Duke William was born in Normandy about 1028, and was the son of Robert 1, Duke of Normandy, and Herleve, a girl of Falaise of uncertain parentage. He married Mathilda, daughter of Count Baldwin V of Flanders.
Although illegitimate, he was nevertheless a direct descendant of Rolf the Viking and had a good claim to the throne. His claim was all the stronger when his father went on a pilgrimage in 1034 and died on the return trip, making William duke in 1035 at the age of 7. Before leaving, Robert brought forward William and had him recognized as his heir.
Upon hearing of Robert's death, a number of notables, including the Archbishop of Rouen (who was Roberts brother), moved to protect and defend the young boy. His minority was a period of grim disorder. Several of those close to William were assassinated. His tutor took to sleeping in the same room with the boy in order to protect him. A number of times William had to flee in the night and hide out in peasent cottages.
When William was 18 he became duke officially, with no tutor or regent. This led immediately to a rebellion as the barons sought to test their new lord's strength. He crushed the rebellion and firmly established himself as being of age and in charge.
William returned to Normandy after Salisbury, for he was at war with the King of France again. He fell ill and was taken to a monastery at Saint-Gervais, where he died on Sept. 9, 1087.
After William's death, all the great lords, including his son William Rufus, hurried back to their estates to better guard them, leaving the body of William to be guarded by lesser attendants, The chronicler Orderic Vitalis says, "Observing that their masters had disappeared, they laid hands on the arms, the plate, the linin, and the royal furniture, and hastened away, leaving the corpse almost naked on the floor of the cell". Williams body was then brought to Caen. The funeral procession was interrupted when a fire broke out in the town. Those carrying the coffin put it down to go and fight the fire, then returned when the fire was out and continued the procession.
The procession finally arrived at the abbey church. A lovely service was held. The eulogies were disrupted, however, when Ascelin, a local man, rose to protest that he was the owner of the ground in which the king was to be buried. He complained that he had not been paid and loudly demanded his rights. Someone came and settled him down, paid him, and the services resumed.
As the body was being placed in the stone coffin, the attendants accidentally broke one of the limbs, releasing such a foul stench that the priests had to hurry the services to an undignified close. The Cathedral quickly emptied.
Williams memorial was beautiful, at least. Chroniclers tell us this, In 1562, Calvinists (Huguenots) completely ruined it, looting the tomb. The body disappeared at this time. Eighty years later, a new monument was built, likewise beautiful. In it was re-buried what was left of William; a thigh bone that a priest claimed had been rescued from the Calvinist sack.
The new monument was destroyed in its turn during the revolutionary riots of 1793. Today, William has only a stone slab to commerorate him. Local tradition asserts that the thigh bone is still under the slab.
Saturday, December 15, 2012
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Cannonville
Serving as the gateway to Kodachrome Basin State Park, Cannonville is located in the upper Paria Valley at almost 6,000 feet. The first group to use the land for grazing livestock was in 1874 when 2 people arrived to establish homes in the vicinity of where Henrieville Creek empties into the Paria. The following year other settlers came to the area. The residents called the town Clifton (Cliff Town) because of the view of the pink cliffs and other rock formations.The uncertain water supply made it difficult for the early settlers to survive. During July and August 1877 water came down the stream bed only at night in the upper Paria Valley. The people scooped the water from small pools into barrels for the next days use. They hauled water from the Bryce Spring also.
In 1877 the residents still in Clifton decided to relocate their town site about 1.5 miles upstream. Settlers dismantled their homes (basically ten log cabins) and their school/meetinghouse and reassembled them at the new location.They named the new community Cannonville after LDS apostle George Q. Cannon. Some have said that the town should have been called "Gunshot" because it was to small for a cannon.
The following families, Littlefield, Bliss, Bryce, Thompson, Brigham, Orson, Samuel, Packer, Spencer, William Jasper Henderson Sr, Ingram, Dickson, Clayton, Mecham and Laramie were living in Cannonville.
Altho the new town site proved more promising than the first site, the pioneers still faced obstacles over and above those normally associated with establishing settlements in Virgin Territory's. After the drought conditions they had previously known, the water they were able to bring from the Paria River was plentiful but the soil in the upper valley washed out easily.
It would be a decade before the residents of Cannonville would have a more dependable water supply.
A rumored gold rush within Cannonville's first two years presented residents with another challenge. Prospector's came to the region in large numbers and an early winter caught them unprepared and they were without food. The Church instituted a program to which the residents contributed from their already meager stores. William Jasper Henderson Sr. seen the need for a store. He built a one room structure of sawed logs from the saw mill Joel Hills Johnson had established in Hillsdale and used stone for the foundation. He made pine shakes for the roof. After completing his store, he drove a wagon pulled by four-horse team to Parowan for supplies. The journey took 8 days to complete. Without banks nearby, William formed his own coins from a set of dies he owned. (I have one of these coins I found when I moved here)When residents could build their permanent houses they used limestone and sand for their mortar by burning the plentiful limestone in adobe kilns the settlers had a ready supply of lime for the mixture. The early settlers made their own nails from hard wire or square metal bar stock. They also used wooden pegs and dowels to hold the buildings together. The key to survival in Cannonville was self-sufficiency.In addition to dances, the settlers amused themselves with horse racing, horse shoe pitching, and marbles. Some settlers would go to Seaton's still located down river in one of the canyons where Seaton had built a dugout. He grew hops, barley, corn and rye for his beer.
Clifton became a branch of the Panguitch Ward in 1876, with Jonathan T. Packer as branch president. The following year, Cannonville Ward was organized and Packer served as its first bishop. Henrieville, Tropic and Georgetown became branches of the Cannonville ward.
When Drucilla Johnson married William Jasper Henderson and set up housekeeping in Cannonville, summer days dictated that she rise very early and went to the fields to plant corn, potatoes, or whatever else was necessary. 11 o'clock brought her back home to prepare the noon meal, after which she again returned to the fields. At night she stayed home to catch up on household duties.
Life in Cannonville was not easy but the people mustered the energy to do what had to be done and still find time to enjoy themselves.
In 1877 the residents still in Clifton decided to relocate their town site about 1.5 miles upstream. Settlers dismantled their homes (basically ten log cabins) and their school/meetinghouse and reassembled them at the new location.They named the new community Cannonville after LDS apostle George Q. Cannon. Some have said that the town should have been called "Gunshot" because it was to small for a cannon.
The following families, Littlefield, Bliss, Bryce, Thompson, Brigham, Orson, Samuel, Packer, Spencer, William Jasper Henderson Sr, Ingram, Dickson, Clayton, Mecham and Laramie were living in Cannonville.
Altho the new town site proved more promising than the first site, the pioneers still faced obstacles over and above those normally associated with establishing settlements in Virgin Territory's. After the drought conditions they had previously known, the water they were able to bring from the Paria River was plentiful but the soil in the upper valley washed out easily.
It would be a decade before the residents of Cannonville would have a more dependable water supply.
A rumored gold rush within Cannonville's first two years presented residents with another challenge. Prospector's came to the region in large numbers and an early winter caught them unprepared and they were without food. The Church instituted a program to which the residents contributed from their already meager stores. William Jasper Henderson Sr. seen the need for a store. He built a one room structure of sawed logs from the saw mill Joel Hills Johnson had established in Hillsdale and used stone for the foundation. He made pine shakes for the roof. After completing his store, he drove a wagon pulled by four-horse team to Parowan for supplies. The journey took 8 days to complete. Without banks nearby, William formed his own coins from a set of dies he owned. (I have one of these coins I found when I moved here)When residents could build their permanent houses they used limestone and sand for their mortar by burning the plentiful limestone in adobe kilns the settlers had a ready supply of lime for the mixture. The early settlers made their own nails from hard wire or square metal bar stock. They also used wooden pegs and dowels to hold the buildings together. The key to survival in Cannonville was self-sufficiency.In addition to dances, the settlers amused themselves with horse racing, horse shoe pitching, and marbles. Some settlers would go to Seaton's still located down river in one of the canyons where Seaton had built a dugout. He grew hops, barley, corn and rye for his beer.
Clifton became a branch of the Panguitch Ward in 1876, with Jonathan T. Packer as branch president. The following year, Cannonville Ward was organized and Packer served as its first bishop. Henrieville, Tropic and Georgetown became branches of the Cannonville ward.
When Drucilla Johnson married William Jasper Henderson and set up housekeeping in Cannonville, summer days dictated that she rise very early and went to the fields to plant corn, potatoes, or whatever else was necessary. 11 o'clock brought her back home to prepare the noon meal, after which she again returned to the fields. At night she stayed home to catch up on household duties.
Life in Cannonville was not easy but the people mustered the energy to do what had to be done and still find time to enjoy themselves.
Saturday, August 11, 2012
Town of "JOHNSON" in Kane County, Utah
Johnson was settled in the spring of 1871 by four brothers, Joel Hills, Joseph Ellis, Benjamin Franklin, and William Derby. The town is situated Northeast of Kanab, Kane County, in a canyon bordered on both sides by sand bluffs. A short distance below the settlement, the canyon opens out into the broad desert which bordered on the south by Buckskin Mountains (Kanab). Joel Hills Johnson writes in his journal: "On January 23, (Grammys birth date) 1871, I was in the home of President Brigham Young in Saint George. About that time the President suggested to us that the Johnson family have what was called Spring Canyon Ranch twelve miles north of Kanab, for a stock ranch and for all the family who wished to settle there and requested us to go and look at it, which we agreed to do as soon as we conveniently could".
"On January 23, 1871, I started for home and arrived late in the evening having previously made arrangements to meet my brothers and some others at Virgin City on our way out to look at Spring Canyon Ranch, near Kanab, agreeable to the request of President Young. We accordingly went out and found a beautiful canyon half a mile wide and several ,miles long covered with grass. With small springs coming out at the foot of bluffs on each side and a small beautiful stream running from the mouth of the canyon, with plenty of building rock, fence timber, and fire wood, and plenty of excellent grass for meadow and stock range extending for miles around.
We were highly pleased with the place and concluded to accept the President's offer. Therefore we made arrangements for some of us to move there in the spring and start a c0-operative association for herding stock and dairy purposes.
In March, Joel moved his wife, Susan, and their two boys Joel and Almon to Johnson. His brother William moved his family while brother Joseph sent out three young men. His two boys Nephi and Sixtus moved part of their families. Then with the tools, grain and seeds of every kind for gardening, they went to work. They planted trees, vineyards, and built cabins. Others began plowing and planting gardens.
In October word came from Kanab that the Navajos were going to make a raid and the Johnson's moved to Kanab. The Navajos came, but only for a friendly visit, so the people moved back to Johnson, found water had dried up and they became discouraged; hence, they decided to go to raising stock. Later they began digging out the springs and found they had plenty of water. The land became very productive, other families began moving in and Johnson became a town. A brick schoolhouse was built which was used for church as well as social gatherings. From the time of the settlement until August 7, 1877, Sixtus Ellis Johnson, son of Joel, presided over the branch. Then he was made bishop, succeeded in 1879 by William Derby Johnson.
By June 1901 only a few families remained in Johnson. At the present time, (1959) only a few ranches are scattered through the canyon.
"On January 23, 1871, I started for home and arrived late in the evening having previously made arrangements to meet my brothers and some others at Virgin City on our way out to look at Spring Canyon Ranch, near Kanab, agreeable to the request of President Young. We accordingly went out and found a beautiful canyon half a mile wide and several ,miles long covered with grass. With small springs coming out at the foot of bluffs on each side and a small beautiful stream running from the mouth of the canyon, with plenty of building rock, fence timber, and fire wood, and plenty of excellent grass for meadow and stock range extending for miles around.
We were highly pleased with the place and concluded to accept the President's offer. Therefore we made arrangements for some of us to move there in the spring and start a c0-operative association for herding stock and dairy purposes.
In March, Joel moved his wife, Susan, and their two boys Joel and Almon to Johnson. His brother William moved his family while brother Joseph sent out three young men. His two boys Nephi and Sixtus moved part of their families. Then with the tools, grain and seeds of every kind for gardening, they went to work. They planted trees, vineyards, and built cabins. Others began plowing and planting gardens.
In October word came from Kanab that the Navajos were going to make a raid and the Johnson's moved to Kanab. The Navajos came, but only for a friendly visit, so the people moved back to Johnson, found water had dried up and they became discouraged; hence, they decided to go to raising stock. Later they began digging out the springs and found they had plenty of water. The land became very productive, other families began moving in and Johnson became a town. A brick schoolhouse was built which was used for church as well as social gatherings. From the time of the settlement until August 7, 1877, Sixtus Ellis Johnson, son of Joel, presided over the branch. Then he was made bishop, succeeded in 1879 by William Derby Johnson.
By June 1901 only a few families remained in Johnson. At the present time, (1959) only a few ranches are scattered through the canyon.
Friday, July 27, 2012
Martha Jane Stratton (Great-Great Grandmother, Johnson side)
Martha Jane Stratton was born March 20, 1848, to Anthony and Martha Jane Layne Johnson. Her parents were crossing the Plains when Martha was an infant. After they arrived in Utah, they located in Provo for three years before they got the call to go to Southern Utah to help settle the area. They went first to Cedar City and build up that area then they located in a small town called Virgin City.
The settlers would grow cane and grind the seeds for flour to make bread. In 1858, while the Stratton's lived in Virgin City, Martha became acquainted with Seth Johnson. She was a very faithful church worker and attended all her meetings every Sunday. Martha had a mild, quiet, patient disposition. She was the type that would make a good wife and mother and these were the virtues that attracted Seth and he tried to get Martha to be his 2nd wife. In 1865 Martha decided to marry Seth and they were sealed in the Endowment House.
Seth's 1st wife Lydia loved Martha because Martha was so kind to her and the children. Martha never complained about the hardships the family went through while living in Hillsdale. In 1886 Martha and her family moved over the mountain east of Hillsdale and located in a spot 3 miles south of Cannonville. It was during this time that the U.S. Marshall's were hunting men who had plural wives. It became necessary for Martha to hide and keep out of their reach. She had lived in many out of the way places under adverse conditions. She was in almost constant fear of being caught and taken to prison, this lasted for several years.
After Martha's 11th child was born in 1890, she had a very heavy load caring for her children, yet she was able to find time to care for the sick and to help others.
Seth called her an "unselfish, self-sacrificing woman." At times when food was scarce, she had been known to take only a piece of dry bread and drink water and save the rest of the food for the family. She was so tender-hearted that she could not be content if she knew of someone in trouble or stress.
Her motto, "Let's speak of all, the best we can."
Martha treated Lydia's children as her own. She made clothes for all the children. She would tell the children stories in the evenings. She kept the family united and she always knew how to make ends meet.
Martha had 12 children and numerous grandchildren. On the day of Martha's funeral, as they lowered her body into the grave, it was a warm day with not a cloud in the sky, a rainbow arched over her grave.
The Stake President stepped forward and said, "This is a sign of a most righteous woman who has lived her live with other folks in mind." Martha died 13 October, 1910 and is buried in Shelly Idaho.
(I wish we could all be as kind and loving to others as grandma was, what a great tribute the Stake President gave her)
The settlers would grow cane and grind the seeds for flour to make bread. In 1858, while the Stratton's lived in Virgin City, Martha became acquainted with Seth Johnson. She was a very faithful church worker and attended all her meetings every Sunday. Martha had a mild, quiet, patient disposition. She was the type that would make a good wife and mother and these were the virtues that attracted Seth and he tried to get Martha to be his 2nd wife. In 1865 Martha decided to marry Seth and they were sealed in the Endowment House.
Seth's 1st wife Lydia loved Martha because Martha was so kind to her and the children. Martha never complained about the hardships the family went through while living in Hillsdale. In 1886 Martha and her family moved over the mountain east of Hillsdale and located in a spot 3 miles south of Cannonville. It was during this time that the U.S. Marshall's were hunting men who had plural wives. It became necessary for Martha to hide and keep out of their reach. She had lived in many out of the way places under adverse conditions. She was in almost constant fear of being caught and taken to prison, this lasted for several years.
After Martha's 11th child was born in 1890, she had a very heavy load caring for her children, yet she was able to find time to care for the sick and to help others.
Seth called her an "unselfish, self-sacrificing woman." At times when food was scarce, she had been known to take only a piece of dry bread and drink water and save the rest of the food for the family. She was so tender-hearted that she could not be content if she knew of someone in trouble or stress.
Her motto, "Let's speak of all, the best we can."
Martha treated Lydia's children as her own. She made clothes for all the children. She would tell the children stories in the evenings. She kept the family united and she always knew how to make ends meet.
Martha had 12 children and numerous grandchildren. On the day of Martha's funeral, as they lowered her body into the grave, it was a warm day with not a cloud in the sky, a rainbow arched over her grave.
The Stake President stepped forward and said, "This is a sign of a most righteous woman who has lived her live with other folks in mind." Martha died 13 October, 1910 and is buried in Shelly Idaho.
(I wish we could all be as kind and loving to others as grandma was, what a great tribute the Stake President gave her)
Sunday, July 15, 2012
Ezekiel and Julia Hills Johnson
Ezekiel Johnson was the son of Ezekiel and Bethiah Garnsey Johnson. He was born 12 January 1776 in Uxbridge, Mass. He died 13 January 1848.
Julia Hills was the daughter of Joseph and Esther Ellis Hills. She was born 26 September 1783 in Upton, Mass.
They were married 12 January 1801 in Nauvoo, Illinois. The are the parents of 16 children. (Our line comes through Joel Hills Johnson.)
Times were hard after the war of 1812 and it was almost impossible to care for a large family. All their support and home comforts were produced by their labors. Flax was grown for clothing, bed and table linens and towels. Cheese, butter, soap, sugar and candle making were common everyday events. Theirs was a pioneer life, clearing deep forests with great labor to obtain a scanty living. The children were happiest when gathering nuts, wild fruit and wild flowers with their beloved mother.
Son's Joel and David were the first to join the church in 1830 and then Julia and those children old enough were baptized.
The family started westward on 4 July, 1838, the company consisting of 60 wagons and nearly 400 souls. They reached Dayton Ohio where they stayed for a month then onto Ramus. The Johnson's were influential and quite numerous in Ramus (Now Macedonia). Some people dubbed them the "Royal Family."
When the Prophet Joseph Smith heard this he said they were a royal family and that the father Ezekiel would yet be a great man and stand at the head of a kingdom. He also said that not one of his children would ever leave the church.
Julia Hills was a poet. Some of her works have been published. She wrote the following song for the hymn book. (The gray book called, "The Deseret Sunday School Songs")Julia and Ezekiel are buried in a beautiful cemetery in Ramus, now Webster, Illinois.
Words to the song:
1. We praise Thee, O God, for the joy and the song. Which unto us this beautiful season belongs;
We love and adore Thee, for light and for love, and for all the rich blessings that come from above.
2. The gates are wide open and they beckon us all, each to follow and serve at the sound of call; Tho' portals of praise, and thro' Zion's fair gates, We will pass on with songs the work that awaits.
3. At last in that city, with it's glories untold, with it's gates all of pearl and with streets of pure gold, we'll give to the Savior, who dwelleth in light, All the power and dominion, and wisdom and might.
Julia Hills was the daughter of Joseph and Esther Ellis Hills. She was born 26 September 1783 in Upton, Mass.
They were married 12 January 1801 in Nauvoo, Illinois. The are the parents of 16 children. (Our line comes through Joel Hills Johnson.)
Times were hard after the war of 1812 and it was almost impossible to care for a large family. All their support and home comforts were produced by their labors. Flax was grown for clothing, bed and table linens and towels. Cheese, butter, soap, sugar and candle making were common everyday events. Theirs was a pioneer life, clearing deep forests with great labor to obtain a scanty living. The children were happiest when gathering nuts, wild fruit and wild flowers with their beloved mother.
Son's Joel and David were the first to join the church in 1830 and then Julia and those children old enough were baptized.
The family started westward on 4 July, 1838, the company consisting of 60 wagons and nearly 400 souls. They reached Dayton Ohio where they stayed for a month then onto Ramus. The Johnson's were influential and quite numerous in Ramus (Now Macedonia). Some people dubbed them the "Royal Family."
When the Prophet Joseph Smith heard this he said they were a royal family and that the father Ezekiel would yet be a great man and stand at the head of a kingdom. He also said that not one of his children would ever leave the church.
Julia Hills was a poet. Some of her works have been published. She wrote the following song for the hymn book. (The gray book called, "The Deseret Sunday School Songs")Julia and Ezekiel are buried in a beautiful cemetery in Ramus, now Webster, Illinois.
Words to the song:
1. We praise Thee, O God, for the joy and the song. Which unto us this beautiful season belongs;
We love and adore Thee, for light and for love, and for all the rich blessings that come from above.
2. The gates are wide open and they beckon us all, each to follow and serve at the sound of call; Tho' portals of praise, and thro' Zion's fair gates, We will pass on with songs the work that awaits.
3. At last in that city, with it's glories untold, with it's gates all of pearl and with streets of pure gold, we'll give to the Savior, who dwelleth in light, All the power and dominion, and wisdom and might.
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
Patriarchal Blessings of Joel Hills Johnson
First Patriarchal Blessing given by the Prophet Joseph Smith...no written copy given to Joel.
By Isaac Morley:
Brother Joel Hills Johnson, I place my hands upon your head by virtue of the Holy Priesthood, and I seal a father's blessing upon thee and ratify all former seals that the blessings of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob may be realized upon thee. Thou shalt be blest in thy mission and in thy labors and this key shall be a blessing unto thee.
Thou shalt be forewarned of any trial and thou shalt know that all things are right when thy mind is under the influence of peace.
This mission will be a good school unto thee for thou wilt realize the Spirit of Anti-Christ to a degree that heretofore has not rested upon thee, and I say unto thee in all thy labors and interviews where honesty is found with them that hear thee. Thou shalt be prepared and blest in thy council. Thou shalt be prospered and blest to a degree that thou has never realized by communicating the everlasting gospel to those who are honest in heart.
Be prudent in thy communications and thy words shall be attended with the blessings of the Lord.
Let thy entreaties with them be short, and light will rest upon thy mind and cause the blessings of heaven to rest upon thee. No enemy shall cross thy path and prosper. If any desire thy council, let meekness be thy monitor. Faith shall be increased in thy mind and I say unto thee, Thou art of Ephraim, a descendant of the loins of Joseph. And I say unto thee, this seal shall be unto thee a comfort, a lamp in thy path. Thou shalt prosper in business and be blest in communicating tidings to thy brethren and in leaving thy family, and they shall prosper in thy absence. Thou mayest receive this key as a seal of knowledge, and I seal thee up unto eternal life in the name of Jesus Christ, even so, Amen...
...........................................................
By Patriarch John Smith: 18, Jan. 1844
Brother Joel, I lay my hands upon thy head to seal upon thee a father's blessing. Thou art of the blood of Ephraim and thy father not being in the Church hath no priesthood to bless thee. I pray the Lord to grant through His Spirit the power a blessing upon thee such as thy heart desireth.
Thou hast seen much affliction in thy day and waded through seas of sorrow and inasmuch as thou has been patient, the Lord shall bless thee with a multiplicity of blessings. Thou shalt be delivered from thy fears, thy family shall be blessed with health, wisdom and understanding, and thou shalt hold the priesthood forever, and the mysteries there of shall be unfolded by thy understanding far beyond what has entered my heart.
Thou shalt have power to administer in the name of Jesus Christ and no power shall oppose thee. Thou shalt have power to command the winds and the waves, to ride upon the wings of wind so mighty and great shall be thy faith.
The Lord shall give His angels charge over thee to deliver thee in time of danger and feed thee in times of famine; and thou shalt converse with them face to face as a man converseth with his friends. Thy children shalt be multiplied around thee and grow up like olive plants. They shall be numerous and a great and mighty people shall rise up and call thee blessed. Notwithstanding thou has seen much poverty, thy wants shall all be satisfied. I also bless thee with every blessing thy heart desireth and I seal thee up unto eternal life to inherit thrones, dominions, principalities, and power to bring all thy children with thee in due time. If thou observe the word of wisdom and eternal life, all these blessings shall be thine. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen...
By Isaac Morley:
Brother Joel Hills Johnson, I place my hands upon your head by virtue of the Holy Priesthood, and I seal a father's blessing upon thee and ratify all former seals that the blessings of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob may be realized upon thee. Thou shalt be blest in thy mission and in thy labors and this key shall be a blessing unto thee.
Thou shalt be forewarned of any trial and thou shalt know that all things are right when thy mind is under the influence of peace.
This mission will be a good school unto thee for thou wilt realize the Spirit of Anti-Christ to a degree that heretofore has not rested upon thee, and I say unto thee in all thy labors and interviews where honesty is found with them that hear thee. Thou shalt be prepared and blest in thy council. Thou shalt be prospered and blest to a degree that thou has never realized by communicating the everlasting gospel to those who are honest in heart.
Be prudent in thy communications and thy words shall be attended with the blessings of the Lord.
Let thy entreaties with them be short, and light will rest upon thy mind and cause the blessings of heaven to rest upon thee. No enemy shall cross thy path and prosper. If any desire thy council, let meekness be thy monitor. Faith shall be increased in thy mind and I say unto thee, Thou art of Ephraim, a descendant of the loins of Joseph. And I say unto thee, this seal shall be unto thee a comfort, a lamp in thy path. Thou shalt prosper in business and be blest in communicating tidings to thy brethren and in leaving thy family, and they shall prosper in thy absence. Thou mayest receive this key as a seal of knowledge, and I seal thee up unto eternal life in the name of Jesus Christ, even so, Amen...
...........................................................
By Patriarch John Smith: 18, Jan. 1844
Brother Joel, I lay my hands upon thy head to seal upon thee a father's blessing. Thou art of the blood of Ephraim and thy father not being in the Church hath no priesthood to bless thee. I pray the Lord to grant through His Spirit the power a blessing upon thee such as thy heart desireth.
Thou hast seen much affliction in thy day and waded through seas of sorrow and inasmuch as thou has been patient, the Lord shall bless thee with a multiplicity of blessings. Thou shalt be delivered from thy fears, thy family shall be blessed with health, wisdom and understanding, and thou shalt hold the priesthood forever, and the mysteries there of shall be unfolded by thy understanding far beyond what has entered my heart.
Thou shalt have power to administer in the name of Jesus Christ and no power shall oppose thee. Thou shalt have power to command the winds and the waves, to ride upon the wings of wind so mighty and great shall be thy faith.
The Lord shall give His angels charge over thee to deliver thee in time of danger and feed thee in times of famine; and thou shalt converse with them face to face as a man converseth with his friends. Thy children shalt be multiplied around thee and grow up like olive plants. They shall be numerous and a great and mighty people shall rise up and call thee blessed. Notwithstanding thou has seen much poverty, thy wants shall all be satisfied. I also bless thee with every blessing thy heart desireth and I seal thee up unto eternal life to inherit thrones, dominions, principalities, and power to bring all thy children with thee in due time. If thou observe the word of wisdom and eternal life, all these blessings shall be thine. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen...
Sunday, June 24, 2012
Anna Pixley Johnson-Great,Great,Great Grandmother
Anna was born 16 August 1800 in Canaan, Grafton, New Hampshire, to Timothy Johnson and Anna Pixley. She married Joel Hills Johnson 2 November, 1826 at Pomphret, Chautauqua, New York. Anna's 6th child, Seth Guernsey , is our grandfather. He was born in Cartage Illinois.
Anna was baptized 20, May 1831 and Joel was baptized 1, June. While Joel was making arrangements to build a house, Anna took sick with a nervous fever and the family one by one took sick also. This continued about 5 weeks when Anna woke one morning with a smile on her countenance that the Lord had spoken to her that night and said to her, "Go daughter, sleep in peace and rest." From that time on Anna's mind was at rest. She died 11, September 1840 and was buried in Ramus, later called Macedonia and is now called Webster, Hancock, Illinois.
(This poem was with her story) Plastic little children,
Made of Heaven's clay,
Oh, Father give us vision
To mold them right today.
Potential Gods in miniature,
We must have help from Thee,
For how they are fashioned here today,
Will endure through all eternity.
(Author Unknown)
This is another poem I found in my stories...I do not know who she is.
Among my treasures,
I want there should be,
At least one friend,
Who is true to me.
To keep this friend,
Either old or new,
I must first to myself be true.
If I am true to myself, you see,
Then true to this friend,
I am sure to be.
(Daisy Johnson)
Anna was baptized 20, May 1831 and Joel was baptized 1, June. While Joel was making arrangements to build a house, Anna took sick with a nervous fever and the family one by one took sick also. This continued about 5 weeks when Anna woke one morning with a smile on her countenance that the Lord had spoken to her that night and said to her, "Go daughter, sleep in peace and rest." From that time on Anna's mind was at rest. She died 11, September 1840 and was buried in Ramus, later called Macedonia and is now called Webster, Hancock, Illinois.
(This poem was with her story) Plastic little children,
Made of Heaven's clay,
Oh, Father give us vision
To mold them right today.
Potential Gods in miniature,
We must have help from Thee,
For how they are fashioned here today,
Will endure through all eternity.
(Author Unknown)
This is another poem I found in my stories...I do not know who she is.
Among my treasures,
I want there should be,
At least one friend,
Who is true to me.
To keep this friend,
Either old or new,
I must first to myself be true.
If I am true to myself, you see,
Then true to this friend,
I am sure to be.
(Daisy Johnson)
Friday, June 15, 2012
Amanda Melvina Fisk-Great, Great, Great Grandmother
Amanda Melvina Fisk was born June 12, 1832, to Alfred and Mariah Sager Fisk in Silver Creek, New York. Silver creek lies on the shore of Lake Erie in Webster New York. Soon after Amanda was born the Fisks and Sagers moved to Kirtland, Ohio where the other saints were.
When Amanda was 2 years old she was blessed by the prophet Joseph Smith. (What an honor!) In early 1834 the prophet called for volunteers to go to Missouri to reclaim the land for the saints. Amanda's father cheerfully offered his services. He made the long historical march in Zion's Camp to the banks of the Missouri River, there Cholera broke out and claimed 14 members of the camp. Alfred being one of them. Alfred is the only one who has the distinction of being the only person named in the official church history.
In the summer of 1835, Amanda and her mother Mariah started for the new gathering place of the saints in Missouri. When they arrived on the same spot when Alfred had died, Mariah took sick and died. This left Amanda alone in the world. She was 3 years old and possibly went to live with her grandparents who were traveling in the same company. The exposure and suffering caused the death of Amanda's grandparents and 5 of their children. This was in 1839, only 3 days separated the death of the grandparents Hezekiah and Rhodah Fisk, shortly after arriving in Nauvoo.
On April 8, 1848, Allen Joseph Stout hired Amanda to care for his 3 children, Amanda was 16 years old and did her work so well that Allen asked her to marry him. They were married on April 30, 1848, just a few days after she was hired. Brigham Young married them and sealed them for time and all eternity. Amanda was a beautiful young woman, She had very good health, and was able to travel the road of life, which was very rough.
Every 2 years a child was born to the family, after the first 2 children were born the family started west. Amanda had Rheumatism which made it hard to continue the journey.
In 1853, the family moved to Centerville and later to Mill Creek. From there they moved again, this time, to Pleasant Grove and 5 years later the call came to move to Dixie. Amanda dreaded the heat in Southern Utah as she weighed 250 pounds, but she viewed the call as a mission from the prophet.
During the 2 years the family lived in Glendale they had to deal with the Indians, poverty, and lack of clothing. After they were forced to leave Long Valley in 1866, they went to St. George there experiencing a newer low of poverty and want, and then, the loss of their son.
There were 14 children born to the family. When the last child was born, Amanda had a severe case of Dropsy and couldn't do anything for 12 weeks.
Around 1875, Amanda had a set back of her Rheumatism and dropsy, which kept her in bed for several weeks. In 1877, Amanda attended the General Conference in St. George when they dedicated the temple. Amanda was then able to go to the temple and do a lot of work for the dead. In 1885, she had fallen and broken her leg and it caused her a lot of pain. Then in 1888, she had paralysis in her left side which made her speechless and muscle bound. In September, Amanda suffered a severe stroke which paralyzed every part of her body. She was speechless and unconscious until the end of September (21st) at which time she died, in Rockville Utah.
When Amanda was 2 years old she was blessed by the prophet Joseph Smith. (What an honor!) In early 1834 the prophet called for volunteers to go to Missouri to reclaim the land for the saints. Amanda's father cheerfully offered his services. He made the long historical march in Zion's Camp to the banks of the Missouri River, there Cholera broke out and claimed 14 members of the camp. Alfred being one of them. Alfred is the only one who has the distinction of being the only person named in the official church history.
In the summer of 1835, Amanda and her mother Mariah started for the new gathering place of the saints in Missouri. When they arrived on the same spot when Alfred had died, Mariah took sick and died. This left Amanda alone in the world. She was 3 years old and possibly went to live with her grandparents who were traveling in the same company. The exposure and suffering caused the death of Amanda's grandparents and 5 of their children. This was in 1839, only 3 days separated the death of the grandparents Hezekiah and Rhodah Fisk, shortly after arriving in Nauvoo.
On April 8, 1848, Allen Joseph Stout hired Amanda to care for his 3 children, Amanda was 16 years old and did her work so well that Allen asked her to marry him. They were married on April 30, 1848, just a few days after she was hired. Brigham Young married them and sealed them for time and all eternity. Amanda was a beautiful young woman, She had very good health, and was able to travel the road of life, which was very rough.
Every 2 years a child was born to the family, after the first 2 children were born the family started west. Amanda had Rheumatism which made it hard to continue the journey.
In 1853, the family moved to Centerville and later to Mill Creek. From there they moved again, this time, to Pleasant Grove and 5 years later the call came to move to Dixie. Amanda dreaded the heat in Southern Utah as she weighed 250 pounds, but she viewed the call as a mission from the prophet.
During the 2 years the family lived in Glendale they had to deal with the Indians, poverty, and lack of clothing. After they were forced to leave Long Valley in 1866, they went to St. George there experiencing a newer low of poverty and want, and then, the loss of their son.
There were 14 children born to the family. When the last child was born, Amanda had a severe case of Dropsy and couldn't do anything for 12 weeks.
Around 1875, Amanda had a set back of her Rheumatism and dropsy, which kept her in bed for several weeks. In 1877, Amanda attended the General Conference in St. George when they dedicated the temple. Amanda was then able to go to the temple and do a lot of work for the dead. In 1885, she had fallen and broken her leg and it caused her a lot of pain. Then in 1888, she had paralysis in her left side which made her speechless and muscle bound. In September, Amanda suffered a severe stroke which paralyzed every part of her body. She was speechless and unconscious until the end of September (21st) at which time she died, in Rockville Utah.
Thursday, June 7, 2012
Allen Joseph Stout-Article from Deseret News-Pioneer Moments
Life along the Mormon Trail was not easy for many travelers to the Great Salt Lake Valley. In June 1851, John D.T. McAllister, clerk of Captain Alfred Cordon's company of Fifty in Orson Pratt's Emigrating Company, left Council Bluffs, Iowa.
In Brother McAllister's trail journal he mentions how it was necessary to stop progress one afternoon in order to let the cattle rest because "it was said by some that they never experienced a hotter day in August." The group found a camp with plenty of water but no wood, which was the case many times. Several of the group needed a fire because they had no bread baked. The children needed food more quickly than bread could be baked, so the ladies boiled a pot of mush for them with :greens." That meant weeds-boiled weeds, baked weeds or weeds "put under the pot."
Youth grew up before their time as they traveled from places like Chimney Rock to Scott's Bluffs and Devil's Gate along the North Platte River-many times accomplishing jobs that were usually assigned to adults.
On Aug. 7, 1851, after capturing and dressing a buffalo before leaving camp, a fire was discovered in two wagons where wood was stored. Several of the brethren ran to the wagons and extinguished the flames. Many burned their hands. Allen Stout was one of the brethren. His eldest son was called to drive the wagon for the family while his father's hands healed. Along the trail, the boy did not see a bad place in the road in time enough to avoid it, so the wagon pitched into the hole and the young man was thrown out. He fell under the wagon and "the fore wheel passed over his head and the hind wheel over his arm and side." He was very bruised. Captain Cordon rode up immediately, the boy was bathed and the brethren joined in administering to him. The journal continues, "His pain was removed so much that he went to sleep and in three hours was eating."
The company continued for 22 miles that day along the trail.
Youth grew in stature and strength along the trail despite many physical hardships. The pioneers continued undaunted along the journey and reached the Salt Lake Valley on Oct. 1, 1851. John D. McAllister has immortalized the pioneer treks in a favorite melody, "The Handcart Song."
In Brother McAllister's trail journal he mentions how it was necessary to stop progress one afternoon in order to let the cattle rest because "it was said by some that they never experienced a hotter day in August." The group found a camp with plenty of water but no wood, which was the case many times. Several of the group needed a fire because they had no bread baked. The children needed food more quickly than bread could be baked, so the ladies boiled a pot of mush for them with :greens." That meant weeds-boiled weeds, baked weeds or weeds "put under the pot."
Youth grew up before their time as they traveled from places like Chimney Rock to Scott's Bluffs and Devil's Gate along the North Platte River-many times accomplishing jobs that were usually assigned to adults.
On Aug. 7, 1851, after capturing and dressing a buffalo before leaving camp, a fire was discovered in two wagons where wood was stored. Several of the brethren ran to the wagons and extinguished the flames. Many burned their hands. Allen Stout was one of the brethren. His eldest son was called to drive the wagon for the family while his father's hands healed. Along the trail, the boy did not see a bad place in the road in time enough to avoid it, so the wagon pitched into the hole and the young man was thrown out. He fell under the wagon and "the fore wheel passed over his head and the hind wheel over his arm and side." He was very bruised. Captain Cordon rode up immediately, the boy was bathed and the brethren joined in administering to him. The journal continues, "His pain was removed so much that he went to sleep and in three hours was eating."
The company continued for 22 miles that day along the trail.
Youth grew in stature and strength along the trail despite many physical hardships. The pioneers continued undaunted along the journey and reached the Salt Lake Valley on Oct. 1, 1851. John D. McAllister has immortalized the pioneer treks in a favorite melody, "The Handcart Song."
Sunday, June 3, 2012
Squire Hepworth-My Great, Great, Grandfather...My Dad's side
Squire Hepworth was born 4 May 1843 to Joseph Hepworth and Mary Hirst. His son Thornton is our line and Thornton's daughter Malinda is my grandmother.
When Squire was about 4 years old the missionaries came to their home and preached the gospel. Squire's parents joined the church in August and December of 1847. Squire was baptized at age 8-1851.
At the age of nine, Squire went to work in the coal mines, working until he was 20 years old. He then married Emily Dyson on6 August 1863.
Squire and Emily sailed from England one year after they were married, on the ship; General McClellan. While crossing the plains in 1864, their first child (Thornton) was born in a small town called Wyoming, Otoe, Nebraska. When Thornton was 5 days old, they started west with the William S. Warren wagon train, which was part of the Samuel D. White Company. They arrived in Salt Lake City 4 October 1864.
On 10 April, 1866 Emily was baptized and the following march they went to the Endowment House to be sealed for time and all eternity. By this time they had 2 children. They moved to Idaho where 4 more children were born.
On 10 July 1871, Squire married his second wife, Margaret. They were sealed on the same day. 2 children were later born to them.
Squire moved Emily and the children to Stockton, Tooele, Utah where their 7th and 8th children were born. Squire then decided to move both his families to Springdale Utah. This was in 1877. He worked as a blacksmith making shoes and carpentry. He built houses in Kane County as well as some in Nevada. He was very active in the Church, he was the Presiding Elder in the Branch when Springdale was made into a Ward, in 1887.
Squire played the violin, he loved music, he also had a very nice voice.
Squire was the father of 26 children. 10 born before he moved to Dixie and 15 born in Springdale and one born in Shonesburg.
In November 1887, Emily died and was buried in Springdale. (Her grave is up on top of a hill just before you get to the Springdale cemetery).
In 1899, Squire decided to move his family to Idaho and settled on a small farm on the North side of Cassia Creek. He continued to build houses and repair shoes as well as taking care of his farm.
Elba Newspaper; Squire Hepworth, age 78, died at his home Thursday, August 6, 1920.
Mr. Hepworth has suffered for some time. Funeral Services was held
Saturday, August 28, at his son Georg's home at 3:00 o'clock
When Squire was about 4 years old the missionaries came to their home and preached the gospel. Squire's parents joined the church in August and December of 1847. Squire was baptized at age 8-1851.
At the age of nine, Squire went to work in the coal mines, working until he was 20 years old. He then married Emily Dyson on6 August 1863.
Squire and Emily sailed from England one year after they were married, on the ship; General McClellan. While crossing the plains in 1864, their first child (Thornton) was born in a small town called Wyoming, Otoe, Nebraska. When Thornton was 5 days old, they started west with the William S. Warren wagon train, which was part of the Samuel D. White Company. They arrived in Salt Lake City 4 October 1864.
On 10 April, 1866 Emily was baptized and the following march they went to the Endowment House to be sealed for time and all eternity. By this time they had 2 children. They moved to Idaho where 4 more children were born.
On 10 July 1871, Squire married his second wife, Margaret. They were sealed on the same day. 2 children were later born to them.
Squire moved Emily and the children to Stockton, Tooele, Utah where their 7th and 8th children were born. Squire then decided to move both his families to Springdale Utah. This was in 1877. He worked as a blacksmith making shoes and carpentry. He built houses in Kane County as well as some in Nevada. He was very active in the Church, he was the Presiding Elder in the Branch when Springdale was made into a Ward, in 1887.
Squire played the violin, he loved music, he also had a very nice voice.
Squire was the father of 26 children. 10 born before he moved to Dixie and 15 born in Springdale and one born in Shonesburg.
In November 1887, Emily died and was buried in Springdale. (Her grave is up on top of a hill just before you get to the Springdale cemetery).
In 1899, Squire decided to move his family to Idaho and settled on a small farm on the North side of Cassia Creek. He continued to build houses and repair shoes as well as taking care of his farm.
Elba Newspaper; Squire Hepworth, age 78, died at his home Thursday, August 6, 1920.
Mr. Hepworth has suffered for some time. Funeral Services was held
Saturday, August 28, at his son Georg's home at 3:00 o'clock
Saturday, June 2, 2012
About Grammy-Just a few memories
When only a few months old, while living in Georgetown, I was sitting in a big box when a large rattlesnake climbed in the box with me. My mother grabbed a shot gun and killed it.
When I was a small child I contracted pneumonia and almost died. I can remember sleeping in my mothers bed.
When I was in the 4th grade my appendix ruptured. I was walking bent over at the waist. I was in the hospital for 2 weeks with tubes in my stomach and in my nose draining the poisons out.
When I was about 8-9, my cousin and I were playing and I bent over as she came up with a can in her hand and it hit me in the forehead and made a big gash. I still have the scar.
When I was about 12, my cousin and I climbed the mountain behind our property with swim suits on and we both got sun burned really bad. We put lots of pretty rocks in our swim suits to bring home. We came down the mountain south of where we climbed up. I don't know how we kept from getting lost.
One time I stepped on a board that gave way on me and I went through it and cut a long gash on my leg with a rusty nail.
One time I burned all the surface veins in my legs from exposure to the sun.
One time after coming home from camping, I stepped out of the van and my ankle gave out. I had a blessing and it told me that it was broken. On the way to the hospital I kept praying that it wouldn't be broken. When they ex-rayed it, there were no broken bones. It had healed that quickly.
When I was a small child I contracted pneumonia and almost died. I can remember sleeping in my mothers bed.
When I was in the 4th grade my appendix ruptured. I was walking bent over at the waist. I was in the hospital for 2 weeks with tubes in my stomach and in my nose draining the poisons out.
When I was about 8-9, my cousin and I were playing and I bent over as she came up with a can in her hand and it hit me in the forehead and made a big gash. I still have the scar.
When I was about 12, my cousin and I climbed the mountain behind our property with swim suits on and we both got sun burned really bad. We put lots of pretty rocks in our swim suits to bring home. We came down the mountain south of where we climbed up. I don't know how we kept from getting lost.
One time I stepped on a board that gave way on me and I went through it and cut a long gash on my leg with a rusty nail.
One time I burned all the surface veins in my legs from exposure to the sun.
One time after coming home from camping, I stepped out of the van and my ankle gave out. I had a blessing and it told me that it was broken. On the way to the hospital I kept praying that it wouldn't be broken. When they ex-rayed it, there were no broken bones. It had healed that quickly.
Sunday, May 27, 2012
Penelope Van Princes-My 9th Great Grandmother
Penelope was a pretty girl with blond hair, living in Hollands principal city, Amsterdam. Amsterdam in the 1630's was a fortunate place to be growing up. A city of bustle and beauty, teeming with Flemish Merchants, Jewish diamond cutters from Spain and Portugal. Huguenots- French protestants setting up leather working, glass blowing shops in their adopted country, where they had fled from religious persecution.
Penelope didn't give much thought to religion beyond Sunday Services with her family at the new church where in the noisy, milling crowd, many a flirtation had it's beginnings.
Penelope wore ribbons in her cap over her yellow ringlets, her eyes sparkled. Every day was an adventure. Something was always going on. A festival or outdoor concert, a ship sailing right up to the street wall. Not far from Penelope's home lived a young portrait painter named Rembrandt Van Ryn. They were friends. When Penelope married at the age of 20, her and her husband went to New Nether land to see if they could make a home there. On the 58th day at sea, the ship made landfall during a murky storm on the rocky shore near a beach. In fright and confusion the settlers shimmied down hand-burning lengths of rope into dories or rafts. Penelope with the help of others got her sick husband off the ship and found themselves on a barren strip of land with dense woods nearby. The people decided to press on to New Amsterdam but they did not want to leave Penelope but she refused to go and leave her husband. They promised to return with help to get them. After they left Penelope tended her husband through the night and in the morning they were set upon by 3-4 Indians with knives and tomahawks. Penelope's husband was killed and Penelope was scalped, stabbed in the shoulder and across her stomach exposing her intestines, leaving her for dead the Indians left. Penelope managed to crawl to the edge of the trees where she was able to find some dew on the leaves and the fungus excrescences and the gum from the trees to eat. She hid in the hollow of a tree for a week before seeing a deer running past her with arrows sticking in its flanks and then a dog came upon her and barked until the Indians came and found her. There were 2 Indians, a young one that wanted to kill Penelope and an older one that said no. He put Penelope upon his shoulders and took her to his came near what is known as Middle town in New Jersey. When Penelope came awake she realized the horrible pain was gone. Slabs of a sort of mud had been applied to her head and her belly was wound tightly with cloth. Her mouth was fuzzy and she thought she had been given some drugs of a sort. The Older Indian was standing over her and was talking to her in English. The Indian was named Tisquantum, Chief of the Lanni Le nape, part of the Al-gon-kin people, sworn enemy's of the Mohawks.
After Penelope was healed, rather than stay and be married to one of the braves the Chief had picked out for her, she risked her life to escape in a canoe. She landed in Gravesend in Long Island New York.
After being shipwrecked, widowed, scalped and taken prisoner by Indians, Penelope was taken to the home of Deborah Moody, she was the mayor and the first woman to lay out the town. Richard was one of her guards and with another guard found Penelope. Richard took an interest in Penelope. Richard was born in Nottingham England in 1610 with a castle as the view from his bedroom window. He had heard the stories of Robin Hood and had hiked in Sherwood Forrest. He joined the British Navy to get away from his father whom he was angry at for interfering in his love life.
After Richard and Penelope were married they went to New Jersey with several of their 10 children settling in Middle town. The old Indian came to visit her several times bringing gifts for the children. The town of Middle town grew up around the Stouts.
Life was hard for the Stout family, but they endured.
In 1705, at the age of 95, Richard died. Penelope wrote of her husband, "I was never unhappy with him."
Penelope died at the age of 110 in 1732 and is buried beside her husband on a farm, 3 miles west of Middle town. She left over 500 descendants.
Jimmy Stout, a retired jockey. William Bushnell who helped design the liberty airplane engine of WWI and a high speed railroad car in 1930's, and the Ford Trimotor airplane. Doctor A.B. Stout hybridizer of the day Lilly, and mystery writer Rex Stout.
Penelope didn't give much thought to religion beyond Sunday Services with her family at the new church where in the noisy, milling crowd, many a flirtation had it's beginnings.
Penelope wore ribbons in her cap over her yellow ringlets, her eyes sparkled. Every day was an adventure. Something was always going on. A festival or outdoor concert, a ship sailing right up to the street wall. Not far from Penelope's home lived a young portrait painter named Rembrandt Van Ryn. They were friends. When Penelope married at the age of 20, her and her husband went to New Nether land to see if they could make a home there. On the 58th day at sea, the ship made landfall during a murky storm on the rocky shore near a beach. In fright and confusion the settlers shimmied down hand-burning lengths of rope into dories or rafts. Penelope with the help of others got her sick husband off the ship and found themselves on a barren strip of land with dense woods nearby. The people decided to press on to New Amsterdam but they did not want to leave Penelope but she refused to go and leave her husband. They promised to return with help to get them. After they left Penelope tended her husband through the night and in the morning they were set upon by 3-4 Indians with knives and tomahawks. Penelope's husband was killed and Penelope was scalped, stabbed in the shoulder and across her stomach exposing her intestines, leaving her for dead the Indians left. Penelope managed to crawl to the edge of the trees where she was able to find some dew on the leaves and the fungus excrescences and the gum from the trees to eat. She hid in the hollow of a tree for a week before seeing a deer running past her with arrows sticking in its flanks and then a dog came upon her and barked until the Indians came and found her. There were 2 Indians, a young one that wanted to kill Penelope and an older one that said no. He put Penelope upon his shoulders and took her to his came near what is known as Middle town in New Jersey. When Penelope came awake she realized the horrible pain was gone. Slabs of a sort of mud had been applied to her head and her belly was wound tightly with cloth. Her mouth was fuzzy and she thought she had been given some drugs of a sort. The Older Indian was standing over her and was talking to her in English. The Indian was named Tisquantum, Chief of the Lanni Le nape, part of the Al-gon-kin people, sworn enemy's of the Mohawks.
After Penelope was healed, rather than stay and be married to one of the braves the Chief had picked out for her, she risked her life to escape in a canoe. She landed in Gravesend in Long Island New York.
After being shipwrecked, widowed, scalped and taken prisoner by Indians, Penelope was taken to the home of Deborah Moody, she was the mayor and the first woman to lay out the town. Richard was one of her guards and with another guard found Penelope. Richard took an interest in Penelope. Richard was born in Nottingham England in 1610 with a castle as the view from his bedroom window. He had heard the stories of Robin Hood and had hiked in Sherwood Forrest. He joined the British Navy to get away from his father whom he was angry at for interfering in his love life.
After Richard and Penelope were married they went to New Jersey with several of their 10 children settling in Middle town. The old Indian came to visit her several times bringing gifts for the children. The town of Middle town grew up around the Stouts.
Life was hard for the Stout family, but they endured.
In 1705, at the age of 95, Richard died. Penelope wrote of her husband, "I was never unhappy with him."
Penelope died at the age of 110 in 1732 and is buried beside her husband on a farm, 3 miles west of Middle town. She left over 500 descendants.
Jimmy Stout, a retired jockey. William Bushnell who helped design the liberty airplane engine of WWI and a high speed railroad car in 1930's, and the Ford Trimotor airplane. Doctor A.B. Stout hybridizer of the day Lilly, and mystery writer Rex Stout.
Thursday, May 17, 2012
William Draper-my Great, Great, Great grandfather.
William Draper was born 24 April 1807 to William Draper and Lydia Luthrop, in upper Canada. In June 1832 William heard the gospel of The Church of Jesus Christ preached by a missionary named Elder Miller and by others that were with him. Later he heard Brigham Young preach the same gospel and he knew it was true. William was baptized 20 March 1834. He took his wife and 2 children and left Canada for the sake of the gospel. William found a location where he could build a home and by hard work he provided a comfortable living for his family. They were quite poor as to worldly goods but William labored hard and prospered.
In 1835 William helped to build the Kirtland Temple and after he went on a mission back to Canada.
William attended the Theological school which was superintended by the Prophet Joseph Smith. There he was taught preparatory to the endowment for when the temple was finished.
On 6 April 1836, there was such an outpouring of the Spirit of the Lord that William was unable to express it. but he said "the Spirit was poured out and came like a mighty rushing wind and filled the house, that many who were present spoke in tongues and had visions and saw Angels and prophesied and had a general time of rejoicing such as had not been known in this generation."
In 1838, William was set apart to go to Illinois to take charge and preside in a branch of the Church that had been previously raised up.
After William was swindled out of his home and land, they left for Morgan County Illinois and traveled 120 miles until the weather was so bad they had to stay for a week.
William was close to the Prophets family. Joseph's father, the first patriarch gave William a blessing and then William and his family started out on their journey again. They traveled on uninhabited country roads and came to a place in Caldwell County Missouri which was about 4-5 miles from Far West. There was a small branch of the Church there so William bought a snug little home with a blacksmith shop and 7 acres. He had 1 yoke of oxen, 1 house and 2 cows. corn and pork were plentiful, corn being the main bread stuff, so William set to work at shoe making and made his family a comfortable living.
William was in the crowd when the Prophet Joseph and his brethren were carried off never to be seen again.
When William returned home he found the heads of his oxen lying in the road. All he had left was a cow and a horse to make a team to leave the State in the spring.
When Williams family left to travel West, they were with out incident until the latter part of March. They came to a small town called Attas on the border of the great Mississippi Bottom in Illinois.
In 1850, there was a new settlement started on what was then called South Willow Creek, about 20 miles south of Salt Lake. William was asked to come and settle there. William moved his large family and the settlement became large enough that it warranted a branch of the Church to be organized and William was called as the bishop.
Then later William moved his family to Spanish Fork and purchased 4 houses and lots with about 80 acres of land which 50 acres could be farmed. William grew enough grain for his family and had plenty to share with others.
In 1863, when the grasshoppers and crickets destroyed the crops one yea,r the following year, he had failed crops. Wood was hard to come by and he had 4 houses to keep going. The oldest boys had grown and married and left home which only left small children and only had the mothers to help him.
William moved his families to Moroni where he bought 15 acres of land and a share in a gist mill.
The following is a testimony by William;
"I William testify of the truth of the everlasting gospel as introduced by the Prophet Joseph Smith. and I also join the labor to call upon all men, Jew, gentile, bond and free, Priest and people to home and abroad; all who have not obeyed the gospel to listen and hear and believe and be baptized. Now I will come to a close on the day (Dec. 11, 1881) which makes me 74 years old and the husband of 5 wives and father of 51 children and grandfather to about 100 children and great grandfather to about 20 more. Now I leave my blessing upon them all and ask Heavenly Father to seal the blessing of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob upon their heads, and that they may be honorable members in His Church and Kingdom, even so, Lord let it be. Amen"
In 1835 William helped to build the Kirtland Temple and after he went on a mission back to Canada.
William attended the Theological school which was superintended by the Prophet Joseph Smith. There he was taught preparatory to the endowment for when the temple was finished.
On 6 April 1836, there was such an outpouring of the Spirit of the Lord that William was unable to express it. but he said "the Spirit was poured out and came like a mighty rushing wind and filled the house, that many who were present spoke in tongues and had visions and saw Angels and prophesied and had a general time of rejoicing such as had not been known in this generation."
In 1838, William was set apart to go to Illinois to take charge and preside in a branch of the Church that had been previously raised up.
After William was swindled out of his home and land, they left for Morgan County Illinois and traveled 120 miles until the weather was so bad they had to stay for a week.
William was close to the Prophets family. Joseph's father, the first patriarch gave William a blessing and then William and his family started out on their journey again. They traveled on uninhabited country roads and came to a place in Caldwell County Missouri which was about 4-5 miles from Far West. There was a small branch of the Church there so William bought a snug little home with a blacksmith shop and 7 acres. He had 1 yoke of oxen, 1 house and 2 cows. corn and pork were plentiful, corn being the main bread stuff, so William set to work at shoe making and made his family a comfortable living.
William was in the crowd when the Prophet Joseph and his brethren were carried off never to be seen again.
When William returned home he found the heads of his oxen lying in the road. All he had left was a cow and a horse to make a team to leave the State in the spring.
When Williams family left to travel West, they were with out incident until the latter part of March. They came to a small town called Attas on the border of the great Mississippi Bottom in Illinois.
In 1850, there was a new settlement started on what was then called South Willow Creek, about 20 miles south of Salt Lake. William was asked to come and settle there. William moved his large family and the settlement became large enough that it warranted a branch of the Church to be organized and William was called as the bishop.
Then later William moved his family to Spanish Fork and purchased 4 houses and lots with about 80 acres of land which 50 acres could be farmed. William grew enough grain for his family and had plenty to share with others.
In 1863, when the grasshoppers and crickets destroyed the crops one yea,r the following year, he had failed crops. Wood was hard to come by and he had 4 houses to keep going. The oldest boys had grown and married and left home which only left small children and only had the mothers to help him.
William moved his families to Moroni where he bought 15 acres of land and a share in a gist mill.
The following is a testimony by William;
"I William testify of the truth of the everlasting gospel as introduced by the Prophet Joseph Smith. and I also join the labor to call upon all men, Jew, gentile, bond and free, Priest and people to home and abroad; all who have not obeyed the gospel to listen and hear and believe and be baptized. Now I will come to a close on the day (Dec. 11, 1881) which makes me 74 years old and the husband of 5 wives and father of 51 children and grandfather to about 100 children and great grandfather to about 20 more. Now I leave my blessing upon them all and ask Heavenly Father to seal the blessing of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob upon their heads, and that they may be honorable members in His Church and Kingdom, even so, Lord let it be. Amen"
Sunday, April 29, 2012
Amy Hansen-Great, Great, Grandmother, Hepworth side.
Amy Hansen was the third child born to Nils (Nelson) Hansen and Marilla Terry. She was born 14 September, 1852 near Glenwood, Mills, Iowa. The family knew much happiness on a farm at Indian Creek near Glenwood, but Nils decided he wanted to go to California to seek his fortune in gold, but Marilla wanted to go to Utah where her parents lived, so they packed up and each went their separate ways, Marilla taking the children with her.
Amy was about 8-9 years old at the time and she helped with camp chores on the long tedious journey across the plains.
In 1862 the Hansen family received a call to move South, there they raised cotton on the Virgin River. Quite a large number of the Terry family went also.
When Amy was 14 years old, she married Almond Draper at Rockville and two years later she had her first child, Elzina who later married Thornton Hepworth...Elzina was the mother to Malinda Hepworth, my grandmother, Dennett side.
Amy 2nd child married Squire Hepworth, brother to her brother-in-law Thornton.
Amy and Almond struggled alone making a meager living in Rockville so they decided to move to Springdale, 5 miles to the east, to see if they could make a better living there.
Amy was a faithful Latter-day Saint and a good mother and an honorable person. She was rather short, heavy set with gray eyes and light brown hair. Her general health was good.
Amy was a hard working woman, she raised chickens and sold the eggs. She had cows and would make butter and an excellent cheese to sell. She made numerous amounts of quilts which she would give to those in need and when she died she had several large stacks of quilts ready to sell or give away.
Amy had artistic abilities, she was a quiet woman and of a retiring nature. She never put herself forward in the public eye. Nevertheless, she was much sought after as a worker in the church. She was a counselor in Relief Society and a teacher in Sunday School.
After Almond (called Ab) secured a small piece of land with a small house on it, he preceded to move the house. After moving the house 3 times, Amy put her foot down and said no more moving the house.
It was in this very house that she got pneumonia and died at age 37. 23 April, 1889. When Amy would laugh it became contagious and would soon have everyone laughing. There were 8 children born to this family.
Amy was about 8-9 years old at the time and she helped with camp chores on the long tedious journey across the plains.
In 1862 the Hansen family received a call to move South, there they raised cotton on the Virgin River. Quite a large number of the Terry family went also.
When Amy was 14 years old, she married Almond Draper at Rockville and two years later she had her first child, Elzina who later married Thornton Hepworth...Elzina was the mother to Malinda Hepworth, my grandmother, Dennett side.
Amy 2nd child married Squire Hepworth, brother to her brother-in-law Thornton.
Amy and Almond struggled alone making a meager living in Rockville so they decided to move to Springdale, 5 miles to the east, to see if they could make a better living there.
Amy was a faithful Latter-day Saint and a good mother and an honorable person. She was rather short, heavy set with gray eyes and light brown hair. Her general health was good.
Amy was a hard working woman, she raised chickens and sold the eggs. She had cows and would make butter and an excellent cheese to sell. She made numerous amounts of quilts which she would give to those in need and when she died she had several large stacks of quilts ready to sell or give away.
Amy had artistic abilities, she was a quiet woman and of a retiring nature. She never put herself forward in the public eye. Nevertheless, she was much sought after as a worker in the church. She was a counselor in Relief Society and a teacher in Sunday School.
After Almond (called Ab) secured a small piece of land with a small house on it, he preceded to move the house. After moving the house 3 times, Amy put her foot down and said no more moving the house.
It was in this very house that she got pneumonia and died at age 37. 23 April, 1889. When Amy would laugh it became contagious and would soon have everyone laughing. There were 8 children born to this family.
Monday, April 23, 2012
Almond Draper-Great, Great, Grandfather...Hepworth side.
Almond Draper was born 28, Oct. 1846 in Pottawatomie County Iowa. He was the son of William Draper and Martha Weaver. They were early converts to the Church Of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and came from east Canada. After Almond's family come to Utah in 1848, they settled in Moroni. Almond had 56 siblings as his father had 7 wives. Altho Almond was the only child born to Martha.
Almond married Amy Hansen when she was only 14, (Dont even think about that Grandkids) he was 20 years old and their first child was Elzina Jane, She is our line. Almond and Amy had 9 children.
Almond with go with other men to fight the Indians that were on the warpath. In 1880, Almond's family moved from Rockville to Springdale which was 5 miles to the East. Almond liked to trade and move around, he liked to change possessions often . When Dixie country was crowded and the farms were to small and no jobs were available, Almond wanted to move to "greener pastures".
Almond was a large, well built, fine looking man. His average weight was 160 pounds an his height was 5 feet, 6 inches tall. He had beautiful brown wavy hair and brown eyes. He was quite the entertainer at parties an dances and would often do the call for square dances. He was a good singer and really fleet-footed in the popular jog dances.
Before Martha died (1st wife) on 23, April 1889, she told Almond that if she dies and Phebe Barton whom Almond had taken a fancy to, was still single, he had her permission to marry Phebe., which he did soon after Martha's death. Almond married his 3rd wife, Mariah Durffy of Springdale. People living plural marriages were "Taking off" for Mexico Almond took his wives an children and started for Mexico also, they got as Taylor Arizona where Martha's sister and her husband lived . They lived there about a year and Almond decided not to go to Mexico and thought he could do better at home in Springdale. The family got as far Lee's Ferry on the Colorado River and decided to stay. They lived there for a year then moved back to Springdale. After 5 months Almond moved his family to Duncan, further down the river. They stayed there for three or four years and then moved back to Springdale for the next few years.
Almond was a real "Cut-Up" and used to cause quite a bit of sport for the crowd by performing rodeo stunts with wild range cattle. While several town men were going to a job site on Mount Trumble, which was a saw mill, Almond grabbed a red blanket and started to put on his act and acted weird and making noises for the cattle that were passing by them. When the cattle seen him they took off like scared coyotes, except one old cow. When she seen Almond, she stopped, turned, snorted, bellowed and charged him. The horn's just grazed Almonds "britches" but he jumped clear over the wagon to safety.
In Nov 1898, Almond decided to move again. They moved to Beaver Bottoms near Milford. After about a year they moved to Konash and then in 1902 they moved to Provo.
Almond died in 1920 while they were living in Hinckley. He is buried in Lemington by his wife Phebe. He was 73 years old.
Almond married Amy Hansen when she was only 14, (Dont even think about that Grandkids) he was 20 years old and their first child was Elzina Jane, She is our line. Almond and Amy had 9 children.
Almond with go with other men to fight the Indians that were on the warpath. In 1880, Almond's family moved from Rockville to Springdale which was 5 miles to the East. Almond liked to trade and move around, he liked to change possessions often . When Dixie country was crowded and the farms were to small and no jobs were available, Almond wanted to move to "greener pastures".
Almond was a large, well built, fine looking man. His average weight was 160 pounds an his height was 5 feet, 6 inches tall. He had beautiful brown wavy hair and brown eyes. He was quite the entertainer at parties an dances and would often do the call for square dances. He was a good singer and really fleet-footed in the popular jog dances.
Before Martha died (1st wife) on 23, April 1889, she told Almond that if she dies and Phebe Barton whom Almond had taken a fancy to, was still single, he had her permission to marry Phebe., which he did soon after Martha's death. Almond married his 3rd wife, Mariah Durffy of Springdale. People living plural marriages were "Taking off" for Mexico Almond took his wives an children and started for Mexico also, they got as Taylor Arizona where Martha's sister and her husband lived . They lived there about a year and Almond decided not to go to Mexico and thought he could do better at home in Springdale. The family got as far Lee's Ferry on the Colorado River and decided to stay. They lived there for a year then moved back to Springdale. After 5 months Almond moved his family to Duncan, further down the river. They stayed there for three or four years and then moved back to Springdale for the next few years.
Almond was a real "Cut-Up" and used to cause quite a bit of sport for the crowd by performing rodeo stunts with wild range cattle. While several town men were going to a job site on Mount Trumble, which was a saw mill, Almond grabbed a red blanket and started to put on his act and acted weird and making noises for the cattle that were passing by them. When the cattle seen him they took off like scared coyotes, except one old cow. When she seen Almond, she stopped, turned, snorted, bellowed and charged him. The horn's just grazed Almonds "britches" but he jumped clear over the wagon to safety.
In Nov 1898, Almond decided to move again. They moved to Beaver Bottoms near Milford. After about a year they moved to Konash and then in 1902 they moved to Provo.
Almond died in 1920 while they were living in Hinckley. He is buried in Lemington by his wife Phebe. He was 73 years old.
Sunday, April 15, 2012
Lucy Ann Newel Very-Great, Great, Grandmother...Dennett side
Lucy Ann Very was born 12 June 1818 to Jonathan Very and Susan Peabody, in Oxford Massachusetts, just north of Salem. The very name has been traced back to a Bridget Very who came from England with her 3 children. She was born about 1600 and Lucy is the 7th generation from her.
Lucy's mother died when Lucy was only 10 years old. Her father remarried in 1838. Lucy married Thomas Flannigan in 1842, he was from Ireland. They had one child. Thomas died at age 26 when their son was only 1 year old.
Lucy's step mother, Lucy and her sister Charlotte were the only family members that joined the church. Lucy took her child and the other family members and traveled to Nauvoo along the Mohawk Trail which started in Massachusetts. The Trail had originally been only a foot path and became a very popular route West as early as 1786.
Arriving in Nauvoo was a special time, it is an added witness to the inspiration of Joseph Smith.
Lucy received her patriarchal blessing on 30 June 1845 just 3 months from the last record of her in Salem.
Lucy crossed the plains with the other pioneers. After she married Daniel Quimby Dennett, they came to Dixie, it was in 1861. Lucy had an argument with a neighbor over a bed sheet and lost her membership. On 10 June 1849 she was re baptized.
When the saints got to the Salt Lake Valley, baptism was requested by Brigham Young so they could renew their covenants.
Lucy and Daniel were resealed in the presidents office on 3 Feb. 1857.
Lucy had twin boys, Alma and Amulek. While they were infants-8 days old..they were given blessings, parts of the blessings were;
Alma, would be powerful like David the son of Jesse and an instrument in the hand of God in doing much good in building up Zion.
Daniel Amulek, would be like Daniel of old-interpreting dreams and understanding dark sayings and powerful like Amulek in the ministry and his strongest features will be seen like Alma whom none but the power of the highest could move.
Lucy's husband Daniel sang many solo's in many events and meetings. He was an exceptional man. Daniel helped build the Tabernacle in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Lucy died ate the age of 58 on 5 January, 1876, only 4 years after Daniel.
Lucy's mother died when Lucy was only 10 years old. Her father remarried in 1838. Lucy married Thomas Flannigan in 1842, he was from Ireland. They had one child. Thomas died at age 26 when their son was only 1 year old.
Lucy's step mother, Lucy and her sister Charlotte were the only family members that joined the church. Lucy took her child and the other family members and traveled to Nauvoo along the Mohawk Trail which started in Massachusetts. The Trail had originally been only a foot path and became a very popular route West as early as 1786.
Arriving in Nauvoo was a special time, it is an added witness to the inspiration of Joseph Smith.
Lucy received her patriarchal blessing on 30 June 1845 just 3 months from the last record of her in Salem.
Lucy crossed the plains with the other pioneers. After she married Daniel Quimby Dennett, they came to Dixie, it was in 1861. Lucy had an argument with a neighbor over a bed sheet and lost her membership. On 10 June 1849 she was re baptized.
When the saints got to the Salt Lake Valley, baptism was requested by Brigham Young so they could renew their covenants.
Lucy and Daniel were resealed in the presidents office on 3 Feb. 1857.
Lucy had twin boys, Alma and Amulek. While they were infants-8 days old..they were given blessings, parts of the blessings were;
Alma, would be powerful like David the son of Jesse and an instrument in the hand of God in doing much good in building up Zion.
Daniel Amulek, would be like Daniel of old-interpreting dreams and understanding dark sayings and powerful like Amulek in the ministry and his strongest features will be seen like Alma whom none but the power of the highest could move.
Lucy's husband Daniel sang many solo's in many events and meetings. He was an exceptional man. Daniel helped build the Tabernacle in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Lucy died ate the age of 58 on 5 January, 1876, only 4 years after Daniel.
Saturday, April 7, 2012
Rebecca Alvira Stout-3rd Great Grandmother
Rebecca Alvira Stout was born at Mill Creek, Salt Lake City, Utah 13 january 1857. She was the daughter of Allen Joseph Stout and Amanda Melvina Fisk. Her parents came from Kentucky and New York. She was the 5th child of 14 children.
When the family of Allen Joseph was called by the Church authorities to move South to help settle Dixie, they settled first in Harrisburg butb the soil wasnt very good so they moved North to Long Valley and settled in a canyon just North of Glendale Utah. The Canyon is now called Lydia's Canyon. Two years later they were forced to move because of the Indians and the Black Hawk War. They settled in Saint George but the weather didn't agree with Amanda so they moved to Rockville, near Zion Canyon. Amanda was a very "fleshy" woman, (maybe thats where we get our fat-haha)
Rebecca married John Fabyan Dennett 18 April 1872. Rebecca's father had been a bodyguard to the Prophet Joseph. Rebecca was the 2nd wife to John, his having been widowed shortly after coming to America. He had 4 children to care for . John and Rebecca had 12 children, the 4th child is my grandfather John Fabin.
John and Rebecca came to Salt Lake 2 October 1851 and settled in Pleasant Grove before being called to settle Dixie. Rebecca was a very loving, caring person, she spent 40 years tending to the sick and afflicted. She had cared for her ailing mother and her brothers and sisters before she had married. She brought many children into this world as a midwife..
Rebecca, who was called Becky, had a great knowledge of herbs and would make her own medicines for every ailment. She developed a medicine called 5-part for babies and a preparation for blood poisioning.
One time the river was flooded and the wagon couldnt cross so Rebecca unhitched the wagon and rode the horse across the swollen river in time to deliver a baby and comfort the mother. One time Rebecca drove a buggy as far as she could up the mountain and then rode a horse the rest of the way, along a very narrow trail, which took all day and half the night.
One time an Indian came to the door and demanded bread. Rebecca said she didnt have any so the Indian pulled out a knife and stood over the baby, as it lay in its crib. Rebecca remembered an old useless gun in the logs which served as a roof on the cabin, so she stood on a stool and got the gun, she then pointed it at the Indian and told him to "go", which he did to her relief. Another time a Mexican came to the door while John was away from home, and asked to buy a pony. Rebecca said it wasnt for sale. She was afraid he would come back in the night and steal it so she tied a rope around the horse and held the other end in her hand all night.
John and Rebecca were very devoted to their families and each other, they were respected by all who knew them. They called each other "Pa and Ma." They could always be counted on to help both with money and aid. Rebecca lived a good life, she died 16 November 1934 in Rockville Utha at age 78. She left 7 living children, 56 grandchildren, 68 great grandchildren and one great, great, grandchild. Her greatest rewards in life was in being able to help others.
When the family of Allen Joseph was called by the Church authorities to move South to help settle Dixie, they settled first in Harrisburg butb the soil wasnt very good so they moved North to Long Valley and settled in a canyon just North of Glendale Utah. The Canyon is now called Lydia's Canyon. Two years later they were forced to move because of the Indians and the Black Hawk War. They settled in Saint George but the weather didn't agree with Amanda so they moved to Rockville, near Zion Canyon. Amanda was a very "fleshy" woman, (maybe thats where we get our fat-haha)
Rebecca married John Fabyan Dennett 18 April 1872. Rebecca's father had been a bodyguard to the Prophet Joseph. Rebecca was the 2nd wife to John, his having been widowed shortly after coming to America. He had 4 children to care for . John and Rebecca had 12 children, the 4th child is my grandfather John Fabin.
John and Rebecca came to Salt Lake 2 October 1851 and settled in Pleasant Grove before being called to settle Dixie. Rebecca was a very loving, caring person, she spent 40 years tending to the sick and afflicted. She had cared for her ailing mother and her brothers and sisters before she had married. She brought many children into this world as a midwife..
Rebecca, who was called Becky, had a great knowledge of herbs and would make her own medicines for every ailment. She developed a medicine called 5-part for babies and a preparation for blood poisioning.
One time the river was flooded and the wagon couldnt cross so Rebecca unhitched the wagon and rode the horse across the swollen river in time to deliver a baby and comfort the mother. One time Rebecca drove a buggy as far as she could up the mountain and then rode a horse the rest of the way, along a very narrow trail, which took all day and half the night.
One time an Indian came to the door and demanded bread. Rebecca said she didnt have any so the Indian pulled out a knife and stood over the baby, as it lay in its crib. Rebecca remembered an old useless gun in the logs which served as a roof on the cabin, so she stood on a stool and got the gun, she then pointed it at the Indian and told him to "go", which he did to her relief. Another time a Mexican came to the door while John was away from home, and asked to buy a pony. Rebecca said it wasnt for sale. She was afraid he would come back in the night and steal it so she tied a rope around the horse and held the other end in her hand all night.
John and Rebecca were very devoted to their families and each other, they were respected by all who knew them. They called each other "Pa and Ma." They could always be counted on to help both with money and aid. Rebecca lived a good life, she died 16 November 1934 in Rockville Utha at age 78. She left 7 living children, 56 grandchildren, 68 great grandchildren and one great, great, grandchild. Her greatest rewards in life was in being able to help others.
Thursday, April 5, 2012
Nils (Nelson) Hansen-3rd Great Grandfather. (Marilla Terry)
Nils was from a very prominent family who had considerable land holdings. Nils was well educated in the Norwegian schools but was listed as not being able to read or write. Some assume that ment he never learned the English language after coming to America. The Hansen family were very religious in the Lutheran faith.Nils Hansen was born March 26, 1806 in Bergen Norway. Genealogy has been traced back to Denmark.
Nils was a sturdy, hard working and progressive farmer. He had 2 quarters sections of pararie land with lots of woods. Nils was determined that his children have a good education.
Nils was an honest man, his dealings with his fellowmen was always fair. He had little use for religion and no respect for preachers.
Nils and a young wife with their 4 children came to America and the young wife died, Nils put the children into the homes of good friends and went to Nauvoo where he met and married Marilla Terry. They were married in the Nauvoo Temple 28 Jan. 1846.
The family moved to Iowa where 7 children were born to them. Marilla had joined the church in Canada and when her parents left for Utah, she wanted to move also but Nils wanted to go to California where the gold rush was. Nils "outfitted" a wagon and Marilla and the children, all but 10 year old Andrew Jackson, went with their mother and Nils later went to California. It would be 20 years before Andrew would see his mother again.
The Hansen name in Norway was "Veste" but when Nils came to America, he left the "Veste" name off.
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Marilla Terry- My Great, Great, Great Grandmother-Hepworth side.
Our ancestor Richard Terry came to America in 1635 and helped to make history in the new world.
Marilla Terry was born 2 June, 1823 in Albion Home District, Upper Canada, to Parshall Terry 3rd, and Ann Hannah Terry. They were first cousins, there were 13 children born into this family. 7 born in New York and the other 6 born in Canada with Marilla being the 10th child. This part of Canada was a wild and rugged land so it was hard work clearing it, but everyone pulled together in a united effort to clear it so homes could be built and a living made. There was a lot of brush and heavy undergrowth.
Marilla's early life would be spent in the same way as other frontier children. little schooling and just the bare necessities of life and very few pleasures.
About 1837 the Mormon Missionaries came to Albion, the Terry family were immediately interested because they were well acquainted with Joseph Smith and knew what a fine boy he was. Marilla's brother Jacob was a good friend of Joseph's, who was the same ages.
Marilla joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Feb. 1838 and with most of the family came to the United States to gather with the other Saints in Missouri. When the family was driven from their home by an extermination order from Gov. Boggs, out into the bitter cold, Deborah, then age 11, died from exposure.
When Marilla was 18 she married John Crawford and had 2 sons, one dying in infancy and the other lived to be a mainstay in Marilla's life.
When John Crawford died in Dec. 1843, Marilla got along as best as she could with a son to care for. On Jan. 28, 1846 Marilla married Nils (Nilson) Hansen in the Nauvoo Temple. He had come from Norway with a young wife and 4 young children. His wife died leaving the children for him to care for. In 1848, Nils moved the family to Iowa, 20 miles from Glenwood. They lived there until 1861, 7 children were born there.
The family wanted to move to Utah but Nils wanted to go to California for the gold rush. He "fitted out" the wagon but he took his 10 year old son out of the wagon too try to make it harder for the family to leave. Marilla never seen her son again until he was a grown man. Nils had put him in the home of a good family while he went off to fight the Indians. He was never seen again. He died after 1865 in California.
Marilla was a tall and nervous person but she traveled across the plains with her family in the David H. Cannon Company, settling in Draper Utah.
When the call came from President Brigham Young for the Saints to go south to Dixie, Marilla and her family went with the others, they left in the fall of 1863. They arrived at a small settlement called Adventure, just East of Grafton in the Rockville area. Marilla's family was one of the first families to settle in Rockville.
The women as well as the men had to try to make a living out of an nonsupporting land which was surrounded with sage brush and mountains. Their first home was made out of rough rocks with mud placed between them to hold them in place. The roof was made out of logs hewn out and placed for rafters with cedar bark and a quantity of dirt over that which let the roof leak if it rained, and when there was a downpour, the place was covered with mud. There was one corner with a bed that did not leak and the children were put on the bed and all the neighbors came and stayed in the one room to try to stay dry.
Marilla had lots of fruit trees and two long rows of currents bushes in her lot. She had a small oval wood box that she kept her valuables in, it was believed to have been given to Marilla by her first husband, John Crawford. Her son John has it in his possession.
Marilla was a very intelligent person and people liked to talk with her. She had a small one room home in the center of town in the upper side of the street. She lived alone and her needs and wants were few. She looked after her family, yet she wouldn't let anyone help her unless it was with something she could not do. She was a very plain spoken person as well as being superstitious. She would never call "Come In" when some one was at the door because she thought she might be admitting the Devil in.
Marilla passed away in her home in Rockville, Utah on October 19, 1894 at the age of 72. She was survived by 2 sons, 4 daughters and 46 grandchildren.
Marilla Terry was born 2 June, 1823 in Albion Home District, Upper Canada, to Parshall Terry 3rd, and Ann Hannah Terry. They were first cousins, there were 13 children born into this family. 7 born in New York and the other 6 born in Canada with Marilla being the 10th child. This part of Canada was a wild and rugged land so it was hard work clearing it, but everyone pulled together in a united effort to clear it so homes could be built and a living made. There was a lot of brush and heavy undergrowth.
Marilla's early life would be spent in the same way as other frontier children. little schooling and just the bare necessities of life and very few pleasures.
About 1837 the Mormon Missionaries came to Albion, the Terry family were immediately interested because they were well acquainted with Joseph Smith and knew what a fine boy he was. Marilla's brother Jacob was a good friend of Joseph's, who was the same ages.
Marilla joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Feb. 1838 and with most of the family came to the United States to gather with the other Saints in Missouri. When the family was driven from their home by an extermination order from Gov. Boggs, out into the bitter cold, Deborah, then age 11, died from exposure.
When Marilla was 18 she married John Crawford and had 2 sons, one dying in infancy and the other lived to be a mainstay in Marilla's life.
When John Crawford died in Dec. 1843, Marilla got along as best as she could with a son to care for. On Jan. 28, 1846 Marilla married Nils (Nilson) Hansen in the Nauvoo Temple. He had come from Norway with a young wife and 4 young children. His wife died leaving the children for him to care for. In 1848, Nils moved the family to Iowa, 20 miles from Glenwood. They lived there until 1861, 7 children were born there.
The family wanted to move to Utah but Nils wanted to go to California for the gold rush. He "fitted out" the wagon but he took his 10 year old son out of the wagon too try to make it harder for the family to leave. Marilla never seen her son again until he was a grown man. Nils had put him in the home of a good family while he went off to fight the Indians. He was never seen again. He died after 1865 in California.
Marilla was a tall and nervous person but she traveled across the plains with her family in the David H. Cannon Company, settling in Draper Utah.
When the call came from President Brigham Young for the Saints to go south to Dixie, Marilla and her family went with the others, they left in the fall of 1863. They arrived at a small settlement called Adventure, just East of Grafton in the Rockville area. Marilla's family was one of the first families to settle in Rockville.
The women as well as the men had to try to make a living out of an nonsupporting land which was surrounded with sage brush and mountains. Their first home was made out of rough rocks with mud placed between them to hold them in place. The roof was made out of logs hewn out and placed for rafters with cedar bark and a quantity of dirt over that which let the roof leak if it rained, and when there was a downpour, the place was covered with mud. There was one corner with a bed that did not leak and the children were put on the bed and all the neighbors came and stayed in the one room to try to stay dry.
Marilla had lots of fruit trees and two long rows of currents bushes in her lot. She had a small oval wood box that she kept her valuables in, it was believed to have been given to Marilla by her first husband, John Crawford. Her son John has it in his possession.
Marilla was a very intelligent person and people liked to talk with her. She had a small one room home in the center of town in the upper side of the street. She lived alone and her needs and wants were few. She looked after her family, yet she wouldn't let anyone help her unless it was with something she could not do. She was a very plain spoken person as well as being superstitious. She would never call "Come In" when some one was at the door because she thought she might be admitting the Devil in.
Marilla passed away in her home in Rockville, Utah on October 19, 1894 at the age of 72. She was survived by 2 sons, 4 daughters and 46 grandchildren.
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Seth Johnson
Seth Johnson, a patriarch in the Panguitch Stake of Zion, and a resident of Cannonville, Garfield, Utah, was born March 6, 1839 at Carthage, Hancock, Illinois. The son of Joel Hills Johnson and Annie Pixley. In his early childhood he passed through many scenes of suffering in common with so many other Latter-day Saints at that time. When 4 years of age he was with the rest of his father's family turned out of the family home by the mob, the home being burned in the sight of its owners. The family fled, leaving bloody footprints behind them in the snow. Seth's mother died when he was only 1 1/2 years of age. Seth became well acquainted with the Prophet Joseph Smith, who married his aunt as a plural wife. (Almera Johnson)
The family was driven from place to place in Illinois until May, 1848 when they started for the Rocky Mountains. Seth was baptized on the journey by Jedediah M. Grant and passed through all the incidents and hardships that followed pioneer life in the Valley, including the experience with grasshoppers and crickets and raids by the red men. (Indians)
Seth accompanied George A. Smith on his mission to Iron County in 1850-51, and afterwards took part in the founding of Cedar City and Summit in Iron county
Seth was ordained a Teacher in 1856, an Elder in 1857 and a Seventy in 1860. In 1861 he drove an ox team across the plains to the Missouri River to help gather the poor. That year also (Nov. 11, 1861), he married Miss Lydia Ann Smith, daughter of Thomas P. and Mary D. Smith.
In 1862 he farmed and raised a large crop of grain. As early as 1857 he enlisted in the territorial militia and served in the same for 37 years. He helped to make a road to the Upper Rio Virgin Valley, southern Utah, in 1859, and crossed the plains again with ox teams to gather the poor in 1863.
In 1864 he sold out his farm at Summit, Iron County, and moved south to Virgin City. In January 1866, he was a member of an expedition sent out against savage Indians who had killed two men and driven of a large number of horses, cattle and sheep. On this expedition he traveled through deep snow in very cold weather and had a narrow escapes from being killed by the arrows and bullets of the savages.
In June, 1866, he moved to Tocqueville, where he lived for nearly six years. While there he carried the U.S. mail for a term of four years from Cedar City to St. George, and while there he held a number of civil offices, such as justice of the peace, superintendent of district schools in Kane county, etc. He also taught school for two years.
In 1865 (Oct. 8th) he married Martha Jane Stratten (My Grandmother). During the years 1867, 1868, and 1869, he participated in several expeditions against hostile Indians. In Nov. 1872, he moved to Hillsdale, on the Sevier river, in Iron county (now Garfield) Utah. There he also taught school for a number of years.
When the Panguitch Stake of Zion was organized, April 23, 1877, Seth was ordained a High Priest by Apostle Orson Pratt and set apart as a High Councilor in that Stake. He was ordained a Bishop by Apostle Erastus Snow, Aug. 2, 1877 and set apart to preside over the Hillsdale Ward.
During the following 39 years he acted either as a High Councilor or a Bishop in the Panguitch Stake and also some home missionary work.
Among the many Church and civil offices held by Seth may be mentioned that he served as superintendent of Sunday Schools, president of Y.M.M.I.A.'s as well as instructor in Sunday Schools, mutual and Priesthood classes. He also served as registration officer and justice of the peace.
In 1895 (Sep.2) he was ordained a Patriarch by Apostle Francis M.Lyman. For more than 60 years Seth had lived on the frontiers and assisted to build new settlements and protect them from hostile Indians.
Seth is the father of 25 children. 22 of whom grew to manhood and womanhood. His wife Lydia Ann bore him 14 children, His wife Martha Jane was the mother of 11 children.
The family was driven from place to place in Illinois until May, 1848 when they started for the Rocky Mountains. Seth was baptized on the journey by Jedediah M. Grant and passed through all the incidents and hardships that followed pioneer life in the Valley, including the experience with grasshoppers and crickets and raids by the red men. (Indians)
Seth accompanied George A. Smith on his mission to Iron County in 1850-51, and afterwards took part in the founding of Cedar City and Summit in Iron county
Seth was ordained a Teacher in 1856, an Elder in 1857 and a Seventy in 1860. In 1861 he drove an ox team across the plains to the Missouri River to help gather the poor. That year also (Nov. 11, 1861), he married Miss Lydia Ann Smith, daughter of Thomas P. and Mary D. Smith.
In 1862 he farmed and raised a large crop of grain. As early as 1857 he enlisted in the territorial militia and served in the same for 37 years. He helped to make a road to the Upper Rio Virgin Valley, southern Utah, in 1859, and crossed the plains again with ox teams to gather the poor in 1863.
In 1864 he sold out his farm at Summit, Iron County, and moved south to Virgin City. In January 1866, he was a member of an expedition sent out against savage Indians who had killed two men and driven of a large number of horses, cattle and sheep. On this expedition he traveled through deep snow in very cold weather and had a narrow escapes from being killed by the arrows and bullets of the savages.
In June, 1866, he moved to Tocqueville, where he lived for nearly six years. While there he carried the U.S. mail for a term of four years from Cedar City to St. George, and while there he held a number of civil offices, such as justice of the peace, superintendent of district schools in Kane county, etc. He also taught school for two years.
In 1865 (Oct. 8th) he married Martha Jane Stratten (My Grandmother). During the years 1867, 1868, and 1869, he participated in several expeditions against hostile Indians. In Nov. 1872, he moved to Hillsdale, on the Sevier river, in Iron county (now Garfield) Utah. There he also taught school for a number of years.
When the Panguitch Stake of Zion was organized, April 23, 1877, Seth was ordained a High Priest by Apostle Orson Pratt and set apart as a High Councilor in that Stake. He was ordained a Bishop by Apostle Erastus Snow, Aug. 2, 1877 and set apart to preside over the Hillsdale Ward.
During the following 39 years he acted either as a High Councilor or a Bishop in the Panguitch Stake and also some home missionary work.
Among the many Church and civil offices held by Seth may be mentioned that he served as superintendent of Sunday Schools, president of Y.M.M.I.A.'s as well as instructor in Sunday Schools, mutual and Priesthood classes. He also served as registration officer and justice of the peace.
In 1895 (Sep.2) he was ordained a Patriarch by Apostle Francis M.Lyman. For more than 60 years Seth had lived on the frontiers and assisted to build new settlements and protect them from hostile Indians.
Seth is the father of 25 children. 22 of whom grew to manhood and womanhood. His wife Lydia Ann bore him 14 children, His wife Martha Jane was the mother of 11 children.
Monday, March 12, 2012
Allen Joseph Stout (My great, Great, Grandfather)
Allen Joseph Stout was born 5 December 1815 in Danville, Mercer County, Kentucky. He was the son of Joseph Stout and Anna Smith.
In the first settlement of New Jersey, there were 3 young men by the name of Stout. They came from Germany. 2 of them were killed by Indians and one married a woman who had been scalped and tomahawked and left for dead. (Penelope).
Allen was raised by very strict Quaker parents who had just gone through extreme hardships. He was the 10th child. When Allen's mother died from tuberculosis on 28th July 1824, Allen and Hosea were passed around from home to home as hired help. One of the men Allen worked for would whip him for doing things which he couldn't help doing.
Hosea took Allen to live with a cousin named Ephraim Stout Jr. so he could attend Jesse Stout's school for a time. Allen thought he was the meanest man he had ever seen. Allen was weak in body.
In 1837, Allen's sister married a Mormon, Allen believed Mormonism to be correct. He read the D & C but couldn't get hold of a Book of Mormon. He went to Sunday Meetings, He knew the Bible and he knew Lyman Wight and Charles C. Rich were teaching true scriptures even tho others were saying they weren't. Allen was baptized 22 April 1833 at age 22.
Allen was in poor health so he had to stay in Far West while the others moved on. He thought he would have to go back but Hosea, his brother rescued him by buying land and providing employment and shelter for him.
When Allen was baptized he was a very sick man, but after he was done he felt like he could rise and fly. He felt relieved of a seemingly great weight. After the Elders anointed him he was healed both of his breast complaint and fever sores.
At age 24, Allen was called on a mission. He left Nauvoo on foot to go South. His intentions was to try to preach the gospel even tho he was young and unlearned. He had never spoken in public before so he called on the Lord for strength and wisdom to enable him to be able to do his duty with an eye single to His glory.Allen received a letter from his brother Hosea telling him that the Prophet Joseph Smith was in danger in Missouri. Allen hastened back to Nauvoo. He worked as a carpenter, a fisherman, and received a commission as 3rd Lieutenant in the Nauvoo Legion. This happened in October 1842 at age 27. He worked as a teamster for Miles Anderson where he met Elizabeth-They were married in July. (Not my grandmother)
In 1843 Allen was promoted to Captain, 1st Co. Nauvoo Legion. Him and Hosea were determined to protect the life of the Prophet. While Allen was serving as body-guard to the Prophet they seen a man coming toward them. When he came near, the Prophet told Allen to wait there while he went to talk to this man. Allen waited for sometime a short distance away while Joseph spoke with the stranger. When the Prophet returned to where Allen was, Allen was very upset for being negligent as a bodyguard. The Prophet Joseph told Allen that the man would never hurt him, he was John the Revelator.
After the Prophet Joseph and Hyrum were taken to Carthage jail, the Prophet told Jonathan Dunham to bring the Nauvoo Legion to Carthage to save him, but Dunham didn't tell anyone about the orders and the Legion was kept under arms while the mob broke in the jail and slew Joseph and Hyrum.
When the bodies were brought back to Nauvoo, Allen saw their beloved forms reposing in the arms of death, which gave him such feelings he could not describe.
After the martyrdom, Allen joined the Nauvoo Police Dept. His salary was one dollar per day in city script. In January 1845, the legislature repealed the Nauvoo city charter and this ended the pay to Allen. The Legion was ended but Brigham Young said if they would render their services, the Lord would provide for them. Allen was soon offered a job which gave him an income.
In 1845, Brigham Young asked Allen to be his own personal bodyguard. In the fall Allen also became the bodyguard to Heber C. Kimball. At the Kimball home, Allen and Elizabeth were sealed then Allen received his endowments in the NauvooTemple.
During the winter months of 1845-46, Allen's family could not stay in Nauvoo any longer. They prepared for their journey West.
Allen had rheumatism attacks so the journey became hard with the weather being so bad. After they crossed the Mississippi River on Feb. 10th, the severity of the weather forced them to camp at Sugar Creek for several weeks. On Jan. 30, 1848, Elizabeth died leaving Allen with 3 small children and a journey of 1100 miles to perform without any animals to help. Allen continued to pour his soul into prayer that the Lord would open up some way for him to take care of the children and make the journey. Allen hired a girl named Amanda Melvina Fisk to care for the children. She worked from April 8 to 30th and Brigham Young performed the marriage between Amanda and Allen. After the marriage, they moved to Pigeon Creek Iowa where they rented land and planted a garden. Allen taught masonry and guarded cattle at night. There their first child was born on April 16, 1849. They left for the Rockies in July 1851. In March they had another child, they left 4 July 1851 and arrived in Salt Lake October 2, 1851. Amanda was very sick and had to be carried into the home.
Allen died 18 December 1889 in Rockville Utah.
In the first settlement of New Jersey, there were 3 young men by the name of Stout. They came from Germany. 2 of them were killed by Indians and one married a woman who had been scalped and tomahawked and left for dead. (Penelope).
Allen was raised by very strict Quaker parents who had just gone through extreme hardships. He was the 10th child. When Allen's mother died from tuberculosis on 28th July 1824, Allen and Hosea were passed around from home to home as hired help. One of the men Allen worked for would whip him for doing things which he couldn't help doing.
Hosea took Allen to live with a cousin named Ephraim Stout Jr. so he could attend Jesse Stout's school for a time. Allen thought he was the meanest man he had ever seen. Allen was weak in body.
In 1837, Allen's sister married a Mormon, Allen believed Mormonism to be correct. He read the D & C but couldn't get hold of a Book of Mormon. He went to Sunday Meetings, He knew the Bible and he knew Lyman Wight and Charles C. Rich were teaching true scriptures even tho others were saying they weren't. Allen was baptized 22 April 1833 at age 22.
Allen was in poor health so he had to stay in Far West while the others moved on. He thought he would have to go back but Hosea, his brother rescued him by buying land and providing employment and shelter for him.
When Allen was baptized he was a very sick man, but after he was done he felt like he could rise and fly. He felt relieved of a seemingly great weight. After the Elders anointed him he was healed both of his breast complaint and fever sores.
At age 24, Allen was called on a mission. He left Nauvoo on foot to go South. His intentions was to try to preach the gospel even tho he was young and unlearned. He had never spoken in public before so he called on the Lord for strength and wisdom to enable him to be able to do his duty with an eye single to His glory.Allen received a letter from his brother Hosea telling him that the Prophet Joseph Smith was in danger in Missouri. Allen hastened back to Nauvoo. He worked as a carpenter, a fisherman, and received a commission as 3rd Lieutenant in the Nauvoo Legion. This happened in October 1842 at age 27. He worked as a teamster for Miles Anderson where he met Elizabeth-They were married in July. (Not my grandmother)
In 1843 Allen was promoted to Captain, 1st Co. Nauvoo Legion. Him and Hosea were determined to protect the life of the Prophet. While Allen was serving as body-guard to the Prophet they seen a man coming toward them. When he came near, the Prophet told Allen to wait there while he went to talk to this man. Allen waited for sometime a short distance away while Joseph spoke with the stranger. When the Prophet returned to where Allen was, Allen was very upset for being negligent as a bodyguard. The Prophet Joseph told Allen that the man would never hurt him, he was John the Revelator.
After the Prophet Joseph and Hyrum were taken to Carthage jail, the Prophet told Jonathan Dunham to bring the Nauvoo Legion to Carthage to save him, but Dunham didn't tell anyone about the orders and the Legion was kept under arms while the mob broke in the jail and slew Joseph and Hyrum.
When the bodies were brought back to Nauvoo, Allen saw their beloved forms reposing in the arms of death, which gave him such feelings he could not describe.
After the martyrdom, Allen joined the Nauvoo Police Dept. His salary was one dollar per day in city script. In January 1845, the legislature repealed the Nauvoo city charter and this ended the pay to Allen. The Legion was ended but Brigham Young said if they would render their services, the Lord would provide for them. Allen was soon offered a job which gave him an income.
In 1845, Brigham Young asked Allen to be his own personal bodyguard. In the fall Allen also became the bodyguard to Heber C. Kimball. At the Kimball home, Allen and Elizabeth were sealed then Allen received his endowments in the NauvooTemple.
During the winter months of 1845-46, Allen's family could not stay in Nauvoo any longer. They prepared for their journey West.
Allen had rheumatism attacks so the journey became hard with the weather being so bad. After they crossed the Mississippi River on Feb. 10th, the severity of the weather forced them to camp at Sugar Creek for several weeks. On Jan. 30, 1848, Elizabeth died leaving Allen with 3 small children and a journey of 1100 miles to perform without any animals to help. Allen continued to pour his soul into prayer that the Lord would open up some way for him to take care of the children and make the journey. Allen hired a girl named Amanda Melvina Fisk to care for the children. She worked from April 8 to 30th and Brigham Young performed the marriage between Amanda and Allen. After the marriage, they moved to Pigeon Creek Iowa where they rented land and planted a garden. Allen taught masonry and guarded cattle at night. There their first child was born on April 16, 1849. They left for the Rockies in July 1851. In March they had another child, they left 4 July 1851 and arrived in Salt Lake October 2, 1851. Amanda was very sick and had to be carried into the home.
Allen died 18 December 1889 in Rockville Utah.
Sunday, March 4, 2012
Joel Hills Johnson-Excerpts from my journal
Joel Hills Johnson was born March 23, 1802 in Grafton, Massachusetts. He was the son of Ezekiel and Julia Hills Johnson.
When I was a very small child. my mother, being a very strict Presbyterian, would tell me about Heaven,Hell, Jesus Christ, God, and the Devil. When I was 8 years old I had quite a correct idea of those things being according to the precept of men in those days, and sometimes when thinking about them, I would weep bitterly, considering myself a sinner in the sight of God. I remember a time when my parents scolded me for some minor thing. I felt I had not a friend in heaven or hell, or on the earth, so I would go off to weep by myself. I wrote the following;
And thought unto the brook I'd go,
And drown myself and end my woe,
For if I drowned myself, thought I,
My soul will under water die.
I went to the small brook and selected a place to drown myself. The thought occurred to me that it was a temptation from the devil and I desisted from the purpose and returned home. When I was about twelve years old I almost drowned.
In 1827 I bought a farm adjoining my farm and decided to build a saw mill to help pay for the farm. I didn't have a solid foundation to build on so I built it on sand. When the floods came the mill-dam was torn up. When my creditors saw my situation, they demanded payment so they took everything I owned.
In 1829 I invented a machine for striking shingles from a block at one blow. The invention was stolen from me so I left my birth place and moved to Ohio. I joined up with a friend and we built a saw mill.
At about this time there was an excitement about the Church. I had always read the Bible and upon obtaining a Book of Mormon and reading it, I was against it but I was filled with astonishment it bringing the first discourse that corresponded with the New Testament. I finally gained a testimony and was baptized June 1, 1831, my wife having been baptized a few days earlier.
I had lost my health and property in 1827-28 so I couldn't do any hard labor and I had little means to sustain my family.
In 1834 I attended a conference in Ohio where I met the Prophet Joseph Smith. After counseling from the Prophet Joseph, I moved my family to Kirtland I proceeded to make bricks to help build the temple. The Church didn't use the brick because they decided to build it out of stone.
I donated cash, lumber, stock and other property's to build the temple as I wasn't in good enough health to help build it.
In 1835 I, as well as other brethren were called together to be blessed under the hands of the first Presidency. I was present at the calling of the 12 Apostles. I received my endowments in the Kirtland Temple in 1835. I was with the Prophet Joseph when he received the Word of Wisdom on February 27, 1833. I had used tobacco for fifteen years and always used strong drink, tea and coffee. I gave them all up when the word of wisdom was given.
In 1836, the Brethren formed a banking institution, but the enemies of the Church crushed it which proves that no institution founded upon righteous principles can flourish in so corrupt a nation as the United States.
In January 1839, Carthage I rented a store house with several rooms and moved my family in. Sidney Rigdon and Bishop Partridge came to my house to stay until they could fine a suitable location for the Saints to live.
I baptized several people in Carthage and organized the Branch of the Church at Crooked Creek. I was called to be the Stake President.
When my family took sick with chills and a nervous fever in which my wife died leaving my with several children to raise. Before she died she told me to find a suitable wife because I couldn't raise the children by myself. She said the Lord had told her the children would be well taken care of.
I received my patriarchal blessing under the hands of Joseph Smith Sr. the first patriarch of the church. I also received a blessing from John Smith, brother to Joseph Sr.
In 1848 I sold my sold my land for $90.00 cash and made arrangements to move West. I had 3 wagons, 5 yoke of oxen and steers. I had a few cows and sheep and necessary provisions, so on May 6, 1848, the family left for Salt Lake City, Utah. There were 4 children with us. We arrived in Salt Lake on October 19, 1848.
I built a small cabin in the mouth of Mill Creek Canyon and was elected as justice of the peace and also ordained as the Bishop of that ward.
On March 23, 1850, I was 48 years old. My life had been one continual scene of hardship. sickness and sorrow. I had been robbed, driven from state to state in poverty, sickness and disgrace. Some sought to kill me. While my health was failing in February 1853, I wrote the hymns, "High On a Mountain Top," and at that time I was given another patriarchal Blessing by Isaac Morley.
I encountered several graves on my journey's. The graves had been dug up by wolves and I seen clothes and bones laying near-by.
I was the founder of Enoch, Utah. After other people moved in, we built a fort and called it Johnson's Fort.
I served as a missionary in Iron County, Utah. I am a poet and hymn writer.
I had 5 wives, Anna Pixley Nov. 22, 1826. Susan Bryant, Oct. 20, 1840. Janet Fife, Oct. 25, 1845. Margaret Therekold, 1861. (Anna being the grandmother to us) I have many children and my sister was married to the Prophet Joseph Smith.
Joel died September 24, 1883, in Kane County, Utah.
In 1982 a music contest was performed using only music Joel had written.
Joel was included in a list of 75 significant Mormon poets.
When I was a very small child. my mother, being a very strict Presbyterian, would tell me about Heaven,Hell, Jesus Christ, God, and the Devil. When I was 8 years old I had quite a correct idea of those things being according to the precept of men in those days, and sometimes when thinking about them, I would weep bitterly, considering myself a sinner in the sight of God. I remember a time when my parents scolded me for some minor thing. I felt I had not a friend in heaven or hell, or on the earth, so I would go off to weep by myself. I wrote the following;
And thought unto the brook I'd go,
And drown myself and end my woe,
For if I drowned myself, thought I,
My soul will under water die.
I went to the small brook and selected a place to drown myself. The thought occurred to me that it was a temptation from the devil and I desisted from the purpose and returned home. When I was about twelve years old I almost drowned.
In 1827 I bought a farm adjoining my farm and decided to build a saw mill to help pay for the farm. I didn't have a solid foundation to build on so I built it on sand. When the floods came the mill-dam was torn up. When my creditors saw my situation, they demanded payment so they took everything I owned.
In 1829 I invented a machine for striking shingles from a block at one blow. The invention was stolen from me so I left my birth place and moved to Ohio. I joined up with a friend and we built a saw mill.
At about this time there was an excitement about the Church. I had always read the Bible and upon obtaining a Book of Mormon and reading it, I was against it but I was filled with astonishment it bringing the first discourse that corresponded with the New Testament. I finally gained a testimony and was baptized June 1, 1831, my wife having been baptized a few days earlier.
I had lost my health and property in 1827-28 so I couldn't do any hard labor and I had little means to sustain my family.
In 1834 I attended a conference in Ohio where I met the Prophet Joseph Smith. After counseling from the Prophet Joseph, I moved my family to Kirtland I proceeded to make bricks to help build the temple. The Church didn't use the brick because they decided to build it out of stone.
I donated cash, lumber, stock and other property's to build the temple as I wasn't in good enough health to help build it.
In 1835 I, as well as other brethren were called together to be blessed under the hands of the first Presidency. I was present at the calling of the 12 Apostles. I received my endowments in the Kirtland Temple in 1835. I was with the Prophet Joseph when he received the Word of Wisdom on February 27, 1833. I had used tobacco for fifteen years and always used strong drink, tea and coffee. I gave them all up when the word of wisdom was given.
In 1836, the Brethren formed a banking institution, but the enemies of the Church crushed it which proves that no institution founded upon righteous principles can flourish in so corrupt a nation as the United States.
In January 1839, Carthage I rented a store house with several rooms and moved my family in. Sidney Rigdon and Bishop Partridge came to my house to stay until they could fine a suitable location for the Saints to live.
I baptized several people in Carthage and organized the Branch of the Church at Crooked Creek. I was called to be the Stake President.
When my family took sick with chills and a nervous fever in which my wife died leaving my with several children to raise. Before she died she told me to find a suitable wife because I couldn't raise the children by myself. She said the Lord had told her the children would be well taken care of.
I received my patriarchal blessing under the hands of Joseph Smith Sr. the first patriarch of the church. I also received a blessing from John Smith, brother to Joseph Sr.
In 1848 I sold my sold my land for $90.00 cash and made arrangements to move West. I had 3 wagons, 5 yoke of oxen and steers. I had a few cows and sheep and necessary provisions, so on May 6, 1848, the family left for Salt Lake City, Utah. There were 4 children with us. We arrived in Salt Lake on October 19, 1848.
I built a small cabin in the mouth of Mill Creek Canyon and was elected as justice of the peace and also ordained as the Bishop of that ward.
On March 23, 1850, I was 48 years old. My life had been one continual scene of hardship. sickness and sorrow. I had been robbed, driven from state to state in poverty, sickness and disgrace. Some sought to kill me. While my health was failing in February 1853, I wrote the hymns, "High On a Mountain Top," and at that time I was given another patriarchal Blessing by Isaac Morley.
I encountered several graves on my journey's. The graves had been dug up by wolves and I seen clothes and bones laying near-by.
I was the founder of Enoch, Utah. After other people moved in, we built a fort and called it Johnson's Fort.
I served as a missionary in Iron County, Utah. I am a poet and hymn writer.
I had 5 wives, Anna Pixley Nov. 22, 1826. Susan Bryant, Oct. 20, 1840. Janet Fife, Oct. 25, 1845. Margaret Therekold, 1861. (Anna being the grandmother to us) I have many children and my sister was married to the Prophet Joseph Smith.
Joel died September 24, 1883, in Kane County, Utah.
In 1982 a music contest was performed using only music Joel had written.
Joel was included in a list of 75 significant Mormon poets.
Saturday, February 25, 2012
John Fabyan Dennett (My Great Grandfather)
John Fabyan Dennett was born Oct 10 1853 in Salt Lake City Utah. He was the son of Daniel Quimby and Lucy Ann Very Dennett. John had 4 brothers and sisters. The first children born were twins David and Daniel, they were born Oct 22 1851. Charles was born about 1856 and Lucy Jane in 1857. John also had an older half brother named Thomas Flanigan, he was born in 1843. When John was about 4 years old, he got his first pair of shoes. He was so proud of them that rather than wear them because he didnt want them to wear out, he kept them under his arms and would wade through snow up to his knees.
John's family were sent by Pres. Brigham Young to southern Utah's Dixie to help settle the area. John worked on the farm clearing land and digging ditches. When John was about 14 or 15, he fought in the Black Hawk War. At age 18, John married Rebecca Alvira Stout, (she was 15) on April 18 1872. After they were married they took a three-week trip to Sanpete County in a covered wagon to trade molasses and dried fruit for grain and potatoes.
School was held only a few months each year and was alot of fun as well as learning. The people were self educated.
After John moved his family to Rockville, their chief entertainment was dancing. The boys would spend the day picking mushrooms to pay a man from Tennessee to play the violin while they danced. In the winter the boys and men would chop wood to pay the man with.
The only church meetings held in those days was sunday school and church. They were as faithful in their attending as they were in their pleasures.
John had a daring disposition so he was chosen to go on many dangerous expeditions. He carried the mail to the Grand canyon and Kanab. Many the time he would see the dust of the cattle that the Indians were stealing as they went past him.
John had an accident in which he got his leg crushed in a homemade baler. He was on crutches for about 14 years of his early life. A Doctor from Cedar City did some studies of John's case while he was in the East and when he came home he was able to cure John's leg. John was able to walk and work the rest of his life.
In about 1897-98, the family homesteaded a ranch called "Crystal Springs" at the head-waters of the North fork of the Rio Virgin River, located Northeast of Zion Park. They spent the next 18 months raising cattle, grain, potatoes, vegetables, and many kinds of berries. They ran a dairy and made cheese and butter.
When John and Rebecca advanced in years they decided that going to the homestead in the summer was to hard on them so they sold it and moved back to their home in Rockville. There they built a small cafe and built some tourist cabins. At that time the route from Zion and the Grand Canyon went through Rockville went over the mountain south of Rockville. Shortly before the deaths of John and Rebecca, the Zion/Mount Carmel tunnels were finished. This made the tourist trade stop in Springdale. John was a great friend to the Indians. They respected him and when the Indians would come through town, John and Rebecca would serve a big meal to them and the Indians would stay at their home.
When the Zion Park was discovered by the outside world, John and Rebecca's home was opened to the traveling public and many prominent Church people were among the ones to stay in their home. Several movie stars also stayed in the home and there was entertainment. Several Federal Government people stayed in their home also.
John died Feb. 5, 1933 in Rockville, Utah.
John's family were sent by Pres. Brigham Young to southern Utah's Dixie to help settle the area. John worked on the farm clearing land and digging ditches. When John was about 14 or 15, he fought in the Black Hawk War. At age 18, John married Rebecca Alvira Stout, (she was 15) on April 18 1872. After they were married they took a three-week trip to Sanpete County in a covered wagon to trade molasses and dried fruit for grain and potatoes.
School was held only a few months each year and was alot of fun as well as learning. The people were self educated.
After John moved his family to Rockville, their chief entertainment was dancing. The boys would spend the day picking mushrooms to pay a man from Tennessee to play the violin while they danced. In the winter the boys and men would chop wood to pay the man with.
The only church meetings held in those days was sunday school and church. They were as faithful in their attending as they were in their pleasures.
John had a daring disposition so he was chosen to go on many dangerous expeditions. He carried the mail to the Grand canyon and Kanab. Many the time he would see the dust of the cattle that the Indians were stealing as they went past him.
John had an accident in which he got his leg crushed in a homemade baler. He was on crutches for about 14 years of his early life. A Doctor from Cedar City did some studies of John's case while he was in the East and when he came home he was able to cure John's leg. John was able to walk and work the rest of his life.
In about 1897-98, the family homesteaded a ranch called "Crystal Springs" at the head-waters of the North fork of the Rio Virgin River, located Northeast of Zion Park. They spent the next 18 months raising cattle, grain, potatoes, vegetables, and many kinds of berries. They ran a dairy and made cheese and butter.
When John and Rebecca advanced in years they decided that going to the homestead in the summer was to hard on them so they sold it and moved back to their home in Rockville. There they built a small cafe and built some tourist cabins. At that time the route from Zion and the Grand Canyon went through Rockville went over the mountain south of Rockville. Shortly before the deaths of John and Rebecca, the Zion/Mount Carmel tunnels were finished. This made the tourist trade stop in Springdale. John was a great friend to the Indians. They respected him and when the Indians would come through town, John and Rebecca would serve a big meal to them and the Indians would stay at their home.
When the Zion Park was discovered by the outside world, John and Rebecca's home was opened to the traveling public and many prominent Church people were among the ones to stay in their home. Several movie stars also stayed in the home and there was entertainment. Several Federal Government people stayed in their home also.
John died Feb. 5, 1933 in Rockville, Utah.
Monday, February 20, 2012
William Jasper Henderson Sr.-(My great Grandfather)
William Jasper Henderson was born 26 June 1840 In Nauvoo, Hancock, Illinois. He was baptized in 1848. He married Lydia Drucilla Johnson (2nd wife-my great grandmother) on March 2, 1887 in the St. George Temple. He died September 23, 1919 in Cannonville, Utah.
The life of William Jasper was a life of strong and noble character. He had great faith, he was well known for his sympathy and kindness. He was blessed with a special gift of healing, and with the power of the priesthood, he was untiring in his devotion to those in need.
William Jasper had a ready wit and sense of humor.
Williams parents died in 1842 and 1843. They left 9 children, the oldest being only 15 and William being the youngest at age 2.
The children old enough to work left the younger children home alone so Williams grandparents took him to live with them.
In 1846 a mob bombarded the city of Nauvoo, killing and driving the Mormons away from their homes, that lasted 3 days and nights. William served in the so-called Buchanan War during the winter of 1857-58.
William made the trek back to Missouri to help the other people come across the plains soon after his first child was born. In 1664 William moved his family to Richville where they established a home. Within ten years five more children joined the family after which they moved to Randolph, Utah. On returning to Richville a call was waiting from President Brigham Young for them to move to Garfield County in Southern Utah and help establish a colony there.
In 1879 soon after the Cannonville Ward was organized, William was called to be the first Coun. to Jonthan K. Packer. (I have been told Jonathan was the grandfather to our general Authority Boyd K. Packer) Jonthan was the first bishop in Cannonville. In 1884 William was called as the Bishop of Cannonville where he served until 1891.
When the family left for Southern Utah to colonize it they had no means of transportation. The brother to Alvira Arelia Dickson, Williams wife, loaned them a wagon and a team to pull it. The brother decided to go with them so he could drive the team back. The terrain was over rough and ungraded roads and the journey took a week. While traveling, the group of people going to Southern Utah stopped in a grove of tree's where the brother fell asleep. A young girl decided to play a trick on him so she threw a bucket of water on him. A romance blossomed from that and when they got to Cannonville area they went out to what is known as Promise Rock. While standing on top of the rock, they seen the Bishop plowing his field, they yelled to him to come up and marry them.
The home that William Jasper and Alvira established and raised a large family, was a 3-room log house. It was a typical pioneer home with meager furnishings. A round tall heater was the focal point in the parlor and in the center of the room was a round table where a family album and a Bible sat. The album would play "Silver Threads Among the Gold" when it was opened. There was a sewing machine, a phonagraph, a rocking chair, a horse hair sofa and an old trunk which held keepsakes and treasures. The windows had white starched curtains and a braided rug laid on straw covered the floor. In the kitchen was a home-made wash stand and wash basin. There was a soap dish with home-made soap and a bucket of water. When the boys or men were leaving to go outside, Alvira would tell them to set her in a bucket of water. The boys would then pick her up and pretend to set her in the bucket.
William would sit with his feet up by the stove in the kitchen, he never wore out his shoes, he burned them off. Alvira baked 8 loaves of bread each day and William was in her way. He said he was toasting his shins.
In 1884 William was called as the bishop of the Cannonville Ward where he served until 1891. In 1887 William Jasper married Lydia Drucilla Johnson (2nd wife) Three of Williams children were older than Lydia, one was the same age and some were a little younger. Lydia's bed chamber was an apple orchard where they had put a bed. She would hide out in the orchard when the feds came because pologamy had been outlawed.
The Henderson's orginated from Scotland and settled first in Tennessee and Missouri.
A quote by William Jasper; "He who knows most, knows best, how little he knows".
There were 3 William Jasper Henderson's. William Sr. left behind 21 children, 61 grandchildren and 40 great grandchildren.
This is a recipe of Grandmother Lydia's Salt-Rising Bread;
3 medium potatoes
1 tsp sugar
1tsp salt
4 cups boiling water
3 Tbls corn meal
Dough
2 cups luke-warm milk
1/8 tsp soda
1 cup water
1/8 tsp salt
2 Tbls melted lard.
Pare and slice potatoes. add corn meal, sugar, 1 tsp salt, and boiling water. Wrap bowl in heavy cloth, cover and allow to stand over night in a warm place.
In the morning, remove potatoes, add milk, water, soda and shortening. Add sufficient flour to make a dough just stiff enough to knead. Knead until smooth and elastic. Form into loaves and place in well oiled pans, cover and let rise until double in bulk. Bake in moderate oven 45 minutes. Makes 3 loaves. (My idea...moderate oven might be 350 degrees in our ovens.)
The life of William Jasper was a life of strong and noble character. He had great faith, he was well known for his sympathy and kindness. He was blessed with a special gift of healing, and with the power of the priesthood, he was untiring in his devotion to those in need.
William Jasper had a ready wit and sense of humor.
Williams parents died in 1842 and 1843. They left 9 children, the oldest being only 15 and William being the youngest at age 2.
The children old enough to work left the younger children home alone so Williams grandparents took him to live with them.
In 1846 a mob bombarded the city of Nauvoo, killing and driving the Mormons away from their homes, that lasted 3 days and nights. William served in the so-called Buchanan War during the winter of 1857-58.
William made the trek back to Missouri to help the other people come across the plains soon after his first child was born. In 1664 William moved his family to Richville where they established a home. Within ten years five more children joined the family after which they moved to Randolph, Utah. On returning to Richville a call was waiting from President Brigham Young for them to move to Garfield County in Southern Utah and help establish a colony there.
In 1879 soon after the Cannonville Ward was organized, William was called to be the first Coun. to Jonthan K. Packer. (I have been told Jonathan was the grandfather to our general Authority Boyd K. Packer) Jonthan was the first bishop in Cannonville. In 1884 William was called as the Bishop of Cannonville where he served until 1891.
When the family left for Southern Utah to colonize it they had no means of transportation. The brother to Alvira Arelia Dickson, Williams wife, loaned them a wagon and a team to pull it. The brother decided to go with them so he could drive the team back. The terrain was over rough and ungraded roads and the journey took a week. While traveling, the group of people going to Southern Utah stopped in a grove of tree's where the brother fell asleep. A young girl decided to play a trick on him so she threw a bucket of water on him. A romance blossomed from that and when they got to Cannonville area they went out to what is known as Promise Rock. While standing on top of the rock, they seen the Bishop plowing his field, they yelled to him to come up and marry them.
The home that William Jasper and Alvira established and raised a large family, was a 3-room log house. It was a typical pioneer home with meager furnishings. A round tall heater was the focal point in the parlor and in the center of the room was a round table where a family album and a Bible sat. The album would play "Silver Threads Among the Gold" when it was opened. There was a sewing machine, a phonagraph, a rocking chair, a horse hair sofa and an old trunk which held keepsakes and treasures. The windows had white starched curtains and a braided rug laid on straw covered the floor. In the kitchen was a home-made wash stand and wash basin. There was a soap dish with home-made soap and a bucket of water. When the boys or men were leaving to go outside, Alvira would tell them to set her in a bucket of water. The boys would then pick her up and pretend to set her in the bucket.
William would sit with his feet up by the stove in the kitchen, he never wore out his shoes, he burned them off. Alvira baked 8 loaves of bread each day and William was in her way. He said he was toasting his shins.
In 1884 William was called as the bishop of the Cannonville Ward where he served until 1891. In 1887 William Jasper married Lydia Drucilla Johnson (2nd wife) Three of Williams children were older than Lydia, one was the same age and some were a little younger. Lydia's bed chamber was an apple orchard where they had put a bed. She would hide out in the orchard when the feds came because pologamy had been outlawed.
The Henderson's orginated from Scotland and settled first in Tennessee and Missouri.
A quote by William Jasper; "He who knows most, knows best, how little he knows".
There were 3 William Jasper Henderson's. William Sr. left behind 21 children, 61 grandchildren and 40 great grandchildren.
This is a recipe of Grandmother Lydia's Salt-Rising Bread;
3 medium potatoes
1 tsp sugar
1tsp salt
4 cups boiling water
3 Tbls corn meal
Dough
2 cups luke-warm milk
1/8 tsp soda
1 cup water
1/8 tsp salt
2 Tbls melted lard.
Pare and slice potatoes. add corn meal, sugar, 1 tsp salt, and boiling water. Wrap bowl in heavy cloth, cover and allow to stand over night in a warm place.
In the morning, remove potatoes, add milk, water, soda and shortening. Add sufficient flour to make a dough just stiff enough to knead. Knead until smooth and elastic. Form into loaves and place in well oiled pans, cover and let rise until double in bulk. Bake in moderate oven 45 minutes. Makes 3 loaves. (My idea...moderate oven might be 350 degrees in our ovens.)
Monday, February 13, 2012
Thornton Hepworth (My Great Grandfather-Parent to Malinda Hepworth Dennett)
Squire Hepworth and Emily Dyson lived in the countryside of Yorkshire England when they heard about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Shortly after joining the church, they immigrated to America leaving all their worldly goods behind.
Soon after arriving in America, Thornton was born, on 14 July 1864 in Wyoming Nebraska. When he was 5 days old his parents left Nebraska to cross the Plains. They settled in Smithfield Utah and built a home there. It wasn't long before Squire received a call to go to Oxford Idaho. They lived there until May 1877 when they were called to go to Southern Utah to help settle the country. Thornton was 13 years old. He walked all the way to Southern Utah barefooted as he drove a bunch of cattle. Once in Southern Utah, the family settled in Springdale Utah. They slept in a covered wagon the first winter and built a house and cleared the land for planting cotton and cane.
During those days they would spend their evenings sitting around a camp fire singing songs. When the crops were ready to harvest they made molasses out of the cane. They would harvest during the day and at night they would have seeding bees, they would do this in different homes so everyone was working the same project. they would pick the seeds off the cotton which were ground in a coffee mill and made into bread. The cotton was then woven into cloth to make clothing. Thornton would take the cane and cotton by wagon to Salt Lake which would take six weeks to complete the trip. He never had much schooling but was a very brilliant man. He was ordained an Elder at the age of 17. He married Eliza Jane Draper in January 1884 in the Saint George Temple. They had 4 children. Malinda is their 1st child.
In 1893 they moved to Kanab and was later called back to Springdale to serve as 1st coun. in the Bishopric. After Eliza died shortly after childbirth, Thornton remarried and had several more children. Thornton was called as the Bishop of the Springdale Ward on 7 December 1913 (That is the year my father-Verdell was born)
Thornton had a wonderful singing voice. His favorite hymns were "Dear to the Heart of the Shepherd" and "Master the Tempest is Raging". Thornton was acting Justice of the peace and constable, and health officer plus school trustee as well as all his church duties. He had so much faith in the Lord that he never called a doctor. He would have the Elders come and bless his family and they would get well instantly. Thornton always confirmed the anointing.
One time a small child fell into an irrigation ditch and no one knew it. When someone noticed she wasn't there they started a search for her. When they found her she was lying out in a field where the water had carried her. Everyone thought she was dead but they worked on her and the Elders came and blessed her and she finally showed signs of life. Their prayers were answered. They then knelt down and said a prayer to thank The Lord for sparing her life.
When Thornton was released as bishop, the ward presented him with a watch and he said, "When this watch stops working my church duties here on earth will be over".He said he was inspired to say that. A week later the watch stopped and when they sent it to be repaired they were told nothing was wrong with it. A week later Thornton died. The watch never started running again until after Thornton died. He died one month after he was released as bishop.
There was a large turn out for the funeral and some of the Apostles came down from Salt Lake to attend.
Thornton had very little in world's wealth, but he cared for the families in the ward as much as he card about his own. He was the happiest when he was serving others. He watched over the widow's.
LITTLE ANTIDOTES ABOUT THORNTON;
The first telephone in Springdale was in Thorntons home.
Thornton served 31 1/2 years in the Bishopric. 18 1/2 years as Coun. and 13 years as Bishop.
He was the official teamster for a brass band.
He was editor of Foreign News.
We have a great heritage and I hope and pray we can all be worthy of it. I love you all.
Soon after arriving in America, Thornton was born, on 14 July 1864 in Wyoming Nebraska. When he was 5 days old his parents left Nebraska to cross the Plains. They settled in Smithfield Utah and built a home there. It wasn't long before Squire received a call to go to Oxford Idaho. They lived there until May 1877 when they were called to go to Southern Utah to help settle the country. Thornton was 13 years old. He walked all the way to Southern Utah barefooted as he drove a bunch of cattle. Once in Southern Utah, the family settled in Springdale Utah. They slept in a covered wagon the first winter and built a house and cleared the land for planting cotton and cane.
During those days they would spend their evenings sitting around a camp fire singing songs. When the crops were ready to harvest they made molasses out of the cane. They would harvest during the day and at night they would have seeding bees, they would do this in different homes so everyone was working the same project. they would pick the seeds off the cotton which were ground in a coffee mill and made into bread. The cotton was then woven into cloth to make clothing. Thornton would take the cane and cotton by wagon to Salt Lake which would take six weeks to complete the trip. He never had much schooling but was a very brilliant man. He was ordained an Elder at the age of 17. He married Eliza Jane Draper in January 1884 in the Saint George Temple. They had 4 children. Malinda is their 1st child.
In 1893 they moved to Kanab and was later called back to Springdale to serve as 1st coun. in the Bishopric. After Eliza died shortly after childbirth, Thornton remarried and had several more children. Thornton was called as the Bishop of the Springdale Ward on 7 December 1913 (That is the year my father-Verdell was born)
Thornton had a wonderful singing voice. His favorite hymns were "Dear to the Heart of the Shepherd" and "Master the Tempest is Raging". Thornton was acting Justice of the peace and constable, and health officer plus school trustee as well as all his church duties. He had so much faith in the Lord that he never called a doctor. He would have the Elders come and bless his family and they would get well instantly. Thornton always confirmed the anointing.
One time a small child fell into an irrigation ditch and no one knew it. When someone noticed she wasn't there they started a search for her. When they found her she was lying out in a field where the water had carried her. Everyone thought she was dead but they worked on her and the Elders came and blessed her and she finally showed signs of life. Their prayers were answered. They then knelt down and said a prayer to thank The Lord for sparing her life.
When Thornton was released as bishop, the ward presented him with a watch and he said, "When this watch stops working my church duties here on earth will be over".He said he was inspired to say that. A week later the watch stopped and when they sent it to be repaired they were told nothing was wrong with it. A week later Thornton died. The watch never started running again until after Thornton died. He died one month after he was released as bishop.
There was a large turn out for the funeral and some of the Apostles came down from Salt Lake to attend.
Thornton had very little in world's wealth, but he cared for the families in the ward as much as he card about his own. He was the happiest when he was serving others. He watched over the widow's.
LITTLE ANTIDOTES ABOUT THORNTON;
The first telephone in Springdale was in Thorntons home.
Thornton served 31 1/2 years in the Bishopric. 18 1/2 years as Coun. and 13 years as Bishop.
He was the official teamster for a brass band.
He was editor of Foreign News.
We have a great heritage and I hope and pray we can all be worthy of it. I love you all.
Sunday, February 5, 2012
Just a little bit about Daniel Quimby Dennett (my 2nd Great Grandfather)
Daniel Quimby Dennett was born Dec 27, 1808, in Hollis, York County, Maine. He was the son of John Dennett and Jane Woodward. He married Lucy Ann Newell Very on June 30, 1851.
Daniel had 8 brothers and sisters. He was baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on September 10, 1833. He served in the Mormon Battalion. He was in the Nauvoo Legion Band in which he played the fife.
After coming to Utah, he lived in Salt Lake for a time before moving to Provo. When the Prophet Brigham Young asked for people to go to southern Utah to help settle Dixie, Daniel was willing. He always accepted any and all calls the Authorities made upon him, and he always served faithfully.
Daniel was identified with the general pioneering period of the Church. Daniel probably was a foot marcher in the Battalion, he also worked in a sawmill for Sutter and it is believed he panned for gold in one of the millraces at Sutters Fort, now Sacramento California.
Daniel suffered severe thirst as he marched. His son John Fabyan (my great grandfather) became sick in his older years and his thoughts were always on his father,when he was being "Irrational," he would tell a family member to bring his father some water because he was there with him and was very thirsty. (this was after Daniel had passed away)
Daniel and Lucy and their small family moved to Rockville in Southern Utah and began to till the ground. They had to move large rocks, trees, and stumps from the land they were going to plant in. This was in the fall and winter of 1862. A dozen more families moved to the same area and helped settle the land. They had lived about a mile down stream from Rockville but had to move to a different location and they chose Rockville.
Daniel made a trip to Kanab to see if he would like to live there but after looking over the land, decided Rockville was where he wanted to stay.
Daniel and his sons cleared the land, built ditches, that would carry the water to their cotton fields. Next they built fences.
The lumber to build the houses was hard to come by because the town of Saint George had had that same problem a few years earlier. The first mill to supply lumber to the people was erected by Joel H. Johnson, (not my grandfather).
Daniel didnt live long after he moved to Rockville. the trials, hardships and rigors of early pioneering life and also the extreme suffering imposed on him during the Battalion duty were soon to take their toll on him. Daniel passed away March 10, 1872. Lucy lived 4 years as a widow, being cared for by her son John, and was aged 58 when she died on January 5, 1876.
Pedigree: Verdell Dennett; 1913, John Fabin Dennett; 1882, John Fabyan Dennett; 1853, Daniel Quimby Dennett; 1806, John Fabyan Dennett; 1769, Nicholas Dennett; 1745, Samuel Dennett; 1714, Ebenezer; (abt) 1689, Alexander Dennett; 1660, Alexander Dennett; 1639. Thats enough for now. What a big family we have.
Daniel had 8 brothers and sisters. He was baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on September 10, 1833. He served in the Mormon Battalion. He was in the Nauvoo Legion Band in which he played the fife.
After coming to Utah, he lived in Salt Lake for a time before moving to Provo. When the Prophet Brigham Young asked for people to go to southern Utah to help settle Dixie, Daniel was willing. He always accepted any and all calls the Authorities made upon him, and he always served faithfully.
Daniel was identified with the general pioneering period of the Church. Daniel probably was a foot marcher in the Battalion, he also worked in a sawmill for Sutter and it is believed he panned for gold in one of the millraces at Sutters Fort, now Sacramento California.
Daniel suffered severe thirst as he marched. His son John Fabyan (my great grandfather) became sick in his older years and his thoughts were always on his father,when he was being "Irrational," he would tell a family member to bring his father some water because he was there with him and was very thirsty. (this was after Daniel had passed away)
Daniel and Lucy and their small family moved to Rockville in Southern Utah and began to till the ground. They had to move large rocks, trees, and stumps from the land they were going to plant in. This was in the fall and winter of 1862. A dozen more families moved to the same area and helped settle the land. They had lived about a mile down stream from Rockville but had to move to a different location and they chose Rockville.
Daniel made a trip to Kanab to see if he would like to live there but after looking over the land, decided Rockville was where he wanted to stay.
Daniel and his sons cleared the land, built ditches, that would carry the water to their cotton fields. Next they built fences.
The lumber to build the houses was hard to come by because the town of Saint George had had that same problem a few years earlier. The first mill to supply lumber to the people was erected by Joel H. Johnson, (not my grandfather).
Daniel didnt live long after he moved to Rockville. the trials, hardships and rigors of early pioneering life and also the extreme suffering imposed on him during the Battalion duty were soon to take their toll on him. Daniel passed away March 10, 1872. Lucy lived 4 years as a widow, being cared for by her son John, and was aged 58 when she died on January 5, 1876.
Pedigree: Verdell Dennett; 1913, John Fabin Dennett; 1882, John Fabyan Dennett; 1853, Daniel Quimby Dennett; 1806, John Fabyan Dennett; 1769, Nicholas Dennett; 1745, Samuel Dennett; 1714, Ebenezer; (abt) 1689, Alexander Dennett; 1660, Alexander Dennett; 1639. Thats enough for now. What a big family we have.
Monday, January 30, 2012
Just a few things about me-Michael Vernon Riffel
I was born on September 6, 1941 in Indianapolis Indiana, to Harold Burton Riffel and Gladys Violet Green. I am the third child of 9 and the first boy. I have 4 brothers and 4 sisters. I am now 70 years old and enjoying life living in Utah. I have 3 girls and 2 boys, one deceased. I am married and will celebrate my 49th wedding anniversary in July 2012.
When I was real little and still in a high chair I pushed myself over and hit my head, which knocked me out. My dad put snow down my back to wake me up. I still have a scar on my head where I hit it on the floor.
When I was about 5 years old, we were living out in the country by Paragon Indiana. My mom and I went out to tell my dad it was time for lunch. My dad picked me up and sat me on one of the horses and took me to the road, he took me off the horse and told me to take them to the barn. The horses took off dragging me along. It was quite a bumpy ride as I only was on the ground about every 5 feet.
One time my sister Violet was dragging an old lawn mower, the kind without a motor...and I told her I didn't want the blade to go around and she didn't listen to me so I tried to stop the blades and it almost cut my finger off. My mom tied something on my finger to hold it in place. I still sport a nice scar from it.
We had bee hives and snakes in the yard and every time we did something wrong...my mom knew about it. I think she had eyes that moved in different directions, one way for one eye and another direction for the other one.
My dad built a house in Martinsville and we lived in the garage while it was being built. I had a paper route at one time, I also worked at a cafe doing dishes. I wanted a bike so I saved my money until I was able to buy it. My dad used to take us fishing up on Blue Bluff, north of town, near the REMC power plant.
After my dad died I watched over the younger kids while my mom worked. She worked hard to support us. After my mom married again, we moved out on Wilbur Road, west and a little north of Martinsville.
When I was about 15 or so, I ran away from home because my step dad hit me. I went to the park and slept for a few hours on a picnic table then went back home.
I went into the Marine Corp after I graduated from high school. I married while in the Corp. and later moved back to Martinsville, Indiana. I was introduced to the most wonderful gospel and the only true gospel, on the earth, by my wife. I was baptized on 4 December, 1973 in Martinsville. I served in several callings in the Church. I was called to the Branch Presidency as 2nd coun. in 1978 and was released in 1979. I have served as young men president, Ward Mission Leader, I taught Temple classes as well as Scout Master and also Asst. Scout Master. I have served as Ward Clerk over membership and over finances. I now spend my time building things and working a small farm.
I retired from the Electric Power Company in 1998 and moved to Utah on a farm my father-in-law had worked for over 50 years. I have one daughter that lives near me, which we rely on when we cant understand the new technology of today. I have a good friend who is my Uncle. We go fishing and to other places together. My life is content, I am in a wonderful Ward, with wonderful people...who could ask for more. Love you all.
When I was real little and still in a high chair I pushed myself over and hit my head, which knocked me out. My dad put snow down my back to wake me up. I still have a scar on my head where I hit it on the floor.
When I was about 5 years old, we were living out in the country by Paragon Indiana. My mom and I went out to tell my dad it was time for lunch. My dad picked me up and sat me on one of the horses and took me to the road, he took me off the horse and told me to take them to the barn. The horses took off dragging me along. It was quite a bumpy ride as I only was on the ground about every 5 feet.
One time my sister Violet was dragging an old lawn mower, the kind without a motor...and I told her I didn't want the blade to go around and she didn't listen to me so I tried to stop the blades and it almost cut my finger off. My mom tied something on my finger to hold it in place. I still sport a nice scar from it.
We had bee hives and snakes in the yard and every time we did something wrong...my mom knew about it. I think she had eyes that moved in different directions, one way for one eye and another direction for the other one.
My dad built a house in Martinsville and we lived in the garage while it was being built. I had a paper route at one time, I also worked at a cafe doing dishes. I wanted a bike so I saved my money until I was able to buy it. My dad used to take us fishing up on Blue Bluff, north of town, near the REMC power plant.
After my dad died I watched over the younger kids while my mom worked. She worked hard to support us. After my mom married again, we moved out on Wilbur Road, west and a little north of Martinsville.
When I was about 15 or so, I ran away from home because my step dad hit me. I went to the park and slept for a few hours on a picnic table then went back home.
I went into the Marine Corp after I graduated from high school. I married while in the Corp. and later moved back to Martinsville, Indiana. I was introduced to the most wonderful gospel and the only true gospel, on the earth, by my wife. I was baptized on 4 December, 1973 in Martinsville. I served in several callings in the Church. I was called to the Branch Presidency as 2nd coun. in 1978 and was released in 1979. I have served as young men president, Ward Mission Leader, I taught Temple classes as well as Scout Master and also Asst. Scout Master. I have served as Ward Clerk over membership and over finances. I now spend my time building things and working a small farm.
I retired from the Electric Power Company in 1998 and moved to Utah on a farm my father-in-law had worked for over 50 years. I have one daughter that lives near me, which we rely on when we cant understand the new technology of today. I have a good friend who is my Uncle. We go fishing and to other places together. My life is content, I am in a wonderful Ward, with wonderful people...who could ask for more. Love you all.
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Samuel Traggott Graff 1889
Samuel Traggott Graff (my grandfather) was born in Cannonville, Utah, 31 Oct 1889 to John Jacob Graff of Rebstein, St. Gallen, Switzerland and Lucy May Bramall (Sometimes spelled Bramhall) of Manchester, Lancashire, England. The name was originally spelled with only one "F" but was changed later when Jacob's generation came along.
My grandfather had 6 brothers and sisters and 3 half siblings. Lucy died when Grandpa was only 4 years old and the father, not being able to care for such a large family sent the children out to live with other people. Grandpa was raised by a woman names Smith. After Grandpa grew up and was back in the town of Cannonville, he became a sheep herder, owning around 300 head, and he was also the town barber for some time.
Grandpa met and married Mary Ethna Clark on 12 June 1912 in Cannonville. They had a son and a daughter, the son dying in infancy. The daughter being the mother of my cousin Sherril that I have talked about through the years. Mary died 2 years after her marriage on 10 March 1914. Grandpa married Martha Jane Henderson (MY grandmother) on 13 Oct. 1916 in Tropic Utah. They had 11 children, 2 of the 3 boys died in infancy. My mother Indra is the oldest and became the caretaker of the younger children when grandma became sick. One day my grandfather picked up a boy he had hired to help him tend to the sheep and as they were going out to the sheep camp, grandpa told the boy he would pay him $15.00 a month and that he would charge him $20.00 a month for room and board and so at the end of the month the boy would owe grandpa $5.00. The boy not knowing that grandpa was teasing, told him he couldn't do that and grandpa said, he wouldn't charge him room and board if he did a good job. Grandpa loved to kid around. He was a great story teller. He was a strong man. When he worked at the C.C. Camp, he carried a pair of brass knuckles because the men working with him were from Kentucky and Ohio and they carried knives and guns. Grandpa told them the brass knuckles were for protection. Grandpa was a small man that stood only a little over 5 feet and some inches. He had been hurt on a horse when the horse threw him and dragged him several yards. He was bruised up and had a broken leg. He always stood a little crooked after that mostly due to a bad back. Grandpa was well loved by everyone and he was a great father and a wonderful grandfather.
Before Grandpa was married he liked to dress in flashy clothes and even wore make-up.
A story was told at one time by a man that worked for Grandpa. One day while the man was herding the sheep across the road a tourist from California came by and hit and killed several sheep. The tourist, not wanting to have a run in with the law told the man he would pay for the sheep and then be on his way. The man later told Grandpa what had happened and Grandpa, being the tease he was, told the worker he had broken the law by taking the money, but that Grandpa would help him cross the Colorado River into Arizona. His suggestion as to the way to avoid the law coming after him, they would turn the horse shoes on the horse backwards so the law would think the horse was coming back in their direction. Another time when Grandpa was teasing the Camp Cook, who had made a stew with "This and That" in it, asked the men how they liked the stew, Grandpa spoke up and said it would have been a good stew if he had had some cucumbers to put in it.
Grandpa endured alot of struggles in his life, having lost his sheep due to owing money to others but eventually built his herd back up. He was generous. He gave money and food to those in need as well as giving of himself. He provided transportation to and from hospitals. Grandpa had a great singing voice, maybe where my mother got her wonderful voice, Grandpa loved to sing lullabys to his children and grandchildren. He was a grateful person. Anyone that did anything for him he was thankful to them. He was a good dancer and loved to listen to the Radio program, The Lawrence Welk Show, because it was good music to dance to.
After my grandmother Martha died in 1942, Grandpa married Bertha Clarke, who had been his childhood sweetheart, but later parted ways with both of them failing in health. Grandpa went to Bountiful Utah to live but missed home to much so he came back to Cannonville where Johnny Palmer cared for him. When his health got worse, his daughter Mary came and took him to Kanab to live. One spring day Grandpa told Aunt Mary that come fall those leaves would cover his grave. He died that summer, 19 July 1966 in the Kanab hospital. He is buried in Cannonville where he spent most of his life, next to both of his beloved wives.
MY MEMORIES OF MY GRANDFATHER;
No more wonderful man ever lived on the earth as far as I was concerned. The love he showed to his grandchildren couldnt have been more caring and loving. He was always ready to help us, he would saddle the horse everytime we wanted to ride and then unsaddle them after we were done. He would send me to the store and always tell me I could have 25c to spend on myself. Seems like he sent me to the store everytime I went to see him. He had a wonderful old house on the south side of town that I loved. It had an upstairs with three really big rooms and one room had a large closet that we used to go play in. I used to spend my time there with my Aunt Shirley before she was married and after my mother died. I loved spending the night in that big old house and always wanted a house built like it. It had a long front porch and I always wanted a porch like it. We would sit on the banister for hours and talk, the town kids liked to go there and sit to talk. Grandpa had orchards with lots of different kinds of fruit. He had lots of friends, everyone loved him. He would take me out with him to the sheep herd and even let me help shear sheep which probably made it take longer to do. I do not ever remember him getting upset at anyone. I know my grandfather will be standing beside my mother waiting for me when I pass through the veil and I can hardly wait to see them again. I hope its a while longer tho as I am enjoying life, at this time, at my old age of 69,(tomorrow).
My grandfather had 6 brothers and sisters and 3 half siblings. Lucy died when Grandpa was only 4 years old and the father, not being able to care for such a large family sent the children out to live with other people. Grandpa was raised by a woman names Smith. After Grandpa grew up and was back in the town of Cannonville, he became a sheep herder, owning around 300 head, and he was also the town barber for some time.
Grandpa met and married Mary Ethna Clark on 12 June 1912 in Cannonville. They had a son and a daughter, the son dying in infancy. The daughter being the mother of my cousin Sherril that I have talked about through the years. Mary died 2 years after her marriage on 10 March 1914. Grandpa married Martha Jane Henderson (MY grandmother) on 13 Oct. 1916 in Tropic Utah. They had 11 children, 2 of the 3 boys died in infancy. My mother Indra is the oldest and became the caretaker of the younger children when grandma became sick. One day my grandfather picked up a boy he had hired to help him tend to the sheep and as they were going out to the sheep camp, grandpa told the boy he would pay him $15.00 a month and that he would charge him $20.00 a month for room and board and so at the end of the month the boy would owe grandpa $5.00. The boy not knowing that grandpa was teasing, told him he couldn't do that and grandpa said, he wouldn't charge him room and board if he did a good job. Grandpa loved to kid around. He was a great story teller. He was a strong man. When he worked at the C.C. Camp, he carried a pair of brass knuckles because the men working with him were from Kentucky and Ohio and they carried knives and guns. Grandpa told them the brass knuckles were for protection. Grandpa was a small man that stood only a little over 5 feet and some inches. He had been hurt on a horse when the horse threw him and dragged him several yards. He was bruised up and had a broken leg. He always stood a little crooked after that mostly due to a bad back. Grandpa was well loved by everyone and he was a great father and a wonderful grandfather.
Before Grandpa was married he liked to dress in flashy clothes and even wore make-up.
A story was told at one time by a man that worked for Grandpa. One day while the man was herding the sheep across the road a tourist from California came by and hit and killed several sheep. The tourist, not wanting to have a run in with the law told the man he would pay for the sheep and then be on his way. The man later told Grandpa what had happened and Grandpa, being the tease he was, told the worker he had broken the law by taking the money, but that Grandpa would help him cross the Colorado River into Arizona. His suggestion as to the way to avoid the law coming after him, they would turn the horse shoes on the horse backwards so the law would think the horse was coming back in their direction. Another time when Grandpa was teasing the Camp Cook, who had made a stew with "This and That" in it, asked the men how they liked the stew, Grandpa spoke up and said it would have been a good stew if he had had some cucumbers to put in it.
Grandpa endured alot of struggles in his life, having lost his sheep due to owing money to others but eventually built his herd back up. He was generous. He gave money and food to those in need as well as giving of himself. He provided transportation to and from hospitals. Grandpa had a great singing voice, maybe where my mother got her wonderful voice, Grandpa loved to sing lullabys to his children and grandchildren. He was a grateful person. Anyone that did anything for him he was thankful to them. He was a good dancer and loved to listen to the Radio program, The Lawrence Welk Show, because it was good music to dance to.
After my grandmother Martha died in 1942, Grandpa married Bertha Clarke, who had been his childhood sweetheart, but later parted ways with both of them failing in health. Grandpa went to Bountiful Utah to live but missed home to much so he came back to Cannonville where Johnny Palmer cared for him. When his health got worse, his daughter Mary came and took him to Kanab to live. One spring day Grandpa told Aunt Mary that come fall those leaves would cover his grave. He died that summer, 19 July 1966 in the Kanab hospital. He is buried in Cannonville where he spent most of his life, next to both of his beloved wives.
MY MEMORIES OF MY GRANDFATHER;
No more wonderful man ever lived on the earth as far as I was concerned. The love he showed to his grandchildren couldnt have been more caring and loving. He was always ready to help us, he would saddle the horse everytime we wanted to ride and then unsaddle them after we were done. He would send me to the store and always tell me I could have 25c to spend on myself. Seems like he sent me to the store everytime I went to see him. He had a wonderful old house on the south side of town that I loved. It had an upstairs with three really big rooms and one room had a large closet that we used to go play in. I used to spend my time there with my Aunt Shirley before she was married and after my mother died. I loved spending the night in that big old house and always wanted a house built like it. It had a long front porch and I always wanted a porch like it. We would sit on the banister for hours and talk, the town kids liked to go there and sit to talk. Grandpa had orchards with lots of different kinds of fruit. He had lots of friends, everyone loved him. He would take me out with him to the sheep herd and even let me help shear sheep which probably made it take longer to do. I do not ever remember him getting upset at anyone. I know my grandfather will be standing beside my mother waiting for me when I pass through the veil and I can hardly wait to see them again. I hope its a while longer tho as I am enjoying life, at this time, at my old age of 69,(tomorrow).
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