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.
Sunday, March 18, 2012
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.
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