a babe she never knew him.  She had a sister named Mary who died in childbirth, and a brother named John who also died in the 21st or 22nd

year of his age.  Both of these people I have heard mother say were very handsome, but I never saw them as they were dead e'er I could remember.  On mother's side then, the family number would be Mary, John and Elizabeth.  There were many uncles I have heard mother speak of, but, never saw but one of them, that was Uncle Lishou - this is the pronun­ciation, but I do not know if I have spelled it correctly this is the only one of them I ever knew.  There must be some noble spirits a among them for, my dear mother was one if ever there lived on earth a noble spirit, then my mother was that spirit!  O, my dear father and mother,

when shall I behold your face!  When shall I hear those voices once so dear to me, that, in my youth directed my course in life and, shaped my mind and gave my young heart impressions that as long as time shall last will never be effaced: when, o when, shall  we  meet!  My father as far back as I can remember belong'd to the Weslayan perswasian, "Weslayan Methodist."  My mother was of the "Armin Bap­tist",

a church that held very much the same principles as the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, and for this reason I was some what posted in the principles set forth by the Elders when the Church was first brought to our country and, when they began to explain their doctrine to us, it seems as though we were somewhat familiar with it, and could see into the principles quite naturaly, I am speaking now, more particularly as to mother and I, for mother had prepared my  mind by instucting me in the doctrine of the Armin Baptists.

 

They held forth that, the Church of Christ must be like the patern given by the Son of God or, it could not be the Church of Christ.  This is the situation of all the sectarions churches throughout the whole world today, and has been for centuries.  I immagin I can hear some one say, "That is very uncharitable of you, to express your self in this manner".  Well, I admit that it does sound aufull, aufull is the conditions of the churches today, so far as the knowledge of the gospel is concerned, and, as to the authority to administer the ordiences of the church they cannot claim any in proof of it let me say this.  All the world were once under the dominion of the "Old Mother" and all the world now, except the

Catholic, call her the Mother of "Harlots".  Well we were all under her dominion at one time, for all the sectarians will acknowledge at any time that she is the power spoken of in the scripture as haveing made all nations drunk with the wine of her fornication and we understand that Martin Luthur was the first man that dared her authority:- but not because he claimed to Devine revelation to do so, but simply, by force of circumstances.  When the "Old Gal" sought his life for this inovation, and trespass on her universal dominion, he thought it time he was looking about, and high time too! and this could not be accomplished only by establishing a faction of his own and thus be a mutual protection agaist her murderous inclinations.  He knew that the abourmable thing, was full of murder, and is to this day.  Now, when Martin Luthur established his church, then others done as he lead, broke off unto them selves, multiplying untill, the earth is full of all kinds of churches established by the will of some turbulent fellow that was among them, could not submit his will to that church he belong to, kicked out and an other church was the grand result of his rebellious and Satanic Spirit, of course this was another Church of Christ: but no one claiming to be devinly authorized to, or by revelation directed to organize their church save it be, the Latter Day Saints.  This Church claims her authority from on high, by direct revelation from God.  If the Catholic Church is the Mother of Harlots, who are the harlots?  You say, the Mother Church is not of God - never had any authority from God, Where did you get your authority? for you must remember that you are nothing

but apostates from the Mother of "Harlots" or in other words, her daughters, the harlots, mm?

 

An Elder by the name of Rees Fellish came preaching the gospel to our village, saying, that God had revealed the ancient order to man on the earth in our day; bore a strong testamany of its authenticity, declar­ing that he knew it to be truth.  This man was an aquanitence of my parents and naturally enough entered into conversation on, or about these matters.  Haveing discussed the subject (pro. and con.) mother saw  at a glance she said that she had nothing to stand upon, when  he brought  forth  his  strong arguements in favor of  his  doctrin  and,

against the religious of the day. 

 

Well, mother then was not satisfied untill she had convey'd all she had learned of the doctrin which he had taught her (I mean Mr. Fellish) to our understanding, and I can tell you, it did not take long to convert us, as it was too plain for any one to reject it, that had steadied the good "Old Book" atall.  Therefore, the result of all this was a baptism of us that is mother first then father and I, some time after my dear sister Mary after a while my brother Edwards also was

Baptized into the church.  Thus it came to pass, that the principles advanced by our friend, captured us all.  All my father's house received the gospel and were all, excep my dear Sister Ann who died a little while before the time of her confinedment: If she had lived untill the ordeal was over, she also would have come into the church, for she had said so, and was waiting this event.  But my dear sister was not permitted to carry out her desire in this, and we laid her to

Rest in peace.  I shall meet her one of these days and sing together as we used to do only a little better, as, I shall not be troubled with asthma.

 

Soon after we embraced the gospel, we emigrated to this land; starting in the fall of the year 48 or in Jan. of 49 I am not sure which.  The name of the place we started from was called ("Cwin Bach") near Aberdare, Our family circle consisted of Father, Mother, Edward, Mary and myself five of us.  We left our sister Catherine behind as I think she was married or, about to be.  She did not change her name in marriage as her husband's name Daniel Edwards, he was a good man so far as buisness was concerned, they had a little daughter only.  But after comming to America they both left the church went in to the liquor buisiness in St. Louis and Illinosse, and there my poor sister ended her earthly carrier.  Our family travealed together all the way to America and we reached St. Louis Mo. and travaled up the river Mo. To Council Bluffs Iowa.  But O, what trial was in store for us, e'er we should reach the Bluffs!  For our father and our angel sister died, and my noble mother was taken down with cholara of which my father and sister had died and we (that is my brother Edward and I) knew not which way to turne or what to do to help our dear mother.  It looked as though we were destined to be left alone suddenly in this strange land.  But we prayed earnestly to God, that our precious mother maybe spare us, and the Lord heard and answered our prayers, and her strong faith and she was restored to health.  I shall never forget one young lady -"Sabra Rawlings" living at "Counsil Point," where we landed, how kind she was to my dear mother:  while many were flying from the dreadfull plague, that dear girl would grasp my mother around her body when she wanted anything to drink or, to eat a spoonfull of anything she had prepared for her, would raise my dear mother to ease her pillow or soften her bed and had no fear atall.  The kind manner toward mother, a perfect stranger to her was something long to be remembered!  I hope that God has rewarded that dear girl for what she did to my worthy and beloved mother.  (Poor girl, Sabra Rawlings).

 

We bought 10 acres of land of Mr. Rawlings at this place and farmed it for 2 years.  After 1 year and about six months my dear mother passed beyond the "flood", thus, my brother and I were left dessolate of those dear ones that started from our home with us in high Spirit full of hope that our future would be bright and glorious not looking for so sudden a so sad a seperation with those we loved so dear.  After my mother's death I took it so hard I lay sick no one to look to me or wait upon me in my severe sickness only the little my brother done, that was very little, as he often went out and did not return untill after many hours in the which time I had suffered with cruel thirst, that my tongue was swollen in my mouth and so dry that I could not speak, and when I asked him why he stayed so long, he would answer and say "If that did'nt suite me I could do the next thing".  I have thought that my brother did at this time loose the Spirit of God, which did withdraw from that time forth untill he apostatized from the church, for after that, I had plenty of tokens of my brother's back sliding in many expressions he made to me in after years.

 

When I got over my afflitions there in the next 6 months up to the Spring of 51 I formed the aquentence of Miss Stevens who in very little time after became my wife.  And in the month of May or June we started towards the Valley of the Great Salt Lake where we arrived about the last day of the Semi-anual Conference of the Church, which converies on Oct. 6.

 

Our wedding took place on March 22nd 1851 and together we crossed the plains 1000 miles with ox team.  All of our land in "Counsil Tomt" I left to my brother I never had a cent for it and I do not think he ever had - but if I had all of the country round ther I would have left it as joyfully in order to come to the Saints here in Utah as I left the little I did.

 

My brother went down to St. Louis, MO and the next year came to the Valley and lived with us for 7 or 8 years and in all those years not an unkind word was given by one to the other.

 

I  will now say a word or two about my wife's folks as it seems right after recapitulating all that I see is necessary of my own people at least at presant and say.  My wife's folks are from Somerset England there where she was born and raised.  And about the year 49 the gospel was taken to their town, and they heard and believe it that is my wife and father and sister they receved the gospel and probably in March not far from 20 or 25/49 and in Christmas following commenced their journey to this land.  The father and these two daughters was all that did receve the gospel except the eldest sister of the family she, was married and not liveing at her father's home when they left, the names are these: The father's name was Stephen Stevens, the 2 daughters that came with him were Elizabeth and Charlotte (the one became my wife) they traveled untill they reach the Bluffs, this was in the Spring of 1850.  The Elder that preached gospel to them in their home the brought with them.  (His wife also).  Brother Dunster their father took charge all the way from England untill they reached Here they left him, and the father can 2 daughters, the Elder and the wife, took boat and steamed up to the Bluffs.  Not long after arriving here Charlotte was taken sick of Cholara but, through the blessing of God, recovered but her father succummed to the fell destryyer for, in about 2 weeks after she was taken sick, of a Sunday night the father was taken and, Monday he was dead, There she laid in one bed, and not able to get up and the dear father lay in another in the one room, none but Elizabeth to waite on them, and she but very delicate of health.  Oh, who can tell the feelings of those 2 children thus situated, who had been raised tenderly and in a home where there were comforts of all, that any could reasonably ask for to make a family happy!  Children who is ever had to soil their hands or, knew the color of want!  Here my poor girl was left in bed sick while they carried her father, who had alwise been so kind and tender in his care of all his family, carried out dead.  Well! well!  It is all papa now, but it gave us a sad experience it can never be erradicated from our minds while time shall last.  Soon after the burial of the father and, before that Miss Charllotte was out of bed, her sister left her and went down to Mo. and from thence, to N.O.

 

The Elder that the father brought out with him from England had gone down to the states with his wife some time before Elizabeth left the Bluffs - but he found out that she had gone down to N.O. he left his wife in St. Louis, and followed her and there he found her making calculation to go back to England.  I cannot say but it does appere some what like that they took a notion that one bed would be better than two, and, that the "Traste" was not consulted ither.  But the sister in the Bluffs what of her?  Well she recovered thank God!  It was after this sickness that I made her aquaintence, that was in the Spring of the following year 1851, the father died in June 1850, so this was one year they - she had been in the Bluffs.  As I said before we were married March 22nd 1851 then soon left for S.L

 

Father Stevens had other children in England who ere left because they would not receve the gospel.  Maryann was in the church, but had a family - could not come out, but all the others were not in the church Susana, Sarah, Thision Mitchel, Cornelius Turrum, (4) these were the names of those that were left and they never did joine the Church, nor did Maryann ever come to the valley as she died and husband in England.  Before they left England, they had buried two sisters.  Names Eliza, Amelia and 3 brothers who died in infancy they were, John, William, and John, this last child being named after his brother who had died priviously, this make the total of their family with one to be added 12.  The names are as follows ------------

Maryann Glide, Wlizabeth, Susanna, Sarah Eliza, Charlotte, Thosion Mitchell, Amelia, Cornelius Turrum, John, William, John, Joseph.  No one can deny that this daughter of Mother Eve did carry out the great first commendment given by the Lord to Adam & Eve.  Well, it is said in the good old book.  "Blessed is he, that, hath his quiver full of them, he, is not affraid to meet his enimy in the gate."  But at the date of this writing 1894, there is none of that grand family breathing mortal air but my faithful Charlotte!  Blessed of God to live to see the finel end of all her father's house so far as his immediately family is concerned; but there is a goodly number of grandchildren and some great grand children in England now scattered in the different Shires, a number in Chard the home of the parent nest and around close in the other Shires.

In, 1851 my wife and I came to the Valley as I have said.  Now this being late in the fall, we had no means to commence house keeping.  My wife and I earned 100 dol. on the Plains this was all our bank acct. With this we started in, by buying 50 cents worth of potatoes, and do. of flour.  Thus we were equiped to commence life in Zion.  We both of us brosed round pretty lively I tell you, for plainly did were see now, or never.  I went around and found Bro. William Snow who furnished me employment, in the mean time my wife was not behind time for soon she found sewing to do.  On Jan. 1, 1852 my nobel girl presented me with the undeniable and, substantial evidence, of the triumph of love!  What were we to do? there was co one to blame for this but our selves!  and we had to acknowledge it because we had to.  The little mother did not say, "Now, I know my husband will love me."  As we heard eer' this, for the very reaon that, she knew already that I was happy only with my wife.

 

But the worst of it was, we had Sister Bee who, after became the wife of Joseph Dobson living with us, and, both she and my self fellsick while my wife lay sick of her confindment.  Here we all three, ah! four, in one room sick a bed, nither of us able to help ourselves, say nought about anyone else.  Now, wasn't this cosy?  Tell me you under stand astronomy, in what constalation would this cluster of Stars be classed?

 

I was sick considerable of this winter made but a very little means to live upon, and, would have gone hard with us if my wife was not the most industrious in this country.  Bro. Snow treated me as tho he way my brother, paid me every cent that he agreed to.  Not for this reason I speak of Bro. Snow as a noble man, but, he was a gentlemen in all he did for I could see for myself in action toward others and the confidence that everyone had in him.  I can say with all my heart God bless Bro. Snow.  Let me say right here, that the first house we lived in was the same lot that Geo. Q. Canon lives on, that is, his big house 1 block west of Tabbernacle.  Father Pea was living in one room, and we in the other.  In this house Johny was born.  Now haveing arrived at this period I will proceed to give the ages of all my children in the order of their birth.

 

1st John Stevens Edwards, born in 17 ward S.L. City, on 1 Jan.  1852,         

at 2 oclock (P.M.)

 

2nd Charlotte Elizabeth Edwards, born in 17 ward S.L. City, on 11th

Feb. 1853 at 25 m. to 7 (A.M.)

3rd Alizon Amelia Edwards, born in 11 ward S.L. City, on 11 Oct. 1854,

at 20 m. to 1 (A.M.)

 

4th Abigal Edwards, born in 11 ward S.L. City, on 10 March 1856, at 4

occlock (P.M.)

 

5th Brigham Cornelius Edwards, born in 11 ward S.L. City, on 3rd Dec.

1857, at 5-12 (A.M.)

 

6th Edward Tociou Edwards, born 6 ward S.L. City, on 11 Sep. 1860, at

5 (A.M.) Note. I think the proper name is (Thociou)

 

7th Hannah Adelia Edwards, born 6 ward S.L. City, on 25 March 1862 1 -

5 (P.M.)

 

These are the names of my children and the correct times of births and wards in which they were born; and although we commenced to have our children in 1852, and all that was born to me alive, are still in the land of the living in the year, 1894, and now I have at this date over 20 grandchildran.  All my children have families except Elizabeth, she tho married 20 years, was not blessed with offspring.

 

At this date 1894 (Feb. (Latterday 10) John has (4) children, Alizon (4,) Edward (4,) Cornelius (5,) Adelia (6,) and are around me. I love my grandchildren very much, I am more affraid that something will happen to hurt them, I think that I was with regard to their parents when they were young.  Maybe this feeling arrises from the fact that I am older and, posesed of that feeling of apriciation that younger people are not capable of.  I realize in all things the hand of Almighty God, more now, than I did in my younger days.  And a passage from Milton comes to my mind very often where he say: "O, Adam, one Almighty is, from whem all things proceed".  To appriciate this truly, must inspire the soul to deep devotion; a devotion beyond the power of that soul to tell.  I presume that the nearest that we can come or, the greatest sign of this appriciation that we can render is, to bend the knee before Him in adoration; this all must do eventually.

 

It was with Father and Mother Pea that we first lived after we arrived into the Valley in (1851) and had the trouble there that I have recorded above.  Then we moved down on the Jordan Street to Sister Freeman.  Here I got aquented with Bro. Thomson (William) I think, who treated me very kindly, this was in 16th Ward S.L.  From there we moved up to a house of Charles C. Rich very near to father Pea on the same lot this in 17 Ward this was a log house dirt roof and the rain or snow would leak through untill we were wet in our beds, and my wife and I sick in bed at the same time, my Bro Edward was with us and Sister Dunsdon and daughter also.

 

They sat up all night catching the water that driped through vester of our bed to keep us as dry as they could, but for all that we were through; this was our condition on a Christmas night in the year 1853.  From this house we moved a little north into Lambson's on the North corner (East) on the same block.  From here we moved to 11 Ward S.L. haveing secured a lot from Bro. Steven Luce but the credit of this is due to my dear little wife who started our one day unbeknown to me a made all arrangment to take the lot and arranged with a Bro. by the name of Edward Wood to make adobies for a house.  In the evening of the day, she came back and reported to me what she had done.  I will say I was very much surprised, for it was a bid move in those days.  I was sick then very sick:  I suffered with asthma terribly.  Well, we moved up to 11th Ward and lived with Bro. Wood and as I grew better, I would do a little on our lot every day, and continued untill I had built us a house to live in, and when I now look back and contemplate the circumstances surrounding us at that time, I can but think it was a mirical!  No means, no health, no lumber, nails, locks, no glap paint nor putty, rock nor sand nor anything of this carracton.  "Well then" says one, "how did you manage?"  We were in posession of something that brought these all about.  Faith - Will - & Work, an dit was accomplished, and in our own little nest, we were as happy as two

doves with their little brood.

 

Now, this was the beginning of our lives, as it were, in  Zion: here was a incentive to further moves, we could see now what a gennime effort would accomplish, could see plainly what faith and works could do.  What a change did we realize in fact of us owning a home of our own!  No one could come and demand rent of us, as we had experienced before, and at a time too, when I would be poorly prepared to settle.  This, conceled all.  Henceforth what we did, it, was to improve our own, all our efforts, every dollar now went to improve our home, and gather some comforts for my sweet little family.  Up to this time my health had been very poorly.  It seemed to wake me up did this chand in things, my health got much better, and I pitched into work like a man.  I will go back, and say a little about the "Plains" how that after we started on, and travailed westward some distance, it was considdered unsafe to continue in the direction we were then persuing, on account of Indians, so that we were ordered to retrace our steps, go back, so that in doing this, it made nearly 4 hundred miles difference in the distance, and beside that, we were thrown so far in the North of our first posistion that the country we travialed was one vast sand hills so loose that the wagons were up to the hubs in sand day after day and, no watter in the country, so dry, that an immagi­nary mind may sopose that "Purgatory" must be our next camping ground.  I was so dry my self that I laid down and drank our of puddle on one occation, that had been standing after a small shower some days privious, and a herd of Buffaloes had been standing in it, and, were in it at the time we came up  full of large maggots and had to strain them through my teeth.  This was the lovely country? we had to travial through with heavy loaded teams.  Now altho, my wife had to cook for 12 or 14 in connection with Sister Obiat, or this was the name of the family we came with.  (Ira Obiat) and to help milk 10 cows night and morning, often on account of my sickness, had to go into the corral and help to yoke them up (my team) and 3 days in the sand hill did she drive my team while I layed in my wagon sacrcely able to breath, yet for all this, she never complained but went at it as though she felt it a pleasure.

 

There was a young man in our family named David Jensen or (Dave) Lars Jansen who helped my wife considderable in there chores and after we came to the Valley she paid him back by helping him to abtain the young lady of his choice for his wife.  This young woman came across the plains with us and, her mother - Sister Dunsdon.  Sister Dunsdon & daughter lived with us after comming here.  They have been dead now many years - but Lars, lives down I understand of "Provo Beach" but looking very old I am told.

 

In 1852 we went through our encowments, this wa eer Elizabeth was born.  This plainly shows that we were not slothfull in the performance of our duties, as we availed ourselves of the first privilage offered to us.  By this, I mean to show that all my children excep John were born in the "Covenent" as our people will claim.  Should any one ask what is the difference I will say, it stays with us in the fact, that all that are not sealed over the alter after receiving the gospel and understanding its Doctrine, and marry out side of this by another means,are considdered not rightly married and therefore the children are not considdered legal heirs to the blessing and therefore, must be subject to the Law of adoption.  In fact, the church does not considder the children of such marriages, sons & daughters; for having receved the true gospel are henceforth judged by the Law of the gospel, hence the above.  I knowing this to be the order of the church, I hastened to do that, that I knew to be my duty, not only to honor the requirements of the church, but, to see that nothing should throught my neglect redo were to the ingury of my children, hence, all were born in the covenent except John.  After we got established in the Eleventh Ward 3 children were born here to us, Alizon, Abigal, and Cornelius.

 

We toiled hard to improve our home, and lot, building my fence and corral for my stock for I was not long gathering these things around me when my health permitted for I worked early and late, many a night, my wife and I worked in our lot and around the house improving every thing we could untill eleven at night.  My brother Edward lived with us at this time poor chap doing all he could in his way.

 

I often went to the canon after wood and waded through snow up to my middle.  I have known my oxen to trip down in dragging the wood fall all but our of light - the snow so deep and when I got my wood on the wagon, it looked like a pile of snow, and 12 o clock at night or, very nearly, before I got home.  My clothing froze stiff.  This I had to do to keep my dear little ones comfortable, my dear wife waiting for me and a comfortable fire and a warm supper for my, watter ready to wash me  - and she would wash my face at that.  Eight or ten times would I repeat this in the fall in order to be sufficeintly provided with fuel for the winter.  Thus it was from year to year, so there was no coal in the country at that date and, when the coal was discovered, I have paid as much as 40 dollars per ton, the presant day, does not comprihend those days nor can our children fathom the difference between the two periods, and when I hear the young people giving the ballance of credit to the parties now, now in power or, that was in power e'er the last election I am sorry for them, as they cannot be very will versed in the history of the people.  Many of those that came in here young and vigorous, wore them selves out, in subding the sterillity of, and in improving the country in all ways untill worn our and, are gone the way of all the earth.

 

After we had been in the Eleventh Ward a while the grasshoppers came in clouds even to the darkening of the sun, that it did look as tho the night was upon us.  The visitation of the grasshoppers bred famine in the land, and the people suffered very much in deed, but it is also a fact that no people in any land suffered with more resegrdtion and bore that affliction of hunger with more patience than did this people.

 

In those days I have known men and women that were so weak, that they could not stand on their feet, scarcely so much reduced were they in strength.  Women, mothers, who had babes on the breast, so starved were they that the babe sucked blood from bosom, not haveing seen a piece of bread for 3 or 4 weeks, in bed sick yet, for all their terrible condition, I never heard on complain.

 

So remarkable was the faith of the people, and so resigned were they to this manifestation of what they felt was a matter that God had a hand in and was, or would be all eventually for their good, that they did not murmur, but in faith did look forward for a better day.  Well a better day came, and the people did acknowledged the hand of God in it all.

 

Plenty came into the land and, we had a little time to fill our stores with provisions, no sooner had we done this than we understood that "Uncle Sam" was sending another kind of hoppers upon us in the shape of soldiers, at the expence of 41, or, 42, million of dollars to exterminate the handfull of honest, thrifty and, industrious "Mormons" in these mountains.  President Young when he found out this, he called a move on the part of people to prevent the mob from entering the Valley as easy as they thought they could, which the people did in right good order.  They were kept out in Bridger and on Ham's Fork all the winter and did not come in untill the Spring, this was in 1857 - 58, but when they did come, they found that Salt Lake City was deserted, the people were gone but, not untill, it was understood that they were to march the troops through the City and, not to locate nearer than 40 miles of the city.  This the General agreed to or if he had

not, the city would have been laid wast and in ashes.  This was in the time of Bucanon, an imbisil, from the fact, that he ordered this  mobe against the people of his own nation, at an expence of the above sum, and had not even inquired into the reason for so important a move, enough to know, that they were "Mormons" whores he would distroy.  "Well," say's one, "What became of all this?" The answer is this.  No sooner had this army settled them selves comforably in their quarters

40 miles off than, a was, the war of the rebellion, burst upon the country, and this mob that had come across the plains a 1000 miles for the purpose of distroying the same people, that but a few years before they had robed and plundered, and murdered, and drove from their homes to die in the willderness among the savages, and by the blessing of God, who they worshiped, survived all this for, they could not accomplish their hellish design even when the people were in their power as it were - had the audacity to think such brave people could be now so easily frighted.  Now I will answer the question "What became of all this".  The 41, or, 42, millions worth of good and provisions they were in posesion of, all but the little they had used up this time, were left to this people whom they saught to distroy for 20 to 31 million sold here for 100,000 besides this, thousands of dolars worth of property were scattered about that fell into the peoples hands, so that what our enemies ment for our ditruction, in the hand of God, became our salvation.  From that time forth, this might be said, the people never wanted since.  The means brought here their, set the people upon their feet, and, they acknowledge the hand of God in it.  In the Summer of 1858 we all moved back into the city everyone to his house, and all the people from the North who had moved south also, went home to their farms peace was once more restored, and all things went on as tho' nothing had happened, only that the people were better

fixed for the labour they had to do for God had rained wealth abundantly into the country.

 

When we were permitted to return to our homes, I did not come back to the 11th Ward, for I had purchased a house and lot in the sixth ward and moved there, and, after a while sold my eleventh ward property and, lived there untill we moved up into this place call Pleasant View Sugar House Ward, some 12 or 13 years now.  But who can tell the suffering that I passed through in the 6th ward!  I will not try to as I could not do it, there is but 3 that can tell God, myself, and my faithfull wife who, was always at my bed side when I was afflicted: so bad my health became there, that they had to move me up to this place, and although I was dieing on the road as the team was moveing along to all apperence, yet I am now writing this account 12 or 13 years since that very memorable day, when I felt that my spirit was about to leave this earthly tenement.  We live in the 6th ward 24 years we saw much joy ther altho; it was alboyed with considderable sorrow through my poor health, and altho it improved my health by moveing here yet, for 16 or 17 years I have not been able work only putter around a very little and now this winter of 1894 I am confined to my house all winter.  My dear wife is far from feeling well.  We are getting on in years both of us and feel the effect of decay I am over 60 and my dear girl is nearly 74.  After the "move" as we call it, in 1858, and were had returned home to the city my brother Edward was called on a mission to my native country which he filled, I think he was absent 2 years and then returned with a young lady that was to be his wife, and a little sister of hers, and came and lived with us. 

 

(Let me day that I forgot to say that my dear sisters had each of them a child Ann had a little son who died at the age of 2 or 3 years, I am not sure of this being his age, but near it.  Catherine also has a sweet little girl about 3 years I think, she died also.)

 

And after a little while he took her through the "House" and had her sealed to him according to the order of the church and soon went down to Fort Ephraim in San Pete Co.  I do not remember how long he was there but I was told that the authorities treated him very kindly, often calling and him to address the people, and in fact said so in his letters to me.  I say this, that it could not be because of neglect of the brothern of the place that he kicked out, but he did kick out.  He associated with a lot of apstateses that at that time infested San Pete, and partook of their spirits and with the ballence of them thought it very unsafe place to dwell in and many of them, if not all, scattered in different directions and my brother came up to Salt Lake, posesed of the worst spirit I ever saw or knew a man to be.

I speaking to me about the people, the authorities, specially, he would grind his teeth with bitterness, this astounded me, only a little while since he was preaching the very thing to the people aroad that he now denounced, the very testamony that he bore to them was that he knew this very people to be the people of God, and the principles held forth by them was also of God.

 

But here was a great change, ready now to aubiolate the very thing he held out to the world, as the only means by which they may gain salvation.  I call his attention to this wicked inconsistancy and, the evil spirit that must be actuateing him.  I asked him, when was it you told a lie, was it when you told the people that this was the Kingdom of God, or now, you say it is of the Devil?  Said I When did you lie? for you must have lied then or now! when was it sir?  I said, "enough of this'!  "I will no more of such nonsence!"  If you want to speak to me

of Pres. Young speak respectfully or not atall.  You cannot prove that Pres. Young ever done you any injury, but I can prove where he done you much good, and I dare you to deny this! he made o reply, posesed as he was of the evil one, this truth he could not face.  It seems to be the fact, (at least by what I have heard) that when a man is drunk, he thinks every body shaking but himself everything is going around, but lie is firm.  This is very remarkably so in all that apostatizes from this church, all of them think they are right individally, but it is the church that is or, has gone asstray. What madness!

 

After my brother came back to the city from San Pete, he engaged teaching school in "Camp Douglas".  But without making me acquented with his intentions, he started out to cross the Plains with some of those people called "Mouisites" that had been taken prisoner by order of the Governor of the Territory on the Weber, and brought down here to the city.  He got back as far Omaha and settled there, and became one of the "Josephites" and here he raised all his family in that faith, if faith it may be called, but I would rather think it apostacy from the faith my self.  I am not sure as to how many years he lived before his death in that place, but never sent me one line of information as to his affairs.  I think some 20 or, ever 22 years he lived there ere his death which took place some ten year ago.

 

Now lately 4 of his childran visited me, and told me that their father was the Pres. of the Branch of the Church of "Josephites", so there is no dought about his having joined that crowd.  But the children do not seam to have much confidence in them, no dought tho', but a small amount of sympathy lingers in their hearts towards that, shall I say, that apostatized clan?  I do not dought in the least but Joseph knows he is an humbug.  He lays no claim to Devine appointment, he does not claim to ordination by his great father, he clims no manifestation of the Deivne will, that he lead out in the matter in hand.  It was not untill years after the Prophet's death, that the silly fellow took a notion to organize what he calls "The Reorganized Church, &  c&c  now the Lord directed the Prophet to call His Church The Church of Jesus Christ of &c&c now I beleive with all my heart that he knows he is not in path, how can he help but know it!  You must remember, he does not lay claim to any appointment what so ever, but because he was the Eldest thought therefore, that he may show some plansible reason as being hair to his father's power.  Does he not know that this people in the mountains are the same that the authorities of the different Co. of MO. & IL confered with and asked them to leave Navoo.  Those authorities did not confer with the Josephites for the reason there were now, and did not exist for many a year after, and would not now

be in existence if he had not been superenduced to so, by a lot of d--d spirits that rebelled against the true Church and were cut off.

 

Now, he knows he is not right!  I understand they have done a way with Tithing, Poligamy they have denied in tato, Endowments they repudiate - temples they do not erect therefore no baptisms for there dead can well be done as this is the order for this Dispensation.  Now all of these things the Man of God ordained for this people, he urged them to build Temples, taught the Law of Tithing, insisted upon baptisms for the dead, for God had so revealed to him to be unparitive "Least I come and smite the earth with a curse" this he said the Lord revealed to him.  He also taught this people that the Garmens were necesary that the Saints wear in these holy ordiences for thus it was to him made known, by the verious angels that came to him each one in his own shere bequething the keys they held to him, which were necesary to usher in the Dispensation of the fullness of times.

 

Brigham Young did not orginate these things and, if you so so, their indeed you acknowledge him as the founder of the Church as these ordinences are very nearly the whole of the Church, then, if these claims are insisted upon, where is Joseph's claim as regards hairship?  Shall we not rather say it belongs to the sons of Pres. Young? 

 

But all such subterfuges will not do, truth is the only foundation upon which we can stand!  They may be decived by Satan, but this people he cannot decieve!

 

I had very excellent father and mother, but like most children, my warmest feelings was toward my mother.  Fathers are as a general thing engaged with their labors, and not so much with the children, hence, they are in many instances all but strangers in the little folks, off to their verious callings eer they children are about, and often so late comming home that the wee things are abed.  In consiquence of these conditions, fathers have but little chance to enter into their little affections and endear them to him, nor can he very well, as other matters accupy his mind of much importance, that after this little questions put to him he some time does not hear, and the dear things turn off and half think, "Pa does not want me, nor love me" yet for all this apparent indifference, on his part to them his souls best efforts, are for them, but they are too young to realize this fact, but they grow older, and soon know this to be the fact: then, they find out who were their true friend, and begin to look upon him henceforth with a feeling akin to worship, and when we considder that everyday of his life he places himself in the front of the battle for them, indeed should children and wives love them cincerly.

 

But the duty and the privelege of the Mother, is very different She is at home with them, and has a thouand chances to very few of the father, to shape their thoughts in the right direction, to endear them to her, and if the mother be an intelligent woman it does seam that the little cretures, like the clay in the hand of the Potter can be mould as they will.

 

But, and if the mother is not of this stamp, and undertake to govern them, when she never has sought to govern herself, how can we expect those little minds to be contrould as they should?  I have aften said when the question has been put to me, "Which do you think should be the best educated the boys or the girls, if one of them must be slighted?   I have inverially answered the boy.  It is an universal idea with the people, thy boy must be educated but are indifferent as to the girl, and here we find the sequel to the thousands of poor miserable mothers who has not the least government over the children, whose homes are "Pandora's Box" and disorder reignes suprens.  Confusion, ill maners, inpudent language dareing the mother disobeying her defying her command, and rule the house.  Then when the father comes home, the mother pours all her troubles into his ears, and the father

ill prepared to hear all this for he may have had his troubles e'er he came home and can brook no more and in stead of healing the sore, he himself becomes mad and the wife that was looking for sonsolation from him gets instead his abuse also.  Thus it is from day today untill the place that should be a heaven to him, is converted, No! not converted for it never was a heaven he turns his head away from his hour or two of quiet says one, "where is that "The Tavern"! Alas! Alas! and the poor mother is thus slighted, neglected and left to do battle all alone, not with those turbulent children only, but with less means to provid for them, just in proportion to the amount he may spend in order to secure that, that he has failed to secure at home.  Thus her trouble increses from day to day, and the husband is also broken hearted with the thought of the thorny path that he has to travail.

 

What is there so dreadful as a home without order, without government?  Can you reader immagin and tell me what there is: do what you will, strive as you may, you can never see any advancement, ever nook and corner be speaks this lack means are squandered, wasted, and the man finds himself in the same deplorable condition from year to year.

 

This is the condition of thousands of homes through the land, and while there are mothers who may be carefull of the means put into her hands yet, she doen not know the least of proper managing of her children.  This not doubt is the result of education neglected.  Education trains the mind to thoughts, a systematic way of thinking, to study out problems in all possible ways, to ask ourselves the whys,

and wherefores; the educated think, they reason, from cause to effect, nothing will, can satisfy the schooler short of a thorough and close examination of all points to the solution of his problems.  Now, untill the mind is trained to systematic way of thinking the person is more likely to go asstray than not as he cannot sit down and study out the matter for the reason, "I have no time".  They have not been trained to it, thus they blunder away at every thing, when a little

calm thought would throw profect light on the path or, on the subject in hand.  Now what I want to see in our schools is a Practical Education, and above all train your daughters in all necesesary government in household management, teach in "Thisiollogical Sience" and if it was possible, I would advocate the teaching of the young ladies how to become magnetic so that when they become mothers they can hold a perfect controwl over, or attract the children.  But I am asking too
much, this is a gift of nature.  "The Poet is born not made" so also are these magnetic folk.

 

But if we intend to secure happy homes for our children, educate them Train our boys to virture, honesty, and industry teach them to serve God.  Let our daughters be taught in those things that they are to meet, when their duties as mothers shall be their part to act.  Let them be educated and that well, Teach them ye mothers to do all things as far as you can, that shall qualify them to make home a plasent place, and their husbands will appriciate I'll guranty.  The trouble in families are often due to lack in ingenuity.  Let every one learn to honor each other.  Learn your son to honor his mother at home when he is young, to do the same to his sisters, and when he is old enough to take unto himself a wife he will know how to treat her and peace will be in his home.

 

Learn your daughter to do the same and the result will be that she will have love "at home" and it will permiate their children little souls, and that home will be a heaven.

 

It was my good luck to have a noble mother, one after the patarn that I have endavored to portray; in the foregoing.  It was this influence, like magnatism she seams to have over me.  How I love my dear mother!  I thought I felt-indeed that no one could be so good, so wise as was my mother.  I do not remember that she ever scolded me at any time let alone whip me, her word was enough, her look, her silence even, for when her intelligent eye was upon you, you was held as it were before the judment and could there see all your faults, and without a word, you would be compelled to confess to your self you were guilty, and how you would do so no more, and haveing look at you jest long enough for you to make these resolutions she would say, "Well, I hope the confession and resolutions you have made to your self, you will thoroughly repect of and carry out".  And then dismiss us with.  "Remember that if your heart is open to me, that I may look into it, how much more so to our Heavenly Father."  "You my deceve me, but there is an eye, you cannot deceve" while tjos tre, emdipis mental judgement was in progress, I felt as though I was the meanest boy in the world!  I was full of sham, that my noble mother had discovered a fault in me, as I felt that she alwise seam to have such implisit confidence in me at all times, I was so ashamed that I would bow to myself I would never betray her confidence in never no more.  Now she would leave me, dismiss me, not as culprit, but as if we had been dicussing the case of another or, had been moralising upon these questions.  Thus, there was no cloud between me and mother, but in my heart was a resolve that never again would I give her the least chance to have a moments trouble over me, and let my say this, the look in her eyes of Justice & Mercy I never could efface from my rememberence.  It seamed to me that while she feared that I was guilty, she faine would feel I was not, and this almost kill me.  I can now, see her vallue.   I can now, comprehand her mind.  I can see now, (at least in measure) her towering intelligent and noble mind, Spirit.

 

I can now look back and, see that my dear father defered to her in very nearly all matter requiring Statemanship.  I can see that father thought there could not be her equal in Christendom, the children, father gave over entirly to mother to controwl and she did do it and I never knew her to raise her voice above a gentle accent not even when she had an occation to rebuke.  She was a great reader of her Bible and in a special manor was she fond of Paul, often have I seen her weeping while perusing his wonderfull chapters.

 

Mother was a able poet many of her pieces were sung and I presume that her song entitled "Well See Joseph Smith and Hyrum, With the Saints upon &c&c has been one the most extensively sung of any other in Wales.

 

And the reason we have none of her works in that when I left for S. Lake, I left all our records with Edward my brohter, and the abominable house took fire and consumed everything that belong'd to us, and we were left without a thing.  My Bro. lost all his clothing in this fire, and when he came to Salt Lake which he did the year after me, he had nothing but the clothes on his back except a small sack with two or three things not werth 25ct.  So that my wife had to furnish him

everything to make him anyways decent.  He lived with us 7 or 8 years or untill he was called on mission to his native country, this was after the "Utah War" of 58 and 8. And as I have said soon got married after comming home.

 

I have said already that we left Wales in /49, Spring, or, rather Jan. of the year, and came direct to "Counsil Bluffs".  We were the first company of Welsh Saints that left our native land to Emmigrate to Zion, and as William Leis the Welsh Bard said, "Blaein Hrwith Lion" (Zion's first fruit) Cap. Dan Jones led this Co. across the Sea, haveing been the Pres. of the church in Wales for some time by the direct counsil of the Prophet Joseph as he had great confidence in

Dan, and as long as he was in that country he proved himself worthy of this high confidence the Prophet reposed in him.

 

He was an able man!  No opposistion to our religon it made so differnce from who's pen, but he riddled, and with arguments so powerfull, that all of them fell harm less at his feet.  I loved Cap. Dan, dearly!  After we were in Liverpool a week I think, we started on our voyage across the Mightly Atlantic.  In the Irish Chanel we were very roughly handled, the sea being so very turbulent, worse if anything than was "Holy Head" in comming from Swan Sea to Liverpool but we weathered it out, came safely through the Irish Chanell.  Then we floated along day after day, nothing of importence transpiring untill we were nearly half over the great pond, when the Storms broke forth with fearfull fury and everything was in dreadfull commotion and it did seam that every thing above deck would go by the board and thus our situation was perilouse in the extream.  The sailors were as busy as bees, the Cap. & his two Mates chargin back and forth indicating by every move that our ship was in great danger of going down.  The waves by this time breaking over the Bullworks comming in, in torence and distruction to all apperence was inhevitable.  I shall never forget that time!  My dear mother as calm as if nothing was transpiring out of common, and said to me.  "Our God, is the God of the Ocean, He knows how to controwl it" and I said to my self and to Him who rules on high O, God! it cannot be that one with so much faith in Thee is destined to perish in the storm and go down into the depths of the Sea!  But the storm was raging louder & louder, and some of the sailors told the people that we never could survive this sea, for never had anyone of them beheld so fearfull a storm before.  But our Cap. Dan, called the people attentives as best he could said that something must be done, and he asked the saints if they wanted the storm to ceace, this was down in the storage, and all answered in the affermitive, and he was standing on a raised platform so that we could see him well, He raised his voice and said. "In the name of Jesus Christ and by the virtue of the Prieshood in me vested, I rebuke the winds and waves, and bid them to be still."

 

My reader I was there; I heard him command, the ellaments in the glorious name of Jesus, and all was still: so sudden was the change that the hatch ways were opened at once, and the sailors came down several of them and asked.  "What have you been doing" for they had, had conversation with the saints previously on the  principles of the faith we held, and when some of our folks asked in return, "What do you sopose we've been doing" they did answer and said. "We felt you had call on your God, and He must have heard your prayers, for no sooner did you go down than the storm stoped, we never saw such thing before" and again.  "You must be the people of God."  Thus the distructive ellaments were driven from the field.  The power that was seeking our distruction, obedient to the command that had gone forth in the great name of Jesus, withdrew to roam o'er other fields of water, and in peace, left the saints to persue their way to Zion O what manifestation of the power of our God!  a simple man in the midst of those Mighty elliments, waring with elliments, to stand forth and with faith in the great Jehovah command those Mighty powers to be still, and acordingly they were still.  What a testamony unto the saints this was! to hear this man, tho' already they knew he was a man of God, but to see that their faith was not a mistake, to hear him command in the way he did and see his command obeyed.  Oh, this was the point! many may command, but to controwl, is an other thing.  We read in the holy book, when certain men undertook to cast out the davil of some individual, that, the davil fell upon them and belabord them badly saying "Paul we know, and Jesus we know, but who art thou?  "The difference is this, one has the power, the other has not, that all.  Thus it was with Dan, the man of God, he had the right, he had the power.  All the Welsh Saints came to the Bluffs, except those who fell by the deadly Chorera on the river missoury, and except a small branch, went with Dan to the valley that same season.  But my dear mother being so sick of the Cholera we thought best to rest a season or two to recuporate, so we were two years in the Bluff at Counsil point.

 

Here we stayed for 2 years that is until the Spring of 51 carring on the farming buis. a farm that we purhased of Brother Rawling the father of Miss Sabra of whome I have written in a former page of his kindly treatment of my dear mother.  But we left it all when we came to the valley we left our dear mother's grave, and I never saw to from that day to this.  I often think of them that we had to leave on the way here, my dear parents and my angel sister, how that the trecherouds meandering Missouri has washed their graves away, and now, the bones of my loved ones are mingeling together in the Gulf of Mexico ther is no doubt in my mind as to this, and when the earth and the sea give up their dead, thats in them at the sound of the trumpet of God, there will it find my love ones, not where we laid them to rest!

 

Now it seems to me that I have travaled my path over to the end, and have made it as plain as I can unto those who are likly to be interest in my narritive and have been kind enough to follow me through any meandrings I now henceforth shall write, ideas as they come to mind, and possibly some remenicient circumstance that may have been passed over or have been forgotten.  If I had been in the habbit of pening down every day all the circumstances of our jorney, things then took place everyday, I should be able to make a much more interesting record and, doubtless better reading, as it certainly whould be much more connected.

 

The reader must pardone my lack of proper arrangement in my Biography, for I do not claim to be a Historian and indeed to write Gramatical, is a something that very few people can do, altho', they may be good schoolar it is a principle that requirs very much, hard steadly.  But in whatever els I am at fault, I am proud to be able to say.  I have been truthfull.  If any one does a thing right; I mean any that requirs system, be must have experience in that or he will go asstray.  This I say, truth is system, wrong, requires so system, hence wrong is at hand, but system must be sought after.

 

Today is Tu 23 of Feb 1894.  Here I will reccord the ages of my grandchildren commencing with my Eldest son's family.

 

                        John's children ages are.

1st Eltha Milldred, Born, July 14th 1881

 

2nd John Paul, Born May 29th 1883, in Pleasent View, Sugar House Ward, S.L. Co. Utah

 

3rd Orson Stevens, Born Nov. 6th 1884 in Pleasant View Sugar House Ward, S.L. Co. Utah.

 

4th Myrtle, Born Nov 5th 1889, in Pleasant View, Sugar House Ward; Salt Lake Co. Utah.

 

(Elizabeth, my second child, no children.)

 

Alizon, My 3rd child comes next, the ages of her children are.

 

1st  (***The rest of the page was blank***)

 

Brigham Cornelius my 4 child. The ages of his children are.

 

1st Edna Lorena, born Oct. 21/82 at 12-5 (pm) 14th Ward, Salt Lake City; Utah

 

2nd Adella Amelia, born Dec. 1st/84, 3-15 (a.m.) Salt Lake City, Utah

 

3rd Jay Cornelius, born Jan. 5th/88 7-20 (p.m.) 18th Ward Salt Lake City, Utah

4th Hazel, born Dec. 25th/89 - 3-20 (a.m.) 18th Ward Salt Lake City, Utah

 

5th Alice born Apr. 6th/91 - 8 (p.m.) 18th ward Salt Lake City, Utah

 

Edward Thoson my 5th child.  The ages of his children are.

 

1st  (***The rest of the page was blank***)

 

Hannah Adelia my 6th child.  The ages of her children are.

 

1st Charlotte Adelia, born Oct. 21st/81 - 7 (p.m.) 20 Ward, S.L. City (Blessed in S.H. Ward) Utah.

 

2nd Alice Claudia, born May 15th/83 - 5 (p.m.) 19th Ward S.L. City, Blessed in S.H. Ward Thurs. Aug 2nd Utah.

 

3rd Harry Lynn, born Tues Nov. 11th/84, - 10-30 (p.m.) at Pleasant View, S.H. Ward, Blessed in S.H. Ward S.L. Co. Utah.

 

4th Inez Edward, born Oct. 11th/87, - 9-30 (p.m.) in Sixth Ward S.L. City, Blessed S.H. Ward Utah.

 

5th Gorden, born Feb. 8th/91, 10 (p.m.) in Pleasant View S.H. Ward Utah.

 

6th Grace, born May 6th/92 - 3-30 (p.m.) Thurs. in Pleasant View S.H. Ward Utah.

In the fall of 59 I with all the people were called out to meet Bucanon's Army, or, rather his mob that he sent out against our people for no real course, but became some Federals Offices that were here, thought to try their hands, or rather, tongues, at lying: went back to Washington and reported faulshoods concerning the Mormon peoples, making out that we were disloyal - defied the power of the government, burned the N.L. Library and, drove them out of our city, and without any more ado, an army was sent out to bring the rebellious Saints to terms.  The people knew what this meant, and accordingly propared for the worst.  The Saints had, had enough of Mobs, and they determined they should not have it al their own way here are they did in MO. and IL.  We felt that if they wanted fun they should have it but, at an expense, that some of them never dreampt of. They would find a foe worthy of their steel here.  These mountains would have been the

graves of many of them it, blood was this people seeking after, for we might have killed the whole rabble if their lives was what we wanted.  But no!  Their good will was wanted, and their salvation, by this people.

 

Now to set them a thinking, (that is the mob) the melitra was called out, and mustered and went out to Echo to meet them, that is, stop them.

 

All winter the rebs were kept out in the snow, and did not come in untill the Spring of /58.  In the fall I was called out with the ballence of my friends.  The morning I started out, it was snowing heard and, had, for the hours before I started, and continued all day; this was in Dec. 57, and I was out 3 weeks and 1 or 2 days.  When I left home my wife was not well, and three children down in the

measles; not a man left to see to anything.  She had to tend to my Flock fine in number and, drove them from 11th ward to Eagle Gate, and not that only, but to chop her own wood and tend to her 3 children in the measles, and everyday looking to be confined for an other, this was our condition in the fall of 1857 I and John McCray, start from the city the same morning and travailed all day in the storm and finally caught up with our company up near the Devide above Where Brother Killyou lived: there we had to take the mules off the wagon, and pull them up the Devide by hand.  I remember well how my feet felt when I came to go down from the summit after pulling those wagons up the hill.  We had, had to pull so hard, useing our toes all the way up that our heels seamed to have been parralized, that when we commenced the decent I never shall forget the painfull feeling in my heels.  I did not know what to do.  I thought I could never go down unless some one would carry me.  But in a little while they came to some sort of natural feeling and I hobbled down.  John was still with me and, complained of the very some feeling, but I do not think he had need of doing so, for I am sattisfied he did not do the honest pulling that his friend had done, for I noticed, that when the General said enough, and we commence to move away Johnny walked very well untill, I complained, then he began to feel lame also; and he said, I sopose to convince me that he was in dead earnest.  "What is the matter with my d--d heels."  Snow, & snowing.  Well, we got down after awhile, and immediatly were at the foot of "Big Mountain".  Here were many teams preparing to acend the "Collosa" and I tell you reader to look up toward the mountain that afternoon, was a sight to behold (when you think of those heavy loads of counp equippages loaded up to the bows and a herrican on top of the mountain scattering the snow from the top down all over every thing, on the teames all up its side.  Just as soon as we could we moved up the mountain John & I, we passed team after team wollowing in snow up to their middle, and the teamsters haveing to work by the side of their teams almost buried in it.  We caught up with an oldish man carring a sack of crackers which I releaved him of and carried it up the mountain for him; this made me warm, the better to face the murderous storm on top.  No sooner than we got up, than we could see some two or three fellows knocking and cuffing a chap around surpizengly.  I wondered what on earth they were treating the poor fellow in this unsaintly way, and drew up to investegate when I heard him saying "why do you beat me so?" "I want to sleep."  I saw at a glance, he was freezing to death and to keep him alive untill some arrangment could be made to take him down, and to my surprise there was John in the very self same condition freezing to death and both of them were sent home.  Now, in all this wind terrible as it was, I seamed not to feel it much, I think this due to carrying the crackers up the other side and I had a spleded over coat.  After looking around I started down the mountain, and landed down in "East Canon", a fearfull cold place it was that night, of nights.  A rushing freezing wind came down through it, that froz everything as a flint the trees splitting, and cracking througout the night.  The only shelter we had, but a small hut, a sort of a hole in the lank covered over with willows, here were 6 or 8 of us, so crowded were we, that it was hard to move around.  Wood had been provided for the night, but in our hutt, there was no door, the wind blowing in frezing us up almost.  These Brothern were so tired with the fatigue of the day that in spite of all I could do, I could not keep them from sleeping cold as it was.  I feared they would freeze to death.  In this condition we were that night, (I do not remember the date of the day) in the fall of /59.

 

I ought to mention that although we had nothing to eat from the morning we had no supper either, had to waite untill next day noon; then we were ordered to move about five miles (if I remember) down the canon and camp for the night.  Here we had to lay down on solid ice make our beds not much of a supper if any, and about 14 or 15 in a bed.  I was told by the boys in considderation of my delicate health, that I was to take the middle of it; as they said it was warm there.  It was very kind of them, but I never spent such a night in my life!  I was so pressed, that I could scarely breathe.  I could not move a hand nor a foot, but I was warm all night.

 

Next morning a move was ordered, and the camp travaled untill we came to the camp at the mouth of Echo.  Here I met a young man, Charles Coulem, him and I were well acquainted as we lived both in the 11th Ward and we were members of the Choir of the Ward.  As we came into camp I heard him inquireing for me; haveing found me, he took me by the hand and said "Come with me, I have a comfortable place for you for I understood you was comming".  And when I got in with him into the place, a mere "Wickeup", but rather different to an Indian Wickeup, in that it was some what under ground making it very comfortable, especially since it contrasted so much from the accomadations of the privious nights, that I felt as comfortable as if I was  home; every thing was warm and pleasant.  But to my surprize, a warm cup of coffee was laid, and other things as far as camp life could afford, before me.  Dear Charles! he died not long after we came back from that trip.  In age about 21 or 22.  How that dear boy strove to make me comfortable that night I can never forget.

 

Next morning as soon as the General, and the officers of our com. found out that I was in camp, then they came up to me shook hands and said the Gen. "I do not want you to do camp duty, not the rough part of it, I have a pleasant birth for you and I want you to go now, as I have sent word up to headquarters that I have selected a man that can fill the place I shall be sattisfied when I know you are there".  There at the head of plenty I was installed as cook for all the Generals.  All my fuel was brought to my hand everything I needed I had by calling for it.  If I wanted a man to do anything, all I had to do was to say so, and it was as the General had said, a place of comfort for me.

 

I had nothing to do with camp duty, I knew nothing of the night guard and sentenal duty nor, hauling wood, building forts, diggin ditches, and I can't tell how many other duties the members of the different corpes had to do.  It must be heard on them at night, in standing gaurd and faceing the cold wind comming down the canon; often would & give the men as they started out to gaurd a cup of coffee hot and well sweetened and creamed and in return the, "God bless you".  I occupied this possition, untill the army was discharged.  We then all returned home ward to meet with our wives and dear little ones looking for us as they understood we were comming home: and the wife, whome I left 3 weeks and 2 days priviously, and then, I was looking for her to be sick for the child that we now call Brigham Cornelius, yet was she in the same condition as when I left three weeks before.

I reccord this as I think, this, and I belive it firmly, that her anxiety for me, and the care on her hands besides, she had passed her time nearly three weeks.  There is no doubt in my mind as to this.  But now the time was up, and we must yeald for the night of my return, she presented me with my little son Cornelius.

 

Thus, I was home with my loved ones, and took the care off of my faithfull and, true wife, shoulders.

 

But we were not destined to sit idle, for preperations was soon called for, to move South.  This was our next move, and to get our wagons ready, for this was no small labour.  Those that had wagons, wagons! what a miss namer! they were once, but that day had passed and at best were but the shaddow of their former selves, but there were many that did not have even this, but had to get a wheel here, or an other there, a piece at a time untill the number of pieces were gotten together and then, they some of them, didn't know enough to put them together, and were in a dilema after all, for everyone had enough of his own to do, could not tend to anyone els.

 

This was my own fix as to the broken wagon, but being a wagon maker, I was a little a head of most of my brothern.  While so far as a home wagon, mine was good enough but, to take a journey to some place I knew not of was, and is an other thing.

 

Now to get ready for this move, was a difficult matter, but there was no alternitive but to buckle in like a little man and get ready, for move we had to.  I actually worked night and day to prepare these things for the journey.  See to the yokes, and chains, to gather up all, for I did not know that we should ever returne to our homes; therefore it required some considerable calculation, and real thought on our part to arrange all matters to the best advantage, and take all provisions we could, but I could not take all I had, for I had a celler very nearly full of potatoes which I had to leave.

 

The wagon that I fixed for my neibours, was not small I nearly killed myself working for them, and I never had a cent for all I did, for I wanted nothing, I done it for charity as it was a momentious time.  Now soon the people from the North of us were inigrating to the South, not knowing in reality, where, but going willing to trust in the providences of the Almighty, take what came, and ask no questions.

 

Indeed, it was nothing strange to many of this people, had they not seen such scenes before?  How often had they been driven from their homes in MO. & IL? How often did those fiends of hell assaile our people back there, and murdered them, men women and children in cold blood?  But there were some of us that did not know of such treatment for we had come from different nations, nations that had regard for law and order, and not savages and Demons, as is abundently found in this nation that boast of so much exelence.

But nevertheless, we were willing to go with them, and there their joys and sorrows, go where they went, sorrow or rejoice with our brotheren.  But there was an abiding faith in our hearts that God had called us by the voice of inspiriation to Zion, would not now for sake us.

 

Finaly the whole country was on the move and, the roads from the highest settlement, as far south as possibly, 200 miles below S L City were lined with teams people and loose cattle.  Men, women, and children footing for miles throught dust up to their ankles and all but naked to the world.  Ladies, that had been brougt up well, with their little ones trudgeing along, leaving their homes, sweet homes to them, as they had built them at considderabl trouble, hunger and thurst, poverty in all maners of forms, they had to encounter while doing this, only to be driven from them as soon as they had fairly got into them.

 

Was it not enough to try the stoutest spirit, and cinpell heir to invoke the curse of God Allmighty, and pray that fire from heaven be sent down upon a nation so devoided of humanity, a nation so full of hell and so lacking in human sympathy.  I may be wrong, but even now, when I look back on the conduct of these boasting Christians; toward my people, I feel a curse arriseing in my throat upon them.  Reader, my anger is up when ever my mind reverts to these matters.  I will confess that I dispise them for it, and as fervently do I bless those that favord them.

 

Well I started out on the Southern rout and took one load as far as "Springville" did disposited it at Fred Waite.  Then I start back to get an other load, but e'er I got down again, I receved word from Sister Gammon in "Provo" that she had prepared a place for us, therefore I drove my next load to her place, then went and fetched the load at Springville back to Provo and here we stayed, untill we were called home to our several places - city and county.  In all this labour, my

dear Bro. Edward healped me, moveing down, and up again.  He made some trips all alone.

 

While we were in Provo, a man by the name of Gibbs from "Spanish Fork", owned a house in 6th Ward S.L. City.  I went to see him for I felt I would like to buy it if offered low, or within my power. So we had a pow-wow and a perchase was the result, and therefore, I moved back to the city and occupied this house, and my other in the 11th ward I had for sale, and after a while sold it, but I was vexed that I did, and have been ever since.  But my property in the 6th Ward was at that time more valluable than was my 11th Ward property.  I had made a good move in buying this property.  Thus we were at home once more, but how long we should be allowed to enjoy this quiet, God alone knew and He would not tell.  If we waited long enough, we should see.  Well I waited 24 years and then, I was not driven unless my sickness did it; for I had to move from there to save my life.  This was my worst foe and crually he treated me indeed!

 

Being so sick, I was moved up to Elizabeth's in 20th Ward.  Here we remained 3 weeks I think, then we came up to the old house on the hill above us here, and my health very slowly improved, and I was able to move around a little.  But at the time I had to over come my trouble! I could not wish a dog, to suffer as I did!  When I think of the trouble and anxiety I must have been to my dear wife, I often wonder how she lived throught it all!

 

But by degrees, I got better, and began to feel like myself somewhat, but not able to do anything, that is, any work.  My endurence was gone, I could not work.  Forgetting myself on day, I ran after a chicken for mother, and it came nearly ending by carrere; my breath nearly stoped, I came nearly dieing.  After this, I never ran, for it was as much as my life was werth.  I told Dr. Young of it and he replied, "You must not run, not even if the old cow gets away with the flat iron on her horns".

 

We lived here for 2 or 3 years, then I purchased this farm and we moved down here.  I sold the old place, and my 6th Ward property soon after, and concentrated my efforts to live on the farm.  I often wonder how I had the nerve to do all this! for I was sick, knowing not a days health, and for this reason, I am today as much surprized as I ever was, and often ask myself how came I to do it?

 

It was not a small matter, that I had to deal with, the farm cost me thousands, (and this, in money) and me sick not able to do anything! But I went a head and arranged for it, I trusted that all would be right, and that when the time was up to settle for it, that I would have the means to turn over, and strange as it is to, appeared, not more than a week a head of the time of settlement, the money came! I was master of the sittuation, and now I can sit at my ease, and my wants are supplied without any work of my part.  O, THANK GOD FOR THIS! as my health would not permit me to toil, let my necesity be what they may.

 

How often have I spoken on the principle of early care of all we receve from the hand of Mercifull providence, and look a head for a rainy day.  For this will come, to all unless something out of the common happens - sooner or later, For in my experience, I am thoroughly sattisfied, that but few, very few, escapes this condition of things.  Therefore, let all, prepare for this inheveitable, and look

well to every dollar that by the kind hand of heaven, fall to their lot.  Contract no idle habbit; eschew ever path that leads not in the direction of wise ecconomy, Remember that there is a vast  difference between what we "want", and what we need, Here is where all fails.  This is the "rock" that is not shuned by thousands, and hence they become shipwreck, and are scattered upon the borstrious waves of disapointment to strugle henceforth against the tide of opposition.  This I have often refered to in conversation with my frinds.  When two young folk come togather with them all is Sunshine.  Life to them is sweet, they see not the small cloud that may be in their - now clear sky.  They see not the cloud, that it is a growing and that a storm is surely comming, absorbed in the enjoyment of the pleasures of love, they head nothing, untill the storm bursts upon them.

 

This is the conditions of most of the human family hence the proverty that is in the world.  These charactors infest the country and become the objects of charity: the nation is under the necesity - and at a great expence - to make provision in the shape of horsses costing hundreds of thousands, say nothing of supplying them with food and ale, equipt them with all other things necesary, these things costs

the nations millions.  No harder that Paul should say.  "He that will not provide for his household, is worse than an infidel and, has denied the faith".  In order to call the attention of the young folks to these matters, I have often said to them "now is your time while you have youth on your side, lay up for the time when this youthfull vigor is gone, for go it will, then, you will regret it, you have neglected to do this."  How many are there who meet with serious accidents, sickness, the breaking of limbs, losses in various ways?  How necesary it is then that we be prepared for emergences of this or, any other kind!

 

When throught carelesness, extravegance, and wanting this and that, that you could do without jest as well, only that you thought, and said it too likely, "I do not want to be behind my neighbor, here Mrs. So & So can do this thing and that thing, and I am sure I am jest as good as she is."  and a great many such expressions tho very foolish as the wife hastens a way and foolishly squanders his heard earnings,

which indeed represents so much of his lie's forces - to please the silly notions of his wife.  By and by, trouble of some sort comes; work stops, wages are cut down, some are turned off, weeks, maybe months, before he finds work: then she finds herself in close quarters, and has to draw in her horns, and thinks, now, how much wiser it would have been, to have a little more money, and less pride.

 

Then I say.  Live within your means, if your husband earn 13 per diem, making 100 dollar do you, and lay up 50 dollars , have a little on hand against a rainy day.

 

Now I will write down here my Patriarchal Blessing.

John Edwards, Patriarchal Blessing.  Recorded on Book H. (Page 384 No. 847).

 

A blessing by John Smith Patriarch on the head of John Edwards Son of Edward & Elizabeth Edwards.  Born 10th May 1831; County of Glamorgan Shire South Wales.

 

Brother beloved of the Lord.  I place my hands upon they head in the name of Jesus of Nasareth.  Thou art of the blood and lineage of Benjamin and a lawfull heir to the pristhood which shall be confered upon in due time; Teaching you all the mistries of the Redeemer's Kingdom.  I also rebuke the desease which is preying upon you; and I ask my heavenly Father to cause you to have health live many years and do a great work on the earth in pushing the people together from the ends of the earth.  Thou shalt go forth as a mighty man, shall subdue all time enemys, and not one hair of they head shall fall unnoticed.  Thou shalt be blessed in thy family; Shalt have a numerous posterity; shall be mighty in taking vengence upon those that have slain the prophets.  Thou shalt heal the sick, cast out Devils, even raise the dead, if it be nesesary for the prosperity of Zion! You shall live

untill you are satisfied with life: Have a part in the first reserection, with all thy father's house, and inherit a kingdom which, shall never away, Amen.

Charlotte Edwards Patriarchal Blessing.  Recorded in Book H. Page 385 - No. 848.

 

A blessing by John Smith Patriarch on the head of Charlotte Edwards.  Daughter of Stephen and Mary Stevens.  Born Nov. 20th 1820 Chard, Somerset England.

 

Sister beloved of the Lord.  I place my hands upon thy head, and seal upon you, a father's blessing, even, all the blessings of the New and Everlasting Covenent.  Thou art of the blood and lineage of Joseph that was sold into Egypt: and I seal upon you all the power and Prieshood that was sealed upon they companion, in common with him.  Thou shalt have power to heal the sick in thy house.  Thou shalt have power over the distroyer, Thou shalt prosper beyond all thy fears.  Thou shalt live to raise up many children; they shall be great in the Priesthood, saviour upon Mount Zion.  Thou shalt receive an Endowment with thy companion in the house of the Lord, teaching you mystries that have been kept hid, from before that foundation of the world.  Thou shalt see the winding up plan of this generation; See thy friends and they father's house embrace the truth and inherit with thy companion all blessings of the Redeemer's kingdom, for ever, and ever, Amen.

 

Great Salt Lake City, Dec 18th 1851.  This date is given as the time when these blessings were pronounced upon us by Father John Smith the Chief Patricrch of the church:  And this date is also given as the time that I and my wife went through the "House", and in part receved our Endowment; this is the date, Nov. 6th 1852.  I see by a scrap of record, that my wife was baptized at Winsham by Jms Ostler March 12th 1849.  Confirmed March 14/49 by Elders, Geo Kendell & Ostler, in the

Co. of Somerset Shire England.  I cannot tell the time when I was baptized first, I can only say that it must have been about the year 1847 by Thomas Vugh, and by him confirmed in Aberdare, Glamorgan Shire South Wales.  The blessings that I have recorded above, and the promises held forth to us in them, have not been realized as fully as I could wish.  Many points in them have had a complete full fillment, to which we can bouch for, so far as we ourselves are concerned; But when I think of the refference made in them to my children, I am sorry to say that my children have been very indifferent to their privelage and have in a measure, made the predictions of the great man to appear as though he was not actuated by the Spirit of true inspiration.  All men have - if you will allow me the idea - the promise of eternal life if they will keep the commandments of God, but if not, then all this falls to the ground, and instead of entering in at the "Pearly Gates" they will find them selves on the outside with the "Dogs" God has promised His children - in the very nature of things - all the good things of heaven, but surely, on conditions of a complience with the law of heaven.  So we can immagin very well, that our blessings come by putting our selves in report with the conditions upon which they are obtained.  Therefor, let no man think - tho, an angel from heaven,

should declare otherwise - that he can obtain the blessings tho' promised, unless he strives for them, with all his heart.  Often you hear men and women say "What a fool I was that I did not lay hold when I had a chance."  And it will be in the day of recconing, God will not condemn a son or daughter of His, but by the opportunity that son or daughter, has had, if therefore we stand in our own light, we alone are responsible no one els therefore, the debt we have contracted by our foolishness, we shall have to pay, no one els.  Therefore I say again.  If we can

turn the deaf ear to these promises made in the foregiven  blessings, we must bear the consiquences, and give an answer, a reason, for our neglect.

 

This is the Sabbath, 4 March 1894.  I will say a few words bearing somewhat on the privious remarks.  I have not a son, nor a daughter today, that walk in the path that they were set on in their youths.  All have departed from it, even all! Some of them have spoken very disrespectfully of everything belonging to the church, all its principles, and anything "Mormon", was very obnoctious to them.  Gentiles,

they perfered to associate with although they knew that it was against my feelings.  This I felt was more than they should do, seeing how hard we - mother and I - had toiled for them throughout the time of this minority.  How, oft did their mother worked sewing for them to have them appear nice!  I have known her to sew all night to keep her children comfortable and fit to be seen, O how I have laboured many a day for my family when I was not able by right to do so!

 

I have toiled day and night.  I have been off to my duty as early 1,2, & 3 oclock (a.m.) and then not home untill 11, or 12, (p.m.) my clothing all froze on me ratting like so many isicles.  Thus I worked for many years for my family, and because of them, I took solid comfort in all I could do for them.  I knew that a God gave them to me, I would be responsible onto Him of my stewardship and trust thus reposed in me by my Father; therefor, I sought to do all that lay in my power to provide for them, often hungry and thirsty, and with money in my pocket that I could help my self if I so desered but, somehow or other, I had a feeling so strong in my soul, that all I had, or all I could obtaine by my most earnest endavours, was all theirs.  I do not know that I eve spent 10 c to want, lest my dear ones would thereby suffer.

 

I was in this country for 25 or 30 years that I never darkened or threw my shaddow on the threshold of drinking place.

 

But by this time my health was failing me allarmingly, and by so me one of my friends was one day persuaded to enter one and take a small glass of beer or it may have been liquor.  All through these years I had abstained not from intocsiceuits only, but from all other thing of an idle charactor.  In all my life with my little family, I sought to be an example unto them in practice as in theories, so that I could have power over them when they should arrive at the age of accountability I may call their attention to my own course in life, and thus induce them, to immitate my example.

 

My faith is still that the day will come, when they will see their folly and, may turne unto these things.  May be that God will give them repentence and my faith and hopes may not all be vain.

 

Then, I will know that I have not laboured in vain for them.  I know it is not the order for God to force us to the condition of holyness, yet it  s the word of God, "Every knee shall bow, and every tongue confess that Jesus is the Lord".  This I understand, to mean, that these that "shall (must) confess, therefore does not imply that they are rightous, for we are told that the davil confessed Him and by Him, was rebuked.  Confessing a man your boss, does not prove that you loved him, nor that you approved of his way or his ideas.  No, we must be one in the matter of serving God, its not him that shall say "Lord, Lord, but he that doeth the will of my father shall enter into heaven."

 

Thousands are satisified, and say, "I don't believe these things, and I am young yet."  But the apostle says, "Seek first the Kingdom of God and its rightousness, and all other things must come afterwards.

March 5th 1894.

 

A few thoughts in my simple may.

There was a youth, not very long ago,

Of whome I've read, but him I never saw

Who sought the Lord - and to the woods one day

To ask for wisdom, as apostle James do say (James 7-v)

And there in humble prayer to God, he sought to know,

Which Church was right, of all the sects below.

 

No sooner had he knelt upon the ground

Than some infernal power held him bound

He could not move, his power of speach was seal'd,

Not long could Satan, his Satanic power weild,

Upon the youth now, prostrate on the land,

For Lo! the God of Jacob now, was nigh at hand.

 

Darkeness now fled! the light of heaven shone forth,

Upon the chosen youth now prostrate on the earth,

And as he laid, freed from this evil one

He saw two personages 'forth, more glorious than the Sun,

Amazed to hear his name pronounced, One, thus began

"Joseph" - pointing to the other said

"This is my beloved Son" hear him!

 

O, glorious Sight! O, privilege most rare!

To see the Father, and the Son, before him there!

Clothed in effelgence, brighter than the noon of day,

To grant him that, for which he came to pray:

"Show me of all, which church hath right Devine",

(Thus speak the youth) "O, father, which is Thine?"

 

The Father then replied, and this to him did say,

"Not one is right, they all have gone asstray",

"Teaching for Doctrine, Precepts ne'er should be;

Draw near with mouths, whose hearts are far from me;

None shalt thou joine! for them I never knew":

And with these words, the holy Ones withdrew.

 

Thus he was left alone, to ponder on the scene,

To ask the question, "What can all this mean?"

"For I'm commanded," "Joine no sect below":

"Ye heavens above! Other, what must I do?"

"On one is right!" "All, all have gone asstray!"

"O then, how shall I find the heavenly way?"

 

But God had his own purpose to fullfill,

And to the Prophet in due time made known His will,

For Lo! from heaven an angel did decend,

And on this youthfull seer, did attend,

And through the midnight hour when all was still,

Made known unto him, what was heaven's will

 

Now comes the sequel to the sight he saw,

When first he pray'd, the right way for to know,

All that the Lord said on that joyous day, Was,

"Joine none of them, for all have gone asstray:"

"Moroni", speak, and open'd to his view,

Misteries of the knigdom, both old, and new.

 

The prophets quoted that the youth may see,

What was fullfill'd, and what was yet to be,

More wonder's still to him, was to behold,

A book hid in the earth who's leaves was pure gold;

And when translated by the power of God did show,

In answer to his pray'r "The Way," that he should go.

 

Henceforthe his path made clear - how blessed was he!

By angels' visits from eternaty,

Each one declar'd, his dispensation through,

Gave him their keys, and told him what to do;

And to the work went forth, to him made known,

By angels from before the Father's Throne.

 

Forth went the Prophet by devine command,

To spread the everlastin gospel through the land;

Thousands believed! and now can testify

It is the power of God, brought from on high,

To gather Isreal home, the sons of God to bless,

And clense the earth, from all unrightousness.

                                (The End)

 

This is Thursday, March 15th/94.  The winter has lingered on untill this date, the ground is wet and not fit to meddle with yet.  Ploughing has not commenced, and it is almost imposible to do anything with teams, as the roads are so soft.  It has been an unusually long winter, and I do not remember the time when there was such an oppertunity for sleighing as the people have had this winter.  It seams to me that from the commencement - untill within a few days since - snow has covered the ground completely.  And as irrigation is our only way of raiseing crops in this airied clime, the farmer may with good faith look for a good return for his labor, as there is a very large amount of snow stored away in the mountains.

 

The conditions of the country today is alarming.  Thousands of men unemployed, distress is in the land.  Thousands are on the verg of starvation,  and not knowing what to do, nor where to turne, to find something for their wives and children to subsist upon.  Never was the country in the deplorable condition it is today!  Indeed things look earfull; no one can form and idea as to what really will be the outcomming of it, "the people cannot starve," you often hear, then, we

many look for some out breaks in the shape of "Food riots", But that will not be a remidy for the evil, some other antidote must be found or, trouble such as the nation has not seen before will be the result.  Silver haveing  depriciated, mills in great number have shut down, mines have closed up, and miners by the hundreds do unemploy'd.

 

Under these condition of things, what may we not see in the form of trouble!  What is to be done, how will the people full through, and what are they pulling too?  If there were but the least sign of safe ground a little way off, there would be some insentive to pull, there would be some ground to hope.  This calamitous condition is not a local affair.  It's dwelling place is not the United States alone, the whole world is an equal sharer.  All nations feel its cruel sting.

 

I believe of all people, the Latter Day Saints are the least effected by these conditions.  And I will say this, that if this people had listen to the instructions which we have receved from the beginning, we today could snap our fingers at it all, this I well know.

 

The Lord has inspired His Servents in their councels to this people, and the little trouble they have now, would not be, I know it well.  Like unto the ballence of the world we must put a little "Stile" this is the sequel to the little trouble that we do have or the maine source of it and no doubt.  I am some what ashamed to say it, but nevertheless it is about true, we did rather follow the gentile custom, than the good advise of the Elders, the servents of God, and the result is what we see around. 

 

But I am sattisified of one thing; This people will come out of this scathing, a wiser, and a better people.  The little that we as a community have, and do suffer, for our folly, will teach us one thing in particular, and that is, we will know henceforth that the path of duty, is the path marked out by the servants of God.  This, the people will follow, for they know it now, if not before.

 

Now, with regard to our health at this date, we are not feeling well.  My dear wife is, and has been very much under the weather for some considderable time.  I have not seen her so poorly for years, but we are so that we can be around a little but not able to do much.  I am in hopes tho' that when the days become warmer, we will feel much improved, at least I hope so.  My girls feel low

spirited when she undertakes to do anything and her strength fails her.  She often

says, "O, that I could only feel as I once felt, how different I could do."  And again, "How I would like to be able to arrange my flower garden, but I cannot!"  Then she gets low spirited, and thoughtfull tears comes into her dear eyes, and its all I can do not to weep myself, for I can see that in them is a far away look, or a feeling that the "Reaping" time is nigh.  I can say nothing, as I cannot trust myself, lest indeed, I should increase her sad feeling, or at this, I

feel full of them myself and to keep silent, is my only way, my only course.  O, precious youth! Years of naught but joy and happy thoughtlessness! when all is sunshine, no cloud, upon its sky: Full of  happy anticipation, no thought of sorrow, haveing no future only-to-date, and that full of sunshine.  May heaven not forbid them this short season of happiness, this transitory moment of joy!  Sorrow and thoughtfullness will come, clouds will cross the face of their sun, and thoughts of the future will intrude upon them.  Then, let them enjoy these feelings moments of joy and pleasure, it will strenthen their soul to meet the ineviatlele, for come it will if God shall measure unto them a fullness of days.

 

March 16th at home, nothing unusual transpiring.  The sunshining brightly part of the day, but in the afternoon, began to rain in earnest and during the night snowed quite a layer.

 

March 17 still snowing mixed in with sunshine.  We are at home today, attending to our small affairs in the shape of cooking, and eating and, cleaning up for the Sabbath, tomorrow.  We are not feeling well atall, just dragging around, more fit-to be in bed, than, around.  What a blessing is health!  I often say, that if those blessed with health could know but half its vallue, how differently would they act!  The greatest to be desire of all things in mortallity, is health of

body, and mind.  There are thousands who posess welth in abundence, who would give it all to enjoy this most precious boon.  O, the tears that have glisten on my cheeks while supplicating God for this the greatest of all earthly blessings!  There is so real enjoyment without health.

 

Sunday March 18th.  Today the sun is shining brightly, very much apriciated after so much bad weather.  No ploughing done yet, and by the looks of things will not be for many days to come.  It froze last night and the air is anything but balmy; no growth as yet.  All nature seems astop waiting for the morning call, and wondering why they are allowed to sleep so late; but they will hear the morning call now very soon.  We are alone, my wife feeling very unwell, has laine her self

down to rest.  I felt like writing a few lines (all is still) of the many blessings that we have received from the hand of our Father in the years that have passed in these mountains.  How that God has persurved my family even unto this day through all the diseases that carried hundreds off and were laide in their early graves, mine, were saved from the Distroyer.  How that our Heavenly Father blessed my companion in all her troubles and maternal trials, how that in all this, it never costed me one dollar, for a Dr. of course I had her the best midwife that I could find in Salt Lake, but, as far as anything being in a abnormal condition jestifying the seris of a profesional doctor, I never was called upon to lay out a dollar.  This good health and a quick restration from all her troubles was indeed a great blessing to us; and then to have all my little ones saved to us in the midest of so much sickness we cannot but thank God for all this, and say with our hearts, Thy power O, Father has been around us continually and because of they care, we are spared even until now, to testify of thy goodness.  God has measured out to us liberaly of days, and has led us by the hand and gently, and in easy circumstance sat us down.

 

Thanks be to Him, from whom all things proceed -

To bless mankind according to his need.

All, all must praise the Lord for this to Him is need,

For from His bountious store, he doeth the Raven feed.

Monday 19th.  When we awoke this morning, we found it snowing; and now at near 12 noon still snowing.  It seams as though Spring weather will never more be seen, snow, snow!  We are feeling modderately this morning that is, we are around attending as usually to little home duties, and, tho' the weather is gloomy we still have faith, that the God of Harvest will not forget us.  It is still stormy at a quarter after five p.m. and, looks as if it will continue all night: and so cold, that I would not be surprised indeed, if it should freeze before morning, it looks so wintry.

 

     But surely the Spring must now be nigh,

     And winter is begging, but soon he must fly,

     And thousands of hearts will rejoice once more,

     When they know that the tyrants reign is oer.

 

Tuesday March 20th at home as usual no change in our feelings of note.  It snowed last night about 4 in.  The sun is shining this morning, yet very cold, for everything is covered with the pure.  Winter is hanging on with the tenacity of a Federal Officer who sticks to his seat untill kicked out.  It will soon be 11 a.m. and the wind sound bitter, its very cold.  Well we may grumble, but it does not alter the weather unless it makes it colder; for you remember the saying "a contented mind, is a continual feast."  It is a fact that the more that a person yeald to mellancholy the worse he certainly feels, then, as we cannot change of nature in those matters by grumbleing let us be patient, waite.

 

Wednesday March 21st.  The sun is shining brightly this morning, but very cold.  All of last night it blew so heard that a small hericane would have to blush, and it was from the East, cold enough to make a fellow immagin that by some fearfull freak of nature, we had exchanged possitions with the Esqumant.  It is something out of the normal condition of things and, must make it very trying the poor who, know not how to get along from day to day, I cincerely hope that a change will siddenly take place.  We are around to day feeling modderatly well, thank heaven!  Yesterday was the first day of Spring.  I should have mentiond it, but I did not; rather forgetfull.  So far as I know, all is well, with my children.  Tomorrow 22nd will be our Wedding Day.

 

March 22nd. is a noted time in our lives, as this day is the anniver­sary of our Wedding.  What an eventfull period is this in the lives of thousands, what responsibility they shoulder when they enter the Matrimonial State!  It is the turning point in their lives.  It is a path that leads thousands to miseries, as well as joyes, sorrow on the on side, joy and happiness on the other, seemingly, as the parties act their part.

 

 

 

The Aniversary of our Wedding Day.  March 22, 1894

                                                       Reflections. 

Fourty years and three to day,

     Since first that we were wed,

Like a dream of the night has passed away,

     How swiftly the years have sped!

And here we are, not as we were then,

     For then, we were young and gay,

But now, we are feble, and old and, When

     Our heads are turning gray.

 

And my Spirit whispers to my trembling heart,

     Thy time is but short to roam,

E'er the angles shall take thee by the hand,

     And lead thee through the foam.

 

And it seems that I hear a distant sound

     As if I was drawing near

To some fair land, some hallowed ground,

     A happier, holier, Sphere.

                      

------------------------------Iorwerth

 

We are around today as uaual, but we are not very dangerous for haveing a super abundence of muscular strength we are perfectly harmless, and we are made the recipients of a beautiful sunny day it makes all things look, and feel so much more congenial.  I have nothing of importance to record at this preasant time (1/4 to 12 noon) only this I will say Thank God for this beautiful day!  Later in the afternoon, my daughters came down to visit with us as it was our wedding day.  We

were glad to see them, and to see Alice's sweet babe, five weeks yesterday (a little lady) fat and so good natured.  Alice looking well, Adelia also looking well.  They also brought a very beautiful frosted cake to cellibrate the eventfull day, and we had a nice little tea.  Who, but the Lord knows if ever they shall cellabrate this event a year hence?  No one comes, no one goes, but our Father know them all, and not a sparrow to the ground, without His notice fall.  Rather late in the afternoon, we were surprised to have a visit from Elizabeth, for she hadn't been to our place before, for five or six months Mr. Taylor (lawyer) with her.

 

March 23rd.  This is a beautiful day, the sun is shining softly with a disposition to haze but its calm and pleasant but on account of a slight frost, nothing can be done on the soil.  Well, we have given up a wedding tour, this time for we think it more modest to stay at home, and do our worship privately than to exhibit our devotion before the world and to hear in lue for our folly and maner of strictures upon our conduct.  To me, it hath the apperence of bugarity, for two young people no sooner than married than off they go as if in a great haste to see the Eliphant, or as if there was not room enough at home for them to spludge and carry on their fooleries, O tempora! O mores! and so we are at home and we love one another just as well as though we were in some Grand Hotel under the glances of inquisting and prying eyes.  My wife does not intend to be a costly luxury, or a mere plaything, but a bonafide "helpmeet", not a lollypop to be careressed at all times untill her fire is burnt out, then to want a Divorse because her husband don't love her anymore.  No! Sir, mine is very different, mine is an angel, and not a fallen one ither!  Deo gratias.)  We are feeling moderatly today.  My bride is around looking after her household affairs as a good wife should do - not to be a slave though by no means what ever.  And for all her virtues, I will show her my full appreciation, and her faults I will tenderly touch.  I will encourage her love, by love, and in all my words, will make us partners, and say, "Had we, not better do this, or that" this will spare the mortification that personallities allwise produces, and make her one with me.

 

Sat.  March 24th.  The weather is now shaping in the right direction for Spring.  This is a beautiful sunny day, things are looking more cheerful this morning.  Is kindness like the sun, cheering the heart of mature, making her face all smiles that all delight to behold her?  If so, then why should we not cutivate kindness; since it is a source from whence so much good is derived!  Why should there be one unkind word spoken, if the effect of it is so far different from the other?  The one personifies the genial Spring, the other typifies the deadly Winter.  The winter we cannot change by any effort we can make, if we could, how quickly would we do it! But here is a something that all can do, and for all that, we neglect to do it, that is many do, and that is.  Speak kindly at home and abroad so that we may have perpetual Summer.  How foolish it is to have winter in our homes, when we may just as well have continual Summer!  We are around today enjoying ourselves as usual not feeling very strong.  My dear little Claudia came down today to help her Grandmother to clean up, the first to - of the little folks - offer to help.  Nothing of unusual character has to recorded today so far, (2 oclock p.m.)

 

Sunday March 25th.  This is my dear Adelia's Natal day.  I would like to visit her in order to celebrate the event but I am not able to on account of my poor health.  This is a beautiful day, the sun shining forth in splendor cheering to the hearts of all, making all nature as it were to rejoice, and sing aloud!  We are on our feet today thank the Lord, and mother is among her little duties, for she cannot sit and see anything out of place, she must have all and everything in place before she can rest.  This is Easter Sunday, and I sopose that thousands of eggs has disapered and will, before the day is through.  Well, it does not matter to the Protestants if these old customs are Catholic origin they must show this much respect to the institutions established by the church they all condemn as the "Mother of Harlots".  Such is the inconsistency of the "Protestants."  I am at a loss to know what reason they could give if asked, why they follow her in these matters, when they condemn her in her religion!  But, and sopose that I should answer for them, and tell them that she is no more in darkness, than they themselves are, I wonder if they would not think me "Previouse" No doubt many things have originate from the Catholics that are usefull to all the world them, we will accept all that is usefull, and truth, we will use, but, these idle practices I think, we should not follow.  We as Latter Day Saints follow these practices as much so as any for the reason that these foolish traditions cling to

us because our fathers i.e. forefathers were so in love with them, I makes me thing of the passage that says, "Our fathers eat grapes in the Wildreness and set their children's teath on edge".  I will say this, there will yet exist a wider hiatus between the Catholics and Protestants than ever has existed, or the two parties fuse and become one.   I am of the opinion that e'er long that the only two parties that will remain distinct of one another will be the Latter Day Saints

and the Catholics.  There is a fearfull tendency now in many to follow after that old gal, and as they have no foundation to build upon, but are apostates from the Old Mother the time is at hand when millions of those that now are.  Protestants, will flock to her standered.  They all yet will make common cause agaist the Latter Day Saints then, you will see that this will make such an agmentation to the Catholic numbers, that will asstonish the world.  We had a visit from some of

our friends this afternoon, visit, Alice Rieser & Alice Beck & Geo. Longson.  The two girls had visited our Sunday School.  Longson, is one of the assistane superintendents of the school.

 

Monday Morning March 26th.  We are feeling modderatedly today, we are round at our little duties.  Mother is making some sweet cakes, as we are expecting my nephew from the South on his way back to Omaha Neb. This is a beautiful day, the King of day has doned his most briliant diadem, the result will be, that all nature will wake up to do homage to the Mightly King as well as to receve great gifts from his most bountifull and profuse hand.  All the earth will now rejoice, to see their king come forth, The wintry monster have no choice, but back unto the North.

 

Tuesday Morning March 27th.  All is well, that is, as usual nothing of any note to record.  The weather has modderated remarkably.  Yesterday we commenced to plough, and the farmers all around I understood are at their ploughing.  But the appearance of the weather is not propitious, there is to much haze in the air indicative of storm, and I feel that its close at hand.  It seems the trees and all the shrubbry fell rather doubtfull and suspicious for they are very slow in appering.  What is this? Is it inspiration?  O, the wonderfull works of our God! 

Who can fathom it?  O, man! what art thou but an offspring of Almighty God! and as the work of His almighty hand, praise Him for ever, and ever.

 

**In looking back over these Notes, I see that on Page 10th, I have made a little error in the date of our starting from Wales.  By other notes I have, it was in Feb. 1849 that we started, not /48 nor Jan. but Feb 49.

 

Wednesday March 28th.  This is a most beautiful day for the sun is shining for the in all its splendor causing all to feel that salvation is come to us once more.  This morning we feel a little better, I think that we will improve as the weather becomes more genial.  The fields look a little green this morning for the first.  Rosalia, my son Edward's wife - is very sick with quinsey: this is the sixth day she has been in bed, and to better yet.  I am anxious for her because this is a dangerous complaint.  It is the swelling of, and ulceration of the tonsils, and continues e'er it ripens and break, 9 days.  How it would relieve my mind to hear she was better!  To my joy, the word can in the afternoon that she was better, the ulcer had broke.  The afternoon cloudy and threatening. 

 

Thursday, March 29th.  This is a beautiful morning: the sun shining forth in its splendor.  How acceptable this change is to all after such a protracted winter!  I am enjoying it very much for I am so fond of sunshine.  Mother is feeling a little better this day or two, for which I am thankfull.  How much a home miss her handy work, when she is laid up!  Everything is out of place, unless there is some who one who can somewhat fill her place in the family.  This morning I learn that my daughter in law is improving fast.  O, what a blessing health is! What enjoyment can there be when health is lacking?  It is one of heaven's greatest gifts to man, and we therefore should guard it with the greatest, and most contiencious care, as it may leave us in one minute of unguardedness, and once lost, forever lost!  This afternoon it is trying to rain and does a little, it is looking quite stormy.  I

should'nt wonder in the change of the noon, now soon, but we shall have a good storm, as it has been fine days lately.

 

Friday March 30th Rosalia is improving and will soon be convelasant.  Last night it stormed rain and hail, not but a little.  Today the sun would fain shine, and does look down once in a while upon us: not willing to abandon so many friends, who's hearts have been made glad at his glorious appering.  We are feeling modderatly this day, we're doing our little chores round the house.  Last night I received a letter from my, "Son Arthur", all O.K. My health is so poorly that I have not been out of doors since last Tefs.  I was very sick then and a hard struggle to pull through, I laid many weeks in my bed.

 

Satturday March 31st.  This is a beautiful day, the sun shining brightly yet it has a cool breath: in the house a little fire is quite a comfort.  We are around a usual doing our little chores.  How pleasant it is to be able to be about even, tho' you may not be capable of but little work!  Who can tell except those who have had the pleasant time in bed for 6 months at a stretch.  Mother is feeling much better these few days than she did, she is not in so much paine, nor is her back so painefull as some days since.  Rosalia is not out of her bed yet, but is improving slowly.  My family are all well so far as I know.

Sunday Morning Apr 1st.  We are all well this morning, for I hear nothing to the contrary.  The glorious sun is out once more in his splendor, as if to assure us, that all is not lost.  Thanks be the great Father, for His care of His children!  How greatfull we should be for the blessing we enjoy, for all comes from God!  We spent this day, all alone, none of our children, except Edward and his little ones - yes, John's children also came, - came to see us.  I presume they would, if company had not invited them.  I often think if I had a father and mother living, how gladly would I visit them to comfort their dear hearts, to cheer their drooping spirits.  But my children - judging by their conduct - do not poses this feeling: there is a something in their conduct, that is to my notion, that is far from civil, let alone, christian; they are not all alike its true, but this lack of proper feeling crops out in them all.  But the day will come, when they will see their folly.  For be it known unto all, that the command has gone forth, the mandate is given. "Honor thy Father & thy Mother", and it has never been countermanded, and what is more, it never will in time, nor eternity!  Order, is heaven's first law, and the mention from on high is. "Every knee must bow, and every tongue confes &c&c wether we do it now or waite untill we must, let all chose for them selves; and I ask.  How can we honor God when we do not our parents?

 

Monday Apr 2nd.  We are about this morning feeling modderatly thanks be to our Heavenly Father, the author of all good.  Rather cold this, at preasant very murkey and threating a storme.  There must be snow in it, as a wave of very cold air is passing over us.  Well, we are greatfull for the few fine days we've anjoyed as it has enabled us to do considderable work on the farm.  Tow or three days more, and we will have our grain in, then, the storm would be welcome.  We spent the day all alone, so one in particular came in.

 

Tuesday Apr 3rd.  This morning wore a gloomy contenence, but the sun came out and changed the facial apperence into s somewhat cool smile.  Things do not appeare to grow much, for certainly it is too could.  My good lady is busy doing her little chores.  We both feel tolarably comfortable today.  Up to this hour, I have nothing to record of importance, only that the day continued very cold throughout.

 

Wednesday Apr 4th.  Neither of us feel very well today, still we are around looking after our little chores.  The sun is looking down upon us with brilliantly lighted face; a much nicer day than its predisesor.  What a difference there is in our feelings produced by the changes of the weather.  It looks to me that we are Barometers, as many if not all, can truly weigh and measure the atmosphere by the

amount of pain in the system: Is this a normal or abnormal condition?  Surely the matter of which the Barameter is compounded must be in a normal condition, and governed by law, and if we are composed of a certain % of these matterials, or should these predominat in our systems we must sopose this law will affect those components in the same manor.  Nothing to record this morning of importance.  This

afternoon unexpectedly, Sister Watkins from Millcreek and, Mrs. Price, (widdow) from S.L.C. called over to see us, and spent about a couple of hours with us talking on general principles.  Sister W. does not feel well atall.  Mrs. P is down from the city in the interest of property she owns in Millcreek.

 

Thursday Apr 5th.  We are as usual this morning, nothing disturbed us through the night except that "Shep, yapt and barked like Satan got into him, excited I think, at the rabbit we have around.  This is a beautiful day the glorious sun shining in regal splendour, and the atmosphere calm and cerene.  My farmers in the field sowing and harroeing  in the wheat.  The storm that was so threating has not come,

but I hope it will come as soon as the grain is in, for we shall need it as the surface of the ground is getting dry.  Well we can say.  All is in the hands of our Father as yet, for sience has not discovered that we can take it out of His hands, and do without His interference.  Man is nothing less than God in embryo, and it is natural for him to strech out in the creative, inventive, and organizing direction, this is quite natural for him, but when he undertakes to put God out, then, he shows him human folly, and failier will be the result.

 

Friday Apr 6th. This is conference morning, and a beautiful morning it is.  I am sure that the saints will enjoy themselves this day: Not only because it is so lovely a day, but in the meeting of thousands of relatives and dear friends that have not met at least since last conference and maybe for years.  How they will shake the hand of true fellowship and will thank the Lord who has spared them to this enjoyable and long to be remembered day!  I am able to joine in withe them as I and my dear wife are not well.  But this I know, it will be a feast of fat things unto all the honest saints, all, whoes hearts are pure before the Lord.  We have enjoyed it many years, but today we like many of the aged and afflicted in Zion, must endured the inevita­ble.  May God bless those of the Saints that are able to attend with a full appriation of their grand privilege.  My daughter Adelia and Sister Lynn Saxton came to see us this afternoon, stayed 2 or 3 hours.

 

Saturday Apr 7th.  It's a calm morning, but cloudy and threating a storm.  It's to be hoped that it will recpt off untill the conference is over then we willing to have a good storm as the seed planted will need it much.  We are round this morning as usual, but not able to go to conference.   This is two conferences that I have been deprived, yes, three, for last fall I could not go as I was very sick.  I realize that I am loosing much instructions in this being deprived of the great privelege, for great it is indeed, unto those who are able to be there.  How greatly blest are the Saints; to hear the servants of God speak by inspireation from on high things the world know not of.  How I would rejoice to be there to share in the feast of fat things!

 

Sunday Apr 8th.  The morning is bright but cool; fire is quite agreable to all, our rooms are cold without it.  We are moving about this day as unual no extra amount of physical force, just enough to see, we better not undertake to fight.  Well, this is a splendid day the conference folk, they can enjoy this beautiful sunshine and haveing rained last evening enough today the dust make it very pleasant today.  Stacia call'd to see us this morning, Also Geo Longson.  In the afternoon, Eltha came and spent a couple of hours with us.

 

Monday Apr 9th.  This is a beautiful morning, the sun shining in its splendor, no wind, as usual, we are round tending to our little household duties such as must be attended to.  The trees are endavouring to put forth the bud, and a general apperence of Spring is more apparent.  The field's are doning their garment of pure green, and will soon be adorning this with flowers.

 

     Once more the earth is dect in purest green.

     This is her Spring dress, and has always been;

     And soon a crown of flow'rs will dec her goldren hair,

     Then, all the queens of earth, will not be half so fair;

     And many a year we've lived ans seen the Spring thus drest,

     But e'er she comes again, many will be laid to rest!

 

Tuesday Apr. 10th.  We are around once more and feeling modderately well only that I have a lame back.  I am thankfull that mother is feeling so much better.  This is a fine day, the sun shining brightly, no wind.  There is no weather I dislike so much as windy weather, for to me, it makes everthing so unpleasant.  Two men came here today as missionaries to warn us that Jesus had come.  I asked them to what place  had  He come, they answered "Cottonwood".  Then, I wanted to know if they were sent with this message from the head of our church, they answered "No" that, "Jesus had sent them."  I said.  I do accept your message.

 

Wednesday Apr. 11th.  This day is not so fine as yesterday, for today is
neither so bright, nor so calm and, it is hazy, and looks somewhat stormy.  My dear Adelia is down helping her mother with her washing.  Eltha came up in the afternoon and reported to our much joy that her Sister Mrs. Bishop had resolved to returne to the church; this is good news as the family have been very bitter against this people.  I was surprised!

 

Thursday 12th (Apr) This has been a fair day upon the whole, tho' a little cool.  I wish that a little rain could be had, we need it.  We are at home as usual feeling modderatly.  Nothing of note has transpired, every thing seems peacefull.  Bro. Longson has been sick for 3 or 4 weeks, but seems to be gaining slowly, thank providence.

 

Friday Apr 13th.  Nothing of importance today to record.   We are around at our little chores as usual.  No rain for many days, I am affraid the grain will suffer. 

 

Saturday Apr 14th.  Cloudy threating rain, Sprinkling a few drops.  No news today to write about.

 

Sunday Apr. 15th.  A beautiful day.  Had my son Cornelius & his 3 children, Edna, Adella, & Jay.  I am looking for the girls to come down this afternoon, that is Alice and Adelia.  Adelia came, but not Alice.

 

The End, of Book 1894

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

None

Immigrants:

Edwards, John

Edwards, Edward

Thomas, Elizabeth

Edwards, Mary

Stephens, Charlotte

Comments:

This typed copy from the handwritten book of John Edwards is typed as he spelled the words, grammar, etc., by Elaine Merrigan great-great granddaughter of John Edwards.

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