JAMES ECKERSELL.
One of the most active, energetic ar.il
prominent of the older type of pioneer set-
tlers of Fremont county, Idaho, one who has
probably done more than most of the settlers
of the Upper Snake River Valley to advance its
prosperity, and to assist in the building up of
its varied departments of industrial activity
through the liberal investment of his means
and his untiring personal endeavors during
all the years of the early pioneer era, James
Eckersell, w r ho is now passing the twilight of
a more than ordinary active life at Rexburg.
quietly resting from the well-considered en-
deavors which have brought him a sufficient
competency of financial resources to render
the closing years of his life free from care and
anxiety, has had a diversified, and, at times,
a pathetic experience all along life's pathway.
He was born in Manchester, England, on
August 5, 1839, as a son of Adam and Anna
(Burrows) Eckersell, his father being a ship
carpenter until he became a member of .a
Mormon church, and in 1843 he emigrated
from England with his family, going at once
to Nauvoo, 111., where he purchased 160 acres
of land and engaged in the dual vocations of
farming and carpentry, at which he was dil-
igently occupied when came the tragical-
events preceding the murder of Joseph Smith-
and the subsequent abandonment of the city
and their property by the persecuted Mor-
mons. Mr. Eckersell, like the others, fled
from the unbearable situation with the lo-s of
all of his property, and the family was resident
in Iowa for two years. Thereafter they went
to Missouri, where they resided until the death
of the mother in 1847, tne father also dyin^T
on a Mississippi steamer in 1850, at the early
age of thirty-five years, the mother having 1
burial at St. Louis and the father at Montreal.
Missouri.
Thus early becoming an orphan in the
midst of the most malignant religious perse-
cution this country has ever witnessed and
thrown entirely upon his own resources in
the grievously unsettled conditions of life aris-
ing therefrom, at a time when most lads of
his years were enjoying the unalloyed delights
of a kind mother's parental care, life did not
present a holiday aspect to the orphaned lad,
but with a stout heart and a nerve that falt-
ered not, James Eckersell joined one of the
trains of the Mormon emigrants en route west-
ward, and at the age of eleven years found
himself in Willow Valley, Utah, where he re-
mained in the service of Joseph Woodward
until 1856, when, at the age of seventeen
years, he commenced working for himself at
blacksmthing and farming, in 1857 going to
the Cache Valley as one of its early pioneers.
In 1858 he was employed in Rush Valley by
Daniel Spencer, in 1859 returned to Cache
Valley and to Willow Valley in i85o, while
during this latter year he was a minute-man
at Wellsville in service against the Indians,
continuing actively in this duty for two years,
and in this service he rode a horse to death
while pursuing a party of the hostile savages.
In 1861 he formed a matrimonial alliance
with Miss Henrietta McPhail under somewhat
romantic circumstaitces. She had crossed the
plains in 1856 with a handcart brigade, being
then sixteen years old. In i860 they met at
Wellsville and in conversation it was ascer-
tained that neither had a living father, mother,
a brother or a sister, and on account of their
similar and lonely lots they decided to unite
their fortunes for life.
From his marriage until 1883 Mr. Ecker-
sell conducted prosperous farming operations
in the Cache Valley, from 1869 being also
connected with freighting until the railroad
was completed and put a stop to the business.
In 1882 he came to Menan, Fremont county,
and built a cabin, and in 1883 came to Rex-
burg, located 160 acres of land and engaged '
in raising cattle in connection with the devel-
opment of his landed estate, also having teams
engaged in freighting from 1885 until 1890,
everything working harmoniously and to his
financial advancement. He was financially
concerned in the building of the early and
later irrigation canals, was one of the commit-
tee on the organization of the Rexburg Irri-
gation Canal Co., and "took out" a private
ditch for his own use. After sixteen
years of devotion to successful business in-
terests, and labors in public matters of local
interest and improvements, in 1899, having
attained a position of financial independence
as a result of his judicious industry and wise
investments, Mr. Eckersell sold all of his va-
ried possessions except the house and lot where
he now maintains his home and now is, with
his capable and devoted wife, at leisure to look
about him and see the wonderful strides in
progress which the Snake River Valley has
made through the discriminating efforts of
himself and the other members of the pioneer
settlers and their followers.
A Republican in politics, he has never as-
pired to political place or honors, but in the
discharge of his duty as a consistent member
of the Mormon church Mr. Eckersell has
performed many valuable services and held
responsible offices, serving with acceptation
on numerous home missions, in one of which
he held and conducted the first religious meet-
ing ever held in Lyman, holding also, to the
manifest benefit of the interests of the church,
the offices of teacher, elder and member of the
Seventies.
The following children are the fruits of the
marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Eckersell. all of
whom, like their honored parents, are stand-
ing in a high position in the public esteem and
confidence : James M. ; Elizabeth married
Evan Lewis; Sarah married Thos. T. Dar-
ley; Henrietta died in 1871, aged two years
and nine months; Archie; Lorena married
Henry Flamer ; John ; Adam ; William died
in 1891, aged two years; Rachel became the
wife of Arthur Menson.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
James Eckersell (1839-1917)
Jonathan Herriman Holmes (1806-1880)
| Source of Trail Excerpt: |
| Holmes, Jonathan Harriman, Diary 1846-1848, vol. 1. |
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| Read Trail Excerpt: |
June 22 Thursday June 22 made a start for home in company with J S White[,] A Pratt[,] J Eager[,] A Stevens & J Brown went about 2 miles & Camped 23 Made some preperations in the morning & then made another move[.] went as far as the upper house & Campt 24 Saturday waited all day[.] Brother Eager who went to the mines for oxen. Laid in Camp[.] Eager returned. [June] 26 Monday morning started for the camp in the valley[.] traveled 20 miles & campt. [June] 27 Started again[.] traveled 20 miles & campt. [June] 28 started again & traveled 10 miles + 6 arrived at the camp[.] Brothers Breniett Cox and Allen had gone to Explore the road. (have had good luck [June] 29 Laid in camp [June] 30 Laid in camp July 1 Saturday laid in camp [July] 2 company started this morning for the Salt Lake [July] 3 Monday left the valley[.] went up the Big hill[.] traveled about 4 miles & campt [July] 4 Started this morning traveled 8 miles & come up 1 with the other company [July] 5 A company of men started this morning to explore the road & to see what had become of the men that had gone before ..6 Laid in camp 7 Laid in camp 8 waiting for the return of the pioneers [July] 9 Sunday [July] 10 Bilt a Corell [corral] [July] 11 Bilt another Carell [corral] [July] 12 Washing & giting Balsom [July] 13 Resting in Camp[.] pioneers returned in the night[.] had no intelegence from the 3 first juged [judged] the road possible [July] 14 had a meeting in the morning & concluded to make a start tomorrow morning 15 Left Slys ranch or pine valey traveled 10 miles & campd 16 Started this morning traveled 6 miles & come to Camp Crick [Creek] & their campt [July] 17 Left Camp Crick traveled 12 miles & come to Leek Spring & campt[.] roads rather rough 17 Meeting in the evening agreed to stop one day to hunt some lost cattle & horses & to look the road Some went Back & found most of the lost animels & some went ahead & looked the road & found whear the 3 Brethren that went ahead was murdered But did not as[c]ertain for a sertenty 18 Laid in Camp & repaired wagons 19 Started on our way traveled about 6 miles & Camped & found whear those 3 Brethren ware murdered namely Daniel Brennett[,] Ezrah [Ezra] H. Allen & J Henderson Cox[.] supposed they was murdered on the 27 of June at night while they was asleep[.] We fixed the grave as well as we could[.] It was a solem time when it was as[c]ertained that these men had ben murdered in so shocking a maner[.] it was a time of Solemnety & mo[u]rning to think that the man that was to be our leader to Salt Lake was now lying dead, he was like a farther to us & we mo[u]rn his loss Broke our wagon on the 19 of July [July] 20 Staid in camp & fixt our wagon & Built a wall round the graves of our Brethren that had ben murdered & etc [July] 21 Made another move this morning[.] traveled 4 miles & come to Rock Crick valey & campt[.] meeting in the evening[.] concluded to wait one day at this place & explore the road & work it 22 Remained in camp enough to take care of the Animels & the remainder went ahead[.] the pioneers returned & we met in the evening & concluded to wait another day 23 another company went ahead to prepair the road[.] wrote a letter to Capt Sutter stating the murder of our 3 brethren wishing him to search out the murders if posible 24 Made another move traveled 8 miles & camped[.] did not reach the main camp[.] roades bad 25 this morning went into camp Laid by the remainder of the day Campt at one end of Lake maloy 26 Started this morning travled to the other end of Lake valey 2-½ miles & campd[.] a company of 10 men Started after Diner to Explore the road. 27 Working the roads & waiting for the return of the pilots[.] pilots returned Safe 28 Made another move[.] traveled about 5 miles & campt at Sumit Camp near the Back Bone 29 Started this morning & went down the Big hill[.] traveled about 2 miles & campt[.] repaired & worked the road 30 Moved again[.] traveled 11 miles & Campt at the loer End of hope valley[.] roads good [July] 31 About 20 men at work on the road. about 4 miles of Canion [canyon] rather dificult to pass August 1 Today another party went to work the road [August] 2 At work on the road [August] 3 At work on the road today had a Shower of rain[.] the packing Company 14 in number came up [August] 4 Started this morning & went down the Canion road Bad[.] went about 5 miles & Campt [August] 5 Made another move this morning[.] traveled 12 miles & campt on pilot river in Shoshone valey [August] 6 Started this morning again traveled 18 miles & Campt in Rattle Snake valey[.] lost 1 ox & 1 mule & some horses 7 Moved again traveled 20 miles & Campt[.] some Bad aroad[.] campt at Cottonwood valey on pilot river [August] 8 Started this morning traveled 10 miles & Campt on pilot river 9 Made another move traveled 15 miles & Campt on the pilot river[.] roads good Pack company left us on the 10th [August] 10 Laid by to hunt some lost horses that was taken by the Indians[.] found all but one[.] one bow lost on the 9 Belonging to T Wear not found[.] a calf wounded on the 10 By the Indians [August] 11 Traveled 15 miles & Campt near the river on the packers camp ground[.] cald it packers camp in Holmeses valey[.] arrived[,]discovered to the South[.] cald it Sidneys river[.] Some of the pack company made us a visit & on the 12 left us & went on their way 12 Left Holmes valey & pilot river & started for Truckey river[.] traveled 25 miles & come to the river & found the old road[.] roads rocky [August] 13 Laid by to rest our animals[.] it Being Sunday had a meeting [August] 14 Monday morning left to cross the 45 miles desert[.] traveled as far as the hot springs & campt[.] distance 25 dry & desolate[.] rested our teams till about Eleven O clock & started again[.] traveled 20 miles & come to the sink of Marys river about 8 oclock[.] water & grass bad [August] 15 Remained in Camp this Day[.] A Company of Emigrants met us at this place [August] 16 Started this morning traveled 20 miles & campt met another Company of Emigrants going to California [August] 17 Started again this morning traveled 15 miles[.] roads good But verry dusty[.] took 2 Indians prisoners & kept them till morning[.] nothing missing [August] 18 Made another move[.] traveled 10 miles & Campt[.] grass poor[.] no trouble with Indians [August] 19 Started this morning traveled 15 miles & campt[.] grass better[.] had a number of horses shot by Indians [August] 20 Rested in Camp 21 Started this morning traveled 28 miles & campt [August] 22 Started again traveled 12 miles & Come to grass & campt [August] 23 Moved again traveled 18 miles & Campt grass & water good [August] 24 Made another move traveled 20 miles & campt road & grass & water good [August] 25 Started this morning traveled 15 miles & campt [August] 26 Started again traveled 15 miles & campt[.] met a Company Emigrants[.] received a Letter from my wife[.] Stopt drinking coffee & tea 27 Laid by it being Sunday had a meeting at 3 o clock a company of packers past us from Salt Lake[.] 18 days from the City of the Salt Lake distance 350 miles 28 Started this morning traveled 23 miles & campt[.] roads good [August] 29 Moved again traveled 15 miles & campt[.] A Company of Emigrants Campt near us Capt Childes Pilot tried to git some coffe but could not [August] 30 Started again traveled 18 miles & Campt went through a Canion roads rather rough [August] 31 Started again traveled 14 miles & Campt Sept 1 Moved again traveled 19 miles & Campt Cold & windy a little rain roads good 2 Started this morning traveled 10 miles & Campt had some snow & some rain a cold storm [Sept] 3 Sunday traveled 21 miles & Campt traveled through a Butiful valley[.] Land good[.] indians plenty but friendly [Sept] 4 Laid in camp warm & plesant [Sept] 5 Started again traveled 5 miles & campt Pilots went on to explore the road [Sept] 6 Traveled again went 18 miles & found news from the pilots to Camp & did So[.] water & grass plenty [Sept] 7 Started again & went through the Canion road not so Bad as we have had[.] rather rough [Sept] 7 traveled 9 miles & found more pilots & water & grass & camp[.] had a meeting in the Evening & agreed to take Childes Cut off [Sept] 8 Struck off this morning on Childes Cut off[.] traveled 6 miles & Campt[.] pilots ahead to Explore the road[.] Pilots returned report rather unfavorable[.] had a meeting Desided to return back & give up this rout [Sept] 9 Turned our Cours[e] Back on to the old road that we was on the 7 & Campt on the grown[.] had a meeting in the Evening [Sept] 10 Went on this morning traveled 24 miles & found grass & water & Campt[.] road good [Sept] 11 Started this morning traveld 15 miles & campt[.] road good 12 traveled 20 miles & come to Goos Crick & Campt [Sept] 13 Started again traveled 15 miles on Goos[e] Crick & Campt [Sept] 14 Made another move traveled 12 miles & Campt [Sept] 15 Started this morning traveled 8 miles on the old road & then turned for Hensley Cut off[.] traveled 8 miles on it & come to Casey Crick & Campt [Sept] 16 Moved again traveled 12 miles down Casey to the turning off place & campt[.] road good Land good grass & water plenty [Sept] 17 Moved again traveled 10 miles & found water & grass & campt [Sept] 18 Started this morning traveled 10 miles & campt [Sept] 19 Moved again traveled 16 miles & Come to Deep Crick [Creek] & Campt [Sept] 20 Started this morning traveled 14 miles & found water & a Butiful Camping ground & campt [Sept] 21 Made another start this morning traveled 12 miles & come to water & campt [Sept] 22 Started this morning traveled 20 miles & come to Muddy Crick & Campt[.] had some rain [Sept] 23 We crossed the crick this morning & went on to Bare [Bear] River[.] it is fine river[,] a good ford[.] traveled 6 miles & come to water & campt[.] past through a fine cuntery [country.] Soil good[,] grass good some rain [Sept] 24 Started again traveled 18 miles & campt[.] a fine valley[.] Sunday |
Archibald McPhail (1816-1856)
| Source of Trail Excerpt: |
| Peart, Jane McPhail, [Interview], in "Utah Pioneer Biographies," 44 vols., 23:44-45. |
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| Read Trail Excerpt: |
| 8. At what place did you join the company or wagon train with which you came to Utah? 8. We started with handcarts from Florence, Nebraska. 9. When did it leave for Utah? 10. When did you arrive there? My father, being so sick when the relief teams met them that he could not walk, was taken in a wagon while my mother walked behind. Mother said that one morning she saw nine men put in one grave with only sheets wrapped around them. When they arrived at the crossing of Bear River later known as Myers Crossing my father died and was buried on the hill east of the river. When we reached Salt Lake City three feet of snow covered Main Street. My mother then being left a widow with a fifteen year old daughter of Archabald [Archibald] McPhails by his former wife, named Henr[i]etta, who was taken by the family of Israel Ivans to live with them, while my mother was left with herself and me to provide for, was taken in and cared for until she could find work. 13. Who was the leader of your company or train? 22. Tell about coming to your state in a covered wagon. 8. When did you leave for Utah? |
Archibald McPhail (1816-1856)
James G. Willie Emigrating Company, Journal 1856 May-Nov., 16-53.
Friday 5th [Wednesday 5th.] Rolled on in the morning & crossed Yellow Creek, ascended a steep hill & then go down Echo Kanyon [Canyon] & camped; travelled about 23 miles & camped. Peter Madsen, from Copenhagen, Denmark, aged 66 years died during the day; Susannah Osborn from Norwich, Norfolk, England, aged 33 years died this day. A snow storm came on this evening. The people are much exposed to cold from lying on the cold ground.
Nov. 6th. Archibald McPhiel, from Greenock, Argyleshire, Scotland, died about 2 a.m. aged 40 years. Much snow on the ground this morning & still more falling. Go down Echo Kanyon, roads very bad at the crossing of streams; forded Weber River & camped on its banks. It snowed most of the day. The camping ground presented a most dismal appearance, as we rolled on to it there being much snow on the ground & it being late at night. Rasmus P. Hansen, from Lan [blank space] Denmark, aged 16 years, died this evening.
"Nov. 6th. Archibald McPhiel from Greenock, Argyleshire, Scotland, died about 2 a.m., aged 40 years. Much snow on the ground this morning & still more falling. Go down Echo Kanyon, roads very bad at the crossing of streams; forded Weber River & camped on its banks. It snowed most of the day. The camping ground presented a most dismal appearance as we rolled on to it. there being much snow on the ground & it being late at night. Rasmus P. Hansen from Denmark, aged 16 years, died this evening.
Susannah Stone (1830-1920)
The Sketch of Susanna Stone Lloyd
I, Susanna Stone Lloyd, being impressed to make a sketch of my early life, will endeavor to do so. I was born of honest parents, in the town of Bristol, England, December 24, 1830. My father was William Stone, who was a master painter, born in London. My mother, Diana Grant Stone, was born in Glostershire, England. My grandmother's maiden name was Sherman. She married a Mr. Hall. After becoming a widow, she married my grandfather Grant, who came to America in the early days. My Father's people belonged to the Church of England, Mother's people to the Wesleyans. I attended the Wesleyan Sunday School. I used to read the scriptures and wish that I had lived in the days of Apostles and Prophets, not knowing then that the everlasting gospel had been restored to the earth. When I heard it preached I hailed it with joy. I joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints about the year 1848. This caused my heart to rejoice. I have seen that the hand of the Lord has been over me for good from my earliest childhood and I know that his Holy Spirit has been my constant guide and companion. I never shall forget the many manifestations of the Lord's goodness and blessings unto me and mine. My parents, relatives and friends did all in their power to keep me from coming to America, but I had the spirit of gathering and the Lord opened my way and I came to Utah in 1856 with the hand cart company. Brother Willey [James G. Willie] was our captain, Millen Atwood was his councilor. We were almost pioneers for we had to travel thru sunflowers and sage brush for many miles.
The first part of our journey was pleasant, the weather being good. We left Liverpool in May on the ship Thornton, landed in New York the latter part of June in a sailing vessel. While crossing the Atlantic, the people's galley or cook house took fire and burned down which caused great excitement. But through the blessings of the Lord, we were saved. After we landed we came up the Hudson River in steam boats and continued by railroad cars until we came to the frontiers which were called Iowa Camp Grounds. We stayed there several weeks, while our hand carts and tents were being finished. Oxen drew the wagons which was over one thousand miles, was brought on our hand carts. The rest was brought the next season by the Walker Brothers.
After we had proceeded quite a distance on our journey, we lost quite a number of our cattle which drew the provisions. Some supposed that they were stampeded by Indians or buffalo. We met several tribes of Indians going east to war. It was in the year 1856, when Colonel Babbit was doing business with the United States Government. Babbit and his teamsters were massacred. They were a day or two ahead of us with a train of goods which was seized by the Indians. We met a tribe of Indians with an interpreter, who told us all about the circumstances, but we were not discouraged. We traveled on and felt that the lord would protect his saints, and so he did, and although we passed thru many trying scenes his protecting care was over us. After we left Iowa, we traveled about one hundred miles and came to Florence. By this time we had grown accustomed to traveling and we made better headway, but thru losing our cattle and having to camp on the plains for several weeks. It threw us late in the season and made our provisions short of the latter part of our journey.
We left England May 2nd, and got into the Salt Lake Valley on November 5, 1856. . . . [p. 1]
BIB: Lloyd, Susanna Stone. Sketches (Ms 11995), p. 1. (CHL)
Susannah Stone (1830-1920)
| Source of Trail Excerpt: |
| Lloyd, Susannah Stone, Lloyd family sketches 1915, 1-2. |
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| Read Trail Excerpt: |
. . . .we came to the frontiers which were called Iowa Camp Grounds. We stayed there several weeks, while our hand carts and tents were being finished. Oxen drew the wagons that brought our provisions and tents; and our clothing to last the journey, which was over one thousand miles, was brought on our hand carts. The rest was brought the next season by the Walker Brothers.
After we had proceeded quite a distance on our journey, we lost quite a number of our cattle which drew the provisions. Some supposed that they were stampeded by indians or buffalo. We met several tribes of indians going east to war. It was in the year 1856, when Colonel Babbit was doing business with the United States Government. Babbit and his teamsters were massacred. They were a day or two ahead of us with a train of goods which was seized by the indians. We met a tribe of indians with an interpreter, who told us all about the circumstances, but we were not discouraged. We traveled on and felt that the Lord would protect his Saints, and so He did, and although we passed thru many trying scenes His protecting care was over us. After we left Iowa, we traveled about one hundred miles and came to Florence. By this time we had grown accustomed to traveling and we made better headway, but thru losing our cattle and having to camp on the plains for several weeks, it threw us late in the season and made our provisions short of the latter part of our journey.
We left England May 2nd, and got into Salt Lake Valley on November 5, 1856. I am thankful that I was counted worthy to be a pioneer and a Hand Cart Girl. It prepared me to stand hard times when I got here. I often think of the songs we used to sing to encourage us on our toilsome journey. It was hard to endure, but the Lord gave us strength and courage. Yes, the Lord has multiplied blessings upon my head, and I praise His Holy Name and pray that I may be worthy of the many blessings that are promised to the faithful. After we had traveled about seven hundred miles our provisions being short, our captain bought up all the biscuits and flour that he could get in Laramie. We had to live on short rations and it became very cold. A number of our older people died. Sixteen were buried at one time. Traveling as we were with scant clothing and lack of sufficient food, we suffered greatly from the severe cold and snow. On account of the loss of cattle, it became necessary for each hand cart to take additional load, but each taking a share of the provisions that were left.
We waded thru the cold streams many times but we murmured not for our faith in God and our testimony of His work were supreme. And in the blizzards and falling snow we sat under our hand carts and sang, “Come, Come, Ye Saints, No toil nor labor fear, but with joy wend your way. Though hard to you this journey may appear, grace shall be as your day,” etc. Only once did my courage fail. One cold dreary afternoon my feet having been frosted, I felt I could go no further, and withdrew from the little company and sat down to wait the end, being somewhat in a stupor. After a time I was aroused by a voice, which seemed as audible as anything could be, and which spoke to my very soul of the promises and blessings I had received, and which should surely be fulfilled and that I had a mission to perform in Zion. I received strength and was filled with the Spirit of the Lord and arose, and traveled on with a light heart. As I reached camp I found a searching party ready to go back to find me, dead or alive. I had no relatives but many dear and devoted friends and we did all we could to aid and encourage each other. My frosted feet gave me considerable trouble for many years but this was forgotten in the contemplation of the many blessings the Gospel has brought to me and mine. A young man whom I had kept company with in England but would not promise to marry, as I wanted to be free, died enroute and was buried on the plains with many others.
When we were within about a hundred miles from Salt Lake our captain had a dream that a company was coming from Salt Lake to meet us. Brigham Young got a lot of our brethern to come and meet us with provisions, buffalo robes and blankets. You may guess the joy that was in camp the day they arrived. We were near Fort Bridger when they met us, we rode in the wagons the rest of the way, but we had walked over one thousand miles. When we got near the City, we tried to make ourselves as presentable as we could to meet our friends. I had sold my little looking glass to the indians for buffalo meat, so I borrowed one and I shall never forget how I looked. Some of my old friends did not know me. We were so weather beaten and tanned. When we got near Salt Lake Valley, President Young with a company of our brethern and sisters came out to meet us, and bade us welcome and when we got into the city we were made very comfortable until we met our friends and relatives. There were many things that would be interesting, if I could remember them in their proper order. While we were traveling thru the United States the people tried to discourage us by telling us there was famine in Utah, that the grasshoppers had eaten up everything and that there had been a grasshopper war, etc., but we traveled on, trusting in God.
| Source of Trail Excerpt: |
| Lloyd, Susannah Stone, Autobiography [ca. 1992], 1-4. |
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| Read Trail Excerpt: |
| we traveled Some by rails Brother James G Willey was our Captin[.] Brother Millen Atwood was his Councilor. they were two good fatherly Men[.] they done all in their power to make you Can better Emagin then I can describe the Joy & rejoycing that filled the Camp[.] some of our brethren that Came to meet us was old acquaintences[.] you may guess what A happy meeting that was their was a Company that Started before us[.] they got in in good time before Cold weather Started, and their was one that was a Little behind us. I beleive that it was about five hundred Our journey Emortalized the Lives of these that those that remained faithful |
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Wellington Wood (1841-1920)
Wellington WoodBiography of Wellington Wood, Sr.
by Nora W. Carter
Wellington Wood was from a pioneer family. His grandparents, John and Sarah Thurston Wood came from Massachusetts to Jaffrey, New Hampshire as pioneers All the streams and ponds contained fish. Wild animals roamed among the trees. Wild fruits were found such as blackberry, raspberry, (chockcherry?)checkerberry, blueberry and huckleberry.
Land had to be cleared of forests; rye was raised at first; afterwards clover or herdgrass and later corn. When the ground was in a better condition barley, wheat, oats and potatoes were raised and finally flax for the manufacturing of cloth.
Cattle were raised and were driven 62 miles to Boston, the nearest market. The farmres hauled pork, poultry, butter and cheese to Boston and brought back salt, sugar, and other necessities.
Daniel Wood, the father of Wellington Wood was born in Jaffrey, New Hampshire 27 Jun 1788. He was a twin and a tiny infanct, but grew to be a large man. He lived in Jaffrey until after his marriage.
He married a neighbor, Abby Wellington, daughter of Enoch Wellington and Sarah Richardson. They were married in 1813 and had seven children - two boys and five girls.
They moved to New York state, living in Niagara County where all except the last two children were born. The last two were born in Royal Oak, Oakland County, Michigan, where the family moved about 1824.
Abby Wellington Wood died 8 December 1834 and Daniel was left without a companion. He was a farmer and stock raiser and was also a soldier in the War of 1812, for which he received a pension for his service in that war.
The mother of Wellington Wood was Sarah Sweet, daughter of Amos and Dorcas Sweet. She was born 13 January 1799 in Hoosick, Rensselaer County, New York. She rew to womanhood in New York State. She was a small woman with dark hair and dark brown eyes. She met Zenos c. Warren, a pioneer of New Jersey and later became his wife.
They had five children - four boys and the last a girl. The family of Zenos C. and Sarah Sweet Warren moved to Oakland County, Michigan where he died 4 March 1836.
Daniel and Sarah had both lost their companions and a friendship was formed which resulted in their marriage 2 April 1837 in Oakland County, Michigan.
Daniel and Sarah Sweet Warren Wood had only one child. Wellington Wood born 17 August 1841 in Royal Oak, Oakland, Michigan. He probably received his name from his father's first wife, Abby Wellington as she was also born in August.
After their pioneer life in Michigan, Daniel and Sarah Wood joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and endured the hardships which followed the Saints on their journey from place to place until they crossed the plains and found a home of peace and rest in the Rocky Mountains.
Wellington Wood could well remember his childhood days. he gathered hazelnuts where they grew wild. He also drove the cows to and from the places where they grazed and did what he could to help his parents. He had to endure many hardships and was only nine years old when he crossed the plains.
The children of Abby Wellington Wood remained in Michigan but the time had come for Daniel and Sarah Wood and their son Wellington, also the four children of her first marriage - Charles Wesley Warren, William James Warren, Amos Sweet Warren and Mary D. Warren to join the companies crossing the plains.
They crossed the plains in the Aaron Johnson Company. Aaron Johnson was captain of the company of 150 wagons crossing the plains. They left kanesville, Iowa on June 12, 1850 and arrived in salt Lake on September 12.
When they arrived in Salt Lake, Aaron Johnson was met by William Miller, his son-in-law, who told him of Hobble Creek which he had seen. Not being satisfied to lead the company there without first seeing it, Aaron Johnson rode fifty more miles down to what is now Springville.
He was delighted with the prospects the new site offered and returned and asked permission of Brigham Young to settle there. Eight families of the weary travelers then moved on until they came to the place chosen by their leaders for their future home.
They reached Springville 18 September 1850. The long journey was ended.
The next day they sharpened scythes and cut tons of wild hay from the meadow around them. Axes were sharpened and wagons repaired to prepare to go to the hills for logs to build their home.
The mothers and children began picking wild berries. Bushels of gound cherries, choke cheerries, and service berries were dried.
By De\cember of the same year logs had been cut and the "Old Fort" was built in a square with six cabins on each side and only one gateway. The roofs were covered with clay. Aaron Johnson was bishop and director in cival affairs for 20 years.
Wellington Wood was baptized in Springville 30 March 1851. His parents were re-baptized the same date. All the family settled in Springville, but all except Amos Sweet Warren and Mary D. Warre, mo9ved to Spanish Fork later.
Wellington Wood's father was getting old and when he had to assume the responsibility of earning a living for the family. Like some of his ancestors he also became a farmer and stock raiser.
At first they lived southeast of Spanish Fork in what is known as the "bottoms"; later at Spanish Fork in an adobe house.
After coming to Utah Wellington Wood drove a team across the plains to assist others in making the journey to Utah. When the Indians were hostile he took part in protecting the property and families of the Saints during the Black Hawk War.
Wellington's mother died 4 July 1863 and was buried in Sprinville. Daniel Wood later married a Mrs. Whittemore, who also preceeded him in death. Wellington's father, Daniel Wood, lived to be ninety years old and died 12 October 1878. He was blind the last six years or more of his life.
While his father's last wife was living Wellington built a four room frame house for her, but she told him she would never live to move in it. Her words proved true, for she died when the house was nearly finished. Wellington Wood married Susannah Warner 10 July 1871 in the Endowment House. She was the daughter of William and Mary Reynolds Warner. Nine children were born to them - five living to have families.
The 4th of February 1874 Wellington married in the Endowment House Mary Elizabeth Warner, a sister of Susannah. By this marriage he became the father of five children - four living to have families.
His ten living children were Wellington, Morris, Amos, Sophronia, Nora, Mary Violet, Geneva, and Abbie.
His three sons filled missions for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Wellington Wood was among the few who lived the second great commandment "Love they neighbor as thyself." He went about doing good and few, besides the ones he helped, knew anything about it.
At the funeral of Wellington Wood a tribute was paid him by a friend and neighbor, Enoch Ludlow. In substance he said, "Wellington Wood was a man who did not preach religion, but lived it in his every day life." He told of the hardships he endured in coming from England and trying to get a start in a new country, with a large family to keep. He said one year while with others cleaning an irrigation ditch, he got to telling Wellington Wood what a hard time he was having and happened to say he id not know how he was going to keep his family in flour until harvest time. Wellington Wood said nothering, but next morning at five o'clock he sacked up some wheat and called to Enoch to come and go to the flour mill and get some flour and he could pay the wheat back in the fall. This was only one of the many acts of kindness he did for his neighbors.
Another neighbor, a widow, was trying to support herself and family. She worked hard, and besides the work, she had to carry the water to use in cooking and cleaning half a mile, as that was the nearest well. Wellington told her if she would buy the piping, he would see that she had a well. She did get the piping and he drove an artesian well for her, paying the one who helped him out of his own pocket.
Wellington Wood had one of the old time horse power threshing machines and many came to him for work. He did the best he could for them by letting them follow the machine and asking the farmrs to give them work.
He took no toll from widows who were in need. An aged negro and wife who lived in Spanish Fork used to come to him for meat and potatoes. When he had more potatoes than he needed, he would tell those who needed aid to come and help themselves.
He was always kind to the Indians and never turned them away without feeding them. He was among the first beet raisers; when farmers used push-hoes to cultivate them, and a four-inch hoe to cut out the beets for thinning.
Wellington Wood raised hay and decided to try dairy cows. He bought some good cows and a separator. He also had a large butter-worker made to mix the butter, ready for pressing into pounds for the market.
At one time, he made most of the butter sold at the Oran Lewis Store. Where the butter was sold he requested that it be kept away from onions and vgetables that might cause the butter to be tainted. He was quite satisfied with his dairy and was successful in selling butter instead of taking the milk to the creamery.
Wellington Wood worked from early morn until late in the evening. Each fall found him with his winter's wood and flour, potatoes, beans, meat and vegetables. He believd in looking out for a rainy day.
In December 1905 Wellington Wood was at the Spanish Fork Foundry. While descending the stairs, he trippd on a pebble which caused him to fall, displacing his knee caps and from this time on he was a cripple and had to go in a wheel chair.
Although a cripple, he carried wood, coal and water on his chair; choppe wood, made trips to town, built fires, and did many other things to pass the time away and keep himself cheerful.
He taught his children to be honest and truthful, never speak of others unless you have something good so say, help those in need, never get in the habit of borrowing and never make a promise unless you think you can keep it. If for any reason you cannot keep a promise, send word to the one expecting you and make an explanation. An honest explanation is never outlawed.
He loved good music, especially violin solos. he was honest, truthful, kind and generous and was well known and respected in the community where he lived.
He died of pneumonis, 24 March 1920 after a very short illness. He is buried in the Spanish Fork City Cemetery.
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