Family Histories Taken from Family Journals and Records of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Compiled by Kathy Kent a direct decedent of Jay Gillies & Carrie Jensen Gillies Line Histories: Jay Gillies John Gillies LIFE SKETCH OF JAY MARION GILLIES Given at his funeral By Kathryn Ann Gillies n February 24, 1901, a never stingy or selfish with special spirit was his time. ushered into this O Since Grandpa was world. He was born to goodly raised on the shores of the parents at Vineyard, Utah, where lake, he loved boating also. he lived for 41 years. He would often take his boys Grandpa was a man who was camping, hunting or fishing. loved by all and especially by his He was close to his children family. wonderful and taught them to appreciate husband, father and grandfather he the beauty and respect of the was. outdoors. I know Grandpa What a One thing I admired. most was very close to his sons but about Grandpa was his patience I also think (judging from all and it seemed his patience knew of the stories I've heard my no bounds. One thing he was Dad and my Uncles tell) that especially patient with was his he protected his daughter, fishing. As a little boy growing up Gayle, of being too harassed by Utah Lake, he learned early that he loved to by her over- enthusiastic brothers. Grandpa loved fish. Grandpa could sit on the shores of a lake all his only daughter and like any daughter I think day long and never get impatient whether he had she was the apple of Grandpa's eye. caught his limit or just had a couple of nibbles all Grandpa was very talented with day long. Fishing with Grandpa as a little girl is woodworking and making things. While living by one of my most cherished memories. Just the two the lake he would build rowboats in the winter of us would go and Grandpa was so kind and and rent them out for one dollar a day in the patient with me. Even when I spilled the bait all summer. over the shore when he had just gotten the only Grandpa and Grandma were known to have bite of the day or I had Grandpa cast out my line a home that was welcome to anyone who 10 times in 10 minutes because I had been just happened to stop by. I have never ever heard of sure that a fish had taken all of my bait off my anyone that my Grandpa turned away hungry. In hook, Grandpa would humor me and never get fact while at Vineyard, Grandma and Grandpa angry. I think all of the grandchildren share usually didn't even know how many people they special times like this with Grandpa for he was 5 Life Sketch of Jay Marion Gillies Grandpa had some things he didn't like very would have to Sunday dinner because everyone much in this life. One was horses because he said felt welcome at their home. Grandpa's mother died while he was just a they either balked or ran away. Another thing he young man and soon after that he married my did not like was war although he was always a Grandmother, Carrie Jensen. Their's was an very active and faithful citizen and supported one unusual courtship. Grandpa met Grandma at a of his boys while he fought in the Korean War. dance at Provo and then he continued their Grandpa always preferred the hard floor to courtship by mail. It must of worked however, any bed he was ever offered. He would nap on the because they did get married. floor and I can remember as a little girl curling up by the side of him and trying to figure out why he When the Geneva Steel Mill went in at the liked the floor so much. lake, Grandpa was forced to sell his beloved home He was also very Scottish and what a sense of and land and move his family to Monroe, Utah humor he had. He knew so many little readings where he lived for 38 years. Grandpa has been a shining example to those and stories and he knew how to tell a good story. around him all of his life. He was never afraid to He would have the grandchildren (or his "lassies bear a strong and fervent testimony of the gospel and laddies" as he would call us) in fits of and he wasn't afraid to express his feelings to laughter over some little story he would tell or those he loved. Grandpa was very active and Scottish song he would sing. Grandpa was very faithful in the church. He was a home teacher for quick witted and although he didn't attend formal 60 years and he always made sure he had some schooling for very long he was a well educated gum or lifesavers for the little ones. He was and well read man. always a stickler on the length of his stay, never Grandpa was very proud of his Scottish wanting to outstay his welcome and after his 15 ancestry and he used to say that he should have minutes were up he and his partner would take been extremely wealthy because he figured he their leave and not impose on the family longer was one of the few "Scottish Jews." than necessary. He also served as a Sunday Jay’s Grandpa's parents names were Hyrum School teacher, Sunday School Superintendent, Gillies and Jesse Archibald Gillies. They were Elders Quorum President, High Priest Group both Scotish. He had four older brothers and one Leader, Stake older sister and he was the youngest of the family Missionary, one of the Seven Presidents of the with 12 years separating him from the next 70's in the stake, and he also served in the youngest. His brothers were Hyrum or Hy, Joe, scouting program. David, Jess and his sister was Margaret. Stake Mission President, After Grandpa retired he and Grandma were called to be Ordinance Workers in the Manti Temple. He was also active in community service and participated in the Monroe Lions Club for many years. 6 Life Sketch of Jay Marion Gillies was always touching people with that sense of humor and personality. In closing I would like to express my love and appreciation to this great man who has touched my life with nothing but good. I would like to conclude with a poem that exemplifies Grandpa and leaves all of us who are part of his family with a great responsibility. He got it from his Father, It was all he had to give. So it was his to cherish As long as he did live. If you lose the watch he gave you, it can always be replaced, But a black mark upon your name son Can never be erased. It was clean the day you got it and a worthy name to bear When you got it from your father There was no dishonor there. So make sure you guard it wisely After all is said and done You'll be glad the name is spotless When you give it to your son. Jay When Younger On April 7, 1926, Grandpa married Carrie Jensen in the Salt Lake LDS Temple for time and all eternity. They were married in this life for 54 years. They had four sons and one daughter I hope we can all live worthy to the name suffered the heartbreak of losing a son to death Grandpa so proudly passed on. when he was only 18 years of age. That was the My one last thought is one of comfort to me oldest boy and Grandpa's namesake as his name as I remember some words a dying mother left to was Marion Jay. This was hard for Grandpa and her young son. She said, "My boy, there's a the pain doubled when he lost a special grandson, secret.It's a special secret, and I never want you to Greg, who was only 18 years of age. I know he is forget it--Families are forever, and even though happy with them now. Grandpa's and Grandma's you won't see me, I'll still be there watching over other children are Phil, Earl, Burke, and Gayle. you and waiting for your return." They have 15 grandchildren and 8 great This is a great comfort to me because I know grandchildren. it's true. Grandpa led a truly wonderful and full life here on this earth. He never ever wanted to be a burden to anyone but how could he be when he 7 JOHN GILLIES FAMILY HISTORY (by Jean Aten) Newtoun in 1521 (Rental). Some eighteenth century MacPhersons who bore Gillies as a forename Englished it as 'Elias' (Clet, Mon., viii, p.34). The form Gilhuayes occurs on a tombstone in Tranent churchyard, dated 1702. William Gillice, farmer in Findtassie, 1799 (Moray), Gilleis 1592, Gilies 1692, Gillise 1724, Gillise 1484. cf. under GILL. (Gillie, A form of Gillies, q.v.)" he early history of John Gillies is very T sketchy. His parents are listed in the records as Thomas Gillies or Thomas K. Gillis, and his mother as Elizabeth Phimister as recorded on the marriage certificate. Her temple work is also done under the name of Kelly. On the Endowment House records when John went to get his own, the name is Gillis, and his mother is listed as Elizabeth Fimister and his birth date is 20 Mar 1830. In the Genealogy Library in the British "FEMISTER, Finister, Phemister, Phimister, Whimster. Alexander Feemaister, fisher, had a remission in 1458 "pro capcione filii quondam Alex. Coupland, judicati ad mortem aplud Banf in primo itinere tento ibidem per dominum regem" (ER., vi, p. 486). Christiane Phemister in Pettinseit, regality of Spynie, was of theft in 1595 (SCM., II, p.129), and Alexander Fumester was fined 6s.8d, for "Playing at the futeball on the Sabboth nicht," 1630 (Rec. Elgin, II, p.215). In 1616 Effie Fumester in Elgin was charged with bidding Agnes Fumester cast strang in the fire so that she might get her heart's desire, apparently a magical ceremony (ibid, II, p.149). John Phinister in Pitgounie was retroured heir of Thomas Phinister, portioner of Pitgounie his father, in 1654 (Retours, Elgin, 99). James Fimister is recorded in Whitchill in 1684 (Moray), and Alexander Phimister in Bogside in 1707 (ibid.). Robert Phimister in Netherbyres was rebuked in 1737 "for fiddling and dancing at Collection is a book called, "The Surnames of Scotland," by George Black. The following articles on the Gillies and Femister are from that book. "GILLIES, Gillis, G. Gille Iosa, "servant of Jesus". It is displaced the older Malise, q.v. The name was at one time numerous in Badenoch, and at present is common in Hevrides. Gillise was one of the witnesses to the charter by King David I to the Abbey of Holyrood c. 1128 (LSC., pg.6) and Vhtrea, son of Gillise held land in Lothian c. 1160 (Laing,2). M. Filius Gilise witnessed a confirmation charter of Malcoln IV to the Abbey of Scone in 1164 (Scon,pg.5), and Gylis, son of Angus the shoemaker (sutor) did homage to the prior and convent of St. Andrews at Dull in 1264 (RPSA., p. 349). Nigel Filius Gelyse was tenant in the lands of Dalfulbill in 1876 (RHM., I, p, 1vii), and John Gyllis rented the Fermeland of 8 John Gillies Family History (by Jean Aten) from Perthshire, Perth. James Robertson is listed AlexanderBuie's lykewake" (rec. Elgin, II, p.336), and Alexander Fimister appears as burgess and freeman of Elgin in the last half of the same century (Jervise, II, p. 263.) The name is derived from the office of "fee-master' (from OE. feoh, cattle, property + master), one in charge of the flocks and herds: "Tirrheus thair fader was fee maister, and gyde Of studis, flokis, bowis; and heyrdis wyde, As storoure to the king, did kep and zime." (Gavin Douglas, Eneados, London, 1553, bk. VII, c.9.11.21-23) Melrose Abbey had a fee-master, and the Fiemaisteris-lands in Roxburghshire are mentioned in a retour of 1606 (Retours, Roxburgh,43). In the United States the name is not uncommon as Feamaster, Feamster, Feemster, and Feimster." as a shoemaker, age 30 yrs. from Kinfauns, Pershire, (Gowrie), about 1 1/2 miles west of Perth. The wife is Margaret Robertson, age 35 from Mary Kirk, Kirriemuir, (about 6 miles west of Montrose). There are twin boys, age 4, Edward and Alexander, Mary A. age 2 and William age 1 month. All the children were born in Kirriemuir, Angus County, Scotland. (Kirriemuir--town and parish, west of Foforshire.) This would appear to be an sister of Thomas, John's father, and might be helpful in locating the family if her marriage record could be located. The next record of John is the branch records of Arbroath when he was baptized 15 June 1851. And then his marriage to Margaret Mitchell in the same branch by H.L. Gowans on the 3rd of June On the early records of the Church in the 1853. Arbroath Branch in Scotland, John lists his birth It is interesting that on the same branch as 20 March 1832, in Perth, Perth, Scotland. A records, Susan Duncan, Margaret's mother is limited search of the records of Perth have not listed with her baptism date about 6 weeks after been successful in finding his birth record. In Margaret. There are 2 more Duncan's listed, later church records his birth is recorded at 20 James and Mary, perhaps they are the brother and March 1830, so a wider search should be made to sister of Susan. cover the difference in the two dates. The 1841 The next information is the birth of a son Jas. census records for Perth County have been Mather Gillis, on 3 March 1854, blessed on the searched with no success, so perhaps the City of 2nd of April 1854 by Hugh L. Gowan. I have a Perth and other towns will have to be searched. problem with this--the only other time I have been In the 1851 census of Angus, Arbroath, John able to find anything about James is a letter dated Gillies is listed in the house of James Robertson, 1910 from New York City to his brother Hyrum as a nephew, unmarried, 19 yrs. old, a gardener 9 John Gillies Family History (by Jean Aten) Smith, but signing it as James K. Gillies. I found Hints to Emigrants him in the 1910 Census. As many of the Saints, previous to their departure for Zion, may not have travelled twenty miles from the spot where they were born, a few hints to those taking this eventful journey will not be out of place. As a commencement we would say, do not leave everything to the last moment, for then you are likely to be nervous and excited and forget some matter of importance. Pack your luggage in such a way that all the things you do not want on the journey can be put down in the hold of the ship and into the luggage van on the railroad; what little you want on the voyage pack by itself and take it with you to your berths. Mark your name and destination distinctly on each and every package, box and trunk. It is better to have these painted on the boxes, bags, etc., wherever possible, as cards and labels are liable to be pulled or rubbed off. In packing leave out everything that will needlessly encumber you. Do not bring along heavy or useless things, such as clock weights, china images, Japanese idols, massive picture frames, pokers, fire shovels, fenders and flat irons. The expense of taking such thing "across the continent" is far too great, and most of them when taken to Utah will there be found next to useless. If you have money for pay for the carriage of such articles, you had much better devote it to help emigrate some of your poor brethren and sisters, whilst if you have not, it is a sin and a shame to throw the burden of transporting your rubbish on to the Saints in Zion, and to expect their donations to pay for it. Recollect, one hundred pounds, or 7 stone, 2 pounds is all that is allowed free to each adult I do have a record of the birth of Hyrum Smith Gillies in the Arbroath branch record and of Joseph Smith Gillies, although Joseph's date is 1857 and not 1855 as it is ditto marked in the record--in the rest of the record he was blessed 17 Jan 1858! I feel inclined to go with the date of 1857 to 1855 as that would make the boys born on the 4th and 30th of December of the same year! In the birth register for the Arbroath 1855, the birth of Hiram Gillies is listed, John his father as a gardener, and his mother, Margaret Mitchell Gillies--her 2nd child and the note--one boy living. So that would have to be James, but I'm not sure about the "Mather." I had hoped to find out something in the 1861 census, as Elizabeth Gillies was born in October 1860 in Dundee. I was hoping that the family were still there in the spring of 1861 when the census was taken. But I have not found them in the City of Dundee on that census. So there is still a lot of checking in the area to be done. I hope to find them on the 1871 census in Scotland, but found that they had sailed from Liverpool in June and were missed by the census for that year. In the Latter-Day Saints' "Millennial Star," the following article on hints to the Emigrants was found: 10 John Gillies Family History (by Jean Aten) these sharpers, instead of coming direct to this office. Those emigrants who come into Liverpool by way of Birkenhead and St. George's Landing State, or by the Tithebarn Street or Brunswick Stations, should not bring their luggage to this office, as they will, by so doing, take it two or three miles out of the way and have to pay accordingly. If the ship be in the dock, this office is entirely out of the road from these stations to the docks, and if she lie out in the river, the St. George's Landing stage and the Tithebarn Street Station are in the immediate neighborhood of the Prince's Landing Stage, from whence the tenders of the ocean steamships carry passengers to those vessels when out in the stream. If any company or family of Saints who come forward for emigration unattended by an Elder, will notify this office beforehand of the time of their arrival at Liverpool, and the name of the station to which they will come, we will endeavor to have some one meet them at the station to give them the necessary instructions." G.R. on the American railroads, fifty pounds each to all children between the ages of five and twelve; those under five are not allowed luggage. All extra luggage is charged 4d. a pound. When leaving home, on the morning of your departure, be sure and not leave your money or any of your parcels behind you. Look well around before going out the door. Arrange your departure so that you will reach the railway station in time to get your tickets for Liverpool without unnecessary hurry. See that your luggage is labeled properly and put into the luggage van. If the journey be a long one, do not forget to take some refreshments with you for the children. Should you have to change carriages on the journey, see that your luggage is also changed at the same time, and that it comes along in the same train with yourselves. As there are several railroad stations in Liverpool,get your tickets, if possible for the Lime Street Station, as that is the nearest to the Office at 42 Islington. But as all the railroad lines do not run to Lime Street, this cannot always be accomplished. When you reach Liverpool, if no Elder or other person acquainted with the business is with you, let the luggage and the greater portion of the emigrants remain at the station whilst one or two come to the Office at "42" to get instructions where to take the luggage. Do not make arrangements with porters, lodging house keepers, ticket agents and others, until you have called at the Office and made sure you are right. Never buy your tickets of any one outside our Office. Some have been swindled out of considerable money by listening to This is probably the kind of instructions that the John Gillies family received before their departure from Scotland. The following article, also from the Latter Day Saints' "Millennial Star," could help us to understand a little better what some of our ancestors had to face. Going Home Every week or two now some of the Saints in the European Mission are bidding adieu to their friends and acquaintances and their native land, and setting their faces Zionward. This is highly satisfactory to all well 11 John Gillies Family History (by Jean Aten) and pure and honorable and worthy of all commendation and emulation. He who buildeth thereupon, buildeth upon the rock, and his work will endure. It is not the privilege of presidents, or Elders, or Saints, to hinder the gathering of any brother or sister, to suit their own private purposes. Such attempts can be considered little else than manifestations of narrow, individual selfishness, not a very commendable quality, certainly. It is natural enough for people to wish to go with those with whom they have been acquainted, to whom they entertain a liking. Still, we have never been able to see the wisdom of one Saint persuading another to stay until he or she goes, when the way was plainly open for the first to gather and there was no justifiable reason for procrastination or for waiting for a more convenient opportunity, which there was no probability would ever turn up. It would be well for all who have the slightest prospect of emigrating this season to set their minds firmly to that work, and endeavor to do everything possible to effect their deliverance from Babylon, with its splendors, its follies, its corruption, and its crimes, that they and their children may not partake of them, nor receive of the plagues which God will permit to come upon the people. In some respects it is pleasant enough to be in Babylon sometimes, but in such an hour as we think not trouble cometh, distress and anguish overtake us, as they suddenly came upon a neighboring nation, and the way of escape is hedged up. "A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself, but the simple pass on, and are punished." J.J. wishers to the kingdom of God. May the good work go on until all the Saints get home. In the endeavor to obey the great commandment of the gathering, not only should each Saint help himself, but the Saints should help each other, as far as they consistently can. Not to the extent of injuring themselves, as some have done (may God nevertheless bless them abundantly for their goodness of heart), for that is not required. And first and foremost, all who have to do with the deposits of the Saints for their emigration, should be prompt and faithful and accurate in all financial transactions, so that no poor faithful Saint, nor any other Saint indeed, be wronged out of a single penny, either by intent or by carelessness or by misunderstanding, but that every penny; deposited by properly accounted for and held to thecredit of the person who deposited it, so that no Saints be hindered or delayed in their emigration by lack of promptitude in furnishing receipts or in satisfactorily and available accounting for the means which they have deposited. Order is heaven's first law, and in nothing is order more essential than in financial matters. It is the privilege of the Saints to help each other, financially and otherwise. It is the privilege of presidents of Conferences, travelling Elders, and Priesthood generally to help the Saints, male and female, in the matter of their emigration, by counsel, by advice, by labor, by available means if the Lord has blessed them therewith, and all to be done with an eye single to the glory of God and the advancement of truth and righteousness upon the earth. Righteousness is that which is right 12 John Gillies Family History (by Jean Aten) returning to their homes in the valleys of Ephraim. The names of the returning Elders are George Lake, Robert F. Neslen, M.B. Shipp, Eliezar Edwards, H.G. Snell, Charles Lambert, and Wm. L. Payne. All of these brethren have been laboring in the British Isles, with the exception of Elder H.G. Snell, whose field of labor has been amongst the Saints of the Swiss and German Mission. These Elders have all, according to our understanding, labored assiduously in the vineyard of the Lord, and much good has resulted from their faithful testimonies and counsels. Yet, however much they may have rejoiced in being privileged to bear the glad tidings of salvation to the nations that are overshadowed by the darkness of unbelief, we doubt not but that they will find the attractions and associations of Zion doubly endeared to them by their short absence. We wish them, with all the Saints under their charge, a safe, pleasant and speedy journey, and we crave at the hands of our Father in Heaven His blessing, that it may rest upon every member of the company and abide with them, that they may be preserved from all evil, and strengthened to resist all temptations." The next record of John and his family was their names on the passenger ship Wyoming, that sailed from Liverpool, June 21, 1871, for New York City. The ages listed for the children is interesting, since most of them are older than listed. As a "thrifty" Scotsman, was it cheaper to come with children under 10 years of age even though the luggage allowance was less, and those under 5 years of age had no luggage allowance?? Considering we have their birthdays on the records, I'll list them: Name Age Actual Listed Age John 40 40 Margaret 37 37 Hyrum Smith 7 16 Joseph Smith 6 14 Elizabeth 5 11 William 4 8 John 3 5 Susan 2 3 George infant 1 From the Latter-Day Saints' "Millennial Apparently Elder George Lake was the elder Star," the following articles on the sailing of the in charge of the Saints of the steamship steam ship 'Wyoming.' 'Wyoming,' as the following is a letter he sent to Departure his Mission president from the ship, as I found it At noon on Wednesday, June 21, the steamship 'Wyoming,' Captain E. Whineray, steamed out of this port with 248 souls of the Saints on board. Of this number 56 were from the Swiss and German Mission, 184 from the British Mission, and seven Elders in the "Millennial Star." 13 John Gillies Family History (by Jean Aten) of foggy weather. We had a considerable amount of sea-sickness on board, but now all seem to be in fine spirits and good condition. We had one case of small-pox and one of scarlet fever, in both cases the patients for the time being were removed to the hospital, but are now so far recovered as to be replaced in their berths. One death occurred, that of an infant of the Swiss company, who was only three days old when we left Liverpool. The captain and officers generally have been kind. The brethren are all well and join in love. Your brother in the Gospel, Geo. Lake At Sea. S. S. Wyoming, off Queenstown, June 22, 1871 President Albert Carrington. Dear Brother-I take great pleasure in informing you that we are all well and have had no sea sickness so far in our journey. All is peace and good order, the Saints vying with each other in striving to render others happy, and singing the songs of Zion with a willing zest. We have organized the saints into wards, and placed a competent man over each ward to take the watch-care and render the Saints as comfortable as possible. Prayers are attended to morning and evening. The Saints are delighted with the ship and the courtesy received so far from the officers, as they spare no pains to look after our well-being. The returning Elders are feeling fine and are in buoyant spirits, and join with me in kind love to you and all at 42, Islington. Ever praying that the blessings of Heaven may attend you and all our fellowlaborers, and the Saints we have left behind, I remain your brother in the Gospel, Geo. Lake The Wyoming. We clipped the following from the New York Times of Wednesday, July 5,--: "Over 200 'Mormon' emigrants from Europe were landed from the steamer Wyoming on Monday afternoon, and were forwarded, yesterday, westward. A case of small-pox appearing on a child before they landed, the steamer was detained in quarantine several hours, during which the Health Officer of the Port insisted upon the vaccination of the adults who had not been subjected to that experience. The emigrants looked healthy and well, and are the first of a batch of some thousands expected to join the "Mormons" in Utah." America. S. S. Wyoming, New York, July 2, 1871 President Albert Carrington. In other articles in the Millennial Star the other returning Elders wrote to President Carrington to express their feelings about their Dear Brother-We write to inform you of our safe arrival at New York, having been blessed with a prosperous voyage, though we encountered a great amount missions in the British Isles and the blessings of the Lord to them, Bro. George Lake, M.C. Shipp and William L. Payne. 14 John Gillies Family History (by Jean Aten) A QUICK PASSAGE--The steamship "Wyoming," on which the first company of Saint of this season's emigration left this port, arriving in New York on the morning of Sunday, 2nd instant, making the passage across the Atlantic Ocean, against strong head winds, in eleven days. On 13 July 1871 the following article was printed in the Deseret News: ARRIVALS--Elder Robert F. Neslen returned last night. The company with which Bro. Neslen journeyed from England to this City numbered 269 souls. They left Liverpool June 21, on the "S. S. Wyoming." When a short distance out of Queenstown they fell in with the brig "Courtain," bound from that port for America, which was in a sinking condition. The crew were taken aboard the Wyoming and brought to New York. The passage to the latter city was a quiet one, unusually wet and foggy. The health of the company was generally very good, only one death occurring on the voyage, that of a child twelve days old. On arrival at New York the vessel was quarantined one day on account of there being one case of small pox on board. The company were vaccinated and then permitted to proceed. The vaccination, however, only took effect in two cases. The company as far as New York, had been in the charge of Elder George Lake, who left them at that point to visit his relatives in the States, when the Saints were placed under the care of Elder Neslen. Bro. Neslen speaks very highly of the conduct of the railroad officials on the way from New York to this City, who, with a single exception, treated the company with the greatest consideration and courtesy. Bro. Neslen informs us that his last voyage makes the 7th time he has crossed the Atlantic Ocean." (Journal History--#28) At this point, I do not know where the family settled in Salt Lake. On the death records for Salt Lake County we find the birth and death of David Herod, born in 1872 and dying in October 1873, at age 11 months of "teething." The ward listed is the 20th. I have found them in the 20th ward in 1876 when both John and Margaret and Hyrum re-baptized, but nothing earlier of them on the records searched. In December 1875, Joseph died of typhoid fever and then the December of 1877 the four other children died of diphtheria, listed as the Mill Creek Ward. The following from the "News." "Gillies, On State Rd. near Salt Lake City, Dec. 15, (1877) George, son of John and Margaret Gillies, aged 7 yrs. of diphtheria." "Gillies, On State Road, near Salt Lake City, Dec 18, 1877, Susan, daughter of John & Margaret Gillies, aged 9 yrs. 5 months of diphtheria." "Gillies, On State Road, near Salt Lake City, Dec 22nd, of diphtheria, Margaret, youngest child of John & Margaret Gillies, aged 1 yr. and 10 months. Also Jane A., daughter of the above same complaint, Dec. 29th, this being the fourth child who has fallen Another article from the Millennial Star: 15 John Gillies Family History (by Jean Aten) I do not have any information on William victim to this disease in Brother Gillies' family in sixteen days." after the 1880 census except that my mother used to say he was not very welcome in the Gillies On the 1880 census of Salt Lake homes, he was always borrowing money or had a County–Mill Creek : Precinct–I found John and Margaret and "get rich scheme" to make them all rich--or was William and John listed as sons, living at home. she talking about William Miller, her father's half- William is age 17 and John is age 14. Elizabeth brother? is not listed, so perhaps she is working away from home and she did not marry until four years later to John Miller. I don't know where James is at this time, perhaps still in Scotland as in his 1910 letter to Hyrum he says he came out to New York in July 1883. Said it had been 35 years (at writing of letter) since he had seen Hyrum and had left Salt Lake. James served in the East India and the Afghan war. He was in the famous march under General Roberts from Cabul to Candahar and got a medal and clasp for the Battle of Candahar. His health failed and he was sent to Fort George near Invernesshire and when he regained his health, he paid 10 pounds, that's 50 dollars for his discharge and then came to New York. In 1881, the family moved to Vineyard and both John and Margaret died there. I have found nothing about John Stewart except in a family history of the "Gillies Families in Utah" compiled by James M. Black, he lists a wife, Edith Pearson Harlkley as his first wife. He does not list his sources as to where each items of information was found, so I want to do some more checking in the records for that. 16 History of the Jensen Line Histories of: Carrie Jensen Gillies James Jensen Andrew Neils Jenson Karna (or Caroline) Olsson Lucy Elmeda Harmon Ansil Perse Harmon Jesse Perce Harmon Rosaline Chandler History of John Harmon 18 My History – Carrie Jensen Gillies written by Carrie Jensen Gillies* *(typed as written) y birthdate is Jensen and fell in love with October 19 him and they were married at 1905. I was the the Manti Temple on April second child of James and 30, 1902. They then made Lucy their home in Richfield, Utah M Elmeda Harmon at 387 North 3 West, where Jensen. James Jensen, my father, they lived the rest of their lives. was the sixth child of Andrew and Caroline Jensen. On September 8, 1903 They had come to Utah from their first child was born, my Herrestad, Sweden, in 1864. older sister Ruth. I was born They first settled in Fountain two years later, October 19, Green, Utah, then came to 1905. My brother James Richfield, Utah, They were Harmon Jensen was born on driven back to Fountain Green by the Indians. In November 13, 1907. Two years later Rose was the spring of 1871 they moved back to Richfield. born on February 3, 1910. Milo Andrew was born On October 14, 1871, James was born. He lived at on February 23, 1912, while the baby girl, Lucile, Richfield the rest of his life. came to live at the Jensen's home on June 26, 1914. Thus oar family was made up of four girls Lucy Elmeda Harmon Jensen, my Mother, was the fifth child of Ansil and Rosaline Chandler and two boys. Harmon. Ansil came from Pennsylvania and came My father WRS a farmer and also had a herd to Utah in 1848. Rosaline was born in New York of cows. I helped with many things around the City and she came to Utah in 1862. They had house and also helped in the field. Getting the lived in Holden, Utah and it was here that my kindling and wood into the house was one of the mother was born September 23, 1871. first duties I remember doing. This was used to Lucy came to Richfield to visit a sister Mary burn in the woodburning cook stove. We didn't H. Seegmiller, and help her when her first child have coal to burn, so father and the other men Myrle was born. At this time she met James 19 My History – Carrie Jensen Gillies written by Carrie Jensen Gillies would go into the hills each fall and bring out relatives or friends would go along at the same large loads of wood to last the winter through. time. We made these trips in the White top buggy. When I was growing up Father grew sugar We would leave Richfield about 4 pm and travel beets. Each June soon after school was out I part way that evening. This was done so it would would go to the beet fields and thin the beets and be cooler for the horses to travel. The next later in the summer help weed them. As I grew morning after sleeping on the ground by the side older I then helped top the beets. of the buggy, we would then leave about 4 or 5 We had a real good riding horse called Jack, am and reach Fish Lake before it got too warm. that I learned to ride on. I would help drive the Father always helped with the cooking on these cows to the pasture that was about two miles east outdoor outings. He ways a real good cook having of town. Many times I would race with the other freighted in his younger days, and had done much boys or girls that were driving cows, as we would campfire cooking. We always enjoyed the biscuits return from taking them to the pasture. he would make and cook in the Dutch Oven, also the way he could cook fish in the frying pan over I was a real good baby-sitter, taking care of the open coals. the younger brothers and sisters. Mother was a very good cook and father was Other trips we took as a family were to a good provider and we had plenty to eat and Holden ,my mother's childhood home, and to wear. Hinckley where her two sisters, Emma Reeve and Jane Pratt lived. Mother had a sister, Anna Stringham, living at Vermillion, Utah, that we loved to visit. It was On holidays as a child were special times, we a great event for us to get the White Top buggy would either have my fathers family or mothers and drive the ten miles to her home where we sisters family come and have holiday dinner with would visit with our cousins. The train passed by us or we would be at their homes. her place and this was a big event for us to watch I started to school when I was six years old, it go by. We would put pins on the track before it my first teacher was a Miss Brown. I had many came by, then go pick them up afterwards and other good teachers as I went through school. My find them pressed in different shapes. A few times last year at High School I had an operation and we rode on the train either coming or going when was ill so that I was only able to attend for a part we would stay for a few days visit. of the year. I did not graduate from High School but did graduate from the Richfield Seminary. In the summer Father and Mother would take us to Fish Lake for a vacation. Often other 20 My History – Carrie Jensen Gillies written by Carrie Jensen Gillies The summer of 1925 I went on a vacation to baby and two boys and went and stayed until Salt Lake City. I stopped at Vineyard to visit a mother was better. After I returned home it cousin for a week. While there I was taken to seemed that Earl was not growing, so we took him many places, parties and dances. At a dance on to the doctor and found that he vas not getting the 24 of July I met Jay M. Gillies. We became enough to eat so I began to bottle feed him. good friends and fell in love. On April 7, 1926 we were married in the Salt Lake Temple. Jay's mother Jessie Archibald Gillies had died in August of 1925. Jay and his father, Hyrum Gillies had been living alone there in the family home. It was in this house that we started to keep house. His father lived with us until he died in January 1929. He was a very nice man and we all got along fine. On February 23, 1927 our first son was born, just one hour before his fathers 27th birthday, which is February 24. We named him Marion Jay. He was a beautiful baby with black hair. He was the first Grandchild of the Jensens. On December 24, 1929 another son was born, he was a nice Christmas present, and we named him Phil Marlo. July 9th, 1931 another baby boy Earl Arland Carrie When Younger came to make his home with us. When he was three days old, it being very hot summer a group September 25, 1933 was a big event in our of boys visiting at a neighbor's home, had gone home, a baby girl was born and we named her swimming in Utah Lake. One of the boys was Gayle. drowned, which was very upsetting to me. A It seemed that the winter of 1933 and 1934 week later my mother was being taken to Salt was a very hard time for our family, as there was Lake City for medical help and stopped in to visit. much sickness. Marion started to school that fall After she returned home, she became very ill and and had only attended a few weeks when he I was sent for to come to Richfield. I took my contained measles and the other two boys also got 21 My History – Carrie Jensen Gillies written by Carrie Jensen Gillies them. The baby Gayle was only two weeks old Many people came to Utah Lake to fish when this happened. My sister Rose had come to daring these years. Jay had one boat and people help me when my baby was born and stayed would ask to rent it. He decided that he would during the fall until Christmas time. make some boats and rent them. He made six and Rose had been training for a nurse but had to from February until August many people came to stop when she became ill. She was better so came rent them. This extra money was very welcome to help me. The day after Christmas she became and helped out with things the family needed. Sundays during the fishing season many ill and died before my parents could get to friends and relatives came to spend the day. Our Vineyard from Richfield. Soon after school started after the New Year, table was pulled out to seat from ten to twenty Marion developed whooping cough. The other people for dinner many times. It seemed that the three children got it from him. We just about lost city people didn't think it cost farm family our baby girl with this disease. Before the school anything to eat, they would say, "You produce all year was over, Marion got the mumps and again your food on the farm. We did have a nice garden all the children had them. It wasn't enough that the and berries along with some meat and milk, but children have them, but their father Jay got them. other things had to be purchased. Jay was Just ready to out his first crop hay when There was one family that we really enjoyed he got them. The good neighbors and friends having visit us, it was the William Cooks. They came and cut the hay and put it up. For this we had been Scottish friends of Jay's parents in were very thankful. Scotland. They always brought a box of groceries and things for the children. During the 1930's the depression years, we had our up's and downs, along with the rest of the In the fall of 1941 we saw men around our people. We were able to get along and had plenty firm making soil tests, we wondered what they to eat and cloth us, but we did not have any were doing. We found that the Government was money for entertainment or luxuries. We took the going to build a Steel Mill and was testing the soil children on picnics, fishing trips, to church and to for it. When they had decided where and what church parties. We made one trip a year to land they wanted, hey informed us that our farm Richfield to visit my parents. and home was to be included in the area they would need. Burke Oris, our last child was born on June 8, We had to sell and move. On March 1, 1942 1937. we received a letter telling us to be moved by 22 My History – Carrie Jensen Gillies written by Carrie Jensen Gillies April 1, 1942 and gave as $1 as a down payment, brought the last load down. The older boys had the rest to be paid in four weeks. started school in Monroe. We had so little time to find a place to move, The boys were staying at my sisters, Ruth but we found an eighty acre farm west of Monroe, Jones’ and Lucile Webb's homes. After the cattle Utah and we began to move our livestock and were brought the boys would go to our new home house hold goods. and do the chores, then to my sisters to sleep. On this farm was a large brick home, it had After moving to Monroe the people were many conveniences that we had not had our home very kind to us and treated us as one of them. The This boys and Gayle soon made many friends at home in Vineyard was school. It wasn’t long after moving to Monroe four from that I was asked to be a teacher in the South Ward Peasant Grove and ten Primary. After two years as a teacher I was asked miles from Provo. to be the President, which position I held for five When I first came to years. in Marion Jay Gillies Vineyard. miles live there after being I joined the Litsrose Club soon after coming married, we had no to Monroe and have held many offices in it, being electric lights, but we President during the year of 1965-66. had them put in six months later. On the farm were wells that were used for irrigating the farm and for the use in the house. The well for the house dried up and we had to drill a new one. After this was drilled we then piped the water into the house. Some time later we put in a modern bathroom. We had remodeled the house also, so it was hard to leave this home for me, and also for Jay as he he'd lived in it all his life. March was a stormy month and Jay had to Carrie & Jay & their house in Monroe move all our things in his truck. He made eight trips to bring the household things and cattle. I In 1943 and 1945 were sad years for us, my stayed in Vineyard with Burke and Gayle until he father passed away on February 21, 1943. In the 23 My History – Carrie Jensen Gillies written by Carrie Jensen Gillies spring of 1945 Marion graduated from High In 1948 we had a good crop of potatoes and School, which was a high light in our lives. the price was good. After our debts were payed, During that summer he was called into Salt Lake we bought a now Dodge car. City for a physical examination for his army Phil and Earl had been on a trip to service. He did not pass as he had lost an eye Yellowstone Park in 1947 with the FFA boys, so when a child. He came home and started to work we left them home to be chore boys and we took to earn money to go to college. While driving Gayle and Burke and took a trip into Idaho and some horses on a mower, he met with an accident Yellowstone Park. which caused his death on August 8, 1945. But Phil graduated from High School in 1948 and life must go on, even if one has a sad heart or not. entered College at CSU in Cedar City. Earl With the help of relatives and friends and our graduated the next year and they both were Heavenly Father and hard work, we came through attending the CSU the following year. In 1950 our trouble. But one never gets over the loss of a after school was out Phil left for a mission for the loved one. LDS Church to Great Britain. Earl had been a member of the Utah National Guard and it was As the boys and Gayle became older our called up for active duty. Earl served in the army home became a happy place. then for two years, being in Korea for 13 months After dances we would hear the old piano and in action all that time. begin to play and singing and laughing of happy We had in our home for one week an young people. Our children had brought friends Exchange student from England, Peter Rupp who home for a mid-night snack. was studying agriculture in this area. In 1948 Jay and I were asked to beStake Missionaries for the South Sevier Stake. After two Gayle graduated from High School in 1951 years Jay was made President of the Stake and attended Snow College at Ephriam, Utah, the Mission and I was asked to be Secretary. These following year. In 1952 we sponsored an English couple, The positions we held for five years. At this time Jay was a Scout Master in the Gorden Hales, to come from England to live in Monroe South Ward and for a number of summers the United States. They lived with us for a month he would take the scouts and our sons on the until he found employment at the University of mountain in the old Chevy truck for their summer Utah in Salt Lake City. We also had a number of outing. other English people come and visit us that Phil had met in England. 24 My History – Carrie Jensen Gillies written by Carrie Jensen Gillies In 1953 we had our first grandchild, now we have 15 lovely children. During the spring of 1954 Phil received his B.S. degree room Utah State University. On June 25, 1954 Earl and Ann Morrey of Joseph, Utah, were married in the Manti Temple. That summer Phil was called into the army and served for two years, sixteen months being in Korea. When he returned home he was married to Ina Gwen Olcott of Monroe, Utah on the 14 of March 1956. When I was released as President of the Monroe South Ward Relief Society in 1957, I was asked to be in charge of he Relief Society Serving In 1952 Earl came back from Korea. Gayle Committee. This included having charge of all was married to Kent Johnson on July 18, 1952, lunches to be served to the people after funerals. Kent was from Redmond, Utah. It was here that I am still acting on this committee. I have also she went to live. Phil came home that fall from his been an active Visiting Teacher for this mission and he and Earl were both back in school organization for many years. Burke our youngest son was married to again at CSU. I had served as Chairman for the Cancer La Juana Matheson of Henderson, Nevada, on Society in Monroe for two years. I had also been May 31, 1958 in the St. George Temple. He was a Councilor in the Monroe south Ward Relief graduated from the CSU at Cedar City the Society in 1950 and in 1952 was asked to be following years. President of that society. I served in this position At this time my mother came to live with us, for five years. During this time a new Ward and as she was getting on in years and was unable to Stake House was built. This was a busy time for live alone. She passed away at our home on May we had to raise money to help for this project. Our 12, 1959. So for the first time in all our married Relief Society was able to raise $5000 to help life, Jay and I were alone. Jay has tried to run the farm alone, but his furnish the Relief Society rooms and furnish the heart has started to bother him. We have now kitchen. rented it to Max Tuft with an option to buy it. We 25 My History – Carrie Jensen Gillies written by Carrie Jensen Gillies have bought a house trailer and we plan to spend time fishing, traveling and visiting our children. February 18, 1967 the Monroe Literose Club named me "Mother of the Year" to represent their club. At their annual party that night I was honored by a lovely tribute given to me. My two sons Phil and Earl and their wives had come from Malad, Idaho, where they now live, to be in attendees at this party. Gayle and her husband Phil, Burke, Earl, & Gayle Kent, also wore in attendance. Burke had called saying he was unable to come. On April 7, 1967 Jay and I will celebrate our forty first wedding. We hope to be able to have many more together and grow old with each other. Jay & Carrie 50 Wedding Anniversary th Jay & Carrie 26 My History – Carrie Jensen Gillies written by Carrie Jensen Gillies Mother of the Year Letters 27 My History – Carrie Jensen Gillies written by Carrie Jensen Gillies 28 My History – Carrie Jensen Gillies written by Carrie Jensen Gillies 29 My History – Carrie Jensen Gillies written by Carrie Jensen Gillies 30 My History – Carrie Jensen Gillies written by Carrie Jensen Gillies 31 My History – Carrie Jensen Gillies written by Carrie Jensen Gillies 32 JAMES JENSEN ames Jensen, the son of Soon after James was born, the Andrew Nielson Jenson room he was born in was torn down and and Caroline (Karna) two rooms were built. Two years latter Nielson, was born October 14, two more rooms were added to his 1871, in Richfield, Sevier Co., parents home. The room in which he Utah. He died at Richfield, Utah, was born stood almost where the Main February 21, 1944. His parents Street is now, just in front of the old had joined the Church of Jesus county court house. The back of the Christ of Latter-day Saints in new house was almost on the corner Sweden and came to Utah in 1864. where Child’s Service Station was built They first came to Richfield in in 1942. His father at that time owned J 1864, but were driven out, with other people, by one-fourth of the whole block (including where the Indians. They went to Fountain Green, Utah, the Dr. Stiener home (Vernon Erichson’s present and stayed there a few years, then went back to home) and later Whiting Motor Garage. Richfield a few months before James was born October 14, 1871. The day he was born, his father went to Glenwood, Utah, for a mid-wife, Mrs. Herring. He went by ox team. James was born before his father returned and Mrs. Christine Morrison was with his mother. The house wasn’t finished. The walls were made of adobe mud and the roof had willows on it with dirt of the roof. It James Jensen - Age 12 was raining when the baby was born and the rain was coming through the roof. Pans had been set As a boy some of his playmates were around on the floor to catch the rain and a parasol George Morrison, Chariton (Shirt) Seegmiller, was held over the bed so the mother and baby Verg Bean, Joe Horne and Pet and Joe Nielson, wouldn’t get wet. James was a little, white- and Joe Hanson. headed, hazel-eyed baby. 33 Histories of James Jensen As a boy he used The boys would herd the cattle in the hills in to herd sheep and cows the spring where there was grass, but in June and in the northwest hills. July where there was plenty of feed in the When he had shoes to pastures, they would put them with the public wear, he would take herd and keep them there until fall. them off after he got to Jim’s first school teacher when he started the hills and would school, was a Mrs. Alice Hoyt. The school was play and run around held in an adobe house just three blocks west of barefooted. One day as the Richfield Post Office. There were ten or he and his brother, John were coming twelve students in the school. There was one James ~ Age 12 room in the house and a curtain was drawn to home from the hills on horses, the horses stopped at a divide the school from the living part. Once Jim stream for a drink. Jim, as he was called, had a and Joe Horne found the teacher’s pie and helped switch in his hand and hit John’s horse. The themselves. The teacher kept willows to do her horse jumped and ran away leaving John sitting in switching and Jim got his share of the switching the ditch. for eating the pie. (The ditch was down east of The next year he went to a private school Cottonwood Canyon--about where the hospital taught by Anna Morrison, and produce was given is.) to pay the cost of going to her school. Anna Another time while herding cattle, he and Morrison was only a few years older than Jim. another boy were rolling rocks down the hill up in Cottonwood Canyon. The boy slipped and the Lyle Merral was the next teacher and this ledge was loosened. Jim grabbed onto the boy was in the Academy Hall. Jim would start to go and helped pull him back. The rocks and dirt just to school when the fall work was done and go missed falling on a man with a wagon load of until the spring work began. He went to this wood. school for two terms. Louise Bean was the next Another time he and another boy were teacher for two years. A Mr. Rasmussen had a rolling rocks down the hill and one of the big mixed school and he attended this school for some rocks rolled and hit the other boy’s cow. The cow time. was killed. In the herd of cattle they were When Jim was about 15 years old, he was watching, was an old red bull that was tame and riding a bronco and was giving the horse a drink he and other boys would ride it if they didn’t have at a ditch. A lady nearby shook a rug and it a horse to ride. frightened the horse, the horse bucked and threw 34 Histories of James Jensen Jim off. He caught the horse, got back on it and going to leave home to go back to Marysvale, his rode home. When he got home, he tied the horse mother, wanting to give him a treat, gave him up, fed it, then went in the house and went to bed. some canned salmon. His father had been to Juab The next morning when he woke up, he didn’t and gotten the salmon a few days before. Salmon know were he was. He said the last he was quite a treat and he and his folks really remembered was seeing the lady shaking the rug. enjoyed it. After breakfast he left home. When When Jim was about 17 years old, he got a he got to Monroe, he stopped for a drink of water, job working for Jered Taylor at Marysvale. He then started for Poverty Flat. Before he got the was to receive twenty dollars a month, plus room drink, he had been a little dizzy, but thought it and board. He worked about seven months and was the heat. By the time he got to Poverty Flat, couldn’t collect all the money so he took part of it was all he could do to keep on the horse. A his pay in cattle. little farther on he became blind and just let the From Taylor’s he went to James Stark’s horse go. He didn’t remember getting to Starks, ranch (near Marysvale) and worked for a year and but the horse had taken him back there. When a half. While working there, Mr. Stark became Mr. Starks found him, he thought he had stopped very ill. Jim started for the doctor who was in in Monroe and gotten drunk. Finally they realized Richfield. When he got to Monroe, he went to he was ill and sent for the doctor. The doctor Hans Tuft’s home, and as it was in the night, and came and worked with him for two days before because he was in a hurry, he just took a fresh Jim could talk. He had been very sick and had horse and left his. He got the doctor and on his been able to hear people talk, but he was unable to way back to Marysvale, he stopped to get his talk to them. It was decided that the salmon had horses. Mr. Tuft, when he found his best horse made him sick. For years afterwards, he could gone and strange horse in his corral, was pretty never eat salmon. Long afterward if salmon was angry, but when Jim told him why he had taken served on the table, he would just take a little on the horse as he did, Mr. Tuft told him if he ever his plate. needed a horse to help himself. Jim made the trip At one time he went to the Sevier Stake to Marysvale and back in four hours. The doctor Academy, which held higher classes and this said if he hadn’t gotten him, Mr. Starks would school he attended for one year. While working probably have died. at Starks he saved enough money to go the B.Y.U. While he was working at Starks, he went for one year. When he left for the B.Y.U. he home for a couple of days. He traveled most of weighed 196 pounds and when he went home in the time without a saddle. The morning he was the spring he weighed 165. James M. Peterson 35 Histories of James Jensen and William Coons were room-mates at the B.Y. freight to Nevada. It was early in the spring and That winter, James M. Peterson became very ill there had been a lot of moisture that winter. The and Jim would go to their rooms between classes weather had turned warm and there was a thaw on to turn him over and attend to his needs. Mr. at the time when they were to begin their journey. Peterson said that Jim was the only one who could The wagons were loaded and they started on their care for him without hurting him. way from Richfield during the early morning The next summer he was at home part of the hours. When they got just south of town, the time, then he went back to Marysvale and worked heavy load made the wagons sink in the soft mud for some Harris brothers helping them to plow of the road. Their horses were soon unable to and break up some new land. He intended going move the wagons. In order to get on their way, back to school in the fall, but was not able to save they doubled their teams up. As each had four enough money, so was unable to go. horses, they would put the eight horses onto one It must have been after this that he spent wagon, move it away, then go back and move the some time hauling freight. He has told of going other wagon. They continued this all day and by from Richfield to various towns in Nevada. He night they had traveled only to the north end of said that if the weather was cold, after leaving the town of Central. The next day they were able Richfield, he would stop in Elsinore and purchase to make better progress and traveled to the mouth a pair of wooden shoes. He always got the shoes of Clear Creek Canyon and stayed at the James too large for him, then he would put straw in them Morrison Ranch. The trip to Nevada and back to fill the space around his feet. The results were would sometimes take a month to six weeks. that he had warm feet as he traveled on this way. On December 17, 1897, Jim left for Mexico. He would tell of how the other men would laugh A. D. Thurber, a polygamist, was moving to at him, but he had warm feet while the men Mexico and offered him a job of driving a team of complained of how cold their feet were. horses to Mexico for him. Mr. Thurber had a buggy and a wagon to be taken there. He traveled in the winter and many times when he awoke in the morning he would be In the group going to Mexico, besides the buried under a heavy coat of snow. He said that Thurber family, was E. Payne and wife and a while out on the road, he was never sick or had a Charles Bean drove a wagon. (Charles Bean later cold, but when he would be at home, it seemed he became Jim’s brother-in-law as he married Mary would have a cold or an illness would develop. Jensen.) An Odis Fielding of Manti drove a team of supplies. He told of one experience that he and another man had as they were taking a load of 36 Histories of James Jensen New Mexico where they crossed the boarder. The first night they camped one and a half miles from Monroe. They made a big bed for all From there they went to Diess, Carluis, and of them, men women and children. A DyBlain (all Mormon settlements) and it was here Presbyterian minister came along and wanted to the Thurbers stopped to live. (Spelling of towns know what kind of a bed it was. They told him it may be wrong). It was the last of February or first was a “polygamist bed.” The next day they part of March when they reached their destination. reached the other side of Marysvale and camped Jim left the Thurbers and went to Jaurez, there. Then they spent a night a Panguitch, Hatch, about fifteen miles away. He found work at and Upper Kanab. The day before Christmas, Hurst’s sawmill for about two months and then he they reached the town of Johnson, a place half- went to Cacletis after a load of logs for Charles way up the Bicksin Mountain. Christmas night Bean. He lost his hat and had to go without one they went into town and attended a dance that was for three days. being held. The stopped at Houserock and at Jim was asked to go down to Galenta for Lee’s Ferry. At Lee’s Ferry they were ferried some cattle and take back to the U.S.A. Two across the Colorado River on a boat. They next other white men were going to help drive the went to Bitter Springs (near Tuba City) and here cattle as well as some Mexicans. When it was they crossed the Little Colorado and it took three time to leave with the cattle, the white men were days to get to Windslow. They traveled for three ill, so Jim and 17 Mexicans drove about 3,000 days in the rain and then at Shoveling Creek they cattle to the United States. For six weeks Jim had to wait three days as there had been a flood didn’t see another white man. He learned to there and they had to wait for the road to dry. speak a little Mexican language and could From there they went to Holbrook, Arizona; understand quite a lot. After delivering the cattle, Neutarosa, Woodruff and Springerville. At Jim went back to Mexico for a few days then got Springerville, they stopped for Sunday School and on a train and went to El Paso, Texas. He planned Jim was asked to give a talk. Also, at on waiting for some fellows to come from Mexico Springerville they visited with a Jeppson family and while waiting for them he heard of a train that had once lived in Richfield. Sometime after wreck at Guinn and he went to help clear it up, crossing into New Mexico they chased desert then when he went back to El Paso the fellows turkeys and were able to catch three. They were waiting for him. They had planned on going stopped at Williams Ranch for four days and then back to Utah, but they had changed their minds went on to Silver City. There they loaded the and went to Deming, New Mexico. (This was wagons with hay and grain. Stopped at Deming, June). While in Deming they met two fellows 37 Histories of James Jensen who wanted to sell two tickets to San Francisco, Portland thinking about joining the Navy, but he California for $5.00 each. Jim and Thee Brandley happened to meet a Methodist minister from thought it too good a bargain to pass up. Jim Richfield, who was there at a convention and collected $40.00 from Guy Taylor for driving the when he talked to the minister, it made him cattle and he and Thee Brandley bought the homesick so he decided to start for home. He tickets and went to Los Angeles. They stayed stopped at Grass Valley and worked on a farm there three days then arrived in San Francisco on helping thresh grain. (A picture was taken of him July 4, 1898. The tickets were first-class tickets. on the thresher and one of his children has it.) He The day they arrived in San Francisco, they saw worked on a railroad for a time and then got on a the biggest parade of their lives. They also saw a train and went to Salt Lake City. He arrived man killed in a sky rocket. The parade was put on home for Christmas in 1898. He had been gone by the Christian Endeavors. over a year. Jim stayed in San Francisco two weeks and One incident which happened while in then went to an employment office where he go a Mexico was related by his parents. While Jim job at the mouth of the Columbia River in was in Mexico, his coat was stolen. In the coat Oregon. He went on a ship which took two days pocket was a letter he had received from his to get there. Here he worked on a railroad for mother. The man who took the coat was riding on awhile. The flu got so bad that he quit there and a train and was killed. The authorities found the went to Rainier on a boat. Here he bought some letter and thinking it was Jim who was killed, new clothes and then got a job at a saw mill. It wrote to his mother telling her about the accident. was here that he was ill with the flu and when he Of course, the family was very upset, but it was went back to work, he was so weak he wasn’t able only a few days after that when Jim arrived home. to do the work, so he left there and went back to It was a joyous homecoming for him and his the mouth of the Columbia River and helped family. make dikes. He had to get up on a high platform Jim had two sisters, Mary and Martha. The and release a one and a half ton hammer, which sisters’ friend, Liz Seegmiller, her brother had drove in the logs for the dikes. At night he would married Mary Harmon for Holden. Mary Harmon sleep on a scow. One night the anchor rope broke Seegmiller’s sister, Lucy Harmon, was visiting and if a man hadn’t seen it break away, the boat her and went with Liz Seegmiller to visit Mary would have been carried down stream. and Martha. It was here that Jim met Lucy. That night Jim walked the two girls home. Later Jim He worked in a salmon factory for some took Lucy to a dance. time, and when the work was done, he went to 38 While at the dance Histories of James Jensen someone stole a fur cap that Lucy had. Jim had a To Lucy and James Jensen were born 6 coat and cap, and when he took Lucy to her children--Ruth, Carrie, James Harmon, Rose, sisters’, he put his cap on her head. Lucy stayed Lucile and Andrew Milo. part of the winter in Richfield or in Vermillian James or Jim was a farmer and did a very with another sister, Anne. Jim went to Eureka to good job at farming. He first had 10 acres south work and wrote to Lucy. When he went back to of town, then sold it and bought land north of Richfield, Lucy was in Holden. That summer he Richfield, he had also some land that he had went over to Holden in a one seated buggy to see bought earlier. The land is now owned by his her. It was in this same buggy that he went to sons, Harmon and Milo. He also had land east of Holden to take his bride to Manti, Utah, to be town that was used as pasture for his cows. married in the Temple there. It was a raining and stormy day as they left on their journey, but they arrived in Manti that night and stayed with some Harmon relatives, that ran a Hotel, called the Harmon House. It was on April 30, 1902 that James Jensen and Lucy E. Harmon were married in the Manti Temple. After they left the temple they started for Richfield. It was raining so bad that when they got to Gunnison they stopped there and spent the night there, the first night as newlyweds. They made their home in Richfield and moved into the home where they lived the rest of their lives. The home in which they moved was one Jim’s brother, John, had owned. John had moved to Salt Lake City. This home was what is now 386 North 3rd West. This home was a brick home with three rooms. Jim bought it from John and his wife Elma. 39 A HISTORY OF ANDREW NIELSON JENSON ALSO HIS WIFE KARNA, OR CAROLINE OLSON JENSON (written by Ruth Jensen Jones) ndrew was born on May 7, 1828, at Andrew’s family was not at all happy about them Fronch Stora, Warabadt Scona, joining this church. The stepmother, Christina, Sweden. He was the son of Nils said it was all Karna’s fault. She ordered her out A His of the house and spat on her. An Aunt who was father, Nils Jonsson, was born on June 30, 1794, there said that Karna’s skin was darker now that at Malmohus, Sweden. He died November 6, she had joined the church. Jonsson and Gunilla Erlandson Jonsson. 1859. His mother, Gunilla Erlandson, was born Andrew and Karna soon got the spirit of on September 5, 1790, and died on May 20, 1832. gathering. They wanted to be with the Saints in Her birthplace was Honalands, Sweden. Utah. They began to save their money and to sell their possessions. In March of 1864, they started Andrew was married in October, 1860, to on their long, long journey to Utah. Karna Olson. She was born on August 25, 1839, at Snarladt Scona, Sweden. Her parents were Nils Their second child, Nils, had been born on Olsson, born March 12, 1774, at Belentrop, December 23, 1862, at Harrestad, Sweden, so with Sweden, and her mother was Anna Mattsson, born this baby and little Gunilla they started on the long August 8, 1779, at Snorestad, Sweden. voyage across the Atlantic Ocean, leaving all of their other loved ones behind. Andrew and Karna’s first child was a daughter, Gunilla, born December 18, 1861, at The food and water, on the ship, was very Harrestad, Sweden. Soon after this child was poor and stale, and they were quartered down in born the parents heard the missionaries of the the bottom of the ship. Karna was one of the first L.D.S. Church preach the gospel. Karna was soon passengers to get seasick. Soon the little girl, converted and was baptized on March 29, 1861. Gunilla, became ill and died. This happened in It was just two days later when Andrew was either March or April. It was necessary that she be baptized on March 31, 1861. buried at sea. This must have been very hard on Some time after they were baptized they her parents. Andrew and Karna were on the sailing went to visit Andrew’s family. Andrew’s mother, vessel for six weeks, and Karna was ill most of the Gunilla Erlandson, had died in 1832, when time. When they reached New York City Andrew Andrew was three years old. His father had remarried a lady named Christina Phesson. did whatever work he could get until there was 40 enough money to join an immigrant train. This A History of Andrew Nielson Jenson Also His Wife Karna, or Caroline Olson Jenson their food and clothing with them and also helped train took them to Florence, Nebraska. It was just Andrew to get work. a train of box cars and the people were crowded In the spring of 1865, they decided to go into them, with their families and their few father south where there was more land and water. belongings, including food. They traveled this They traveled south to Richfield to make their way for several days before they arrived at home. Florence, Nebraska. Grandma Jenson said that The first home was a dugout but later this was a very hard trip and they suffered much. Andrew was able to build a one-room house. For After arriving at Florence they met some ox the roof he placed willows across and dirt on top of team outfits from Utah. They joined one of these them. The dug-out was on the corner of 2nd North and were thus able to start on the last part of their and Main Street. Later the courthouse was built, journey. Joseph Herring was their teamster boy just across the street east from their lot. Andrew was able to secure a yoke of oxen and they were in the Isaak Canfield company. Andrew walked most of the way. Karna and and began grubbing brush from his ten acres that little Nils were so ill that they were allowed to was south of Richfield, just north of Richfield ride in the wagon. While going along a dugway Airport. It took him two years to clear off the one day the oxen swerved and nearly sent them to brush. While he was doing this work he had to the bottom of the canyon. By some quick action have a gun at his side because the Indians were on the part of the teamster, however, a tragedy troubling the people. During this same time he was averted. If the wagon had gone off the helped dig the canal, using a grubbing hoe and dugway the mother and child would have been pick. A little son whom they named Andrew was killed. They arrived in Salt Lake City on October 5, born 20 December 1865, at Richfield. He only 1864, after leaving Sweden in March. Their shoes lived until the 16 of September 1866, so, again and clothes were almost worn out and they had no they were childless. This little Andrew was buried money to buy more. In a few days they were in the old Cemetery west of Richfield north of the taken to Fountain Green, Sanpete County. Three high school. days after arriving there little Nils died. He was Karna didn’t have any shoes that were good buried at Fountain Green and again they were at the time, and she would borrow some long childless. enough to go to church. She was anxious to learn to talk and read English, so she attended night They had a difficult time that first winter but school. Brother H. P. Miller was the teacher. the Saints there were kind to them. They divided 41 A History of Andrew Nielson Jenson Also His Wife Karna, or Caroline Olson Jenson Even if they had had money they would not have wooden bed and dresser and a paisley shall, and a been able to buy anything as there was not a store clock among other things to bring home to his in Richfield at this time. Andrew did not attend wife. Mary J. Bean had the dresser and she gave it, school and did not learn to speak or read very when she moved to Salt Lake, to her son, Lowell. good English. She gave Ruth J. Jones the shawl. Karna had this In the Summer of 1867 the Indians became shawl around James Jensen, another son, when he so troublesome that the church authorities advised was blessed and given a name. He was born on 14 the people who were settled in this area to go of October 1871. I remember Grandma using this north until things got safer. They left and went on a little stand in her dining room. back to Fountain Green and lived for a while with While Andrew was returning from Salt Ole Jenson and wife, while they built a one room Lake after taking his load of grain, he stayed one house of logs. night to camp at what is now called Spring Lake, On August 11, 1867, after arriving at near Payson. His team of oxen went into the water Fountain Green another son was born, they named to drink and began to sink, as there was quick sand him John. How happy they must have been to there. He became very excited and began calling have a son. for help. People came to help, but as he was talking in Swedish they couldn’t understand who At this time Karna secured a loom and he was and where he was going. began to weave cloth which she would exchange Adelbert Nebeker of Annabella told me, for wheat and provisions. In the spring and summer the men would go Ruth, that he was a young boy at this time living to Richfield and tried to raise some crops, as the near this area and he and several other boys ran to Indians had become more peaceful. Later in the see what the trouble was. He said that he saw the summer of 1871, Andrew brought his family back animals sinking in the water. A man that lived to Richfield. near was from Sweden and was sent for and came While they were in Fountain Green a to help but by then it was too late to save the oxen. daughter was also born, Mary Caroline. She was The man did secure a loan of a team for Andrew to born the 20 of July 1869. So again they had a son go home with. A widow let him have a cow that and daughter as they had when they left Sweden. was dry and he was able to also get an oxen. In the early fall of 1871, Andrew took a load It was also during this summer of 1871 that of wheat he had harvested to Salt Lake City. He Andrew was traveling alone on a trip from Sanpete went by ox team. to Richfield with supplies with his ox team. He While there he bought a 42 A History of Andrew Nielson Jenson Also His Wife Karna, or Caroline Olson Jenson had unhitched them from the night near the town Andrew was chosen a counselor to Bishop of Aurora. He had turned the cattle out to browse Lewis and for years took care of the fast offerings. and had lain down in the wagon to sleep. A voice More children were born to them. Martha awakened him telling him to get up and move on. Sophi was born 24 February 1874, Lewis on 17 He heeded the voice of warning. He rounded up August 1876, and Alexander 20 November 1878. his team and came on to Richfield, reaching there In 1882 Andrew decided that he wanted a at sunrise. That morning word came to town that plural wife. James told of how he and John and a man camped a short distance from where Lewis, though they were just boys, would be Andrew had camped near Aurora had been killed helping haul hay, and as they came to where this by Indians. It would undoubtedly have been his lady, Anna Eliza Swenigen lived, Andrew wanted fate if he had failed to heed the warning to get up to get off and go visit her while they unloaded the and go on to Richfield. hay. James or Jim as he was called, or John if On the 14 of October 1871, another son was either were driving the load of hay, would whip the born. He was named James. There was no doctor horses up and go on past and not let him off the in Richfield, so Andrew left his wife and went to load. They didn’t feel that he should take another Glenwood by ox team after a mid-wife to help wife. But Andrew did take her for a second wife in with the delivery of the baby. The lady he went to 1882. She bore him three children, Mary Ann, get was a Mrs. Herring. When they returned they Ardell and Oscar. found that the baby had already arrived. Mrs. After he took Anna Eliza for a wife, the Chrisina Morrison had been left with Karna and government arrested him and he was sent to the had helped bring the baby. state prison. He stayed there for six months. Jim James told how his mother had told him that had a comb case that he had made while there. He the roof began to leak, as there had been a heavy had carved a design on it, and it was very rain storm on, and they had to put pans over the attractive. When he got out of prison, he found bed to catch the rain and try to keep mother and that Anna Eliza had found her another man and she baby warm and dry. had left him. A divorce was granted on May 28, 1890. During the winter of 1871, Andrew continued to help dig what is known as the Andrew was still struggling to fence the land Richfield Canal. Karna carded and spun cloth. he had secured from the government. He had also She made cloths for her family and others. Later taken some land north of Richfield. One day in she wove carpets for many people in the area. 1893, he was on a horse and had a cradle that they 43 A History of Andrew Nielson Jenson Also His Wife Karna, or Caroline Olson Jenson used to harvest grain, when the horse he was and Jenson. Also at this time Karna took the riding became frightened and threw him off. He English name of Caroline. Andrew was the first to plant a fruit orchard fell on this cradle and was injured very badly. He died on May 12, 1893. in Richfield. To obtain the trees he took his ox He was buried at team and traveled to Fillmore to get the young tree Richfield May 17, 1893. When Karna first came to Richfield there plants. He planted them on the block they first were many hard things she had to do. The bread lived there on main street. At this time they owned that she made was not very good. It was not her the whole block, but as time went on they sold fault. The way they had to sperate the sunflower building lots. seeds and other seeds from the wheat was very This first home had been added on to, there hard to do and many were left in the flour. She were several rooms. There was what they called a said the bread was very untasty and it was hard lean to, built on and used as a kitchen. I remember for her to eat. as a child, riding in front of my father, James or When Andrew was working on the canal, Jim, on a horse and he stopped near the door and and in the field, she would kill a chicken and Uncle Lewis coming out and lifting me down in his grind it to put on the bread. She would give him arms, then going into the house. The door must the meat and she would eat the soup. have been low as I remember him saying, “duck.” Karna continued to study the English I also remember they had a lounge, the sides and language but Andrew was frightened of being back was of wood. I used to play around it and on made fun of and when he would see a man it. Uncle Lewis and Alex would sit on the floor coming down the street he would go around the with their backs to it and I would play on the block rather than have to talk to him in English. lounge and bother them. This is all I remember of this house. When they came to this country they went by the name of Nielson, using the way people got Along about 1900 they bought a lot two there names in Sweden, adding “son” to the blocks east from this first home. Here a nice brick father’s name. When they obtained their home was built. I know that Grandma was really endowments on May 3, 1869, they were asked to proud of her new home that her children had been use the last name of his father, that of Jonsson or able to build for her. It had one of the first Jenson as was used in English. For many years bathrooms that I remember seeing. Grandma was very neat in caring for herself the family was known by old timers as Nielson as well as her home. It was always spotless. I 44 A History of Andrew Nielson Jenson Also His Wife Karna, or Caroline Olson Jenson remember that one day I had been there eating them. There was a nice little shed also, and in it dinner with her and the rest of the family. The was kept a pretty one-seat black buggy. She was men had gone out to work and Aunt Marth had so proud of it. When I was a Grandma’s place and Uncle gone back to the bank, where she worked. Grandma went out to look after her chickens. I Lewis and Alex were there Grandma would have thought that I would surprise her and I washed a good dinner at noon for them, as Aunt Marth and wiped the dishes while she was outside. would come from working at the Commercial When she came in and saw what I had done, she Bank, and we would all eat. wasn’t too happy until she inspected them to see One day I was there and Grandma had made if I had done a good job. She said that I had. I a nice big cake, it was sitting on a big glass cake was about 7 years old at that time. dish, and looked so good. After the blessing on the It was a joy to go to Grandma Jensen’s and food was said, Uncle Lewis reached over and took eat dinner with them. The table was set in the one a piece of the cake. Grandma told him to put it end of the kitchen and by now she had some very back and have the other food first, but I remember nice dishes. There was the set of green water him saying, “What difference does it make when glasses and pitcher that was trimmed with gold. you eat it first or last, it all goes to the same place.” How good her rootbeer was from them. She also Grandma loved to have friends come in and visit for an afternoon. Some were Swedish and made the very best sugar cookies. Grandma loved flowers. Around her new other Danish. The would talk these languages and home she had rows of many kinds of flowers-- I used to think they were saying things that I Pansies, Sweet Williams, Larkspurs and those big shouldn’t hear. Cantaberry Bells along with Snap Dragons. She footstool even if I couldn’t know what they were would let me pick some of the Snap Dragons and talking about. But I used to sit on her big play they were little dogs. We never left there My father would take me sometimes down on without a big bunch of flowers tied around with the horse or in the wagon and let me spend the day some string. Even if someone was just passing by there; I really did enjoy it. and she was working in her flowers and they The last time I went there was with Mother stopped to admire the flowers, they would take and the other children, Carrie, Harmon and Rose, some with them as they went on there way. with Milo in the baby buggy, as he was about three In the back yard was a coop with a little months old. Grandma was out working in her flock of chickens, and she took the best care of flowers when we got there. My mother told her 45 A History of Andrew Nielson Jenson Also His Wife Karna, or Caroline Olson Jenson that it was too damp and cold to be out there on that time there were no automobiles, and the hearse the damp lawn. It was in May and not to warm a was drawn by some big black horses. The Joseph day. Grandma said that the weeds were coming Horne family were the funeral directors. During the funeral my sister Rose became up and needed pulled out. We went in the house and visited for a restless, so I was told to take her and Harmon while, then went over to Uncle Lewis’ place, outside and keep them till it was over. When I saw where he and Aunt Adell lived and had a new the people coming out, I went back in, and they baby. But when we went home we had our bunch were just ready to close the casket. At this time it of flowers to take with us. That was on a Friday, was the custom to leave the casket open during the and on Sunday my father, James, went to a service. Mr. Horne saw me coming and held the Priesthood meeting down at the Old Academy lid back up and lifted me up so I could see Hall where they held some of the meetings, and Grandma one last time. We had a white top buggy at this time and we Uncle Charles Bean, Aunt Mary’s husband, came rode to the cemetery in it. up to him and said, “I thought that you would be During her 73 years Grandma had seen many at your Mother’s.” He asked why and Uncle changes and had taken time well. Aunt Martha Charles said that she was very ill. continued to live in the home until she died. Father left the meeting and at once came to Grandma’s place and found that she was very ill NOTE: Ruth Jensen Jones gathered this with pneumonia. After visiting there for a while information by talking to several people and by her he came home to get mother and they both went own experiences. down. When father came into the house mother looked at him and said, “Jim what on earth is the matter, you look like a ghost?” He then told her. I stayed with the children, but mother did take Milo. There had been a misunderstanding among the brothers and sisters, each thinking that one had told Father about Grandma being ill. After doing his chores that night he went and stayed with her. Grandma died on May 20, 1912, and her funeral was held in the Third Ward Church. At 46 LUCY ELMEDA HARMON JENSEN n November 29, 1862, Roseline Stringham’s. Amos Harmon had been waiting there for us for two days. When we arrived on October 22, I saw the cars (train), for the first time. We left Salt Lake for Toquerville on the 25 of October and arrived at Holden on the thirtieth. Arrived at Toquerville about the middle of November, and I went to school December and January.” O Chandler became the wife of Ansil Perse Harmon, the ceremony being performed by Daniel H. Wells in the Endowment House, in Salt Lake City, Utah. They remained in Salt Lake until the following spring when they moved to Cedar Springs, now Holden, Utah. Ansil had been called The following is a copy of what Lucy H. there to take charge of the Church property, which Jensen had written about herself. This was found consisted of a farm and a large number of cattle. among her papers. They first lived in a fort built for protection February 19, 1933. In a little town of Holden, but was called Cedar Springs at first, and one hundred and sixty miles south from Salt Lake City, Utah, in the year of 1871 a little black headed, black eyed and red faced girl of 8 1/2 pounds was born on the 23 of September. The good parents were, Ansil and Roseline Chandler Harmon. The house I was born in was a large frame one and was painted white. It had 8 rooms in it and was a very nice home for the family. I was the fifth child there being 9 children, two dying when a baby. I had 6 sisters and 2 brothers. Their names were Annie Rose, Milo Ansil, Joseph Martin, Mary Sophronia, Emma Tressa, Zina Bell and Jane Marinda. Our house was open to the many friends who ever came there. How often one of the 12 apostles would stop on their way going from Salt Lake City to St. George and eat a meal with us. I well remember the old coach that would pass our home and stop at the Post Office across the street on the against the Indians. On November 11, 1863, their first child was born, whom they named Anna Rose. Three other children were born in the fort, Milo Ansil, Joseph Martin and Mary Sophronia. Joseph died when only a few weeks old. In the spring of 1871 the family moved out of the fort into a new eight-room house. From the journal of Willis Milton Harmon he writes: “On the ninth of July 1870, Father (Appleton Milo Harmon) and I left Toquerville for Holden to build a house for Uncle Ansil Harmon. We arrived in Holden on the fifteenth of July. On the twenty-fourth of July (Pioneer Day) they spoke comic pieces and sang songs, and on the twenty-fifth they had a public dance. My father and I left Holden for Salt Lake City on the 18th of October 1870. We stopped at Grandma 47 Lucy Elmeda Harmon Jensen Eve, Father was away after goods to Mona. This was before the train came to Juab, which was the station for years. We used to drive the cows over the hill so they could get feed, how I remember when spring came we would gather the lilies and red tassels as we were going along. My father had the contract of getting out the sleepers and joice for the brick school house. The old adobe one was getting old and little for the number of children. We girls would go with him for company up the canyon. While he was working on the logs, we could set and crochet and do other things. Sometimes ramble around and gather specimens of different kinds of plants. We all loved so well to go with him. We would always be ready to help him as he was so kind to us. When I was small and about 8 years old, one of our neighbor boys picked up a stick and threw it at me, hitting my mouth so hard that it broke one of my teeth off. Of course I thought I was killed when I saw the blood, but he was only a mischief boy, like all boys. His mother was such a nice lady, her name was Mary Ann Tanner. She gave me a little box with some lace in it, which I thought was nice, as it was a rare thing in those days to get a present. We girls used to go on the farm and help father pick up his potatoes. There was other children who would come and help us. We would see who could get the largest pile before dinner time. We would always try to lay out the largest ones so to show the neighbors who were digging potatoes, who had the best. Once when it was getting near lunch time, I called out to Pa, “Minne says dinna dinna.” Of course they had a laugh on me for corner where the old Coop Store stood for years. It is now occupied by the Wood Bro. My father was a great person for improvements. He planted lots of trees also, raspberries, strawberries, grapevines. We had a beautiful grape arbor by the south side of the parlor. A Brother Tanner, who once was our neighbor and who had moved to Milford, said he would give us $40 for it if we could only move it to his home. If I could count the bunches of grapes that had been eaten by others beside our own family it would be a good many. Everyone who came by always tried to see how good they were, and they were always welcome to try them. On each side of our lot there was a row of large locus trees. In later years all afternoon sports of the 4th of July and 24th of July on Pioneer day was held there. In the lot father had two large barns, a good granary and a wagon shed. The material in our house and barns and shed was gotten from the saw mill which was owned by Uncle Appleton, Amos Harmon and father. The two brothers were carpenters and also father was very handy with tools. My two uncles lived in Holden for some years, then Uncle Amos moved to San Bernardino, California. Uncle App, as we called him, died in Holden. Grandfather Harmon lived on the lot adjoining ours, where my Brother Milo lives now. I remember when my grandfather raised a good garden and often when we children would go over there he would show us his large onions which he had grown. I remember when I would go into the house and they were eating, he would always give me lump of sugar out of his little tin sugar bowl. He died, I remember on Christmas 48 Lucy Elmeda Harmon Jensen Indian and fallen in a fire when a baby and his legs and been burned and cut off). He had a cane and asked for something to eat. Afterwards he came a lot for something to eat. A crowd would go up to see the Indians who were camped near the hill. They had a big room or wick-up made of brush and the top was covered with skins. Sabaquin, an Indian, always had a big blanket around him. He would bring deer meat to sell. Grandpa Harmon would usually buy a quarter of it. John Indian, and others would come on horses, and they would have horses pulling poles with tents and provisions on it. A group would go up to the sandhills 2 1/2 miles away to play games, roll each other down the hills. They would go to the hills in wagons. They would go up to Wild Goose Canyon, 7 miles away for a picnic on May Day. It was a big flat place with big oak trees. They would make ice cream and take it up there, then find snow or ice to freeze ice cream. years. (Minne was what mother called Aunt Mary when she was small.) I often slept with a friend, Sade Wood, whose mother had died when she was 14 and the only girl home with her father and brothers. I would always wake up early so to get home in time to help before school time as father would always rise early. My cousin, Jess Harmon, said the only thing he knew bad about father was that he rose too early. We always had lots of sweet corn and pop corn, in the winter we would parch and pop it. We had lovely apples to eat. Our cellar being a large rock one we would be able to keep everything so nice. We always had some neighbors come in or other friends to spend the evening and enjoy those things with us. Luce Kane gave me a large shell for tending her boy. Once when we were children we were sitting around the fire place and mother went to gape, my brother Milo picked up the fire shovel handle and stuck it in her mouth. We all had a good laugh on mother, she said in a jolly way, “I’ll kiss you.” When I was 17 I went to Salt Lake City to a Mutual Conference with a crowd of young folks. We went to Juab and stayed all night, then went on the train in the morning. We rented a room at Juab and all the girls made a family bed, as we had taken our bedding with us. We sure had a jolly time. We had places assigned to us where to go in Salt Lake City. Mary Evans a little English girl was my friend and we stayed at a Brother Smiths. They treated us very nice. Lucy had trouble with her eyes and was not able to attend school as would have liked. Lucy went with Jane and some of the other girls from Holden to the BUY to attend school. Before the year was out she became ill and had to return home. Lucy had a Patriarchal Blessing given her by Jacob Croft, Patriarch of Millard Stake, May 26, 1896. In this blessing she was promised that “you shall have faith to administer unto the sick and to prove yourself a mother in Israel in every deed for your guardian angels have watched over you and guarded you for this...” The following was told to Lucile years ago. Indeed she did administer unto the sick. In Lucy and Mary were picking peaches and Stubby Indian came there. (The the biographical sketch of Emma H. Reeve, it tells, 49 Lucy Elmeda Harmon Jensen “Lucy came and assumed charge while Emma was your company at the wedding reception of their in bed with her first born baby. Byran Harmon daughter Lucy and Mr. James Jensen at their Reeve, was born August 11, 1896, on Emma’s residence, Holden, Utah, May 7, 1902, at 6 grandfather’s (Jesse Harmon’s) birthday.” o’clock p.m.” to The home in which they moved was one Vermillian, Lucy told of going there and helping Jim’s brother had owned, John Jensen. Lucy had them out when babies came and when the family a large rag carpet, quilts, linens and may other had diphtheria. It was while she was in Richfield things received from the reception. Jim bought staying with Mary H. Seegmiller when Myrle was her a bedroom set, bed and dresser and wash born that she met James Jensen or Uncle Jim as he stand. One of the gifts was a big china wash bowl was letter known by the relatives. and pitcher. Alex and Lewis gave them a little When Annie Stringham moved Jim had just returned from a trip to Mexico. round stand, Grandma Jensen and Mary and He had driven a team for Al Thruber and Ed Charles and Martha a rocking chair. John had left Payne. In this company was his sister Mary and a table they used in the kitchen. The stove was Charles Bean. After arriving in Mexico he stayed called Charter Oak, and was a wood burning one. there for a little while then worked his way up the It was in the house that they lived all their lives coast to Oregon and Washington then home. and raised their family of six children, Ruth, Carrie, Harmon, Rose, Milo and Lucile. Jim would come over to Holden in a little Lucy continued to be the good neighbor. one-seated buggy and visit Lucy. It was in this buggy that he came to claim her Whenever any of the neighbors or relatives were as a bride on April 30, 1902. After they were sick, she would be found there helping in any way married at the Manti Temple they started toward she could. She often said that if she could live her Richfield. It wa raining and it became dark by the life over, she would have loved to go and have time they arrived at Gunnison so here is where trained as a nurse. they spent their first night of married life. The For years she was on the Sunshine next morning they continued on and stopped at Committee of the Relief Society, where they fixed Vermillion where they had dinner at Aunt Annie’s the lunch after the funeral for members of the Home. Then on to Richfield that night. Just how ward. She would also go and arrange the church long they stayed here I don’t know, but on May 7, with the white drapes before the funeral. 1902 a wedding reception was given by Mr. and She was a primary teacher for many years Mrs. A. P. Harmon; the invitation was as follows. and also a Relief Society Block Teacher until her Mr. & Mrs. A. P. Harmon, desire the pleasure of health stopped her. 50 Lucy Elmeda Harmon Jensen She loved to grow flowers and didn’t like stand as a peace maker in the midst of thy sex and weeds around her yard. Even in the last years of words of wisdom shall flow from thy heart and thy her life she would go out and try and hoe up the lips to make glad the hearts of many that may hear weeds in the yard and along her sidewalk. It thee, and thy feet shall never depart from that path seemed she had a touch or green thumb for she that leadth to your Eternal Exaltation and Glory, could make her flowers grow most beautiful. and as you grow in years thou shall grow in She passed away at the home of her knowledge, and if you will listen and harken unto daughter, Carrie Jensen Gillies, at Monroe, Utah, that still small voice, that shall come forth and May 12, 1959. truth unto thee under all the circumstances that you may be required to pass through for thou art of Her funeral and burial was in Richfield, Utah Ephriam, and entitled to all the blessings, and the LUCY ELMEDA HARMON authorities of the Holy priesthood, as one of the (Patriarchal Blessing) daughters of Abraham and the blessing of the earth, and of the heavens shall be unto thee, to A Patriarchal Blessing given by Jacob Croft, supply all thy wants and desires and if you desire Patriarch of Millard Stake, May 26, 1896, on the it thou shall have a husband of thy choice and head of Lucy Elmeda Harmon, daughter of Ansil children shall be given unto thee, and shall grow and Roseline Chandler Harmon, born at Holden up around thee, as Olive Plants, and you shall be Sept. 23, 1871. honored by thy husband, and by thy children, all Sister Lucy Elmeda in the name of the Lord the days of thy life and if you desire it that the Jesus Christ, I place my hands upon thy head, in vision of the spirit world will be revealed unto the name of Jesus Christ to predict, and seal such thee and if you desire it you shall see the Holy things as the Lord our God may give unto me by Temple reared in Zion, and shall administer their the inspiration of His Holy Spirit. I say unto thee with your companion when the spirit of the Lord lift up thy head and rejoice for I desire through the shall fill that building you shall be made to shout spirit of the Lord to seal upon thy head such things Hosanna to the most high, and if you desire you as shall come to pass hereafter. Thou are one of shall be permitted to live upon the earth, when the the chosen ones that has been reserved in the Spirit Savior shall stand upon the earth, in the midst of World to come forth, when the fullness of the his Saints, and if you desire it you shall have gospel has been revealed for you are one of them wisdom and faith to rebuke all evil influence, from that shall assist in the establishing of truth and your habitation that no power shall enter your righteousness in the midst of thy sex. You shall habitation that will annoy you or disquiet you and 51 you shall have faith to administer unto the sick and to prove yourself a mother in Israel in every deed for your guardian angels have watched over you and guarded you this far through life, and shall never leave thee, but shall be thy constant companion in days that are to come, and I say unto thee that thy heart shall be filled with a love for the truth all the days of thy life and if you desire it that you shall stand here in the midst of the faithful daughters of Zion and words of wisdom shall be given unto thee in every time of need, and I say unto thee that you shall never depart from having the things revealed unto thee that will prove for your good, as one of the daughters of Israel. And I seal all thy former blessings that have been pronounced upon thy head and I seal thee up unto eternal life to come forth in the morning of the first resurrection a queen and a priestess unto thy husband, and thy posterity to receive thrones and principalities and powers in the name of Jesus Christ our Redeemer, Amen. A HISTORY OF LUCY ELMEDA HARMON (written by Lucy Elmeda Harmon) This is a copy of what Lucy Harmon Jensen had written about herself. This was found among her papers. ebruary 19, 1933 In a little town of The good parents were, Ansil and Roseline Holden, but was called Cedar Springs at Chandler Harmon. The house I was born in was a first, and one hundred and sixty miles South from large frame and was painted white. It had eight Salt Lake City, Utah, in the year 1871, a little black rooms in it and was a very nice home for the headed, black eyed and red faced girl of eight and family. I was the fifth child, there being 9 children, one half pounds was born on the 23 of September. two dying when a baby. I had 6 sisters and 2 F 52 Lucy Elmeda Harmon written by herself brothers. Their names were Annie Rose, Milo to San Bernardino, Cal. Uncle App, as we called Ansil, Joseph Martin, Mary Sophronia, Emma him, died in Holden. Grandfather Harmon lived on Tressa, Zina Bell and Jane Marinda. Our house was the lot adjoining ours, where my Brother Milo lives open to the many friends who ever came there. now. I remember my grand-father raised a good How often the Twelve Apostles would stop on their garden and often when we children would go over way going from Salt Lake to St. George and eat a there he would show us his large onions which he meal with us. I well remember the old coach that had grown. I remember when I would go into the would pass our home and stop at the Post Office house and they were eating, he would always give across the street on the corner where the old Coop me a lump of sugar out of his little tin sugar bowl. Store stood for years. It is now occupied by the He died I remember on Christmas eve, father was Wood Bro. My father was a great person for away after goods to Mona. This was before the improvements. He planted lots of trees, also, train came to Juab, which was the station for years. raspberries, straw berries, grapevines. We had a We use to drive the cows over the hill so they could beautiful grape arbor by the south side of get feed, how I remember when spring came we the Parlor. A Bro. Tanner, who once was our would gather the Lilies and Red tassels as we were neighbor, and who had move to Milford, said he going along. My father had the contract of getting would give us $40 for it if we could only move it to our the sleepers and joice for the Brick school his home. If I could count the bunches of grapes house, as the old adobe one was getting old and that had been eaten by others beside our own family little for the number of children. We girls would go it would be a good many. Everyone who came by with him for company up the canyon. While he was always tried to see how good they were, and they working on the logs, we could set and crochet and were always welcome to try them. On each side of do other things. Sometimes ramble around and our lot there was a row of large locus trees. In later gather specimens of different kinds of plants. We years all afternoon sports of the 4th of July and all loved so well to go with him. We would always 24th of July on Pioneer day was held there. I the lot be ready to help him as he was so kind to us. When father had two large barns, a good granary and a I was small and about 8 years old, one of our wagon shed. The material in our house and barns neighbor boys and shed was gotten from the sawmill which was picked up a stick and threw it at me, hitting my owned by Uncle Appleton, Amos Harmon and mouth so hard that it broke one of my teeth off. Of father. The two brothers were carpenters and also course I thought I was killed when I saw the blood, father was very handy with tools. My two uncles but lived in Holden for years, then Uncle Amos moved he was only a mischief boy, like all boys. His 53 Lucy Elmeda Harmon written by herself mother was such a nice lady, her name was Mary City to a Mutual Conference with a crowd of young Ann Tanner. She gave me a little box with some folks. We went to Juab and stayed all night, then lace in it which I thought was nice, as it was a rare went on the train in the morning. We rented a room thing those days to get a present. We girls use to go at Juab and all the girls made a family bed as we on the farm and help father pick up his potatoes. had taken our bedding with us. We sure had a jolly There was other children who would come and help time, this being our first trip to the city, of course us. We would see who could get the largest pile we looked like country girls. We had places before dinner time. We would always try to lay out assigned to us where to go. Mary Evans a little the largest ones so to show the neighbors who were English girl was a friend who stayed with me at a digging potatoes, who had the best. Once when it Bro. Smiths. They treated us very nice. was getting near lunch time, I called out to Pa, Minne says dinna, dinna. Of course they had a laugh on me for years. I often slept with a friend, Sade Wood whose mother had died when she was 14 and the only girl home with her father and brothers. I would always wake up early so to get home in time to help before school time, as father would always rise early. My cousin Jess Harmon said the only thing he knew bad about father was that he rose too early. We always had lots of sweet corn and pop corn, in the winter we would parch and pop it. We had lovely apples to eat. Our cellar being a large rock one we would be able to keep every thing so nice. We always had some neighbors come in or other friends to spend the evening and enjoy these things with us. Luch Kane gave me a large shell for tending her boy. Once when we were children we were sitting around the fire place and mother went to gape, my brother Milo picked up the fire shovel and stuck it in her mouth. We all had a good laugh on mother, she said in a jolly way, “I’ll kiss you.” When I was 17 I want to Salt Lake 54 ANSIL PERSE HARMON NOTE: The author is unknown and all of the facts are not documented. This is close even if it is not all accurate. nsil Perse Harmon, the When sixteen years of age, in fourth child of his parents, May 1848, he and his brother, was born in Conneaut Amos, stared for great Salt Lake Township, Erie Co. Pennsylvania, April Valley driving teams for Heber C. 5, 1832. He was the son of Jesse Perse Kimball, receiving their board as and Anna Barns Harmon. compensation for their labor. They A When five years old his parents arrived in Salt Lake Valley the same moved from Pennsylvania to Kirtland, time as their father about October 5, Ohio. While at Kirtland his parents 1848. joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Ansil Perse Harmon For some months they lived in their wagons but they immediately Latter-day Saints and journeyed with the Saints to Springfield, Illinois; they also lived at set to work making adobes and built a one room Nauvoo and reached Winter Quarters late in the house for his brother, Appleton, where all lived for fall of 1846. a few months until a new log house had been built In January 1847, his mother and only sister, by them for their father. When that house was Sophronia, died within ten days of each other, finished their father, Amos and Ansil moved by their deaths occurring through exposure and themselves. Ansil arrived in Salt Lake City on a Sunday hardships of the journey. At the time of their death all the family was and the next day began work at a molasses mill ill, my father Ansil, being the only one able to go where he worked two weeks for a gallon and a half and see his mother buried and he was having chills of molasses which was made of cornstalks. He every other day. Both his mother and sister were remained at home helping his father until about affectionate and kind in their disposition and the 1852 when he went to work for Bryant Stringham. loss fell heavily upon the family. The winters of 1854 and 1855 were spent by him After his mother’s death, Ansil remained in Cache Valley looking after church property and about a year and a half with his father and brother stock. In the spring of 1855 he returned to Salt Amos at Winter Quarters His brother, Appleton, Lake and began work for the Y.X. Company. had married at Nauvoo in 1846. Worked for this company until August when he 55 A History of Ansil Harmon went with the first company, (that of Robert charge of Church Stock and property which he Burton), to meet Johnson’s Army. attended for eight years. During that time they In the fall of 1854, he was ordained an Elder lived in an adobe fort. In June 1871, they moved and had his endowments, and about a year from on their own property into a new eight room frame that time was ordained a Seventy under the hands home which had just been built. In the fall of of Henry Hereman. 1874, Ansil was called on a mission to the Eastern In the year 1860 he went from Salt Lake to States. He left Salt Lake City November 22, 1874, the Missouri River as night guard with the first ox for his mission and during his absence his wife team or rather train, that went and returned the Rosaline was confined to her room with fever. same year after emigrants. The following year he On July 22, 1877, David R. Steven was went again on the same trip as an assistant Capt. to appointed and ordained Bishop of the Holden Joseph W. Young. At Ft. Laramie, Bro. Young Ward with Benj. J. Bennett and Ansil as his left the train in charge of Ansil and when at counselors. In 1881 Bro. Bennet moved from the Florence, ready to return home, he was appointed ward and Ansil was chosen first counselor to captain of the company. After reaching Salt Lake Bishop Stevens. In the year 1890, D. R. Stevens in October, he remained at home until the was chosen a member of the Stake Presidency so following February when he started to Lower Bro. A. Y. Stephenson was selected as bishop and California as teamster for George Stringham, who Ansil as his first councilor to Bp. Stephenson. Bp. went their for goods. When on his way he visited Stephenson’s name and Ansil’s name were both his father and brother Appleton in Dixie, as they presented and Bro. Stephenson received one more had been called there the previous fall. The trip vote than did Ansil. was made to Los Angeles and back to Salt Lake by Ansil has been in every temple built by the the first of May 1862. The next day after he Latter-day Saints except the one in Logan. He returned from the California trip he was notified was on the ground when the Salt Lake Temple that he had been chosen as captain of a company now stands when the first shovel full of soil was to again cross the plains for emigrants. In the thrown out for its foundation, by Pres. Brigham company at Florence he first met Rosaline Young. He also saw its first corner stone laid and Chandler and after arriving at Salt Lake City on beheld the laying of the capstone and was present November 29, 1862, they were married in the at its dedication. He also stood on the ground Endowment House. They made their home in Salt where the Nauvoo Temple stood before its Lake City until the following May when they were erection, saw its corner stone laid, worked on it called to go to Cedar Springs, now Holden, to take 56 A History of Ansil Harmon He witnessed the Kirtland Camp leave for until its completion and was present at its Missouri in July 1838, and was at Nauvoo at dedication. conference time when baptizing was being held. In August of 1893, when going to the field on horse back one day, the horse became suddenly Ansil was about six feet tall. His eyes were frightened and jumping, threw Ansil and most dark gray and his hair was black. His disposition seriously injured him. His left collar bone was was one of kindness and love. He was very fond broken, his left arm badly bruised and he also of children, and how often his children used to received serious internal injury. Little hope for his climb upon his knee and ask for a story of the life was given but under the hands of Apostle plains and not only his children but grandchildren Marion Lyman, a blessing was given him and neighbor’s children did likewise. promising a recovery to health and strength from He was very hospitable in his nature and was which time he began speedily to recover and until happy and frank in entertaining his friends. At nearly 67 years old was hale and hearty, able to do conference time his barn and correl were full and most any kind of farm work. his table filled with friends. In February 1906, he took a trip to In the summer of 1908, he sold his home and California, visiting his brother Amos and family at other property in Holden and went to Vermillion, San Bernadino, also visited at Los Angeles, San Sevier Co., to stay with his daughter Anna for a Pedro and other places. time. As his health had not been good for several After laboring in the bishopric for twenty months he lived only about a month after arriving five years through failing health and advance age at her home. He passed away September 1, 1908. he was released as counselor to A.Y. Stephenson. His remains were taken back to Holden for burial. He was ordained to the Office of High Priest by As they approached the settlement a large Apostle Erastus Snow. company of people in vehicles came out to escort In his boyhood days he had his arm broken the remains into town. A large number or people three different times, but generally speaking he attended the service among them being the Stake was a strong healthy boy. His faith in the gospel President, Alonzo Hinckley, and many from other was strong and he was greatly blessed with towns. He was dearly loved by his family and healing power, for often has he been called out at friends. all times of the night to administer to the sick and His children were: Anna Rose who married the Lord blessed him in his calling as many have Jacob Stringham; Milo Ansil, who Married been restored form blessings received at his hand. Elizabeth Jane Hunter; Joseph Martin who died in 57 A History of Ansil Harmon infancy; Mary Sophronia who married William Adam Seegmiller; Lucy Elmeda who married James Jensen; Emma Tressa who married John Reeve; Jane Marinda who married Thomas Pratt.-Zina Bell died and Lily Orivilla died. Ansil Harmon Mission Certificate 58 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF JESSE PERSE HARMON Recorded on microfilm in the records of the 11th Quorum of Seventies, at the Genealogical Library, Salt Lake City, Utah. (GS#025,553) esse Perse Harmon, Champlain with the army son of Martin and under Triphena [Poole], Colonel Clark to Plattsburgh who was the son of ________, and joined Gen’l Hampton’s was born in the Town of army and remained there a Rupert, county of Bennington, few months. J the command of State of Vermont on the Sometime in the month Eleventh day of August, A.D. of March 1814 my father 1795. My father was married came and visited us at the 22nd day of November, Plattsburgh. A.D. 1785 _______. Triphena On the 30th day of My father and March was fought the battle to grandfather emigrated, soon Jesse Perse Harmon of LaColle Mill, a large fortified stone house at the after my father was married, to Rupert, Bennington County, Vermont, form Major Hancock commanded, who was the British Suffield, Connecticut, where my father remained officer. until I was about six years of age. I then left my On the day which our father left us we took father and went to the Town of Lewis, about six up the line of march from Plattsburgh to LaColle miles from my father’s and lived with John Gibbs. Mill and our father went to the Town of Jay to get In the year 1810 my mother died, and in the year married to a Mrs. Dunbar which took place on the 1811 my father moved to Castleton, Rutland 30th at the time we were engaged in the battle in County, Vermont, and left me still living with hearing of the cannon. John Gibbs and in June 1813, I left owing and We had several skirmishes with the British then enlisted into the service of the United States, and Indians before we reached LaColle Mill in with my brother Martin N. Harmon with our one of which I received a slight wound from an father’s consent and shortly after joined the army, Indian’s tomahawk. stationed at Burlington, Vermont. We remained At LaColle Battle my brother and myself was there a few months, and then crossed Lake on the right wing of the army under the Command 59 Autobiography of Jesse Perse Harmon from the records of the Quorum of the Seventies of Col. Clark in Gen’l Smith’s Brigade. We were The design of General Brown was to “storm exposed to a galling fire from the enemy and my the batteries, destroy the cannon and roughly brother received a mortal wound in his breast handle the brigade on duty” before those in while fighting by my side and died on the 17th reserve could be brought up. day of April following at Little Sharzee, New previously been opened by Lieutenant Riddle and York and was buried there in the honors of war. Frazer, in a certain route through the woods A road had I then returned with part of the army by way within pistol shot of the flank of the line of of Plattsburgh to Burlington, Vermont and there batteries, and with such secrecy as to have reenlisted on the 5th of June during the war, and escaped the notice of the enemy. At two o’clock, the troops were drawn up in left for Rutland County, Vermont where I remained in the recruiting service a few months readiness to make the sortie. The division and was appointed a Corporal. We then marched commanded by General Porter, was composed of for Buffalo, New York from thence we crossed riflemen and Indians, under Colonel Gibson, and Lake Erie to Fort Erie, Upper Canada. While two columns, one on the right command by there we received a continual cannonading and Colonel Wood, the left commanded by General combatting from the enemy of several weeks and Davis of the New York Militia. This was to on the 17th of September we fought a general proceed through the woods to the road which had battle and spiked several pieces of cannon, took been opened, while the right division of the troops 800 prisoners and left upwards of 1,000 of the in the ravine already mentioned, was stationed enemy dead upon the field of battle. We lost 571 between the fort and the enemy’s works, under men. General Miller, with orders not to advance until General Porter should have engaged their flank. When General Brown, observing that the enemy had just completed a battery which could The command of General Porter advanced open a most destructive fire, the next day planned with so much celerity and caution that when they a sortie which has been considered a military chef rushed upon the enemy’s flank, they gave the first d’oeuvre. intimation of their approach. A severe conflict for The British force consisted of the brigades of a moment ensued, in which those gallant officers, one thousand five hundred men each, each one of Colonel Gibson and Colonel Wood, fell at the which was stationed at the works in front of Fort head of their columns, and the command devolved Erie. The other two occupied a camp two miles in on Lieutenant Colonel McDonald, and Major the rear. Brooks. In thirty minutes possession was taken of 60 Autobiography of Jesse Perse Harmon from the records of the Quorum of the Seventies both batteries in this quarter, together with a remaining battery which was instantly abandoned blockhouse in the rear, and the garrison made by the British Infantry and artillery. Three twenty-four pounders were General Ripley now ordered a line to be rendered useless and their magazine blown up by formed, for the protection of the detachments Lieutenant Riddle, who narrowly escaped the engaged in destroying the batteries and was effects of the explosion. engaged in making arrangements for following prisoners. At this moment the division of General Miller up, against the rear of General Drummond, the came up; General Brown, having heard the firing, success which had so far transcended had ordered it to advance. In conjunction with expectations, when he received a wound in the Colonel Gibson’s column, he pierced between the neck and fell by the side of Major Brooks; he was second and third line of batteries, and after a immediately transported to the fort. severe contest, carried the first of these. In this The object of the sortie having been assault General Davis fell, at the head of his completely effected, General Miller called his volunteers. The whole of these batteries and the detachments and retired in good order with the two block houses, being in possession of the prisoners and the trophies of this signal exploit. Americans, General Millers’ division inclined to During the engagement General Porter who the more formidable batteries toward the lake commanded the riflemen and Indians, on the right shore. At this moment they were joined by the of the left wing was taken prisoner by the enemy, reserve under General Ripley. Here the resistance whom, I, then acting as orderly sergeant, with a was more obstinate, the work being exceedingly small force, retook, together with several British intricate, of officers and soldiers, before they had time to entrenchments contrived with studied complexity; retreat to their camp. We then took up our line of a constant use of the bayonet was the only mode march to Chippewa and had a small skirmish with of assailing them; the enemy had, also, by this the enemy and lost a few of our men, from thence time, received considerable reinforcements. we crossed the Niagara River and marched to General Miller continued to advance, although Sackett’s Harbor by way of Black Rock, where I suffering severe loss in some of his valuable remained till the 23rd of May 1814, when I was officers. The twenty-first, under Lieutenant discharged from the army and on the 24th started Colonel Upham, forming a part of the reserve, and for Sangerfield, Oneida County, New York and a part of the seventeenth, uniting with the corps of arrived there about the 30th day of may and there General Miller, charged rapidly upon the remained about one year, and then removed to from the successive lines 61 Autobiography of Jesse Perse Harmon from the records of the Quorum of the Seventies Georgetown, Casinova County, New York, Nauvoo where I arrived about the fourth day of remained there several months, thence to Wolcott, October 1840, was there ordained a Priest by New York, Seneca County, and remained there Elder William Marks, and received a license as about one year, from thence to Springfield, Erie such December 20th, 1841. On the 2nd day of County, Pennsylvania, where I became acquainted April 1842 was elected Major of the Second with Anna Barnes, daughter of Abijah and Aby Battalion, Fourth Regiment, Second Cohort, Barnes and on the 29th day of April 1819 was Nauvoo Legion. On the 6th day of the same married to her, and in December following, month was ordained an Elder by Elder Lyman removed Wight. On the 15th day of September 1844 was to Coneaught, Erie County, elected Colonel of the aforesaid Regiment to fill Pennsylvania. On the 4th day of August 1828, I was elected the vacancy of Colonel J. Dunham who had been Second Lieutenant and on the 7th day of April promoted. On the 8th day of October following 1832 was elected First Lieutenant and on the 2nd was ordained under the hands of President day of March 1834 was elected Captain of the Brigham Young and Amasa Lyman into the “Lexington Light Infantry” attached to the First Eleventh Quorum of Seventies as one of the Battalion Seven Presidents of the same, and being the oldest of Erie County volunteers of one of said Presidents, presided as Senior Pennsylvania. President of the said Quorum at the organization In the year 1837, I removed to Coneaught, of the same. Astabulia County, Ohio in the month of April and from thence to Kirtland, Ohio, in In the fall of 1842 my brother Alpheus and August following and was baptized into the nephew was called on a mission to Wisconsin Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, on during the winter. My brother started for home the 28th day of April 1838 by Elder Elijah and perished in a severe storm between Carthage Cheney, and on the 4th day of November and Nauvoo. Hearing the news of his death, I following I left there for Caldwell County, returned to Nauvoo. removed Missouri with the expectation of permanently Acted as Sergeant of the police from 1845 settling myself there with the saints, and came as until the Exodus of the Saints from Nauvoo. I had far as Springfield, Illinois (December 12th) and command of the Police while destroying the there settled, the brethren being driven out of the printing press that published the paper called the State of Missouri under the exterminating order of Nauvoo Expositor, which was declared a nuisance Governor Boggs, and from thence I removed to by the City Council. 62 Autobiography of Jesse Perse Harmon from the records of the Quorum of the Seventies I was taken with a writ the same time that City and held said office till 1861. Was called on the Prophet Joseph was to Carthage when we gave mission to Southern Utah in 1861. Resided there Bail to the next term of Court. The Prophet was until 1866. I then removed to Holden, Millard taken with another writ and placed in jail where Co. I commenced to receive a pension in 1873 for he was martyred. Had charge of finishing the my service in the War of 18l2. My son Appleton work on the temple at Nauvoo. Left Nauvoo in Died Feb. 26th, 1877---------Jesse Perse Harmon. June 1846, arrived on Missouri River opposite Note: Jesse Perse Harmon died Dec. 24th, Winter Quarters in November. In Jan. 1877, aged 82 years 4 months and thirteen days-- 1845, my wife and daughter died from He lived and died a Faithful Latter Day Saint. He exposure. In 1848 came to S.L. Valley with the was only sick 24 hours before his death. rest of my family. Arrived in Salt Lake in the fall of 1848. Was the first Alderman elected in G.S.L. Jesse P. Harmon Priesthood Certificate 63 Autobiography of Jesse Perse Harmon from the records of the Quorum of the Seventies 64 A HISTORY OF JESSE PERSE HARMON J esse Perse Harmon, son In August 1837, he moved to of Martin and Triphina Kirtland, Ohio and was there Pool, at baptized into the Church of Jesus Co., Christ of Latter-day Saints on Ruport, was born Bennington April 26, 1838, by Elder Elijah Vermont, August 11, 1795. Chenney. Martin and Triphina Harmon were married Nov. 22, 1785. From there he started to Soon after Martin’s marriage he Caldwell County, Missouri, but and his father emigrated to made a stop at Springfield, Ruport, Bennington Co, Vermont Illinois and there remained until from Suffield County. Triphina 1839, when he went to Nauvoo. Harmon died in 1810. While After his mother’s death Jesse Perse Harmon at Nauvoo he was ordained a Priest by William Markham, April 2, 1842. He was Jesse lived for a time with John Gibbs. With their father’s consent Jesse and his elected Major of the Second Battalion, Fourth brother Martin N. enlisted in the U.S. Army on the Regiment, Second Nauvoo Legion. 7th of October 1815. His brother was killed in the On October 8th of the same year he was army but Jesse remained until May 23, 1816, when ordained, under the hands of Brigham Young and he was discharged. Amasa Lyman, into the Eleventh Quorum of On April 29, 1819, Jesse Perse Harmon was Seventies as one of the Seven Presidents of the married to Anna Barns of Springfield, Erie same and presided as Senior President of said County, Pennsylvania. Quorum at the organization of the same. While at Anna’s parents were Nauvoo he took another wife, a widow, by the Abijah and Abbie Barns. Jesse Perse moved to Conneaut Township, name of Wilcox, and by her he had no family. Erie Co., Pennsylvania and on April 3, 1828, was In June 1846, Jesse and his family crossed the elected Second Lieutenant and on April 7, 1832, Mississippi River enroute to the Rocky Mountains. was elected First Lieutenant. On May 2, 1834, he For six weeks, he with others remained on the was elected Captain of the Lexington High banks of the river preparing for the journey, and Infantry. three times recrossed the river to assist the people at Nauvoo who were being threatened by the Mob. 65 A History of Jesse Perse Harmon Late in the fall of 1846, he arrived at Winter He was the father of three sons and one Quarters with his family and in January of 1847, daughter. Their names were: Appleton Milo, his wife Anna and only daughter, Sophronia, died. Sophronia Melinda, Amos Washington and Ansil His daughter was a grown woman. Perse. These children were all born in the same In the spring of 1848, he again took up his house. Their Spouses were: Appleton married line of march for the Great Salt Lake Valley. His Elmeda Stringham; Amos married Mary Jan wife, Mrs. Wilcox, remained at Winter Quarters Theobald; and Ansil married Rosaline Chandler. Ansil Perse Harmon son of Jesse Perse where she died the following fall. He was in Isaac Higbies 50--Heber C. Harmon and Anna Barns Harmon was born in Kimball’s Division. He arrived in the Salt Lake Conneaut Township, Erie Co., Pennsylvania, April Valley about the 5th of October 1848. The next 5, 1832. June he married a grass widow by the name of Nancy Tibbetts. JESSE P. HARMON At the organization of Salt Lake City he was (Patriarchal Blessing) elected Alderman of the First Municipal Ward and Nauvoo, March 15,1846 continued in that office until the year 1861. He A Blessing by John Smith, Patriarch, upon the raised a company of Silver Greys in the Nauvoo head of Jesse P., son of Martin & Triphena Legion and soon after was elected Major. He held Harmon, born August 11th, 1795, Bennington that office a short time and then was elected County, Vermont. Brother Jesse, I lay my hands upon thy head Colonel, which office he held until 1861, when he in the name of Jesus Christ and by the authority moved to Southern Utah. He first settled at Grafton and was there vested in me to bless the fatherless, I seal a during the time of the great flood of the River blessing upon they head because thy hast obeyed Virgin. He did not remain there long but went to the gospel and suffered the loss of all things in Duncan’s Retreat where he lived two or three obedience with commandments of the Lord. The years then moved to Toquerville. Lord is well pleased with thee and will bestow He made his home in Toquerville until the blessings upon thee innumerable and invaluable. spring of 1868, when he moved to Holden, Millard Thou art of the house and lineage of Ephraim and County, Utah and there resided until his death, thou hast a right to all the blessings which were December 24, 1877. sealed upon his head. I also seal the same priesthood upon thee with all its powers which 66 A History of Jesse Perse Harmon shall continue with thy posterity throughout all their generations and they shall be very numerous and increase so that they cannot be numbered, thou art called to be a counselor and watchman in the house of Israel to watch the saints to counsel them and see that no evil befall them and if you desire to preach the gospel to this ungodly generation it is thy privilege. The Lord thy God shall bless thee in thy labors at home and abroad wherever thy lot is cast and as thou art set to guard the saints the Lord hath set Angels to guard thee and thru their counsel to comfort thee in times of trouble; thine enemies shall not prevail against them inasmuch as thou hast been brought down low in poverty’s vale thou shall be lifted up and possess all things which you desire that are calculated to make you comfortable; the number of thy years shall be according to thy faith, the spirit whispereth that thou shalt live to be very old and rejoice exceedingly to see the enemies of the Lord swept off the face of the earth and thou shall enjoy peace in Zion and prosperity in the New Jerusalem. This is thy blessing Brother, if thy faith does not fail every word of it is sure unto thee, Amen. 67 HISTORY OF THE JOHN HARMON FAMILY (Author Unknown) ohn Harmon born in England in 1617, and was married the 22nd of November 1785, to his wife Elizabeth, landed in Boston, Tryphena Poole, who was born in Mass, about Mass, about 1640. After a year or two in 1763. Soon after their marriage Martin and Roxbury, they with a few others, settled on the Tryphena, accompanied by his parents, moved to fertile banks of the Connecticut river and were Rupert Bennington Co., Vermont. It was here that some of the first settlers of Springfield, Mass. Two Jesse Perce was born August 11, 1795, the fifth brothers of John also came to America, one child in a family of seven. J At the age of six he went to live with the John settling in Maine, the other in Pennsylvania or Gibbs family in the town of Leois, about six miles Virginia. Of John's sons, only Joseph and Nathaniel distant from his home. In December, 1810, his married. They early moved to, and were the first mother was taken by death. He remained with the Gibbs family until 1813, when he returned to settlers of Suffield, Connecticut. Nathaniel was born March 13, 1699, his wife his father, but a few months later he and his Mary, the daughter of Joseph and Mary Filley brother Martin, with the consent of their father, Skinner, was born Sept. 22, 1667, in Windsor, enlisted in the service of their country and were in Conn. Their family consisted of ten children, the the war of 1812 where he had some thrilling eldest, Nathaniel Jr., was born the 15th of January experiences. At one time in a skirmish with the 1686/7 in Suffield, Conneticut. He married Esther Indians he received a slight tomahawk wound. He Austin, Daughter of Anthony and Esther Higgins relates the following incident: Austin. She was born January 11, 1686/7 in When he and his companions sought shelter in Suffield, Connecticut. They were the parents of a log cabin they were gathered around the table nine children, Nehemiah being the youngest. He when a cannon ball burst into the room, killing was born in Suffield, Connecticut, April 17, 1728. everyone but Jesse. Bodies were dismembered and For his companion he chose Abigail Norton, arms and legs and heads went flying through the daughter of Freegrace and Sarah Martin Norton. room. She was born the 9th of March 1727/8 in Suffield, In the battle of the "Mills" Jesse and Martin Connecticut. After the birth of their first child they were fighting side by side exposed to a galling fire moved to Malborough, Massachusetts, where their from the enemy. Martin was mortally wounded son Martin was born the 20th May, 1759. Martin and was buried with military honors. He died 68 History of the John Harmon Family April 17, 1814. Jesse received his discharge in Missouri, but hearing of the exterminating order of 1815 and spent the next two years in New York Governor Boggs, they remained in Springfield, State, then wended his way into Springfield, Illinois. In 1840 they joined the saints in Nauvoo Pennsylvania, where he met Anna Barnes. After a and helped to make it the largest and most romantic courtship they were married the 29th of beautiful city at that time in the State of Illinois. April 1819. Anna was the daughter of Abijah and Appleton was baptized after arriving in Nauvoo. Abi Bradford Barnes. Abi was the daughter of He and Jesse were active in Church and civic Robert and Sarah Cornish Bradford. Robert was affairs. Jesse was a Major and later a Colonel in the third great grandson of Governor William the Nauvoo Legion, a body guard of the Prophet Bradford who played such an important role in the Joseph and he and Appleton were both policemen settlement of Massachusetts. With the exception of and participated in the destruction of the printing five years he was governor of Massachusetts from press of the Nauvoo Expositor, a paper printed by 1621 to 1657. One historian says, "He was the the enemies of the Church and which the City very prop and glory of Plymouth, during the Council declared a nuisance and ordered it changes that came over it." destroyed. The Prophet Joseph promised them that Abijah Barnes was a descendant of Charles no one would be harmed and although it caused Barnes, the first school teacher of Long Island and much excitement and many threats from the mob known as "Charles the Schoolmaster." no one was injured. Jesse and Anna were married in Springfield, In 1845 persecution became unbearable. The Pennsylvania, April 29, 1819. The following enemies began burning houses and grain stacks, December they moved to Conneaut Township, driving off cattle, whipping and even killing the Erie Co., Pennsylvania. brethren. For the sake of peace, the Saints agreed to leave early in the Spring so in Feb. 1846, the It was here that their four children were born, Amos great exodus of a company of twelve or fifteen Washington and Ansil Perce. Anna was baptized hundred wagons crossed the great Mississippi on a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- ice. Jesse and his family remained in Nauvoo until day Saints 1833. June and after crossing the river spent some time Appleton Milo, Sophronia Belina, in helping others cross and in preparing for the In August of 1837, the family arrived in great journey ahead. Kirtland, Ohio, Jesse and Amos were baptized members of the Church in 1838. In November of In the meantime Appleton had married 1838, they left Kirtland with the expectation of Elmeda Stringham and gone ahead with a settling with the Saints permanently in Caldwell, company to help in routing the way. In September 69 History of the John Harmon Family they reached a place about three miles from the Captain Burton's company who went out to meet Missouri and settled here for the winter, building Johnson's Army sent here by the Government. He a temporary house and a saw mill. They named the also drove a mule team to Southern California for place Winter Quarters, now Florence, Nebraska. George Stringham for hauling freight, making the Appleton had just finished his house when his round trip in three months. father's family arrived in December. They had Ansil made three trips across the plains after endured many hardships of cold, hunger and emigrants and in 1862 was Captain of the sickness. They were all ill with chills and fever. Company. In this group was a young girl named Grandmother and Sophronia grew continually Roseline Chandler who had joined the Church in worse and on January 16 Grandmother was New York. After a short romance they were stricken with death and ten days later Sophronia married November 29 of the same year. The next passed to the great beyond. The weather was spring he was called by Brigham Young to go to severe, the ground being frozen three feet deep Cedar Spring, now Holden, to take over the made it very difficult to dig the graves. management of the Church property. He resided in Holden the rest of his life. He In 1848 they again started on the trek across died September 12, 1908, at the age of 76. the Plains to the Rocky Mountains. Jesse drove his own outfit, Amos and Ansil each drove one for Appleton was a cabinet maker, carpenter and Heber C. Kimaball. They with Appleton and his blacksmith. He made much furniture for the wife and child arrived in the Valley of the Great pioneers. He also built a saw mill in Emigration Salt Lake October 5, 1848, ragged and weary but canyon. In 1862 he was called to Dixie to help thankful to reach a haven of rest. build up the south. It was indeed a great sacrifice They lived in their wagons until they had to leave a good home and begin all over again, but made enough adobes to build a one room house obedient to the call he went. They lived in for Appleton which they all shared for a few Toquerville where he had a sawmill. He also built months, after which time Jesse and the two boys a cotton factory for the church in the little town of Amos and Ansil moved into their new log house Washington. They remained in Dixie until 1872 which they had built. when they moved to Holden. In 1851 Appleton was called on a mission to He and Ansil and Jerry Stringham built a saw England. During the Gold Rush of 1849 Amos mill in Pioneer Canyon which they operated for a went to California to seek his fortune. Ansil number of years. In February 1877 while working remained with his father until 1852, then went to on his new house he became violently ill and work for Briant Stringham. He was a member of passed away February 26, 1877. 70 History of the John Harmon Family Sometime after arriving in Salt Lake, Jesse married a widow named Nancy Tebbets, When Appleton moved to Dixie they accompanied him there, remaining there until 1872 when both families moved to Holden. Jesse bought a home onthe lot adjoining Ansil's. After a long and useful life he passed away December 24, 1877, at the age of 82. After about twenty years absence Amos returned to Utah and joined the family in Dixie. Here he met and married Mary Jane Olds. They lived in Toquerville and Silver Reef where he worked in the mines. Some years later they moved to San Bernardino where they spent their last days. He died loved and respected by all. Jesse, Appleton and Ansil were all buried in Holden. May we, their descendants, honor the rich heritage which they left us. 71 A HISTORY OF THE EARLY MORMONS AND HARMON FAMILY (Written by Appleton Milo Harmon) Appleton Milo Harmon Smith. son Perce called on a mission. In the Harmon and Anna, his Spring of 1842 my Uncle wife who is the son of Martin, Alphens Harmon and Orsey who is the son of Nehemiah Harmon, my cousin while Harmon was living in the crossing the prairie on their Township of Coneant, return from a mission and I of Jesse Erie A year later was County, State of Pennsylvania between and lived there until they heard Nauvoo perished in a snow the Gospel preached by Orson storm. It appears that my Hyde, Twelve cousin Orsa had fallen first Anna was baptized being of a tender constitution one Apostles. of the May 29, 1988. They with their Appleton Harmon family, Appleton Milo, Ansil Carthage and and the howling blast had overcome him as the snow Perce and Amos and daughter moved to Kirtland, was falling fast and wind blew my uncle had left Ohio in the autumn of 1837 where father, sister his nephew and traveled some twelve or fourteen and Amos where baptized in the Spring of 1839. miles toward Carthage, when being without chart We all moved to or compass and as the snow fell so thick and fast Springfield State of that no landscape or mark or roads were visible, Illinois in November lost and bewildered over come with fatigue, 1838, and from there to hunger and cold he fell asleep laying on his face, Nauvoo, Illinois. In where he was found some five or six days after, 1840, frozen stiff, leaving a widow and seven small October remained there through children to mourn the loss. the winter and it was The winter of ‘43 I spent in Nauvoo enjoying here I was baptized in the refreshing teachings from the lips of President April 1841 by William Excerpt from Appleton’s Joseph Smith and Hyrum, in the Spring of 1844 Journal 72 A History of the Early Mormons and Harmon Family the tide of emigration into Nauvoo had for a time exposed myself to we and cold and soon after was been gradually increasing, and had caused a spirit taken sick with chills ague and fever and for three of jealousy to arise in the breasts of our enemies, months was very sick in fact the sickest that eve I they feared that if they left us there alone all soon was in my life. My recovery was but slowly, would believe on us and the Mormons would take during this time our enemies were active against away their place and nation, and hold the balance us, and the work of apostasy was going on Sidney of power accordingly our old enemies renewed the Rigdon, I Strang, Wm Smith and several others attack. New ones joined in the persecution until it were excommunicated who with the 2 Days, 2 came quite warm and then to assist Satan in his Fosters and 2 Highus were figuring against us. course of persecution several apostatized and During this time Brother Brigham Young was joined the mob in persecuting the Saints and acknowledged President of the Church, the commenced publishing a newspaper called the Temple continued to progress while our enemies Nauvoo Exposter and one number was issued. continued to harass us in the fall of 1845 their The city council pronounced it a nuisance and persecution became much warmer. ordered it removed. At the time I was acting in commenced burning houses grain stacks, driving the Police who was called upon to remove and off cattle, catching and whipping the Brethren and destroy the press type and all libelous prints, etc. some were killed. The persecution became so This caused quite a stir with our enemies and soon general that for the sake of peace we agreed to their cries were so loud that the Governor of the leave as early in the Spring of 1846 as State took the field in person at the head of a body circumstances would admit. The Brother Joseph surrendered to a On the 13th of February 1846, I left Nauvoo demand made for him and stood his trial they not with my wife crossing the Mississippi on ice, finding of not being able to prove any thing proceeded en route for Council Bluffs with the against him and for his safety for a few days he pioneers, the Twelve and some 12 or 15 wagons. was placed in Carthage goal where they say no I left behind me my father’s family, wife’s people chance of substantiating any thing against him and many other acquaintances. We experience a they arose in mob and broke open the gaol and great amount of cold had weather, snow and rain, killed Joseph and Hyrum and severely wounded high water and mud having to lay by from time to Elder John Taylor on the 27 the day of June 1844. time some 2 weeks at Sugar Creek, again some 3 During this time I was serving as police man on weeks at the Sharaton and at several other places almost constant duty night and day and in so doing a few days at a time remaining long enough at the of militia. 73 A History of the Early Mormons and Harmon Family crossing of Grand River to form a settlement fence great service in preserving the present state of a large farm and locate a permanent settlement California from again falling into the hands of the with houses built and a ridge across the River Mexicans. called Garden Grove, calling again on the west building of a flat boat, the replenishing of our Branch of the same river, built a bridge laid out a stock, provisions and etc., preparatory to our start town, fenced the land we called the place Mt. in to the wilderness took us until the for part of Pisgah. I went from this place with the first August before we crossed the Missouri. By the company pioneering out west taking our course by time the season had become so far advance and Indian trails and compass. Bridging all the many being sick and 500 of our active men taken streams that we could not ford many of them very from emigrating families it was thought best to high the 2 Wichanabotanas we bridged on the locate on the banks of the Missouri for the winter. driftwood passing through the Patawatomie And only a small company undertake to cross the Indians village. Bridging the numerous tributary plains, consequently a small company of about of Brand River, Nichanbotanies, Keg Crick, 200 wagons under the command of George Miller Ninsketue Crick and arrived at the Missouri River started on wand when arriving at the Loupe fork of the 14 of June, many of the following co, arrived the Platte some 200 miles from the Missouri, and the next days and camped on the Bluffs about found that the season had so far advance that it 6 miles from the river the next for us to do was to would not be wisdom to go on any father and they cross the Missouri River, it being in the June rise turned north until they came to the Missouri river it was spread out to considerable width. the camp near the Mouth of the Lococo with the Punkah proceeded to make a large flat boat during which Indians and wintered while the remainder of us time I assisted several days on the boat then went camped at the Pavilion and called the place of our to work and make me a wagon. My wife was encampment Cutlara Park. While here our work taken sick and for several days lay very low, but was to cut hay and prepare for winter. The 22 day how ever recovered. About this time the United of Sept. was born my son named Appleton Milo States made a call on our camp for 500 volunteers Jr.1 The raising of the Battalion and to go to the Mexican Service. A battalion of over The 26 of September 1846 we moved from 500 were raised and started in the month of July our encampment about 3 miles to the Missouri for Mexico via Fort Leavenworth, For Pueblo Santa Fee, San Diego and arrived in California just 1 (NOTE: Appleton Harmon married a second wife before leaving Nauvoo and took her to Winter Quarters.) in time to save the relapse of treachery and was of 74 River and there settled down for the winter and suffered greatly with cold my clothes were worn called the place winter Quarters. Here we built a rather thin and the howling blast of the cold temporary house and a mill many of our cattle prairies was piercing as we had to go at the tardy were sent up the river to winter on the rushes pace of the ox we went 150 miles into the state of while others were fed on hay at our residence, the Missouri. Sold the wagon and got a load of corn winter proved a sever cold one and many cattle pork, groceries, and the like and started for home died with cold and starvation. I lost one ox during and when at Keg Creek in a snow storm I heard of the winter. the death of my mother which happened on the 16 In the month of December my father’s folks of January 1847, and was interred before my arrived from Nauvoo, they had remained until in arrival home which was a few days after and the month of September. Before they left Nauvoo found my sister Sophronia laying very low. She and then on their slow march and experiencing died about 8 o’clock a.m. on the 26th of Jan. 1847. heavy rains they were reduced to sickness. So The were both interred in the grave yard on the much so that my sister was confined to her bed for hill on the west side of the Missouri River just several weeks and my father was obliged to lay back of Winter Quarters. At the time the frost was by, as soon as she was sufficiently recover they so sever the ground was froze 3 feet deep--I made started on again following our trail which by the another trip to the Settlements in Missouri and in time and become quite hard beaten road but soft in the two trips I suffered more with cold than in all rainy weather. My father took sick my mother, my life besides. frosted my face and fingers and Amos and Ansil my brothers so that at the time of feet but however I returned home safe and spent their arrival at the Missouri river they were all sick the remainder of winter at Winter Quarters. not able to help themselves or each other. Ansil During the winter some Indians of the Omaha tribe would shake with ague one day and wait on the was camped close by and within sight of my house others the next. I had just finished a small house was surprised by a party of Iowa in the night and and took into it Sophronia sister and brother Amos fired at several of them severely wounded. The and made them as comfortable as possible. I then firing awakened me and the cries of the wounded went to work and built a House for my father and was dreadful while the assailants as soon as they got them into it and made them as comfortable as had discharged a volley of their rifles and poured my circumstances would allow, by this time our in a round of arrows and fled. The sufferers was store of provisions was running low and I started kindly treated by our people their wounds dressed in Company with Briant Stringham to Missouri and broken bones set and about this time a war with an ox team to sell a wagon to get money to party of Sioux came to an encampment of the replenish our stock and eatables. In this trip I Omahas. Some 60 or 70 miles up the Missouri 75 A History of the Early Mormons and Harmon Family and fell upon them in the night and made a general remaining from the ravages of the winter, with 8 massacre. 78 of the Omaha were killed in their of the Quorum of the Twelve started from Winter lodges as they never stirred from their beds while Quarters the fore part of April 1847 for the lonely the dead of night many of them being shot through miles of the mountains to find a secluded retreat a the head or heart never stirred from their bed while resting place for the Saints and for the Saints as others being mortally wounded would crawl a few many as possible to follow as soon as the grass feet and expire in the path that led from one camp should grow. So as to afford their teams a good to another. those that did not fall the first and substance on the way. The winter in fact the past second fire fled in all directions. Sioux cut off the 12 months has been as tiring a scene for the Saints noses of all the dead as a token of spite and as they ever had to pass through. Sickness, Death, contempt which they held to wards them and loss of cattle and teams, poverty in all most every retreated the surviving Omaha gathered up their shape exiles in a Christian Land. Heavy draft for horses dongs and effects took up their march men to carry on the Mexican war without a place howling as the went down the river they came to to lay our heads. The task laying on our shoulders our settlements and stopped a short time. At night of finding a future resting place for those worn out they would set up a howling and their cries would Saints, Government watching us with jealous eyes rend the air they soon moved on down to Belview ready to do anything but to assist us in this our the suffering of those poor miserable beings was perilous situation, thus in our forlorn condition by immense and excited the sympathy of our people request of Brother Kimball I left my wife, child, who gave them several beef cattle and a great father and brothers, my wife with her fathers folds amount of bread. and I started on the 18th of April 1847 with the The winter being past the Spring made its above mentioned pioneers and drove a team for appearance which relieved the suffering of the Brother Heber C. Kimball we proceeded on our Saints and our cattle form the long perilous cold way as fast as we possibly could, crossing the and famishing winter during which many of the river Horn on a raft then up the Platte river Saints had died also, many of our cattle and our crossing the Loupe Fork at the old Pawnee Station stores of provision groceries etc were much and village crossing over to the main Platte and exhausted in so much that it was not wisdom for falling in to the company of a large herd of us to pursue as a body our hazardous journey in Buffalo on the first day of May, a chase was fact we could not consequently a body of 143 commenced and 5 killed the first day and our picked men with 73 wagons with the best teams camp laid by one day to take care of the meat. 76 A History of the Early Mormons and Harmon Family The followed our course up the Platte passing this time the river became fordable and we daily great herds of buffalo in many places the remained waiting for the rest of our emigrating earth was dearly divest of every green thing. Our company and waited until the 26th of August. teams could not get sufficient grass to sustain During this stay we ere occupied in the hunting of them they were fed on grain that we had provided Antelope, Buffalo, and Bair [sic]. However only for the like occasions until the grazing go t better one of the latter was killed but the circumstance in near the mouth of the South Fork of the Platte. I which it was done makes it quite interesting and completed a road meter and attached it to the shows the danger that there is in attacking these wheel of a wagon by which we could tell each ferocious Animals the circumstance is this: night the distance traveled through the day. We Doctor Lerike Johnson while on one of his proceeded on meeting with some parties of the circuits after game on horse back in riding around Scout Indians about at the mouth of Horse Creek a small grove near the foot of a range of mountains who was apparently glad to see us well, we arrived a little east of the Red Buttes and at the margin of at the Ft. Laramie the 2nd of June and from the the Black Hills his horse took fright at the smell fort procured a flat boat in which we crossed the for as yet nothing was seen which put the rider on Platte to the South side and proceeded on the a look our and on riding around to an opening South side through the Black Hills until we again nothing was seen when into a thicket he discover came to the Platte making something like 600 a large She Bair [sic] and 2 cubs. To take good miles that we had followed the course of this river aim he carefully slipped of his horse and at the and here had to recross it which took us 8 or 9 moment he struck the ground the bair [sic] saw days, during which time we made a kind of ferry him and came towards him at the extent of her boat by digging out 2 trees of some 30 feet in speed each jump accompanied with a growl and length and placing them side by side and decking mouth open as tho she was in earnest but the them over while this was in the course of erection Doctor stood firm until his antagonist had got most of our company was ferried over by means of within 20 feet of him and then with unerring aim rafts and a small boat that we had brought with us he fired the Ball took effect in a fatal spot and the on the 19th myself with eight others was chosen to bair [sic] after a few jumps fill lifeless and the stop and keep the ferry boat, we accordingly done cubs took fright and run off. We were on visited so and for three weeks was quite busy in ferrying by a party of Apasarokas of Crow Indians it over the emigrants that was then passing to happened at a time when a part of our company Oregon, we cleared to ourselves about $70 each by was away. The had started to meet the company 77 A History of the Early Mormons and Harmon Family that were following us from Winter Quarters who Black Hills we hunted for game and killed four had left us on the 13 of July and we did not hear our use one Antelope, one Deer, one Elk and from them until the 22 of August during which 5 arrived at Fort Laramie about the 3 of Sept. when of us were encamped taking care of the stock an inducement has held out to me of $300 a year wagons, goods, and etc., we assisted by Yerick a for my services if I would accept it to work at my faithful watch dog and 3 or 4 other assistant dogs, new trade that is Black Smithing having during when one morning a party of Crows coming to us our impatient wait at the ferry used the tools coal was kept at bay by the faithful dogs until we had and Iron that would have other wise laid idle and time warning had arose got our guns and calling by so doing acquired a practical knowledge out the dogs they came to us, we gave them some sufficient to enable me to take charge of the work refreshment and watched for treachery and with all at he fort and on the 8 of Sept. commenced and our watching they stole several small articles and worked until the first of March 1848, during this wanted to borrow our horses but these we kept time several bands of the Sioux came to the fort locked up tight not considering their credit and many interesting scenes such as war dances altogether good we chose to keep in our parades and etc. which are recorded in other places possession our horses, etc. After finding all of by me. their trials fruitless and endeavors to get a haul in On the first day of March I started for Winter their useless prey namely horse flesh the object of Quarters in Company with Mr. C. Ligoness and their search, there was ten of them they left us in with my gun on my shoulder I made my way the afternoon and proceed in route to the land of homeward as for Bread we had none. and we took the “cut throats” via Laramie Peak, etc. We but small supplies to start on depending on the remained here until the 26 of August the wild beasts of the prairie for days we feasted on 2 companies yea the long looked for companies all very tough wild geese in the absence of sweet having arrived and passed we also having heard venison tasted very good after they were well from the remainder of the pioneers that they had roasted by a willow fire. We experienced several proceeded by way of Fort Bridger to the valley of cold nights and nearly all the route dry weather. the Great Salt lake and there settled upon a WE crossed the Platte in the midst of ice current permanent settlement, the destined place of our and we would have to dodge them as they swept future home. past. This crossing was effected near Ash Hollow We started that is 6 of us to return to Winter after crossing and traveling a short distance we Quarters for our families traveling through the came to an Ogalallak Village of Sioux where some 78 A History of the Early Mormons and Harmon Family French traders were encamped here we stopped 2 not see the little boy an enquiring was told that he days during which time I traded my pony of a was dead. Appleton Milo Harmon, Jr., was his stronger one and a mountaineer joined us in our name he Died Sept 20, 1847, at Winter Quarters journey to the States. We proceeded on killing Omaha side of the Missouri River, Council Bluffs, some buffalo for our support and at the heart of from this time until the 4th of June I spent in Grand Island we fell in with a band of Pawnee preparing for the journey. I went into Missouri as Indians who after begging of us our generosity far as the town of Oregon and purchased a load of would allow forced from us everything that we wheat and got it ground at Mr. Holister’s Mill on could get along with out as they thought, and then the Nodaway, I got some groceries, etc, in fact I it was with the skin of our teeth that we got off procured a fit out for one year of groceries, with our horses but this we did and crossed the clothing and etc., returned to the Bluffs fitted up Loupe Fork the water was up to our arm pits cold my wagon, assisted my father to fit up his wagon from the melting ice and snow and the quick sand also my wife’s father got a good team 2 oxen, 2 bottom making it extremely difficult but effected cows 2 heifers, 2 chickens, 1 pig, 1 horse my wife a crossing in safety and after passing through and self and started from Winter Quarters June 4th some more of the Pawnee Red Skinsand again 1848, and the day before we started I experienced being begged of everything we could spare we got on of the heaviest showers of rain I ever saw for through and crossing the horn then across a burnt about one hour we traveled on crossing the Horn prairie, and parted with my company as their River on a raft where we joined the camp that led destination was Belview and mine Winter by Brother Heber C. Kimball it being organized Quarters, I tried had to reach home that night but were placed in Brother Isaac Hibbees company of night came on and my horse tired and hungry I put about 60 wagons my father Amos and Ansil my up at a grove of timber turned by horse loose to wife’s father and folks and etc. were all alone and browse on the Hazel Brush and I laid myself down where fairly started I can say I truly say I felt to sleep alone and was lulled to sleep by the happy to find all of us once on the road for the howling of the wolves. valley in good health and a fair prospect before us March 26, 1848, I arose at break of day and years provisions and etc, my fathers cow died saddled my horse and started arrived at Winter one week out from Winter Quarters this weakened Quarters about ten o’clock found my people all our team some Amos and Ansil drove a team each well and my wife at her fathers as soon as she saw for Brother Heber C. Kimball and got their board me she began to weep looked for the cause could for it, we journeyed along the Platte River for 600 79 A History of the Early Mormons and Harmon Family miles killing the wild beast for to supply us for come in contact with my companion, he ran off meat, one morning as we were bout to start on our and when on an extensive plain turned around and journey a large buffalo came near our camp and all shook his head at us as much as to say come on the large dogs and the small dogs ran out to bark where there is plenty of clear room but his we at him and many of the men and women stood and were not anchor for and came off and left him. gasped at the monster as he would hook and kick while on the Sweet Water we had several long at the dogs, who some of the more courageous of tramps after Buffalo one day when the camp was the men ran out in the direction and I soon laying still I went with five or six others tramping followed with a rifle in hand as he was running until the sun began to approach toward the western toward the camp I shot and brought the monster to horizon we discovered the object of our search the ground. He was soon dressed and divided in namely a band of buffalo we then cast lot which 2 the camp and we with our fresh meat went on our of us should go and commence an assault. It fell way rejoicing. I had given me charge of the on myself and Ira Spaulding after crawling for hunting department and was come say in dividing considerable distance we keeping a small bunch of the game to the camp many a sportive day we had green wood between us and the buffalo we and many a long tramp after the buffalo and succeeded in getting within rifle shot we then antelope until our legs would get wearied looking commenced our at act both rifle shots took affect for game of tracking them on the sandy plains the wounded animal ran a few yards and stopped wounding them in the chase, the sun would sink and we had to wait for him to die not daring to behind the Rocky Mountains range and we to our approach him while he had life for he was rather a wagon repair. The night crept on. The wolves ferocious looking and acting sort of animal. We how and we by some range of promontory then dressed the buffalo took each of a back a load glittering in the pale moon rays, git the weary and started for our camp and the sun went behind hunter to his home, with his venison one day while one of the grey granite range of the Sweet Water in a chase had wounded a large buffalo and on Mountains and soon its gliding rays upon the snow approaching to a near to the wounded animal he covered peak gradually disappeared and the red charged with great velocity at my companion sky of the west turned grey like other parts of the while I stood trying to shoot, my companion at the Horizon and the little stars grew bright and quickness of though jumped behind a tree and then twinkled in the distance, the moon cold and pale the dodging to keep the pine sapling between them was watched as it began to sink behind those after 2 or 3 desperate but fruitless attempts to 80 A History of the Early Mormons and Harmon Family rugged peaks that a short time previously had velocity of the wind and was soon over the hills concealed the King of day from our view. out of our sight with the dogs in full chase. We While we were taking what proved to be a advanced in quest of new objects and as on a large circuitous route, as we passed along as we passed herd of cows were in full view. WE surveyed the along the trails of the buffalo the smell of fresh situation of the ground with as much skill as a meat caused the wolves to howl and follow on our general would his enemy and contrived our plan of tracks and after clambering over one or two attack and immediately commenced to put our rugged cliffs and long, long walk at last came in plans into execution from some unknown cause to sight of our camp fires and after 2 hours smart us the monsters were around from there quietude walking came tired to our camp about 2 o’clock i and commenced their flight but fortunately for us the morning and I had 40 pounds of good beef for their were in a direction favorable to us we by a my day and nights work, one more Buffalo story little shifting in our position secreted ourselves in will wind up the hunting stories and leave me a cavity of the earth and as the herd were dashing ready to go over the Rocky Mountain range and past us were partially brought to a halt by an winding way into the valley that is to afford us obstruction in their path which afforded us a good future home. opportunity that we failed not to occupy we A few days after the above circumstances as leveled our rifles selected the choice of the flock we were about to leave the Buffalo country it was and brought each of us one to the ground while thought necessary to possess ourselves of a full dressing them an antelope cam close enough for a supply of beef as we were about to leave the last target and i with a single crack of my rifle added probable source of obtaining supplies of that kind. him to our stock of venison. By this time our team Early one morning as we were snugly camped on was in sight and as soon as it reached us we were a rich bottom of the Sweetwater I set off in ready and loaded on 2 buffalo and antelope and company with Charles Chapman for the foot of the started for home where we arrived about the mountains where we were expecting to fall in with darkening and felt quite satisfied and well repaid a herd of buffalo. While my father and father-in- for our days work, the next day was spent in law followed on our trail with a pair of ox and curing our meat we then proceeded on our cart and a pack horse. We proceeded to the spot journey, but as we were heavy laden and our teams where we expected to find the game the first herd light we made slow progress, but we patiently that our pursued our journey as fast as we could while unmanageable dogs they dashed past us with the camped at the Pacific Springs as the South pass of we surprised was chased by 81 A History of the Early Mormons and Harmon Family the rocky mountains about the 2 or 3 of September pilgrimage. We gradually approached into a rough 1848 we encountered a sever snow storm, which mountainous country and the hill sides partially on the high peaks each side of us fell to covered with cedars sage and other shrubbery the considerable thickness but on the lower table elevation increasing daily at the highest places the landed the fall was lighter which mostly road went was 7800 feet above the level of the sea, disappeared in 2 or 3 hours after the storm abated. the nights were cold and frosty the days warm and The storm had caused our cattle to ramble in sunny and our anxiety daily increasing to behold search of shelter and they were found about 12 our future mountain home, we continued to wind miles distant still rambling the emigrants our weary way over the hills and down the frequently lost their cattle in storms like this and canyons crossing the rivulets some times shut up never see them again, but we were fortunate in as it were between two mountains, and would getting ours we passed on again. While passing travel in the shade for hours together after a from Big Sandy over to Green River my wife’s journey one hundred and twelve days at about 11 father lost an ox that is he died, having lost one a o’clock a.m. on Sunday the 24th of September few days previously reduced his team until he was 1848 emerged from Emigration Canyon into the unable to proceed further without help but open valley which opened to the right and left in fortunately a number of teams were sent from the the bright sunshine which gave it a golden hue that valley and he was supplied nor was he alone in made it look doubly rich to us after having been this situation for some 30 or 40 families were left for the last 2 weeks shut up between high without sufficient team to proceed with in mountains and passing over urged ways. consequence of being so heavy loaded short feed brethren that were there bade us welcome to our and immense dust and saleratus plains over which home all looked beautiful Godlike handsome and we had to pass this deficiency was supplied from cheerful. The the reinforcement from the valley and we were The next thing for me was to prepare for our again able to pass on fording Green River passing winter quarters which I done by building a small along without anything accruing worth of note adobe House which I accomplished in time to git more than we were cheerful and laying by comfortable situated in before the first snow storm Sundays and holding meetings, the best of feelings came which was about the first of December our prevailed and we were beginning to rejoice that fuel was obtained form the neighboring mountains we were so near our journeys end where we had a and our cattle sent off into the low part of the prospect of a season of rest after so sever a 82 A History of the Early Mormons and Harmon Family valley to winter and I worked at cabinet work the the remainder of the streams were easily forded. winter. While passing from Independence Rock to Willow January 16, 1849, Sister Harmon gave birth to Springs a party of Crow Indians came up us and a fine son and Briant Harmon is his name and long traveled along with us. As we were passing large may he live to honor the same, the winter was cold herds of buffalo and antelope we thought to avail and severe one of my oxen died the number of ourselves with a supply of the former and emigrants that came into the valley the fall before accordingly commenced our pursuit. The Indians was greater that the amount of provisions brought joined in the case and one of the expert ones or raised consequently a great scarcity prevailed seemed to take the lead, charged upon the herd through all the settlements at one time an and run them until the fattest ones began to lag inventory of all the bread stuff was taken which behind then selected his choice and prohibited any amounted to about 10 per head per day until the one to fire at it until he gave the signal, they harvest, of this some had more that their equal chased the cow to the road and to the very place share and some less, those were generally where we were camped then gave the signal when exhorted to divide with the scanty neighbors for a a shower of arrows and musketry was poured into reasonable enumerations which was cheerfully the animal which brought her to the ground, we done by most of the saints so that all was made drove up our wagons and camped for the night, comparatively comfortable. dressed the Buffalo and kept a diligent watch In March the Spring opened grass began to through the night for fear of treachery and the next grow the farms began to plow and sow I slowed a day proceeded on accompanied by the Indians small piece of wheat planted a garden and party who were 7 in number, during the forenoon commenced the opening of a ten acre lot for a 3 of our horses were swapped for their sometimes future farm. getting 2 or 3 for one. We stopped at Willow May 3, 1849, I started in company with 9 Springs for our noon halt where we finished our others to keep a ferry at the upper crossing of the trades and after our refreshment started on and Br. Platte River 380 miles east of the Salt Lake M.D. Hambleton having tarried a few moments in Valley. On our trip we encounter heavy road trying to make another trade. As we were perhaps sowing to the departure of the snow but we passed 3 or 4 hundred yards distance and just passed over along very easily and crossed the small streams a little hill that excluded us from their sight one without difficulty as we had with a boat we ferried Indian catched [sic] his horse and the others pulled ourselves across Hams Fork of Green River and him off and gave him in exchange a bow quiver 83 A History of the Early Mormons and Harmon Family and three arrows and exclaimed in broken English of August and found all well. I then cut some hay, “Swap Swap” accompanying the expression with done some harvesting then went to the canyon a sign signifying the same they then mounted their and got some lumber that is cut some logs and horses and drove off their prize in a south westerly took them to the saw mill and got them sawed took direction over the sand hills at the height of speed home the lumber, go t some adobes made and by the time Br. Hambleton had come up to us commenced butchering with Briant Strigham, his and told us his story the Red Skins were out of father having went to the gold mines. Butchering sight and probably 2 miles distant. We thought and doing the joiner work for the house. 1850. pursuit useless and continued on our journey In February the Utah Indians without making any endeavor to recover the lost committed some depredations, stole some cattle in horse. the Utah Valley and became troublesome that it We arrived at the ferry the 27th of May and was thought best to chastise them. Accordingly a commenced ferrying the 28 a very heavy company of 100 men was selected to go to Utah emigration were passing to California and in July for that purpose. 2 Battalions of U.S. troops crossed at our ferry on purpose and gathered themselves together in a their way to Oregon, and one company of our own conspicuous place on the Provo and resisted our emigrants going to the valley. About the last of people. July and after the river became fordable we having keeping up a constant fire which was sent back as earned and divided $646.50 to each of us, we warm by our people. A reinforcement was sent bought each of us a wagon and oxen to draw it and from the city to join our people. The attack was started to the valley and the 3rd day of our journey resumed again the 3rd day and moving batteries I was taken sic with colic which turned to cholery erected under the cover of which companies of our [sic] or something like it. Our company layed men moved up within close rifle distance of their [sic] by two days until I recovered. During my enemies and poured in a deadly fire. At the same illness I was administered to by 2 of our Brethren time another detachment charged up and took elders and with the administration of some mild possession of a vacant house within close rifle medicine I speedily recovered and the 3 day was shot of our enemies ground, while they were at the able to ride the next to sit in the wagon and drive same time assailed from 2 or 3 other quarters. In and the next to take care of my team and in a few this desperate effort 7 of our horses were killed 11 days was well as ever. I had bought me 8 head of of our men wounded some severely and others but oxen and 4 cows. I arrived in the valley the 15th 84 The Indians perceived our They fought desperately for two days A History of the Early Mormons and Harmon Family slight and one killed by the name of Joseph into a treaty of peace and agree to cease taking our Higbee. cattle and horses. During a portion of the was On the other hand the Indians suffered the which lasted about 2 weeks I filled a station loss of about 13 killed several wounded and the allotted to me to guard the frontiers of our rest drove into holes that they had excavated in the settlements and prevent any depredations that our deep snow drifts that lay in the bend of the River enemies might in their enraged state attempt to Provo where they were situated where it was both make. difficult and dangerous to follow and as night At the close of the war the different came on our men retired to the fort about 3 miles detachments returned to the city after having distant, and left the field of battle, and the Utahs in killed, put into flight or taken prisoners the whole their snow dens. The next day our men being of the band of the Utah Valley who were our joined by the reinforcements form the city repaired enemies the other band of the Utah tribes being on early to the field of battle but on arriving at the friendly terms with us. The prisoners taken who spot found it vacated by our enemies how had were mostly women and children were sent at form one of the horses killed the day before taken liberty or taken care of by some of the Brethren. two quarters of beef and taken their flight to the About the last of February I got my house so mountains. The were followed to where they far along that 2 rooms were finished and I moved ascended, Rocky Canyon. One of the chiefs by into it. In March the winter broke up and Spring the name of Elk was found dead in the trail and the came. The grass and vegatations [sic] generally other chief by the name of Stickenhead had has began to shoot fourth and all looked green and arm broke by a rifle ball they had come to a halt in growing. I busied myself in preparing to cultivate the cave of some rocks a short distance up the a small farm and till my lot to the best possible mountain and Stickenhead the only remaining advantage. I felt happy. I had a good affectionate chief and 2 or 3 other of the principal warriors wife, a promising son a comfortable house a small escaped off over the mountains while the others far ago stock of cattle. In the Church of Christ, maintained their stronghold for a few days. settled in the garden of the world, a secluded Meanwhile a guard was set to prevent their escape retreat in the mountains of Ephraim, was on of the into the valley they seeing all prospects of escape Seventies, chosen as a special witness to the guarded they gave themselves up a prisoners. nations, to preach the gospel of Christ to the meek During this time other bands were chastised in all and lowly. of them about 40 were killed who would not enter 85 Before us lay the prospect of growing up with the settlement and to share with the prosperity of the new colony, the county abounding with all the natural advantage necessary for the building of a city and an extensive settlement. A SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF ROSALINE CHANDLER HARMON (Written by her Daughter Jane Harmon Pratt--March 1941) Chandler known. As he grew older he ran Harmon, daughter of away from his uncle’s home, and Abel and Mary Ann when the War of 1812 was R osaline Jerome Chandler, was born declared March 15, 1841 in New York teamster and received a number City. Her father was of Irish of promotions. descent born in Baltimore, with the army until the close of Maryland, July 4, 1795. When the war. he was eight days old his mother private died leaving him to the care of machinist. his grandmother, who loved him twice. dearly and lavished upon him unknown) died leaving him with every kindness that a child Rosaline Chandler Harmon might wish. He was reared in he enlisted as a He remained After returning to life he became a He was married His first wife (name two small children, John Wilson Chandler and Angeline comfort and luxury until he was eight years old Chandler. He later married Mary Ann Jerome, when his grandmother died. Abel’s father who was born in New York, May 14, 1810. Here mysteriously disappeared and it was supposed that they resided the remainder of their lives. Mary he had been killed by a runaway negro. Thus, at Ann became the mother of five children as an early age, Abel was left an orphan to fight follows: Abel Jr., Joseph, Andrew, Rosaline and life’s battle alone. Lucy. The three boys died in their youth, and in After the death of his grandmother he went to 1843, at the age of forty-eight the father was also live with an uncle, but was treated harshly. No stricken with death, leaving Mary Ann a widow at doubt his childish heart often yearned for the the age of thirty-three with only one child, loving care of a fond mother whom he had never Rosaline, who was then only two years old. 86 However, about three months after the husband’s Forshay. After mother’s death she made her home death a little daughter, whom they named Lucy, with Aunt Caroline and Aunt Antoinette. was born to give comfort to the heart-broken In June 1862, she bade adieu to all she held mother. But it was only a short time that they dear and began a trek of over 2,000 miles across were permitted to keep Lucy when she too was mountains and deserts to cast her lot with an taken. Thus left with only one little daughter, this unpopular people, to share their trials and good woman faced the stern realities of life, hardships, and also to become a partaker of their devoting herself to her only child. many blessings. She had saved up a little of her Mary Ann was left with only meager means wages each month as typesetter, and with the of support. Her child was too young to leave, so money she had saved form the sale of her she would get work she could do at home. She household goods she had sufficient means to did sewing and also did copying for lawyers. finance herself. She went as far as Florence, Later she went out nursing, and in this she was Nebraska by train. Here she bought a yoke of able to support herself and child. oxen for $100 and also bought a wagon. The Roseline attended the public schools and Church put on another yoke of oxen and furnished received a good education. While she was a some freight, and also provided a teamster, a young girl she contracted scarlet fever and was so young man by the name of Chariton Jacobs. seriously ill that her life was despaired of, but About the time of Rosaline’s conversion to through a kind providence she was spared. Her the L.D.S. Church, she met a young man who was Aunt Caroline at this time lost her whole family of also a member of the church and to whom she five children from this malignant disease. When became engaged to marry. He left for Utah in Rosaline was fourteen she finished school and company with other Saints expecting Roseline secured employment in a printing office as a would be able to soon follow; but on account of an typesetter, thus assuming the responsibility of illness and her mother’s death and also a trip to bread-winner and making life less strenuous for Kentucky to visit her Aunt Sarah and regain her her mother. When she was nearly eighteen years health, this was in 1861. She returned to New old she heard some Mormon Elders preach, she York in the fall where she remained with her aunt became interested and investigated this new Caroline until June 11, 1862. doctrine, and was converted and baptized March communication was so uncertain that letters did 17, 1859, by Elder Rugg. not always reach their destination, and as her In those days In February, 1861, her mother, after an illness fiancee, not hearing from her, but hearing that she of three months, passed away. Her nearest kin had been ill, thought she had died, and he married were five aunts: Sarah Wade, Suzanne Toms, another girl. Thus, upon arriving she found that Caroline Boyington, Eliza Bijoat, and Antoinette she had lost her fiancee. Is it any wonder that this 87 young girl who had lost father, mother, brothers were making their trips south they would make and sisters and fiancee should feel sad and lonely? this home their stopping place. It was therefore The captain of the company, Ansil P. not unusual for Rosaline to have a large crowd to Harmon, with whom she had trailed, observed her prepare for and take care of frequently. loneliness and was especially kind to her. It was On November 11, 1863, after forty-eight not long, however, before his interest grew into hours in the valley of the shadow of death, something more than sympathy. Rosaline was a Rosaline gave birth to a little girl, whom they very beautiful girl, with large brown eyes and an named Anna Rose. Her suffering was intense, abundance of dark hair, a clear rosy complexion with no skilled assistance or doctor except a and winning smile, which won for her the title of midwife, a Mrs. Carling of Fillmore. Three other “Queen of the Plains.” So before the journey was children were born in the fort, namely, Milo Ansil, ended another romance was in the making. They Joseph Martin, Mary Sophronia. Joseph died arrive in Salt Lake Valley September 27, 1862. when only a few weeks old. Rosaline made her home with Brother and One day when Ansil was away two young Sister David Leaker, whom she had known in Indian braves with their faces painted and an New York. They were very kind to her and were insolent air came stalking into the house and ever after good friends. On November 29, 1862, demanded some pig meat. Not having just what Rosaline became the wife of Ansil P. Harmon, the they wanted she offered them some liver. ceremony being performed by Daniel H. Wells in Disdaining this substitute, one Indian took the the Endowment House. liver and threw it on the hot stove. At the same They remained in Salt Lake until the time he drew his large hunting knife from his belt following spring when they moved to Cedar and came toward her brandishing the knife and Springs, now Holden, Utah. Ansil had been threatening to stab her. She and the children called there to take charge of the church property screamed. William Stevens, living in the next which consisted of a farm and a large number of room, heard the screams and rushed to her aid. He cattle. ordered the Indians to leave at once, which they They first lived in a fort built for protection against the Indians. This was indeed a did. new experience for Rosaline, who had lived in a In the spring of 1871, the family moved out of city all her life and been accustomed to comforts the fort into a new and commodious eight-roomed and conveniences. She now had a crowd of house. Here they were very happy and proud of hungry hired men to feed, butter to churn, candles their new home. Ansil had made a trip to Salt to run, soap to make, and a hundred other things Lake City and about carpet and furniture, so they all new to her on this frontier settlement. Since ere really made comfortable. Fruit trees, grape they were working for the church it was only to be vines, rose bushes, and lilacs were planted, and expected that when President Young and his party though many years have passed others are still 88 enjoying the fruits of their labors. In September cooking for his father and himself. He was a good of that year, another daughter was born and was provider, and Rosaline became very proficient in named Lucy Elmeda. Three years latter Emma the art of cooking and the table was always spread Tressa arrived, followed by Jane Marinda, born with good wholesome food. Jan 10,1877. No doubt the husband was wishing In the fall of 1874, when Emma was about for another son, but he was not to have the wish three weeks old, Ansil left for a mission, his wife granted, for on July 15, 1879, another girl was was ill all the time he was gone, which born, and died the same year, August 16, 1879. necessitated hired help in the home to assist the She was christened Zina Belle, but was not oldest daughter Anna, who was then eleven years permitted to remain with them long. Lily Orilla old, in taking care of the children an performing was born March 31, 1881, and was a beautiful the household tasks. Rosaline and Ansil were child with golden curls and blue eyes, the only noted for their hospitality and did much blue eyed girl of the family. She had a loveable entertaining. Ansil was a member of the Bishopric dispositions and was the idol of the whole family. for many years and this gave them the opportunity In January 1887, when she was not quite six years of having many of the Church Authorities stay old, she contracted pneumonia and lived only a with them while attending conference. Most all few days. On January 7, 1887, she passed to the the president’s of the church and many of the great beyond. Apostles have been among the number. Rosaline was very fond of reading and was a Rosaline was a teacher in the Sunday School good story teller. Of the few things she brought and a worker in the Relief Society, being a visiting across the plains were her books which she valued teacher and was assistant Secretary and Treasure very highly. Among them were many standard in the Stake Relief Society. ones such as Shakespeare’s plays, George Elliot’s member of the District School Board for novels, and Jane Porter’s “Scottish Chiefs.” She sometime. She was also a also brought an accordion which she played After the children were all married and her nicely. Her children used to gather around the husband’s health failed, they sold their home in open fireplace winter evenings, eating ripe Holden and went to Sevier County where their mellow apples and listening to wonderful tales of three daughters, Ann, Mary and Lucy were living, her early life and to the music of her accordion. expecting when Ansil recovered his health to buy She also played for many parties and dances in them a home in Richfield. These hopes were those early years in Holden. never realized, for one month later while still When she was married she knew very little stopping at the home of their daughter, Ann, in about cooking, but was willing to learn. Her Vermillion, on September 12, 1908, he passed husband proved to be a good teacher, since he had away. been motherless for many years and had done the Richfield, living alternately with one of her three 89 Rosaline remained in Vermillion and daughters. The next spring her daughter Mary, with her husband and family, left for the Society Islands, where Mary’s husband, William A. Seegmiller, had been called to preside over the Tahitian Mission. She then went to Hinckley, Utah to stay for some time with her other two daughters, Jane Pratt and Emma Reeves. About a year after her husband’s death her daughter, Anna, contracted typhoid fever and passed away in October 1909. Anna’s death was a great sorrow to her. After spending nearly two years in Hinckley, she again returned to Richfield and lived with Lucy until Mary returned when she went to live with her. In the spring of 1914, her health failed and she continued to grow worse until the end came September 8, 1914. Three months after her death her daughter, Emma, passed away at her home in Hinckley, leaving a family of seven children. Ansil and Roseline were both buried in the Holden Cemetery beside their three children. 90 Top Row Left to Right: Emma Thressa Harmon Reeve, Milo Ansil Harmon, Mary Sophronia Harmon Seegmiller, Anna Rose Harmon Stringham Second Row Left to Right: Jane Marinda Harmon Pratt, Ansil Perce Harmon, Roseline Chandler Harmon, Lucy Elmeda Harmon Jensen 91 92 ROSE JENSEN ~ MY LIFE Rose is Carrie Jensen Gillies’ Sister (Found in Rose Jensen’s “Treasures of Truth”) On February 3, 1910, Thursday at ground. When I was small I was fat and 4:35 p.m., a little black-headed, red- chunky, now I am extra tall and skinny. faced baby was brought forth into this The second grade teacher I had was large world. I was clothed in a beautiful Blance Wilson, and the third grade pink night dress which with that little teacher Lora Curtis, fourth grade, nightgown and my red face, black hair, Vonda Ence, fifth Rae Haycock and made me look like a little Indian. The sixth was Sophie Goldbransen. I was baptized February 3, 1918, on Indians were camped in their wigwams north of our place. Uncle Charle Bean asked a Sunday which I had the honor of celebrating my Mother if she had gone over to the Indians and birthday. I was baptized by Charles Ogden and borrowed a papoose. From these compliments, I confirmed by W.A. Seegmiller. On my ninth or tenth birthday, Sister Miria have learned that I was a very beautiful baby. Horne gave me a pretty handkerchief for my I was named and blessed May 1, 1919, by birthday. Joseph S. Horne. As the years went by, I was not the baby but In the fifth grade they put on “Jack the had a sister and brother come into the world. I Beanstalk,” which I had the honor and pleasure of remember that whenever the older sisters would being in the chorus. I thought it quite an opera. want me to do something around the place I would In February 19, 1923, I took pneumonia. The be nowhere to be found. During that time I would Friday before I stayed down to Tilda Horne’s be down to Gledhill’s or over to Johnson’s instead place and we ate black walnuts. The next morning of around the house. I came home and was washing. I ate some blue At six years I entered my first year of school. plum preserves for breakfast then I complained of How proud I was to be able to go to school like a sick headache. I went to bed early and the next the rest of my family. My first grade teacher was morning I had a fever of 104. They called Dr. Marvel Blomquist. I remember that during that Garn Clark. He told mother that I had pleurisy year mother bought me a ring when she was in pneumonia. He called in the afternoon again and Salt Lake City. I wore it to school and lost it. I told them I could not have anything to eat for a was unable to find it on account of the snow on the period of time. I remember asking Ruth for something to eat but she told me it had been only 93 Rose Jensen History a few minutes since the doctor had left. It seemed On January 15, 1929, I entered the Holy Cross hours to me. They gave me some quinine capsules Hospital for a nursing course. During the time I and told me to swallow them, but I didn’t, I was there it was one of the best years of my life. chewed them instead. They said I was in delirium With all the ups and downs I gained many for in that stage I had no control of what I was friendships from people I cherish highly. On April 9, 1931, I underwent an operation doing. Uncle Will Seegmiller and Bishop Virg Bean for my appendix removal. During that time in the administered to me, in which they layed their operation I left this world, entering into a more hands upon my head and sealed the blessing of our beautiful world, but with the hand of the doctors, Father in Heaven. It was, the fever, a degree I was able to come back to live once more in the lower after they administered to me. life we live in now. Monday morning the doctor was surprised During the summer I was up to Carrie’s that the fever was down to normal. The blessing helping nurse when little Earl was brought into the sealed upon my head by the Elders through the world, on July 9, 1931 at 2:00 a.m. Since that time I have been at home, staying Priesthood had done it and I was on the road to with mother during her sickness. I hope to in recovery. more days to come to continue more incidents and Throughout the Junior High I had lots of fun, history of my life. for I helped with the paper called the “Go Getter.” For graduation I had a voile dress. This is what Lucy Elmeda Harmon Jensen wrote about the death of her daughter, Rose: In high school there, I was surrounded with Rose Jensen passed away on the 26th of many more high ideals. I was a member of the December 1933 at Vineyard, Utah, at her Sister Home Economic Club, Bayeaus Club. I had the privilege of trying out for the school Carrie Jensen Gillies’ home. She had been staying plays, for though I never got in the plays I had one with Carrie while she had been confined and had of the leading parts in the Opera “Lelawala” by a sweet little girl who they named Gayle. She had Cadmen. I was Hintola the grandmother of the been there four months and had been bothered leading lady taken by Yetive Gledhill, Lelawala. with a pain in her head which the Doctor called During the years or summers of 1928 and Sinus, but it was Encephalitis, which caused inflammation of the brain. 1929 I went up to Provo Bench and picked berries. She was buried in Richfield on the 31 of I stayed at my sister Carrie’s place at Vineyard. December 1933. The speakers at her funeral was Those good old days I will never forget. Dr. T.R. Gledhill, John L. Sevy and A.J. Ashman. 94 Rose Jensen History The quartet who sang was Ruby T. Oldroyd, Marion Bean, Darrel Olyrod and Ed Mortensen. Mrs. Helen Poulson sang, “My Faith in Thee,” and other songs were, “I Will Go Where You Want Me to Go Dear Lord,” and “Some Time We’ll Understand.” Opening Prayer was by John Ross and the closing prayer by Leo Beal. The grave was dedicated by Uncle William A. Seegmiller. Pallbearers were: Cousins Owen and Horace Harmon of Holden, Evan Seegmiller, Lowell Bean, Boyd Jensen of Richfield and Bryan Reeve. Rose would have been 24 years old on the 3 of February 1934. 95 Rose Jensen History HISTORY OF MARION JAY GILLIES Marion is Jay & Carrie Gillies’ Deceased Son (Life Sketch) arion Jay Gillies family in the Spring of 1942. was born February Here he took three years of 23, at Seminary, was in F.F.A. three Vineyard, Utah. He was a good years, and was treasurer two natured baby and grew and years. He took track three years developed well. He was always and won the 880 Yard Run. In teachable and never gave any 1945 he took the Mile Race on trouble. Boys Day at Monroe and fourth M 1927, On May 25, 1929, he was place in Region 4 Track and given an all-day sucker at the Field meet at Richfield. At the store in Lindon, Utah. He fell Southern Utah Junior Livestock down with it in his hand while Show on May 3 and 4, 1945, he going to the car and it struck him in his left eye. Marion Jay Gillies There were Black Faced Buck and the other several operations on it but it never healed, and at on his lamb. 10 years of age it was taken out and replaced by an Marion graduated from Seminary May 22, artificial one. 1945 and from South Sevier High School May 24, He attended Elementary 1945. School He went to work at Richfield the latter part of and Junior High at July and a team of horses hitched to a mower ran Vineyard and one year away with him and drug him under it when he fell at Lincoln High in off. His foot was hurt and cut open. Tetanus set Orem. He was on the in an he died before medicine could get here from wrestling Salt Lake City, Utah. He died August 8, and was team at Orem. He A Young Marion took two B ribbons, one on a Monroe buried August 13, 1945 at Monroe, Utah. moved to with his 96 He was serving as second councilor in the South Ward Sunday School at the time of his death. He was always quiet and studious. Additional Photos 1907 - Taken Near Utah Lake – Behind Geneva Steel Plant Left to Right: Hyrum Gillies, Jack Wilkinson, David Gillies, Jess Gillies, Great Grandma Gillies (Hyrum’s Mother - Margaret Mitchell), Jay Gillies, Margaret Gillies Wilkinson, Margaret Wilkinson Green (Baby), Joseph Albert Wilkinson 97 Hyrum and Jessie Gillies Jessie [Archibald] Gillies Maragret [Mitchell] Gillies Amanda [Wyatt] Gillies Jay Gillies Jay, Carrie Phil & Earl May 1930 ~ Pocatello Maggie Wilkinson, Joe Gillies, Jean & Margaret, Jay with Helen, Joe’s Daughter Oct 1935 L to R Back: Jess and Belle, Joe, Jay, Maggie Wildinson, Mildred Chick Wagner L to R:Margaret & Jean and Carrie in Front Monroe 1937/38? Jean Gillies, Burke, Gayle, Phil Gillies Monroe Earl Gillies 98 Milo Harmon & Marion Gillies The Jensen Siblings Ruth, Milo, Lucille, Carrie, Harmon Lucy & James Jensen The Ansil P. Harmon Family Home ~ Holden, Utah Back Row: William & Mary Seegmiller, Ansil P. Harmon Front Row: Jane, May, Eva, Eliabeth Jane Harmon holding Lois, Rosaline C. Harmon, Angie (in front), Emma Reeve holding Byran, Aunt Hulda Barnes, Lucy 99 Harmon Sisters Emma, Mary, Jane & Lucy Ansil Perce Harmon Family Top Row: Emma, Milo, Mary, Anna Front Row: Jane, Ansil Perce, Roseline Chandler, Lucy Harmon Sisters & Spouses James and Lucy Jensen Far Right Rose Jensen, Marion Gillies, Carrie Gillies Lucy Jensen 100 Jay & Carrie 50th Wedding Anniversary Jay & Carrie Gillies Family The Gillies Siblings Earl, Burke & Phil Burke, Gayle, Earl & Phil Earl, Phil, Jay, Carrie, Gayle, Burke - 50th Wedding Earl & Gayle FR - Gayle, Earl, Ann, Ina BR - Burke, LaJuanna, Phil Reading the Paper at Burke’s 101
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