3rd

Quarter 2015 Volume 19

Sons of Utah Pioneers Ogden Pioneer Messenger

President: Stephen L. Richey President Elect: Bill Reese Vice President: L. Nate Pierce Past President: Kenneth J. Alford Secretary: Paul Child Treasurer: David G. Hart

Calendar Highlights:

Chapter Lunch Comfort Suites 12:05 09/14 - Mon 10/12 - Mon 6pm

w/Partner 11/09 - Mon Board Meeting County Library 2:00 09/28 - Mon 10/26 - Mon 11/23 - Mon Upcoming Treks 11/02 – Monte L. Bean

Life Science Museum National Convention September 17-19 Brigham City, Utah

I will be retiring after 45 years of public service on 1 October 2015. I have had the great privilege of working at every level of government during my career – Federal (both the U.S. Senate and The Executive Office of The President), State of Utah (Governor’s Office), Salt Lake City, Ogden City, and Weber County. The past 33 years have been here in Ogden, working for both Ogden City (22 years) and Weber County (11 years). Reflecting upon my fast approaching retirement, and the joyous years that I have spent in this community, I was drawn to a book titled, Weber County’s History, by our good friends Richard W. Sadler and Richard C. Roberts. The preface to this wonderful volume encapsulates the historical essence of this wonderful area in which we live. Following are the first two paragraphs of that preface: “On 31 January 1850 the first counties in the Utah Territory were established, with Weber County formed first, followed by Great Salt Lake County, Utah County, San Pete County, Tuilla (Tooele) County, and Little Salt Lake County. Weber County was established with a huge territory stretching from the Rocky Mountains to the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Over time the county was reduced in size, but it remained very important to the state in terms of its population, its economy, and its influence. Ogden, the county seat, became the “Junction City” for the transcontinental railroad in 1869, and the railroad changed Ogden, Weber County, and Utah Territory. Ogden had become the first permanent settlement in the future state when it was settled by Miles Goodyear in 1845. The county was formed

President’s Message around Ogden, with the city gaining much of the population and the outlying areas remaining rural. Following World War II, the towns and villages of the county began to grow, and by 2000, the population off the entire county was estimated at 184,000. (Currently, 241,000) The economy of the county became much more diversified over the last four decades of the twentieth century.” “Weber County is more than the land, the people, and the climate. It is an entity that is larger than the combination of all of its parts. The history of the county is a history of pioneers – past and present – who worked to develop the resources found along the banks of the Weber and Ogden rivers and in the hillsides above and the plains below. It is a history of triumph and failure. It is a history of individuals, families, and communities facing difficulties and challenges and working to make life better for themselves, their children, and their neighbors.” (Weber County’s History, Sadler & Roberts, 2000, p. vii)

May we continue in the same vein of the rich and colorful history of this wonderful area in which we are so blessed to live. I have cherished my 33 years here and plan to live out my days enjoying the community, love, and fellowship I feel in this special place. Thank each of you for being such an important part of my life. L. Nate Pierce Vice President

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June 8, 2015 – Klaus Gurgel

Eugene Larkin introduced our speaker Klaus Gurgel. Klaus was born in Berlin, Germany on 10 January 1944. He converted to the LDS faith at the age of 16 in Frankfurt, Germany. Klaus immigrated to the US in April 1964. He met his wife Ruth Lassig in London, England where she was a labor missionary for the LDS Church. They were married in the Salt Lake Temple 16 Oct. 1964 and have two daughters and a son who produced 12 grandchildren. Klaus is a semi-retired Professor of Geography at Weber State University where he still teaches classes. He holds B.A. and M.A. degrees from the U. of Utah, and a PhD from Syracuse U. Klaus has served in the Bishopric, High Priest Group Counselor, Ward Clerk, and Teacher Development Instructor. One of his hobbies include a study of LDS Historical Geography, which he will present one settlement today. Klaus began by hoping all could understand his German accent if they listen closely. My topic is “The Southern Nevada Mormon Hearth: The Old Mormon Fort from 1855 to the Present”. By Hearth, I mean the origin of the settlement. The Saints settled along the Wasatch front and were kept in forts until 1855 when they drove the Indians up to Idaho making it safe for the settlers. The original purpose of the Mormons was to establish a state, the State of Deseret, which land holdings were far more extensive than the current state of Utah. The proposal to create the State of Deseret was turned down by Congress, instead the Territory of Utah was formed in 1850.

Along the Wasatch Front is what we call the Mormon core. The next area of shading is the domain where the Mormons were population majority. The next area is the Mormon sphere where the Mormon influence was felt in this area. This sphere stretched from Idaho through Utah, into Colorado, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico and into Mexico.

Under Brigham Young, a call was issued April 6, 1855 to William Bringhurst to settle the Las Vegas area that was uninhabited at that time. Only scattered tribes of Indians roamed through the area. Why was this area significant? Las Vegas translated from Spanish means “The Meadows”. There were many Mormons traveling to California and back to Utah. Brigham Young wanted to build a fort for the travelers to take refuge. Brigham also wanted to convert the Piute Indians to the gospel through missionary efforts. William Bringhurst and his group left May 1855 and arrived 15 June, 1855. It was scorching hot upon their arrival. Both the travelers and their animals were totally spent and worn down when they arrived at the aquifer near Las Vegas. William Bringhurst established a Mormon Fort and he became the

first postmaster of the area. With William Bringhurst were twenty seven other missionaries and their families. George Washington Bean was one of the missionaries. Immediately when they arrived they got to work plowing the land and began planting. John Steele sketched the first landscape of the area with paper and pencil. Within days they surveyed the land where they made 5 acre lots and began planting crops. The nearby Indians were very friendly and kind to the pioneers. The Piutes even helped to build the fort for the Mormons. Within a short while after the missionaries arrived, they sent scouts into the surrounding territory. The scouts found minerals in the form of lead and silver. Brigham Young appointed a second group of missionaries to mine the lead and silver led by Nathaniel Jones. This was a very labor intensive and difficult process as the materials were very heavy. Brigham Young intended the two groups to work together. Bringhurst said that he wasn’t there to mine, but to build a fort and teach the Indians. As a result, there was some friction between the two groups. At this time, the United States sent an army to put down the Mormon rebellion in Utah. Johnston’s Army settled at Camp Floyd with the conflict settled peacefully. During the Utah War, the Las Vegas settlers were called back to Utah abandoning the fort. Octavius Gass came upon the fort and took possession of the land. He built up

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Rich Blake Pioneer of the Month

Mark Walker

Rich Blake told of his great grandfather William Blake who was born in England in 1848. He was born four years after the prophet Joseph Smith was martyred. When William was age one, in 1849, his family joined the LDS Church. He was baptized in the Methodist Church at age 7. At age 11 he went to work on a large farm as a stable boy. He was taken to the Quaker Church by Mrs. Passmore. William’s employer was fond of him and treated him as a son. Mrs. Passmore often told him funny stories about the Mormons and laughed about their peculiarities. William didn’t tell her about his Mormon background. He finally told her that his family was moving to Utah to be with the Mormons, She was heartbroken. Mrs. Passmore asked him to stay and have fun with her. When it came time to immigrate when he was 16, only his father and two sisters were able to go. The family was so poor that the mother, William and his sisters had to say behind in England. This was quite common for the time that the family came as money was saved and sent back for their departure.

The father saved enough money and went back to England for the rest of the family. In crossing the ocean, they were met by a battleship. The sailors shouted, “Say your prayers Mormons” They said their prayers; sailor’s hearts softened and let them go to America. Their company was assigned to a company led by Captain William Hyde who was a returning missionary. They left in August and made it to Salt Lake at the end of October. About 100 miles from Salt Lake City, one night a gold digger from California camped near them. Within their company was an old friend from England. His friend shared a bottle of Whiskey with William’s father. His dad caught cholera and got sick from partaking of the beverage. His father passed away at the age of 58. Perhaps we can learn a lesson from the Word of Wisdom. The wagon train had to move on as winter approached. He buried his father and continued on to Salt Lake City. They arrived the last of October where they met in the 8

th Ward Squares.

They were taken in by another family. He worked several jobs and eventually sent back money to his mother and sisters. In April of 1866, he volunteered

to be a teamster for the Church. He went back East and found his mother and sisters in a group of emigrants. As they came through where his father had died, he was unable to find where his father was buried. There were too many graves that had been disturbed by wild animals like wolves. His sister was very beautiful; Captain John Holiday took a liking to his sister. They spent some time together and were often seen together. They arrived safely in Salt Lake City. William was then called to head back East and guide another group of Saints to the valley. By the time he was 20, William had crossed the plains five times. William met his wife on a wagon train coming to Salt Lake. He asked her parents if he could marry her and they told him no! William and the love of his life moved to Ogden, where they married. About a month, later they told her parents and were eventually forgiven. They had 12 children and were very happy together. The legacy William Blake leaves behind touches our heart as the Spirit of Elijah touches our hearts.

Mark told of one of his pioneer ancestors John Gibby. John was the son of Thomas Givvy and Catherine Davies born October 21, 1832 at Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, South Wales. He had four brothers: James, William, Thomas, and Richard; and two sisters: Martha and Elizabeth. John’s father was a coachman and a tenant farmer who was well respected, but of the poorer class. John was self-educated, a student of Josephus’ history, and could quote fluently from it. He also knew the Bible from cover to cover. He was very artistic and liked to paint. In his youth he and some of his brothers were apprenticed as drapers. John grew up to be well built, having a piercing eye, and a beautiful head of brown wavy hair. He was intelligent, independent, and stubborn. He loved to argue and was very outspoken, and for this he was often misunderstood. He had a deep belief in God, but he had not joined any church as he found too many discrepancies in their teachings. One of his favorite pastimes was to seek out a preacher and give him a convincing

argument, much to the embarrassment of the preacher. As a young man, he drove a carriage for a gentleman. One night, after he had put the carriage away, he was walking to his lodging when he saw a man preaching on the street corner. John joined the group of listeners and, as usual, was waiting to find a point to argue. But as he listened, he was startled by the new doctrine. In fact, he failed to find a point on which to argue until the man closed his remarks with the words of the Savior, “If any man will do his will he shall know of the doctrine whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.” On conclusion of this remark, John stepped forward to challenge. Much to John’s surprise, the Mormon missionary was able to defend all his statements. But John, not willing to concede the victory, challenged, “Well, if you are teaching the true gospel of Jesus Christ and are truly a servant of God, I want to know it and know it right now.” The Elder replied, “You are a very impatient young man, aren’t you?” John replied, “Well, if your God can’t answer an earnest prayer in a night, he can’t in a week or a month.”

The Elder replied, “If you have faith and will fast and pray with sincere heart, you will receive your answer.” John had faith, was sincere in his desires to know the truth, and fasted and prayed as the Elder requested. His prayers were answered in a spectacular way. One night, after earnestly praying, he retired to his bed and there appeared a very handsome personage. He held some keys, which he shook and said, “I hold the keys to the Kingdom.” The personage radiated such a powerful, evil influence that it took all of John’s strength to ward off this evil power and not be overcome. Later he felt the opposite influence making his joy beyond description. He held this experience very sacred and bore testimony to his children, to never seek for a manifestation, but to accept by faith alone. With a testimony of the divine work, John asked for baptism into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. His brother, William had also gained a testimony of the truthfulness of the gospel, and both were baptized into the church.

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August 10, 2015 – Glenn Rawson

Glenn Rawson was born in the Blackfoot, Idaho area in 1958. He was raised on a ranch and joined the LDS Church at the age of 18. He went on a mission to Des Moines, Iowa, graduated from BYU, obtained a Masters degree in Educational Administration from Idaho State University where he has also been working on a doctorate degree. Glenn married his sweetheart Debra and they have 7 children with fourteen grandchildren. He is best known for his TV series “History of the Saints” and the “Joseph Smith Papers”. He travels extensively interviewing people, giving lectures for EFY and Education Week. He is a tour director for Fun For Less Tours on Church History, Israel, and the British Iles. Glenn’s ancestors joined the LDS Church in the 1860’s in Derbyshire, England. His 2

nd great grandmother

immigrated in 1868 to Plain City after the father John Rawson died in 1867. They resided in Plain City until after his great-grandfather Harry Rawson married Elizabeth Boyle. They moved to Plano, Madison County, Idaho, near Rexburg to homestead a farm. Glenn definitely has pioneer ancestors. The following is Glenn’s presentation on the Quincy Rescue Miracle. Glenn introduced his partner Dennis Lyman who is the business partner and video producer of their programs. Glenn does the interviewing and writing of the programs they produce. Glenn quoted the 110

th Section of the

D&C concerning the return of Elijah the Prophet restoring the keys of the sealing power of the priesthood. He quoted Elijah turning the hearts of the fathers to the children and the children to their fathers, thus waking up the children to their fathers. Organizations like the SUP keep alive the past histories of our ancestors, turning the hearts of the children to their fathers sealing them back as far as possible. We have inherited what they the builders of the

nation gave to us for an inheritance. Our fathers were pillars which built this covenant land under divine inspiration. Faith in our fathers, Holy Faith goes the song. I have found that LDS Church History is about people and their lives, what they did and the trials they endured because of what they believed. I am going to tell you about the story of the Quincy Rescue. You should be aware that the Church has a new Visitor’s Center in Quincy, Illinois to tell the Quincy story. When I interviewed Richard Bennett about the Quincy rescue story, he cried. The story begins in August of 1838 in Gallatin, MO. Caldwell County had been set aside as a county for the Mormons to live. But, many lived in surrounding counties. Tension broke out between the non-Mormons and the Mormons. John O. Butler took a Hickory stick beating some non-Mormons on the head. News spread throughout Missouri about the Mormon violence resulting in mobs being formed to combat the Mormons. On October 25, 1838, the mobs located the Saints at Crooked River with a group of Mormons led by Captain David Patten. The mob surrounded the Saints at Crooked River and shot and killed David Patten, Gideon Carter and several others. Their bodies were loaded into Alfred B. Child’s wagon and taken to Farr West. Rumors of the massacre went throughout the State of Missouri that this was the way to deal with Mormons. On 30 October Thomas Marsh defected to Richmond and swore an affidavit along with Orson Hyde that Joseph Smith wanted to make all of America his country along with many lies. This affidavit caused Governor Boggs to issue the Exterminator Order to either drive the Mormons from the state or exterminate them. Governor Boggs sent 1500 to 5000 troops to Farr West. Mormon Colonel Hinkle

represented the Mormons when a meeting of the two groups was proposed. He took Joseph Smith, Parley P. Pratt, Alfred B. Child and other Church leaders to meet with General Lucus. Hinkle said, “Here are the prisoners”. The Mormon leaders were taken off to Liberty Jail while awaiting trial. Alfred B. Child and his son Mark, who were on guard duty, were released from jail. Hinkle led the mob to Hyrum Smith’s house where he was arrested and jailed. Hinkle went to Joseph Smith’s house where he kicked out Emma Smith and her children with what they had on their backs into the streets. Hinkle then occupied Joseph’s home which he had once own himself before Joseph purchased it. The mob harassed the Mormons, stealing what they had, beating them, and raping their women driving them towards the Mississippi River in the winter months. Brigham Young led the Mormons out of Missouri toward Quincy, Illinois. They left their homes and goods walking through the icy snow with rags to bind up their feet. Their journals describe walking in bloody footprints of those who were blazing the path in front of them. They walked some 300 miles across Missouri to the Mississippi River. Many perished along the way, only the survivors saw the Mississippi River running deep with frozen chunks of ice floating. The Mormons set up camp on the Missouri side of the River, waiting to cross. The people of Quincy saw a group battered, starving people camped in the cold and had mercy on them. They gathered supplies and took them to the river. One person, John Hull braved the river in his canoe and made it across with the supplies. Others then followed in their canoes with supplies to aid the Saints. On the way back to Quincy, they took Mormons across the river. The people of Quincy took in 5,000 saints, a 3 to 1 ratio. They housed them in their homes, sheds, cabins, barns, gave them food,

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jobs and took care of them. Mayor John Wood with Orville Browning organized the rescue of the Mormons at Quincy, Illinois. The Quincy people saved our ancestors and the Church during the winter of 1839. When Emma Smith reached the river, it froze over allowing her and her children to walk over. She had the printer’s manuscript of the Book of Mormon sewn into her dress. She was housed by Judge Cleveland in Quincy. In the meantime, Joseph Smith was in Liberty Jail. Joseph Smith dictated a long letter to Emma which is a goldmine of information. Sections 121, 122, 123 were taken out of that letter. The letter is found in the JS Papers. In the post script, Joseph asks Emma if they are still friends since her husband is a felon in jail. The letter was written 20 April 1839. Joseph escaped the jail and made his way toward Quincy with the question still in his mind, “will Emma still accept him?” Brother Dimmick had crossed the river and saw a man standing there waiting to cross. After looking him in the face, he said, “Joseph, is that you?” Joseph said, “Take me to Emma”. As they approached Judge Cleveland’s home, the front door flew open and Emma ran into his arms. Joseph’s question was answered in the affirmative. Parley P. Pratt described their imprisonment and trial move to Columbia. He described their escape from the Liberty Jail. King Folliot pulled the jailer into jail while they escaped outside with horses waiting for their ride. Morris Phelps ran into a mob posse who asked him who he was. He let out a line of swear words and the posse decided no Mormon swore like that and let him go. Being hunted by the mob and militia, the escapees had to be extra careful. Parley P. Pratt’s horse ran off in the night causing him to walk and find his way to the river. He found a boy to take him across the Mississippi River. He knelt down and thanked God for making it to Quincy. On the fifth night from his escape, he knocked on the door of his wife who welcomed him home. President Hinckley took the Tabernacle Choir to Quincy to put on a program for the people of Quincy. He told the story of the Quincy Rescue and asked the choir who of the choir were descendants of those who had been rescued. The whole choir stood up, being descendants of those rescued. This story needs to be told to our children and grandchildren. President Hinckley donated the proceeds of the concert amounting to $70,000 to the town of Quincy. A monument and visitors center is now constructed to tell the story of the Quincy Rescue of the Saints and Church. Thank you for inviting me to tell the story of the Quincy Rescue.

The Mormons were hated and persecuted at that time. His mother was broken hearted over her son’s conversion and was made heavier when she learned they planned to sail to America to join the Saints in Zion. John and his brother William set sail on the ship, “Clara Wheeler,” with 422 souls aboard 24 November 1854, bound for New Orleans. After it set sail, it ran into rough water in the Irish channel and had to return to port. The Saints suffered considerably from seasickness. After receiving fresh supplies, it set sail again on December 7th and arrived in New Orleans, 11 January 1855. After landing in New Orleans, John and William went as far as Kansas where they found work on a government farm for $25 a month. They worked there for two years, and then came to Utah by ox team, driving across the plains for board and keep. They arrived in Salt Lake Valley, and took odd jobs until they could get settled. On July 24th 1857, John attended the celebration held on the banks of Silver Lake up Big Cottonwood Canyon, when Abraham Smoot brought word to President Brigham Young that Johnston’s army was headed for Utah. The Saints were determined to defend themselves this time and to prevent the army from entering Salt Lake Valley. The celebration was broken up, and volunteers were placed under General Wells. John Gibby was among the volunteers when they marched to defend Echo Canyon. At Echo Canyon they built rock fortifications on the high ledges under which the road wound between cliff and creek bed. John often told of the incident where they marched the men around the hill to make it appear that the Mormon’s had a large army of men. When the trouble was over, John returned to Salt Lake. He took a contract to furnish bark for the tannery of Jennings and Walker. He hired several men to work under him. Among them was a water boy, George Thackery, who later became Bishop of the Croydon Ward. He praised John Gibby for his honesty and hard work. John barked the logs and seasoned them to be used as rafters in building the tabernacle. He hauled them from the canyon by ox team. He also helped to haul granite rock from the quarry, to be sued in bulidng the temple. John met his first wife, my great-great grandmother, Ellen Olpin, through Bishop Edwin D. Wolley, who was Ellen’s brother-in-law. John and Ellen were married in the Endowment house in 1860. They made their home near Centerville. From Centerville, John went into the nearby canyons for his logs to be used for fuel in many of the Salt Lake homes. When work on the tabernacle was finished, John sold his property to purchase a farm in Round Valley, Morgan County. John led a full and faithful life; he died December 14, 1902. Space doesn’t allow full inclusion of Mark’s Presentation

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the fort with borrowed money from Archibald Stewart. When the funds were due, Octavius couldn’t pay so Stewart took possession of the land. There was a conflict between the two individuals in which Stewart was shot. Helen Stewart, his wife, was told to come and gather his body to be buried. She was a tough woman who eventually took over the fort and raised her family on the ranch. As of 2010, almost 180,000 members of the Church live in the Las Vegas area. Throughout Nevada, 35 stakes have been established with a beautiful temple in their mist. Nevada became a state in 1861.

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Chapter Lunch

Sept 14th at 12:05pm

21st Century Pioneers Val Lofgreen and

Dexter Farr

Upcoming Birthdays

Mark your Calendar

September Roger Blair Jeffery Booth Paul Child Lyle Evertson Larry Florence Lloyd Ostler John Starley Dwight Stevenson Fred Ulrich

October George Adamson Don Beesley Richard Ensign Michael Morrelli Leo Stevenson Dale Swenson Lorin Thompson

November Lynn Call George Cobabe George Ford Elden Jackman David Jacobs Dick Rice Wayne Wahlquist Mark Walker Alan Williamson

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