1. family and parenting
2. children

PART 5 – APPENDIX AND INDEX
APPENDIX
FAMILY CHAIN LETTERS 1945-1946
Garfield, Utah
May 30, 1945
My Dearest Brothers and Sisters,
Over a year ago I started a letter down to Orral's, it went as far as Belle's but it got mislaid so I am
writing again.
I am living here with Cleo, her husband is overseas, in Italy. He has been in the Alps, now he is
on the march again, he couldn't tell us where to. My darling boy is an airplane inspector in
Norfolk. He may be sent to California.
There isn't many of us that hasn't some one in the service and so we all know the feelings and
worry we have. I am so happy that the war has ended in Europe and I am hoping it will soon end
in the Pacific.
My children here are having a touch of the 'flu' now. Cleo is working out at Tooele for the
government, she drives a lift. Daphne works at the copper mill. We are expecting Lynn to go
any time now. Shirrel is 30 years old now. The Lord is showering his blessings on us like He has
all my life.
This being Memorial Day I have wished so to go down to Manti to fix our dear parents graves,
but I couldn't, I tend four babies.
I hope when peace comes, we can all meet together. May the blessings of the Lord be with all of
you and peace and happiness be yours.
Love to all
/s/ Jessie
June 21st
Dear Folks,
Sorry I am so late but you know how one can make excuses. We are all well for which we are
thankful.
William is in the Philippines, Floyd is in Detroit, Lloyd is in Italy. They have been blessed thus
far and we hope and pray they will return home to us well and in good spirits.
Clare's husband is in England, he is in a hospital unit and may come home soon. Mother and I
are grandparents to eleven children. We own our home and farm for which we are thankful.
Lowell has a farm joining ours on the West. Our crops this year look very promising. Last year
our potatoes were the best in our section of the country.
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Anna and Nelda are home with us.
Love to all
/s/ Mell
July 1, 1945
Dear Folks,
Good to hear from you all. We are happy to have Connell and family with us now. He is on
vacation. Irene is in Malad, Idaho. Harvard is in France. Helen is in Missoula, Montana.
Charles is in Italy. We are all well but plenty warm today.
Am teaching in summer school in the U of I. Have been teaching summer and winter since the
war began. Will be glad when I will have my summer free again. May take a trip south the latter
part of summer so look out for me. Will go by plane if I go. We are happy to see Hazel and her
Spokane folks this summer.
We will all be happy when we can travel again. Then we may see more of all of you.
Best love to all,
/s/ Geo. and Family
July 3, 1945
Twin Falls, Idaho
Dear Folks,
Clint said, alright as we are to write and send it on, go ahead, so here it goes. We think this is a
grand idea, but it has the same effect on me that those chain letters had. I'd hate to be the one to
break the chain by not sending it on, and it's been here too long. Trust Jessie for thinking up
ways and means of holding us all together, who could fill her place?
We are planning on a big event in our home soon, Maurine's marriage to Lyle G. Smith, Mgr. of
the Mark Means Seed Co. He is a very fine fellow but not of our faith; but she feels he is the one
and only. We'll have to be real missionaries in our own home. Wish you could all be with us the
20th, It's a comfort to have Ott and Edna with us through all these events.
Bill and Gwen are having a real honeymoon are in Midland, Texas now where he is receiving
further training. We hope he won't have to go over seas again. He returned from Italy in April,
was there nine months. Came home a captain, army air corp. bombardier.
Betty Ruth is living quite near us with her two adorable babies, LuAnn and Larry. Her husband
Sgt L. H. Armga is serving in the 316 Army Signal Corp on Leyte.
C. L. is at Berkeley, California attending the University in the NROTC V12, if all goes well he
will graduate in June '46 with his B. A. and navy commission.
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Preston was sworn in the Navy cadet V12 training in Seattle the last of June and left Sunday
evening for Butte, Montana, to enter the school of mines for his first training. He will be 18 the
25th of September.
Emma Lou is sixteen, need any more be said. We are all trying to keep up with it. The year she
graduates Norman will enter his first year of school. Clint and I expect to be young all over
again, and forget all our worries and troubles.
We are buying this place, it's big enough for all the Lukes, so come when you can.
Congratulations Orral, we are surely proud of you and your fine achievements, more power to
you. We are all hoping for a speedy end to this terrible conflict and to having our loved ones
home again.
Love to all,
/s/ Clint, Emma, and family
July 7, 1945
Well, here it is my turn, but as you know, I know my tithing is small. I determine it by the
example father and mother set in their family number, I being the tenth child and not a very
handsome one at that.
You all speak about this terrible war and the loved ones serving in it, well you don't have any
thing over us. We have six children, Rosalind, Marilyn, Elmo, Arlo, Noel, and Royce, then comes
Grandma (Edna's mother;), Edna, me, and the dog, Queen, and everyone of us in this D--- war
service. Every kid buys defense stamps, we buy bonds, I am up to my neck in income tax, car
stamp tax, shoe tax, clothing tax, jewelry tax, not only income tax but mostly outgo tax, and
these? ? ? ration stamps is why I go without meat, butter etc., etc., for the sake of the war. Yes,
we are in it up to our necks.
I am still in the pulling business, then I do a little replanting. Well, it is paying profitably and we
are getting a little ahead, home, office, car, wife, kids, and dog, all clear, and a little set aside to
buy a farm soon.
As Emma said we are happy to be together here. Emma and Clint do a lot for our kids in music.
We have lots of room, come and see us.
/s/ Ott. Edna
Salem, Utah
Sept. 23, 1946
Loved Ones:
Sept. 23, 1946 will forever be a date for us to remember in our family. DeMar went into the
mission home in Salt Lake City this morning preparatory to going to the Northwestern States
Mission field. He has kept close contact with the church during his two years in the service
where he really did some missionary work. When he stood up to make his farewell speech last
night I realized for the first time just how much he had developed in these last two years. I am
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indeed thankful for his faith and for his desire to fill a mission before continuing his college
schooling.
We are all well and again made very happy by the return of LaRue. She has been an operator for
the Union Pacific R. R. for the last two years. She has been accepted as a student at the B. Y. U.
and will register there on the 25th.
Shirley and MarLeah are attending senior high school at Spanish Fork, Billie, Val Dean, and
Maida attend the school in Salem. Anna Belle has a home in Provo where she is living while
Clyde finishes his course at the B. Y. U. She has a red headed son called Rodney Clyde.
Woodruff is working for a contractor in Springville.
This last year we have received a great deal of joy in having our home "by the side of the road"
where our loved ones can call to see us as they come and go. It really has been very wonderful.
We wonder now why we were content to stay buried in Kanab so long. Of course we had many
wonderful experiences there that mean so much to us now. But we are truly happy for our move
up here.
I am just finishing up my fall canning, the frost having taken most of our garden. The girls tell me
I have about 1100 qts in my basement so maybe we can survive the coming winter.
The reunion at Junction this summer was wonderful. Mond and Willie did a grand job. So many
sweet and sacred memories were renewed.
I am so thankful all the boys who were in the armed forces have returned home safely. All my
love and prayers for your well being go with this letter to each of you.
/s / Belle
Kingston, Utah
Sept. 16, 1946
Dear All:
I have held these letters for over a year and I suppose I should be passing it on. Slow I should
say, but here it goes. We are all well. The boys are home and we are thankful beyond words for
that. We hope that an enduring peace may be established. I am not teaching this year for which I
am thankful. The boys and Utahna are going to school at the A. C. preparing to become teachers,
all except Dwain who is going to be a farmer. We have raised good crops despite the drought. Ma
and I are well although I will be three score and ten, the allotted time of man. As time passes
away the knowledge I have of the Hereafter grows brighter and more enduring. We all have our
separate families and are giving to them the same thought our parents gave to us. I believe the
name of Luke is held in good repute. Let's all hold it that way.
My love and best wishes go to all. I am proud of every one of you. Now any one that keeps these
letters as long as I did will be forgiven, anyhow by me.
Love to all,
/s/ W. J. Luke and family
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Parowan, Utah
July 28th, 1945
Dear Bro and Sisters:
You will never know the joy I have experienced in reading the letters so far and knowing that you
and your families are all well, this world being so full of pain and heart aches as it is. I have just
heard from my dear boy Cyril today, the first time for about six weeks and I feel the Lord is so
kind to me that he is well and his life has been spared so far. He is in the Philippines and is a ship
fitter, 3rd class. He has been in the navy now for 28 months, he has been in the Aleutians 14
months and over in the South Pacific 7 months. He has done so much welding. He went down in
deep water and cut a sub loose and welded the net again under the water. We feel he is having
some rich experiences and are very proud to have our son fight for the freedom, but I do pray to
the Lord to bring him home safe and well. We have been with such a fine family. Florene lives in
Spokane, Washington. I have just returned from a month's visit with her. Mariam Lister lives on
the same block north of us. Anna Stubbs, lives northwest of us and Claudia Foster lives in Cedar
City. Her husband Cliff is in the army and is training in Ft. Walters, Texas. Freeman just turned
17 in July and is at home with us. We do thank our Father in Heaven he has been with us these
last two years.
We are building a new home and John expects to teach this winter again. I am so happy that we
can write these chain letters and always keep some contact with one another. We have such grand
brothers and sisters and did have such grandparents. Let's all plan on a reunion as soon as this
war closes. I am so homesick to see you all. Our years on the old ranch together when we went
in swimming in the old Sevier river to keep the town folks from seeing our old clothes, our hiding
the Easter eggs, dividing sides and then finding each others cache and taking them all, also
milking cows, gathering red berries and currants, surely did something to us, that we do love to be
together and love each other. I would love to have my children know their uncles and aunts as I
do so they could appreciate their heritage.
All are well at present and I do hope all of you are and that every boy and girl that is in the
service may return home and we can always keep this contact.
Love to you all
/s/ Hazel and family
Junction, Utah
Sept. 20, 1946
Dear Folks:
Well here I am writing another chain letter. I wrote one before but my baby Sis lost it
somewhere, you know it seems as though I am a rose between two thorns. Belle loses the first
letter, Will holds the second one a year, but I was sure glad to hear from you all although I have
seen all but Clint and George since. The wars are over and the boys all home and we have
everything in order but the peace which does not look too good at the present, but with faith and
prayer I am sure things will come out alright.
I have had a rough summer, a lot of traffic to handle which brings all kinds of people. I have
picked up car thieves, robbers, hijackers, A W. O. L. 's, drunks, juveniles, and to top it all have
turned out to be a go between for girls who have run away from home and their mothers, which is
no fun, so much for troubles.
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Garth returned from the Navy June 18th, is now in Cedar City going to B. A. C. staying with
Claudia. He was in Japan at the time peace was declared. Bob is a junior at Piute High,
MarLynn and Phillip are going to school in Junction. Phillip was promoted to the fourth grade
last week. Craig, our baby, is home with his mother, will be operated on next week for tonsils.
I or we have 200 acres of potatoes in Milford this year so you can see where I will put in my
vacation, not only that but they put me in as first counselor to the Bishop so there is no time for
me to go wrong. When we can get a new car we will try to see you all.
Love
/s/ Armond and family
Cedar City, Utah
Aug. 20, 1945
Dear Loved Ones,
I am at last going to try and get this letter written. Your letters came two weeks ago and I read
them with much interest. The worry of the war was uppermost in your minds, but now the war is
over I am sure we all have much to be grateful for. As far as I know there hasn't been a single
casualty in our family circle. It would be interesting to know the names of all those that served in
the armed forces, listing the branch, rank and the length of service.
I wrote a similar letter some time ago but I guess it got lost. We are all well and haven't suffered
through the war. In fact if it weren't for the news we would hardly know there had been a war
going on.
Lois and Mariam are getting ready to go into school next month. Lois is teaching in Provo next
winter, I am trying to get crops taken care of. They are the best I have ever seen in this section. I
will close now, praying that you all enjoy health and have the best things of life.
With love
/s/ Lois, Marian and Ren
Bakersfield, California
November 10, 1946
Dear Folks:
Since my first letter is a year and a half old, perhaps I should write a new one. Many things have
happened in this year and a half. We have had the pleasure of visiting with most of you and we
all did enjoy it so much. Marcia and Larry still talk about all the cousins and Aunts and Uncles
that they hardly knew they had. We were royally entertained all the way and did appreciate it.
We were sorry that we didn't get to see Jessie and family nor George and Della. We did see
Harvard on our way to Idaho and we saw Irene in Malad.
Yes, we are still at the same address in Bakersfield (2508 Chester Lane) and we hope you won't
forget us. Preston Luke, Clint's boy, dropped in to see us two weeks ago and we had such a good
visit. Stanley Seigfus brought his wife and family in last Sunday and we enjoyed seeing them.
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We are all very busy. Marjorie is teaching this year, Joan is a freshman in high school, Marcia is
in the first grade and-is so interested in school, Larry is in kindergarten and feels that school is
just one more thing that has to be tolerated.
Since Marcia and Larry had their tonsils out they both feel much better. Between school,
community and church work, I seem to keep plenty busy myself. But we are all well and enjoy
our work. The Lord has indeed blessed us
It has been good to hear from all of you and we all send our love
/s/ Orral, Marjorie, Joan, Marcia & Larry
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LETTER FROM ENGLAND
Bramhall, Cheshire, England
30th June, 1952
To the Descendants of William Luke and Emma Perkins Luke
State of Utah, U. S. A.
Greetings!
This letter comes to say "Hello!" from your" kin across the sea--the descendants of that Emma
Perkins Luke who was your common ancestor and live in the land from whence she hailed.
We in the old country are proud to acknowledge kinship with you in the new. The history of your
families began with the union of William Luke and Emma Perkins and you are all justly proud to
trace your ancestry back to those noble pioneers. The history of your kinsfolk in this country may
well go back very much further than that--we do not know its beginnings. Our early struggles are
buried in obscurity; we here have known nothing of the problems and troubles that beset Emma
and William Luke and their children and grandchildren; we can only share them vicariously
through you, and we are happy and proud to do so.
Yet while our destinies have appeared to move apart since the days of Emma and William and we
in our separate countries have been exclusively concerned within our own small orbits, the
present age is bringing us together again; the international crises of the twentieth century have
shown our two peoples their common need of each other and forged a stronger bond between us;
the discoveries of science have minimized physical distance between us so that miles and hours
can no longer separate us. These things, however, have served only to bring us together again.
We have a much stronger link than they can ever forge--our common ancestry.
So, although we in Great Britain regard all the peoples of the United States as our friends, it is a
wonderful thing to know we have some real kinsfolk there and to have the close and personal
contact this gives.
We send you greetings across the sea, and sincere best wishes to you all on the occasion of your
reunion on July 13th. May it be a day of success and true happiness for you all, and may you
remember your kinsmen and kinswomen across the ocean who join you in spirit.
Very sincerely,
/s/ Margery W. Perkins
30 The View
Abbey Wood
London, S.E. 2
England
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GENEALOGY INQUIRIES
3rd July 1954
Dear Cousin Melvin Luke,
I was most pleased and interested to receive your letter relating to the Luke Genealogy.
I have written to my sisters in Manchester but they could find nothing further amongst my father's
papers.
Re Daniel Luke, I can only suggest that as William (your great grandfather) was married in 1821,
and the first of their ten children cited on your chart was born in 1825, that during the interval
between these dates, Daniel, the eldest son was born, and remained in England when his three
brothers John, Charles Oliver, and Henry emigrated in 1853.
As yet I can find no record of this but when I next go to Manchester, I will certainly have a good
scout round and see if I can discover anything else and let you know. I could find nothing more
than you already know, at Somerset House, records not being compulsory until 1876.
There is, I think, a mistake relating to yourself in the chart. It states you were born in 1883 and
married in 1897. At 14?
We have always understood that we are of Scottish ancestry. The Presbyterianism of many
members of the family points to this.
I should be greatly interested to know why you are doing so much to find out all about the Luke
"family tree."
With kindest regards,
Yours sincerely,
/s / Ernest Luke
Junction, Utah
Sept. 23rd 1930
Harry H. Russell
Supt. Index Bureau
47 E. So. Temple St.
Salt Lake City, Utah
Dear Brother:
On January lst, 1919 I employed Mrs. Danborne who at that time was working in the
Genealogical Soc. to search the English Genealogical records on the Luke and Haydocke lines.
She secured for me 228 names on the Luke line, 1133 on the Haydocke line, and made a Luke
Temple Record and also a Haydocke. The Temple Clerks at Manti praised them highly for their
neatness and correctness. I have written 40 sheets of 20 names each and 4 that I had censored in
your office in 1926 and never are returned for correction and I wrote the most of them with
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Indelible pencil. Myself and wife worked two years in the Manti Temple made lists for Baptism
and Endowment on the Old forms and never had to rewrite one. You say get help from the Ward
Gen. Cous. I don't know that Junction or any of the nearest towns has one: I am Mailing you the
third copied sheet and ask you to draw a red line through any Name or all of them if they cannot
pass. Please return them to me and I will just drop the balance of unfinished 200 names out of
1300 for some future time. I am proud of my Temple Records and believe Mrs. Sanborne gave
all the information obtainable from the English records. What more can we do?
I guess I have misunderstood the intent of your office. I thought it was for the purpose of
stopping duplications, as for myself I would rather do ten duplications than miss one that should
be worked for. I have crossed out Six of the H or W because they are not Known to Husbands.
Rewrote the names of Richard Haddock, Jonathan Haddock and James Haddock by mistake. You
can draw a line through their names written after the H or W if you think proper. I also have
marked out the W on No. 594, 597, 601 and 605 perhaps that is not necessary.
I have another matter I wish to call your attention to that is the list I sent some time ago of my
Parents William and Mary Haydock Luke my Grand Parents, William and Emma Perkins Luke
William Orlando and Elisabeth Crompton Haydock. My Parents were endowed and sealed in the
Endowment House but they failed to make a record of the Day Month and Year. I went with
them and know it was some time in 1865. I would like to get the exact Date and Year, also the
same of my Grandparents. If you cannot get the information wanted please return the list and one
Dollar I sent you.
Yours very Truly
/s/ W H Luke
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WILLIAM AND EMMA LETTERS
Index of William and Emma (Perkins) Luke Letters
1849-1850
#
Letter from:
Date:
Written from:
Have?
1
William to Emma
October 31, 1849
Philadelphia?
Missing
2
Emma to William
November 22, 1849
Manchester
Yes
3
John Drummond to Employer
Ardwick
Yes
4
Emma to William
February 21, 1850
Manchester
Yes
5
William to Emma
1850
Philadelphia
Yes
6
William to Emma
Mid or After 1850
Salt Lake City
Yes
7
Charles to William
February 10, 1851
Manchester
January 3, 1850
8
9
10
11
12
13
Letter #2
Emma to William
26 Kennedy Street
Manchester, England
Nov. 22, 1849
Dear William: (added)
We received your letter dated October 31st on Monday Nov 19 and we were glad to hear
from you but at the same time we were much surprised and at a loss what conclusion to draw
from it. You say that trade is bad there. I can assure you that it is bad in England and numbers
out of employment. From the remarks you mention respecting money affairs we think you must
have made a bad bargain or no bargain at all.
You speak in regard to the children coming over, but we would advise you to lay the
matter to one side for a short time until a better prospect opens. And in regards to the boys saving
their mites, they have none at present, but we hope they will comply with your request when
favor may say that opportunity comes, but as for the rest it is left to their own view and you must
be aware that you cannot expect much from them when you say that you feel lonesome and
unhappy in a strange land. I here remind you that it was your own desire and wish to go and
entirely your own free will. Our advice to you is to make yourself happy and according to
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circumstances and let the religion you profess enable you to bear this difficulty you may have to
meet through life ________
We consider your ideas respecting sickness and sorrow for we are well aware that it is the
lot of mankind at one time or another. Now in regard to the far west you make mention of and
speak of the Zion being your desired Haven or resting place let us remind you there is no rest for
the people of God on this side of the grave of long duration, but if it should please God that we
may not meet again while in the flesh we may meet again in Heaven, that is our desired haven or
resting place. I here say once for all that if it is your desire to go to the far west or your desired
haven comply with your own request and be led by your own conscience and by the dictates of
your own heart but we think you are far enough at present for us to follow ________
(He has apparently suggested she attend the LDS services at Carpenter's Hall)
She replies:
In regards of attending the Carpenters Hall I would just say that Charles does attend but
as for the rest it is left to their own view and you must be aware that you cannot expect much
from them when their minds have not been cultivated. As regards myself attending it would be no
principle of mine for it has done so much as to deprive my children of a father that what would
happen if it took their mother also, what would become of our poor children then if followed up.
I have no doubt but there are men of integrity amongst them, but their minds are biased
and misled by many, and in regard of asking the Elders to come to our house I think it would not
be proper ________. For myself you know I told you I would not pin my faith on any man's
sleeve but I have much to repent of and much need of forgiveness but I hope to look to the
finished work of Christ when all will be forgiven.
(She then goes on to tell of their personal family affairs.)
There is a shipping tab showing that William was doing some figuring on the costs of
bringing his family over.
Letter #3
Drummond to William’s Employer, Recommendation
January 3, 1850
Ardwick
Dear Sir:
Hearing that you have had the goodness to offer assistance to get Mr. Wm. Luke’s wife
and family over and as I am anxious about their welfare and that their social happiness and family
comforts be established even in a foreign land I beg leave most respectfully to state such facts
respecting them as well as their father now in your employ that will bear the strictest
investigation.
I have known them for 20 years during which time I can truly say that not a single branch
of this family is or has been given to drinking, the next feature of this worthy family is that from
the youngest to the oldest have been raised up in the way of truth and early put to work and to
learning.
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And I may just add that without a single exception no law of this tyrannical country has
been violated. __________ they have turned a deaf ear to the frowns of ungrateful and financial
managers in masters or men, but work, work, work has been their motto and I trust ever will and
that the time may not be too far distant when all such families will receive their just reward.
I hope you will excuse the liberty I have taken in writing to you without being solicited.
In order to prove this is no fabrication I beg to state that I hold the most responsible situation of
any one in Manchester. I have been in my present situation 12 years and am well known to all
the Manchester and London warehouses. If you wish further particulars I shall deem it my duty
to furnish it by return mail,
I am dear sir,
John Drummond
13 Paddock St. Ardwick, Manchester.
Original letter in possession of Andrew T. Luke, St. George, Utah.
Letter #4
Emma to William
February 21st 1850
Dear William: (added)
I read your kind and interesting letter dated Dec 20th 1849 with warm feelings and was
for a time at a loss how to collect my thoughts knowing from whom it came. I now beg leave to
remind you of a few facts and if I could with sincerely of heart address you in that character
which is or ought to be the most enduring of all earthly ties I should then have attained the
summit of human happiness. You will recollect that when you left the shores of England the last
time I told you then that it would sever the tie that bound us together.
You were then about for the second time to leave me with a large family, unprotected and
unprovided for, or in other words to a casual or chance existence. Your first departure was almost
the cost of my life and over the remaining part of that period I will at this time draw a veil and
forbear to wound your feelings. Conscience is a powerful monitor and if left to itself will speak
though in a still slow voice __ And referring to your present departure __
If however, it should prove for the benefit of my children ultimately I could not feel any
greater happiness than their welfare __.
By this time you will be ready to say you have much to say respecting these subjects
while you have left duties undone. I admit it and with remorse. But if, however, you have
thought seriously on these subjects you will perhaps be ready to say-I hope and trust that there are
better days in view and will not this recompense for the past. I answer No, and if perchance you
might wish to know what will. I answer nothing more nor less than a sincere and heartfelt
acknowledgement that you have not acted your part as a husband or father.
We may sustain our infirmities but a wounded spirit who can bear it and that from one
who should have been the solace of my mind, but enough of this and I will hasten to dismiss the
subject that has caused me many heaving bosom and many a flood of tears and I may say has
caused me many angry passions, injured my health, sunk my spirit and I have still greater cause
to lament for it has weakened my noble and intellectual powers. Ever remember that a sincerity
and truth form the basis of every virtue. These facts flow from a heart uncontrolled and unbiased
by any mortal being, Adieu.
384
I think you have not counted the cost of sending for all the family at once. You
understand that it will take some time to make preparation and large means as well to prepare for
so long a journey. For my own part--time and place have become alike to me. But in the
meantime I have no personal desire to cross the mighty Atlantic Ocean.
I wish you to understand __ __ to our houshold affairs there has not been __ coming in
for some time than would half support them in consequense of __. Then money you sent us was
__ __ and I wish to inform you that a few pounds would at __ be very acceptable to me and at the
same time a great relief to my mind, as I have incurred a few small debts which I must and will
pay Sooner or Later. I have a great deal to contend with __. But will not at present enter into it.
__ John Drummond to buy me some clothes but so has not done so nor do I think he will.
I seldom see him. I would say there is no dependance on children as to what they will do for their
parents. I forget to mention there is some some talk about John getting married. Your brother
James Luke is in good health, but his wife has still bad health-and their circumstances is not so
good-give my best regards to all inquire __ __ __ __ happy or for their welfare. __ own health __
present but very indifferent.
The family remains __, __ same as __ Uriah Dean has been very __ __ __. But __ __
Uriah Dean and __ __ __ __ __ & is happy to hear that you are getting along. I have to inform
you that one __ Chruches __ __ is, __ to the ground by fire-__ All Saints and will take __ of five
thousand pounds to __ this damage __ __ it for __. Mr. Lillies Foundy is destroyed __ by fire __
there __ me __ __ __ Pounds __ For __ supposed __.
To conclude I hope your fond Hopes will all be realized so far as is consistent with the
will of God and may you be Directed by His Counsel and guided by His unerring Wisdom and let
your mind be at all times open to receive the truth. You have my best wishes for your Health and
happiness. The children all send their love to you.
I remain
Emma Luke
P.S. If you do not answer this letter. Please to acknowledge the receipt of it. E.L.
Original letter of page 1 and copy of 2nd page is in possession of Andrew T. Luke, St. George,
Utah. It is not known who possesses the original 2nd page.
385
Letter #5
William to Emma
Early 1850
Philadelphia
Dearest Beloved Partner,
I take the opportunity to inform you that I received your letter on the 11 Dec. and I can
truly say that it grieved me much and caused my heart and soul to be sorrowful when I saw how
you entitled your letter not even owning me as your husband but only as the father of your
children, Emma, remember this __ is not __ God in his infinite mercy shall __ hope and trust we
shall meet again __was from __.
I am very sorry to hear that you, Emma, have been sick, but my hope and prayer to God
is that you will soon be better. Try to bear these affiliations patiently and may God bless you.
Emma, tell my dear son John that it caused my soul to be glad seeing that he hath
remembered his mother in time of need. Tell him to make as much progress in the __ (we think
printing trade) as possible seeing that it will be very useful to him in this great country. Tell my
son Charles that I am sorry that he is out of work, but seek, my son, and the Lord hath said he
shall find for in the morning will I remember you at the throne of grace and in the evening will I
not forget you, and as for Thomas I am very glad that he has been a dutiful son to his mother in
the absence of his father. My dearest Emma, tell him he shall be remembered by me and shall be
blessed of God.
I have sent you as much as I could at resent wish is 3 pounds and if the Great I Am
blesses me with health and strength I will send you more as soon as possible, as regards to __ he
was not what I took him to be, but when I see you face to face you shall know all about it. But I
can say the wicked layeth snares for others and is caught in them themselves. I will praise for He
delivereth the pure in heart. This is what I want to be. I press forward towards the __ of my high
calling of God in Christ Jesus.
As regards Ellen Rodgers I am sorry that she hath imposed upon you in such a scandalous
manner, but I say as Paul hath said. The Lord rewards everyone according to their works. Also,
from what John Perkins wishes to make out in his letter as regards me or the religion that I
profess and possess is not hatred to you, my partner, neither does it teach to hate my children,
neither has it destroyed my parental feelings, no but to the contrary the Love of Christ constrains
me to love, protect, support and seek out an honest living for them and this will I do by God's
help __ was turned away not for good conduct you may be sure and he owes me 15 dollars and
1/2 and I know not whether I ever shall get it.
While you have had troubles amongst the poverty and oppression of old England, I your
affectionate husband has had trials and troubles in the midst of the free born sons of America.
But thank heaven the clouds have burst and the sun has begun to shine upon me and it shall soon
shine upon you, my wife and children.
My boss has raised my wages to 8 dollars per week and also offered to let me have
money to bring you all over and he is very anxious for you all to come. He also wishes to himself
to write a letter to you to let you know how __ imposed upon me but urged him not to do it.
Remember he is one of the Free Born sons of America.
Emma, as regards the voyage I should like you to write Brother Pratt as I told you in my
last letter. I saw Richard Shields, he tells me that his mother and family is coming over and I wish
you all to come together in the spring. I wish you to let Brother Pratt know about Mrs. Shield and
what office he has engaged their passage at so you may all come to Philadelphia together in a
386
comfortable manner. I have no doubt but that Brother Pratt will be able to let you know what
provisions are necessary for your family.
I have seen Mr. And Mrs. Stedfore and Mrs. Stone they are all alive and doing well and
send their best respects to you and will be glad to see you. I have heard of Mr. Michel but not
been able to see him yet, having called several times. Tell Mr. Pattison and tell Bro. James Luke
I have not been able to learn anything of Mr. Brown. The engine having stopped for repairs I am
not working at present. I am likely to lose 2 weeks work through the engine wanting repairs and
of course shall not get pay till we start again.
I wish to send you a more perfect statement as regards provisions here: flour good 5 ½,
best 6 ½ dollars, potatoes 30 per bushal, beef best pcs 4 to 5 per pound, shins 3 ½ pence, hears 6
pens each, calves hearts 2 to 2 ½ pound, mutton 2 pound, sheeps heads 1 each plucks 1 ½ each
lamb 2 ½ pound, pork 3 pound, poultry, geese 3.4 each weighing 18 pounds very fat, smaller and
leaner cheaer, rabbits 6 pence each, vegetables such as pumpkin, tomatoes, turnips, squashes,
watermelons, apples, cabbage, pleaches, celery and etc. cheap. This country is different from
England, the poor here can enjoy a continual feast of fat things. The common run of clothing is as
cheap here as in England.
I send my love to you, Emma, my wife, also to Emma my daughter, also to John, Charles,
Thomas, William, Henry, Uriah my sons and not forgetting my dear little daughter Charlotte and
I hope and trust that we shall soon all meet again in this country where I hope and trust that you
my wife and children will never be short of meat or anything else that God in all his infinite
mercy causes to be produced on His footstool for the benefit of man. I also send my love to my
brother J. Luke, also to Sister and Brother Dean, Drummonds and all inquiring friends.
Dearly beloved Emma, I wish you would ask your brother William and my brother James
if they would be so kind as to accommodate me with 10 pounds to buy some earthenware for you
to bring over with you. I wish I had them here as I could sell them to great advantage and I
should soon be able to return the money and if it ever lies in my power to do them a kindness I
will willingly do it.
Write soon and let me know all particulars,
from you affectionate husband,
William Luke
P.S. Give my best regards to Mrs. Thompson and family and all my old shop mates, likewise Mr.
Pattison and family __ write your letter __ and smaller for I had to pay double postage.
This old letter of William's is apparently an answer to the Nov. 22, 1849 letter from her. It is
written in pencil and so worn and folded it is not all readable. It bears no date nor does it say the
place from where it was written. It was undoubtedly written from Philadelphia early in the year
1850.
A copy of one page is in the possession of Andrew T. Luke, St. George, Utah. It is not know who
has the original.
387
Letter #6
William to Emma
After 1850
Salt Lake City, Utah
Dear Emma: (added)
On the __ of April we arrived in St. Louis on the 20th, where I stayed a few days seeking
work but I found it to be as scarce there as in Philadelphia. I was advised by my best friends to
come to this place __ (half page missing) __ Council Bluffs. I was there about 2 weeks hoping to
get someone to fetch me to this place when one day in company with Doctor Clinton, he engaged
me to come along with him.
I was engaged so suddenly that I had not time to write and inform you of my engagement.
I got here in September after enduring many hardships. But I feel to return thanks to God my
Heavenly Father that he has prolonged my life for your sakes, for I hope to be able by returning
spring to send you something that will be of service to you. I am in work, but not at my own trade
although there is a great demand for machine making but there is not tools to work with,
however, I am joinering for the public works.
Wages is high, work is plenty and provision is high on account of the number of
emigrants passing for California but this is the place for a man to make a livelihood, where justice
is dealt to every man. Our president has set the price of labor, if a man works for grain he is to
have a bushel of wheat per day which is equal to 3 shillings. I want the boys to learn all they can
with regards to farming and mechanicism.
I also want them to be dutiful to their mother and kind and affectionate one to another
and wait patiently for the time to come when you can be removed from that land of oppression to
a land of peace and plenty which I hope by the help of God will not be very long as everything is
in a prosperous condition with me and I feel very grateful under these circumstances. I have got a
lot of ground in the city, one acre and 1/4 is allotted to every man and I intend to cultivate my lot
next spring. I have not time to write more at present. You will give my respects to all inquiring
friends.
This letter is not complete, the first half page is missing and the back of that part has no signature
at the end.
Letter #7
Charles Oliver to William, Sr.
February 10, 1851
Manchester, England
Beloved Father:
I now send you a few lines to you to let you know how we are all getting along England.
I mean your family has it is so long since you have had any word from us.
We did rejoice when we received your letter for we had been very uneasy about you, not
knowing what had become of you but I am glad that you have got to the valley of the mountains
amongst the chosen people of God to prepare a home for your family that shall be willing to
follow you where God has appointed for the gathering of his people that we may be shielded from
the judgments of God that he is ready to pour out upon the __ of the earth for their wickedness.
388
I pray God that he may bless you with his spirit and with health and strength that you
may soon be able to gather your family to the valley of the mountains.
Beloved Father, I have the pleasure of informing you that I was baptized by Elder W.
Barnes on the 4th day of March in the year 1850 and I have ever rejoiced since that time. Brother
William was also baptized on the 6th day of February 1851 by Elder Barnes. I was confirmed on
the 8th of March 1850. William was confirmed on the 9th day of February 1851.
I know this intelligence will do your soul good to hear of your children following your
footsteps in obeying the gospel of the son of God and rejoicing in the spirit of God and am
anxiously looking for to be delivered from old England to a land that is blest of God where we
can sit under the sound of the prophet of God and also his apostles and all good men and women
that shall be gathered from the different nations of the earth but we have much reason to rejoice
that we have had such a man of God as the Apostle Orson Pratt for the light and intelligence that
has come from that man of God through the help of the Holy Ghost has caused millions to rejoice
and praise God since he has been in England. He has now left England on his way to the valley
and I pray God to bless him and his __ and safely bring him to the valley of the mountains.
I have also some hope that Brother Thomas before long will come forward and be
baptized but his mind being rather untutored and is easy led by his companions prevents him at
present obeying the Gospel. He believes in the gospel and only wants a strong resolution to break
off his little follies. Father will you pray for us that the Lord will have mercy on your family that
we may obey the Lord and be saved in His Kingdom when it shall be fully established on the
earth with our redeemer at the head of it to sway his scepter over the face of the whole earth.
I have also to inform you the female whom Thomas was keeping company when you
were in England and still is was baptized at the time as Brother William and also her companion
and I hope Thomas will not be long until he will follow their example. I suppose I might as well
tell you that I am keeping company with a young woman, which I suppose as is natural. She is a
faithful saint and has been in the church for years. Her name is Ann Beaver.
Mother is also writing a letter to you at this time but I thought it might be wisdom in me
to go to Brother Barnes and have a letter wrote at the same time and tell you all particulars for
you know her ways and she cannot see as we see at present and is not much in favor of the saints.
All that I have got to say she is about the same as she was when you left England. She is my
mother and I love her and wish she would be humble that she might see the truth and understand
and obey it.
I hope it may be so. I talk to her as much as I can on the principals of the Gospel, but she
soon gets angry with me so I have left off talking much to her on the principals but I always
remember her in my prayer that the Lord may turn her heart and incline her to obey the Gospel.
This would cause our hearts to rejoice. Mother is pretty well in health and all your family is the
same but I need not write the particulars of our family as it will be in mother's letter.
I have commenced to take the Millennial Stars in regular. I have got the remainder of the
volume which you were taking when you left England and I have also the whole of Volume
Twelve, and I shall continue to take them. The stars are only one penny each now.
389
Letter #8
Charles Oliver to William, Sr.
Jan 15, 1852
Dear Father:
We received your kind and __ letter on Monday the 4th of January 1852 and were glad to
hear that you enjoyed health and strength and hope you will continue to do so and that you may
go your way rejoicing and now that you have put your hand to the Gospel Plough we may not
turn your back again into the beggarly climate of the world.
We will now begin with the affairs of the family (half of page is gone) Mother would
need more money to pay her expenses and prepare. Emma’s health is not so good, weakly.
Charles enjoys very good health but work not so good. Hope will be able to send for them soon
and know that with his holy spirit he can…enjoys very good health and is still employed at
McIntosh Company but he hopes with us that we may soon be gathered home and that we may
live in peace and unit together.
William’s health is but indifferent…He is working at the same place. He is still going to
church and he too hopes that we may soon be gathered together. Henry enjoys pretty good health
and we have the pleasure to inform you that he has been baptized into the church. He has made
very good progress in school,…has won the Pearl of Great Price recently published by __ knows
137 verses of (another part of page missing) but seems (continues to tell of the others in
family…something about Charlotte a little sister) enjoying __ … about to make application
respecting all of us coming but we think it will be impossible unless you send us some money to
purchase clothing etc…even if you send for just half of us…we would still want money for
clothing and other necessaries.
But now concerning the church… it is in good standing at present. We have removed to
the Mechanics (I think they started going to a Carpenters Hall for meetings) the President of the
Manchester conference is Elder Welock, one of the Seventies. The work is going on rapidly under
his hands and likely for to do. The Brethren have made many inquiries regarding you and are glad
to hear that you have accomplished__ __ __ and in good health and pray that you will __ Brother
Barnes has been sent out on mission about 160 miles off.
You were speaking of the Word of Wisdom. The Saints in the Manchester Conference
has entirely abolished tea parties and substitute __ along with refreshments.
We also send you word about John. He is still enjoying good health. He is still working
at Less Pershaw and Co. His wife also enjoys good health and we are glad to inform you that you
are now made into a grandfather through your son having a little one on now… calling it after
you…William Luke.
Trade is very low in Manchester. The Mechanics were all turned out but upon what
object we cannot tell you exactly…provisions are about the same with the exception of flour
which is rather on a slight advance. Wages very low and most trades is working about __
If you write have the kindness to direct it to Thomas in this manner vis: Thomas Luke,
c/o G Melcock, Cambridge St., Chorlton upon Medlock. If you would not be able to pay the post
send them unpaid to me.
And now to conclude, one and all of your family join in love to you, your friends and
relations. Your brother James was at our house on Thursday the 15 th inst and was glad to hear
that we had received a letter from you.
We subscribe your
The Family
To Mr. Wm. Luke dated Jan. 15, 1852
390
Letter #9
Charles Oliver to William, Sr.
Beloved father:
Elder Yates has gone from England for the valley and I sent a letter with him with all the
particulars of your family, you will probably get it sometime this year. Will you be so kind as to
inquire for Brother James Kirkman. He is living with Orson Spenser or at least he came to the
valley with him and if you see him tell him his mother has sent her kind love to him and hope he
will write her soon as possible.
From your affectionate son Charles Luke
Only a fragment of another letter from Charles which may be the one he mentioned sending with
Elder Yates.
Letter #10
Thomas Luke to William, Sr.
Thomas writes:
__ about to make application respecting all of us coming but we think it would be
impossible__ could you send us some money to purchases clothing etc. even if you send for half
of us now we shall still want money for clothing and other necessities.
The original of this letter from Thomas is undated and in very poor condition.
391
Letter #11
William becomes a U.S. Citizen
In the fall of 1852, he applied for Citizenship.
The United States of America Territory of Utah ________
San Pete County
To Whom it may Concern,
I John ________ Warner Clerk of the United States Second District Court written
and far the Territory of Utah Certify that at the November term of said Court A.D. 1852
William Luke a subject of Queen Victoria, Queen of England. Came before the Court
and was sworn in ________ of law, and on his path did say, that it is in good faith his
intention to become a Citizen of the United States, and to renounce and abjure forever all
allegiance and fidelity to every foreign prince, potentate, state or sovereignty whatever.
In testimony hereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said
Couth this 2nd day of November A.D. 1852.
John ________ Warner, Clerk
Mr. William Luke, Mechanic etc.
Formerly of Manchester and late of New York
Salt Lake
Written copy in possession of Andrew T. Luke.
392
Letter #12
George to William, Sr.
Mr. William Luke, Mechanic etc.
Formerly of Manchester and late of New York
Salt Lake
London August 2nd 1853
Dear Brother:
Not hearing from you nor no answer to the letters I sent, George Alphonso wrote to Mr.
Drummond about 5 weeks since to know your address. In reply he stated that you had sent for
two of your sons and they had set sail to join you about three weeks before, and if you should
write again he would forward me the letter but leaving England, on the 4th or 5th of August, for
New York by the Packet-Ship, Hendrick Hudson commanded by Captain S.C. Warner, to sail
from the London Docks, so we may if favored by the weather expect to reach New York early in
September if not before.
If you can forward me a few lines to Mr. Nailor, directed for me, or to be forewarded if
left for any other port should you think it would not be too much trouble not knowing him
personally myself but thought of calling upon him by was of gaining information. Not being
sufficiently informed with the best locality or district for settle in I thought if would be best to
make some inquiry from him and one or two more should I meet with anything there so as to let
met know how to go about maters or so as to pass over the winter months and prepare me for a
good commencement in spring.
Having a strong desire to cultivate a bit of land. Yes, Yes, and hope that you have got
over the worst of your troubles and when your sons arrive, they will be both a help and a blessing
to you, and with the will of Divine Providence I hope to be enabled with my family to enjoy the
pleasure of meeting in the course of next summer if not before. Except my best wishes Dear
William, my own Eliza, Juliet, George, Alphonzo, and William Albert, looks forward, with great
pleasure to the time, which I hope is not far off. They frequently mention you and I have thought
much about weather we should ever meet again.
Except our united wishes and believe me ever to remain my dear brother,
Your truly,
George Luke.
P.S. Send all particulars as soon as possible.
William Luke, Sr. received a letter that his brother, George Luke was sailing August 2, 1853 from
London for New York, but we do not know what happened to this brother.
393
Letter #13
Emma to William Luke, Jr.
February 25, 1864
England
Dear Son and Daughter
Yours of the 15 of Nov. 1863 came duly to us and we are glad to hear that you are still on
the land of the living after so long a silence of which we could not account unless it was the mails
were stopped. I think it very strange and truly unkind of one and all of you to not writing oftener
as I have told you before not let the payment of the post hinder you.
I should like to know the amount of postage you have to pay for a letter coming to
England for when I send you one I pay the postage but do not know if that amount pays
throughout if not be kind enough to send word in your next letter. We are glad to hear that you
are all well and prosperity now as in regards myself I am rather low at present both in mind and in
body and suffer much from Rheumatism which causes me to have sleepless nights.
And with regard to the Family I have nothing very cheering to relate. (Private) Emma's
health is rather better than is formerly was but her temper is short and irritable so that it makes me
uncomfortable at times. I have not seen John upwards of 12 months but I hear like a many other
people that use is complaining about the times being so bad you will remember me sending your
word that he had commenced 2 to 1 if ever it come out he has not worked at his own business
since his wife Emma died in short the Grade is out done in consequence of a new Method of
printing called Pentographing. He has got Married again he is only allowing me 1/ per week.
Tho. is very well and going on in his old way if he had been a little more abstemious it
might have been better for me for no doubt the younger branches of the family would have
looked up to him but such is not the case. Uriah's health is very indifferent he is the opposite scale
to that and is compelled to work hard for little money. Charlotte is very well and I must inform
you she is married she made her choice would not take any council or advice from her friends we
hope she will not have any cause to repent.
Her husband is by trade a sawyer. Now in regard to Son Charles I am very sorry to hear
that he enjoys poor health I should like to hear better news in the next letter and tell him that I am
at a stand to know why it should be turned and yours since I received the script of pen from him if
he has not money to pay postage and my memory leads me right I told him in one of my letters
not to let the post trouble him or prevent him from writing but I think he is growing cold and luke
warm and fulfilling the Old proverb (out of sight out of mind) or he is not doing so well and
would not wish to send me bad news.
Now in regard to Son Charle’s Wife I hope her health is quite reverse to his if not think
they will have a bad house but however please to tell her that her sister Betsy's husband has
returned home and is comfortable at present and your sister Emma drank tea with them to lately.
And she Betsy wishes her sister Ann to write and she will answer back and when Ann writes she
had better direct her letter for me to the care of Tho' Luke at Chas. Macintosh, Cambridge St.,
Chorlton on Medlock Wm. Manchester, England.
As things are so unsettled and now in regard to Henry I do not feel disposed at present to
write him. But tell him from me that if he has forgotten he has a Mother. I hope he will not forget
he has a younger brother who stands in need of help if he has anything to spare but I am afraid
(self) is the ruling principle in the Salt Lake Valley. You speak of the secret whisper respecting
394
the army coming against you, I should say it is in vain for you to kick against the authorities in
short (Paul) so is the power that be are ordained by God.
Trade is very bad and if it had not been for philanthropic hearts I do not know what the
poor would have done, but I am sorry to say those philanthropic hearts are closing up through the
abuse among the parties receiving such relief and now things are at such a pitch that an individual
cannot help another even if they were disposed as to do. I must now tell you that the Twist
Company of Oxford Road is completely stopped Mrs. Kitchers and husband worked there but is
not out of work they both very well and also their children.
The eldest girl is in service, her brother John is gone to India with the Regiment she has
not heard anything from him since he went, and she will write you when things are more settle. In
regard to the rest part of our relations there as not been any change of importance on the Perkins's
side only that Uncle Wm. Perkins's oldest-daughter Sarah Ann has got married to one Wm.
Rowley and is living in the Potteries (Staffordshire).
Your Uncle Jas. Luke is moving on his old way as for the rest part of the Luke's I never
see or hear anything about them, And now a word about myself. You will remember that I told
you that Aunt Catherine of New Zealand remitted one money to enable me to pay my rent so that
I might have a home of my own but now the matter has changed into hands and I do not know
how long it may last as the said money is got into the hands of the oldest son and he will not care
much about it. And only having Emma left with one and her carriage is only sufficient for
herself, you may easily guess how I am situated.
And as I have heard Mormons say the weary should make every sacrifice to go to the Salt
Lake without any regard to those they left behind, but if there is any religion in not caring for
their relations I should not like to be a partaker in it for they that care only for themselves as but
few pleasures and those few are of the lowest order. You will now give our love to Mary and tell
her we sympathize with her in the loss of her son but my opinion is that in this age of the work it
is a blessing to part with them while young kiss all the little boys for me and I would say train
them (end of copy)
Letter from Emma Luke to William Luke Jr. dated 25 Feb 1864. Unaware of who possesses
original-Gail Whitney Luke.
395
FAMILY REUNION 1952
(Author Unknown)
While going through my mother’s papers, I ran across a letter sent by Clinton
Lamar Luke Jr. (Clinton Lamar Jr. >Clinton Lamar Sr.> William Haydock) containing
notes he took during a Sacrament Meeting held in the Junction Ward where the family
honored their parents, William Haydock and Anna Martina Ottosen Luke during a family
reunion in 1952. I thought it would be of interest to family members.
396
397
As you can see, the letter is a carbon copy, and is badly faded. I have attempted to
recreate this letter as best I can read it, which follows:
Sunday 16, ‘52
Armond took charge in tears and welcomed the immediate family to the stand in
the following order: William, Hazel, Jessie, Clinton, Ottoson, Isabelle, Ren, Orral, and
himself.
In commemoration of Grandfather and Grandmother Luke. Quite an emotional
meeting. Ott first, however, claims to be the best looking and should talk first …
mentions family love…this relationship brings all together in one big happy family … his
missionary experience: in Washington with Russell Ballard, Apostle Ballard’s son, were
asked to talk in a nearby reformatory…saw impressive marching in by all inmates… tried
to think of how to address them. Thought of ‘Ladies and Gentlemen’ but couldn’t use
that because no ladies were present and they weren’t gentlemen; thought of saying ‘My
Brothers and Sisters’ but again couldn’t use this because of no sisters and they weren’t
398
exactly what you would want to call brothers. So he finally said, ‘I’m glad to see so
many of you here today’…gospel impressed him to obtain broader knowledge, and
education…Grandfather was very faithful…Grandmother struggled while Grandfather
was on a mission…they became very destitute at times and didn’t have money enough for
a stamp to write to ‘father’…(Ott) found a dollar in an envelope during this time - a thing
that seemed to be directed.
Song by Orral - ‘Home Sweet Home’ . Armond mentions George, Mel, Cleo and
Odean [sic] and Lionel. Last three are dead now. First two are in Idaho and unable to
attend at this time. Orral dedicates this song to his memories of home. He is
accompanied by Joan, his eldest daughter. Don’t know why I can’t quit crying.
Clinton introduced: Brother and Sisters -- happy to be back home; thankful for all
to come and listen …strong belief that parents were so grand … very grateful for this
opportunity … Ott had to crawl under the fence to get to school next door and was
always late; (Clint) will have to tell his secret now that Ott has let this out of the bag -he learned to jump it and was seldom late … ‘Father’ always knew more about his
children than they seemed to know about themselves or their relationships … (bears
testimony about parents): Truth is a truth and will always remain as such… ‘father’ has
set [sic] beside (Clint) many times and helped him solve many problems… returning
from work with a co-worker one day, (Clint) was impressed by his feeling of his ‘father’
to turn off the road home. Even though urgent business awaited them at home. His
companion asked where he was going and became dumbfounded to find that (Clint)
didn’t know why and where he went. After several turnings they arrived at a home where
they had been long expected … premonitions or inspiration from ‘father’ … As Derwent,
my little boy, was dedicated to eternity, Emma saw his spirit leave and be received by my
sister, Cleo. Emma had never seen Cleo before but gave a perfect description of her
…Another testimony, (Clint) saw Cleo enter the house and later felt her presence in the
front room…before ’father’ came home from his mission, ’mother’ became ill. As Will
went to Marysvale after ’father’ (Clint) felt to pray for ’mother’. He asked to suffer and
receive the pain from ’mother’. Upon arising and having nothing take place, he entered
the kitchen. Hearing ’mother’ in pain, went in and she requested him to hold her head.
Interlocking his fingers, he placed his clasped hands, palm down on her forehead. As he
held her head he experienced the most intense pain in his arms he ever could remember.
Thus he stayed with her until ‘father’ came. She quit suffering during this time…father
and mother were chosen spirits.
Ren sings ‘Silver Haired Daddy of Mine’ and was accompanied by Rosalind Ott’s oldest daughter. Program was in the gymnasium of Grade School. Even members
of the Kingston Ward were over at this program at this, the Junction Ward.
Jessie -- very proud to have her brothers’ and sisters’ home again …everything
was kept by ’father’ in a record book …’mother’ became president of Relief Society June
1, 1905 …she didn’t want to be set apart as such since she didn’t have an education but
’father’ said the Lord will provide … she was absent 85 times out of 300 meetings
…Patriarch Gardner Snow gave ’mother’ a blessing in tongues …’father’ was the
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interpreter … it promised that she would live and be a mother of a large family
…’mother’s’ teachings were instilled in Jessie … (Jessie) was induced to get to church by
a ten dollar bribe for each Sunday -- she was telephone operator but (unreadable) not at
church-time …she gained much from this attendance but doesn’t remember any
remuneration (?) …’mother’ bore her testimony many times … (Jessie) prays that these
teachings and inspiration will follow down the family history.
Hazel -- very humble -- pays tribute to Will -- parents were ideals -- Will has
become the family’s second father and all are grateful … words are inadequate to give
praise to ‘father’ and ‘mother’ … one outstanding thing about ‘father’ was his grand
religious spirit … ‘mother’ gave a fervent love: she taught all needs and solutions to her
children … she was a beautiful housewife … ‘father’ taught service to the church … on
the ranch one day, father and Will had gone up the canyon to cut railway ties … many
times they had seen lions in those hills … Mel was sent to tell them about the ties and
after delivery of the message was to return home …instead he went to town … ‘mother’
and Hazel waited and finally went to neighbors getting up a search party for her lost boy,
Mel … as it was about twenty miles of walking that had to be done to seek out the party
… but they didn’t find Mel …coming back they saw Mel returning from town and
‘mother,’ not becoming mad, or angry, said ‘oh bless his heart, Thank the Lord he is safe’
…’mother’ said such inspiring things often …(bears testimony) …Hazel was near death
and in great pain … the townspeople fasted and prayed for her one day … she later found
this same day to be the one in which she was not experiencing any pain …paid tribute to
the people of Junction, paid tribute to a wonderful heritage … Lord continues to bless
Junction … paid tribute to second mother present also (Aunt Babe Barnson 90 years old)
…prays for all to be kind to our patriarchs, male and female.
‘That Wonderful Mother of Mine’ -- tribute to dead mother and living mother,
Aunt Babe -- by Belle, accompanied by Rosalind. Aunt Babe sang a song night before
last, at old home.
Preston keeps mentioning things extraneous -- I suppose to quell his tears -- I’ve
given up the task myself. Aunt Belle’s song was very beautiful. She seems to be singing
to us all, to the ceiling and to directly to Aunt Babe, at the same time.
Will -- mentions eye operation …clears throat …hard thing to control his feelings
…there is one thing that ‘father’ and ‘mother’ -- and thus within our hearts -- that when
any member of the family was in trouble, they always stood by our side …no better than
any other family …have adhered to this … recommend this to audience for serious
thought … also our boys and girls …Will always thought that whoever stepped on my
brother’s toes, steps on me …just before ‘father’ died, he put his arm around (Will) and
whispered, ‘I want you to take my place in the family’ … I’ve tried to do it …I love my
brothers and sisters, and I love my life …ten boys and four girls in our family … parents
raised every one except Lionel, who died of diphtheria … when we came to Junction it
was just a little village … (Will describes the town of then and now) … learned to love
you people … you’ve been good and kind to me … for thirty-four years I was your
teacher … the trust, the confidence you placed in me, I’ve tried to give to you. I’ve
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taught two generations … I don’t lock my granary … I don’t need to … I know my
neighbors … Men came to buy some turkeys one day and asked why I didn’t lock my
granary doors? … they testified this to be a great thing and that they couldn’t do it in their
community … I’m proud of my brothers and sisters, they don’t smoke or drink; we’ve
given our best to the church … I wish that if it could be so, that the window of heaven
might be pulled aside so ’father’ and ’mother’ could look down today to see this respect.
And when I go to other side - near at hand- I’ve made mistakes, I want to know my
’father’ and ’mother’ as I knew them here and live so that as the summers come we may
come to our Father’s palace and lie down in our dreams … loving congregation … thanks
for being here, though I’m part in blindness … testifies that God lives and He’s a good,
kind Father. Amen.
Uncle John Pendleton represented the in-laws … Probably the oldest and so I
(John) got this honor … Testimonial a symbol of family life - true love … large fine
family … testifies of ‘father’ and ‘mother’s’ greatness … Prays for the spirit of this
meeting to be in other families.
Armond thanks again the ward community. Hope to repay them in any way.
Thanks to grandchildren. Thanks to Will’s family. Bishop’s tribute. Closed by prayer
from Woodruff Rust.
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FAMILY REUNION 2006
William Luke Sr. and Emma Perkins Family Reunion, June 2006
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Thomas Luke Family
Charles Oliver Luke Family
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Henry Luke Family
William Luke Jr. Family
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Manti Cemetery Monument Dedicated for William Luke, Sr.
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FAMILY REUNION 2008
This is Leicestershire - news, sport, entertainment, jobs, homes and cars
FAMILY REUNITED AFTER 155 YEARS
BY JENNY OUSBEY
10:30 - 25 August 2008
A man's decision to trace his ancestors unraveled mystery, tragedy and an ambush by Red
Indians.
Andy Luke's years of research culminated in a reunion of 80 family members from all over the
world, aged seven to 80.
The 38-year-old, from Narborough, organized a reunion for the six surviving lines of his family
in Manchester on Saturday, August 9, with Lukes from both sides of the Atlantic comparing notes
for the first time in 155 years.
The get-together attracted family members from far-flung destinations like America, New
Zealand, Moscow and Bolton.
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Andy said: "It all started with a conversation with mates in the pub about the First World War
where I couldn't even name my great grandfather.
"When I first suggested the idea everyone in America was really enthusiastic."
Andy's detective work revealed that his great, great, great, great grandfather William Luke, who
lived in Manchester in the early 1800s, sailed for America after converting to the Mormon faith.
He left his wife Emma and eight children, intending for them to join him but, in 1853, when three
of his sons were on his way to meet him, William was ambushed and killed by Indians.
William's children stayed in America, which is why their descendants live in Utah.
Gail and Andy Luke, of St George, Utah, came to the reunion in Manchester with their sevenyear-old son, Hunter.
Gail said: "About five years ago Andy Luke called me and said, 'I think we might be related'.
"He had found some records of his ancestors that I had submitted to a website.
"I was so excited to tell him about our common ancestor, William Luke, who went to America in
1849, helped settle a new town and was killed by Indians.
"After introducing him to distant cousins in America I worked with Andy on a reunion held in
2006 in Manti, Utah.
"There, we asked who might be interested in visiting Manchester in two years, many raised their
hand, so the planning began."
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THE PERKINS-LUKE REUNION, MANCHESTER, AUGUST 2008
This was a very well planned Reunion and for us, the highlight was meeting all those relatives
that were to that time, only names. There seemed to be a close affinity with our cousins, possibly
due to shared DNA. New Zealand was represented by Earle Brown and Kath Young
The site visits were most interesting. There is nothing like a visit to a family site to focus the
mind on the family. I have mentioned only those of particular significance to the Perkins. We
coped with heavy Manchester rain, huddling under the thoughtfully provided umbrellas.
St Mary’s Parish Church, Stockport.
This was where John Henry Perkins married
Ann Harvey in 1792. However, it is more than
that. These 2 people were the progenitors of our
large and international family. For my
generation, they were my triple great
grandparents.
Rev Roger Scoones, the charismatic vicar of the
church, gave us an outline of the church’s
history, its place in a market town and a personal
tour. There has been a church on this site since
the 12th Century. We saw paintings of the church
through its various changes. The original
medieval parts still left in the church are the altar
St Mary’s Church, Stockport: Rev Scoones & Andy Luke
and the rear of the vestry.
hold the picture of the church as it was in John Henry’s time.
The tower collapsed following the vigorous bell
ringing to celebrate the victory of the Battle of
Trafalgar. In its subsequent rebuilding, iron was
used between the sandstone blocks but
oxidisation and expansion have caused severe
structural problems necessitating major repair,
now under way.
This visit was made more memorable by Rosalind on the organ leading the singers of our tour
party singing For the Beauty of the Earth, Abide with Me and a Mormon hymn celebrating the
hardships of their forebears travelling to Utah.
The vicar told us that ‘Harvey’ is a name still well known in Stockport. New Zealand Perkins
seem to have been the line that has carried on the name.
Royal Lancasterian School.
This was built in 1813, and contrary to reports that it was to be demolished in 1969, still stands. It
is hard to believe that this building is 195 years old. It has suffered some vandalism and a recent
fire, and appears unoccupied. Many of the windows have been closed with matching bricks when
it was converted from a school to a warehouse. The building was unsafe for our tour party to
enter.
How did our John and John Henry Perkins manage to teach up to 1000 children each day? The
Monitorial system involved selecting a group of young persons as Monitors. They received a
lesson from the Teacher and then conveyed it on to the pupils. This suggests that the Perkins were
well organised and prepared. They were good judges of character, intelligence and leadership in
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selecting the Monitors. How did they maintain discipline? How did John manage to teach at a
private seminary in addition to this school? By today’s standards, the school building would be
small and overcrowded in coping with 1000 pupils. What happened during epidemics of
communicable diseases.? This was in the days before immunisations.
Museum of Science and Industry
The Railway building is of great historical
significance. It is possibly one of the earliest purpose
built railway stations in the world, (building plus
platform, ticket offices and freight storage facilities)
as it was situated at the Manchester end of the
Manchester-Liverpool railway, the first commercial
railway in the world, which commenced in 1830.
John Perkins attended the official opening. There is
a replica train on site, drawn by the Planet, successor
to the Rocket. This train was behind a security fence
and I could not get a good photo.
This Station would have been where many of the
Liverpool Street Station, Platform view
Luke family and friends said farewell to William on
his 2 trips to U S A. Some may have accompanied
him to Liverpool where he boarded a ship bound for
U S A.
By 1842 there were other Railway Stations in Manchester. It is possible but not confirmed that
George Perkins and family departed from Manchester from the London Street (initially Store
Street) Station which has been demolished but was close to the present Picadilly Station on their
journey to Glasgow and Greenock to join the ship for the voyage to New Zealand.
Rusholme Rd Cemetery.
This is now a large park, named
Gartside Gardens. It is surrounded
by a brick wall, topped by a wrought
iron fence. The main gates were
locked and we entered through a
small side gate. There were no
visible gardens and no sign of any
plaque denoting that it had been a
cemetery.
Our group had a service in the
grounds, protected from the steady
rain by a multitude of umbrellas.
Frances Luke recalled the life of
Emma Perkins Luke (Lancashire
accent) and Carla Cook (an opera
singer) sang one of William
Gadsby’s hymns.
It was a sad place, but the visit was
most worthwhile to see the resting
place of many of our ancestors, and
pay tribute to them.
Gartside Gardens: From left, Gail Luke (black umbrella)
Carla Rae Cook, Frances Luke, Rosalind Crosby
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Reunion Dinner and Readers Theatre.
About 8o people came to the Dinner at the Midland Hotel. This was an opportunity to meet many
of the tour party and also local ‘cousins’. An interactive session was lead by Kathy Luke. She
invited several of the attendees (including Kath and Earle) to make some comments about the
families.
The Readers Theatre was based on letters between William and Emma Luke and was enacted in
readings, video, music and song. It was a wonderful way to complete a very exciting day.
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Royal Lancastrian School of Manchester
Description in 1844
By J. G. Kohl
The Royal Lancastrian School of Manchester is probably the largest and most interesting yet
established on the Lancastrian System. It was founded in the year 1809, and since then has
afforded instruction to no less than 24,000 poor children. This school contains on an average, at
every time of the year, about 1000 children, who are all assembled in one large, airy, and wellarranged hall.
On the day of my visit it contained no less than 720 boys, and 320 girls. Formerly the instruction
was quite gratuitous; but of late years the income of the school has been so scanty, that it has been
found necessary to charge a penny a week for each child. The head master told me that this tax
had rather increased than decreased the number of scholars. "There are many parents," said he,
"who can well spare this small sum, and who do not like the notion of their children attending
charity schools. These now send their children to us; and even the poor often prefer paying
something for their children's schooling, and are more punctual in sending them when they do so.
We are always full, and, generally speaking, there are 100 or 150 applicants waiting for
admission. Our working classes are by no means blind to the advantages of education, and are
generally anxious that their children should possess more learning than they do themselves. If
our poor population has remained behind that of other places in cultivation, the fault is not their
own, but of adverse circumstances, which of late years have hindered the establishment and
progress of schools." Perhaps the fault rests with the English government — which has hitherto
troubled itself little about education — and with the wealthy inhabitants of Manchester.
Does it not appear almost incredible, that in a town like Manchester, many of whose citizens are
worth ten, twenty, or even thirty thousand a year, a great school like this has a regular income of
only 36£ a year, and with difficulty augments this, by the weekly tax of a penny a head, to the
paltry sum of 2507 a year, which is all it has, wherewith to remunerate teachers and pay its other
expenses? One cannot help thinking, when considering such anomalies, of the learned old
Fellows of the Universities, who receive amazing salaries, no mortal creature can tell for what if a
few dozen of these fellowships were to be abolished, and their receipts applied to the education of
the people. What an extensive benefit would be conferred upon the working class and what
would the world suffer by the loss?
The great hall of the Lancastrian School is decorated in a rather peculiar way. At one end is
painted up the Bible, with the British arms resting upon it, and round the walls, figures in large
letters the much lauded saying of George III.:
“May every poor child in my dominions be enabled to read the Bible!"
This royal wish has remained us empty and fruitless as that other equally famous saying of Henri
Quatre's: that he wished every poor man in his kingdom might have a fowl boiling in his pot. The
outward arrangements of the school are thoroughly excellent, and the appearance of the children,
although, as the director told me, they mostly came from the poorest and meanest districts of
Manchester, was remarkably satisfactory. They all looked healthy, lively, clean, and decently
dressed.
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All the children are instructed at the same time in the same room, by the same teacher, who
selects from among the children themselves, his under- teachers and inspectors. For such of my
readers as are unacquainted with the Lancastrian System, a short account of it, as pursued at this
school, may not be without interest. The benches stand in two long rows, one for the girls and
one for the boys; between the benches a considerable space is left. Each bench is occupied by a
certain number of scholars, and is placed under the superintendence of a monitor.
There are 108 of these monitors in the school. Several benches are placed under the direction of
an “inspecting monitor," who sits at a little raised desk, with his face to the benches. Of these
there are sixty. Several such classes are governed by one upper monitor, called a “captain."
These captains walk up and down before their classes, keeping a vigilant eye on all that goes on,
and noting down on their little tablets, remarks on the conduct of monitors and scholars. There
are twenty-eight captains in the school. Finally come the four captain-generals, of whom there is
one always walking round the school, to keep order, and watch the conduct of captains and
monitors.
Of course the captains and monitors are never all on duty at once, but relieve guard; for it is
requisite that they should at the same time be receiving their own education. The teacher himself
instructs only the captains and captain-generals; each in turn, as he is relieved from his inspecting
post. Some of the captains are always busy, instructing those of the inspecting monitors who are
off duty; and these again instruct the lower monitors in the same way. These last, mostly little
fellows of eight or ten years of age, have each their ten or twelve scholars under them.
The lowest classes, who are still learning their letters, are called alphabet classes; those who are
learning to spell, a-b-ab-classes; and those who can read words, reading classes. Every month a
general examination of teachers is held, and a general promotion of advanced scholars from one
class into another. The benches and classes are all numbered, so that the inspecting captain can
easily note down his remarks on any offender without inquiring after his name. I met a little
captain only twelve years of age, who had just noted down on his tablet: “Monitor N. 3 aplaying."
The entrance of the scholars, their seating themselves, their standing up for morning prayers, their
marching out for recreation, and their final breaking up, all are conducted with more than
military, with machine-like regularity. The teacher himself gives his orders from a high tribune,
towards which the faces of all scholars are turned. There are also little telegraphs put up between
the benches, by means of which telegraphic signals are conveyed to the monitors and captains.
General orders to the whole school are preceded by the sharp ringing of a loud bell. The
regularity and order with which every thing is carried on affords the same sort of pleasure to the
spectator that is afforded by the spectacle of a great machine at work. The instruction is confined
to reading, writing, and arithmetic.
Few of the children remain longer than fifteen months at the school, being generally taken away
by their parents as soon as an employment can be found for them. I was sorry to observe, when I
looked at the stranger's book of the school, that this institution had not attracted so much public
attention of late as it used to do. During the whole of last year it received only thirty visitors,
while in former years it could boast of hundreds, and of highly distinguished and illustrious
names.
Source: England, Wales, and Scotland, By J. G. Kohl. London: Chapman And Hall, 186, Strand.
1844.
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"……. WE KNOW THEM, FOR A BOOK OF
REMEMBRANCE WE HAVE WRITTEN AMONG
US, ACCORDING TO THE PATTERN GIVEN BY
THE FINGER OF GOD."
Pearl of Great Price, Moses 6:46
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