Judging from the places where the brothers and sisters of Alfred died, it is probable that he is the only one of his family to join the Church. P> 133 of Paul K. Randall's book states: "Alfred Randall married a lady who was a believer in the mormon religion and soon embraced the same faith for himself.
Alfred Randall wass born 13 Jun 1811 at Bridgewater, Oneida, NY. His parents were Jason and Martha Thompson Randall. He was the second child of a family of Nine children. When he was nine, the family moved to Kirtland, OH and he helped to clear timber from the land where the Temple was later built. In 1830, they sold their home and moved to Munson, OH and at the age of 23, in 1834, he married Emerette Davis. In 1838, they sold their home and moved with their two children to Chardon, HO. Sometime later they moved to quincy, IL, where he took up the trade of carpenter.
On the 12th of May 1840, he was baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Lattesr-day Saints by the Apostle Orson Hyde. On Feb. 13, 1841, he was ordained a Deacon by Jocob Crouse. With his wife and their two children they then moved to Nauvoo, where he labored on the Temple. In 1842, he was ordained an Elder by President Fredrick G. Williams. He received a patriarchal blessing under the hands of Patriarch John Smith in Nauvoo on 21 Feb. 1845. Shortly before this, on 12 Jan. of that year he was ordained a Seventy by Heber C. Kimball, being a mimbesr of the 15th Quorum of Seventy.
He attended the first meeting held in the Nauvoo Temple by the Prophet Joseph Smith, whom he knew and loved. He was often in the company of the Prophet, as well as other leaders of the Church. At Nauvoo, Council Bluffs, and other places he entertained Brigham Young, Ezra Benson, and many others, for Alfred was a good provider, his larder was alway well-filled, and his friendly, jovial manner won him many friends wherever he went.
From the Journal History in the Historian's Office in SLC, it is found that on Jun 12, 1844, Alfred accompanied the Prophet Joseph to Carthage Jail, and it has been stated that he was one of the last to leave the jail. He was pushed down the stairs backwards at the point of a bayonet.
After the martyrdom of the Prophet, the Saints were driven from their beloved city, Nauvoo, and Alfred was forced to leave a comfortable home. He took his family to Winter Quarters in 1846. One July 17 of that year he was chosen by Brigham Young and set apart to act as Bishop. He was one of the one hundred forty-four men who were chosen to come to the Valley in 1847 with the Heber C. Kimball Company but at the last moment he had the misfortune to break his leg and his two wagons loaded with supplies were used for others to come. So it was 14 Sep. 1848 when he first saw the Great Valley of the Salt Lake.
He obtained land on West Temple, north of the tabernacle square where he built an adobe house for himself and family. He was a wheelright and carpenter by trade and built many private and public buildings in the valley. Among them was a saw mill for Heber C. Kimball; a woolen mill for Archibald Gardner on the Jordan River. He assisted in the erection of the Court House of Salt Lake County which stands in the Twelfth Ward district. During `1857 and 1858 he went to Camp Floyd, where, with the aid of his son, Charles Franklin and others, he helped to build over one hundred homes which were later occupied by general Johnston and his Army. He and his family were in the historic "moves" south when the U.S. Army marched through their city.
His callings were many. In response to requests from the church authorities, he made four trips east to aid in bringing back immigrants and supplies. In 1856, he served a mission to the White Mountains in Beaver Valley and while there converted and baptized ten Indians. Later in 1865 he was set apart for a mission to the Sandwich Islands, now called the Hawaiian Islands. He was accompanied to the Islands by his wife, Mildred, who served as a School teacher while there. On April 10, 1862 he was set apart as first counselor to Bishop Nathan Davis.
In 1867, according to the Journal History, in the Hist. Offrice , Alfred Randall was called by President Brigham Young to go to Ogden and build a woolen mill and to select some men to assist in the project. The site chosen for the building was on Canyon Road, near the mouth of Ogden Canyon. He supervised the building of the factory, and it was known as the Ogden Woolen Mill. The machinery, which weighed about 55, 000 pounds, was hauled across the plains from Julesburg, Nebraska, in large freight wagons, each of which was drawn by eighteen mules. One of the freighters was Alfred's son, Alfred Jason.
He made several moves with his families, and finally settled in North Ogden and spent his time raising fruit and doing carpentry work. His life ended peacefully on the afternoon of 21 Mar. 1891, two months short of 80 years, and he was laid to rest in the Ogden City Cemetery.
Following the council of the Church Authorities, he entered into polygamy and married five times. His first wife, Emmerette, lived the later years of her life in Ogden. She was the mother of nine children. Margaret Harley had her home in Centerville and was the mother of seven. Mildred Johnson's two sons died in infancy and she lived most of her life in SLC. Her home was in the Constitution Bulding where for many years she taught private pupils. Elsie Anderson had a home on 23rd Street in Ogden and was the mother of three sons. Hannah Severn lived in North Ogden. Her family of nine children was the youngest and it was with them that Alfred spent the last part of his life. Thus Alfred Randall had a posterity of thirty sons and daughters; sevesral of them, however, died in infancy or childhood.
Alfred weighed about 200 pounds in his prime and was about 6 feet tall, a well-built man with a heavy head of hair, rosy cheeks and a merry twinkle in his blue eyes. He thoroughly enjoyed a clean, humorous story and was always ready to either hear or tell one, many times laughing until the tears ran down his cheeks. This characteristic of humor was noted in many of his children.
(Check to see if served as Pony Express Rider)Ref: THE TRUE LIFE STORY OF ALFRED RANDALL, PIONEER, by Lucy Randall Kofoed, published about 1952 by Percy E. Randall, North Ogden
A GENEALOGY OF A BRANCH OF THE RANDALL FAMILY, by Paul K. Randall, published about 1879 (In sl.L. Genealogica Library) p. 133
EARLY CHURCH RECORDS in S.L. Genealogical Library
EMMERETTE LOUISA DAVIS RANDALL
From Pioneer Women of Faith and Fortitude
CHILDREN:
Charles Franklin, 8 Feb 1835
Sarah LaVern, 25 Apr 1838 (died at age 19)
Alfred Jason, 8 Jan 1845
Emmerette Louisa, 21 Mar 1849 (died at age 1)
Levi Leander, 18 Nov 1850
Alison Roxana, 10 Jun 1853 (died at age 1)
Davis Richard, 30 May 1855 (died at age 1)
Charlotte Ann, 4 Sep 1858 (died at age 2)
Martha Jane, 2 Dec 1860
Emmerette' s parents moved to Munson which is near Kirtland, Ohio. She was converted to the teachings of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints when she was fourteen years old.
She met and married Alfred Randall before she was sixteen. They lived in this area until 1838 when they were driven from the area. They moved to Quincy, Illinois where Alfred became a carpenter. In 1840, he was converted to the gospel. They were close to the Prophet Joseph Smith, and were willing to endure many hardships and all of the persecutions which plagued the membership of the Church.
They were all prepared to cross the Plains in 1847 when Alfred broke his leg. Heber C. Kimball asked him to donate his wagons and supplies for others to make the trip. Alfred, Emmerette, and their children came to the Salt Lake Valley on September 21, 1848 with the Brigham Young Wagon Company.
They first settled in Salt Lake Valley and lived in an adobe home until they were called by Brigham Young to go to Ogden and build a woolen mill.
Emmerette was a strong support to her husband and was willing to live the principal of polygamy. She gave her consent for Alfred to marry four additional wives.
The deaths of her five children all came within a period of about ten years. To sorrow, she was not a stranger, but the Lord knew her heart and desires and was with her in her trials. In her later years, she lived first with her son, Levi, and then with her daughter, Martha Jane.
Her eyesight became poor in her old age. She always loved the gospel and liked to attend Relief Society Meetings in the Ogden Fourth Ward. She often spoke in tongues during the meetings.
Emmerette' s husband and her son, Levi, preceded her in death. She passed away at the age of eighty. She was loved and respected by all who knew her.
CC Randall grew up in Ogden,UT. He worked as a bar tender and errand boy in Ogden...He and his wife Harriet owned and operated a farm at Farr West, Ut. for 10 years. They then moved to Idaho and homesteaded 360 acres located about one-half mile from the location of the Grant Store which is still at it's original location. They were 17 to 20 days on the journey in the year of 1890. He hauled his own logs for his new two room home. He served as a SS teacher and and was in the presidency of the Mutual in Grant for some time..He loved horses and cattle and always had a number of them on his farm...For amusement and entertainment they had rodeos on the plot of ground which is located across form the original church house. Two children, Etta nd George died as babies, and Myrtle died after a few short years of married life leaving a baby boy known as Arland.
Harriet's mother Caroline died in childbirth...Harriet was raised by Alonzo and Harriet Dabell.. who took the baby in at the age of FOUR hours.
Died giving birth to the last of their 5 children. One record says she was born in 1824. She spent her girlhood days in Eng. During the year about 1842 and LDS missionary came to her home town. She wanted to join the Church but her parents were very much against it. She still sought out the help and guidance of this missionary and was at last baptized. Home life for Caroline after this became so difficult that when she heard that the missiionary was going back to the US, she begged to come with him and his company and they brought her. In 1843, whe got work and soon met a man by the name of Thomas. They were married but she didn't remain with him long when she got divorced. She then met and married George Woodhead.
.
CC Randall grew up in Ogden,UT. He worked as a bar tender and errand boy in Ogden...He and his wife Harriet owned and operated a farm at Farr West, Ut. for 10 years. They then moved to Idaho and homesteaded 360 acres located about one-half mile from the location of the Grant Store which is still at it's original location. They were 17 to 20 days on the journey in the year of 1890. He hauled his own logs for his new two room home. He served as a SS teacher and and was in the presidency of the Mutual in Grant for some time..He loved horses and cattle and always had a number of them on his farm...For amusement and entertainment they had rodeos on the plot of ground which is located across form the original church house. Two children, Etta nd George died as babies, and Myrtle died after a few short years of married life leaving a baby boy known as Arland.
CC Randall grew up in Ogden,UT. He worked as a bar tender and errand boy in Ogden...He and his wife Harriet owned and operated a farm at Farr West, Ut. for 10 years. They then moved to Idaho and homesteaded 360 acres located about one-half mile from the location of the Grant Store which is still at it's original location. They were 17 to 20 days on the journey in the year of 1890. He hauled his own logs for his new two room home. He served as a SS teacher and and was in the presidency of the Mutual in Grant for some time..He loved horses and cattle and always had a number of them on his farm...For amusement and entertainment they had rodeos on the plot of ground which is located across form the original church house. Two children, Etta nd George died as babies, and Myrtle died after a few short years of married life leaving a baby boy known as Arland.
Baptized 14 apr 1832 by Joseph Smith Jr. and confirmed by Hyrum Smith.. Endowed 1846, Nauvoo, IL.
EG. and wife Henrietta crossed the plains. While at Ft. Bridger, Dr. Williams bought a pony for his wife to ride up the steep mountains, but the saddle would slip off behind, so shw had to walk and carry her baby.Baptized 14 apr 1832 by Joseph Smith Jr. and confirmed by Hyrum Smith.. Endowed 1846, Nauvoo, IL.
EG. and wife Henrietta crossed the plains. While at Ft. Bridger, Dr. Williams bought a pony for his wife to ride up the steep mountains, but the saddle would slip off behind, so she had to walk and carry her baby.
Residence 1892: 2314 Wash Ave. son's res: 2229 Hudson ave.A Sketch of the Life of Dr. Ezra Granger Williams
Dr. Ezra Granger Williams son of Frederick and Rebecca Swain was born on Nov. 17, 1823, Warrensville Cuyahaga C. Ohio. He was the youngest of four children. Ezra moved to Chardon with his father's family, later to Kirkland, Ohio where his father bought land and a home, which he later deeded to the LDS church (117). The deed is now on record in the courthouse in Ohio. The Kirtland temple was built on this land as was the city of Kirtland. Some of the homes of the twelve are still standing and in a good state of preservation, (1932), also the temple.When a young man E. G. Williams and his sister Lovina went in a cutter to visit their uncle W. Williams, who lived in Cleveland Ohio and stayed all night. Next morning they took their cousin Eunice Williams with them to Dover near Lake Erie to visit their Aunt Mary Cahoon. Next day he and his cousins the Cahoon boys had great sport on the lake until a south wind and thaw came up that began thawing the ice. One of the boys shouted the ice is moving, and they all ran for shore as fast as they could go. When they got to shore they found the ice had left the shore and they had to jump to get on shore. Next day they had a hard day's drive to get back to Cleveland, for the roads were thawing and breaking up. It snowed that night and they were up in the morning bright and early for Kirtland. They arrived home in good time for the new snow helped the road and made it easier traveling.
In the fall of 1830 the family were converted to the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by four missionaries; Oliver Cowdery, Parley P. Pratt, Ziba Peterson, and Peter Whitman Jr., who had been sent on a mission to the Lamanites or Indians and who had come to Kirtland on their travels. His mother was baptized on Saturday and his father on Monday. Just two weeks after meeting the Elders, his father was chosen to go with them to finish their mission. He was gone ten months.
In February 1831, Joseph Smith Jr. came to Kirtland and lived with Newell K. Whitney and with Fredrick G. Williams. Fredrick G. Williams and the prophet had many talks about the church. Dr. Williams offered his land for a gathering place for the saints, so the main body of the church was moved to Kirtland for a few months. The land for the Temple site and also for the homes of the leaders of the church was given outright as a gift by Dr. Williams. The deeds to this land are still in existence at the courthouse in Ohio.
In April 1832 Ezra with William Kimball, son of Heber C. Kimball, were walking along the river bank, when they met the Prophet Joseph Smith, who asked if they would like to be baptized. They consented and were baptized. They went on home and Hyrum Smith confirmed the baptism.
As a child Ezra often wen with his father on his medical calls and was taught many things about medical practice by his father. He later acted as an assistant to his father in this practice. As a young man in his early twenties he was practicing on his own right, having studied with a prominent physician of the time. He was always interested, studious, and a reader along medical lines even to the day of his death. His advice was sought out by many physicians throughout the west.
He went to Far West in the fall of 1836 and joined the Saints there during the persecution of the mob who with militia men had come to drive out or exterminate the churchmen. One day he took his pony and rode out on the prairie to gather the stock and saw the army coming, several of the cavalry gave chase. He rode back into town and gave the alarm. Far West men were rallied under Colonel George W. Hinkle, logs and other materials at hand were thrown together for defense and protection. The army under General Clark formed line of battle west of town, a consultation was held between the Prophet and others. The militia disbanded and the soldiers looted the town. Young Ezra was given a permit to hunt stock and wile rounding them up saw the soldiers stealing and driving them off. On their horses were bridles that he recognized as those of his brother-in-law, Burr Riggs. He went to the officer in charge and they were made to give them back.
A short time afterward the mob gathered again and began depredations. The Saints again banded together for defense. They met the enemy on Crooked River and a battle ensued in which David W. Patten was killed as well as several others. Ezra was taken by some of the soldiers who wanted to kill him saying, "Nites breat lice"(sic) but the officer let him go.
His father Fredrick was sent by the Prophet to Cleveland, Ohio where the Saints were suffering from a plague; Ezra went with him and they were successful in stamping out the plague.
Dr. E. G. Williams went to Far West Mo. 1836 and was there when the mob took the prophet Joseph Smith and leaders of the church prisoners. Dr. Williams was with the brethren when David Patten was killed on Crooked River, and the brethren organized self defense. After the battle he went to Quincey, Illinois with his folks, from there to Burlington and back to Quincey, hunting for work to get something to eat and live upon, then to Nauvoo and St. Louis where he met and married Henrietta Elizabeth Crombie Aug. 15, 1847 by Orson Hyde. She was born Sept. 27, 1827, Boston Mass. Baptized by Ezra Taft Benson in Boston Harbor May 1, 1845, confirmed the same day, left Boston April 1847 for St. Louis.
They left St. Louis Mo. The summer of 1848 for Council Bluffs, Iowa having received a letter from H. C. Kimball advising him to go to the valley. Stayed in Winter Quarters two weeks then crossed the Missouri River back to Kanesville, Iowa where he made a home. After a severe sickness he went to the wood and got timber and made a cutter. As soon as it was done he got into it and rode among people visiting the sick and never missed a day all winter for there was much sickness among the people. He was a physician and surgeon of great value to the people.
The spring of 1849 was called to start to the valleys in two months, E. G. Williams said I cannot go I have nothing to go with. Brother Ezra Taft Benson went to the Welch camp and borrowed $300.00 to buy an outfit for the journey. His mother Mrs. Rebecca S. Williams went back to St. Louis on the boat to buy medicine and provisions for the journey, returning by land from Burlington Iowa in time for starting. They had two wagons, four oxen, three cows, one horse, provisions for a year, a splendid stock of medicines, a nine month old baby, and a hundred thirty five dollars in debt to the Welch Company which he paid back in three years. Oct. 7, 1848 Dr. E. G. Williams and his mother went to Hyde park, twelve miles down the river to conference as Oliver Cowdery was to make a confession and return to the church. After that meeting the Cowderys stayed at the Dr.'s place for two weeks, Oliver, his wife, and daughter Marea their only living child. They went back to Missouri where Oliver died soon after while preparing to come to Utah.
Following his father's death a Quincy Illinois 25 October 1842, he with his mother went to St. Louis where he took up the practice of medicine as his profession. This was the Saints' gathering place before starting for the west. He was kept very busy prescribing and administering to the sick.
He had hoped and partly prepared to join the vanguard of Saints to the valley of the Great Salt Lake with President Brigham Young but was given charge by Brigham Young to take care of the Saints who were suffering from Malaria and Cholera. He became the official physician for the community and so missed the opportunity of being one of the original party of 1847.
Dr. E. G. Williams and family left Kanesville on the Missouri River for Utah, July 4, 1849 in the Ezra T. Benson and John Taylor Co. (50). They crossed Loup Fork, a tributary of the Platt coming to the Sweet River. Some said that creek runs through Devils Gate. Dr. Williams started out alone to take observations, went part way and concluded he better go on then return to camp. It was a lonely looking place. He jumped over the rock to the other side of the creek as no farther progress could be made on that side. He had to let himself down the ridge to the bank of the creek after tediously climbing up the ridge. It was not far at that point of rocks from camp. Crossing the river at this point was difficult. Men made a network of willows to keep the wagons wheels from sinking in the quicksand. The men tied ropes to the back of the wagons to lower them down the steep bank to the water easily. Dr. Williams waded the stream, hanging on to the yoke of the wheelers while men shouted to the leaders to travel to the opposite bank. Bro. George A. Smith led the Welch Company. He said they talked Welch and English to their cattle till they learned how to gee haw back perfectly. When they started through a river they struck out for the other side to avoid the noise everybody made.
The Sioux Indians came round the camp, trading buckskins. The squaws were very intelligent looking, decorated with beads and ornaments, charging around camp on their fine horses. So different from Utah Indians.
The Dr. bought a pony at Fort Bridger for his wife to ride up the steep mountains, but the saddle would slip off, so she had to walk up and carry her baby.
Oct. 25, camped at foot of big mountain on east side at night. Then up the big mountain and down the other, camping in a grove Oct. 26; then traveled over the little mountain next day. Traveled to Emigration canyon, crossed the creek 18 times. Camped in mouth of canyon for the night. Next morning Sunday, President Young, Heber C. Kimball, N. K. Whiting, and their wives and others came to meet us and welcome us to the valley, dined with H. C. and Vilate Kimball.
Oct. 29, 1849 came into the valley. Camped on City Creek, north of where the Lion house now stands. Put the wagon boxes on the ground a few feet apart. Posts were set at each end, the covers were loosened at the inside and up over the pole that was fastened to the post and a canvas was fastened to the east end and the other was hung to the west end to answer for a door. This is where we lived through the winter. Dr. Williams went to the mountains, got logs and built a log house, which they moved into in March 1850.In 1852 he built an adobe house nearby that was used as a hospital. When the gold rush was on in California his son F. G. Williams and many of the emigrants contracted mountain fever. He took them in and cared for them till they recovered. One man stayed all winter. Dr. Williams got timber and had legs turned at the turning lathe for bedsteads, table, chair, etc. He had a spinning wheel made at the temple workshop.
In 1852 he was called as one of an escort for President Young and company on an exploring trip through Iron County. In 1853 he was called to help bring in the bodies of two men killed by Indians in Snyder's Mill Canyon near Parley's Park, Utah. John Dicon and John Quayle killed by Hoagland wounded. Then he was called to Box Elder Co. To repel the Indians.
He was surgeon general of the Nauvoo legion, 1854. He built a two story adobe house north of the temple block where his son Ezra H. G. Williams was born April 1, 1855. April 1855 he was called on the white mountain mission. Brother Alfred Randall, Orson Miles and Nelson Empey went with him in the same wagon. David Evane, of Lehi, captain of the company returned Sept. 21.
Oct. 157, Dr. Williams was ordered out to Echo Canyon as physician and surgeon in the Wm. H. Kimball Company and arrived there in two weeks when Orson Arnold was brought in to Echo Canyon quarters severely wounded by accidental discharge of his gun several days previously while on a scouting trip in Lot Smiths Co. The ball struck the middle of his thigh. He suffered greatly as the leg was so badly swollen. After it had healed so far he got on crutches. While he was trying to cross a water sect he fell and broke it again, which caused some of the bone to be removed, one piece 5 inches long. It made one leg shorter but he still had very good use of his leg.
In Dec. 1857 Dr. Wm. Was discharged from camp to attend to Orson Arnold. Wm. Fortheringham was injured and sent home. Dr. Wm. Attended to his wounds so he could ride with a little ease and comfort.
1858 when Johnson's army was on the way to exterminate the Mormons the people all moved out to the south. Brigham Young said we would move out and if the soldiers were going to dispose of us and our homes they would find Utah as we found it desolate, we would burn our homes. Men were stationed to apply the match if they molested our homes, but the general and his staff passed on through the city with uncovered heads, nothing being harmed. When peace was declared the people returned home (July, 1858). It was a pleasant sight to see home once more with grass knee high and the grain just getting ripe. The army proved a blessing instead of a curse because they brought with them things we needed, and also furnished the settlers work for they needed grain for their animals and timber for their camps which was a great help.
1860 Dr. Wm. and Edwin Rutharin Bronson, his cousin's husband, decided to build a saw-mill at Summit Creek, Cache Co. In the spring they built the mill. On July 22, the people were preparing to celebrate pioneer day. The Indians came upon them and killed two men, Ira Merrill and John Reed and wounded Samual Cousing and Solomon Merrill. Dr. Wm. Dressed their wounds and took care of them until they recovered. Dr. Wm. Could not attend to the mill and his practice, so it was not a great success. Brunson was discouraged, the winters were so severe, and sold out to Alonzo Raymond and later Dr. Wm. Sold to Wallave Raymond. He sold his farm to Peterson and bought a farm of George Snyder's at North Ogden, now Pleasant View. He moved his Family there in 1863. Later he moved his 2nd wife to Ogden City, 1866. His 1st wife stayed on the farm with her children. Her two boys ran the farm. His practice grew and he was very successful in his practice.
1855 on the trip to Elk Mountain they entered a canyon about 30 miles south of Sanpete Co. They discovered a mountain of salt, some with specks in it, some with clay substance scattered through it, some clear and transparent. At this camp an Indian runner came from Manti at midnight informing that the Indians had driven our people from Elk Mountain.
In 1857 he married Electa Jane Kimball. He bought a house and lot two blocks south of Temple block, where two sons were born. Joseph Swain born March 10, 1858 and John Albert born April 13, 1860. He also owned several other lots in Salt Lake City, and a farm on Mill Creek, 5 miles south of the city.
While living in Smithfield his mother and three sons died, also two sons were born. His mother Mrs. Rebecca Swain Williams died Sept. 25, 1860. Joseph Swain Williams died Oct. 24, 1860. Brigham Young and Heber C. Kimball twins were born May 18, 1862. Brigham Young died Jan 22, 1863 and Heber C. Kimball died Sept. 18, 1863.
The rest of the children married and left the parental roof. Lucy Ellen married William Godfrey Oct. 10, 1867. Mary Elizabeth married Joseph Smith Gardner of North Ogden, Utah March 15, 1869. Ezra Granger married Sarah Ann Hickenlooper Dec. 28, 1874. Frederick Granger married 1- Amanda Burns; 2- Hansena Kathena Hegsted, May 1, 1884; 3- Nancy Abigail Clement, April 8, 1889.In 1867 Dr. E. G. Williams moved part of his family to Ogden City, his 2nd wife and Hyrum where he spent the remainder of his days. He died August 1, 1905. He was baptized in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by Joseph Smith the prophet April 14, 1832 at Kirtland Ohio, Ordained Oct. 10, 1845 by Joseph Young to the third quorum of the Seventies.
Additional Information:
Endowment: Nauvoo, IL 27 Jan 1846 (as a seventy) with Rebecca
Was baptized in Boston harbor, MA by Ezra Taft Benson...After arriving in St. Louis, we met Dr. Ezra G. Willims at a Mr. Husbands. He had a patient in that family. My mother engaged him to doctor me. he said I had dumb ague. He prescribed for me and in a few months I was myself again.. During that time my acquaintance ripened with the family doctor.
Was baptized in Boston harbor, MA by Ezra Taft Benson...After arriving in St. Louis, she met Dr. Ezra G. Williams at a Mr. Husbands. He had a patient in that family. Her mother engaged him to doctor her. He said she had dumb ague. He prescribed for her and in a few months she was herself again.. During that time her acquaintance ripened with the doctor.
HENRIETTA ELIZABETH CROMBIE WILLIAMS
From Pioneer Women of Faith and Fortitude
CHILDREN:
Lucy Ellen, 30 Sep 1848
Mary Elizabeth, 2 Feb 1851
Frederick G., 29 Mar 1853
Ezra Henry, 16 Apr 1855
Joseph Swain, 19 Mar 1858
John Albert, 13 Apr 1860
Brigham Young, 18 May 1862
Heber C., 18 May 1862
Francis Henreitta, 24 May 1864
Hyrum Royal, abt 1866
Henrietta's father was a successful business man and was able to send Henrietta to an exclusive finishing school for girls. Here she was taught sewing, music, and the arts of culture and refinement.
After her father died, Henrietta and her mother were baptized as members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by Ezra Taft Benson in Boston Harbor on May 1, 1845. They left with the Alvin Farnham Company for St. Louis.
Before arriving there, Henrietta became ill. Her mother engaged Dr. Ezra Granger Williams to care for her. They fell in love and Henrietta married him in St. Louis on August 15, 1847. They and their little daughter joined the Ezra Taft Benson Wagon Company and arrived in Salt Lake Valley on October 28, 1849.
They lived in their wagon boxes until the following spring. Her husband built a seven-room adobe house which also served as the first hospital in Salt Lake City. They became the parents of ten children.
In 1860, they received a call to help colonize Cache Valley, then another call to settle, in Pleasant View. Henrietta was active in the Church and was a true Samaritan when someone was in need. She was a woman who spoke no guile. She loved to dance. When she was over ninety years old, she could still dance, write and recite prose and poetryA Sketch of Henrietta Elizabeth Crombie Williams
Written by Henrietta Elizabeth Crombie Williams
Henrietta Elizabeth Crombie Williams was born in Boston, Massachusetts Sept 27, 1827. It was five days after the Prophet Joseph Smith received the plates on which were engraved the writings of Mormon concerning his people. Born at seven o? clock Thursday evening in North Russell street, West End in a mansion belonging to Arthur Penniman. A few years after a Methodist Church was built in the vineyard containing the choicest of white water grapes, some of which I partook of as a present to my father and mother every year while the vineyard was in the possession of the grand elderly gentleman.
I was baptized into the Mount Vernon Congregational Church in the spring of 1843, by Edward Norris Kirk. Pastor meetings then held in the Masonic Temple, Tremont St., between West End Street and Winter street opposite the Boston Common. Excommunicated by that ecclesiastical body for heresy. Offense was given by uniting myself in baptism in Boston Harbor by Apostle Ezra Taft Benson and confirmed by the same in Suffolk Washington Street opposite Boston Market, 1 May 1845, at four o'clock in the afternoon and confirmed in the evening of the same day. I was rebaptized in City Creek in 1850 by Heber Chases Kimball. Rebaptized 1857 in the reformation in the nineteenth Ward and confirmed in the evening in the seventeenth Ward.
Boston Massachusetts 1 May 1847, we left at noon in Alvin Fernum Company for the land of Zion; was counseled to leave behind all articles we could not turn into money to take on our journey into the wilderness and set our faces Zionward. Before the way was hedged up, we could not go up to the house of the Lord and receive our blessings, We left many things behind that would have been more use to us than those we took with us not knowing what we wanted when we should arrive in Zion. We rode in sahckely cars so noisy that we had to keep still because there was no use to try to talk. We arrived in New Jersey and took the steamer for New York, after dark. We piled up on a load of baggage to rest until morning. A lot of recruits for the Mexican War were promenading the deck, drinking and smoking. One boy hid away in the baggage. A policeman hunting over the deck, at last found him hiding among the budgets and bundles. Marching him out as he passed us, he muttered oaths. The liquor was out and though he returned he took up the situation that he preferred, something else besides war. Afterwards I was escorted outside to the side of the steamer to cast up my accounts to the fishes and viewed Hell's Gate, while crossing Long Island Sound, then crossed the wharf to Mr. Crocheron's Hotel.
Next morning we went out on board the ferry boat for the cars to take us to Philadelphia. We squatted down on deck for there were no seats, tickets in hand to be inspected that we were not stealing a ride on their dirty boat. At last we got there, after walking a mile and a half, packing umbrellas, canes, tinware, carpet bags, and old boots to save the captain the expense of hiring a dray. We arrived at the hall where the Philadelphians held their meeting. Meanwhile the merchants would gaze out of their windows and doors and salute us with "Are you from Europe, ladies?" Mrs. Larnham said, "Yes and trot behind the precession." After staying all night, sleeping on the benches and being continually reminded not to grease the walls nor the seats, as though we were there for particular business. We then packed up and took street cars for Lancaster to ascend the inclined plane for Johnston. Meanwhile Father Tattersall got lost. Elnathan Eldridge, Sr., started out to find him. A crowd gathered around him. He was asking for the Latter-Day Saints and people that they left the earth long ago. There was no such people about now. Glad he was when Brother Eldridge brought him safe to the cars.
After several hours journey we got to the town and went into what they called a store. Emily Holman asked for nuts and the girl did not know what they were. They kept pickled kraut, cheese, pretzels, fish in kegs and oil, and black bread. It was a dingy place and the girl's complexion suited to the place. The were happy and content that their pa kept a store. In a few hours we climbed Allegany Mountains towards Johnstown. We waited in a store house for a Pennsylvania Dutchman to unload his canal boat and reload for starting to Pittsburgh. We piled in and I seated myself astride the upper corner of the dry goods box. They were thrown helter skelter to abide till morning time came. Then we were all piled out to walk the low path and hear the colored driver sing "diddle doll dee dee dee" a very musical sound he gave us as he held his pipe between his teeth and hollered at the mules at the same time and beating the mules with a lash. The brethren were unpiling and packing the freight straightway that we could lie down and sit without tumbling over. Then to cook on a canal bank with the luxuries of that thinly settled country and nothing to buy or sell.
We rode up the Johnietta then up the Susquehanna. One day out of the mischief, the man at the keel started the boat from the shore before I could land. Mr. Howell had my left hand as he walked on the path. Mr. Eldridge held my right hand as he sat in the stern of the boat. Both held on to me as they pushed off. The man at the head was laughing all the while, and gave me a ride through the raging canal. Lustily Mr. Eldridge pushed me on the boat and I had a good swim and wetting to their merriment. The keel man apologized after I changed and dried. I listened but not to thank him. There were many rude scenes along the route and it was monotonous.
At last we arrived at Pittsburgh at midnight. Early morning was aroused with the call "come out if you want to see hell." We bundled out instantly in the very dark morning. Smoke and fire from many chimneys of the furnaces, soot and cinders flying everywhere. What a sight! We watched a while and then went below to breakfast. Everything pitched hurley burley. We picked out our own to take care of then started on foot to the steamet, Jewes, for St. Louis deck passage, a dirty place for ladies to enter.
With everybody on boat that paid their fare black, white or copper color. We stopped at Cincinnati to visit Ruth Giles (Mrs. Turley) at her brothers John Giles. We saw the grave of president William Henry Harrison at North Bend, Ohio, a nice monument was erected. A steamboat bell tooted while it passed the spot where the great man was sleeping his last sleep; then to St. Louis, what a place compared to eastern cities, and manners and customs; slaves and low Dutch were the most of the population. The upper crusts were French; a southern people, boatmen, hotel keepers. I was taken sick from dumb ague and lost flesh and was weak on arrival. We walked from the levee to brother Hubbands and stayed a few days then moved to Franklin Street. Mother got employment at the planters house as a dress maker. When I was able to work I also was a seamstress. My brother William worked as a waiter, brother as a pantry boy.
We arrived at St. Louis 12 May 1847. What a change from our home in Boston. Only to gain experience which we needed. Our journey was as pleasant as we could make it. We continued stopping at different places, walking two miles to Louisville, Kentucky. While the steamer went over the rapids even then the boat scraped the rocks. Jodeiah Grant told us in Philadelphia we would find it tougher as we advanced out but wished to go to Zion to receive all blessings promised us before we started from home.
When we arrived at St. Louis we met Dr. E. G. Williams and Mr. Hubbands, he had a patient in that family. Mother engaged him to doctor me, he had said I had dumb ague. We thought it was a singular ailment as we had heard of such an affliction. We did not know what to think. Was he really fooling us because we were new arrivals. He prescribed for me and in a few months I was myself again. I went to sew at the planter's house; the first time in my life to work for other people. But we were going to Zion for that reason the burden was lighter. During that time my acquaintance ripened with the family doctor and Brother John and Mother were under treatment. It was successful, which gave us implicit confidence in him and turned it to marriage on the fifteenth of August in 1847 on Sunday. The ceremonial by Apostle Hyde, William Price and Sister Price. Elder Nathaniel, Mother and my brother William B. Crombie, Elder Martin of New York. It was a very quiet wedding at the home of his mother who presided over the affair with her assistance, Miss Wicket at the corner of Seventh and Myrtle Street, St. Louis. After the wedding every effort was made to emigrate for the valley of the Great Salt Lake and depriving ourselves of many comforts to buy necessities of emigrating to the Rocky Mountains, the home of the Saints.
The ways of the western peoples ideas of trading was new to me, not knowing about house keeping especially in the western way. No one could teach me only to laugh in derision at my ignorance. It was a very sore trial. I was obliged to keep it to myself as friends were very scarce at that time. We moved to Myrtle street then to Franklin Street and Mother Williams taking boarders to help her on the way to Zion. She having returned from Quincy Illinois, after having nursed her daughter, Mrs. Lovina Williams Riggs, the wife of Burr Riggs; she died in November 1847.
We left St. Louis 1 April 1848 and arrived in Winter Quarters in April on the Mandan steamboat. When half way up the Missouri River, the boat struck a rock and broke twenty-six ribs or something else, letting the water up into the hull of the boat which was taken back to St. Louis for repairs, while the cargo was unloaded on the banks of the rivers at Fisher's Landing where we camped for two weeks in the sand making our tents of anything we could get hold of at that time in the wilderness country and delaying our journey. Apostle Ezra Taft Benson, Erastus Snow, Captain John Scott, Elder James Flanigan boarded with us. Brother Benson and Snow hired a buggy and went on to Winter Quarters by land. W. H. Adams was captain of the company of the Latter-Day Saints on the boat. We stayed in Winter Quarters two weeks then crossed on the Missouri River to Council Bluffs. It was named Kanesville in honor of Thomas Kane. They stayed there one year.
On 30 September 1848, my eldest child Lucy Ellen was born. When Lucy was eight days old Dr. and his mother left me in bed in the care of a ten year old boy, to keep fire and attend to me and the baby while they went to Hyde park, twelve miles down the river, to attend a conference, as Oliver Cowdery was to make a confession and return to the church. They were gone four hours and I felt bad to be left with that boy and him running out to play with the dog or anything else he could find to attract his attention. Dr. owned a hand mill on a frame standing in the corner. The neighbors would come into the house to grind for their supper and their noise was trying, but I had to put up with it. Neither Dr. or his mother would have borne it; they wanted more waiting on than they gave me at the time. After the meeting the Cowdery?s stayed at our house, Oliver, his wife and Martha the only child living. They journeyed to Missouri. Oliver Cowdery died soon after their arrival at our place.
We left for the Rocky Mountains on the fourth of July 1848 with an ox and cow, team and wagon. There were five in the family, Dr. E.G. Williams, Mrs. E.G. Williams Doctor's Mother. Mrs. Frederick G. Williams and an adopted son of the Doctors sister Lovina Riggs, His name was James Giddered ten years old.
We journeyed to the Salt Lake Valley; arriving the valley October twenty-eighth. My eldest daughter had the whooping cough for her part of the long journey of four months. I was very sick with the flue when we were camped on Sweetwater creek in a heavy snow storm. When we crossed Loup Fork, men made a net work of willows to avoid the wagon wheels from sinking into the quick sand. There were steep banks to descend into the water and men were tying ropes to the wagons to lower them into the water easily. Doctor Williams was wading the stream and hanging to the yoke of the wheels, while the men shouted to the leaders to travel to the opposite bank. Brother George Albert Smith led the Welch Saints company. He said the company talked Welch and English to their cattle til they learned how to gee, haw, buck to perfection. When they started through the river, they struck for the other side to avoid the noise all hands made. They were scared into rushing through quickly.
The Sioux Indians on the Platte river came around the camps trading buckskins. The squaws were very pretty, intelligent looking, happy set decorated with beads and ornaments; charging around camp on their fine horses so unlike the Utah Indians.
When we went to Fort Bridger, Doctor Williams bought a pony to ride up the big mountains. It was so steep that the saddle would slip and I could not ride astride, so I walked up and packed my thirteen months old daughter a few rods and then stopping and looking down at the teams. The boys and men were standing on the wheels to keep them from rolling back, while resting their teams, calling to us as we stopped to rest "Don't roll your gravel down here," but it was impossible to walk with out rolling gravel down the mountain side. We camped at the foot of the big mountain on the east side at night then traveled over the little mountain and camped in a grove, Next we traveled to Emigration Canyon and crossed the creek eighteen times looked over the valley then camped in the mouth of the canyon for the night. The Welsh Company with George Albert Smith captain went to the city. Next morning, which was Sunday, Brother Brigham Young and N.K. Whitney and wives and others came to meet us and welcome us to the valley.
Memory seems to remind me of the trip across the Missouri River. We started down from the upper ferry twelve miles from Kanesville and crossed to Winter Quarters. The boat would float down stream to Council point, up the river from Council Bluffs. The boat was drawn up stream by three yoke of oxen driven by teamsters. When our wagon was landed at the foot of the bluff, the best returned for the cattle, to haul the wagon up the Bluff to Terra Firma, a very hard pull for several yoke of cattle. When the wagon reached the top, Doctor Williams and a hired man went back to camp for his mother. It was then too late to cross more wagons. I remained all alone by the side of the river bank all night. Further on was two Emigrant wagons camped. They were not of our faith. I asked them for a piece of bread for my baby and they gave me a tin cup of mush and milk. It was a treat after looking in vain for the other wagon and folks to arrive after dark.
They came the next morning and we drove into camp to prepare for crossing Elk Horn River. The boat man came to bid the camp goodby and took a letter to my mother at Kanesville, who died next year at that place on twentieth of July 1850, Kanesville, Iowa, with the cholera. Several of her friends were lain in that cemetery at that time and are sleeping with her until the resurrection day. She was preparing for meeting on Sunday and while arranging her bonnet she took ill. On Monday, my brother John was alone with her when she died. My sisters were afraid to stay as there was so many dying around them.
After leaving the Loupo Fork river, we traveled towards the Platte river. Dog Town was lively and they would pop their heads out of their holes and bark as we passed them on the prairie. There we commenced to picking buffalo chips for cooking and using our dress skirts for chip baskets because aprons were scarce. We saved them to wear when we were cooking and laid them among the dishes for next time. We met two deserters with one horse and one gun. They tried to claim a horse that was found by one of the Brethren in Silas Richards Company. When we arrived at Fort Laramie, officers were inquiring after them. Letters were posted at the fort to be sent to friends east and west. Many covers were soaked through during the nights and we were obliged to put quilts up inside to keep dry. Mother Williams had a stove in her wagon enabling her to cook and not use the ground as some were obliged to. Wet weather was very trying for the cooks with wet chips, sage brush and willows that were very green.
Three Buffaloes rushed across the Bluff ahead of the traveling camp. The hunters rushed forward killing one. Fresh meat tasted very nice in that country. Towards the mountains nearing the south pass we were getting meat hungry as the camp were driving in the cattle to move the wagons, three antelope ran into the corralled wagons. They stood and looked at the women as if they were amazed. They were beautiful creatures. The men ran for their guns and before the antelope knew where they were they fell. The meat tasted very good.
In 1851 my brother John H. Crombie started to the valley. They were in company with Apostle Hyde, Albert Carlington, Judge William Gooch and others. Near Loup fork three hundred Pawnee Indians robbed the company of several thousand dollars worth of property. My brother was in a wagon with Dustin Amy. He was sleeping on the ground when a little Indian snatched the pillow from under his head, ripped it open, scattered the feathers in the air, setting up a whoop with the little Indians who were looking at him. John lost all he had. Mother died the year before in Kanesville, He was bringing a few of her goods to me. She sent a very nice parcel by Mrs. Brewer who died on the plains and I never got them.
In 1852 emigrants rushed in and we gave up or new home for a hospital. Doctor Williams having a large practice enabling him to pay the Welch debt and built a house and a sulky to ride in while visiting his patients. We had many dances at our house on account of the smooth floors. These were days when people had to utilize all they had to make both ends meet. It was a great saying among the populace.
Soon after moving into the adobe house which was built in 1852, the Doctor was called as one of the escorts for Brigham Young's exploring company to Iron County in a wagon with one horse belonging to Edward Stevenson. He was gone six weeks and Mother Williams was taken sick with a light fever and she was in bed for three weeks. She had a good appetite though she preferred to lie in bed and rest. I was tired and weary of constant working. I took the children for a walk and the Burdick family set up a horrible cry for leaving her alone for half an hour; so many times she had left me alone to the best I could do and nothing was said about that part of it. Father John Smith, Zina Young, Vilate Kimball, Sister Whitney and host of others calling to see while she was lying in bed.
Next year Doctor went in another exploring company to Tooele and Chamfit Valley west of the Jordan River. He was also called to go up in the Snyder Mill Canyon to bring in the bodies of James Quale and James Dixon who were shot down by the Indians. He was that time Surgeon General of the Nauvoo Legion.
After moving to the lot north of the Temple Block he was called to the White Mountains in 1855 and he was set apart by Orson Hyde on April 28. Brothers Alfred Randall, Orson Miles, and Nelson Empey went with him in the same wagon. David Evans was captain of the company. They returned in the summer on July Fourth. He was next called to the Elk Mountains on 21 May 1855 and arrived 15 June 1855. Indians shot two of the men and it was so hostile that they had to return home. My son Ezra Henry Williams was five weeks old when his father left him to go to the White Mountains on a mission in 1855. He took a cow named Cherry. My eldest son Frederick would sing himself to sleep "Pa's gone on a mission with Jack and Cherry cow, way down to White Mountains in a wagon." He left a book of accounts to collect, no one seemed willing to pay only on tithing and still we got along without murmuring. I did the best I knew how under the circumstances. Brother John Crombie was very good to us, meantime he was not making great wages in Dustin Amy's Tin shop.
Shortly after he was called to go to Sandwich Islands. I accompanied him to Brigham City. I visited there and in Ogden two weeks; taking my two year old son Ezra G. Williams. While in Brigham City, Brigham's company passed through to Salmon River with two boats on wheels to cross the Salmon River. When they arrived there was another incident in the White Mountain Mission. My brother had a gun presented to him by a young boy, at the time it was presented. . . Doctor Williams would take it on that mission eight years later. One day's travel as they stopped for a noon. A crane flew over and Doctor Williams tried his luck at a shot and brought it down into camp. They soon had it dressed for cooking in a hot frying pan with some fat bacon. The breast, being nice and tender, was a favorite part for Doctor Williams. That dinner which was cooked over a sage fire was delicious and it was ate with relish, as they told us on their return.
Five of the company ascended the mountain farther on and Doctor taking a small cup in one hand, climbing with the other, filling the cup with snow after taking a sip from the cup. He kept himself in fresh drinking water until he reached the top. The others were scrambling to get there first. Taking the route slow and easy, not having to stop with climbers to take a breath, the Doctor stopped on the top first and the boys calling to hi, "Williams Peak" for the name of the Mountain.
You may judge my surprise when I was sitting in my bedroom rocking my baby and remodeling some of my wardrobes to take my little ones out the next day to celebrate the fourth of July. A man with a red flannel shirt should come up the walk to open the door. Little Mary was standing near by looking out and she cried "Pa's home" and she ran up stairs to her grandma and told her that her pa had come home. Grandmother came down as fast as her trembling limbs would let her, with an exclamation "What did that child say?" She was over joyed and she said "I was writing a letter to you; now I will burn it for you will think it too silly," so we did not get a peep at it. He was glad to find his family happy in trying to do the very best they knew how and not complain; When starting out on that mission, Mary Jane Whitney came to borrow some flour. I told her I had only three pounds in the house. The days turned quick and the company hurried him off. The Whitney's folks were standing bidding him goodbye. Sarah Ann Kimball said "Ezra's crying, I am not going to cry." He answered, "You would cry too, if you were leaving your family without bread and not knowing when you would return." William Snow lived away below Salt Lake City and he was indebted for medical services and he promised to bring flour to Salt Lake City in a wagon and let us have three sacks. He did so promptly.
Another incident; Lucy had chicken pox; she could not eat barley pan cakes. I went to Ruth Back asking her for one pound of flour and giving her ten cents, for money was scarce at that time. She sold me the flour and gave me a biscuit to cook for the sick child. That night the wagon from Mill Creek farm drove into the barn yard with the Doctor and brother John and the hired man for supper. I made pancakes for supper for these hungry hard-working men. They were satisfied but where was my share of the dish. The children must have some divided between them with a drink of milk. I told the circumstances to Brigham's wife Ellen Rockwood Young and she said that pound of flour was blessed. At times provisions were scarce in the valley. Brother John went digging peppermint roots which greatly humbled him together with patched britches. When he left Zion he never returned. He preferred to stay in the land of plenty. Milk weed shoots early in the spring were considered luscious, any kind of greens were sought after.
One day I picked young early marrowfat peas and young green currants and started for Bishop Callister and got his wife Ellen interested. She dug early beets, radishes, and other green garden vegetables, we filed in a procession towards Amas Byrmn's; himself on a mission at the time. His wives, Paulina Eliza Caroling and Lydia looked like they did not want company as they had nothing to treat them with. When they opened our budgets they were better satisfied and we heartily enjoyed our dinner and visit. Lydia played tunes on her instrument which was a double treat in those days.
Another incident: John Lyman Smith, who was a brother to George A. Smith, was on a mission to Switzerland. Augusta Bowen Smith, his wife, was very short of provisions. I invited her to my house to breakfast. I acquainted Mrs. Orson Hyde with her circumstances and she divided with her till harvest. She also invited our family to breakfast one morning, an act of politeness, as she knew we had no way of getting any. People that were owing Doctor Williams in promises was all that did feed us. They did not realize that when they were eating we were hungry and rightly owned some of their store. Sister Vilate Kimball saw how we were getting along every day. She was picking greens and came to see how many provisions I had and I had a pint of ground wheat. She said brother Kimball had given her a sack of rice to divide with those who really needed it. I indulged in cooking some for myself and children.
Sister Richards showed me how to cook with sawdust and the scrapings of the chip pile. Men could not go into the canyons after wood in farming time. I built a fire on the hearth, put the dutch oven on that sawdust fire. I built one on top of the cover and put the big coffee pot with parched barley on top to boil, put rice, eggs, mild and sugar which was a very scarce article in a tin pail and hung it inside the big camp coffee pot to cook as the barley coffee boiled. Meantime Hellen Callister came to grind barley on the hand mill in the cellar and she smelt the cooking and sat down to pay a welcome visit. When Bishop Thomas Callister came in, white with exhaustion, and I was about to take up the dinner as he came in and he looked at the fire place and saw the arrangements and said, "Well that is a great contraption." The rice was cooked to a charm, the barley coffee splendid, the short bread excellent. He stayed for dinner, then Libby, Hellen's third daughter, came for her mother. Her father said, "Come along Libby we'll have dinner sometime." We ate our fill, seemingly there was more left than when we commenced to eat.
One day there was nothing to eat at the farm. Mother Williams rode up on the sulky to see if I had received from those who promised to pay me the bills they were owing Doctor Williams. None had paid. I had just arrived at the house, as she drove up, with an Osneberg sack holding a bushel and a half of young beet greens. Brother Kimball sent word to me that I could go to the patch and thin them out, the gardener, Father Tucker helping me. When Mother Williams saw them her eyes sparkled. She was particularly fond of anything to eat with vinegar. She wanted half and I gave her all as they had to work in that hot sun and wanted something to keep up their strength to work on. Sister Vilate sent four pounds of pork which was a treat to the ploughman and sowers of grain.
Another incident: When Doctor Williams accompanied President Young on his trip to Iron county they came to a place called the soap mine on a bank of clay-like substance that was used in the place of soap to wash hands and clothes and made a good substitute for soap. It made the skin soft and smooth. On their trip to Elk Mountain, they entered a canyon a mountain of salt of a good portion of it. Some of it was in blocks with specks of clay-like substance scattered through the blocks and some clear and transparent without the specks. At this camping ground an Indian runner came to them from Manti at midnight to inform them that the Indians had driven our people from Elk Mountain Mission. One had been killed and others wounded. They received word to return to Manti where they met those who were driven from Elk Mountain Mission, they having returned on a shorter route. Found Samuel Billings had been shot through the fore finger of the right hand while helping to carry the dead body of Brother Behuning into the Fort. He cried out with "Oh I am shot." He thought he was hurt worse than he really was. Dr. Williams received a new license and certificates for each mission which he reserved for future reference.
About 6th October 1857, Doctor was ordered to Echo Canyon by General William Kimball. The Doctor was holding office of Surgeon Colonel of that brigade to attend the sick and wounded of Zion's camps. Doctor arrived there two weeks when Orson Arnold was brought into Echo Canyon Quarters severely wounded, by accidental discharge of his gun, while on a scout trip in Lot Smith's company. The ball shattered the middle of the thigh, several pieces of bone were so much out of place. He suffered greatly with pain as the leg was very much swollen. But finally it healed enough that he could go on crutches. When trying to cross the water ditch he fell and broke what adhesions had taken place and in two weeks Doctor removed a portion of the thigh bone which was five inches in length. The bone was recrossed or decayed with a circle in the middle of the bone, retaining the full size of the bone. This causes considerable shortening of the leg, but finally healed so as to have a very good use of it.
Doctor was discharged from camp on the eleventh of December 1857. William Fatherhan was injured so as to have to be sent home to Salt Lake City. Doctor Williams attended to his wounds so he could ride with a little ease and comfort.
Joseph Swain Williams, my third son was born in the fourteenth ward on 10 March 1858. I was alone and I asked a little Swiss boy if he would go to Mrs. Richardson's and ask her to come over. She came in time to call Mrs. Lamercox to assist her. All was over in haste. Doctor came from the farm at night bringing the children. Mother Williams got tired of them, packed them off home in time mostly unpleasant for the nurse, Mrs. Sophrina Standage, who was not always partial to children. While I was in bed word came that we were to leave our homes and move south taking everything with us.
In three weeks, on the second of April, our wife Electa Jane had a son born. She was in better luck than myself. She had the Mother, Sister and her husband Doctor Williams and her father and brother in law Nymphs Murdock to administer to her. I had none of those comforts, no mother of father's home to go to. When her son was blessed his father gave him the name of Hyrum, she had been told it was a girl. Some very officious person who knew more than the Prophet Joseph had told her "The first son born in polygamy ruled the father's house as though the father was to turn imbecile and could not rule his own house." What rubbish some people invent, giving for a principle of the gospel.
Three weeks after we journeyed with ox teams and one horse buggy to camp in American Fork in our wagons. Abraham Romrell drove the team and Henry Lewis the other team and Captain Abraham was bossing the camp as he was the youngest of the two. It suited his complexion best. He build a big sage brush fire and put the only coffee pot on full of new milk to boil. The flames soon unsoldered the pot but he got it off in time to save the milk and the pot was minus a lid, nose, handle and bottom. He took a chair from the load to sit in state while in camp. He left it with other things we needed in camp and journeyed toward the stopping place.
While camping Doctor took me to Provo to see the place and visit with his cousin, Mary Bronson, as it would be the last ride we would have in the buggy. He had sold it to Bishop Chancey West who lived west of Ogden. Doctor bought it off a missionary sent by the Baptist Society from the east to sell Bibles to the Western Nation or Mormon Heathen. While I was lying in bed, Bishop Hoogland came into the house and inquired of the boy Joseph. We had committed an indiscretion. Every Bishop was to be apprized of the entrance of strangers in less than twenty-four hours into the city. As he was not an enemy prowling around, we did not think it necessary, therefore, we neglected to inform the Bishop of his arrival into the ward.
One Sunday, we camped to shoe the cattle and reset the wagon tires. Mother took the teamster to the creek to make fires while she washed her own wearing apparel. They knew I was no cook and they left that job for me. I built a fire after gathering buffalo chips and getting started the wind playing with it as it pleased. I put the dutch oven on to heat, the cover by the side of it, made a pie of cooked dried apples. Putting it in the oven and the cover still heating, I turned toward the wagon several yards away from the fire for safety with my baby helping me to cook in her fashion. A nice cow sneaked up and helped herself to the warm pie and sneaked off; when a girl called to me to look at my rice. I had a hard time cooking the biscuits as I was jumping in and out of the wagon, climbing over the provision box, watching my baby girls, getting the Doctor what he wanted as it was his misfortune never to find what he was looking for. The fire had its own way of burning. Doctor said enough about the biscuits and when Mother Williams came she said plenty. I thought "O Zion! Will we ever reach thee?" It was at the place where the grave of Helen, Mar Whitney's daughter, was lying, who was a few weeks old. When arriving at the valley, I reminded her of it and she showed me the dress it had on when it died, also a cookie the she sent to Horace when with the pioneers. He bored a hole in it and sent it back by return mail.
William Thompson called and he told me that in 1856 they moved to Smithfield, Cache Valley. He was called with the others from that place to build up the settlements of Weston and Preston (Idaho). Some of the other brethren went into the cedars to burn charcoal so sell at Richmond to the blacksmiths in exchange for provisions while they were working.
Bear hunters shot an elk, the men caught a glimpse of their gun and the best rode their horses and run them foaming into camp and scaring eight families out of their wits. It rained all day and it was dark and dismal and gave every one the blues as they sat watching all day and night for the Indians no knowing how many, a dozen or a thousand. Brother Thompson with an old musket and his wife behind him with an old dull axe to kill all that should attempt to come inside the door of their hut which had a dirt roof and a dirt floor. Next day came the bear hunter to Thompson saying "White man come, my father owned this ground, you are welcome here." After giving them some meat he retired making the white men look sheepish after their Indian scare.
The Morsite War in 1862 at the Riverdale Bottom was a scene. Fort Douglas's soldiers went to Soda Springs and built a fort to protect them and declared they were afraid of the Mormons. John Banks, one of their leaders, was a smart man. He left the church on account of having a private quarrel with Brigham Young. Their belief was everything in common. They were to help themselves to what they saw for the Lord was on their side. He was to destroy the Brighamites and they were to take their possessions and live without working for a living. The settlers could not put up with it any longer. Governor Kinney telegraphed to Washington and received orders from there to exterminate them. Several were killed and the rest went to Fort Douglas till they could be removed. Doctor Williams was returning to Cache Valley as he met the settlers going to the ridge to watch the proceedings.
On April 13, 1860 a son John Albert was born and he died in 1870. I laid in bed ten days without a change. I had no help for the neighbors being aristocrats element did not concern themselves about the sick. My husband was in Cache Valley selecting a home for his family to move in and he left me and the baby when he was a week old. We hired a young girl to wash my underclothes and I had no change nor help to get out of bed. Oh! You mothers of the present day must have a doctor, nurse, laundress, cook, and dainties. What would you think to pass through those scenes, small children trying to take care of themselves and a sick mother unable to wait on herself and having to lie in bed and watch the proceedings far out of reach.
My husband was preparing to move to Cache Valley in 1860 into an Indian country, and lived in wagons corralled into a fort; men cutting down brush on the creek to prevent the Indians to ambush and take a shot at the settlers unawares. Then building a log house with a dirt roof, dirt floor, small window near the door, a guard out at night and living on pot luck; having the dish right side up and wishing it would rain porridge and we might be able to catch some. We were blessed in deeping teas on hand for Mother Williams as that was her mainstay. She was to feeble to do without it. No other luxuries would be gotten for her at that time. We were too far away from commerce.
Seven children had whooping cough and made the house ring with music all those long winter nights. When one began to cough the others started out of bed shrieking to get their breath, we had to light a lamp until we were all in bed, then lie down again to be aroused again when another fit of coughing started them out again in the bitter cold. We had to be thankful for a little bit of sleep. The twins died of whooping cough. Brigham Y. at eight months, Heber C. at sixteen months. It was so hard on their system they could not get over the effects of it and so weakened by hard coughing and strangling. Our wife Electa Jane Barney Williams spent the summer in Salt Lake City with her parents and returning late in the fall with her only child, Hyrum Royal Williams and starting our with whooping cough. She loaned it to my young family which was a great favor to me though I was not thankful for the loan at that time of year, in that snow country and no travel out of the valley to get anything to relieve them from their distressing situation. It was from November until May before the weather commenced to get warmer so that the teams could get over the mountains to Box Elder county, from thence to Salt Lake City to buy what we needed.
With the load of wheat they were obliged to haul to trade to merchants for salica at sixty five cents a yard. It was very light and the colors faded. Tea was four dollars a pound, linen thread one dollar-twenty-five cents a pound, spool of cotton twenty-five cents and factory $1.25 a yard.
Doctor Williams put a saw mill in Summit Creek Canyon with Edwin Ruthvon Bronson as his partner then sold it to Alonzo Raymond. He moved to Hot Springs district, Weber County. The Indians killed four settlers before we arrived. They wounded Samuel Cozzens and Austin Merrill. Doctor Williams took care of the wounded. My son Joseph Swain Williams died 24 October 1860. Mother Williams died 24 September 1861, Brigham Young died 22 January 1863, Heber Chase died 16 September 1863. They were buried east of Smithfield at Cache Valley. The four graves were side by side on that mount. Twins were born and died in Smithfield.
The Bear River soldiers camped at Smithfield. At midnight the bugle sounded and there was a clear moonlight. Patrick O. Conner rode in a carriage, the soldiers on horseback singing songs. They took the Indians by surprise and made quick work of some of them. The Indians shot a few and one died on the way back to the city of Salt Lake. Martin Harris hauled the wounded to Camp Douglas. Some angry Indians sought revenge by pulling the stable out of the stable door and stealing the horses that hauled the men. Shortly after Doctor arrived to Hot Springs District.
A few weeks later, Martin Harris' sister was on her return to the city of Salt Lake with a neighbor. She wished my eldest daughter to travel with her for company. They camped at Box Elder Camp canyon for the night. During the night a band of Indians rushed past them. They concluded not to molest them as they had killed a man and robbed him and were making off up the canyon with their booty. A company of merchants camped in Smithfield the next night and related the circumstances to me. Many people considered it a close call.
A company of emigrants were crossing the plains and were killed. Three children were taken by the Indians. The baby cried so much they killed it. The next being a little older died. The one named George was with these same Indians at Smithfield and the little Indians abused him. The father came from California to get him. We dared not speak to him for fear the Indians would mistreat him. The father secured the services of the camp Douglas troops. They came upon them unaware in a canyon near Providence. The Indians were not in favor of giving him up. They resented the offers of the soldiers and hooted at them. The scale turned when a cannon was fired in their midst. They hooted another way. Their interpreter said they were calling for them to stop. Their chief was then taken and locked up in a blacksmith shop and a strong guard was placed over him. They were told he would be kept there until the boy was returned to his father. They held a council and a runner was sent to Battle Creek to inform the rest of the tribe. Next morning forty Indians rode into the camp. They came past Smithfield charging their horses till they made that little boy bounce up and down as he rode behind a big Indian on a big charger. They gave the boy to the soldiers in exchange for their chief then the soldiers turned towards Camp Douglas taking the boy with them.
In the early days amusements were rarely known. One April fool day Electa made a candle out of a turnip. The black end was its nose and she handed it to Doctor to light. He could not think what was the matter with the candle. He gave it to the hired man to light. He had no better luck with it. Then they examined it and saw the joke played on them. Lucy and Mary took that candle up one side of the fort and down the other asking people to light it before they thought of April 1. I knew not of it until the next day when the neighbors told me how much merriment it caused. Boys brought a lantern made out of a pumpkin by carving faces on the rind peeling of the outside skin. They set it on the window sill. I had seen them in my childhood. I did not get scared, no wonder, some neighbors did when they caught a glimpse of it.
My eldest son was obliged to leave Pleasant View with other polygamists. They were to travel in the dark and lonely night. His brother Ezra G. Williams was driving one team through Ogden City at two O'clock. Slow, still and careful did they wend their way outside of Weber County to the brush to camp unnoticed by the citizens and treacherous enemies to the celestial marriage. Deputies were making money by betraying good men which was a Judas-like spirit. I sat up late at watching and waiting, listening to every sound till my son arrived. He called in, the teams still going on with Amanda and Kathena sitting together in the wagon. I sent them a nice piece of dried beef to chew on as they traveled along that dreary night, Fearing to speak lest some spy was abroad.
Years after they were obliged to flee to Mexico; Fred taking three wives at that time. Kathena had died in Fairview Sanpete County, also losing Alonzo on the route. The polygamists were obliged to skulk out of Ogden the very safest way they could. Leaving their wives and children for Frederick to look after and buy their tickets, put their baggage aboard. The brethren on the platform were notifying him when others arrived. I was watching the scene when I was apprized my movements were watched. I walked off at a distance there. Mine could see me as the train rolled out to put twelve hundred miles between them and me. Oh! The times that have been and will be if we live faithful and true to our covenants we made at the altar. The night they passed through Ogden City, Doctor was called off on professional services. The patients lingering and keeping him out too late so that he could not see his son and bid him good-bye before he went on his flight to Mexico which was at midnight. Oh! The past, present and future may we live to see many changes.
In 1871 my brother's wife sent a valuable parcel by mail. Isaac Moore was post master in Ogden Office. Many people never received their bundles and magazines while he remained in that position. When I visited the house of my brother in San Francisco, my sister-in-law showed me the samples of the goods she sent me. One thousand dollars was taken by Moore belonging to Mary Godfrey and her sister Mrs. Bates. They employed Nathan Taylor to arrest him in law. They got nine hundred; could not even hear of my parcel and I was grieved over it like many others and that was all we could do about it.
On 15 May 1879 there was reminiscence of the Williams' and Lightner's. It was the first surprise in his life. The afternoon was pleasantly passed and supper was announced, suiting the tastes of all who partook of it. After returning to the parlor, President Richard requested sister Lightner to relate some of the experiences in her early life and acquaintance with the Prophet Joseph Smith as she was very intimately sealed to him in an early day. She gave a long recital of incidents transpiring in the rise of the church, family's sufferings from mobs, persecutions, and driven from a comfortable home. Many times by the fury of enemies of the church from Jackson County, Independence into Clay county and Caldwell county then from the state; fleeing in the night, snatching a quilt from the bed to wrap the baby, leaving all her household goods behind for the mob to revel in. It was listened to with interest by the company who had never passed through the scenes of trouble.
Brother Richards next called on Brother Ezra G. Williams to relate his experience and associations with the Prophet Joseph in his boyhood. He gave very interesting accounts of the coming to Kirtland. Joseph and his wife, Emma Smith, accepting the hospitality of Doctor Williams' father, Frederick G. Williams' house till he was able to build one for himself, in February 1833. He spoke of the condition of the church at the time of the arrival of the Prophet to Kirtland, also the twelve Apostles had homes built thereon and held meetings in his father's barn, a building forty by forty feet. Father worked the farm and Doctor Ezra G. Williamss rode the horse to plough corn and potatoes and helped Father Smith in haying time. He was a boy of eight summers, well acquainted with all the Smith family. Doctor Williams was baptized by the Prophet when he was nine years old. He was confirmed by Hyrum Smith. Doctor Williams and William Kimball also related the return of Oliver Cowdery to the church of Kanesville stopping with the Williams family, the humble spirit, the realization of what he had lost by leaving the church.
Brother Richards then called on Loren Farr to give a recital of his knowledge of the Prophet Joseph, having lived in the family in Nauvoo. President then pronounced a blessing on Sister Lightner, Doctor Williams, Loren Farr and Sister Avis Cross for their long membership of fifty years in the church, her sisterly kindness to the missionaries from different parts of the earth. Then he blessed the others who took part on the surprise. Mrs. G. L. Cave made the occasion one of the greatest of successes. She is at home in such proceedings, and Mrs. Allen assisted also making everything pass off pleasantly.
Mrs. Lightner related the drowning of her sister in the mill pond a quarter of a mile from the school house in Kirtland. A few girls were on a plank in the pond. Mrs. Lightner with other girls was in a hurry to get on the plank so they shouted to the girls and caused her sister to fall in. Some time elapsed before any one heard them call and pulled her to the surface of the water. Weeks passed before that sister was able to recover with all the aid and assistance that could be given her. Mrs. Lightner made a solemn vow, she never, no never would scare anybody again. She suffered too much in her feelings to try that folly on any one else.
Mother Williams related to me an incident. One Sunday morning in Kirtland her husband, Doctor Frederick G. Williams and some one, whose name I have forgotten, were conversing in tongues, concerning Solomon's Temple; how the High Priest could see the people and the people not him. It was with the aid of four large mirrors placed so the High Priest saw all the congregation.
Mary Ann Covington (afterwards Mrs. Joseph A. Stratton, then Mrs. Chauncey West) now a widow twice in her girlhood, left England with her brother to journey to the land of Zion at Nauvoo. Ice in the river detained her in St. Louis till Spring. Early they started up the river. The river was not high enough to run the steamboat over the rapids. Three girls begged the captain of the company to them walk to Nauvoo which was granted. They walked twelve miles to Uncle Ascet's. They went over creeks and crawling over logs, which were put for bridges, on their hands and knees, through brush and timber. On arriving at her uncle's house they were seated at a table with hot coffee and a few biscuits. They enjoyed their meal for they were hungry and tired. The host ferried them over the river and they walked four miles to Nauvoo! They ate supper at Orson Hyde's who took them to see the Prophet who was pleased to meet them as they were to meet him October third.
The first surprise party in my life was when sixteen people came in with a picnic a two o'clock. They were: Presidents, councilors, Mrs. Poole, and Mrs. Doxey, secretary, Mrs. Powers, Judge Farr, Beatrice A. Allen who played excellent music on the piano while the company sang; Mrs. Thompson, teachers, Sarah West, two wives of Joseph Parry and he coming later, Dr. Allen and wife, Mrs. G. Cave, Mrs. Cross, Sarah Ann Williams, Doctor Williams and myself and granddaughter and Mrs. Mary E. White. We enjoyed the afternoon and evening splendidly. The supper was very nice and tasty and we were greatly surprised and pleased.
March 17th the Relief Society met again to celebrate the anniversary of the organization in the third ward amusement hall. It was organized in Nauvoo by Joseph Smith, the Prophet, in 1842.
A young missionary from Idaho Falls, Horace Isaac Grow, son of the old time Mormons was visiting at our house at that time. Thirteen young men, who had returned home from their fields of labor, were sent to Weber Stake to labor with the Young Men Improvement Association. Several of them visited Mrs. Lightner and showed them the lock of hair from Joseph Smith's head, preserved by her in the Book of Mormon given to her by the Prophet, his signature with it.
May fifteenth, Ezra invited us to supper. We were surprised to find Amanda Elizabeth Williams Farr from Dublin, Mexico and her two children Lula and Erron. She presented us with a card trimmed with moss from the pine tree bark, growing in Mexico Mountains, by her sister Josephine. May 16th. We were invited to surprise Mrs. Mary Covington West, who related circumstances of her Nauvoo life and walking to Nauvoo. When arriving there the boat had arrived too; had they waited patiently they would have steamed up the river as the river rose rapidly. This was one event of her life. Those present were: Lucretia West, Sarah and Mary Ann West, Mrs. Brewer, L. B. Farr, Mrs. Poole, Mrs. Doxey, Mrs. Huntsman, Mrs. Leavitt Hill, Salisbury Shipley, Doctor and Mrs. E. G. Williams.
May 13, Mrs. John Seaman and Mary Crandall, May Cook were thrown out of a buggy on the Broom Corner Hotel 25th Street, Washington Avenue and were unconscious for some time.
A work was performed in the Logan Temple, December 8, 18, 17, 16, 1885 March 30, 31, April 15, September 21, 22, 1887 for dead friends and relations.
Our fifty-third anniversary of our wedding was 15 August 1900. Mother went to Relief Society meeting and when returned home found twenty seven in possession of the house. They had borrowed a key from my neighbor, Mrs. Peter Matson and opened the door, set a long table full of good things to greet my vision as I unlocked the door and stepped into the dining room. My exclamation was "How did you get into the house?" Those present were: Bishop B. White, Counselor Torgeson, President Charles F. Middleton, John Taylor, Doctor and Mrs. Allen, Ezra's wife and daughter Sarah, Mrs. Shipley, William Fife from Mexico, Judge and Mrs. Farr, Mrs. Poole and Mrs. Doxey, Mrs Hellewell, Mrs. Powers, Annie May Budge, Doctor and Mrs. Williams, Mrs Hill, Mrs. Albrightsen, Mrs. Dixon, Sarah West, Mrs. Summerville, and Mr. and Mrs. Southwick.
First white child buried in Smithfield
In her book "After 100 Years", N Clement Williams states Elizabeth's death as 20 July 1850.
Baptized 14 apr 1832 by Joseph Smith Jr. and confirmed by Hyrum Smith.. Endowed 1846, Nauvoo, IL.
EG. and wife Henrietta crossed the plains. While at Ft. Bridger, Dr. Williams bought a pony for his wife to ride up the steep mountains, but the saddle would slip off behind, so shw had to walk and carry her baby.Baptized 14 apr 1832 by Joseph Smith Jr. and confirmed by Hyrum Smith.. Endowed 1846, Nauvoo, IL.
EG. and wife Henrietta crossed the plains. While at Ft. Bridger, Dr. Williams bought a pony for his wife to ride up the steep mountains, but the saddle would slip off behind, so she had to walk and carry her baby.
Residence 1892: 2314 Wash Ave. son's res: 2229 Hudson ave.A Sketch of the Life of Dr. Ezra Granger Williams
Dr. Ezra Granger Williams son of Frederick and Rebecca Swain was born on Nov. 17, 1823, Warrensville Cuyahaga C. Ohio. He was the youngest of four children. Ezra moved to Chardon with his father's family, later to Kirkland, Ohio where his father bought land and a home, which he later deeded to the LDS church (117). The deed is now on record in the courthouse in Ohio. The Kirtland temple was built on this land as was the city of Kirtland. Some of the homes of the twelve are still standing and in a good state of preservation, (1932), also the temple.When a young man E. G. Williams and his sister Lovina went in a cutter to visit their uncle W. Williams, who lived in Cleveland Ohio and stayed all night. Next morning they took their cousin Eunice Williams with them to Dover near Lake Erie to visit their Aunt Mary Cahoon. Next day he and his cousins the Cahoon boys had great sport on the lake until a south wind and thaw came up that began thawing the ice. One of the boys shouted the ice is moving, and they all ran for shore as fast as they could go. When they got to shore they found the ice had left the shore and they had to jump to get on shore. Next day they had a hard day's drive to get back to Cleveland, for the roads were thawing and breaking up. It snowed that night and they were up in the morning bright and early for Kirtland. They arrived home in good time for the new snow helped the road and made it easier traveling.
In the fall of 1830 the family were converted to the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by four missionaries; Oliver Cowdery, Parley P. Pratt, Ziba Peterson, and Peter Whitman Jr., who had been sent on a mission to the Lamanites or Indians and who had come to Kirtland on their travels. His mother was baptized on Saturday and his father on Monday. Just two weeks after meeting the Elders, his father was chosen to go with them to finish their mission. He was gone ten months.
In February 1831, Joseph Smith Jr. came to Kirtland and lived with Newell K. Whitney and with Fredrick G. Williams. Fredrick G. Williams and the prophet had many talks about the church. Dr. Williams offered his land for a gathering place for the saints, so the main body of the church was moved to Kirtland for a few months. The land for the Temple site and also for the homes of the leaders of the church was given outright as a gift by Dr. Williams. The deeds to this land are still in existence at the courthouse in Ohio.
In April 1832 Ezra with William Kimball, son of Heber C. Kimball, were walking along the river bank, when they met the Prophet Joseph Smith, who asked if they would like to be baptized. They consented and were baptized. They went on home and Hyrum Smith confirmed the baptism.
As a child Ezra often wen with his father on his medical calls and was taught many things about medical practice by his father. He later acted as an assistant to his father in this practice. As a young man in his early twenties he was practicing on his own right, having studied with a prominent physician of the time. He was always interested, studious, and a reader along medical lines even to the day of his death. His advice was sought out by many physicians throughout the west.
He went to Far West in the fall of 1836 and joined the Saints there during the persecution of the mob who with militia men had come to drive out or exterminate the churchmen. One day he took his pony and rode out on the prairie to gather the stock and saw the army coming, several of the cavalry gave chase. He rode back into town and gave the alarm. Far West men were rallied under Colonel George W. Hinkle, logs and other materials at hand were thrown together for defense and protection. The army under General Clark formed line of battle west of town, a consultation was held between the Prophet and others. The militia disbanded and the soldiers looted the town. Young Ezra was given a permit to hunt stock and wile rounding them up saw the soldiers stealing and driving them off. On their horses were bridles that he recognized as those of his brother-in-law, Burr Riggs. He went to the officer in charge and they were made to give them back.
A short time afterward the mob gathered again and began depredations. The Saints again banded together for defense. They met the enemy on Crooked River and a battle ensued in which David W. Patten was killed as well as several others. Ezra was taken by some of the soldiers who wanted to kill him saying, "Nites breat lice"(sic) but the officer let him go.
His father Fredrick was sent by the Prophet to Cleveland, Ohio where the Saints were suffering from a plague; Ezra went with him and they were successful in stamping out the plague.
Dr. E. G. Williams went to Far West Mo. 1836 and was there when the mob took the prophet Joseph Smith and leaders of the church prisoners. Dr. Williams was with the brethren when David Patten was killed on Crooked River, and the brethren organized self defense. After the battle he went to Quincey, Illinois with his folks, from there to Burlington and back to Quincey, hunting for work to get something to eat and live upon, then to Nauvoo and St. Louis where he met and married Henrietta Elizabeth Crombie Aug. 15, 1847 by Orson Hyde. She was born Sept. 27, 1827, Boston Mass. Baptized by Ezra Taft Benson in Boston Harbor May 1, 1845, confirmed the same day, left Boston April 1847 for St. Louis.
They left St. Louis Mo. The summer of 1848 for Council Bluffs, Iowa having received a letter from H. C. Kimball advising him to go to the valley. Stayed in Winter Quarters two weeks then crossed the Missouri River back to Kanesville, Iowa where he made a home. After a severe sickness he went to the wood and got timber and made a cutter. As soon as it was done he got into it and rode among people visiting the sick and never missed a day all winter for there was much sickness among the people. He was a physician and surgeon of great value to the people.
The spring of 1849 was called to start to the valleys in two months, E. G. Williams said I cannot go I have nothing to go with. Brother Ezra Taft Benson went to the Welch camp and borrowed $300.00 to buy an outfit for the journey. His mother Mrs. Rebecca S. Williams went back to St. Louis on the boat to buy medicine and provisions for the journey, returning by land from Burlington Iowa in time for starting. They had two wagons, four oxen, three cows, one horse, provisions for a year, a splendid stock of medicines, a nine month old baby, and a hundred thirty five dollars in debt to the Welch Company which he paid back in three years. Oct. 7, 1848 Dr. E. G. Williams and his mother went to Hyde park, twelve miles down the river to conference as Oliver Cowdery was to make a confession and return to the church. After that meeting the Cowderys stayed at the Dr.'s place for two weeks, Oliver, his wife, and daughter Marea their only living child. They went back to Missouri where Oliver died soon after while preparing to come to Utah.
Following his father's death a Quincy Illinois 25 October 1842, he with his mother went to St. Louis where he took up the practice of medicine as his profession. This was the Saints' gathering place before starting for the west. He was kept very busy prescribing and administering to the sick.
He had hoped and partly prepared to join the vanguard of Saints to the valley of the Great Salt Lake with President Brigham Young but was given charge by Brigham Young to take care of the Saints who were suffering from Malaria and Cholera. He became the official physician for the community and so missed the opportunity of being one of the original party of 1847.
Dr. E. G. Williams and family left Kanesville on the Missouri River for Utah, July 4, 1849 in the Ezra T. Benson and John Taylor Co. (50). They crossed Loup Fork, a tributary of the Platt coming to the Sweet River. Some said that creek runs through Devils Gate. Dr. Williams started out alone to take observations, went part way and concluded he better go on then return to camp. It was a lonely looking place. He jumped over the rock to the other side of the creek as no farther progress could be made on that side. He had to let himself down the ridge to the bank of the creek after tediously climbing up the ridge. It was not far at that point of rocks from camp. Crossing the river at this point was difficult. Men made a network of willows to keep the wagons wheels from sinking in the quicksand. The men tied ropes to the back of the wagons to lower them down the steep bank to the water easily. Dr. Williams waded the stream, hanging on to the yoke of the wheelers while men shouted to the leaders to travel to the opposite bank. Bro. George A. Smith led the Welch Company. He said they talked Welch and English to their cattle till they learned how to gee haw back perfectly. When they started through a river they struck out for the other side to avoid the noise everybody made.
The Sioux Indians came round the camp, trading buckskins. The squaws were very intelligent looking, decorated with beads and ornaments, charging around camp on their fine horses. So different from Utah Indians.
The Dr. bought a pony at Fort Bridger for his wife to ride up the steep mountains, but the saddle would slip off, so she had to walk up and carry her baby.
Oct. 25, camped at foot of big mountain on east side at night. Then up the big mountain and down the other, camping in a grove Oct. 26; then traveled over the little mountain next day. Traveled to Emigration canyon, crossed the creek 18 times. Camped in mouth of canyon for the night. Next morning Sunday, President Young, Heber C. Kimball, N. K. Whiting, and their wives and others came to meet us and welcome us to the valley, dined with H. C. and Vilate Kimball.
Oct. 29, 1849 came into the valley. Camped on City Creek, north of where the Lion house now stands. Put the wagon boxes on the ground a few feet apart. Posts were set at each end, the covers were loosened at the inside and up over the pole that was fastened to the post and a canvas was fastened to the east end and the other was hung to the west end to answer for a door. This is where we lived through the winter. Dr. Williams went to the mountains, got logs and built a log house, which they moved into in March 1850.In 1852 he built an adobe house nearby that was used as a hospital. When the gold rush was on in California his son F. G. Williams and many of the emigrants contracted mountain fever. He took them in and cared for them till they recovered. One man stayed all winter. Dr. Williams got timber and had legs turned at the turning lathe for bedsteads, table, chair, etc. He had a spinning wheel made at the temple workshop.
In 1852 he was called as one of an escort for President Young and company on an exploring trip through Iron County. In 1853 he was called to help bring in the bodies of two men killed by Indians in Snyder's Mill Canyon near Parley's Park, Utah. John Dicon and John Quayle killed by Hoagland wounded. Then he was called to Box Elder Co. To repel the Indians.
He was surgeon general of the Nauvoo legion, 1854. He built a two story adobe house north of the temple block where his son Ezra H. G. Williams was born April 1, 1855. April 1855 he was called on the white mountain mission. Brother Alfred Randall, Orson Miles and Nelson Empey went with him in the same wagon. David Evane, of Lehi, captain of the company returned Sept. 21.
Oct. 157, Dr. Williams was ordered out to Echo Canyon as physician and surgeon in the Wm. H. Kimball Company and arrived there in two weeks when Orson Arnold was brought in to Echo Canyon quarters severely wounded by accidental discharge of his gun several days previously while on a scouting trip in Lot Smiths Co. The ball struck the middle of his thigh. He suffered greatly as the leg was so badly swollen. After it had healed so far he got on crutches. While he was trying to cross a water sect he fell and broke it again, which caused some of the bone to be removed, one piece 5 inches long. It made one leg shorter but he still had very good use of his leg.
In Dec. 1857 Dr. Wm. Was discharged from camp to attend to Orson Arnold. Wm. Fortheringham was injured and sent home. Dr. Wm. Attended to his wounds so he could ride with a little ease and comfort.
1858 when Johnson's army was on the way to exterminate the Mormons the people all moved out to the south. Brigham Young said we would move out and if the soldiers were going to dispose of us and our homes they would find Utah as we found it desolate, we would burn our homes. Men were stationed to apply the match if they molested our homes, but the general and his staff passed on through the city with uncovered heads, nothing being harmed. When peace was declared the people returned home (July, 1858). It was a pleasant sight to see home once more with grass knee high and the grain just getting ripe. The army proved a blessing instead of a curse because they brought with them things we needed, and also furnished the settlers work for they needed grain for their animals and timber for their camps which was a great help.
1860 Dr. Wm. and Edwin Rutharin Bronson, his cousin's husband, decided to build a saw-mill at Summit Creek, Cache Co. In the spring they built the mill. On July 22, the people were preparing to celebrate pioneer day. The Indians came upon them and killed two men, Ira Merrill and John Reed and wounded Samual Cousing and Solomon Merrill. Dr. Wm. Dressed their wounds and took care of them until they recovered. Dr. Wm. Could not attend to the mill and his practice, so it was not a great success. Brunson was discouraged, the winters were so severe, and sold out to Alonzo Raymond and later Dr. Wm. Sold to Wallave Raymond. He sold his farm to Peterson and bought a farm of George Snyder's at North Ogden, now Pleasant View. He moved his Family there in 1863. Later he moved his 2nd wife to Ogden City, 1866. His 1st wife stayed on the farm with her children. Her two boys ran the farm. His practice grew and he was very successful in his practice.
1855 on the trip to Elk Mountain they entered a canyon about 30 miles south of Sanpete Co. They discovered a mountain of salt, some with specks in it, some with clay substance scattered through it, some clear and transparent. At this camp an Indian runner came from Manti at midnight informing that the Indians had driven our people from Elk Mountain.
In 1857 he married Electa Jane Kimball. He bought a house and lot two blocks south of Temple block, where two sons were born. Joseph Swain born March 10, 1858 and John Albert born April 13, 1860. He also owned several other lots in Salt Lake City, and a farm on Mill Creek, 5 miles south of the city.
While living in Smithfield his mother and three sons died, also two sons were born. His mother Mrs. Rebecca Swain Williams died Sept. 25, 1860. Joseph Swain Williams died Oct. 24, 1860. Brigham Young and Heber C. Kimball twins were born May 18, 1862. Brigham Young died Jan 22, 1863 and Heber C. Kimball died Sept. 18, 1863.
The rest of the children married and left the parental roof. Lucy Ellen married William Godfrey Oct. 10, 1867. Mary Elizabeth married Joseph Smith Gardner of North Ogden, Utah March 15, 1869. Ezra Granger married Sarah Ann Hickenlooper Dec. 28, 1874. Frederick Granger married 1- Amanda Burns; 2- Hansena Kathena Hegsted, May 1, 1884; 3- Nancy Abigail Clement, April 8, 1889.In 1867 Dr. E. G. Williams moved part of his family to Ogden City, his 2nd wife and Hyrum where he spent the remainder of his days. He died August 1, 1905. He was baptized in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by Joseph Smith the prophet April 14, 1832 at Kirtland Ohio, Ordained Oct. 10, 1845 by Joseph Young to the third quorum of the Seventies.
Additional Information:
Endowment: Nauvoo, IL 27 Jan 1846 (as a seventy) with Rebecca
The book, "After 100 Years" states Electa's birthdate as 21 August, 1840.
Dr. Frederick Granger WILLIAMS
F.G W deeded to the LDS Church 117 acres of land where the Kirtland Temple was built also the Twelve and others built residences on the land.
Was appointed second counselor to Joseph Smith Jr. March, 1832 the firsst in that office, and was president of the first high council 1834.
The doctor engaged partnership with a noted German physician who lived in Kirtland, OH, in order that he might go into the drup business and better practice medicine. He moved with his family to Kirtland in 1828 or 1829. Here he prospered greatly and became influential as a doctor and business man. Almost immediately after the baptism and ordination of Fredrick the Elders began to prepare for the Lamanite mission. They asked him to accompany them for three weeks. He was well acquainted with the places and people which they could meet in that length of time.F.G W deeded to the LDS Church 117 acres of land where the Kirtland Temple was built also the Twelve and others built residences on the land.
Was appointed second counselor to Joseph Smith Jr. March, 1832 the first in that office, and was president of the first high council 1834.
Was a member of Zion's Camp. Worked on Kirtland Temple.
Nauvoo: J S Block 10 Lot 4 Upper Stone House - Granger and Samuel "The upper Stone House is the home where FGW boarded with his family and for which he may have acted as landlord".
The doctor engaged partnership with a noted German physician who lived in Kirtland, OH, in order that he might go into the drup business and better practice medicine. He moved with his family to Kirtland in 1828 or 1829. Here he prospered greatly and became influential as a doctor and business man. Almost immediately after the baptism and ordination of Frederick the Elders began to prepare for the Lamanite mission. They asked him to accompany them for three weeks. He was well acquainted with the places and people which they could meet in that length of time.
In the book "After 100 Years", it says Frederick passed away on 25 Oct. 1842.
In a letter to his son, Ezra, dated 5 Oct. 1897, Chardon, Ohio, Eunice Williams (daughter of William Wheeler Jr.--brother of Frederick), She states, "There is a matter which perhaps you do not know, When your father deeded to the Mormon Church, the land upon which theMormon Temple stands, he put a condition in the deed that when it ceased to be used for church purposes the land should revert to him or his heirs....signed, Afftectionately, Eunice Williams."Fredrick Granger Williams
He was a counselor to the Prophet Joseph Smith. He was born Oct. 28, 1787 in Suffield, Hardford Co., Connecticut and died Oct. 25, 1842 in Quincy, Illinois. He was baptized October 1830 in Kirtland Ohio. He was called by revelation to be a High Priest and a counselor to the Prophet Joseph Smith in March 1832. He received his patriarchal blessing from Joseph Smith Sr. Sept. 14, 1835.
He was a great writer but his works are lost. He married Rebecca Swain about 1816. She was born Aug. 3, 1798 in Loyalsock Northcumberland Co. Pennsylvania. Daughter of Isaac and Elizabeth Swain, while a young girl her father moved to Niagra Co. New York, and died there in 1831. She was baptized 15 April 1832 into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at Kirtland Ohio. She was a faithful member till the time of her death, September 25, 1861 at Smithfield Cache Co. Utah. They had four children. 1- Lavina Williams born Sept. 20, 1816, married Burr Riggs April 1835. 2- Joseph Swain Williams born 1819 died 1838. 3- Lucy Eliza Williams born Sept. 27, 1821. 4- Ezra Granger Williams born Sept. 27, 1821. His father deeded to the church 117 acres of land where the Kirtland Temple was built also the Twelve and others built on it. In 1836 the Prophet's family was with them in their wagon. They were at Far West when the mob took the Prophet prisoner. Ezra G. was with the militia when David Patten was killedWILLIAMS, Frederick Granger, second counselor to President Joseph Smith from 1833 to 1837, was born Oct.28, 1787, in Suffield, Hartford county, Conn., was baptized in October, 1830, near Kirtland, Ohio, and soon afterwards accompanied Oliver Cowdery and fellow missionaries on their journey from Ohio to Missouri. After his return to Ohio, he became one of the leading and influential men of the Church, at Kirtland. and according to revelation (Doc. & Cov., 90: 6), he was ordained and set apart as second counselor in the First Presidency by Joseph Smith, March 18, 1833. In a subsequent revelation he was called to preach the gospel. He labored as a member of a committee to arrange the interior of the Kirtland Temple, and also took a leading part in establishing a printing office at Kirtland after the destruction of the press in Jackson county, Mo. In 1834 he went to Missouri as a member of Zion's camp, acting as paymaster in that organization. After his return to Ohio, he accompanied the Prophet Joseph on a short mission to Michigan. As a counselor in the First Presidency he took an active part in everything pertaining to the building up of Kirtland as a Stake of Zion, and especially in the erection of the House of the Lord at that place, for which purpose he contributed liberally of his time and means. When the sacred edifice was dedicated in March, 1836 he enjoyed the glorious privilege of seeing an angel. Soon afterwards he yielded to improper influences, and became recreant to the duties pertaining to his high and holy calling in consequence of which he was rejected as a counselor in the First Presidency at an important conference held at Far West, Mo., Nov. 7, l837. He was finally excommunicated from the Church at a conference held at Quincy, Ill, March 17, 1839. At a general conference, held at Nauvoo, Ill, in April, 1840, he presented himself on the stand and humbly asked forgiveness for his past conduct and expressed his determination to do the will of God in the future. His case was presented to the conference by Hyrum Smith, and he was freely forgiven. Soon afterwards he was received into the fellowship of the Church by baptism. He died as a faithful member of the Church Oct. 10, 1842, at Quincy, Illinois. His only living son, Ezra Granger Williams, resides at Ogden, Utah.
Baptized into the LDS Church on 15 april 1832 at Kirtland, OH...First white woman buried in Smithfield
REBECCA SWAIN WILLIAMS
From Pioneer Women of Faith and Fortitude
CHILDREN:
Lovina Susan, 20 Sep 1816
Joseph Swain, 1819
Lucy Eliza, 27 Sep 1821
Ezra Granger, 17 Nov 1823
When Rebecca was nine years old her family moved into the Niagara Frontier, purchasing land from the Mile Reserve. It was a beautiful forest land, but the Tawana Indians were marauding through this area making constant raids on the settlers, so her father moved his family farther down the river to seventy acres he owned in the south of Youngstown, at Fort Little Niagara below the falls, and in 1812 had made quite a little settlement of dwellings, including a house, barn, storehouse and another little storehouse. He and Mr. DeVeaux had established a small trading post and had a contract to supply Fort Niagara with certain things.
This place was also beautiful, with lake and forest and the great Niagara River near by. Rebecca and her brothers loved to play in the woods and would often make stick horses and riding whips out of willow branches. Her father was resting in a swing in the yard one day as they came galloping in dropping their whips, so he promptly picked up a choice one and planted it in the ground. The tree stood in that place for over 120 years and gave to the Swain homestead its name "The Willows."
One day Rebecca ventured too far into the woods by herself and came suddenly face to face with a bear. With rare presence of mind she opened a parasol which she was carrying and by rapidly shutting and opening it in his face frightened the bear away.
During the year of 1815 she went to visit her sister Sara Clark in Michigan. Crossing the Lake from Buffalo she became acquainted with the ship's pilot, a tall, dark eyed, shy, but very attractive and well mannered young man by the name of Frederick Granger Williams. After a brief but happy courtship, they were married in the latter part of 1815, exact date unknown.
Rebecca's husband became a well known doctor and with his many patients needed help in keeping his accounts. She was glad to help in this way and became well acquainted with medical terms and some treatments that helped her care for others when he was away on the many calls he had to make over a large area as well as serving missions for the church.
They were happy together in spite of the many trials and hardships they endured with the other Saints in Nauvoo and Kirtland and then again in Far West Missouri.
Her husband passed away on October 25, 1842 in Quincy Illinois at the age of fifty-five.
In July of 1849, Rebecca, her son Ezra G. and his wife left for the Salt Lake Valley in the Ezra T. Benson Wagon Company. Rebecca drove her own wagon. Before they started on their journey Brigham Young married Rebecca to Heber C. Kimball, thus she became one of the number of those "aged ladies and widows" whom Heber C. Kimball merely supported, without living with them. This was shortly before Brother Kimball's second trip to the Salt Lake Valley, in 1848.
Rebecca and her family arrived in the Valley on October 28, 1849. That day they were treated to dinner at the Kimball home and heartily enjoyed roast beef and dried apple pie. They were happy to be with the body of the Saints in this new place.
After a few years her son bought a farm in Mill Creek five miles south of the city and east of State street . Here he built a log house and Rebecca was thrilled to leave the city and take over on the farm.
In 1860, Rebecca's son Ezra was called to help colonize Cache Valley, and of course she went with him and his family with the first settlers to Smithfield, arriving there July 22nd.
There was an Indian war going on at this time near here and the settlers had to guard their cattle in a corral built a short distance away from where the wagons were drawn up in two lines facing east and west. Posts had been set up and a brush shade was made over them. Stoves were set up between the wagons and all work was done inside the camp.
Rebecca though frail by now, drove a team and wagon to this new home as she had done in crossing the plains.
Rebecca passed away on September 25, 1861. She was the first white woman to be buried in Smithfield. She was buried next to a grandchild who had died shortly before.
She was a faithful Latter day Saint and daughter of God, ever willing to do His bidding since her conversion in 1830. She suffered much affliction and sorrow but bore it patiently and did not complain against the Lord.
We honor her as one of our noble ancestors and love her for her faithful example in doing good and keeping the Lord's commandments.