Old Home of Benjamin Thomas Clark

Located at 1460 South 1100 East Street (southwest corner at the intersection of Roosevelt Avenue and 1100 East Street).
The old home now only exists in memories and photographs as it was torn down back in the sixties to make way for a four plex.
The Don Carlos Kimball home still stands on the northwest corner of this same intersection.
This photo shows Benjamin and Ann's son Lorenzo Southwell Clark, and his wife Mary Rachel Wagstaff Clark, standing in front
Photo taken in July 1915
 


source:http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~archibald/Clark_Home2.html

John Harris Sr. 1819-1907

Birth: Jul. 22, 1819 Worcestershire, England Death: Jan. 28, 1907 Pleasant Grove Utah, USA

Son of: Mary Smith (died in 1833) and Edward Harris (1790-1869) Married: Ann Stanley January 19, 1846 in England Sealed: November 7, 1868 in the LDS Endowment House, Salt Lake City, Utah Married: Emma Love Ainge November 9, 1874 in the LDS Endowment House, Salt Lake City, Utah Family links:  Spouses:   Ann Stanley Harris (1819 - 1916)*   Emma Love Ainge Harris (1840 - 1905)*  Children:   Edward Alfred Harris (1847 - 1927)*   Emily Harris Keetch (1849 - 1922)*   John Harris (1851 - 1895)*   Caroline Harris Cobbley (1854 - 1923)*   Albert Harris (1857 - 1924)*   Mary Ann Harris Aston (1863 - 1945)*   George John Harris (1877 - 1949)*   Elizabeth Emma Harris Culmer (1879 - 1954)*   Joseph Edward Harris (1880 - 1968)*   Alma William Harris (1884 - 1955)* *Calculated relationship

Burial: Pleasant Grove City Cemetery Pleasant Grove Utah, USA Plot: B-23-005-03

Benjamin Thomas Clark 1799-1867

Benjamin Thomas Clark was born 20 February 1799 in Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, England to Thomas Benjamin Clark and Elizabeth Eusden Bell.  He was the fourth of five children and the only boy.  His siblings were Elizabeth, Martha, Frances and Sarah.

Cambridge was a major university town filled with many centuries of historical events.  The earliest authenticated fact in its history is its settlement by the Danes, in 871.  William the Conqueror built a castle at Cambridge.  Through the years it has changed hands according to whichever conqueror came through.  It has also suffered several times from natural calamities.  In 1174, the church of the Holy Trinity was destroyed by fire and most of the other churches injured.  In 1294 another fire destroyed St. Mary's church and many of the adjoining houses.  In 1630 the plague raged so violently that the university commencement was postponed till October.

It is a large town containing fourteen parishes.  Benjamin's father was an office clerk at one of the many business office located in town.  Benjamin was a member of a Methodist congregation where he was choirmaster.

Romantically in love with Ann Shuker he had her initials A. S. Tattooed over his heart.  And at age 21 he married Ann Leaford Shuker at the Holy Sepulcher Church in Cambridge on 25 September 1820.  Their first son, Thomas Benjamin, was born 23 November 1820 and was baptized at three weeks old at St. Peter's Church in Cambridge.  They were living on Castle Street.  Joseph John was born 4 Apr 1822 also in Cambridge and was baptized 25 days later at St. Giles Church.  At the time of his baptism they were living at Wrays Lane, Castle End, Cambridge.  A daughter Elizabeth was baptized on 21 October 1823 and her father was according to the baptism records working as a servant in one of the homes.  A son,  John (13 Oct 1825), was baptized at St. Clements Church and died shortly thereafter. Benjamin was working then as a postal boy.


Daughter Ann was born (15 Aug 1826) and baptized 21 days later at St. Giles Church while her family lived at Gloucester Lane.  Another Daughter Frances was born 3 April 1828 and baptized 12 days later at St. Giles Church.  They were then living on Wray's Lane.  Charles Jonas, born 20 September 1830 and baptized 21 days later.  They were living on Gloucester Lane at the time.  After Charles, came Martha (18 Jan 1832), William Bell (6 Aug 1834) and Benjamin Thomas (2 Feb 1836).

In 1837/8 they moved the family to Chesterton, Cambridge, England just one and one-fourth miles northeast of Cambridge.  It was smaller town and the remains of Cambridge Castle are in this parish with the river Cam running through it.  It was surely a relief to move out of the city into relative country.  Benjamin took a job there working in a brickyard as a brick burner and they took up residence at Johnson's Hall (1841 Census).  They had two more children there: Susannah Shuker (15 June 1838) and Caroline (28 April 1845).

His wife Ann died in June 1848 and was buried at Tulborn, Cambridgeshire, England.  Benjamin was left with seven children still living at home.  About this time, Benjamin learned of a new religion, which was causing quite a stir among the people.  The Church of Jesus Christ "The Mormon's" made its way into Benjamin's life and on 26 December 1849 he was baptized a member.  Probably the concept of eternal marriage and forever a family made an important impression on him as he had just lost his wife.

On June 25 1850 Benjamin married again to Ann Southwell Seymour, a widow.  She had been married to William Seymour and had one child, Charles William Seymour.  She became a dressmaker after her first husband died and continued in this after she and Benjamin were married.  They had three children together.  The first was named Lorenzo Southwell (14 May 1852) born in Chesterton.


They decided it was time to immigrate to America and join the other Saints in the Utah valley.  On 23 January 1853 they left Liverpool, England on the ship "Golconda" along with 321 other people for America.  Traveling together were Benjamin and his wife Ann,  his son Joseph and his wife Ann, his daughter Elizabeth with her husband George Handle and small daughter Elizabeth (1 year), his daughter Ann and her husband Joseph Owen Onion Clark with their daughter Mary Ann (5 years old) and son George (3 years old), his son Benjamin (16 yrs), daughters Susan (12 yrs), Caroline (7 yrs), Ann's son Charles William (12 yrs) and their new son Lorenzo now 5 months old.

After six weeks on the ocean the Golconda arrived at the mouth of the Mississippi River. There they waited for twelve days before a steam tug could tow her to New Orleans, Louisiana and they could disembark on 26 March, 1853.  They came up the Missouri River by steamer to Koebuk, Iowa where they joined the Cyrus H. Wheelock Wagon train heading west.  They left Iowa with 400 people and 52 wagons on 1 June 1853.  They again camped near the Missouri River 45 days and finally on 11 July they left for the Great Salt Lake Valley.

Upon arriving in Salt Lake on 6 October 1853 they spent the first winter in a dugout in the banks of the gulch made by Parley’s stream in the vicinity of the present Sugar House district. The next year Benjamin purchased ten acres of small farm land in the Big Field Survey and built a large commodious adobe dwelling.  These are now Eleventh East and Highland Drive.  Homemade furniture was provided for needs and comfort. Benjamin brought with him a chest of the finest carpenter tools available.  He was skilled in making brick and tile and knowledge of veterinary care.  He followed all three of these trades and as a landholder be became a farmer.  He was always devoted to his family and had brought as many from England as would come.  The whole family lived together in the large adobe dwelling until the married couples could get a start and set up housekeeping independently.  They were a musical family and entertaining and happy with each other.  Immigrants from England, whom they had never seen before were welcome in this spacious home as if they were dear old friends.  He and Ann were endowed and sealed in the Endowment House on 11 October 1855.

On 28 June 1857 he entered a polygamist marriage with Ruth Butterworth Briggs.  Ruth was born 23 April 1817 in Middleton, Lancashire, England, was converted and joined the LDS Church in 1840 during the proselyting mission of the twelve apostles.  Ruth and her husband John Briggs immigrated to America and crossed the plains with the Edward Martin Handcart Company (5th Company) in 1856.  Their family consisted of seven children.  Due to a late start across the American plains, the company was caught in early winter snows and almost all perished before they could reach the safety of the Salt Lake Valley.  John Brigg’s died in that terrible tragedy at Devil’s Gate, Wyoming on the 3 November 1856 just a few days after Captain Grant’s advance rescue party came to their assistance.  Two of the children also perished on the trail before arriving in Salt Lake City.  (Thomas age 13 on 11 November near Split Rock, Wyoming and Mary age 7 on 29 November in the Wasatch mountains, just one day before the company’s arrival in the Salt Lake Valley.  Ruth now faced a terrible dilemma with five surviving children probably with permanent damage from the freezing conditions they had experienced and no husband to support the family in this new desert environment.  It was common practice after this tragedy for Church authorities to ask faithful and established LDS men to take the widows and orphans into polygamous unions.  It was not long before Benjamin was asked to take Ruth as a third wife.  To them one daughter, Lavina Alice was born in 1858.  Ruth died two years later on 4 August 1860 at age 43, perhaps as a consequence of her ordeal on the plains as so many like her ultimately did.  Ann Southwell may have taken Ruth’s children into her care at this time.  What a mixture of families this must have been.  In 1858 he took up farming, raising stock and building homes in Spanish Fork.

He also married Martha Larkins on 3 March 1866 in Salt Lake.  She was born in Cambridge, England and was 44 years old, but little is known of her life.  No mention of any children in this union.

Benjamin Thomas Clark died just a year and a half after this last marriage on 4 Sep/Nov 1867 and was buried in the Salt Lake City Cemetery, Salt Lake City, Utah. (E-6-3 N1/2.  Also buried in that plot are Ann Southwell Seymour Clark born 18 Sep 1815, died 7 Jun 1897 and Emma Briggs, born 8 Aug 1855, died 20 Oct 1869, daughter of his third wife.  Emma’s mother and father are buried elsewhere and were not living at the time of her death. 

http://www.childrentofathers.com/benjamin-thomas-clark.html

Mary Pittaway 1821-1901

BIRTH DATE: 1 May 1821 Droitwich, Worchester, England

DEATH: 15 Jan 1901 Clarkston, Cache Co., Utah

PARENTS: John Pittaway Anne Willis

PIONEER: 10 Oct 1862 Henry W. Miller Wagon Train

SPOUSE: John Godfrey

MARRIED: 15 Sep 1845 Dodderhill, England

DEATH SP: 19 Feb 1893 Clarkston, Cache Co., Utah

CHILD: Letitia, 26 Sep 1841 (father was Abraham Louis)

CHILDREN:

George, 24 Jan 1845

Thomas, 25 Nov 1846

Joseph, 18 Feb 1849

Mary Ann, 8 Jun 1851

Lucy, 10 Mar 1853 (died)

John Ezekiel, 10 Mar 1854

Emma Elizabeth, 6 Apr 1856

Sarah, 22 Jul 1859

Catherine, 10 Aug 1863

Mary was nineteen when she had her first child by Abraham Louis. She married John Godfrey in the Dodderhill Parish Church in September of 1845. Mary and John had three children when they heard the gospel from the missionaries and joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

John was fired, from his job because of his affiliation with the Mormons. He worked for the railroad for a short time and finally found work in the salt works in Stoke Prior. They had five more children here.

To help with their income, Mary made cheese for the farmers. Often she would make one hundred fifty blocks of cheese in a season. She also raised peppermint, took the leaves to the factory that gave her juice for pay. Mary used this juice to treat illnesses. John wanted to immigrate to Utah, but Mary felt they could live their religion in England.

After about nine years, she finally gave her consent, but due to finances, the family had to leave at different times. Her sixteen-year-old son, George, went to America first. John, Mary, and the rest of the family sailed on the ship "William Tappscott" on May 14, 1862. After arriving in New York, they traveled to St. Louis, Missouri, by rail and to Winter Quarters by steamboat. They stayed in Winter Quarters until August 10th, the started their journey across the Plains and arrived in the Salt Lake Valley on October 10, 1862.

Her son, George, had built the family a log house in Salt Lake City where they stayed for a while. They moved to Coalville where their last child was born, then moved to Mendon, then moved to Smithfield for a time. While moving to Smithfield, her son Joseph, accidentally drowned.

Mary passed away, in 1901, while living in Clarkston Cache County, Utah.

source: http://www.childrentofathers.com/mary-pittaway.html

John Godfrey 1825-1893

A Brief History of John and Mary Pittaway Godfrey

By Flo Munson

Grandfather John Godfrey was born in Hanbury, England on Oct. 30, 1825. He was the son of Thomas and Elizabeth Ainge Godfrey. He was the oldest in a family of six children—five boys and one girl.

As a younger boy he worked on farms driving horses. He would drive from three to five head of horses at one time. He was a good worker and a dependable worker.

Grandmother Mary Pittaway Godfrey was born May 1, 1823 in Broitwich, England. She was the daughter of Mark and Ann Willis Pittaway. Grandmother had five brothers and two sisters. Her brothers were all seamen—they loved being on the water. Her parents had no desire to come to America. They said the Church of England was good enough for them.

On Sept. 15, 1843 Grandfather and Grandmother were married. They had nine children—George (my father), Thomas, Joseph, Mary Ann, Lucy, John E., Emma, Sarah and Catherine. Grandmother had one daughter previously to marrying Grandfather, Aunt Letitia, who remained with her grandparents Mark and Ann Willis Pittaway. She never came to America.

Grandfather and Grandmother were converts to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They were baptized in 1848. As soon as word got around that they had joined the Mormons, people shunned them. Grandfather was told to report to his employer who gave him notice to leave the Mormons or find employment elsewhere. The same thing happened time and time again. He was well known in this area and wherever he went it was the same. He worked for a short time on the railroad and finally secured work in the salt works. This was very hard work. Grandmother helped by making cheese in their home. She would make as many as 150 cheeses in one season. She raised peppermint in her garden. She would take the leaves to the factory to have the juice extracted and would receive several bottles of juice in return, which she would use for sickness among the families. Grandmother was a mid-wife and delivered many, many babies both in England and after she came to Utah.

Grandfather’s mother, Elizabeth Ainge Godfrey, accepted the gospel soon after Grandfather joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Grandfather wished very much to come to America. Grandmother thought they could practice their religion and still remain in England. However, they were persecuted constantly and finally Grandmother realized they must come to America where they could live the religion of their choice. She had great fear of crossing the water. Their presiding Elder told Grandfather to send his oldest son, (my father, George Godfrey) and that when a year had passed he was sure he would have no trouble persuading Grandmother to cross the ocean. This was true—by the time a year had passed Grandmother was ready to go through water or fire to be with her oldest son.

My father was only 16 years of age at this time. It was finally decided he would come to America first and prepare a home for his parents and brothers and sisters when they arrived in Utah at a later date. He left England May 3, 1861 on a sailing vessel called "Monarch of the Sea". He walked, from the Missouri River to Salt Lake City. He arrived in Salt Lake City in Sept, 1861. He lived with Grandfathers brother, Uncle Richard Godfrey (whom grandfather had assisted in coming to America previously) for a short time.  He worked for Bishop Proctor in the 14th Ward. He hauled logs and rock from the canyons to help build the Temple and Tabernacle.

After Father left England, Grandfather assisted in organizing three branches near Wichbowl. He was a local Elder. One day as he was talking in Church he suddenly began talking in a foreign tongue. It frightened him, as he knew not what he was saying. A lady in the audience interpreted and said he was blessed with the gift of tongues. She said that through his faithfulness a way would be opened and money provided and he and his wife and family would be able to come to America within a years time. At this particular time, this seemed impossible, but a way was opened and money provided and in May 1862 they took passage on a sail boat, the William Tapscot. They spent seven weeks on the ocean. The ship had 24 sailors, 16 white men and 8 negroes.  During the crossing, one man died and was buried at sea. His body was wrapped in a blanket and put in a waterproof bag, strapped to a plank and lowered into the water feet first. They landed in New York and took a train to St. Louis, Mo. They went by steam boat 500 miles up the Missouri River to Florence, Nebraska. On this trip a man died. They pulled up to the bank, near a grove of trees and buried him.

They crossed the plains with ox team in the Henry Miller Company. There were 665 persons, 100 wagons with four ox teams to each wagon in the company. Each night 6 men would guard the 800 oxen to prevent Indians from stampeding them.

They arrived in the Salt Lake Valley Oct. 10, 1862, five long months after leaving their homeland. They found my father had built a little log house in the 10th Ward in Salt Lake City and had made table and chairs from logs he had hauled from the canyons. It was all completed. This was unusual, as most immigrants had nothing waiting for them at the end of their trail.

They lived in Salt Lake City that winter and Grandfather and his sons sawed wood for 50 cents each per day to earn a livlihood (sic) for the family.

That fall General Conner along with approximately 500 men camped where Fort Douglas is today. He had made a threat to take President Brigham Young dead or alive. When the Saints heard this, the brethren (sic) gathered by the hundreds at Brigham Young's office. Lot Smith and his minutemen came armed for battle. When General Conner received word he became alarmed and informed the Saints that his men were merely there on dress parade. The Saints said they were there merely on dress parade also. In January they went to Cache Valley to fight Chief Bear Hunter and his tribe at Battle Creek on Bear River. During this fierce Indian conflict many men and women were killed. The Indians were finally subdued in this battle and the Saints lived in peace.

In the Spring of 1863, the Godfrey family moved to Chalk Creek (now Coalville) and rented a farm. It was here that their youngest daughter Catherine was born. They planted, wheat, barley, oats, etc. A severe frost in September took the entire crop. The Godfrey family then moved to Wellsville in Cache Valley, They remained there only two months and moved on to Mendon where they lived in a cellar for the winter. The snow was heavy and every morning it was necessary for Grandfather to dig his way to the surface.

In the spring, they built a little house 14 feet square which had a dirt roof and floor. This house and city lot were later traded for a yoke of oxen when the family moved to Clarkston.

It was the Spring of 1865 when Grandfather first went to Clarkston. It was a small settlement at this time.  Grandfather planted a vegetable garden and a crop of grain. He was the first man to plow in this vicinity. In May he moved his wife and family to Clarkston. They camped in the open for several weeks while he built a small home. That fall two companies of soldiers, who were on their way to Idaho to fight Indians, camped on the public square near their home. They bought forty dollars worth of vegetables from Grandfather's own garden. The Godfrey children attended school about three months that winter.

The summer of 1886 almost the entire population of Clarkston moved to Smithfield because of hostile Indians. The men returned occasionally to care for their crops, but made preparations to spend the winter in Smithfield. However, President Brigham Young sent word for them to return to Clarkston and stay in their homes.

During the summer an Indian had been killed in Mendon, which caused more trouble for the Saints. A white man was accused of killing the Indian. President Young came to Logan to attend Conference that fall and prophesied that the hand of the man who had killed the Indian would wither and by this sign the people would know who the guilty man was. Grandfather and his sons, along with many others, saw this prophecy fulfilled.

A fort was built in Clarkston to protect settlers from the Indians. While living in this fort, a schoolhouse and meetinghouse were built.

Grasshoppers and crickets were very bad during those first few years and many times the small amount of grain that was harvested would also be frozen. They harvested the grain with cradles and cut the hay by hand.

In the summer of 1866, tragedy entered the Godfrey home when their son, Joseph, only 17 years of age, was accidently drowned in Bear River.

Hampton Bridge on Bear River in Box Elder County was the nearest store in those days. It was ten miles from Clarkston. Men would take turns going by twos to the store for supplies.

Grandmother kept her small home spotlessly clean. She was a good cook and many remember the red plum pudding which only Grandmother could make in her special way. She had piercing black eyes which would look through you. She liked her bed made real high—she had a straw tick with a feather bed on top. Grandchildren liked to watch and when Grandmother wasn't looking they would run and leap on her high bed. In spite of the scoldings they got when they were caught doing this forbidden stunt, they still were unable to resist the temptation.

At first they used candles for light, but finally they bought a small lamp which held a cup of coal oil. Each morning Grandmother saw that the lamp was filled, and the chimney washed and put on a shelf ready for night.

Both Grandfather and Grandmother loved to attend church meetings. Grandfather was most liberal where church donations were needed and gave freely. Grandfather was a Seventy and a ward teacher for many years. They took out their endowments on Feb. 8, 1869.

Grandfather was personally acquainted with Martin Harris, one of three witnesses to the Book of Mormon.  He heard him bear his testimony many, many times.

Grandfather assisted his parents in coming to America. His father was a shoemaker. They lived in Clarkston and are both buried in the Clarkston cemetery.

Grandmother loved freshly scrubbed floors and was known to re-scrub her floor if she could see the faintest smear.

Matches were scarce and men would rub flint together to make a spark. In this way they made fires. Anyone seeing smoke coming from a neighbors chimney would rush to this home with fire shovels to get hot coals to start their own fire.

Grandfather and Grandmother knew a lady by the name of Mrs. Petersen who lived in Wellsville.  She told them of her younger sister, Olina Tralseth, who lived in Norway and who wanted very much to come to America. This was in the days of polygamy and Grandfather and Grandmother talked this over and finally it was decided that Grandfather would send money for Olina to come to America with the idea that he would marry her after she arrived. Grandfather said it was ‘sort of like buying a pig in a sack’. When she finally arrived she was a backward, shy, little person, speaking no English. Grandfather kept his promise and married her on Feb. 14, 1875. She was 16 years younger than he. For a time she lived in the same house with Grandmother Mary and Grandfather. Grandmother Mary was a meticulous housekeeper and it was hard to have another woman share her home. Finally Grandmother Mary told Grandfather it would be best if he took his new bride and moved into a different house. Grandfather never lived with Grandmother Mary again. At first he and Olina lived in Mendon, but later came back to Clarkston where Grandfather homesteaded 80 acres of land. They had five children (two died in infancy). Olina was known as "Grandma Leeney".

Grandmother Mary lived alone with her daughter Catherine who had lost her husband (Richard Jardine) and who had one small daughter, Katie. Their home had a thicket of red plum trees in the back. In front was green gage plum trees.  During fruit season everyone visiting Grandmother was treated to her plums. She raised chickens and had nice gardens. She loved to quilt. She never owned a machine but she pieced quilts by hand. At holiday time, she loved to have all of her family home for meals—many have fond memories of her famous English Plum Pudding. She would trade a cup of yeast for a cup of flour and in this way kept in bread. In the fall grandchildren would all gather to help get in the squash and knew there would be special treats for them at the end of the days work.

Grandfather had many fine head of cattle. In February 1893 his cattle broke loose and in trying to round them back into the corral by himself he became cold and wet as if was an exceedingly bitter, windy day. He contracted pneumonia which developed into double pneumonia. He realized he was going to die. He asked someone to get in touch with Grandmother Mary to see if he could come to her house to spend his last days, but she thought it would be best if he didn't. He died in the little log house, which he and Grandma Leeney called home, on Feb. 17, 1893 at the age of 67 years.

Grandmother Mary had a heart condition and suffered from dropsey (sic) for many months before she passed away on June 15, 1901 at the age of 78. They had no means of caring for sickness and death as they do now. Her body was placed in a home-made casket and because the odor was so strong from her being sick for such a long period of time they were unable to have the casket inside the church house. They left it in a white top buggy just outside the church and raised a window next to the casket during the funeral.

After Grandfather’s death, Grandma Leeney took her three children and moved to Teasdale to be near her sister. Soon, however, she returned to her little log home in Clarkston. She spoke little English and it must have been most difficult for her so far away from her people in Norway. In 1914 she became very ill and was taken to her daughter Aunt Marie Brindley's home in Salt Lake City where she died after being bedfast for six weeks. She had stomach cancer. She passed away June 5, 1914 at 73 years of age.

Grandfather and his two wives are buried in the Clarkston Cemetery.

  source: http://www.childrentofathers.com/john-godfrey.html

William Henry Clark 1852-1942

Autobiography of William H. Clark

I will say at the beginning, that my life has not been without spot or blemish, that I have not been free from faults and failings, but what I may have committed in my weakness I have a firm belief that I expiated them in the sight of God my Heavenly Father. I have frequently prayed for forgiveness, and I firmly believe that my prayers have been heard. And I thank God that I have never with all my faults committed the unpardonable sin.

I was born in the town of Cambridge, England, December 3, 1852. The town of Cambridge was named for a bridge over the river Cam, It is a it seat of learning; there being fourteen colleges, and four halls of learning. Young men from all over the world are educated there. The Prince of Wales, now King Edward VIII, was educated at one of the colleges of Cambridge.

My father was Joseph John Clark and my mother was Maria Leach Clark. My father was born April 4, 1822 at Cambridge and my mother was born November 17, 1815 in the same town. My father at his death was sixty-eight years of age, and my mother lived to be ninety-six. My father was foreman of a large brickyard, and was considered to be fairly well to do.

My earliest recollection is when about the age of three years I was sent to an old lady's school for infants. I suppose we were sent there to be out of Mother's way. My parents were of the Methodist persuasion, and as such I used to be carried to the Sunday School. While at this old lady's school I was requested, among others, to learn and recite the third chapter of St. John; a prize of a nice bible was offered to those children who were most proficient in their recitation, and a testament was awarded those who did not recite so well. Although I was only a month over six years of age, I was very proud to think I was awarded a nice bible, which I have today. The old teacher used to read us a verse and then we had to memorize it. Soon after this I was sent to the district school for boys.

At the age of eight years I was sent to one of the colleges to be a member of the Corpus Christi College choir; where we had to study music three times per week. I stayed with the choir until I was fourteen years old, and my voice changed. Of course this did not interfere with my attendance at school. By singing in the choir I obtained some pocket money, and was enabled to lay a little by.

My oldest brother had a position as teacher in a large school at London and at an Easter holiday, he wrote for me to go to London and make him a week's visit. I was very much delighted to go, and I had a splendid time, visiting many beautiful and historic buildings, including St. Paul's Cathedral, British Museum, Crystal Palace and many other places of interest, I was twelve years of age at this time. During my last year's attendance at school, my father frequently asked me to make up my mind as to the choice of a trade or profession so as to be like my other brothers. One a teacher, another a brick mason, and the third a carpenter. But I could never make up my mind as to a trade, so I had to start to work at the brick yard, I must here digress a little, because I firmly believe the Lord's hand was working in my behalf.  If I had learned a trade or some profession, it is very doubtful if I should ever have left my native land—but more of this anon. In the meantime I was having considerable pleasure, in a worldly way, with my companions.

My father had a sister living in the state of New York (about two hundred miles from New York City) and they used to correspond quite frequently. She used to praise up the country of America, and as I was sometimes out of work, I thought I would go to America, and try my fortune there. So I began to write to my aunt, and finally I made up my mind to leave England. My father said he believed the country was all right and that if he were a younger man, he thought he would do the same.

I would here explain that when I was in the college choir, I received four pounds ($20.00) per year, and with an honorable discharge, was presented with a Bank of England note for five pounds ($25.00) which I put in the bank forming a nucleus, which I added to occasionally, and with my father's help, had quite a nice little sum to start with. I took passage on the Cunard liner "Samaria," on June 14, 1870 and landed at Boston, Massachusetts on June 26th.  When I arrived aunt's place at Mooer's Junction, Clinton County, New York, they were very glad to see me, and made me feel very much at home, but I quite homesick for a few days, as I had never been from home but once or twice in my life.

My aunt lived about a mile from the Canadian line, and her husband used to smuggle liquor across the line into the state of New York. He used to drink a great deal and got me into the notion of taking some of the stuff before breakfast, and I soon got so that I had to have a drink or I couldn't eat any breakfast.  So with my aunt's advice, I stopped taking the liquor. Well, this didn't suit my uncle, we couldn't agree, and I left and went to work on a railroad in Vermont.

I traveled around the state of New York for quite a while. At one time a sailor on Lake Champlain. At the end of about eighteen months I thought I would like to visit my relatives in Utah. I started up a correspondence with some of them, with the result that in the latter part of 1871, I left New York City for Utah. William C. Staines was then Emigration Agent for the Church. I arrived in Salt Lake City on November 10, l87l.

My folks treated me very kindly, and used to explain the principals of the Gospel to me, with the result that I was baptized by my uncle, William B. Clark, in Parley's Canyon Creek in Sugar House Ward on Sunday, May 16, 1872 and confirmed by Bishop William C. A. Smoot. As I stated before, if I had stayed and learned a trade in England, in all probability I would never have been baptized into the Church. So I implicitly believe that I was led to Utah to do Temple work for my dead relatives.

I do not wish to weary you with an account of my working in different places for the next two years. In the fall of 1873, Samuel Stewart of Clarkston came to Salt Lake City for conference, and asked me to spend the winter with them. Brother Stewart's wife, Mary Ann, was my cousin. In October of the same year I came to Clarkston and spent a very good time until April, 1874 when I returned to Salt Lake again. The next fall I came to Clarkston again, and lived with Brother Andrew W. Heggie. He was a good man and taught me to pray.

On October 10, 1877 I was married to Sarah Godfrey at Logan by Bishop William B, Preston. We were remarried in the Endowment House in Salt Lake City on October 10, 1879 by President Daniel H. Wells. On September 22, 1878 our first child was born, and we were very happy. I was ordained an elder by Martin Harris Jr., (can't find record of date). In the year 1901 the Clarkston Prayer Circle was organized by Samuel Roskelly, and I felt myself much honored by being chosen a member of the circle. I was ordained a member of the High Priest's Quorem (sic) on May 19, 1901, by Samuel Roskelly. I have done the work for the deceased members of my father's family in the Salt Lake and Logan Temples.

I fully believe this is what I was led to come to Utah for, and for this cause my life has been miraculously preserved many times. On one occasion, while chopping timber in Mill Creek Canyon. Salt Lake County, a large tree was falling towards me. My companion called to me, and I sprang behind a tree, narrowly escaping death. I was walking on a railroad track with my companion in New York State, a drizzling rain was falling. We were on a very high and narrow fill. We saw a train approaching, he stepped on one side and I on the other. I thought I was in danger and went to step over to my companion. The train was close upon us, in crossing the track I slipped and fell across the rails. The man seized me by the coat collar and dragged me over, and the train went by in a rush.

I dug a well for Famus Rasmussen, on land now owned by John Jardine; I just got it finished and was being drawn to the surface, when nearing the top the windlass broke and I dropped thirty-three feet. I thought I was dead sure that time. I can say I have not had a great deal, of sickness. The worst was when I had spotted fever. My son William had it at the same tine. One day we were very sick; burning with fever. Brother Nathan Tanner came and administered to us, and I here testify that in a few minutes we were both very much relieved and cool.

I wish to bear my testimony of the truthfulness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I know it is true. I know that Joseph Smith was a true prophet of God. I know that his successors have all been men of God, called by revelation. I also testify that the Book of Mormon and the other works of the Church are true. I hope that during the remaining portion of my life, I will not deviate from the straight and narrow way that leads to eternal life. I have not been gifted as an orator on this earth, but I do hope to improve on the other side. This is my earnest desire, and I ask it in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

/s/ William H. Clark April 15, 1923

January 14, 1936

After fifty-seven years of unalloyed happiness, God is His wisdom saw fit to call my beloved wife to a better world. She died January 29, 1935 after much severe suffering. But I cannot complain as I firmly believe that she has gone to a place where sickness, sorrow and trouble are unknown, and I do hope and fervently pray that I may be counted worthy to meet her, never to be separated again

These are my reasons for an inexpensive funeral, I have seen funerals of people of poor or middle-class being buried in very expensive style; very much beyond their means, just to be gazed upon for a few hours.

God said to Adam, "Dust thou art and unto dust thou shalt return.”

source: http://www.childrentofathers.com/william-henry-clark.html

 




 source

Sarah Godfrey 1859-1935

BIRTHDATE: 22 Jul 1859 Stoke Prior, Worchestershire (sic), England

DEATH: 29 Jan 1935 Clarkston, Cache Co., Utah

PARENTS: John Godfrey and Mary Pittaway

PIONEER; Henry W. Miller Company 17-18 October 1862

SPOUSE: William Henry Clark

MARRIED: 10 Oct l877 Salt Lake City, Endowment House

DEATH SP: 21 Jul 1942 Buhl, Idaho

CHILDREN:

William Henry, 22 Sep 1878

Joseph John, 22 Feb 1881

Mary Ellen, 13 May 1883

Effie Maria, 13 May 1886

Ida Ann, 10 Nov 1888

Sarah Malinda, 19 Dec 1890

Arthur Benjamin, 22 Aug 1892

Amelia Emma, 1 Sep 1894

Raymond Aubrey, 15 Jan 1897

Andrew Leslie, 12 Jan 1900

Marjorie, 21 Jun 1902

Sarah Godfrey was born in England, 1859. She was the eighth child in the family.  Sarah's family joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and immigrated to America. Some of her earliest memories were of crossing the water to America on a ship, and her father giving her a hard sea biscuit when what she really wanted was a drink of water.

After their arrival in America, they joined a wagon company to travel to Utah arriving in Salt Lake City in October 1862.

They made their first home in Mendon, a small town in Cache County, northern Utah. Later, they were asked to help make a settlement at Clarkston, about twenty miles farther north.

William Henry Clark also left his home in England and had joined the Church after coming to America. William and Sarah met and fell in love in Clarkston, they were married in the Endowment House, Salt Lake City.

They continued living in Clarkston, with William working on the farm and Sarah caring for their growing family.

The children had to walk three miles to school. They carried their shoes and stockings and only wore them for school so they would last longer. They only attended school in the spring and fall because of the severe weather, but there was always plenty to do at home.

Sarah's life was one of hard work, economic hardship and few conveniences. She had no formal education and never learned to read or write, not even her own name. Yet she could 'figure' in her head and with amazing speed and accuracy. When she took eggs and butter to the store, she knew exactly how many she had and how much they would bring.

Sarah was a religious woman. When the table was set for breakfast, the chairs were turned with the backs to the table and everyone knelt by his chair for family prayer. One-tenth of everything they produced was set aside for tithing, each tenth dozen eggs was set aside, so was one-tenth of the farm produce. Tithing goods were taken to the Bishops' storehouse or tithing office.

Sarah was a visiting teacher, primary worker, and counselor in the Y.W.M.I.A. She lived to see all nine of her children married and with families.

Sarah's full and busy life came to an end in Clarkston, Utah, January 29, 1935, when she was seventy-five years of age, a true pioneer of faith and fortitude.

source:http://www.childrentofathers.com/sarah-godfrey.html

Ludlow History

The LUDLOW surname started over 900 years ago by someone who was known as “de Ludelowe” (of Ludlow). Ludlow (or Ludelaue, meaning the ‘loud lowland’ or ‘roaring hill’ by the noisy rapids of the River Teme) was a Celtic town near the Welsh border where William the Conqueror built Ludlow Castle.

Ludlow Castle, Shropshire England

During the medieval period, the Ludlows spread southeast to Gloucestershire and Wiltshire where a Stephen and Joan Ludlow lived in the Shipton-Moyne area in the early 1500’s. Stephen & Joan Ludlow had two large families of descendants:

Walter (c. 1575-1639) & Bridget Ludlow

John (1588-1662) & Edith Ludlow

The posterity of John & Edith Ludlow included Thomas and Grace Ludlow of the Tetbury, Gloucester area, who, in turn, were the grandparents of Thomas Ludlow, a British soldier who died fighting Napoleon’s forces in Holland in 1799. Thomas’ son, John, and Mary Matthews LUDLOW started their family some two centuries ago in Avening, Gloucestershire, England. Their children Hannah, Nathaniel, Daniel, James, John, and William now have many known descendants living in England, Australia, and the USA.

Ludlow Church, Shropshire England

 

Source: http://www.ludlowfamilies.org/index_files/history.html

John Ludlow 1796 - 1871 and Mary Matthews 1817 - 1872

John Ludlow was born on 15 Nov 1796 in Ashford, Kent, England. He was christened on 25 Dec 1796 in Ashford, Kent, England. He died on 20 Dec 1871 in St. James Road, Halifax, Yorks, England.

John married Mary Matthews on 7 Sep 1817 in Avening,Gloucester,England. Mary was christened on 19 Nov 1797 in Avening, Gloucester, England. She died on 5 Sep 1872 in Avening, Gloucester, England. She was buried on 8 Sep 1872 in Avening, Gloucester, England.

John and Mary had the following children:

	2	M	i	Thomas Ludlow was christened on 5 Jul 1818 in Old Hill,Avening,Gloucester,England. He was buried  on 28 Feb 1877 in Avening, Gloucester, England.
				Thomas married Hannah Phelps on 5 May 1839 in Avening,Gloucester,England. Hannah was born about 1820 in ,Gloucester,England.
+	3	F	ii	Hannah Ludlow
+	4	M	iii	Nathaniel Ludlow
+	5	M	iv	Daniel Saunders Ludlow
+	6	M	v	James Ludlow
+	7	M	vi	John Ludlow
+	8	M	vii	William Ludlow
	9	F	viii	Maria Ludlow was christened on 20 Mar 1831 in Old Hill,Avening,Gloucester,England. She was buried on 11 Mar 1832 in ,Avening,Gloucester,England.
+	10	F	ix	Charlotte Ludlow
	11	M	x	George Ludlow was christened on 9 Aug 1835 in Old Hill,Avening,Gloucester,England. He died in 1864 in Glouschester, Victoria, Australia.
	12	F	xi	Harriet Ludlow was born on 3 Dec 1839 in Old Hill,Avening,Gloucester,England. She was christened on 25 Dec 1839. She was buried on 10 Mar 1853.

  source: http://www.ludlowfamilies.org/PAF/pafg01.htm

Enoch Ludlow 1853 - 1921

     One of the attractive features in the landscape near Spanish Fork is the highly improved farm of Enoch Ludlow, whose home is at Benjamin. He is one of the substantial citizens that England has furnished to Utah, his birth having occurred in Yorkshire on the 20th of January, 1853, his parents being Nathaniel and Mary Ann (Niblett) Ludlow. The father was a mason by trade, following that pursuit in England, where he also engaged in contracting. At length he determined to come to the new world and in September, 1878, arrived in Utah, bringing with him his wife and three children. The life record of Enoch Ludlow is the story of earnest endeavor, for when but seven years of age he began work in a woolen factory, where he was employed for seven years. He was afterward apprenticed to a butcher and for a short time before he came to the new world he owned and operated a shop devoted to the manufacture of sausage, but having embraced the faith of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the family decided to cast in their lot with the people of that religious belief in Utah. For sixteen years the father remained a resident of this state, passing away in 1894 at the age of seventy-two years. He had been an active church worker and his business interests were those of farming. Since coming to Utah, Enoch Ludlow has given his time and energies to agricultural pursuits and is numbered among the ploneers of the vicinity of Spanish Fork. His brother Paul homesteaded in this district and Enoch Ludlow paid the costs of securing the homestead and became owner of the property. His first home was a log cabin and he also lived for a time in a dugout. He then built a residence of adobe brick, which was destroyed by fire in 1888, together with a granary that contained eight hundred bushels of grain, leaving Mr. Ludlow and his family without anything save the clothing which they wore. With characteristic energy, however, Mr. Ludlow faced the situation and at once began the building of a good brick residence, which he now occupies. As the years have passed he has continued his farm work with good success and in connection with his sons, Thomas E., Enoch, Jr., Richard and Fred, he is extensively interested in sheep and cattle raising, having two bands of sheep and thirtyfour hundred ewes. He also has sixty-five head of cattle on the range. There are large shade trees upon Mr. Ludlow's farm and it is one of the most attractive and beautiful places of the district. He has fifty acres in his home place and at one time was the owner of several hundred acres but has divided his holdings among his children. There are no modern improvements lacking upon his ranch, which has been brought to a very high state of cultivation. Upon it are all kinds of fruit and berries, which were planted by him. In 1872 Mr. Ludlow was married to Miss Levina Horsefall, a daughter of Richard Horsefall, who was a native of England, where he engaged in business as an architect. Mrs. Ludlow was the only one of her family to come to America and is the only one now living. By her marriage she became the mother of ten children, nine of whom survive, John having been accidentally killed when but eight years of age. The others are: Thomas E., Paul, Nathaniel, Jesse, Walter H., Enoch Jr, Richard, Fred and Priscilla. The last named is the wife of Moroni Bingham. All of the sons are farmers of Utah county, as is the husband of the daughter. There are now forty-one grandchildren and one great-grandchild. In the work of the church the family has taken a most active and helpful part. Mr. Ludlow served on a mission to England from 1904 until 1906 and had charge of the branch for a time. His son Paul was on a mission to the northern states and was president of the Illinois conference. Another son, Walter, was a traveling missionary in England for two years and Nathaniel also spent a similar period in that country in missionary work, while Enoch was recently on a mission to the southern states and was president of the Texas conference. Mr. Ludlow is president of the Seventy at Benjamin and is ward teacher. For twenty years he was choir leader and organized the Benjamin brass band, in which he played the tuba and drum. His children have inherited his musical talent and tastes and his son Paul was leader of the band, while Mr. Ludlow was its manager. All of the sons have farms of their own but work together more or less and Richard lives with his father upon the old homestead, while the others occupy homes of their own. In politics Mr. Ludlow is a democrat and keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day, but the honors and emoluments of office have no attraction for him as he prefers to concentrate his efforts and attention upon other interests, especially his business and his church affairs.
 
 ---------------------------------------------------------------------

 Enoch Ludlow was a farmer.³ He was also known as Enock Ludlow.¹ He was born in 1823 in England.³ He was born on Thursday, 20 January 1853 in Halifax, York, England.^6,7 He was born on Friday, 21 January 1853 in Halifax, York, England.¹ He was the son of Nathaniel Ludlow and Mary Ann Niblett. Enoch Ludlow was christened on 21 January 1854 in Exley Bank, Southowram, Halifax, York, England. Enoch Ludlow married Lavinia Horsfall at the age of 19 and 20 on Thursday, 15 August 1872 in Halifax, York, England.⁸ At the age of 24, Enoch Ludlow was baptized in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by C.D. Evans on Monday, 10 December 1877.¹ He was confirmed in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by C.D. Evans on Monday, 10 December 1877.¹ He and Lavinia Horsfall immigrated in 1878 to the United States.³ At the age of 25, Enoch Ludlow was baptized in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in September 1878.⁵ At the age of 25, Enoch Ludlow was ordained an elder by C.D. Evens in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in September 1878.¹ He was confirmed in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1880.¹ He was baptized in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by L. Argyle in 1880.¹ He was sealed to Enoch Ludlow on 13 September 1899 in the Salt Lake Temple, Salt Lake City, Salt Lake, Utah.⁵ Enoch Ludlow was sealed to his parents on 13 September 1899 in the Salt Lake Temple, Salt Lake City, Salt Lake, Utah.⁵ At the age of 46, Enoch Ludlow received his endowment on Wednesday, 13 September 1899 in the Salt Lake Temple, Salt Lake City, Salt Lake, Utah.⁵ At the age of 51, Enoch Ludlow was ordained a seventy by B.H. Roberts in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on 31 January 1904.¹ He and Lavinia Horsfall lived on a farm owned free in Benjamin, Utah, Utah on 5 May 1910.³ Enoch Ludlow ordained Richard Ludlow on 22 January 1912; elder by Enoch Ludlow in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.¹ Enoch Ludlow blessed Wayne Stewart Mace in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on 4 August 1918; by Enoch Ludlow, Senior.¹ Enoch Ludlow and Lavinia Horsfall lived in the Benjamin Ward Nebo Stake, Benjamin, Utah, Utah before June 1920.¹ Enoch Ludlow and Lavinia Horsfall lived in the Spanish Fork 2nd Ward, Spanish Fork, Utah, Utah after June 1920.¹ Enoch Ludlow died on Tuesday, 29 March 1921 in Spanish Fork, Utah, Utah at the age of 68 years, 2 months and 9 days. He died on Wednesday, 30 March 1921 at the age of 68 years, 2 months and 10 days.^2,4 He was buried on Saturday, 2 April 1921 in the Benjamin City Cemetery, Benjamin, Utah, Utah.^9,10

Children of Enoch Ludlow and Lavinia Horsfall

John Ludlow b. 30 Dec 1872, d. 15 Jun 1881
Jessie Ludlow+ b. 5 Jun 1881, d. 11 Sep 1953
Enoch Ludlow+ b. 6 Aug 1885, d. 26 Jun 1938
Richard Ludlow b. 10 Mar 1888, d. 30 May 1944

Citations

1. [S222] Record of members, 1892-1941; annual genealogical report, Form E, 1907-1948. Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Benjamin Ward (Utah), Film Number: 0025834.
2. [S257] Cemetery Records of Benjamin, Utah, Utah.
3. [S292] 1910 U.S. Federal Census Utah, Utah County, Film Number: 1375622.
4. [S418] Benjamin sexton records, Benjamin, Utah County, Utah, Film Number: 0002117 Item 14.
5. [S406] International Genealogical Index (Ordinance Index).
6. [S257] Cemetery Records of Benjamin, Utah, Utah, Date Verified.
7. [S418] Benjamin sexton records, Benjamin, Utah County, Utah, Film Number: 0002117 Item 14, Date Verified.
8. [S292] 1910 U.S. Federal Census Utah, Utah County, Film Number: 1375622, Year Verified.
9. [S257] Cemetery Records of Benjamin, Utah, Utah, Place Verified.
10. [S418] Benjamin sexton records, Benjamin, Utah County, Utah, Film Number: 0002117 Item 14, Place Verified.

^{Source: http://www.bonnieruefenacht.com/secondsite/web-p/p97.htm}

Nathaniel Ludlow 1821 - 1893

    Nathaniel Ludlow, the ancestor for whom the NLFHA (Nathaniel Ludlow Family

    Historical Association) was named, was nineteen years old when he married Mary Ann Niblett in

    1840. She and her family were instrumental when, three years later, they both joined the LDS church.

    Nathaniel was the first Ludlow ancestor who joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

    Other family members later followed their example.

    Nathaniel worked as a shepherd and laborer in Avening until 1846 when they moved to Huddersfield,

    Yorks. They lived in Halifax, Yorks from 1850 until 1878, when they moved to Utah, USA. So far,

    he and his family have not been located in the 1851 or 1861 censuses of England because the records

    from Yorkshire are spotty. In the 1871 England Census, Nathaniel is living on St. James Rd. in

    Halifax as an excavator and "beer seller" with his wife and five younger children.

    On Sep. 14th, 1878, Nathaniel and Mary Ann, along with two of their sons (Enoch with his family,

    and young Walter), left England on the ship Wyoming. Eventually, five of their sons (Paul, Enoch,

    Moses, Albert and Walter) all resided in Utah. Their descendants (including Victor L. Ludlow, the

    researcher and compiler for this family record) have since spread throughout the United States.

    In the 1880 US Census, Nathaniel is listed as a "farmer" who had been temporarily disabled 4 months

    because of "rheumatism." Nathaniel worked at various jobs in Benjamin and Utah County prior to his

    death in 1893, age 72, in Benjamin, Utah.

    MISC: Nathaniel and five of his sons moved to the US. One son, Lorenzo, and two daughters, Rhoda

    Ellen "Isabella" Ludlow LUTY and Mary Jane Ludlow FRANKS CROWTHER, and their families

    remained in England. We have regular contact and visits with Lorenzo's descendants but not yet with

    Isabella's or Mary Jane's posterity.

    Two children, an earlier Rhoda Ellen and George, died young. The eldest son, John, apparently left

    home at an early age and his marriage, family and death have not yet been established.

    19 Sep 2005

    LDS BAPTISM: Nathaniel, performed a "baptism for the dead" for his father John in the Logan

    Temple on 29 May 1888 (ordinance 2919, page 82 BYU Lib film #177,847) Apparently another

    baptism was performed for John on 12 Aug 1957 (where?)

source: http://www.ludlowfamilies.org/PAF/pafn02.htm

Samuel Webster Brown 1801-1882

Samuel Webster Brown
Compiled by Ruby Brown Bradfield and Della P. Ware

Samuel Webster Brown was born Alstead, Cheshire County, New Hampshire, February 1,1801 to John Brown and Betsy Webster. At age 29 or 30 he met and married Harriet Cooper, and English girl. A son, Samuel Jr., was born to them. Soon after the birth of her child, Harriet died. The Mormon missionaries called on Samuel and their message brought comfort to his wounded soul. He became a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and immediately moved to Kirtland, Ohio to be with the body of the Saints. There, plans were being made to build the Kirtland Temple.

In 1834 Samuel Brown made the memorable march with Zions Camp. The Prophet Joseph Smith had received word that the body of the church in Jackson County, Missouri was being threatened with expulsion and he had been given a revelation that they were not to be moved out. That if the “redemption of Zion must needs come by power” it must stay. He asked for five hundred volunteers of young able-bodied men to join the march to Jackson County to defend the new “Zion”. Zions Camp was organized and 205 men marched through Dayton, Indianapolis, Springfield, and Jacksonville, and across the Mississippi River to Missouri. They suffered many hardships on this march. As they reached the Missouri River the Prophet was given a revelation that they should not be required to fight the battles of Zion and for Joseph Smith to sue for peace with their enemies; that the armies of Zion had been to Missouri as a trial of their faith and also to give them experience which would prepare them for western emigration. Soon after their return to Kirtland the Prophet chose the twelve Apostles and the Quorum of Seventy. Many of the faithful members o Zion were chosen to fill these positions. Samuel Brown was at that time called to be a member of the First Quorum of Seventy.

In 1837, Samuel was serving as an usher in the Kirtland Temple. There he met and married Lydia Maria Lathrop. They were sealed in the Nauvoo Temple. Lydia Maria was a daughter of Grant Lathrop and Sybil Bliss. She was a woman of refinement and culture; she taught school and was a glove maker. Samuel Brown was a shoemaker. At the time of their marriage, Samuel Jr. was five years old. Lydia took him and raised him as her own child.

The stay in Kirtland was all too short. The spirit of apostasy had taken possession of many of the saints and church leaders. Brigham Young writes, “This was a crisis when all hell seemed leagued to overthrow the Prophet and Church of God. The knees of many of the strongest men in the Church faltered.”
The persecutors of the Saints were making plans to exterminate them. Samuel was among those who were called to a meeting to make a decision of great importance - how the Saints would travel when the time of expulsion came. From this time on, ‘Samuel Brown was with the Saints in all the mobbings, drivings and persecutions.” (A quote from a sermon preached at his funeral.)

On the move westward after they were driven from Kirtland, Samuel and Lydia were in Daviess County, Missouri where their first child, Emily Sophia, was born April 16, 1838. From John D. Lee’s story, written by Juanita Brooks, we read the following:

“The first Mormon to approach the polls in the election at Daviess County, Missouri (1838) was shoemaker Samuel Brown. Brown was accosted by Dick Welding, a Missourian. He asked, ‘Are you a Mormon sir?’ ‘Yes sir, I am.’ ‘Do you believe in healing the sick by the laying on of hands?’ ‘Yes sir, we ‘do.’ ‘You are a damned liar, and Joe Smith is an imposter.’

“With that welding struck Brown with his fist, knocking him down. Immediately another Mormon sprang to the defense of Brown, which instantly brought a group of Missourians into the fight.”

“An organization of Mormons who called themselves Danites, organized to defend their people, sprang into action. Exaggerated reports went out which resulted in Governor Boggs calling out the state militia. A Mormon company of about forty-five men set out from Far West at midnight to surprise the Missourians and rescue three brethren who were being held captive to be shot at daylight. They routed the mob and rescued the prisoners. This battle gave Governor Boggs, always willing to believe the worst of the Mormons, another chance to act officially, bringing about the ‘Extermination Orders’, and called into action the full militia force of the state. ‘The Mormons must be driven out of the state, if necessary for the public good,’ the orders read ”

This resulted in the Hauns Mill massacre.

The army immediately took position of Far West, and Samuel Brown was among those who surrendered 630 guns, consisting of hunting rifles, shotguns, a few muskets, a few pistols, and some rude homemade swords; then they were ordered to leave the state before another planting season.

After the expulsion from Missouri, Samuel Brown, his wife and two children, moved with the body of Saints to build up the City of Nauvoo. Again he assisted with the building of a Temple. Nauvoo became a beautiful city. The people were happy, robust and prosperous. Though the officials of the state of Illinois had given them permission to live in peace, the mob from Missouri crossed the state line and after a time, and persecution began again. They were determined to drive every Mormon from Illinois.

On June 27, 1844, the Prophet Joseph Smith and his brother Hyrum Smith were killed by a mob at Carthage Jail, and the leadership of the church moved into the hands of Brigham Young. In the summer of 1845, trouble broke out in all its fury. After a hundred homes had been burned. A meeting was called with Illinois officials. It was agreed that all violence should cease, and the Mormons should remain unmolested until the spring of 1846, when they were to sell their property and leave the state.

During the following December and January, President Brigham Young labored almost day and night assisting the Saints with their endowments in the Temple. Samuel and Lydia Brown received their endowments December 19, 1845 and Samuel had his wife and children sealed to him January 28, 1846. They received their Patriarchal Blessings at Nauvoo given by Patriarch John Smith, January 25, 1845.

By February the Missourians again became restless. This caused the Saints to hasten preparations to move. President Brigham Young made plans to seek a new home in the west. By March, with Brigham at the head, the camp moved forward. The weather was cold with snow covering the ground. After the snow stopped falling the weather moderated and it began to rain. They crossed the Mississippi River on flat boats where the river was a mile wide. Fires could not be kept going, bedding and clothes could not be dried, nor could wagons be moved. There were no roads, only trails in the soft mud made by those who had gone ahead. Samuel was very ill, and Lydia Maria lost a premature baby as a result of these hardships, as related by a granddaughter, Melissa Manwill Lewis.

Those who had outfits crossed on across land. Many did not have outfits or means of transportation and remained in Iowa settlements, not disclosing their identity as Mormons, and found employment so that they might sustain their families. Samuel Brown’s son, David Brigham Brown, was born to them in Des Moines Iowa, January 21, 1847. The State of Iowa permitted the saints to remain in the Indian lands (Pottawattamie County), where they were given the privilege of growing crops on the public lands. Prior to 1849, the Browns had joined the Saints at Council Point, Iowa. It was here that twin sons were born to them, George Austin and John A., born November 21, 1849 at Council Point, Pottawattamie, Iowa.

Seven years had passed since they were driven from Nauvoo. There had been little time for rest and relaxation. Preparation must be made for the next group of Saints who needed refuge and sustenance along the way. All were waiting for the time when they would join their beloved leaders in Zion and began making necessary preparations for the journey across the plains.

Col. Thomas L. Kane describes Council Bluffs: “In the clear blue morning air, the smoke steamed up from more than a thousand cooking fires. Each one of the Council Bluffs hills was crowned with its own great camp, gay with bright canvas, and alive with the busy stir of swarming occupants. Herd boys were dozing upon the slopes; sheep and horses, cows and oxen, were feeding around them in the luxuriant meadow of the then swollen river. As I approached the camp it seemed to me that the children there were to prove still more numerous. Along the creek, I had to cross, were women in great force washing and rinsing all manner of white muslins, red flannels and colored calicos, and hanging them to bleach on a greater area of grass and bushes than we can display in all our Washington Square.†

The Dan A Miller Company began its trek across the plains June 9, 1853. The Samuel Brown family was with this company. The only sign posts were the tracks of wagons, each company making them deeper and more clearly marked. Dead and dying trees had been chopped down to make way for the ever-increasing caravans. Dotted here and there were graves, both long and short, bearing evidence of the deprivations and exposures of those who had been willing but could not endure.

It was over this same line of travel that Samuel Webster Brown and his family set foot facing westward toward their destination. Not many weeks passed when tragedy came to them. Lydia Maria, the wife and mother was stricken with cholera and died “somewhere on the plains.† Her body was wrapped in a piece of canvas from the cover of their wagon and laid in a shallow grave on the banks of the North Platte River.

From Ft. Laramie, they crossed the Platte River and continued over the Oregon Trail up the Sweet Water, and over the Continental Divide through the South Pass across the Green River to Ft. Bridger. They then traveled to the southeast through Echo Canyon, over the Big and Little Mountains into Immigration Canyon, and then into the valley of the Great Salt Lake.


From Treasures of Pioneer History, by Kate B. Carter: “Friday, September 9, 1853, Daniel A. Miller’s ox train company of emigrants, consisting of the last Saints from the Pottawattamie County, Iowa, arrived in Great Salt Lake City. The company consisted of 282 souls, 70 wagons, 27 horses, 470 head of cattle and 153 sheep and had left camp at Winter Quarters, June 9, 1853.

When they arrived into the Salt Lake Valley, Emily Sophia was 15 years of age, David B. was six, and the twins George and John were 4 years old. According to information left to us by other members of the family, Samuel and his children moved to Fillmore, Millard County. There, Samuel Jr. married Helen McBride. They had two children, Samuel III, and Melissa. Samuel Jr. was a United States Indian interpreter for twelve years. He was mistaken for a government spy and killed by Indians on Chicken Creek Ridge, near Scipio, while hunting lost horses. Samuel Webster Brown and family moved to Payson, Utah, to be near his daughter Emily and family, she having married John T. Manwill in Salt Lake City.

From Melissa Manwill Lewis, “Soon after taking up abode in Payson, David B. Brown married Selena McClellen. Twin George and his father lived by themselves, and John lived with sister Emily and family. John contracted typhoid fever and passed away in Emily’s home at age sixteen.†

George went with his father to Mount Pleasant for a time where they operated a sawmill. Again, they returned to Payson. George was married to Rachel Savage January 1, 1874, at Payson Utah. In 1880, they moved to Grass Valley in Piute County, Utah, where David and family were already making their home. David later moved into Idaho, back to Payson, then to old Mexico.

In Samuel Webster Brown’s declining years, he made his home with Emily and David. He was known to be a kind, generous old man. He passed away at the home of David Brown, in Payson, Utah, September 13, 1882.


Obituary
Samuel Webster Brown departed this life 13 September 1882, at Payson Utah at the home of his son, David B. Brown. Born 1 February 1801, in New Hampshire. He was baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints at the early rise and was a member of the First Quorum of Seventies, organized by Joseph Smith. He was a doorkeeper in the Kirtland Temple and a member of Zions Camp. He has been with the Church in all the drivings, mobbings, and persecutions. He traveled and preached the gospel a great deal. He was never known to falter or deny the truth. Services were held in the Payson meetinghouse, September 14, 1882. Speakers were Elders H.C. Boyles and L. A. O. Colvin who said that Brother Brown was a worthy Latter Day Saint and spent a useful life of over four score years.




Patriarchal Blessing given to Samuel Webster Brown
At Nauvoo, Illinois, January 25, 1845, by John Smith, Patriarch

Brother Samuel, I lay my hands upon your head in the name of Jesus Christ, and seal upon thee a father’s blessing, for thy father which is living has no faith in the Priesthood, but thou art a lawful heir to the Priesthood because thou art of Joseph, through the loins of Ephraim and all the power and privileges I seal upon thy head with power to go forth in the name of the Lord to gather the remnants of Jacob, even the Lamanites, and great multitudes shall obey thy voice. Thou shalt baptize them and lead them to Zion with songs of joy and gladness and no power shall stay thy hand. Thou shalt be able to do any miracle when the nature of the case requires it to further the cause of (the) Lords work. For a short work will the Lord make on the Earth in the last days. Thou shalt bring many of them into the church. Although many of them may be rebellious, thou shalt redeem them, either in life or death, for the Lord hath called thee to this end and raised thee up for this cause, that thy forefathers should be redeemed by the power of the Priesthood sealed upon thee, even back to Abel, so that there shall not be a broken link in the chain.

Thy posterity shall be numerous and shall be mighty men of war, even to put ten thousands to flight, the enemies of the Lord shall have no power over them, and thy name shall be held I high adoration among the Saints. Thy years shall be multiplied upon thine head for thou shalt stand on the earth when the Savior makes his appearance, and thou shalt enjoy all blessings and glories of his kingdom, with every good thing which your heart desires for the storehouse of Heaven and earth shall be opened unto thee, and you shall be satisfied inasmuch as you give heed to council, not one word shall fail for I seal it upon thee and thy posterity with the blessings of health and eternal life. Amen.

Albert Carrington - Clerk

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Samuel Brown was born February 1, 1801 in Alstead, Cheshire County, New Hampshire to  John Brown (AFN: 1P3J-76) and Betsy Webster (AFN: 1P3J-8C).

    He was married twice. The first wife listed in the Ancestral File is Lydia Maria Lathrop by whom he fathered ten children. He was also married to Harriet or Harriett Cooper of London, England by whom he fathered one son. Grampa Bill does not know whether these two marriages were sequential or plural.

    Samuel Brown was an early convert to the Church. Using a mathematical calculation from known, events, it seems he was baptized in 1833. The following year he participated in the Zion's Camp expedition to Missouri to relieve the suffering of the persecuted saints in Zion.

    Shortly after the return from Zion's Camp, Brown became involved in matters which shortly resulted in a High Council hearing. The History of the Church recounts thusly: "Elder Nathan West preferred charges against Samuel Brown, High Priest, for teaching contrary to counsel, namely, encouraging the brethren in practicing gifts (speaking in tongues,) in ordaining Sylvester Hulet a High Priest (without counsel) in a clandestine manner; asserting that he had obtained a witness of the Lord, which was a command to perform the same on receiving the gift of tongues, which gift he had never before received, but afterwards said that he had been in possession of that gift for the space of a year; and in undervaluing the authority and righteousness of the High Council by charging Elder West not to say anything that would tend to prejudice their minds, lest they might not judge righteously.

    The charges were sustained by the testimony of Leonard Rich, Charles English, Brother Bruce, Edward Partridge, Hiram Page, Roxa Slade, Caleb Baldwin, and Sylvester Hulet. President David Whitmer gave the following decision, which was sanctioned by the council:

    "According to testimony and the voice of the Holy Spirit, which is in us, we say unto you, that God, in His infinite mercy, doth yet grant you a space for repentance; therefore, if you confess all the charges which have been alleged against you to be just, and in a spirit that we can receive it, then you [Samuel Brown] can stand as a private member in this Church, otherwise we have no fellowship for you; and also, that the ordination of Sylvester Hulet, by Samuel Brown, is illegal and not acknowledged by us to be of God, and therefore it is void.

    Brother Brown confessed the charges, and gave up his license {that is his licence to preach or the priesthood], but retained his membership."

    By the following year, he seems to have been fully restored in the mind of the Lord and the Church leadership for in 1835, perhaps because of his faithfulness in Zion's Camp and the Mission he filled to Washington County, Illinois, he was called to the First Quorum of Seventy, thus entering the ranks of the General Authorities.

    In December 1835 he wrote a report of his missionary efforts:

Dear brother:

    Almost three years have passed away since I embraced the fulness of the gospel of Christ. During the above mentioned time, I have travelled probably not less than eight thousand miles, and can say of a truth, that I have been receiving additional evidences continually, that the work in which I have been engaged, is of the Lord. Since the first of December, I have seen the addition of about 130, to the church. Within a few months past I have baptized six, and in company with other elders fifteen more.

    The churches in which I have labored, generally are increasing in numbers, faith, and righteousness.

Yours in the bond of the new covenant.

Samuel Brown.

    Elder Brown suffered in the Missouri Persecutions. We read, "An election was to be held August 6, 1838, and members of the Church intended to exercise their franchise. Their enemies vowed that they should not vote. The mob bully, Richard Welding, full of liquor, made an attack on Samuel Brown saying: "The Mormons were not allowed to vote in Clay County no more than the negroes," and that they should not vote now. Perry Durphy sought to suppress the difficulty and defend Brother Brown. This aroused other members of the opposition who began to cry 'Kill him, kill him,' and this may have happened if Riley Stewart had not struck Welding on the head and brought him to the ground."

    Elder Brown also endured the persecutions of the Nauvoo era and went west with the saints after Joseph's Martyrdom. He died September 13, 1882 in Payson, Utah.

The further particulars of his death are the following: While returning from a trip north to his home in Fillmore, in company with Bro. Josiah Call, he was waylaid by Tom Moke, Topoba, Topanawich and Panawich, of Peteetneet's band of Utah Indians, who shot him through the left breast, near the heart, cut his throat and scalped him, stripped him of his clothes and robbed him of all he had. He was in company with Josiah Call, who also fell a victim to their savage cruelties, and was shockingly mangled. They were both found thirteen days after they were killed. Bro. Brown's body was found covered up in the cedars by Reuben A. Mc Bride who brought it to Fillmore. Although the weather was warm and he had laid so long after he was killed, there was no smell or appearance of decay, till [sic] the next day after the body was brought and laid out.

    We find that Elder Brown was somewhat of a poet and copy here one of his writings.

INSPIRED WRITINGS.
Revelations now coming forth,
Are sublime and eternal truth;
In them Jehovah's voice proclaims,
This is my church, enrol your names.

The word of wisdom's a sure guide
To all who do the same abide;
Its promises are very great.
Though I the same need not relate.

Enbalmed records, plates of gold,
Glorious things to us unfold:
Though sealed up they long have been,
To give us light they now begin.

Long since to Daniel God did say,
"Seal up the book and go thy way:
For many shall be purified,
By sacrifice they shall be tried."

A noble man of ancient birth
Beheld the same spring from the earth:
And many more in visions saw
The books which now contain the law.

Judah's writing and Joseph's too,
Each testifies the other's true:
They teach the same when searched thro'
Believe them both, we're bound to do.

The Lord hath said "I'll make them one,
As I command let it be done:
For a short work I now will make,
And Israel from the heathen take."

"To their own lands on mountains high,
I'll bring them with a watchful eye;
To them the kingdom I'll restore
And be their king forever more.

The book of Jasher has been found,
And many more hid in the ground:
All these, with Enoch's book, unfold
And spread true light from pole to pole.

Those things are true we testify,
And all who do with them comply,
Will in eternity rejoice,
That they have made so wise a choice.

source: http://www.gapages.com/browns1.htm