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MSS SC 1990 - Theodore McKean autobiographical sketch
Number of Pages: 31

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A narration of the simple events as they occur in the
lives of individuals is generally very prosaic to those personally
interested, and the difficulty of presenting them to the reader,
in a concise and pleasing manner is well known to the
writer; but having in view the benefit and satisfaction that
his family may hereafter derive by perusing a brief history
containing circumstances connected with his life, prompts
him to make an effort to compile and record them.

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My parents were Washington McKean the son of
David McKean and Elizabeth Vansciver - and Margaret Ivins
the daughter of Anthony Ivins and Sarah Reeves Wallin.
	My birth place was Allentown, Monmouth County, New
Jersey - a still quiet village noted for its puritanic piety
and negroes, with inhabitants seemingly averse to modern
innovation. 
	Monday the 26th day of October 1829 was my birth day.
At the time of my birth, my mother was staying at
my paternal grandfathers, having left her home at Toms
River, New Jersey, where she and my father were residing,
that she might be able if necessary, to obtain better
professional skill if needed during her confinement.
	At a very early age my school days commenced, my
first teacher being a Mr. Clark who taught the village
school at Toms River. When seven years of age it was
thought advisable, according to ancient usages, to send
me to boarding school, at New Egypt some twenty miles
from home; there, excessive application to study was required,
completely weakening my physical organization, and

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for a time, my life was in a critical condition
However by careful nursing my health improved
sufficiently for me to return and renew my studies,
but after remaining two or three terms longer my health
was so precarious that it was deemed advisable for me
to return home to recruit. My studies were continued
under the direction of some very able teachers and
during the intervals between sessions my time was
employed principally in my fathers store, where some
of the intricasies of merchandising became a study.
This was continued until about the age of sixteen,
when Professor William Mann of Mount Holly, Burling-
ton County N. J. a friend of my parents, took charge of
my education at his Academy at that place. There
all the higher branches of learning were taught in-
cluding languages; the Professor being a linguist
of no common order. Theoretical and practical surveying
and civil engineering were also taught, and a thorough
course of study in that branch was given me, beside
other branches of learning common to a high school

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of that character. After obtaining a good education
returned to Toms River and acted as clerk in my fathers
store; was afterwards employed by my uncles Thomas W.
and Anthony Ivins who were extensively engaged in
shipping and merchandiseing, and subsequently became
their book Keeper. During this time Mary P. Gulick the
daughter of Capt. Stephen J. Gulick, a lady well known
by me from my early youth, attracted my attention
and she became my wife. We built a house at Toms
River and occupied it, several children were born, the <Eldest>
however dying when only a few days old.
	My acquaintance with the Gospel of Christ first began
when a boy, as my mother joined the Church of 
Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints in the year 1839-
Many meetings were attended with her which were
held by Elders Winchester, Snow, Appleby, Woodruff,
Barnes, Rigdon and others, but not being religiously
inclined did not comply with the requirements of
the gospel until November 27th 1851. and on December
10th 1851. was ordained an Elder.

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After being baptized the subject of gathering with
the Saints was continually before me, and on the 5th
day of April 1853. in company with my revered mater-
nal grandmother and my uncles Israel and Anthony Ivins
and others left Toms River and started westward with
that intent.
	During the time between my baptism and the 
time of my departure, several inducements to engage in
business of a lucrative character were offered by my
friends but my Heavenly Father through dreams and 
the agency of His spirit led me to decline them, as the 
whisperings of the Spirit was, to, "beware of entanglements
in business lest your way be hedged up that you can
not gather with the Saints." Many obstacles were thrown
in the way of gathering, but my heavenly Father
overruled them.
	We went first to Philadelphia, thence by the
Pennsylvania rail road to Pittsburg, thence we engaged
passage on the Steamboat "Australia" for Saint Louis;
stopped at Cincinnati, Louisville and the principal

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towns along the route, and arrived at St Louis Mo. April 16.
1853. Here we met Elders Orson Pratt and H. S. Eldredge.
On sunday the 17th we went on board the steamboat "Polar
Star" having previously engaged our passage on her for
Kansas City Mo. We also attended a meeting of the saints
in the afternoon and evening which was addressed by
Elder O. Pratt. Left St. Louis on tuesday evening April
19th and arrived at Kansas City Apr 23d, and on the 
25th went to Independence Jackson Co. Mo. and put
up at the "Nebraska House," situate near the north
west corner of the public square, visited the Temple Block,
purchased outfit and started across the plains with mule
teams, on Tuesday May 24 and arrived at Salt Lake City
August 11th.
	Was rebaptized and confirmed by, my friend, Elder
Jedediah M. Grant Aug 20th 1853. and on the 30th the 
following blessing was received from the aged Patriarch
John Smith
					"Great Salt Lake City Aug 30. 1853.
	"A blessing by John Smith Patriarch upon the head of

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"Theodore McKean son of Washington and Margaret. Born
at Allentown New Jersey October 26. 1829.
"Brother Theodore in the name of Jesus Christ I lay my
hands upon thy head and by the authority of my office I
seal upon you a fathers blessing even all the blessings
of the new and everlasting covenant. In as much as
you have obeyed the Gospel with a pure intent of
heart to serve the Lord and keep His commandments, the
Lord is well pleased with the course thou hast taken,
and your name is written in the Lambs book of life.
He hath also given His angels charge over you, to watch
and defend you, they will also minister unto you. it is
your privelage to converse with them as with your familiar
friends, which will cause your heart to be made glad. you
are of the blood and lineage of Ephraim and an heir by
inheritance to the everlasting Priesthood which shall be
revealed unto you in fullness, in due time, in a temple
that is yet to be built, to the name of the God of Jacob,
teaching you mysteries that have been kept hid from
before the foundation of the world. You shall have

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power to rebuke the waves of the sea, turn rivers out of their
course like Enoch of old, or do any work for the prosperity of
Zion, for the gathering of Israel. You shall be blessed in your
family with health and all things which is calculated to
render life agreeable, your posterity shall multiply like Jacob,
be mighty in the Priesthood like Joseph, you shall see the
winding up scene of wickedness on the earth, and inherit
all the blessings and glories of Zion with your companion
and all your fathers house, even so Amen.
	While at Salt Lake assisted my uncle Anthony Ivins in
arrangeing and disposing of his merchandise, and on the
first of September 1853, left Salt Lake City by mail stage
for Independence Mo and the east arriving at Toms River
NJ. Oct 8th to the astonishment and surprise of my
family and friends.
	In April 1854 purchased merchandise in Philadelphia
with my uncle Thos. for my uncle A. Ivins, and on the 18th
of April left Toms River for Salt Lake City arriving there
on the 27th June; was accompanied by Elders John R. Robbins
and John Needham.

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The cholera in and around Ft. Leavenworth was very
bad and many of the saints were sick, and many had
died as we learned, when passing through their camps.
	On saturday Sept 2d 1854 left Salt Lake City by
mail stage for Westport Mo. and the east and arrived
at Toms River N. J. Oct. 16th
	In the spring of 1855 purchased more goods for my
uncle A. Ivins and shipped them to Kansas City Mo.,
but in consequence of Indian difficulties on the plains,
they were not shipped from that point to Utah; hence
was compelled on Nov. 1. 1855 to go to Kansas City to look
after them, and make arrangements for their shippment
in the spring. Returned to Toms River Dec 2d 1855.
From 1855 to 1857 presided over the Toms River Branch
of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints having
been appointed to that position by Elder John Taylor
who was presiding in the east and publishing the
"Mormon" in New York. During this time the power
of God was made manifest in a remarkable degree and
was blessed in my labors. Was appointed a deputy

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sheriff of Ocean Co. N. J. and did considerable surveying,
clerking Etc. to provide for my family.
	Having sold our home at Toms River, myself, wife and
three children left that place for the west on the 1st day of
June 1857, traveling by railroad to St. Louis, then by railroad
and steamboat to Kansas City Mo. We purchased our outfit
at Westport Mo. and started across the plains, alone, on 
Saturday June 13 with a carriage and four mules, and 
arrived at Salt Lake City July 22. 1857. 
	The Indians were very troublesome, many emigrants were
killed, but through the blessings of the Lord, we were not
molested. After traveling alone on the plains for several
days, we were overtaken by Col. F. W. Lander who had charge
of a goverment surveying expedition - we traveled with him
as far as Capt. Markhams camp on the Sweet Water.
	Col. Lander was very much afraid that the "Mormons"
would capture his stock and had been warned to beware
of Porter Rockwell as he was a very dangerous man to
encounter. After a few days traveling we met Porter
with the mail bound east. Col Lander was introduced

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to him by me, after which, in a great measure his
fears were removed. The Col. treated us very kindly and
through me, afterward, when visiting Salt Lake City had
an introduction and interview with Pres B. Young. He
afterwards joined the Union army during the rebellion
and was mortally wounded at Edwards Ferry, Balls Bluff#
	During the summer fall and winter of 1857 consider-
able excitement existed in regard to the movement of the
U. S. army that had been sent out to subjugate the
"Mormons," We boarded at my uncles A. Ivins; much
of my time during the winter and early spring
was occupied in hauling wheat and flour for 
the church Etc.
	On the 17th of March 1858. received my blessings
and endowments in the House of the Lord. On the
same night at about 11. O'clock was notified to be in
readings with my team at 2. O'clock on the following
morning, the 18th to start on an expedition against 
the Indians, who were committing depredations at
Scull Valley, Tooele Co. We loaded up and started
	#Wounded 22d Oct 61. Died 2 Mar 62.

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with a detachment of Cavalry under the command of Gen.
G. D. Grant and Col. W. H. Kimball, and encountered one of
the most severe snow storms that had occured in the
mountains, but by hard labor we were enabled to reach
Tooele City late in the night, our teams and men weary,
and encamped in the school house. From Tooele we started
next day via. Grantsville for Scull Valley arriving at
Hoopers ranche on the evening of the 20th. On the
21st the cavalry encountered the Indians late in the
evening, exchanged shots at a long range and returned
to the ranche, the snow and mud being so deep that
it was thought to be useless to follow them, and on the
following day started for Salt Lake City.
	During our absence, it was announced that there
would be a general evacuation of the Cities and Towns
north of Salt Lake valley, and in a very short time,
the inhabitants were on wheels carrying their effects,
as far as possible with them southward. We started
with two teams, my wife Mary driving one of them,
and went as far south as Springville Utah Co remaining

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there for some time, but as the Presidency had established
head quarters at Provo we removed to that place, living
in our wagons during the time, hence we were always
at home. While at Springville went to the kanyon
cut and hauled logs to the mill, had them ripped
in two and boards made of some of them, and erected
a small log house in Provo, in July, just as it was 
announced that the saints could, or were at liberty to
return to their homes. 
	Previous to this, Commissioners were sent by Pres. Buchanan
to treat with the saints and extend to them a pardon,
the U. S. army having passed through Salt Lake City
and encamped at Camp Floyd.
	About the 3d day of July it was publicly announced
that the saints could return to their homes, and we 
were among the first to avail ourselves of the announce-
ment.
	Soon after our return traded with the Church
for a small house and lot in the 16th Ward on
Fourth West St. between North Temple and First

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North St. and moved therein on the 28th day of Sept. 1858.
	We were without furniture, not having a table, we were
compelled to eat from an old door resting on a box, reduced
in circumstances, and without the necessaries and comforts
of life; nothistanding Our Heavenly Father blessed and
sustained us, during the time.
	The rabble that followed Johnstons army, composed of
teamsters, gamblers and others, congregated at Salt Lake City
and it was with difficulty that order could be maintained.
A great number of special policeman were sworn in among
them myself.
	On the 3d of April 1859 was ordained a member of
the 8th Quorum of Seventy under the hands of Pres John
Pack and others of the Quorum, and for a long time acted as
Clerk of the Quorum.
	On the 29th of April 1859. joined the 2d Battallion
Cavalry. Life Guards, Maj. J. D. T. McAllister commanding.
	In the early part of May was ordered with others to the
mountains west of the City to watch the movements of Gen.
Johnsons army, as it was reported that they intended

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to come that way to invade the City.
	On the 30th Sept. 1859. was appointed a City Councilor
to fill a vacancy in the City Council of W. Salt Lake City.
	On the 18th of Jan. 1860 was elected to the office of
Territorial Road Commissioner by joint vote of the Legislature
Assembly.
	On Feb. 8. 1860, was elected a City Councilor of W. Salt
Lake City.
	On Mar. 12. 1860. was appointed by the City Council of
W. Salt Lake City chairmain of board of Inspectors of School
Teachers.
	On June 5. 1860, started with Pres. Young and his brethren
on a trip to Cache Valley.
	On Aug. 25. 1860 was elected Co. Surveyor of Salt Lake
County.
	About Sept 1. 1860. Pres. Wells, Genl Burton, Briant Stringham
Stephen Taylor and myself went out to the Weber River on
an exploring expedition for coal. Gen. Burton, S. Taylor
and myself discovered a vein of Coal in Grass Creek
Kanyon 10 feet 11 inches in thickness; and on Sept. 16 1860.

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Pres. Young with his brethren and myself started for Grass Creek
to visit it.
	On Sept. 14. 1860, was appointed County Treasurer of Salt Lake
County to fill a vacancy caused by the resignation of James
W. Cummings. This position was occupied by me until Aug.
1876.
	On Sept. 28, 1860. was appointed and commissioned by
Gov. A. Cumming Territorial Marshal for the Territory of
Utah.
	On Mar. 6, 1861, was appointed Deputy Territorial Mar-
shal by H. W. Laurence.
	On Jan. 14 1862, was re elected Territorial Road Commissioner
and re appointed Deputy Territorial Marshal by H W. Laurence.
	On Feb. 10, 1862 was re elected City Councilor of Gt. Salt
Lake City.
	On Thursday June 12. 1862 accompanied Gen. Burton
Deputy Territorial Marshal with a posse comitatus, to
arrest, by virtue of a writ issued from the 3d Judicial
District Court Hon. J F Kinney Judge: Jos. Morris John
Banks and others. The resistance of the parties resulted

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in the death of Morris Banks & others, and of our posse Jared
Smith and J. P. Whiplin.
	On Nov. 1. 1862 was appointed by Gen. R. T. Burton U. S.
Collector of Internal Revenue Dist. of Utah. a Deputy U. S.
Collector - The position was occupied by me under Gen. Burton
until June 1st 1869.
	On Mar. 8th 1863, was ordained one of the Presidents of
the 8th Quorum of Seventy under the hands of Pres. John
Pack and Wm. Eddington.
	On February 8th 1864. was re elected City Councilor of
Gt. Salt Lake City.
	On Feb. 9. 1864. was commissioned Road Commissioner
by Acting Gov. Amos Reid having been re elected to that
position by the Legislative Assembly.
	On Feb. 18th 1867. Received second annointings and blessings
under the hands of Pres. Kimball and Wells and Elders
John Taylor, A. O. Smoot, Jos. F. Smith and Bishop E Hunter.
	On Feb 1868 was re elected a member of the City
Council of Salt Lake City.
	On Feb. 21st 1868 was Commissioned by Gov. Chas. Durkee,

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Colonel and Adjutant of the 1st Division Nauvoo Legion
Maj. Gen. R. T. Burton Commanding. Previous to this however
was Lieutenant of Co. C. 1st Cavalry N. L. Capt. B. Young Jr. and
was afterwards promoted to the office of Captain and succeeded
Capt. Young in command of the company.
	During the summer of 1868 my cousin Caroline A. Ivins
was sealed to me by Pres. B. Young - She subsequently, in July (17)
1873. applied to the eccliastical authorities for a separation
and obtained it.
	On Nov. 23. 1868. Was set apart as a High Councilor of the
Salt Lake Stake at Pres. B. Youngs office.
	On June 1st 1869. Was appointed Deputy U. S. Collector of
Internal Revenue 1st Division District of Utah by U. S. Coll.
O. J. Hollister the successor of Gen Burton and continued
to occupy the position for three months.
X On Oct. 7. 1869. Was called at the General Conference
on a mission to the United States. Received the following
blessing under the hands of Elders Lorenzo Snow
Geo. Q. Cannon and A. P. Rockwood
				"Salt Lake City October 10. 1869.

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"Blessing upon the head of Elder Theodore McKean
pronounced by Elder Lorenzo Snow.
	"Brother Theodore McKean in the name of the Lord
Jesus Christ, we lay our hands upon your head and set
you apart unto the holy calling and mission and work. So
go to the inhabitants of the United States to preach the fullness
of the gospel and to bear testimony to those things that
the Lord has revealed unto you, and we as the servants of the
Lord confer upon you, and ask the Lord to bestow upon you,
the gift of the fullness of the power of this holy mission, that,
the spirit of the Almighty may be in your understanding,
to enlarge your mind and communicate to you and suggest
such ideas, and give you such inteligence as shall be necessary
to effect good and salvation unto those who are worthy to
come unto the fold of Christ. And we say unto you, you
shall be blessed in bringing in your friends and family,
and we confer upon you all the gifts and blessings
that have heretofore been pronounced upon your head,
through your washings and annointings and in any
way whatever by the servants of God; and we say unto

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you shall accomplish a good and glorious work in the salvation
of men in the midst of your relatives and friends, and in the
midst of strangers, and the Lord God shall go before your face
by His holy angels, your heart shall be made glad and rejoice,
and you shall have an increase of knowledge, power and in-
teligence, the visions of the Almighty shall be unfolded to your
view to a greater extent than you have ever experienced before
in your life upon any mission that you have performed hereto-
fore. You shall be preserved on the railroad, or by whatever
conveyance you propose to adopt. The Lord God shall bless
you and preserve your life and you shall return in peace
and safety. These, and every other blessing your heart
desires in righteousness you shall receive, and you shall
be endowed with all the qualifications necessary for the
performance of this work according to the desires of your
heart - These blessings we seal upon your head in the
name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
Started on my mission with Elders Burton and Hooper
on sunday Nov. 15. 1869. Did considerable fire side preach-
ing, visited New York, Washington and various places in

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New Jersey, nursed Elder Hooper when sick, and returned
to Salt Lake Feb. 22. 1870. to give testimony before the District
Court in a case pending therein. Brought my aged mother
with me to visit friends and receive her blessings in the
House of the Lord.
	On Feb 14 1870 was re elected City Councilor of Salt
Lake City.
	In the spring of 1870 was appointed by the City Council
of Salt Lake City Superintendent of the City Asylum and
Hospital and occupied that position until Nov. 1. 1875.
	On Jan 17. 1872 was blessed and set apart as a Councilor
to Bishop F Kesler of the Sixteenth Ward by Bishop
Edward Hunter.
	On Feb 12. 1872 was re elected City Councilor of Salt
Lake City.
	In July 1872 was appointed by the City Council to visit
the east in the interest of the Water Works, and in August
accompanied by W. J. Silver visited Rochester, New York
and other localities and acted as Superintendent of Water
Works until Oct. 1875. Contracted for pipe, made arrangements

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for freight and commenced excavating and laying pipe before
my retirement.
	October 15. 1872. Elected a Director of Zions Co operative Mercan-
tile Institution.
	In the spring (April) 1873 went east to Rochester, New York and
other localities for Salt Lake City in the interests of the water works.
Also visited my parents at Toms River N. J.
	On Oct 4. 1873. was elected Vice President of Zions Cooperative
Mercantile Institution.
	Nov. 24. 1873. Have attended the School of the Prophets by
invitation, and ticket from Pres. B. Young from its organization,
and at a Special Meeting of the School at the City Hall, by
his request to the members present, presented the following:
	To Pres. B. Young and Members of the School.
							Bretheren:
									When called to
another state of existence, it is my desire to have my
mortal remains cleansed by the hand of a friend,
and clothed in linen in the garments of the Holy
Priesthood, and placed in a plain, commodius and

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and durable coffin and kept a sufficient time that no
doubts may arise in regard to the extinction of life and
to be deposited or buried with the saints. If deposited
in a grave the same to be dug a proper depth and the
coffin placed in a box of redwood or other durable
material sufficiently thick to sustain the weight of
earth thrown upon it.
	Should there be any services previous to the interment,
it would be my wish to have it conducted at my dwelling
by a man of faith. The ceremonies throughout to be without
unnescessary ostentation, and my family are requested
not to don the habiliments of mourning.
	Should my friends desire it, a plain slab may be
secured of such material as they may think best, with
name and time of demise only inscribed thereon, to
mark the resting place.
	Should it be consistent, the grave to be dedicated
by a servant of God, to the effect, that, the remains may
rest undisturbed until the dawn of the first resurrection,
then to come forth clothed upon with the blessings

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of immortality and eternal lives, and may Our Father in
Heaven aid me to attain to that gift is the prayer of
					Your brother
								Theodore McKean.
Salt Lake City November 24. 1873.

	On Feb 9 1874, was re elected a City Councilor of Salt
Lake City, and occupied the position until 1876, having
served the City continuously in that capacity from Sept
30. 1859, sixteen years.
	On Feb 20. 1874. was re elected Road Commissioner by the
Legislative Assembly. In Jan. 1876 the office of Road
Commissioner was abolished - The position was occupied
by me continuously from Jan. 1860, about sixteen years.
	On May 2, 1874. was elected a Director of Zions Co-Op-
erative Mercantile Institution.
	On Oct. 5, 1874 was re elected a Director of Zions Co op-
erative Mercantile Institution.
	On Tuesday May 11. 1875 was sealed to Elizabeth A. Emery
the daughter of Elder Henry Emery and Elizabeth Brewerston, by

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Pres. D. H. Wells, and on monday May 17. she moved in house
at North Lot-
	On Oct. 9. 1875, was called on a mission to the United States
at the General Conference, was blessed and set apart for my
mission Oct. 11, by Elders B. Young Jr. E. Snow and G. Q. Cannon
	On Nov. 1. 1875. Left Salt Lake City with a number of the
brethren for my mission- Visited New York, New Jersey and different
parts of Pennsylvania Done some public and considerable fire
side preaching.
	On Mar. 24. 1876, visited Hyde Park. Pa., stopped at the
house of Br. E. Howell, and that evening was robbed of my
satchels, containing, clothing, books, etc. nothing having been
left me by the t<h>ieves, but what was on my person. The satchels
were afterwards found, broken open, between two rail road cars,
and everything taken therefrom except my garments and
bible. They were afterwards returned to me by express by
Br Howell.
	Was at the opening, and visited the Centennial Exhibition
at Philadelphia-
	Owing to ill health was released from my mission and

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left for my mountain home on Monday July 3. 1876 and
arrived at Salt Lake City July 9th to the surprise of my family
and friends.
	On Monday July 10. 1876. went to Pres. Youngs office to report,
but as he was sick did not have an interview with him, Saw
Elder John Taylor and reported to him. He congratulated
me on my return, and for the spirit manifest by me, and
gave many words of encouragement.
	On Aug. 1876 was elected Sheriff of Salt Lake County,
and was re elected and continued to occupy that position
until Oct 1. 1883. (seven years) at which time sent <tendered> my resignation
which was accepted by the County Court.
	At the August election 1876. was succeeded by E. W. East
as County Treasurer of Salt Lake County, having occupied
that position continuously from Sep. 4. 1860 until that
time nearly 16 years, and transfered the funds in the
treasury to him Aug. 17. 1876.
	On Oct. 5. 1876 was elected Vice President of Zions Co-
Operative Mercantile Institution.
	On Oct. 28. 1876. was appointed by the Judge of the

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Third District Court. Supervisor of Election.
	On June 26. 1877. Was ordained a High Priest under the
hands of Elders John Taylor, Orson Pratt and Geo. Q. Cannon
of the twelve and Elders Cannon, Calder and Taylor the
presidency of Salt Lake stake- Elder O. Pratt month. Was
at the same time set apart a High Councilor for Salt Lake
Stake, and as counclor to Bishop Kesler of the 16th Ward
S. L. City. Was Councilor to Bishop Kesler from Jun. 1872
to Dec. 18th 1884, at which time was succeeded by Elder
Francis Cope.
	Have acted in the capacity of Teacher of the 16th Ward,
Superintendent of Sunday School and School Trustee, assisted
in assessing and collecting taxes for school purposes, and buildng
the rock school building now in use.
	On Aug 20. 1883. left Salt Lake City with Mary to visit
friends in New Jersey, and to bring my mother to Utah,
arrived at Toms River Aug. 25.
	On Sept 17. 1883. Left Toms River with Mary and my
Mother and arrived at Salt Lake on Saturday Sept 22d
	On May 17. 1884. by invitation of Pres. John Taylor,

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through Pres. Geo. Q. Cannon, was present at the dedicatory
services of Logan Temple- It was to me a day of rejoicing.
	On Sept 21. 1884 Started for Logan Temple accompanied
by my Mother. Mumie and W. J. Newman, attended to
ordinances for my father, grandfather and others and
returned Saturday Sept. 27.
	On Dec 14. 1884. was called at the Stake Conference on
the home mission, and was blessed and set apart for
that position by Pres Jos. E. Taylor and Elders E. Morris
and James P Freeze of the High Council, Dec. 31, 1884,
and assisted in blessing and setting apart a number
of others for that position.
	On the first sunday in Jan. 1885, in company with
Elder C. R. Savage preached at Brighton, and since that
time have preached in all the wards throughout the
Stake.
	At the time the Central Committee of the Peoples
Party <was organized> was appointed a member of that body, and
occupied the position of Secretary from its organization
until the summer of 1876.

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Have traveled hundreds and thousands of miles
with Pres. B. Young and his brethren, to almost all
parts of the Territory; have acted in the capacity of
guard when traveling and at his residence. Was one
of a guard of honor on the 31st of Aug 1877 after his
decease on the 29th and one of the committee at his
funeral, was an appraiser and divider of his estate, with
A. O. Smoot and N. Groesbeck.
	Was also one of the pall bearers at the funeral of
Pres. H. C. Kimball in 1868.
	Have been familiar with the authorities of the
Church for over a third of a century, and know
them to be men of God. Prophets and revelators.
	Owing to the persecutions of the saints and the
vigorous warfare made by the enemies, and officers of
the government against them, was compelled to be in
retirement from the beginning of the year 1886, and on
the morning of the 10th of June of that year the
U. S. Deputy marshals with a warrant for my arrest
surrounded the house, entered and searched the same,

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but by Divine interposition was preserved from their
hands. Both branches of my family were subpoened
to appear before U. S. Commissioner McKay and subse-
quently before the Grand Jury.
	Since that time, to the present, they have hunted
me as a roe upon the mountains, and through the
mercy and blessings of my Heavenly Father have
thus far been delivered from their hands.
	In my humble way have striven to honor the
positions both ecclesiastical and civil that my friends
have called me to occupy.
	Have passed through trouble, sorrow and privation,
but in all have been sustained by the mighty arm
of the God of Jacob, and for His goodness and mercy
feel to praise His holy name.
	When in distress have called upon Him in prayer
and He hath heard and delivered me. When sick
have been healed by His power, and have seen
my children and others healed also, and have been
blessed with the gift and power of the Holy Ghost.

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And in conclusion wish to add my testimony and
say to my family and friends, that the gospel as re-
vealed by Our Father in Heaven to Joseph Smith is true,
and all thay <who> comply with its requirements will obtain
salvation.
	May my family, and may we all prove true to our
Heavenly Father, true to His Son, true to that which
He has revealed, true to the servants of the Holy
Priesthood, true to the Saints, and true to each other,
that we may inherit eternal life, is the humble 
prayer of your husband and father in the name of
Jesus Christ
						Theodore McKean
July 1887.