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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1927"VISIONS FROM TIME The life history of John Lovell and his wives Ann Parsons Elizabeth Smith Ane Andersen Complied by Rebecca Freeman" "CHAPTER ONE (The first part of this history is taken from John Lovell's own journal. It is originally written in his own handwriting. In copying this history every effort has been made to keep the spelling and the punctuation exactly as he wrote it. Occasionally something has been added for clarification and those places have been indicated in un-italicized letters.) --------- I John Lovell was born March 6th 1812 in Worrell (Worle) in the County of Somersetshire England. My Father was a Blacksmith he moved to Whare (Weare) in the same County in the Year 1814 my Father was a Wesleyan Methodist he used to take me and my Brother George to meeting twice every Sunday. I therefore was brought up in the strictest form of the Sects of the day. When I was Ten or Twelve, years Old I was blind in the Summer Seasons for three Years. My Father and Mother used to hold me down on the bed while they poured Drugs into my eyes. This blindness was in consequence of Inflamation. Through my having this blindness my Father thought it not wisdom to make me a Blacksmith so I was to work in the field and attend to his business until I was 19 years old. When my Father requested me to hire out, business being very dull inconsequence of the late war with France and my Fathers family becoming numerous. About this time my sister Grace died of Consumption and was buried at Upper Whare (Weare) Church of England. During the early 1830's conditions for small farmers in rural England became difficult. Enclosure (the fencing in of public and private lands) effected the productivity of the small farmer. Improvements in farming techniques and machinery helped the large estate farms but the small farms were negatively effected. Still suffering from the Napoleonic Wars, the economy was weak, especially in non-industrial areas. The Industrial Revolution had led to factories being built in the large cities, where before most industry was done on farms and in cottages. Large estate farmers continued to progress but the small farmers found life much more difficult than they had previously known. I hired to Joseph Harress in the Parish of Bitsom (Biddisham) three miles from Whare. He was a Farmer and Dairyman I receiving 10 pounds that is $50 a year with board and washing. Istoped with him 3 years when he offered to raise my wages of $60 if I would take charge of the plantation and dairy, during the three years I was with Mr Harris became aqcuainted with Ann Parsons the head Dairymaid during two years of the three I ----------- 1 Nauvoo Temple Endowment Register. Family History Library Microfilm Number 962,798. Dated 7 February 1846. Oak City Utah. Ward Record. Family History Library Microfilm Number 26,313. Anderson, Alice P.. Oak City Utah. Cemetery Records. Unpublished, page 7. " "was with Mr Harriss I courted Ann Parsons unknown to the Harriss Family. ----------- Ann Parsons was born under circumstances unusual for that time. Ann's mother, also named Ann Parsons, was employed by the family of John Arney, a well-to-do farmer in the area of Biddisham, Somersetshire, England. While Ann was in their employ she became ""with child"". Her daughter was born in September of 1808.2 On January 4, 1809, she was christened in the Biddisham Parish of the Church of England.3 Because Ann was unmarried, the Church was responsible for her welfare and the welfare of the child. In order to move this responsibility to the child's father a bastardy investigation was held. Ann claimed the father was George Arney the son of her employer. This created a scandal because George was engaged to be married to another young lady, who was of the same social status as he was. It was decided that it would be best for the Arney family if this child did not used the Arney name. Instead, the child used the mother's surname, Parsons. She was given the first name of Ann after her mother.Ann, the mother, continued to live in Biddisham with her child, caring for her the best she could. In 1812 she gave birth to a son, whom she named George Parsons.4 The name of this boy's father is unknown. 5 When Ann was 5 years old her mother married Arthur Ridon in East Brent, Somersetshire, England.6 The family lived in Biddisham for a year or two then they moved to Bleadon, Somersetshire, where they continued to live most of their lives. Ann and Arthur had five daughters and one son.7 Ann and George did not take their step-father's name but used the name Parsons all their lives. ------------- Life was not easy for the poorer classes of people in England. In rural areas 2 Those who died in the Early History of the Church, published in the Deseret News, 21 December 1918. Manti Temple Sealing Records of Children to Parents. Family History Library Micofilm Number 170,508. Dated 12 September 1888. 3 Letter from Derek M.M. Shorrocks, County Archivist for Somerset County England, Somerset Record Office,OB Ridge Road, Tauton, England, saying that a copy of this christening record is in the Parrish Record Office. 41841.1851.1861.1871.1881.189l.Census.Biddisham. Somersetshire, England 5 The only references to this child, is the mention in John's history, that they named their oldest child George after ""my wife's brother, George Parsons"". Also George Parsons was a witness to Ann and John's Marriage. 6 International Genealogical Index. 1994 Edition. Bishop's Transcripts, East Brent Parish, Somersetshire, England. FHL Microfilm Number 1470971 (1800-1835), Page 2. 7 Ancestral File. 1994 Edition " "education was limited, depending on the good graces of a local parson or estate owner, who may have established some classes for local youth. Usually only the boys went to these classes. It was felt that girls didn't need to learn to read or write. George was given the opportunity of an education but Ann, as a girl, didn't receive the same blessing. When Ann was old enough she was employed in the dairy on the estate of Joseph Harris. The nearby Harris farm was an estate of approximately 100 acres, which was large for the time and place. Ann quickly discovered that dairy work was not easy. She had to be up at sunrise every morning to milk and feed the cows. The cattle were brought in from the fields to a Briar (barn), which was a stone building with a dirt floor covered with straw. There were no windows. The only light came from the open doorway or from small openings left in the rock walls. The building was unheated but usually was not too uncomfortable because the stones kept out the cold and the body heat from the cows helped to keep the chill away except on extremely cold and rainy winter days. It was usually after sunset each night before she could retire after the evening milking. Dairy maids were also responsible for churning the butter, separating the cream and keeping the briar clean and repaired. There was little veterinary service available so Ann and the others had to provide the care for animals that were sick. This included learning to deliver a calf. Being as the cattle never noticed whether it was night or day, often Ann was up all night caring for her charges. Because she did well in her job after a time Ann was appointed head dairy maid, making her responsible for supervising several other dairy maids. Ann was about twenty-four years old when John Lovell started courting her. Their courtship was exciting and difficult. The Harris family didn't encourage their hired help to become romantically involved with other employees. They felt it affected their work. The problem was complicated by the fact that Ann lived with other female employees under'the watchful eye of the estate owner and his wife, who felt they had to protect the morals of the unwed women in their employ. Keeping their courtship a secret for two years before they decided to be married was a difficult job. ------------------ I returned home to my Father and rented land and prepared for housekeeping I hired 2 acres of land. I put half in with Potatoes the other half into (unreadable) but owing to the dry Season they did not come. The Potatoes were very small I had to pay $37.50 for the Rent per Year for the 2 acres. I worked with my Father all the spare time I had. So my Father paid the rent of the land in Blacksmithing I next rented 6 acres of my Grandfather there were 4 acres in Orchard and 2 for wheat and Potatoes with house and outbuildings. I was to have all the fruit for my use and the grass in the orchard for $40 or 8 pounds a year. I rented this in view of housekeeping this land was at Bristom (Biddisham) 2 miles from Whare (Weare). I intended to be married in February 1835 seeing the poverty and distress among the working classes I spoke upon the same to my Father and concluded to go to a new country before I got married having two Uncles in Canada I concluded to go to Canada. So as soon as I concluded to go. I went to see Ann Parsons and told her of my resolution she wished me to be married and s top one Year in England but I would not " "consent I reasoned with her and told her the little money we had would go so that we then could not go if we wished. She then consented to be married at the set time and for us to go to Canada. In February Ann came to my Fathers house and on the 15 th of February 1835 we were married at the Church of England at Bitsom (Biddisham) Somersetshire.8 We went to Bladon (Bleadon) and spent a few weeks with Ann's Mothers Family. We also visited Bristol. ------------------ 8 Marriage Certificate. Parrish of Biddisham.Somerset England Page 5, Number 14. Certificate shows they were married by Chas Taylor, John Lovell signed his name, Ann Parsons made her mark, George Lovell and George Parsons were witnesses. " "CHAPTER TWO My Father gave Ann some cooking utensils. On our return home we prepared for our journey to Canada. We went to Bridgewater fifteen miles from Whare (Weare) and took our passage on board a lumber Ship. Captain Samson I paid 1 pound advance. We sailed on the 25th March 1835. Previous to sailing Father hired a cart I went with it to Comich (Combwich) with my baggage. My Father Mother and Ann came to Comich (Combwich) by the Coach on Sunday. Father returned the same night Mother staid till the Ship sailed. My Father before he returned put $40 in gold into Ann's hand, he counseled me on my arrival in Canada to join some Church no difference what Church it was, he beleiving they were all the same, that is he beleived a man or woman could be saved by any of them, we spent the afternoon at a hotel in Cormich (Combwich) enjoying ourselves with the good things of life, we then took an affectionate farewell of each other. ----------------------- John and Ann traveled south from Weare to the town of Bridgewater, which was a seaport on the Parret River inland from the Bridgewater Bay. A short distance from the dock of Bridgewater was a secondary dock for the port, located at Combwich. John and Ann sailed from this dock rather than the dock in Bridgewater. The port of Bridgewater and its secondary port of Combwich had been built because the largest industry in the town was brickmaking. It was easier and cheaper to ship the bricks from the brickyards on ships, than to haul them overland to other seaports. The River was only navigable for ships of two hundred tons, nothing larger could enter the port. Passenger ships did not sail from Bridgewater, only small cargo. John called the ship they sailed on a ""lumber ship."" It was a common practice for the cargo ships to have a few cabins for passengers. These were not luxury cabins. They were small, dark and crowded. About eight to twelve passengers per voyage was normal. Ann may have been the only woman on the ship. The passengers ate - and socialized with the officers and oftentimes helped pay for part of their passage by helping the sailors, as a result, these ships could be less expensive than regular passenger ships. Conditions on these cargo ships were primitive: food was bad and sanitary conditions were non-existent. The small cargo ships were easily tossed on the waves and at the mercy of the weather. The ships rolled and tossed easily in good weather; in bad weather the motion, along with the creaking and groaning of the ship was frightening. Sailors did not notice the motion of the ship, but the few passengers who were unaccustomed to the motion of the sea, were often seasick the entire voyage. The voyage could last from 6 to 12 weeks depending on the weather. John and Ann were lucky their voyage lasted only 6 weeks. --------------------------------- Father with tears requested me write and he would do the same often. We sailed as I said before on Monday morning the 25 th of March 1835. The Ship was beating about all that day and we had to return back into the mouth of the river and anchor. Next " "morning weighed anchor and sailed having a fair wind. I got sea sick about 9 P.M. the sailors call on one to look at the last lighthouse on the English coast but I was too sick to go on deck. I recovered in 2 or 3 days and my health after was good all the way. My wife was sick and the Captain said if she lived to get to the St Lawrence she would then recover but he was afraid we would have to throw her overboard. We saw at distance with the glass a ship disabled through a storm we had no storm when on the banks of Newfoundland there was a calm. The sailors went a fishing and caught 5 or 6 codfish. The wind arose and continued favorable untill we arrived at Quebec on May the 6th 1835. I saw precipeice which General Wolfe took the English up on the taking of Quebec. When we first saw Quebec it had the appearance of a Lake. The Houses and Church roofs were covered with Tin the sun shone upon them which gave them that appearance. We landed in the afternoon and the ship Carpenter being acquainted with the City went with me and my wife to show us the City and also the Garrison from this place we could look down on Quebec and see for miles around Steples Towers and Shipping we returned to the Ship in the evening next day the same man went to the English Church with us. I saw there the Govenor of Quebec come into the Church, he wore a three cornered hat and rich apparel. The galleries were for the Soldiers, we visited the Catholic church. I there saw every person that went in put their finger into a bason that attatched to the wall and cross their foreheads. I went to look at the bason there was nothing in it. My attention was by 20 men dressed in white with staves in their hands and candles on the top walking and paying homage. After leaving this Church and passing through the streets we heard music and dancing in the houses, we returned to the Ship in the evening. Next morning I went into a Wine Merchants Store he was an Englishman he gave me some good council which put me in mind of my Father. By this time the ship was unloaded of the brick which it brought over for a Gentleman. Next morning the Ship was towed by a Steamer to Montreal. ----------------------------------------- • Ocean-going vessels could go up the St. Lawrence River as far as Quebec easily. The river from Quebec to Montreal was deep enough for ocean-going ships but it was difficult to maneuver the sailing ships, which depended on sails and wind for direction, on the river, as a result from Quebec to Montreal steamboats would pull the ships along the river. Below Montreal the river was not deep enough for the large ships. Ships would stop at Montreal and from there passengers and freight would be transferred to the flat- bottomed narrow canal boats that could travel the shallow waters and rapids of the St. Lawrence River. This explains why John and Ann had to travel on a Durham boat instead of staying on the ship. ------------------------------------------ The Captain till this time was always very kind he used to send from his Table something nice for my wife, he gave me good counsel when we left the Ship. I then hired " "a passage to Port Hope we went aboard a Durham boat. I engaged one end and before I got back with my luggage two Irish Families took posession of it and swore that I should not have it. I then went to the man I engaged of and he came and ordered them out. They then left and got drunk and said they would take revenge upon some person meaning me I suppose. I arrainged my boxes and my bed and went to bed after which they began to fight my wife was scared I told her it might be some trap so I would not interfere. The men of the boat came told them if they would not be quiet they would put them in the water they then were quiet. This boat was towed by Horses we were sometimes on canals lakes and Rivers, in steamboats and canal boats going us the long Sew. The tow rope was cut twice. The Third time we went over cutting the rope to save the Horses was the only danger I saw since leaving England, we arrived at Port Hope June 30th 1835. CHAPTER THREE I took my luggage out of the boat put it in a Store house on the warf. I took lodging at a Hotel. I got up early next morning and started for my Uncles 7 miles got there and took breakfast my Uncle was glad to see me but did not beleive I had a wife. Some portion of my Uncles Family was Sick. My Uncle took his team to fetch my wife and luggage from the Hotel and returned the same evening. While I was absent going to my Uncles home. My Wife got up as usual and took a walk in the Streets to see the City when a man kept askin her guestions wishing her to take a walk with him outside the City which she refused after a good deal of trouble she got rid of him. We stoped at Uncle Jesse Williams about a week first up. William Hayes arrived at my Uncles while we were their he invited me to return to my Uncle James Salters me and my wife and James Salter started on foot 40 miles to my Uncle Salters. It took us two days. Uncle and Aunt received us with kindness we felt like being at home. Uncle Salter was a Methodist Preacher. I hired Richard Moon for twelve dollars to go and fetch my luggage. Uncles Family was all well and doing well. I had about $20 when I arrived at Uncle Salters. The expence of travel from Cormish (Combwich) England to this place was 16 pounds or $80. I got to my journey end July 15th 1835. I hired for two months to Thomas Pasto for $12 per month in cash. My work was clearing land rolling logs burning logs and preparing land for Wheat. mI followed the counsel of my Father by joining the Methodist Church They had me six months on trial. I never was received as a lawful canidate the reason was this. I asked my Uncle questions and other Ministers about the doctrine taught by the Apostles and they never setisfied me with their answers. My Wife stoped with my Uncle while I was working for Mr. Pasto. After my two Months was up Mr Eanon Missionary preacher from England to the township of Pickrum " "(Pickering) told me Mr Lawrence of Pickrum (Pickering) wanted to hire an Old countryman as a Plowghman and recommended me to go up to see him. He recommended me as a steady man so I went up and hired with him for $160 a year he was to put up a house close by his Home to board me I stayed there three week than returned to my Uncles. I returned back to work. I returned back again to my Wife 22nd November 1835 I found my wife in Labor. She had a son whom I named after his Uncle George my wifes brother George Parsons. 9 I stayed home a week or two my wife done well. I returned to work again and sometime in December I fetched my Wife and son to Pickrum (Pickering). Mr Lawrence put us in a large log cabin about a mile from his house it was very cold. My wife took cold and had bad health for several weeks. I had to go for a Phiscian ten miles. He came and told me that it would lead into consumption if not stopt. The next morning I went to Wilby (Whitby) to Thomas Pasco to receive some mony owing me for my labor, I wanted to get some things for my wife, I received $4.95 cents out of the $24 due me for my labor for the two months work. I then went to Uncle Salters in the evening. I told my Uncle that Ann was very sick also that I had been to Thomas Pasco but I only got $4.95 cents out of the $24 due me. I owed Uncle Salter $4 I asked him if he would have the kindness to wait till I got some more pay from Pasto as I wanted the $4.95 to get some things for my wife as she was very sick but he would not wait. He said he wanted the mony so I paid him and had to return home without anything. Next morning I went to McDonalds Store I told him I had been to Whitbey to get some pay but I could not get any to bring home, I told him that my wife was very sick and I wanted to get some things for her. He asked who I worked for I told him He then asked wheir I lived. I told him it was at Pickrum (Pickering). He then said Mr Lovell you can have any thing you want, so I got about $10.00 of goods. I never saw Mr McDonald before this so I found this Stranger better to me than my Uncle. On my return I found my Wife still very sick. In about 3 or 4 weeks my wife recovered. As I could not work steady while my wife was sick Mr Lawrence and myself agreed that the remainder of the year I should work by the job which did till the spring of 1836. I then rented a farm of Widow McCasting of 40 acres half grass the other half to crop she found team and half of the seed and I found the other half seed. I was to have half of what I made. I than moved on the farm and Mrs McCasting rented me one cow and some Sheep. The cow to be doubled in three years. I put in 8 acres of Wheat but the fly or weavle got into it and destroyed most of it. my Potatoes were good. The rest of the land I Summer fallowed. Mr John Eanon preacher at Pickring (Pickering) I attended his meetings also the orthodox meetings. About this time John Excein visited Pickring (Pickering) of the same Church. John Excein stopt at my house to inform me that the Bible Society of London had sent over a quantity of Bibles for the poor of Canada he asked me if I had one I told him I ------------------------------------------------------ 9 Oak City. Utah Ward Records, Family History Library Microfilm Number 26.313. Endowment House Endowment Records. Book E, Page 145, Family History Library Microfilm Number 183,405. " "had none. He than promised that he would give me one. I went about this time to see Edward Lawrence, his brother John was there and told us a new sect had come into his place and he had received the truth, his Brother Edward said he would like to hear them preach and would give his house to preach in. he was one of the School trustees and said they should have the School house to preach in. About two weeks after John Taylor came and preached myself and Wife went to hear him preach, he preached upon the first principles of the Gospel. My wife beleived the same. I liked the doctrine better than the Methodist. The next evening I met Mr Taylor at Mr Lawrences's. Mr Taylor had a lot of Blank butter prints which he used to cut with small knives on evenings which took my attention. I thought it strange for a servant of God to have to do the like for a living. He told me as when he had cut alot he would sell them to the Stores for clothing. He told us of Joseph Smith also about the Priesthood the Plates persecution of the Saints. This was a new doctrine to us. ---------------------------------------------- Elder Almon W. Babbitt states to us verbally that he has been on a mission to Canada, New York and Pennsylvania in company with Elder Benjamin Brown. That they had seventy one meetings, baptized about thirty and had calls for preaching more than they could supply.10 --------------------------------------------------------------- In the fall I cut my hay and got 15 tons. I payed 15 tons to a man to help me Mrs McCasting had 30 tons. My Uncle Jesse Williams hearing I had plenty of feed brought me a Yoke of cattle to winter and moved to Whitby and entered Land. About this time his wife died and left 6 or 7 children. The Spring after he came for the Oxen and told me he could not pay me I let him take them. The amount was $8.00 for wintering them. About this time I took a job to clear land of Mrs Casting at $11.50 cents per acre with a good fence ready for Wheat after the job was done it was to be inspected by two or three of the neighbors. John Taylor and Almon Babbit moved their families to Pickring in the fall of 1836. I cleared 10 acres fenced it and put it in Wheat in this year of 1836. Mrs Casting paid me for clearing the land as follows the cow I rented for $25 a three year old heifer $14 one yoke of 3 year old Steers $50 the rest in sundries. In the winter of 1836 18 or 20 joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day ------------------------------------------------------- 10 Ridd, Jay Donald, Almon Whiting Babbitt. Mormon Emmissarv, Thesis, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, 1955, Page 4. " "Saints."" me and my Wife was of the number. Edward Lawrence and Family. Mrs McCasting and Family B Hart and Family, we had a deal of opposition from the Christians. About two weeks after I was in the Church I prayed much for the gift of tongues. Two weeks after John Lawrence came and preached to us he knowing I had the gifts of Tongues asked me if I would speak in Meeting if he would give me the privilige. I told him I would, he wanted me to speak for the strenghtening of the Brethren. I arose and bore my testimony to the truth of the work and spoke in tongues gave the interpretation. Spoke in tongues again and took my seat. I was filled with the Spirit I arose again and gave the interpretation of the second tongue and then took my seat again. This caused excitement in the congregation. The President bore testimony that the Tongues was the gifts of the Spirit and then dismissed the meeting. Those who were opposed to the truth when they went out formed two lines from the door about two rods long cursing me. I expected at every step to be knocked down. On the Monday I went to help Mr Wise to thrash there was a man there also who came to help thrash named Logan he was a Scotchman, while the men was fixing the horses, he abused me about my Religion he was at the meeting on Sunday he came to me and told me he could talk in Tongues as well as I could. I told him if he could talk in tongues to speak in Tongues to the Gentlemen present, he than gibberaged to them. I told the Gentlemen that it was no tongue at all for any of them could say the same without the Spirit of God. his reply to this was I was a damn 'd deceiver and a liar and abused me he came up to me clenching his fists. Mr Wise came up and said Mr Logan if you cannot left Mr Lovell alone and enjoy his privileges to go home. Mr Lovell is a honest man he beleives this is a free country and has the right to beleive what he pleases. Mr Logan cooled down and went to work. About this time Almon Babbits child died. I went about two miles and dug a grave. I returned home me and one of the brethren took a pole and swung the coffin under the pole and carried the child to the grave Almon Babbit went with us. About 3 weeks after Joseph McCasting had the gift of tongues spoke at a meeting. Bore testimony that he received the gift from the Lord. Joseph Smith the Prophet Sidney Rigdon John Taylor and Almon Babbit came in a carriage from Toronto on Saturday evening. They stopt at Edward Lawrences. I went on Sunday to see Joseph Smith the Prophet this was previous to my Baptism. ---------------------------------------------------- 1' There is some question about the date of John and Ann's baptism, some sources say 6 September 1836, some say 7 February 1837, and other sources say 6 September 1837. Later in this history John says February 1837, this notation of ""winter of 1836"" could include February of 1837, it would not include September of 1837. John talks about the visit of Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon. He says that this occurred prior to his baptism. The visit of these men took place in August of 1837. If he was baptized in February then this would have took place after his baptism and not before. " "When I first saw Joseph Smith he was talking with Mr Lawrence* about how he Joseph had obtained his horses at Kirtland Ohio, the others were washing and blacking Boots I had been brought up so strict to the religion of the day that I thought it impossible for a prophet to talk about horse trades on Sundays. Joseph Smith and company went to the Township of Whitby on the base line. Sidney Rigdon preached a splended Sermon. Joseph Smith arose and said he had seen in a Newspaper the day before that old Joe Smith was dead. He said he was the same Joseph Smith he spoke a short time. They than returned to Edward Lawrences* and preached in the barn at 4 O clock. John Taylor and Almon Babbit preached. Joseph Smith spoke again a short time. ------------------------------------------------------------------ It was in August of that years, 1837, that the Prophet Joseph, accompanied by Sidney Rigdon and Thomas B. Marsh, then President of the Twelve Apostles, visited Canada. A conference was held in the County of Whitby in a large barn owned by Edward Lawrence, which was numerously attended. The spirit of God was present, the hearts of the Saints were made to rejoice, and many who were out of the Church believed. Another conference was held in Scarboro with similar results.12 ----------------------------------------------------------------- They than returned left for Toronto. Previous to my baptism Almon Babbit told me that all those who were honest had the priviledge of knowing by testimony of the truth of the work. So I prayed to the Lord to give me a testimony, when I was in a deep sleep I heard a voice say see this. I than saw a light in the Northwest corner of the room I passed to the opposite corner and passed out. I was then satisfyed and went and got baptized. About February 1837. Sister McCasting related the following dream to me. She dreamed she saw a swarm of Bees fly over some lighted she partook of there honey they all passed off to the West. She told me that she was so old that she could not gather with the Church and would have to lay her body down there which came to pass a few months after she went the way of all the earth. Almon Babbit gave out there would be a conference held a Scarborough some 16 miles, never having been at a conference four of us went in a one horse wagon, we arrived at Brother Homes (or Hornes) next morning in driving from Joseph Homes house I drove the wagon aganst the root of a tree and smashed one wheel. I took the Horse to Br Homes and we walked to the meeting. The Conference The conference met at 10 0 clock after singing and prayers, Almon Babbit arose and spoke upon the Business of the Conference, he said he knew nothing to hinder us from having a Penticostic feast with the outpouring of the Spirit of the Lord. Brother John Taylor arose and made a few remarks and dimissed the conference. ------------------------------------------------------------- 12 B.H. Roberts.Life of John Taylor. Brookfield Press, Salt Lake City Utah, 1963, pages 42-43. " "We then returned home. I paid Mr Mc Donald 150 Bushels of Ashes I got in clearing the Land of Mrs McCasting I got 28 cent per Bushel I went to Pasto to get the remainder of the money, he paid me. I went to my Uncle Salters the same evening bore my testimony to my Uncle of the work of God. While I was bearing my testimony my Aunt shed tears. My Uncle thought it beneath his dignity to hold controversy with me. While I was bearing my testimony I told them I could not be deceived for I have the gift of Tongues. I spoke a few words in Tongues. My Uncle said there was no need of the gifts of the Spirit. I wanted to show by Paul's testimony, in the 14 chapter of 1st Corinthiams, but he would not he was a Methodist Preacher. He sent his boy unbeknown to me to fetch Mr D Clark to attact me on the Book of Mormon. Mr Clark arrived with the book of Mormon, this was the first t ime I saw the book of Mormon. He tried to show the absurdity of the book but it made no impression on me, he continued all the evening but accomplished nothing. The next morning my Uncle said to me Mr John Clark got the upper hand of you. I said no Uncle Salter he proved nothing, its true he said that tongues and prophecies should cease, but that was not until perfection should come. I then asked my Uncle if he had forgot to make a pair of shoes, if not knowledge had not ceased so I wished them good morning and returned home About this time John Excean came and preached in the School House he brought the bible for me I was at the meeting, he saw me and asked me if I wanted the Bible. I said yes sir. he said I thought you did not need a Bible. I said Sir I beleive more in the bible than I ever did before. Then he gave it to me. The next Sunday John Eanon and wife came to my house. They being two preachers of the Gospel to bring me back to the Methodist Church. John felt very sorry for me he sat with his hands to his face and groan'd continually, inwardly and outwardly but brought nothing forth. John told me that my Uncle Salter was writing a letter to my Father in England, he said it was a blessed letter for it contained all the lying reports of the Newspapers, about Joseph Smiths walking on the water and the default of the Kirtland Bank. When my Father received said Letter he wrote to me and told me not to write any letters with anything about Religion in them. I did not receive any letters from my Father until the Saints left Winter Quarters for the Vallies then my Father told me to direct my Letters to my Brothers. Mrs Eanon asked me how it was I could not beleive in the sayings of the blessed good man David. I told her I did as far as I knew how I said that David had not ascended into the heavens in Peters day and I did not beleive he had yet she jumpt up clasping and wringing her hands crying that blessed man David walking the floor, and saying what will " "my Father and my Uncles say. me bringng disgrace upon my Family, all this time John had his face in his hands like a possum but he groaned, they arose and left me to my fate. CHAPTER FOUR When my wife was sick with Sylvia I hired Betsy Combs to wait on her she was with us about four weeks I paid her the household furniture, me and my wife went to her wedding at Anos McCastings her Brotherinlaws we enjoyed ourselves the evening jumping over candlesticks and seeing them safe to bed, so we returned home highly gratified. ----------------------------------------- John and Ann's first daughter was born, 9 March 1837. She was named for John's mother Sylvia Williams.13 -------------------------------------------------- About this time there was a Rebellion in Canada the cause of the Rebellion was the Government of England wanted to extend the established Church to the Colonies and thus bring more taxes upon the people. The Rebellion was most in Lower Canada. Thus Martial law was proclaimed, with a view of stoping Americans from taking part with the Rebels, which stoped immigration from Canada to the States. The people was in great excitment throughout the Country. McKensey was the head of the rebels in upper Canada. The rebels gathered their forces on an Island on the North side of Lake Erie. McKensey appointed Officers of the Rebel-army to go through the Colony to gather forces, promising those who fought valiently that they should have a portion of the Government property and land. They made stump speaahes and set a time to meet, one portion of the Rebel army went into Toronto by Young Street. The other portion was led by Peter Marshas Brother in law to Edward Lawrence they passed by the draw bridge after crossing they set it on fire. When the Rebels arived in the City the Govenor called out the Military who fired blank cartridge over them or over the rebels heads. The rebels than broke and ran, every man to his home, some fell and broke their noses other lost their guns. A negro killed two or three men, that was all the blood that was shed. The Government took all the principal men of the Rebels and put them in prison, the prision was full they had not room to lay down, Peter Mathas and Bronks were taken and shortly after hung. This Rebellion caused great distress men were obliged to lie out for fear of being taken their families suffering at home. The Officers from Toronto and destroyed Brother Seeley's Schooner for taking some Rebels to the States. I received two letters from my Father. Isold my portion of fall wheat for $ 50.00 sold 1 yoke of oxen and 1 cow for $60.00. Isold my sheep 9 head at $2.50 each. About the last of June 1838 the Martial law was abolished. -------------------------------------------------------------------- 13 Manti Temple Sealings of Children to Parents. " "The work spread rapidly on every hand in Canada. The Lord labored with His servants. The sick were healed; and many possessed the spirit of prophecy. Among the latter was a boy living in Toronto, who shortly after his baptism, prophesied that the people of Canada would soon have war, and that armed men would arrive in the city of Toronto on a steamers, and stack their arms on the wharf. As at that time there was no prospect whatever of war, many of the enemies of the Church laughed at what they called the impertinence of the young prophet. This prophecy however was fulfilled. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ At that time Canada was divided into two provinces, Upper and Lower Canada. A governor was appointed by the English crown, for each province, to assist him in his duties there was also appointed an executive council. In addition to these executive officers there was a legislative council, appointed by the crown, and an assembly, members of which were elected by the people. For years the people had petitioned the British government for the abolishment of the executive council, and demanded that the legislative council be made elective. The British Parliament refused these alterations, whereupon one Mackenzie, the leader of a party that had urged complete separation from the British government, considered the times ripe for a revolution, and assembled five hundred men at Montgomery's tavern, four miles from Toronto, with a view of attacking that town. The loyalists assembled to defend the town and a few days later defeated the rebels in an open engagement. Mackenzie escaped to Buffalo in the United States, and there succeeded in kindling enthusiasm for the cause of his party; and in a short time returned to Canada and mustered into service over a thousand men. He took up a position on Navy Island, situated in the Niagara Channel. Fortifications were commenced which were defended by thirteen cannon and for a time the insurgents baffled all attempts of the government to dislodge them. The uprising, however, was finally suppressed. It was during this rebellion that all the terms of the young prophet's predictions were fulfilled. War broke out as he had said it would; and during the time it existed, troops entered Toronto harbor, were disembarked and staked their arms on the wharf. Elder Taylor and his wife witnessed the arrival of the ships, the land of the troops and saw them stack their arms on the wharf.14 ---------------------------------------------------------------- About the first of July Br Lawrence' let his hired hand take me and my Family to Toronto in his horse wagon. Brother Lawrence crossed the Lake Ontario with us. The next day the 2nd of July 1838 I and my family came into the United States at Weston State of New York here Brother Lawrence took his farewell of us he put 1/2 dollar into my wifes hand and said buy some tea with that and then went away. ------------------------------------------------------------------ 14 B.H. Roberts, Life of John Taylor, pages 44-45. " "People who had been baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, felt a great desire to gather with other baptized members. Even though no formal call had gone out for the Saints to gather together, most converts decided to move to Kirtland, where the Leadership of the Church was in 1837. The Canadian Saints were no exception. John Taylor was called to move to Missouri and help with settlements there. Many of the Canadian Saints left at this time. John stayed a little longer in Canada than most of the others, because Ann was sick after the birth of Sylvia, and Sylvia was too small to travel. He planned on leaving as soon as they could travel, but the revolution started and the border between the US and Canada was closed to all emigration. No one was allowed to leave the country. Martial Law ended on June 30, 1838 and John and Ann left Canada on July 1, 1838. They were ready and waiting to go as soon as they were allowed to leave. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ I hired a wagon and went to the fall of Niagara which was 6 miles from Weston. Took passage by the Railroad to Buffalow (Buffalo, New York), then took passage on board a Steamboat for the City Erie (Erie, Pennsylvania). I arrived here in two days from Pickrum (Pickering) Canada. Stopt at Erie until the latter part of September I dug and hauled with an ox cart clay for Seven hundred Thousand Bricks. While diging about 12 Load of clay fell and knocked me down and partly buried me and tore my pantaloons. I was obliged to go home. The landlord asked me to loan him $5.00 which I did he did not pay me the mony but gave me a pair of dead mans pantaloons. About the latter part of September the Bilious fever broke out in the house and one woman died. My wife had an attact of said fever she was under the doctor for several days. I took the fever a few days after and was very sick About 3 days after I was taken-sick I got two sticks and walked about 20 rods and hired a passage for my family to Cleveland (Ohio). I returned home and went to bed.. sent for a dray to take my Luggage to the boat the same evening. The boat started about 8 P.M. for Cleveland and me and my wife were more dead than alive. We made our bed on the boat, and went to bed, we were 2 nights and one day going to Cleveland, during the passage my wife got quite well again. I began to get well as soon as the boat started. On my arrival at Cleveland I hired passage to Portsmouth (Ohio) distance 309 miles at 1 1/2 cents per lb for my luggage on a canal boat the Grandville when we got halfway the Captain put us ashore and took the boat up a branch of the canal he was gone a day and a half on his return the rest of the passengers of the boat tackled the Captain and Crew and abused me because I would not help them. We camped out this night. I hired some bread made. The woman made it out of corn meal. This was the first dogger I ever tasted. The next evening the boat came up and I hired again to Portsmouth at 2 1/2 cents per mile for 100 lbs of luggage when the boat arrived at the Ohio at 8 O clock P.M. it rained very fast. " "Canal Boats were typically about fifty to fifty-five feet in length. Blunt noses, low in the water, and with a shallow draft-most places along the canal systems carried only four feet of water-they were more scow than boat Instead of open decks, the major part of the boat was filled with the long wooden cabin area that ran from stem to stern. No higher than four feet above the deck, it had a flat roof where the passengers could come out in the day and sit or stand as the journey progressed. Inside, the cabin area was partitioned off into two sections: one for the men, one for the ladies. Each wall was filled with wooden berths that were folded up and attached to the wall with leather straps. The forward section was for women. Then only toilet facilities consisted of a single towel, and a bucket of water-drawn by rope from the canal whenever necessary. Long stretches of the canal were stagnant and filled with refuse and the occasional body of a cat or a chicken.15 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Captain ordered us ashore and said not a damn 'd soul should stop aboard that night. The Captain wanted the boat night for his acommodation with a Lady. After I had seen my luggage safe me and my wife and children crossed the stote river on a day we walked about an hour and a half in the rain before we could obtain lodgings. I got a bed at a Hotel the next morning I found there were eight-beds in the room and all sorts of folks this was on the 12 th of October 1838. I fetched my luggage over the same day a boat was passing I hailed it it came in I put my things aboard and hired my passage to Cincinnata (Cincinnati Ohio) we arrived at our destination in three days the 15th of October 1838.I put up at a Hotel in water Street. I got up next morning before day left my Family in bed and went five miles seeking work. I was told by a man to go to Mark Landon. I went and saw him. He told me he would give me work if I went to Sharpsburgh to a family residing in his house the man I was to go to was Mr Corns to see if Mr Corns was willing for me and my family to live in the same house, when I arrived at Mr Corns they were all out. I saw through the window the Supper things were on the table. I thought they must not be far off so I waited for them. After a while they came with much coolness they invited me into the house. I told them I had see Mr Landon and my business and told them if they would give me part of the house Mr Landon would give me work They would not give consent I stopt and pleaded with them. I kept them from supper for about 3/4 of an hour. I then asked them if I could stop with them that night as I was a stranger and had left my family in Cincinnata that morning. They then invited me to take supper with them. While at supper I thought they were religious so I asked if there were any Baptist church in the settlement the Old Lady told me there was. we than talked about religion. They told me I might stop the night and also I might have the upper room. They then apologized to me for their coolness and told me there was so many theives and bad men about, so that I might have been one of ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 15 Lund, Gerald N. The Work and the Glory. Like a Fire is Burning. Volume 2, Bookcraft, Salt Lake City, Utah, 1994, pages 135-136. " "them. So religion got me the room I wanted, next morning I went to Mr London and told him Mr Corns had given consent for me to have the room. He told me to hurry to Cincinnata to 4th Street Market and enquire for Joseph Landon his son and to tell his son to take my family and when passing his Uncles to get 86 lbs of Flour for me. I went and found his son and he fetched us to Mr Corns. The same evening when I got to Mr. Corns I had $1.50 left this was in the fall 1838 the winter was very wet. I had to chop cents per cord. I worked some in the winter enough to live on. 1838 Sylvia took cold on the boat going to Cincinnata and was sick all the winter. I bought some furniture and when I brought it home in the house and stood the bedstead against the wall little Sylvia went to it and pulled it over it fell across on her and broke a rib bone which caused her death. She died March 21st 1838. 16 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 16 The only documentation of this death is this history, but date should be 1839, not 1838. According to this she died March 21 in Cincinnati. They did not leave Canada until July 1, 1838 after the revolution which is well documented in history books and encyclopedias as being in 1838. They didn't arrive in Cincinnati until 12 October 1838, then Sylvia was sick all winter, leading to the supposition that she died after winter of 1838-1839. If she died in Cincinnati it would have to have occurred in 1839. "