[Published on 04/05/21 by Digital Imaging Lab (1142)] It is the responsibility of the researcher to obtain any copyright clearances. Permission to publish material from this/these transcript(s) must be obtained from the Supervisor of Reference Services and/or the L. Tom Perry Special Collection Coordinating Committee. [Notes added by transcribers are in square brackets. Dashes in square brackets indicate unclear words or letters. indicate words the author inserted to a previously written line.] (Black History Month) VMSS 363 - Mary E. Lightner Papers Number of Pages: 228 ----- new page (VMSS363_F1_I1_p001.jpg) #10 Great Salt Lake City, Apr. 3, 1865, E.R. Snow My Dear Sister Mary, Your beautiful and very interesting letter merited a more prompt response. I read it to many of your friends, all of whom were truly pleased to hear from you. I will repeat President Young's words, as follows. “When you write, give my respects to sister Mary, and tell her I am here full of faith, and the kingdom is moving on, and if she and I stick to it; when that goes up, we shall go up with it.” He pronounced your dreams good. You ask me what I think of them. I can hardly imagine anything better calculated to inspire confidence in the overruling providence of God—it seems as strong testimony as can be imparted in dreams, that all your circumstances are understood, and that designs are formed by which your wants will be supplied, and Father knows exactly how and where: and also that blessings will flow unto you in greater abundance than your most [---] hopes could anticipate. “After much tribulation cometh the blessing.” Although your prospects seem dark, God will overrule all things for your good. You have many friends, and the beauty of that is, your friends are the friends of God, and those who through faith and faithfulness have power with Him. I am thankful that you are realizing the fulfilment of brother Kimball's predictions—I knew you would—I have proven him to be a prophet—he was pleased to hear from you. You say Mr. Lightner is gone. We do not know what is for the best but Father does; and what we have no power to control, we have only to submit into His hands, and He is sure to manage in that way that will result in the most ----- new page (VMSS363_F1_I1_p002.jpg) possible good. The saying that “the darkest hour is just before day” is frequently a truthful one when applied to human life. The more we cultivate a trust and confidence in God, the more we shall divert ourselves of [---] [---] To review our past lives and refresh our recollections with the many times when the Lord in tender mercy has protec ted, preserved and guided us to our salvation, has a tendency to inspire unshaken confidence in His special care. His love in times past, forbids me to think He'll leave me at last, in troubles to sink; Each sweet ebenezer I have in review, Confirms His good pleasure, to help me quite through.” Dear Sister, you say you “think you shall see us again, but do not know when or where.” I think that we shall not always be situated so far apart. We live in a dispensation, in which, change has a very important part to perform, and the kingdom of God, is now so far advanced that great and mighty changes must and will take place. The righteous will be blest and multiplied, while the wicked are wasted away; and yet, the righteous must be tried like gold seven times purified. You feel that you are almost alone, my dear sister, but if you will cling to the Lord, He will stand by and asist you—you have a very important responsibil ity resting upon you, in which you truly need His assistan ce. The training and cultivation of your children. In giving them the right impression—in establishing in their hearts the principles of life and salvation, you are laboring for ----- new page (VMSS363_F1_I1_p003.jpg) Zion, and if you succeed in training them to faithful ness—to be servants and handmaids of the Most High in very deed, you will have accomplished a great and mighty work. That your religion supports and makes you happy, in the midst of all your trials and privations, must make a lasting impression on their young innocent hearts. Situated where you are, your children are safe from very many snares and inducements to go astray, to which the young in this place are exposed, and I regret to say that in many instances they are producing sad effects. Our Conference is near, but probably you will see the minutes of it in the Deseret News, and I will not defer my letter for the sake of saying any thing about that, for I have waited too long already, but I assure you the delay was not the result of indifference I feel that you are truly my very dear Sister, and whenever I think of you, I feel to thank the Lord that you are in the land of Zion—that you are gathered out from the nation that shed the blood of him most dear to us both, Surely God has done it and praised be His great & holy name. My health has been good during the winter—I have been to the house of the Lord from two to five days in a week, I think without exception, since you was here. We have had a very stormy season and winter seems determined not to give up yet—it is quite cold & wintry today. Br. Lyman & Eliza arrived last week—the roads are so bad that we do not expect that many of our friends abroad will be able to come. Prest. Young has given up going to the Colorado in the Spring—he had purposed ----- new page (VMSS363_F1_I1_p004.jpg) starting on the 12th of April but in consequence of so much snow in the mountains, we anticipate high waters, and he will defer his visit until Autumn, I do not expect to go again very soon - I still rejoice much for the privilege of going last fall - it is a source of constant gratification to me to think of the settlements of the Saints interspersed among the mountains and their feet planted in the nooks and corners, among the “everlasting hills.” I retain the vivid impression of every settlement I visited, engraven on my mental map, and I pray for them daily. Sister Hyde was very much pleased with the keep- -sake (night cap) which you left with sister Emily for her, she said she prized it more for you having worn it. She wished me to thank you for her, and send her love. Sisters Whitney, Kimball, Lucy D., Susan S., Dina H., Emily T. &c, &c, send their love and blessing, not forgetti ng your Aunt. I hope she continues [--] [---] better & better, I hope and trust that your path will grow brighter, that you may have health and strength of body and the peace of God continually in your heart, and that His protecting care may ever be round about you, and you be comforted and strengthened by dreams and visions is the earnest prayer of your affectionate sister To Mrs. Mary E. Lightner Eliza R. Snow, P.S. We shall ever be happy to hear from you E. ----- new page (VMSS363_F1_I2_p001.jpg) President's Office Great Salt Lake City, May 30, 1867 Mrs. Mary E Lightner Minersville, Beaver Co Dear Sister: Your favor of May 20 has come to hand. I am pleased to learn from it of the improvements which are being made at Minersville and of the circumstances of the people I am sorry that Bro Henry has such poor health. there is no need for him to have feelings of sorrow through the idea that he is under my displeasure because he went to California with Bro A. M . Lyman. I have no feelings against Bro Henry because of his going there, and I feel that all is right with him if he himself will do right. those who upbraid him with being a Californian and on that account despise his counsel as Bishop, would do well to look to their own standing; for suh a spirit if indulged in will sooner or later, bring them into trouble and into the very position of which they accuse him of being in. Let Bro Henry take a straightforward upright course, and he need not fear respecting his influence, he will have all he needs with the good, but nobody can give him influence. Two men holding the same ----- new page (VMSS363_F1_I2_p002.jpg) priesthood and officiating in the same calling will differ very much in their influence among the people; and this difference is attributable to the course which each takes. It is not position alone which gives men influence; but it can be obtained only by pursuing a thoroughly wise and consistent course. Whatever prejudice may, at present exist in the minds of any against Brother Henry Rollins because of his past connection with A. M. Lyman will melt away in a short time if he continue faithful and attentive to his duties. With love to you, to him and the family, and praying the Lord to bless you I remain your Brother Brigham Young P.S. This is as nigh as I can explain in this short letter. ----- new page (VMSS363_F1_I3_p001.jpg) S. L. City, May 27, 1869 My Dear Sister Mary #12 Yours of May 10th was duly recd, and appreciated. I was pleased to hear that a F. R. Society has been organized in Minersville, and was also pleased that you were appointed to preside over it. It is truly a very responsible position, requiring much wisdom, patience and perseverence, By living humble and relyinging on God for assistance, you will be enabled to fill it with dignity and honor to yours elf and much good will result to the community through your labors, According to the words of Joseph, the Presidency of the F. R. S. is to preside over the sisters just as the First Presidency preside over the church. There are now many branches and each Branch stands in the same relation to its respectiv<(e)> Bishop, as the first organization stood in relation to the prophet Joseph In most of the Branches, a Board ----- new page (VMSS363_F1_I3_p002.jpg) of Appraisers has been chosen by vote of the Society. This Board should consist of three or more individuals who will be in attendance at the meeting where the donations are brought forward appraised and labeled with the price attached to each article while the Sec. & Treasurer take minutes of the name written in full of the person who donates and places the price of each article in the margin. The Sec. reads the Minutes of one meeting, at the succeeding one, and thus the Society are all ported with what is donated and who donates, The D[---] should receive and take care of all properties and money belonging to the Society and keep accurate acct. of all disbursements, and to whom. The Sec. should make Quarterly and Annual reports which should be read before the meeting and a vote taken on its reading—if accepted, she is to ----- new page (VMSS363_F1_I3_p003.jpg) record it in its proper place accordi -ng to date in her Book which should be a respectable one and of sufficient size for writing the history of the society, In getting up the Report the Sec. will call on the Treas. who will furnish a list of all disbursements in cash and property. Concerning ordination of Teachers or visiting Committees, it has never been done. The time probably will be when the society will set apart its different officers—but, as yet, we have to work with much crude material, and it seems wisdom to merely appoint by vote. Joseph Smith in setting the pattern in this Dispensation only ordained the President & Councillors Tell the sisters to go forth and discharge their duties in humility and faithfulness and the spirit of God will rest upon them and they will be blest in their labors, Let them seek for wisdom ----- new page (VMSS363_F1_I3_p004.jpg) instead of power and they will have all the power they have wisdom to exercise. With regard to your standing giving any rights, I would merely expre ss my opinion. I never have felt that position or standing afforded me any claims whatever. If my experience and faithfulness qualify me for any calling or office, it is more in my estima tion than all the rank that mortals may boast of. I expect no honor—no preferment on any other principle than that of honestly earning by faithfulness and integrity I never yet have claimed any preference on account of what my standing has been— We shall all be rewarded according to our works, and if that is the principle by which we shall hereafter be judged, I think it just as applicable now. You see I have written in great haste— I am very much pressed with business and hope you will accept this hurried scrawl. With love and sincere wishes for your welfare both temporally & spiritually, To Mrs. M Lightner Eliza R Snow ----- new page (VMSS363_F1_I4_p001.jpg) #11 Eliza R. Snow June 17 1870 Eliza R. Snow My Dear Sister yours of may 18 is before me I am truly thankful to hear from you & your F R Society & that you are prospering so well. I think you have been greatly blessed in accumulating means in these very dull times. But as you are well aware means temporally is not the main object of the organization. I know you already realize a manifest moral & spiritual good resulting from the associations of the Sisters. They have a great tendency to unite & to arouse a spirit of energy & enterprize which are improving & elevating in their results. When motives which are ennobling in either nature are placed before the Sisters how readily their minds & feelings grasp & imbibe them. To improve & elevate society it is neccessary that somebody should lead out & how beautiful the organization of the F R society is adapted to this great end. How evident its heavenly & divine origin. How very blind to their own personal interests those sisters are who hold themselves at a distance & take no part in this glorious institution. It gives those who avail ----- new page (VMSS363_F1_I4_p002.jpg) themselves of it a great opportunity for cultivation & preperation for whatever lies before them in the grand volume of the future. improvement in business matters— in thought—in communicating our thoughts and in fact in every thing which pertains to human life, temporally, morally, intellectually, & spiritually—whatever tends to strength of body,—improvements in health & nobility of mind & character. What a world of usefulness is combined in it—what a wide field it opens to women for the exercise of every noble faculty! I rejoice with you & your society in your success so far. It seems rather a bold step for you to undertake building so soon but I glory in your courage. If we wait till we see every step, before we take one, we shall never move forward. It is a common & I think true saying “God helps them that helps themselves” The saints must work by faith as well as by means. we never know what we can accomplish until we try. Be wise in your movements —counsel with your Bishop in all important steps, & God will bless & prosper you to your astonishment. The hoppers have already done us much injury but we feel it is better to fall in the hands of God than into the hands of our enemies your friends here do not ----- new page (VMSS363_F1_I4_p003.jpg) forget you you are remembered in our prayers Emily P has her sister Lydia with her for several weeks Marinda Hyde is well as usual she works with me in the endowment house one week & Bathsheba Smith the next with much love yours as ever Eliza R Snow ----- new page (VMSS363_F1_I4_p004.jpg) [Written sideways in the right margin] 1870 E. R. Snow ----- new page (VMSS363_F1_I5_p001.jpg) #5 OFFICE OF THE Woman's Exponent, MRS. E. B. WELLS EDITOR Salt Lake City, March 8, 1880 Mrs Mary E Lightner: Dear Sister: Since receiving your kind letter of August 25th, 1879 I have been meditating an answer but so many duties, cares and obligations press upon me that it seems impossible to do all one desires. I feel sorry to neglect any one, or to be considered in any way discourteous, but nevertheless I know I am remiss unavoidably sometimes. I beg pardon for my seeming rudeness, and hasten now to make what ammends I may. the money you sent I accepted as the subscription had not been paid, although I think Aunt Zina did intend doing so from remarks dropped when talking about it. She thinks of you kindly and has often ----- new page (VMSS363_F1_I5_p002.jpg) spoken of you as one capable of doing much good to others. I know Sarah Ann Whitney now deead departed cherished a sincere regard for you, and felt that you needed sym- pathy. She suffered many severe trials, and much that was peculiarly humiliating during the latter part of her life. She bore it all in patience and meekness like a true saint and has earned her reward, which no doubt she is now rejoicing in possession of with Joseph. We all have our own individual trials to bear and burdens to carry and true it is “Every heart knoweth its own bitterness.” I come in contact with the sisters in a pub- lic capacity and finding me possessed of a deeply sympathetic nature (no doubt, they of- ten come to me with their several and respective grievances, and thus I find out much of what is hidden in the bosoms of my sisters. I find nearly every one has something and I have thought when they were reciting to me the terrible trials and temptations which seemed so hard to bear, how very easy some of them would have been for me and others of my sisters compared to that we had suffered in times past. My dear sister I mailed the Exponent to you today and will continue to send it to you hoping it may prove a source of comfort and strength to you as I ----- new page (VMSS363_F1_I5_p003.jpg) OFFICE OF THE Woman's Exponent, MRS. E. B. WELLS, EDITOR. Salt Lake City, 18 know it is and has been to many of the sisters. I saw your name as one of the committee on Resolutions at the Ladies meeting in Beaver. That is as it should be, come out of the nut- shell in which you have lain so long and take an active part in the labors of the organizations for woman's advancement. Throw off the despondency which seems to enshroud you, and embrace every opportune by to speak in defense of the principles of truth and righteousness, and your mouth will be filled with choice things to speak to the daughters of Zion. Our young peo- ple need instruction from those who have passed through rich fields of experience and who have learned wisdom by the things they have had to suffer. There is room for all the workers, and need of many more than ----- new page (VMSS363_F1_I5_p004.jpg) are now enlisted in our ranks. I am sure your past history has been an eventful one, but these are the schools which discipline the heart most thoroughly. Now my dear sister do not let the adversary cheat you out of your exaltation after all these long years of many toil and struggling & overcome evil with good. Remember "the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, but he that endureth unto the end.” &c. You are certainly capable of writing for publication, now let us see what you can do, make an effort and I believe the Lord will bless you, and give you his Spirit and heavenly light will flow into your mind and sweet peace will follow— Do not suffer your mind to become dark ened but recollect that the darkest cloud has a silvery lining and trust on. The hundred and forty four thousand are those who came up and out of great tribulation, these were the Seniors upon Mt. Zion, and besides these were an innumerable host that no man could number. We want to be of the 144,000. – God bless you Affectionately Emmeline B. Wells ----- new page (VMSS363_F1_I6_p001.jpg) #8 OFFICE OF THE Woman's Exponent, Emmeline B. Wells, Editor. Salt Lake City, April 7, 1882 Mrs. M. E. Lightner: My Beloved Sister: Your good letter of March 28th, was received and purused with much pleasure. I am very grateful to you for any interest in the Exponent. I am sure it is not half appreciated as it should be, or it would be better sustained by our sisters. If there ever was a time when we need speak for ourselves it is now, when all speak evil of us falsely. Sister Presendia and Zina are going to St. George soon after Conference. I do not suppose they can go to Minersville, however I do not know. I have not seen them get since I received your letter, Aunt Zina stays up at Char- itions when she is not in Provo with ----- new page (VMSS363_F1_I6_p002.jpg) his daughter—his own house which is next door to mine is rented. I will deliver all your messages as you wish. Aunt Eliza R. is very well for her—though she has had a cold all winter. Sister Sylvia Lyon Clark is very dangerously ill at her home in Bountiful with dropsy. In reference to the Exponent I would say it is a great benefit and help to our Elders who are out in the world, as the greatest accusation almost they can bring against our brethren is they degrade and oppress women. There are many reasons why we should take the paper. We want to know of womans ad- vancement here and elsewhere, and we should keep posted on all questions of public interest. Our sisters need the education which they can get through the Exponent in their every day home life. We ought to urge upon them, the read- ing of newspapers—we should be the best informed of any women on the face of the earth, not only upon our own principles & doctrines but on all general subjects— Lovingly E. B. Wells [written vertically on the left page edge:] God bless you at all times and comfort you. ----- new page (VMSS363_F1_I7_p001.jpg) #6 Salt Lake City Nov. 26, 1889 Mrs. M. E. Lightner: My Dear Friends, Emmeline B. Wells If my letters are any solace to you in your loneliness I wish I had more time to devote to writing to you, but it is right for us to help each other in bearing the burdens of life and on some they press heavily, but my dear sister you must not lose sight of the promises made to you by the Prophet Joseph, nor must you neglect to bear in mind the Savior's words, he that bears the cross shall wear the crown. John the Revelator said of the redeemed these are they that have come up through great tribulation and [written sideways at the top of the page] and washing, anointing & blessing the daughters of Zion. This would indeed be heavenly employment. I feel to pray for you and to bless you and may holy angels whisper sweet peace to your soul by day & by night and may your way be opened unexpectedly before you, to obtain those things neces sary for your temporal comfort and happiness is the fervent prayer of one who ever feels another's woes. [written sideways in the margin] With most sincere love & affection Emmeline B Wells ----- new page (VMSS363_F1_I7_p002.jpg) have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Saints. Have any of us been called to endure what He did our divine Master? I feel myself that the sacrifices women have made for principle in this dispensation surpass those of any other, and the reward will be propor- tionately greater if they can endure all things. That implies a very great deal. But some of us are tried in one way and some in another and while we retain we retain our senses and the faculties of speech of sight and of hearing I think we can find something to be grateful for. There is so much to rejoice over in this Gospel, that we can afford to be cheerful even in the midst of affliction. Those who have the blessings and the pros- perity here will not have the same reward as the poor the meek and the humble for this is according to the words of our blessed Savior. To you who have been per- ----- new page (VMSS363_F1_I7_p003.jpg) mitted the glorious privilege of being united in holy covenant to the Prophet Joseph, the leader and head of the Church in this age, there should be no such word as fail. You must not suffer darkness, or doubt to obscure your pathway, for if you grasp the [---] rod , and hold fast, though waves should sweep over you threatening your destruction, still you will hold firmly to the immovable, and He who has said to the troubled wa - ters "Peace be still," will eventually stay the current of bitterness that has oppressed you and you will come forth purified and chastened and prepared to feel for those whose lives are not east in pleasant places, whose cup o'erflows with sorrow, Joseph is watching his own there is no doubt, he will not suffer them to be overcome of evil. Therefore take courage have heart, behing the darkest cloud there is a silver ----- new page (VMSS363_F1_I7_p004.jpg) lining and who knows but the sun may soon rise in brightness on your da night of grief. I have no doubt but it would do you good to come up to the city for a month; I wish you might have the op- portunity. Aunt Presendia & Zina have both been in my office today, but we had so much confusion and so many talking at once that I quite forgot to mention your message I will try and recollect it and ask Zina to write to you. She is a very sympathetic woman, and one who cher- ishes a very tender feeling towards all Joseph's wives. I trust the way will open for you to me made more comfortable than at present—the Lord has his eye upon you I am sure for it is said not even a sparrow falls to the ground without his notice, how much more then will He feel for his daughters when they are passing through the crucible of affliction. Perhaps your future may be ministering in the Temple ----- new page (VMSS363_F2_I10_p001.jpg) A. S. Gilbert & Elizabeth VanBenthuysen were married in Cuyahago Co; Ohio by the Rev Mr. Eddy on the 29th Day of Sept, 1823. Algernon Sidney Gilbert, was Born Dec 28 1789 in New Haven Conneticut. his wife Elizabeth VanBenthuysen, was Born Aug 5. 1800 in Albany New York. Keziah or Keturah VanBenthuysen, Born May 15, 1796. Mary Elizabeth Rollins Born April 9th 1818. Caroline Rollins Born May 1st 1820 [---] 1856 James Henry B. May 27–1816 ----- new page (VMSS363_F2_I10_p002.jpg) Mothers Dierndents 1924 3 Charly 3 7 - John 4 2 20 Laurie 3 3- Lizze 5 Mary 9
Mary 9 24 gran great gran Celia 4 3 Lym Lynn 1 Ray 2 Abb Abby 4 great great Won 2 Hally 2 Mau P B 2 Earl J 4 Nell 1 Laura 1 Harae 6 Frank 1 Gry 6 Ira 2 Hazel 5 Ileie 1 Leslie 5 H- 2 Haysar 7 Hayward 7 Balt Earl 8 Lizzo- 1 Edna 6 Laurie 2 Nellie 4 Elsie Seely 7 Earnest 2 ________ _________ 70 15 Elsie 4 Lois 2 Berth 1 ________ 76 ----- new page (VMSS363_F2_I10_p003.jpg) #18 Ogden May 25th 1895 Dear Brother Henry and Family I now sit down to write you a few lines, so you wont think that I have not forgotten you in any manner, but have you in my mind and in my prayers every day of my life. The Lord has been good to you, and me, in sparing our lives til the present time. We have both lived to the Comon age of man, and have been permitted to be baptized into the Church of the first born of God by the Prophet, sent by him to bring light into the world. You know Joseph of Old, was ordained by the Wisdom of the Father, to save his chosen Israel from a temporal famine ----- new page (VMSS363_F2_I10_p004.jpg) And in our day he sent another Joseph to save us from a spiritual famine that was in the Land, for the Lord said gross darkness covered the Land, and gross darkness the People. So, he has given us light to guide us in the path that leads to Eternal lives. You know it is said that if we overcome, we are to inherit all things: principalities, powers, and dominions Worlds without End, he does not say a World but Worlds. So if we follow the pattern our Saviour set, We will have something to do after we leave our mortal Boddies— before we are made perfect. God did not stop work after he organised this Earth, for he shewed Enoch all the Universe of Worlds, and said to him all these are the workmanship of mine hands. I do hope you, and I will be permited to be so favoured of Heaven, as to gain ----- new page (VMSS363_F2_I10_p005.jpg) the approbation of the Supreme Being and be appointed a place among his Ritcheous Sons, and Daughters, whom he loveth, and crowns with life Everlasting. These thoughts come to me in the night— When you receive this, you will have ended your seventy ninth year, and I would be so glad if I could be with you, and enjoy your society again, not only on your Birth day— but other days as well. But money is hard to get hold of at the present time, that it is impossible for me to go and see you all at the present time. But I send you a Dollar, and wish it was ten times as much. I enclosed a piece of paper concerning the Van Benthuysens of Albany in a letter to Mary—so you see they spell it the same way that Mothers Father did. I have written to them; perhaps we can learn something of our Kindred. ----- new page (VMSS363_F2_I10_p006.jpg) [written sideways along the top] died Dec 17 1913 78 ys Old when she wrote this letter [Body of Letter] Yesterday I took Dinner with Emer Harris, Martins Nephew. he had heard of me, and when he saw me in a Crowd of People, he got some one to introduce me to him. and nothing would do, but I must take dinner with him & Family—I dont know when I enjoyed myself better. he shewed me one of the first Books of Mormon as it came out of the press—he says money could not buy it. he was full of the Gospel—he said that when I refused to go and leave the Church in Far West, I passed from Death unto life, by choosing to die with our People—hence there is a Glory for me in the future—I derived much comfort from my visit with him, & Wife. She is a great Grand Daughter of one who escaped the Massacre of the Christians by the Catholics, by fleeing into Sardinia—All the folks are well, & send love, and good wishes for your welfare, and families—hoping to hear from you soon I remain as Ever your loving Sister Mary E Lightner ----- new page (VMSS363_F2_I11_p001.jpg) Fourth Ward, City. March 12th 1899 Mrs Mary Lightner, Dear Sister:— You are doubtless aware of the general anniversary of the Relief Society to be held Mar 17th now, although you have removed from the ward, we still claim you as belonging to us and feel that without your presence our celebration would be incomplete, we therefore invite you to meet with us on the above named date and hope our invitation will meet with your acceptance. Our little social will commence at 2"30 P. M. Your sisters in the gospel Marianna Stratford Prest. Nellie Becraft Sec. ----- new page (VMSS363_F2_I12_p001.jpg) Dear Sister Wells I was very much surprised to recieve a letter from you, after 15 years silence. but am very thankful to be remembered. I have felt and do yet, that I am alone, I feel as if I was not recognised by the Smith family. I have never had five minutes conversation with Joseph F. Smith in my life. I could tell him a great many things about his Father that Joseph said know about the Early days of the Church, and in far west. but have never had the opportunity. have received but very little ----- new page (VMSS363_F2_I12_p002.jpg) 2 Council as advise since Josephs death. I feel that I have been spiritualy neglected. I was at your R S Conference in afternoon last April. Sisters Stevenson & Pratt came and shook hands with me, after meeting I spoke to you, and Sister Richards who has been my staunch friend for years. Oh, how I have longed to have a good talk with you. How happy you must be up there all togather among the noble women who are energetic in the work of God. as for Sister Whitney Bishop Whitneys wife I shall never forget her, as it was at her House that the Prophet Joseph first told me about his great vision concerning me. he said I was the first woman ----- new page (VMSS363_F2_I12_p003.jpg) 3 God commanded him to take as a plural wife, he was very much frightened about until the Angel appeard to him three times. it was in the early part of Feb, 1842 before he was compelled to reveal it to me personally, by the Angel threatening him, I would not exept it until I had seen an immortal being myself. I could tell you about this but cannot write any more in regard to this subject. will enclose a discription of a Hymn Book we have in the family. Think perhaps it is a methodest Hymn Book. it has a great many of the Hymns that are in our L. D. S. Book, among the Hymn are ----- new page (VMSS363_F2_I12_p004.jpg) them following, mortals, awake; with angels Join Lord, Dismiss us with thy [---] Lord. we come before the now my God the spring of all my Joys God moves in a mysterious way How firm a foundation when Joseph his brethren beheld and a great many others. Now for the question, my journal got burned up, so cannot remember dates, 1 but was baptised in the Early part of Oct in 1830. 2 was sealed to Joseph Smith the Prophet, by B.Y. in a room over the Old red brick store in Nauvoo, received my washings and annointings in Parley P Pratts House in Nauvoo, by Sisters Whitney & Pratt, before the Temple was built, Joseph wished to give me ----- new page (VMSS363_F2_I12_p005.jpg) the Endowments himself, bus was debarred the Persecutors at that time, recieved them the Second time in the Nauvoo Temple, B Y standing Proxy H.C.K. work B Y said at that time that I had more blessings sealed my head than ever before given to a women, said He was full of the H.G. from the crown of his head to the soles of his feet. 3 I never saw the Kirtland Temple we left there by divine command in the fall of 1831 to go to Indepen Jac. Co., Mo, Yes, all of my people were with the Saints in Mo. 4 My health is precarious, but am always able and willing to talk to the people when they want me too, want to do all I can for the kingdom of God ----- new page (VMSS363_F2_I12_p006.jpg) 5 yes; I love to talk about the Prophet and the Early days of the Church will always remember how him , aspecially how he look at that first sealing. I wrote a description (by request) to the Y.L.J. which you no doubt have seen. Sister Ann Cannon writing me for some of the personal Knowledge of the Early days of the Church 6 he was tall and of commanding figure, full of life and when filled with the H. Spirit his face was beautiful in expression I have a Picture of him, Sidney done in water colors, but is is faded some. Joseph F Smiths smile is exactly like the Prophet Joseph was. 7 yes; I could tell you man things that I cannot write I remember every word he ----- new page (VMSS363_F2_I12_p007.jpg) he ever said to me of importance have seen his predictions verified especially so in my own family. I have heard Sidney Rigdon Preach when he was a Cambellite Preacher before he Joined the Church. think I have answerd all your questions now, you can use this letter as you see fit Your sincere friend and well wisher Mary E Rollins Lightner per Mary R. Rollins [---] by M.E.R.L. ----- new page (VMSS363_F2_I12_p008.jpg) Letter written by Mary E. L. to Emmeline B. Wells (in the Summer of 1905) Salt Lake City ----- new page (VMSS363_F2_I13_p001.jpg) Ogden 4/7-07 Mrs. M. E. Lightner Dear Sister: I received your kind letter and was glad to hear that you were well and enjoying good health I am about as usual able to be around the house but not able to go to meeting or any where else, I have had a sick spell since new years but am able to be around again. They hold their relief society meeting every week now in place of every other week and sister Flan is back again after an absence of several months in Idaho ----- new page (VMSS363_F2_I13_p002.jpg) Grandma Shipley called in tonight on her way to meeting She is failing fast and hardly able to get around, her sight is almost gone but she comes to meeting most of the time her and Sister Pool send their love to you. I have not seen Lydia or any of the folks since Christmas so I can not give you any news about them. I have never met your neice yet, who married Geo. Ballinger, as I am not able to get out and she has not called on me they only live about 2 blocks from me. We have had more rain and high water this spring than I have ever seen people ----- new page (VMSS363_F2_I13_p003.jpg) living in the western part of town near the river have had to move out of their homes on three different occasions on account of the Ogden River overflowing its banks and as it is still raining they might have to move again. I dont suppose you will be up to conference but will no doubt get all that took place their from the News Paper. I dont think of anything else to tell you at present enclosed please find a small birthday present and may you enjoy yourself and have many more birthdays Would like you when you write again to let me know ----- new page (VMSS363_F2_I13_p004.jpg) your age as I have for gotten it. Accept my love and write soon I Remain your sister in the gosple Mary Taylor. Here is Sister Richards address Mrs. Jane Rihards 2760 Washington Ave Ogden ----- new page (VMSS363_F2_I14_p001.jpg) November 24 Ogden Utah My very dear Sister Lightner I am going to try to pen a few lines to you. I think perhaps you think I have forgotten you but it is not so but I have had a good many things to hinder me since I received your letter I had to take care of one of my grand children with Dypthery and when he got some better an other one come down with Scarlet Fever best of it was they both got well but soon after this I had a Nephew at the Hospital here who lives [---] so I must look after him and take home with me will keep him untill he was able take his journey home to his family in Star valley but this is all Relief Society work even when it comes to our own homes I think some times when I am tired out it is most to hard for me to have so much on hand ----- new page (VMSS363_F2_I14_p002.jpg) O how I would like to lay down this pen and talk to you and hear you talk it would be such a comfort for both of us Well you are forgotten by any means—We think of you and pray for you the sisters all love you here and would like to have you with us always and we feel that you must come up as often as you are able in health I dont often see the woman that at head of the Relief Societies as I have no pass on the Road and money is not very plentiful with me I understand are going on to do something more they have such bright smart young Women at the to help at the head this is all right there is always some little things that we can do if we only look around that are to small for most people to see now. I want you to be careful of your self and live as long as you can to comfort your sisters that love you love hear you talk to them Now this is the wish of your sister Jane S Richards [In the side margin: I am afraid you can not read this terible [---] writing] ----- new page (VMSS363_F2_I14_p003.jpg) Jane S. Richards ----- new page (VMSS363_F2_I1_p001.jpg) Salt Lake City April 28th 1886 Mrs M E Lightner Dear Sister Mary I received your letter in due time, but have neglected to answer it untill now thinking, perhaps I might have something more to write that would be comforting I feel a great sympathy for you because of your many afflictions. To took look at things from the stand-point of mortals we might think you had more than your share of sorrow, but when we considdered that there is no perfection only throug suffering, and we all desire to become pure and refined, fit to enjoy the society of pure and holy Beings, we can rejoice in affliction. Who knows but your sons imprisonment may prove his sal- -vation. It is better to hope, and trust in ----- new page (VMSS363_F2_I1_p002.jpg) in the Lord than to despair, The Lord has said whoever he loves He will chasten. I gave your letter to Hyrum and he said he would try and do all he could for your son. He thought j if he had known about it sooner he might have done something, but he would try and see what could be done yet. Hyrum and brother Nickleson have been very much interested in some of the prisoners since they have been in prison themselves, they have interested themselves and obtained the pardon for two convicts, and you may be assured that Hyrum will do all that is possible for your son, Hyrum is not one to give up when he undertakes a thing as long as there is one chance left. I saw sister Eliza Snow this morning she is very feeble. A few weeks ago a large dog jumped upon to her and threw her down and rolled ----- new page (VMSS363_F2_I1_p003.jpg) and twisted her about and hurt her very bad and she was laid up seven weeks in consequence, and she says that she nor anybody else did not have much faith that she would ever get over it but she is better now, but she is very feeble yet. She is not able to see much company. Of course you heard of my sister Elizas death. Also – sister Mavinda Hydes death. Desdamony Fulmer has passed away also, all went pretty near together. It seems as if Joseph was calling his family home. I hope when I write again I will have some to say to cheer your aching heart. Give my love to your aunt Gilbert and all enquiring friends And beleive me your sincere and well wisher. Emily P. Young ----- new page (VMSS363_F2_I1_p004.jpg) 1886 - Emily P. Young ----- new page (VMSS363_F2_I2_p001.jpg) #16 Zina D. H. Young Salt Lake City Lion house June 27th 1886 Mrs Mary Lightner My Dear Presious Sister (As I have no pen in my room you will excuse the pencil) We Remember this day, of all days to us I went into Sister Elizas, we talked over our past a little, then Sister E, spoke a few words in tounges to comfort and cheer us and how the vale was thining as we advanced I cannot tel but you will feel the spirit of it Then Sister Sunan Yo[-] brought in some sac[-] nt we partook toge[-] ----- new page (VMSS363_F2_I2_p002.jpg) and thanked our Father for blessings and asked for grace to stand all trials, I send you a cromo Sister E sayed God bless her we rejoiced that your son was liberated and felt that your last days would be your best, please accept our kind love, ever praying that all your wants may be supplied, peace comfort and joy be given every of your future life At 3 PM Sister Emily P Young sent over for Susan, and Sister Presendia was there, to be administered as she has the Eyrisphelas [---]y bad we left her [-]esting, I wonder what ----- new page (VMSS363_F2_I2_p003.jpg) Joseph will want next to go on with the work in the other Land just so we are prepared all right I hope she will soon be restored she has been a great sufferer I expect to go to Logan tomorrow if I keep well which I hope I shal My Darling Sister be patient for O what a glory, lays before you, may the sweet cheering influence of the loved ones ever be around you I would have so liked have seen your Son, and your self, to have rejoiced with you I am improving slowly in health for which I am very thankful to ----- new page (VMSS363_F2_I2_p004.jpg) the Lord and my friends I hope you found all things right at home and no persicution I am getting very weary so good night one more item of news I have just received a ticket to go on the old Peoples excursion if I can get faith enough I will go with Sister E. R. S. Smith it will be a great treat to see the old friends of yours Where will we be one year from today I would not like to lift the curtain if I could. Your true and loving Sister Zina D, Young [written upside-down at the top of the page: I know sister [-] Kimballe would send kind love] [written sideways at the top right corner: This Letter was writen in pencil - but I have traced the letters in ink, so as to preserve it] ----- new page (VMSS363_F2_I4_p001.jpg) #9 [image of the Salt Lake City temple, surrounded by flowers with the following caption: MORMON TEMPLE. SALT LAKE CITY. ON DENVER & RIO GRANDE WESTERN R.R.] Salt Lake City, Utah March 12, 1887 Mrs. Mary E. Lightner: Dear Sister: I wish to ask you to prepare a careful sketch of your life for publication in the Historical Record along with others of the wives of Joseph Smith the Prophet. Begin with your name and birthplace also date, the names of your parents and their origin whether American born etc. and from the North or the South then your conversion to the true Gospel etc. But positively your marriage ceremony to Joseph on what day and by whom perform- ed, and who were the witnesses if any. This is the principal point such other matter in brief as may seem to you suitable. ----- new page (VMSS363_F2_I4_p002.jpg) Perhaps you had better direct it to me, though it will all be submitted to someone in authority before being published. Aunt Eliza asked me to write you and ask you to prepare this and sent her love to you. Helen also sends love, she has the same to do, also Lucy Walker Kimball Do you know the particulars about Sister Marinda Hyde's being sealed to Joseph? On what day, or in what year, or who offic- iated in the ceremony. I have been informed that you wished to go and work permanently in the Temple at Logan is it so? Helen is in very poor health and very low spirited. Aunt Eliza is at present quite under the weather, in fact I do not think she has vitality enough to give counsel, and ought not to be worried with anything. People do not seem to understand that she is delicate and needs lifting up, because her will power is so strong, she will not give way Please answer this unless you write the sketch immediately so we shall know. With sincere love Your Sister in the Gospel Emmeline B. Wells ----- new page (VMSS363_F2_I5_p001.jpg) #14 Salt Lake City June 8th /87 Mrs Mary Lightner Minersvill My very Dear Sister It is now most 2 weeks since I promised to write to you I have often thought to write but as Paul says "I was hindered" I hope you received the Historical Record I sent you Br Jenson the Editor is trying to get the names of Br Joseph Smith wives a little sketch of their history their testimonies &c that will have a good influence and substanciate the truth he wants to have, I promised to write to you, he gave me the book to send you I know you are rich in experience and are capable of making an interes ting chapter ----- new page (VMSS363_F2_I5_p002.jpg) Br Simon [-] Littlefield is also publishing a book or endeavoring to get testimonies of this work somthing that will do good and assist our youth You was spoken of as one that could contribute to the interest of such a work, he may have writen to , There are many that could do much good if they would try by their testimony and experiance I am in the Lion house at present I expect to go to Logan the last of this month to work a while in the temple Dear Aunt Eliza is getting better rode out with Pres Angus M. Canon to Br Lorenzo Youngs to day it is her 7th ride she gains a little evry day and we are so pleased How is your health? I hope your ----- new page (VMSS363_F2_I5_p003.jpg) I hope it Health is good and your family Sister Mary Ann Hide was just in, is stopping here a few days all these old acquaintences making their royal appearance is like sunshine and a reminder of others After a while if we are patient & faithful schollars we will graduate to where we may often meet and rejoice together may this be our hapy lot Sister Presendia is much improved in health can walk around and by being carried can meet with the societies and all be blest together, how are your socities prospering I do not think there is any thing of more importance than our youth at present Utah Stake has taken the first day of June for the childrens holiday instead of the first day of May it is generally to cold, I think ----- new page (VMSS363_F2_I5_p004.jpg) there was 2 children in this city that died this year from taking May walks, and then it is a pleasent reminder of the beloved Prophets birth day we cannot take to much panes to plant faith and knoledge in our childrens tender minds God bless All that labour for this I hope your often sad stricken hart is continually comforted, these days it is a trying time, not unlooked for, & it is all right, my dear blesse Sister, be comforted Father rules and all will be well your loving Sister 1887 Zina D. H. Young [writen sideways at the top of the page: Sister Eliza sends her love and God bless Dear Sister Mary] ----- new page (VMSS363_F2_I6_p001.jpg) #15 Zina D. H. Young Salt Lake City June 22nd/87 Mrs Mary Lightner Minersvill Utah My ever dear Sister Not hearing from you for some time I haste to commune with my long absent Sister and one item of interest is our dear Sister Eliza is improving evry day, 7 A M is now out riding with Patriarch John Smith she can walk around the room go out to the carriage be helped in and ride one hour nicely sleeps well, one more mericle thank the Lord How is your health my dear dear Sister when I think of your isolated loneliness could weep but then I hush and say we must be Soldiers and O Father help us ----- new page (VMSS363_F2_I6_p002.jpg) Br [-] Andrew Jenson, the historian was in yesterday he is making quite a success in getting up the wives of Pres Joseph Smith wants their ages dates of sealing parents age names and a little sketch of their lives brief to put in his historical journal and as you are a mong the first honered of God to help lay the foundation of this great work of regeneration he br Jenson wants yours amongst the first published I do not know as I sufficiently explained it before Br Lyman O Littlefield wants the testimonies of the first to put in a book he spoke of you and may have written to you concerning it I expect to go up to Logan next month and will see him ----- new page (VMSS363_F2_I6_p003.jpg) Sister Presendia is getting quite Smart again is around but cannot work hard I hope your societies are prospering Sisters Improvement, & Primaries no work is of greater importance than the youth in my estimation May Fathers choisest blessings ever be with you & yours is the sincere prayer of your Sister Zina D. H. Young P.S I often think all the lessons Father seem permits us to learn here will be useful to us in our next department dont you darling? we will trust and believe, yes, it is sure if we but prove faithful to the end My kind love to your dear Family ----- new page (VMSS363_F2_I7_p001.jpg) Salt Lake City June 10th 1888 Mrs Mary E Lightner Dear sister Mary I dare say you begin to think that I have forgotten to answer your letter, but no, I have not forgotten it, but I am a poor correspondent and I hate to write worse than anything I have to do. When I have a letter to write I feel as though I had a mountain on my shoulders, and so instead of writing soon to have it done with I put it off as long as my conscience will let me. I did not go to the Temple at Manti for I thought I could not stand the trip, but some of my folks went and enjoyed very much. They saw the lights around some of the speakers heads, and heard the singing of angels. Oh how I would liked to have been there and witnessed those things. I have been in hopes that the way would open for you to go. I trust your health is better than it was when you last wrote. Your aunt must be a great sufferer to be sick so long. Remember me kindly to her Well Zina was chosen to fill sister Elizas place and I think she is the right one, She has gone to Canada to se her g daughter Zina. Br Snow, another of the old veterans, has passed behind the veil, there is quite a host of them there now. Dear sister Mary how I would like to see you and have a long chat with you ----- new page (VMSS363_F2_I7_p002.jpg) 1888—Emily P. Youngwhen do you think we will meet again My health is about as usual I am not good for much. I have a splendid appetite but it does not add much to my strength. I feel very thankful that I feel so comfortable and do not suffer constant pain as many do. We have had some of the hardest winds lately that I have ever known, the climate seems to change evry year I am glad I am in the valley of the mountains and I have no desire to be traveling over the world for pleasure I feel much safer at home, but of course if I had business to take me away I would be willing to go providing I could get the blessing of the authorities of the church. Now sister Mary I expect you will see many imperfections in my letters, but you know that I never had many advantages for an education, what little I have learned has been while wandering from place to place, for that is the way my childhood was passed. Well I think you will say enough of this, so good bye write often and dont be offended if I am not always up to time in answering With much love from your friend Emily P Young ----- new page (VMSS363_F2_I8_p001.jpg) #13 Presendia L. Kimball Salt Lake City March 9th 1890 Mrs Mary Lightner Dear Sister Mary I have felt for several days past I must write to you " I know we are all enough of this worlds work to keep us busy" I would be glad to know how you are prospering Temporaly & Spiritually "you & my self are nearing the other Countrey" wont it be a happy time for us if we can gain the place where Joseph & our loved ones mingle " it is a long time since I saw you or even heard from you is your dear old Aunt stil living & where is your Children; do they help you to obtain a comfortable living " is your health good so you can do your own work " your road has been a hard road to travel ----- new page (VMSS363_F2_I8_p002.jpg) we have had such times here this winter as I never want to see or hear again " & we are in the hands of the liberals " if we are not put in bondage how can the prophecies be fulfild that God would raise up a man like unto Moses who would lead us out of bondag as was the Children of Israel " cause produce an affect & we have brought it upon our selves there is good Saints here as in world classification pride vanity like unto babalon " what will be the end of this raid " the poor will be obliged to sel out or taxed out I think the Lord will lead out a people that will serve him & keep his Commandments the boys were uniformed marched drumed until midenknight through Snow & mud & ful of fight on pola tics & often had fites stabt each other ----- new page (VMSS363_F2_I8_p003.jpg) omenous of biger troubles for us when the spirit of war entered the boys trouble always followed " I have been in this Church 54 years & I never new it fail since June 31 if I live until Sept I will be 80 Eighty " you have been in longer than I have I think the old Saints are passing away fast I am thankful for all that keep the faith to the end of this life my health has been poor this winter the La grippe has been very previlant I took the first of Jan I was sick last week with a bad cold & cough I feel better to day " I saw Sister Zina yesterday She is very thin in [---] & feble she fails so fast it makes me feel bad to look on her little body so thin as she is now I might out live her I am ten years the oldest I cant spare her yet " I am alone Joseph is in Bear Lake Count ry he has Eleven Children only ----- new page (VMSS363_F2_I8_p004.jpg) I am thankful for one honest Child he is a man of God " now Sister Mary write as soon as you get this, if we can sel this place I intend going to Logan & work in the Temple as long as I can work that work sutes me the best Fanny is yet living poor old soul no comfort for her not a spark of of faith in any of he family, they have sold out & moved over Jorden I intend to write to as many of my old friends as I can find are living you are the first of this work so you must excuse poor writing as I am thankful I am as well as I am beloved Sister may the blessings of God be with you hence forth & for ever from your sister & friend Presendia L Kimball ----- new page (VMSS363_F2_I9_p001.jpg) 1892 Invitation to the dedication of the great Temple in Salt Lake City Mrs Mary E. Lightner. ----- new page (VMSS363_F2_I9_p002.jpg) Salt Lake City, Utah Territory, March 29th, 1893. Mrs Mary Ann Lightner Smith Dear Sister: The dedication of the great Temple in Salt Lake City is an event of unique importance. We desire your presence on that occasion and cordially invite you to attend. We feel sure that you will appreciate the ceremonies, and therefore desire your presence. It will be proper for you to be at the south gate of the Temple Block between half past eight and half past nine o'clock on Thursday morning, April 6th, 1893. Very respectfully, your Brethren, WILFORD WOODRUFF, GEORGE Q. CANNON, JOSEPH F. SMITH, First Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. ----- new page (VMSS363_F3_I1_p001.jpg) March 17 1914. The Organization of the Relief Society 72 years ago to day, on Mch 17, 1842, The Prophet Joseph Smith, with Elders John Taylor & Willard Richards, organized the first RS. in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. by invitation of the President of the Church a number of the Sisters, 18 in all, convened togather in the masonic Lodge Room in Nauvoo, Pres. Smith stated that the meeting was called for the purpose of making more complete the Organization of the Church, by organizing the women in the Order of the Priesthood. John Taylor was called to the chair and Willard Richards acted as Secretary. after singing & prayer a role was taken to know if all were satisfied with each Sister present and willing to acknowledge them in good fellowship, and admit them to all the Priviledges of the institution about to be organized, all being satisfied the names of the sisters present were taken, as follows, Emma Smith, Martha Knight, Elvira A Coules, Sara M Cleveland, Phebe Ann Hawkes, Margaret Cook, Desdemona Fuller, Elizabeth Ann Whitney Sarah M Taylor, Eliza R Snow, Sophia Packard, Bastheba W Smith Sophia Robinson, Philanda Herrick, Phebe M Wheeler, ----- new page (VMSS363_F3_I1_p002.jpg) Sophia Marks, Sara M Kimball, and Elizabeth Jones, Pres. Smith there explained some of the duties that should devolve on members of the Relief Society, to look after the needs of the poor, & perform charitable acts, they must assist in correcting the morals and strengthining the virtues of the community, said it is now in order to Elect a President and Counselors to Preside over the R.S. and he would ordain them, and let them Preside over the sisters just as the President of the church did over the church. Emma Smith was then elected President, with Sara M Cleveland & Elizabeth A Whitney as counselors, E.R. Snow Sec, Phebe M Wheeler assistant Sec and Elisa A Coules Treasurer. A lengthy discussion then followed on question, "what shall the society be called," the Brethren proposed the name Benevolent S. by a motion of the Sisters to adopt the name, Relief Society, was unanimously carried. Pres. Smith, then said, I now declare this society organazed with President and Counselors, ready to do business. in the 6th meeting of the R.S. April 28, Pres. Smith was present, and gave them instruction respecting the Sisters administering to the Sick, (it seems this question of ad. to the sick had been talked about in a previous meeting and there had been some opposition to it.) they had asked the Pres to instruct them more fully in regard to their duties in regard ) he said, it is no sin for anyone to administer to the sick if they had the faith to do so, as if the sick had faith that they would be healed, by the administration, he said if the Sisters had faith to heal the sick let them do so, and let the good work Roll on. said the members must act in concert and be united or nothing could be accomplished to move according to the ancient Priesthood, said, this must be a select society seperate from the evils of the world, you must put down iniquity and by your good example provoke others to good works resist evil and there is no danger, neither God, men, Angles or Devils, can condem those who resist everything that is evil, if we would come into the presence of God, we must be pure, iniquity must be purged out, then the veil will be rent and the blessings of Heaven pour down upon us. said tho one had the spirit of Prophecy and should become mighty and do great things, and then turn and do that which is evil, all their former good deeds would not save them, but they would go to destruction, at the 9th meeting May 26th he said he had a few things to recomend to the Sisters, be guarded in your Speech, no organized body can exist, with out giving heed to caution if members of the S. do wrong, you must deal with them, but when you chasten and reprove them, never speak about or mention it again, God designs to save people out of their sins, Jesus, said, ye shall do the works that ye see me do. ----- new page (VMSS363_F3_I1_p003.jpg) Thes are the grand key words for the society to act upon I say to this society, if you would have God have mercy you, have mercy on each other, how mild the Savior dealt with Peter, saying, when thou art converted strengthen thy Bretheren. This society is not only to relieve the poor, but to save souls also. at the 16th meeting held in the grove Aug 31st 1842. Pres Smith after relating recent difficulties he had encountered while being hunted by his enemies, said the R S. has taken an active part in my welfare, in petitioning the Governor in my behalf these means were necessary and your influence helped to bring about my redemption from the hands of my enemies, I have come here to Bless you. The Society has done well, a few things have been manifested to me during my absence respecting baptism for the dead, but would accquaint them more fully at the next Sunday meeting when he would have more time, if nothing happened to present it, he said there was one thing he wanted to tell them regarding baptism for the dead, all persons baptized for the dead must have a recorder Present, that he may be an eye witness to testify of it. it will be necessary in the great council that these things be testified said he could not explain any more then, he seemed to be greatly troubled over the action of his enemies, he offered a fervent prayer to God in be half of the R. S. this was the last meeting of the society he ever attended. ----- new page (VMSS363_F3_I2_p001.jpg) Having been called upon to address you this morning, I do so, with some degree of reluctance, knowing that it will take a mightier voice than mine, to portray the many, and varied scenes through which this church has passed since its in 1830. And yet, through all its vicisitudes it has continued to grow, and in crease in numbers until the present day. our Fore Fathers left Home and country, and endured many years of warfare for the sake of enjoying the freedom of their religious Opinions, and they bequeathed to their Posterity, and future Generations the Legacy of a free constitution with the inalienable right, to worship our Father in Heaven, as their consience should dictate. However, the Mormons so called some of them the posterity of these same Fathers; have not enjoyed this priviledge to its full extent—for by false reports, the World has been made to believe; that the Latter day Saints, as a Body, are a sin poluted People. Consequently our People have been made to suffer, even as did the Saints of Old—our Saviour said in speaking to his disciples: if they persecute me, they will also, persecute you; thes ----- new page (VMSS363_F3_I2_p002.jpg) saying was verified to the very letter. for many suffered even unto death. in the year 1831 our Prophet Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon, were draged from their Beds in the middle of the night & Tarred & Feathered, & otherwise brutaly treated—This was the comencement of a lon series of Mobing, and oppresion for the Saints—in Jackson County Missouri, Bishop Partridge, & 2 other Brethren were tarred & Feathered, 3 were imprisoned in the county jail, others whiped, their Houses stormed down, and torn over their heads, their animals stolen, or slain—their Grain and Hay stacks Burnt, or confiscated— after enduring all maner of Grieveances they were driven into Clay County, and from there, into Caldwell County. and in that county occured the terible Massacre at Hawns Mill, where 18 of our Brethren were shot down in Cold Blood—of that number was Father Jameson—also at Crooked River ----- new page (VMSS363_F3_I2_p003.jpg) David Patten one of the 12 was killed 60 of our Brethren were confined in prison at one time, and were treated worse than Brutes. All this transpired in this Boasted Land of freedom, a land proud of her attainments in civilation, arts and science— at last, we were driven into the state of Illinois, where we enjoyed comparative peace for a number of years. prosperity attended them, they Built a Beautiful City, and Temple in which, was accomplished a work, which will have a Bearing, for good or evil, throughout the Countles ages of Eternity—and as the good increased so also did the works of the adversary increase to such an extent, that our Prophet & Patriarch were Murdered and deep sorrow filled every breast– Once more, were the saints compelled to forsake their all in the midst of winter, and seek an assylum far, far, from civilation—and the er haunt of their enimies— ----- new page (VMSS363_F3_I2_p004.jpg) in or exudus from the United States our troubles comenced with 3 fold Rigor, Cold, hunger, & disease swept many to untimely graves—but they endured every trial & hardship with a fortitude Born of their belief in the Gospel of God—at Omaha, I was shown the graves of over 600. and on the plains I was shown the spot where 16 had frozen to death—so from Omaha to Salt Lake, the plains were strewn with our Dead—no monument marks the spot where those martyrs lie But he, who, gives his angels charge concerning his Elect, knows their resting spot, and will give them a Home, and a memorial, that will endure, when Earthly monuments shall have passed into oblivion. Who Knows; but what when the Foundations of this Earth was laid, in our primeval Existance when the morning stars sang together and all the Sons of God shouted for joy—they there chose their time of their coming to ----- new page (VMSS363_F3_I2_p005.jpg) Earth—and the maner of their Death—and entrance into the world of spirits. But now how changed the scene—we are now in the valeys of the mountains, the great temporal treasure House of the of the Lord of Hosts, where we have been brought to study the law of our Lord, and prepare to purify ourselves against the great day of the Lord his coming and in all our future lives may we remember to keep his commandments—and walk worthily before him—What I have said in regard to the trials of this church; is no fancy sketch—but stern reality— for have passed through it all from the Beginning, and know whereof I speak May we so live as to gain the approbation of our Father in Heaven; and be permitted to enter in to the Marriage supper [Line is continued sideways in the right margin: of the Lamb of God] ----- new page (VMSS363_F3_I2_p006.jpg) 71 years old Speech for the 24th 1889 By Mary E Lightner [mark on the bottom resembles either a "G" or an upside down "5"] ----- new page (VMSS363_F4_I1_p001.jpg) A dream by M.E. Lightner I thought I found myself in a skiff, without an oar, or any thing to propel it along with— out at sea—the water appeared very smooth, I sat in the center of the Boat, with my Elbows on my knees, and my face in my hands which was concealed by a long sunbonnet—I raised my eyes, and saw a wave that reached almost to the sky, Coming towards me, I seemed to be in a state of despair I spoke aloud and said: I may as well go to the Bottom as any where else—Immediately, a hand was laid upon my left shoulder; and in looking down, I saw the Limbs of a man incased in linnen, and the skirt of a coat of the same material—I did not look up, to see who it was, nor did ----- new page (VMSS363_F4_I1_p002.jpg) I care to know; he spoke, his voice was low, and sweet, he said what are you doing here? I replied I dont know, he asked, where did you come from I replied over there noding my head toward the left—He then asked where [---] you going? I replied, I do not kn I have got nobody to steer my Boat. he then said, what 3 cities are those on your left? I replied, dont you know? They are called the Josephite Harbor, the Godbe ite Harbour, and the Brighamite Harbor—they seemed to be Cities built in a half circle, and the inside of the circle was water he asked; which is the best? said I, they all say theirs is the best; Which do you think is the best? I dont know? well said he; let us go and see Immediately the Boat turned of its own accord and went into the Josephite Harbor, said my Guide; What do you think of this ----- new page (VMSS363_F4_I1_p003.jpg) ty? I replied it looks well enough, and this sheet of water I answered it is a very nice he then put his two large fingers under my Bonnet, and touched my eyes, saying look deeper, I did so, and exclaimed Oh they said the largest ships in the World, could be at anchor here, but the smallest Fishing Craft would get fast in the mire, for it is all slime, and mud under the surface I felt that he smiled, now said he let us look at the other Harbor; the Boat turned of its own accord, and moved into the Godbeite Circle, What do you think of this sheet of Water? I replied, it is not as good looking as the other 2 What do you think of the city Built on the half Circle? A, oh it looks well enough, He touched my eyes again, saying look deeper; I did so; exclaiming they say that the Largest Ships in the World could anchor here, but if they ----- new page (VMSS363_F4_I1_p004.jpg) once get in they can never get out for it is boiling with quick sand, and will drag them to the Bottom— I thought he smiled—now said he let us take a look at the Brighamite Harbor: the Boat moved as before— 2, how do you like the looks of the City, and water? said I, it is the uglyest sheet of water, he pointed to the water and said; I want you to look at the wall that city is built on he again touched my eyes with his two large fingers, when I would see in the water, as well as on land, he pointed to a large White Rock, which was very beautiful; he said look on up [-] when I saw above the white Rock, a layer of sand, gravel, and forrest leaves, looking as though fallen from the trees in the fall of the year, above that, a grey and speckled Rock, but not like any grey Rock, I ever saw, (I cannot describe the Colour,) Then a layer of sand, and coarse Gravel, then a layer of black Earth a foot thick, so black and ----- new page (VMSS363_F4_I1_p005.jpg) greasy looking; that I though, if I were to take it in my hand, I could squeese junk out of it. Above this, appeared a dazzling white Rock, purer than any thing I ever Saw— I saw it growing larger, & larger, now said I, what is the meaning of all this? He replied, the first white Rock, stands for Joseph the Prophet, the sand, and gravel, of a dark colour, the trouble that came on the church, after Joseph was taken away—the speckled Rock, stands for Brighams rule. The gravel, sand & black earth, oh that is the trouble that is to come on the church after Brigham is taken away. And the pure white Rock, the next spiritual Leader—said I; What makes Brighams Rock so grey towards the top—he said, because he is of the Earth, Earthy— you know; that the kingdom of God is firstly spiritual, secondly temporal thirdly spiritual. Joseph Smith ----- new page (VMSS363_F4_I1_p006.jpg) was a spiritual Dispension, to usher in the Gospel in its fulness— Brigham, was called to build up a Temporal Kingdom. I said Who is to stand for the pure White Rock? he said, you look deeper—he again touched my Eyes; and I saw clear down to the days of Adam, a large white Rock standing for him? One for Enoch, and for Noah, Abraham, Moses; and Christ— after Christ, Grey Rocks like Bro Youngs—then dark—then black Rocks my Guide said the black Rocks represented the time, when the Priesthood was taken from the Earth I again asked him concerning the pure White Rock, that was on top, he did not answer, then I looked up for the first time, to see him and he was gone, leaving me in the Boat, close to the white Rock ----- new page (VMSS363_F4_I1_p007.jpg) I never looked up to see who the Personage was—and I did not seem to care about him—nor did I want to talk to him— I awoke, and lo; it was a Dream— but a vivid one. The wall of Rocks, from Adams, was as straight, as the side of a House— I forgot to state, that I said to the Guide before he left me, that truly all the naviel in the World could ride at anchor here, in perfect safety Sister Eliza I found the Paper containing my Dream, and send you the Coppy. I arrived Home, and found things all right, Though the Rabbits are destroying the Grain at a fearful rate—The People in Town ----- new page (VMSS363_F4_I1_p008.jpg) turned out and killed fifteen thousand, I do not know how many they killed yesterday; they bring in the scalps, and two men are appointed to count them. next thursday they will hunt them again—I think the dark days are drawing near— I found a Letter from Zina here, when I came—I rejoice in its contents She said nothing in it—about my Dream, if she wants it; please let her cop

y from yours— I hope these lines will find you ----- new page (VMSS363_F5_I1_p001.jpg) #41 Minersville Beaver Co. UT July 5 1874 A Blessing By Jonathan [---] Patriarch On the Head of Mary Rollins Lightner Daught of John Porter & Kerriah Vanbenthusen Rollins Born Lima Livingston 60, 24, Apl. 9th 1818. Sister Mary Elisabeth I lay my hands upon your Head in the name of Jesus Christ, & by the authority of the Holy priesthood confered upon me to bless the saints I seal upon you a Fathers Blessing great are the Blessings which are in store for you I seal Blessings for thee in common thy Companion the prophet who is gone Behind the Vale and is [---] for thee in the presence of our Father & our god thy afflictions & thy sorrows, thy Tribulations & Trials have weighed the down with much sorow & mourning so that thou hast Been allmost unable to stand because thou art beloved of the Lord he has suffered Satan to afflict thee allmost like his servant Job to prove thine integrity the Honesty & sincerity of thine heart But out of all these Troubles & from the power of Satan he will deliver thee ----- new page (VMSS363_F5_I1_p002.jpg) thou art a Daughter of Ephraim & great is thy Glory & Exaltation with thy Husband the prophet who is working for thee in the presence of our Father Sister Let thy Heart rejoice for thy Last days shall be thy best days, & thou shalt be com —forted & freed from all your afflictio ons for thy Husband shall visit you & comfort you so that thou shalt rejoice and praise the God of Joseph for he is like unto Moses to Lead Israel and thou shalt be comforted by his ministrations while you Remain in the Flesh for thy name shall endure & thy Kingdom & dominion, for thou shalt be a Ruler to Reign with thy Husband in the Kingdom & dominion thou are appointed unto him, when thou hast prayed & Humbled thyself before the Lord thou has Been comforted but greater shalt thou Receive from this time forth of the comforts & consolations by visions & manifestations which shall come through the ministrations of thy companion thou shalt live until you are tired of [---] ----- new page (VMSS363_F5_I1_p003.jpg) #41 of Life have pas[-] in the first Res- -urrection arise with thy compan -ion to meet the Lord at his coming & Receive dominions Glory & a Kingdom for there shalt Reign with him through out the endless ages of Eternity I seal all former Blessings upon you which thou hast received in the Temple of God, and I seal the up unto Eternal Lives in the name of Jesus Amen [---] H. Rollins Dereke ----- new page (VMSS363_F5_I1_p004.jpg) (paid Mary R. Lightner Patriarchal Blessing Recorded Book A. Page 55, No. 47. A. Crosby Recorder ----- new page (VMSS363_F5_I2_p001.jpg) Minersville Sept 22nd 1880 Blessing given by Levi Hancock upon the head of Mary E Lightner, Daughter of John P Rollins and Kesiah VanBeuthusen, Born in Lima, Livinstone County State of New York, on the 9th of April 1818. Sister Mary E. Lightner, in the name of the Son of the living God, I have placed my hands upon thy head and will bless thee, with a Patriarchal or Fathers Blessing, as the Spirit of the Lord, God of Joseph the Prophet, will suggest to my mind to seal upon thee, Thou hast been through many trials and hard ships, which has been hard to endure but the Lord has had his eye upon thee, for thy Fathers have Prayed for thee, which were among the Prophets, when they sought for Blessings to rest upon their children. The Lord answered them to the _ of their hearts, that they should be remembered forever in the last days, thou did'st agree to come and take thy chances, among the Daughters of Israel and assist the Sons of the Prophets to establish upon the Earth, those Principles, that they were in Possesion of, Thou didst recieve the words with a ----- new page (VMSS363_F5_I2_p002.jpg) joyful heart, and now, after thou hast been tried and sounded, to the Depth having experienced many things in thy journey of life which is now stamped upon thy memory, the Lord will expect many things of Thee, such as encouragement to the inexperienced Daughters of Zion, which if thou wilt do, the Eyes of thy understanding will be enlarged, thy intelect -ual Powers shall be brought in to shape, that Thou shall plainly see the power of God manifested in thy behalf, Speak thee, comforting words to the Daughters of Zion, fear not thy God Reigneth in the hearts of the Just, and all those who are willing to be tried and proven they shall Reign with their Savior, the Lord is laying a foundation that they may come up to perfection, and understanding the attributes and character of their God, God will have a tried people, and he is pleased with thee, because thou hast not denied his name, and he will manifest himself to thee and upon thee, that thy Posterity will increase and speak honorable of thy name, for generations to come, so from this time lift up thy heart and rejoice in the holy one of Israel, because thou hast sprung from the just ones— ----- new page (VMSS363_F5_I2_p003.jpg) made perfect through suffering among the Ancients, thou hast sprung from Joseph, to the lines of Ephraim, and art entitled to all the rights and privileges and Blessings that was bestowed upon any of the Daugthers of Israel, Thou shalt have power and faith given to thee to heal the Sick, in the abcense absents of the Elders of Israel, and in thy decline of life great Manifestations shall be given thee, and if thou art called from this thy Mission on the Earth back to thy Father, Death shall be sweet to thee, while the Death of the wicked shall be bitter, and I seal thee up unto Eternal Life, to come forth in the morning of the first resurection of the Just, in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen. Taken by Ida Dotson ----- new page (VMSS363_F5_I2_p004.jpg) Blessing given to Mary E Lightner by Levi Hancock Minersville Beaver County Utah Sept 22nd 1880 ----- new page (VMSS363_F6_I1_p001.jpg) Mary Elizabeth Rollins Lightner Mary Elizabeth Rollins was born in Lima, Livingstone Co, New York, April 9th 1818. She was the daughter of John P. Rollins of Vermont and Keziah Van Benthuysen of Albany, New York. Her parents were married in 1815 and three children, James Henry, Mary Elizabeth and Caroline were born to them. At the age of ten years, her parents moved to Kirtland Ohio, where two years later, they heard of the Book of Mormon, or Golden Bible, being found by Joseph Smith. The news was confirmed by the appearence of Oliver Cowdry, Peter Whittmer, and Jiba Peterson, who brought a powerful testimony of the Restoration of the Gospel. She and her Mother, with others, were baptized in October, 1830. Her parents were living in the Mordey Settlement, when John Whitmer when came with the first Book of Mormon. She was allowed to read it. About this time the Prophet moved to Kirtland. On visiting, their home he discovers the Book of Mormon and wants ----- new page (VMSS363_F6_I1_p002.jpg) to know how it came into their possession. He is told how earnestly she begged to be allowed to read it. When she came into the room, he placed his hands upon her head and gave her a great blessing and made her a present of the book In 1831, with her Mother and Sister Caroline, and Bro. Henry, she moves to Independence Jackson Co., Missouri, where the Saints are settles. Here during their meetings, Oliver Cowdry John Whitmer and Thomas B. Marsh often "talked in tongues." She prayed to the Lord, to be allowed to understand what they say and her prayer was granted for soon after at a meeting she is called to interpret. She tells them that "for the transgressions of Zion, the Lord would supper a mob to come upon them and they should be driven from their homes." The people cannot believe her so they appealed to the Prophet and he answers that she was right. Furthermore he told them that the gift of interpretation belonged to the Priesthood but as they had not ask for it and she had, it had been given to her. Her interpretations came true for soon ----- new page (VMSS363_F6_I1_p003.jpg) the mobs began to collect and persecute the Saints. Their homes are stoned and many of the Saints are tarred and feathered. Bro. Phelps home is attacked and his family driven out. They search the house and bring some large sheets of paper and say, "Here are the Mormon Commandments." She and her sister, while the mob are busy tearing down the house, slip up and get their arms full. As they are slipping away, the mob sees them and calls them to halt, but they run into a large corn field and hide. The mob trys to find them but does not. The corn is so thick and tall that the girls are almost lost, but finally reach an old stable where they find Sister Phelps and children. Sister Phelps takes the manuscripts and later they are found in books and one is sent to her, which she prized very highly. The mob continues their persecutions and the Saints have to leave the county. While camped on the banks of the Missouri, waiting to be ferried over the camp discovers ----- new page (VMSS363_F6_I1_p004.jpg) they haven't enough money for all to cross and some must be left behind. They all feared to be left for fear of the mob killing them. While waiting, the bretheren decide to fish so they put out their lines. When the lines were pulled in, there were two or three small fish and a catfish that weighed 14 lbs. When it was opened, you may imagine their astonishment to find three bright silver half dollars, just the amount needed to get across the river. The men who caught the fish were the Highy Brothers. This was considered a miracle and caused great rejoicing. The Cholera breaks out amongst them and kills off many until the Prophet administers to them and perscribes for them. In 1835, on the eleventh of August, she was married to Adam Lightner of Liberty, Clay Co., Missouri. Soon after the Saints move to Far West, Caldwell Co. and make a flourishing settlement. Her husband goes into the merchantile business. The move from place to place ----- new page (VMSS363_F6_I1_p005.jpg) but bad luck seems to follow them. They move to Minnesota where the most of their family are born. Every venture they engage in fails, so after twenty-eight years of trials and sufferings they decide to follow the Latter-day- Saints out to Utah. The journey began May 25th 1863. They go by steamboat down the Mississippi river to St. Louis, then up the Missouri to Omaha. They leave the boat at Omaha and go to Florence, where Edwin Bingham (her Sister's Husband) meets them to bring them to Utah. At this time she had given birth to ten children. After a very hot, and trying journey, similiar to other pioneers, they arrived Aug., 25th, 1863, in Salt Lake City, having completed a journey of a thousand miles by ox team and steamboat. Her Brother Henry meets them in Salt Lake City, where, after resting a few ----- new page (VMSS363_F6_I1_p006.jpg) Sketch of the Life of (M E L) Mary Elizabeth Rollins Lightner (M E R L) by her great grand-daughter Hallie Osborne Murdock which was published in an issue of Geneological Magazine in 1926. 1. Mary Elizabeth Rollins Lightner— 2. Mary Rollins Carter Rollins 3. Nellie Rosina Carter Osborne 4. Hallie Osborne Murdock DEAR SISTERS Please Help me to send cheer to our loved ones. ----- new page (VMSS363_F6_I1_p007.jpg) a few hours, they go on to minersville Utah where This brother was the first Bishop of minersville. He discovered the first lead mine in 1858, that was so pure all they had to do to the ore was to heat it. This lead made the ammunition that would have been used against Johnson's Army, had it been necessary. It was used in the war with the Indians. Mary became one of the first school teachers in Minersville. She was ask to speak very often at gathering by the General Authorities, and Emmeline B. Wells, and Eliza R. Snow. She spoke for the graduating class of 1905 at Brigham Young University. It was a great worry to Mary that her husband never joined the church. Although he was a very dear trusted friend of the Prophet Joseph, he never accepted the Gospel until on his death bed. They never were prosperous, although her husband was an expert cabinet maker & carpenter. Mary died the 21st of Dec. 1915, at the age of 97. The two books spoken of in this history ----- new page (VMSS363_F6_I1_p008.jpg) were sold one to Herbert Auerbach and the other to the Church and the money from these books bought the marker for her grave. ----- new page (VMSS363_F6_I2_p001.jpg) On the 19th day of June 1831 Sidney Rigdon Martin Harris—Edward Partridge, W. W. Phelps Sidney Gilbert & Wife Joseph Coe, [--] Started for Jackson County Missouri Joseph Smith was Leader Bishop Partriges family Isaac Morleys W.W. Phelps Mother & family— Cyrus Daniels family all event up in the fall of 31— ----- new page (VMSS363_F6_I3_p001.jpg) To my Brother <-> Henry Rollins When these scenes of life are fled And we are numbered with dead O may our souls in Glory rise To meet our Father in the skies. There may we join the hallowed throng And sing a Glorious Heavenly song, Even to him who gave us birth, And died for mortals here on Earth. Yes, Jesus died for all mankind, That they Eternal life might find And in his Glorious Kingdom rest, There to dwell amid the Blest– Then do not grieve o'er trials here, But trust in God, and never fear— For Angels soon will bear us home To meet our loved Ones near his throne ----- new page (VMSS363_F6_I3_p002.jpg) I have written to Brother to day and sent a Copy of these verses for fear he wont live and I want him to have them before he goes –– [written upside down:] 820 240 ____ 580 15 ____ 65 ----- new page (VMSS363_F6_I4_p001.jpg) MRS. ELIZABETH DeBROUWER 305 NORWEGIAN AVE. MODESTO, CA 95350 Mary Elizabeth Rollins Lightner [Portrait of William Jerkins Carter] [Portrait of Mary Rollins Carter] William Jerkins Carter—Mary Rollins Carter Married 23 Feb 1870 [Portrait of Caroline Keziah] Caroline Keziah Md: Thomas C. Jewell Lived Springfield, Ill. [Portrait of Vie Carter Watts] Vie Carter Watts, Gr. Dau. of Mary and William Carter. She is Lightener Family Historian, Genealogist and Temple Worker. Child #6, Elizabeth, married Joseph Orson Turley, adopted son of Theodore Turley. She is buried in Los Angeles, Calif. [Potrait of Adam Lightner, Jr.] Adam Lightner, Jr. Unmarried, uniform is unidentified. Buried in Panaca, Lincoln Co., Nevada [Portrait of Charles Washington Lightner] Charles Washington Lightner Md. Lydia Williams Lived in Ogden, Utah [Portrait of Louisa Burk Lightner][Portrait of John H. Lightner] Lousia Burk Lightner—John H. Lightner Married 23 Feb 1870 [Portrait of Elizabeth M. De Brouwer] Elizabeth M. De Brouwer, Gr. Dau. of Louisa and John H. Lightner. Researcher and compiler of Photographic sheets. Mary Elizabeth Rollins Lightner Born: 9 Apr 1818 Died: 17 Dec 1913 Md: Adam Lightner 11 August 1835 They were the parents of ten children. 1....Miles Henry B. 18 June 1837 D. 20 Sept 1847 2....Caroline Keziah B. 18 Oct 1840 D. 21 Dec 1910 3....George Algernon B 22 Mar 1842 D. 1842-3 4....Matthias Florentine B. 23 Mar 1844 D. 20 Sept 1847 5....John Horace B. 19 Feb 1847 D. 29 Nov 1923 6....Elizabeth B. 3 April 1849 D. 26 Jan 1927 7....Mary Rollins B. 9 April 1851 D, 26 Dec 1928 8....Algernon Sidney B. 25 March 1853 D. 10 Nov 1853 9....Charles Washington B. 17 Mar 1857 D. 21 Oct 1932 10....Adam, Jr. B. 28 Oct 1961 D. 21 Sept 1890 No photos available for her husband, Adam, Children #1, 3, 4, 6, 8. ----- new page (VMSS363_F6_I4_p002.jpg) MRS. ELIZABETH DeBROUWER 305 NORWEGIAN AVE. MODESTO, CA 95350 [Portrait of Joseph Smith] A painting of the Prophet Joseph Smith. Jr Painted by Mary Elizabeth Rollins Lightner Portrait of Joseph Smith] The Prophet Joseph Smith, Jr. Born 23 Dec 1805 Died 27 June 1844 Mary Elizabeth was married to the Prophet in Feb. 1842. She was sealed to him for T&E in Nauvoo by Brigham Young. [Portrait of Mary Elizabeth Rollins Lightner] Mary Elizabeth Rollins Lightner Born 9 April 1818 in Lima, N.Y. Died 17 December 1913 Minersville, Ut. Md. Adam Lightner 11 August 1835 in Liberty, Clay Co. Missouri Came to Utah in September 1863 [Portrait of Brigham Young] The Prophet Brigham Young Born 1 June 1801 Died 29 August 1877 Mary Elizabeth was sealed to him for Time 17 Jan 1846, Nauvoo. [Picture of the Nauvoo Temple] NAUVOO TEMPLE [Picture of a portion of a handwritten letter that reads: present time—We have both lived to the comon age of man, and have been permitted to be baptized into the Church of the first born of God by the Prophet, sent by him to bring light into he world. You know] Sample of Mary Elizabeth's handwriting in a letter to her brother, James Henry Rollins. [Portrait of Eliza Roxey Snow] Eliza Roxey Snow A contemporary of Mary Elizabeth's. [Picture of exerpt from a letter that reads: Salt Lake City, Utah March 12, 1889 Mrs. Mary E. Lightner: Dear Sister: I write to ask you to prepare a [---] sketch of your life, publication in the Historical [---] along with a [---] of the wives of Josep Smith the Prophet. Begin with your] Letter from Emmaline B. Wells to Mary Elizabeth asking her to write about her marriage to Joseph for the Historical Record. [Portrait of Emmeline B. Wells] Editor of Womens Exponent. Mary Elizabeth wrote articles for this early day publication. ----- new page (VMSS363_F6_I5_p001.jpg) INTRODUCTION [-] May 15, 1957 In this introduction I would like to put a few things that may make some of this story a little more comprehensive and a few of the ancestors that I have found in the family bible and so forth. A few of the dates don't coincide with those in the history but I took them from the bible. Adam Lightner 1st. Born, Lancaster, Lancaster Co. Pa. Married Mary Trout - Born, same place. No birth or death date of either Adam had three brothers - Isaic Lightner - Kept iron foundry; last heard of in St. Louis, Mo. Levi Elmaker Lightner, had a store in Cape Gerado, Miss. Jacob Lightner - Balcksmith, Albany, Indiana Sons of above Adam Lightner: Abiah T. Born Oct. 27, 1801 John Born Nov. 27, 1823 Isaic " Oct. 22, 1807 Jeremiah " ly 16, 1813 Hyrum " Nov. 20, 1817 Adam, 2nd " Apr. 14, 1810 Daughters - Rachel, married Hyrum Meeks. Born Feb. 29, 1804 Lydia, married John Clemenson. Born July 11, 1801, died Aug. 11, 1873 Missouri Lightner, Dec. 30, 1820 & Lucy, Jan. 1816. Both died young. Adam Lightner 2nd; married Mary Elizabeth Rollins; died at Minersville Sons of Adam Lightner 2nd: Aug. 30, 1885 Miles Henry Born June 18, 1836 Died (poisoned) St. Croix Falls, 1848 George Algernon Born March 22, 1842 Died Pontusic, Ill. 1843 Florentine Matthias Born Mar. 23, 1844 (poisoned) St. Croix Falls, Minn. John Horace Born Feb. 9, 1847, Galena, Ill. Died Nov. 29, 1923 Algernon, 1854 --died young (Uncle Jack) Minersville, Ut. Charles [-]. Mar. 17, 1857 Adam, 3rd. Oct. 28, 1861 or 62. Died Panaca, Nev. Sept. 21, 1890. Daughters - Caroline Keturah - Born Oct. 18, 1840 Married Mr. Jewell Died, Dec. 21, 1910, Chicago, Ill. Daughter, Maude Jewell Dick Elizabeth, Born April 3, 1849, Willow River Wisc. Married Nathaniel Kerr Lived in Farmington, Iowa - She died there leaving 2 sons, 2 daughters Mary Rollins Lightner (Carter Rollins) Born April April 9, 1851 Married William Jenkens Carter on Feb. 23, 1870 he was born Dec. 10, 1833 and died at Minersville Feb. 4, 1895. Their children are: Nellie Rosina Born 4-26-71 Lester Lovell Born 3-9-1883 Sidney Algernon 8-9-73 Hazel Elizabeth 3-29-1885 Edna Caroline 12-14-75 Guy William 12-16-1887 Carl A. 3-22-78 Charles E. (d.6-25-1891)12-15-1890 Heyward 7-30-80 Horace L. 6-19-92 James (Henry) VanBenthuysen married Mary Simons (4 children, Albany, N.Y. Henry, John, Elizabeth, Keturah Keziah. The father died from a fall on the ice. The mother took John ( and I presume Henry) and went to Canada. She left the two daughters with her sister Alida whose hus- band was John [-]inne. (It says he sent them west and gave them away.) Elizabeth married Algernon Sidney Gilbert. ( She died in Minersville) Keturah K. born May 16, 1796 married John Porter Rollins, born about 1790 ([-]uthland, New Hampshire) Married about 1814 or 1815. He drowned on Lake Ontario, Nov. 1820. Three children born to them: James Henry, Born May 27, 1816, Mary Elizabeth April 9, 1818, Caroline Amelia, May 1820. After the father died Keziah Keturah and her children lived mostly with her sister Elizabeth and her husband Algernon Sidney Gilbert (see note) he was college educated man and from him the children got their educa- tion. James Henry worked for him in his store during his boyhood and early manhood, gaining much knowledge and experience. They moved from New York state to Kirtland Ohio and it was here that they first heard 970 ----- new page (VMSS363_F6_I5_p002.jpg) Letters -2- I never saw the Kirtland Temple. We left there by ivine commandment in the fall of 1831, to go to Independence Mo. All of my people were with the Saints in Mo. Yes, I love to talk about the Prophet and the early days of the church. Will always remember how he looked, especially how he looked at that first sealing. I wrote a description for t e young Ladies Journal (about 1905) He was tall and of a commanding figure, full of life and when filled with the Holy Spirit his face was beautiful in expression. I have a picture of him, side view, done in water color but it is faded some. (I saw this picture grandmother painted in the church offices -VCW). Joseph F. Smiths (son of Hyrum) smile is exactly like the prophets Josephs was. I have heard Sidney Rigdon preach when he was a Cambellite preacher, before he joined the church. The following is part of another letter written by grandmother to E. B. Wells in Nov. 21, 1880. She asked grandmother to relate things she had heard Joseph say. He preached a great deal about women being virtuous or they would not enter the kingdom of heaven. Talking with him one day he said he must seal his testimony with his blood, for his testimony was of no force until he was dead. He said the people little know who I am. I shall not tell them until they see me weighed in the balance in my fathers kingdom. Another time he said my brother Hyrum is called my elder brother. He is in the flesh but I am the elder brother for I was before him in the s pirit world. He said John the Revelator said he was caught up to the 3rd heaven, whether in the body or spirit he knew not but I know a man who was caught up to the 7th heaven, whether in the body or out of it I know not but I heard and saw things I can- not utter. He said all his fathers family were given to him and all that he baptized was given to him to be with him in his kingdom. He said that if I lived 30 years after his death that ancient ruins of cities and other things would be found which would prove the Book of Mormon was true history. He said the sealed part of the plates was the dealings of God with his people from the creation to the winding up scene. He had his father show me those mummies and the apayrus taken from them. He related some things that were not published in the Book of Abraham. I could tell you why I stayed with Mr. Lightner. Things the leaders of the Church does not know anything about. I did just as Joseph told me to do, as he knew what troubles I would have to contend with. Joseph hair was a light brown color. He was always clean shaven. I never saw him have a beard or mustache. While in Nauvoo I was very busy painting and giving lessons. I painted Masonic aprons of two degrees, by Joseph instructions. The two following letters are from Eliza R. Snow and each are genuine sermons in themselves S.L.C. May 27, 1869 My dear Sister Mary: Yours of May 10th was duly read and appreciated. I was pleased to hear from you and that the Female Relief Society has been organized in Minersville, and was also pleased that you were appointed to preside over it. It is truly a very responsible position, requiring much wisdom, patience and perseverance. By living humble and relying on God for assistance, you will be enabled to fill it with dignity and honor to yourself and much good will result to the community through your labors. According to the words of Joseph, the Presidency of the F. R. S. is to preside over the sisters just as the First Presidency pre- sides over the church. There are now many branches and each branch stands in the same relation to its respective Bishop as the first organization stood in relation to the Prophet Joseph. In most of the branches a board of A praisers has been chosen by vote of the Society. This board should consist of three or more individuals who will be in attendance at the meetings where the donations are brought forward, ----- new page (VMSS363_F6_I5_p003.jpg) letters (3) appraised [---] [---], with the price attached to each article - while the Sec. and Treasurer takes minutes of the name written in full of the person who donates and places the price of each article in the margin. The Sec. reads the minutes of one meeting at the succeeding one, and thus the Society are all posted with what is donated and who donates. The [---]as. should receive and take care of all properties and moneys belonging to the Society and keep accurate acc't. of all disbursements and to whom. The Sec. should make a Quarterly and Annual Report which should be read before the meeting and a vote taken on its reading. If accepted she is to record it in its proper place, according to date, in her Book, which should be a respectable one and of sufficient size for writing the history of the Society. In getting up the Report the Sec. will call on the Treas. who will furnish a list of all disburse- ments in cash and property. Concerning Ordination of Teachers or visiting Committees. It has never been done. The time probably will be when the Society will set apart its different officers - but as yet we have to work with much crude material, and it seems wisdom to merely appoint by vote. Joseph Smith in setting the pattern in this Dispensation only ordained the President and Councillors. Tell the sisters to go form and discharge their duties in humility and faithfulness and the spirit of God will rest upon them and they will be blest in their labors. "Let them seek for wisdom instead of power and they will have all the power they have wisdom to exercise. With regard to your standing, giving any rights I would merely express my opinion. I never have felt that position or standing affords me any claims whatever. If my experience and faithfulness qualify me for any calling or office, it is more in my estimation than all the rank that mortals may boast of. I expect no honor, no preferment on any other principle than that of honestly earning it by faithfulness and integrity. I never yet have claimed and preference on account of what my standing has been. We shall all be rewarded according to our works, and if that is the principle by which we shall hereafter be judged I think it just as applicable now. You see I have written in great haste - I am very much pressed with business and hope you will accept this hurried scrawl. With Love and sincere wishes for your welfare both temporally & spiritually. Eliza R. Snow. June 17, 1870 My Dear Sister (Excerpts) Am truly thankful to hear from you and your F.R.S. and that you are prospering so well. I think you have greatly blessed in accumulating means in these very dull times. But as you are well aware means temporally is not the main object of the organization. I know you already realize a manifest moral and spiritual good resulting from the associations of the Sisters. They have a great tendency to unite and to arouse a spirit of energy and enterprise which are improving & elevating in their results. When motives which are ennobling in either nature are placed before the sisters how readily their minds and feeling grasp and i[--]ibe them. To improve and elevate society it is necessary that somebody should lead out how beautiful the organization of the FRS is adapted to this great end. How evident its heavenly and divine origin. How very blind to their own personal interests those sisters are who hold themselves at a distance and take no part in this glorious institution...........I rejoice with you & your society in your success so far. It seems rather a bold step for you to undertake build ing so soon but I glory in your courage. If we wait till we see every step before we take one, we shall never move forward. It is a common I think true saying, "God helps them that help themselves." The saints must work by faith as well as by means. etc. etc. ----- new page (VMSS363_F6_I5_p004.jpg) Salt Lake City, Ut. Mar. 12, 1887 Mrs. Mary E. Lightner Dear Sister: I write to ask you to prepare a careful sketch of your life for Pub- lication in the Historical Record, along with the other wives of Joseph Smith the Prophet. Begin with your name, and birthplace, also dates. The names of your parents and their birthplace, whether American born etc. and from the north or the south, then your conversion to the Gospel, etc. E[-]t positively your marriage ceremony to Joseph, on what day and by whom performed, and the witnesses if any. This is the principal point, such other matter, in brief, as may seem to you suitable. Perhaps you had better direct it to me, though it all will be submitted to some one in authority before being published. Aunt Eliza asked me to write you and ask you to prepare this and sent her love to you. Helen also sends love, she has the same to do, also Lucy Walker Kimball. Do you know the particulars about Sister Marinda Hyde's being sealed to Joseph, on what day, what year and who officiated. I have been informed that you wished to go and work permanently in the at Logan. Is it so? Helen is in very poor health and very low spirited. Aunt Eliza is at present quite under the weather, in fact I do not think she has vitality enough to even give counsel, and ought not to be worried with anything. People do not seem to understand that she is delicate and needs lifting up, because her will power is so strong, she will not give way. Please answer this unless you write the sketch immediately, so we shall know. With sincere love - your sister in the Gospel Emmeline B. Wells. The following are parts of two letters grandmother wrote to E.B.Wells Dear Sister Wells: I was very much surprised to receive a letter from you after 15 years silence, but am thankful to be remembered. I have felt and do yet that I am alone. I feel that I was not recognized by the Smith family. I have never had five minutes conversation with Joseph F. Smith. I could tell him about the early days of the church, and in Far West but have never had the opportunity. Have received but very little council or advice since Josephs death. I feel that I have been spiritually neglected. I was at your Relief Society Conference in afternoon last April. Sister Stevenson and Pratt came and shook hands with me. I spoke to you and Sister Richards who has been my staunch friend for years. Oh, how I have longed to have a good talk with you. How happy you must be up there, all in the work of God. As for sister Whitney, Bishop Whitneys wife, I shall never forget her as it was at her house that the Prophet Joseph told me about his vision concerning me. He said I was the first woman God commanded him to take as a Plural wife. He was very much frightened about it until the angel appeared to him three times. It was in the early part of 1842 that he was compelled to reveal it to me personally, by the angel threatening him. I would not accept it until I had seen an immortal being myself, etc. (Description of hymn book given) Was sealed to Joseph Smith the Prophet by B.Y. in a room over the old red brick store in Nauvoo. Received my first washings and anointings in P.P. Pratts house in Nauvoo by sisters Whitney and Pratt, before the temple was built. Joseph wanted to give me the endowments himself but was debarred that [-]erc[-]ntures (?) at that time. Received them the second time in Nauvoo emple, Brigham Young standing proxy. H.C. Kim ball doing the work. B.Y. said I had more blessings sealed on my head at that time than ever before given to a woman. ----- new page (VMSS363_F6_I5_p005.jpg) MARY ELIZABETH ROLLINS LIGHTNER Mary Elizabeth Rollins Lightner was one of the earliest converts to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. She was born in Lima, Livingston County, N.Y., April 9, 1818. Her father, John Porter Rollins came from one of the New England states, probably Vermont. Her mother Keziah Keturah VanBenthuysen, was born in Albany, N.Y. May 16, 1796. Her father and mother were married in 1814 or 1815. Three children were born to them; James Henry, Mary Elizabeth and Caroline. When Caroline was six months old the father, John P. Rollins was shipwrecked on Lake Ontario, during a terrible storm. When Mary Elizabeth was ten years old they moved to Kirtland, Ohio and lived with her Uncle and Aunt. The Uncle, Algernon Sidney Gilbert, was the husband of her mother's sister, Elizabeth Van Benthuysen. They soon began hearing about the plates of the Book of Mormon being found by Joseph Smith. Later the news was confirmed by the appearance of Oliver Cowdry, Peter Whitmer and Ziba Peterson, with the glorious news of the restoration of the Gospel through the Prophet Joseph Smith. They bore a powerful testimony of the truth of the great wrok in which they were engaged, which they were comissioned by the Father in heaven to present to all the world. Following are her own words. Quite a number of the residents of Kirtland were baptized, among them, mother and myself. This was in the month of October, 1830. A branch of the Church was organized and Father Morley was ordained an Elder to preside over it. He owned a large farm and meetings were held at his place. A good spirit and one of harmony prevailed for some time. After Oliver Cowdry left, with his brethern, for Missouri on their mission to the Lamanites, a wrong spirit crept into our midst, and some were led away. About this time John Whitmer came and brought a Book of Mormon. We learned that Father Morley had the book, the only one in that part of the country. There was to be a meeting that night so I went to his house just before the meeting and asked to see the book; when he put it in my hand I felt such a great desire to read it that I could not refrain from asking him to let me take it home and read it. He seemed surprised and said: "My child I have not read one chapter in it myself and the Brethren will want to see it tonight at the meeting." But he saw my disappointment and I really plead for it so at last he said: "Well if you will bring it back early or before breakfast tomorrow morning you may take it, but mind you are careful that no harm may come to it." If anyone was ever perfectly happy I was. Uncle Sidney Gilbert and Aunt were Methodists. I ran home and said "Oh Uncle I have the Golden Bible." There was consternation in our house for awhile and I was severely reprimanded for being so pre- sumptious as to ask such a favor when Brother Morley had not read it himself. However we all took turns reading until very late. As soon as it was daylight I was up and learned the first paragraph by heart. When I reached the Morley residence he was just scraping the ashes from their kitchen stove. Very much surprised he said: "Well you are early, I guess you did not read much of it." I showed him how far we had read, he was more surprised and said: "I don't believe you can tell me a word of it." I then repeated what I had learned and gave an outline of the history of Nephi. He gazed at me in surprise and said, "Child you take this back and finish it, I can wait." Before I had quite finished the last chapter the Prophet Joseph Smith arrived in Kirtland and moved in part of Newel K. Whitney's house. (Whitney was Uncle Gilbert's partner in the mercantile business.) Brother Whitney ----- new page (VMSS363_F6_I5_p006.jpg) -2- brought the Prophet to our house on some business connected with the store. He was introduced to the older ones in the family; I was out side. In looking around the Prophet saw the Book of Mormon on the shelf and asked how it came to be there. He said he had sent it to Brother Morley, Uncle explained how his niece had been bold enough to ask for it. The Prophet said, "Where is your niece?" I was sent for and when I entered the room he looked at me so earnestly I felt afraid and I thought, "He can read my every thought, and I thought how blue his eyes were. After a moment he came and put his hands on my head and gave me a great blessing, the first I had ever received, then he made me a present of the book saying he would give Brother Morley another copy. He came in time to rebuke the evil spirits and set the Church in order. We all felt that he was a man of God, he spoke with such power, and as one having authority. (This book was stolen from our house later in years when my husband and I left everything and rode night and day to Louisville, Kentucky, to keep my husband from having to go as a witness against the Prophet, as he was not a Mormon the gentiles wanted him on their side but he loved Joseph so wanted to get away for awhile. Joseph gave me another book with a lock of his hair in it and it was autographed.) A few evenings after his visit to our house mother and I went over to the Smith house. We wanted to hear more about the Golden Bible. They were not settled yet, but as there were other visitors, when the Prophet saw us he said: "We might as well have a meeting". I sat with the others on a plank that had been provided, the ends resting on boxes. After prayer and singing Joseph began talking. Suddenly he stopped and seemed almost transfixed. He was looking ahead and his face outshone the candle which was on a shelf behind him. I thought I could almost see the cheek bones. He looked as though a searchlight was inside his face. After a short time he looked at us very solemnly and said: "Brothers and Sisters do you know who has been in your midst this night? One of the family said, "An angel of the Lord." Joseph did not answer; Martin Harris was sitting at the Prophet's knees and said: "I know, it was our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ." Joseph put his hand on Martin's head and answered: "Martin, God revealed that to you. Brothers and Sisters, the Saviour has been in our midst, I want you to remember it. He cast a veil over your eyes for you could not endure to look upon Him. You must be fed with milk and not meat. I want you to remember this as if it were the last thing that escapes my lips. He has given you all to me and com- manded me to seal you up to everlasting life, that where He is there you may also be, and if you are tempted of Satan say "Get the behind me Satan." These words and his looks are photographed on my brain. He then knelt and prayed. I have never heard anything like it since. I felt he was talking to the Lord and the power rested upon us all. The prayer was so long that some of the people got up and rested then knelt again. This is the only meeting of its kind I have ever heard of. In the fall of 1831, in company with Bishop Partridge, Father Morley, W.W. Phelps, Cyrus Daniels and their families, Mary and her mother, her brother James Henry and sister Caroline, under the guard- ianship of Algernon Sidney Gilbert, left Kirtland for Independence, Jackson Co., Missouri. There was soon quite a settlement of Saints Her Uncle Gilbert opened a store of dry goods and groceries, while his partner, Newel K. Whitney kept a store in Kirtland, where they had one for several years before the Gospel came to them. ----- new page (VMSS363_F6_I5_p007.jpg) A two story printing office was erected and all were in a very prosperous condition both temporally and spiritually. Oliver Cowdry, John Whitmer and Thomas B. Marsh often spoke in tongues while address- ing the people on a Sabbath day. Mary Elizabeth wanted to understand what they were saying, being a very well educated young lady and very faithful in her work as she had studied much under her Uncle, A.S. Gilbert, who was a college-bred man, and she was very bright, she prayed to the Lord to give her the meaning of their words, for they spoke with such power it thrilled her young heart. The following are her words. "One evening the Brethern came to our house to converse about the Revelations that had not yet been printed and few had seen them. They were in large sheets not folded. They spoke of them with such reverence, as coming from the Lord and felt to rejoice that they were counted worthy to be the means of publishing them for the benefit of mankind and while they were talking they were filled with the spirit and spoke in tongues. I was called upon to interpret it. I felt the spirit of it in a minute. Another time I interpreted one of Oliver Cowdry's sermons. I was fourteen years old. A stranger was present, an Indian agent. After the meeting he asked about me and said he knew what I said and wanted to know where I learned the language. Another evening after interpreting a sermon Uncle spoke in French to try me, I think. He asked me to interpret it. I did so and he said it was right only that I said Lord where he had said God. On one occasion after interpreting something about the saints going to be dirven there was a great cry raised by the High Council. They wrote to the Prophet and said I was talking with an evil spirit. Joseph answered: "What she has said is true and correct. Interpretation rightly belongs to the Priesthood, but you did not ask for it, she did and received it". I lost the gift after we were driven. I was well acquainted with all those who saw the plates and all who handled them, even those who saw the angel Moroni. I was a very inquisitive girl and after becoming well acquainted with the Prophet, when around him I asked many questions. We had many conversation together as I was thrown in his company continually. My Uncle Gilbert, being in partners with Brother Whitney in the mer- cantile business, and a good member in the Church, the authorities came to our house to talk over business and I guess I managed to see the Prophet as much as possible. As I grew older he told me more serious things. One day after asking about the Golden Bible he told me if I lived 30 years after his death I would see and read things to prove the book true. I said "Are you going to die?" He answered: "I must seal my testimony with my blood. The testimony is of no force until the testator is dead. They say I am a fallen Prophet but I am more in favor with my God this day than ever before in my life. They little know who I am, and I dare not tell. They will not know until they see me at the bar of God." Another time in our talk he mentioned a woman's name who had sinned very much, and said, "I would like to do something for her so she can be saved." I asked, "Brother Joseph how do you know you your- self will be saved? to which he replied, "I know I will, I have the oath of God upon it and God does not lie." He said, "John the Reve- lator was caught up to the third heaven, but I know one who was caught up to the seventh heaven, and saw and heard things not lawful for me to talk about." About this time there began to be terrible threats against the Mormons, they were too much united to suit the inhabitants of Missouri ----- new page (VMSS363_F6_I5_p008.jpg) and they did not believe in one religion. The Mormons did not believe in slavery so the people were afraid of them, though the Latter-Day- Saints were counceled to have nothing to do with the slaves, but to mind their own affairs. Soonmobs began to collect in the town and set fire to grain and hay stacks in the yard of Bishop Partridge. All were destroyed. Then they began stoning the houses, breaking doors and windows. The following are her words: "One night a great many men got together and stoned our house, part of which was hewed logs and the other part or front was brick. After breaking all the windows they started tearing off the roof on the brick part, amidst awful oaths and yells that were terrible to hear. We were all frightened and stood against the walls between the doors and windows. All at once they stopped and all was quiet. Some of the Brethern who were on the way to see if they could help us said they saw an angel resting on each gable end of our house, so that must have been the reason. "Soon after this I saw Bishop Partridge tarred and feathered, also Brother Charles Allan. My sister saw them cover them with tar, then empty a pillow of feathers over them. Oh what a sight, our hearts ached for them. A friend of mine helped to wash off the tar from Bishop Partridge. She said it came off as easy as dust. A man who helped put it on said: "If they can wash it off that easy I'll use this" and he held up a cat-o-nine-tails. Just then it seems a Masonic sign was given and Brother Partridge was left in peace. "Just before these troubles I went to work for Peter Whitmer who was a tailor by trade. He was crowded with work, and Lilburn W. Boggs who had just been elected Lt. Governor, offered him a room in his house as he wanted Peter to make him a suit for his inauguration ceremonies. Peter made the suit and I stitched the collars and faced the coat. Mr. Boggs often came in to watch us work, and as I was considered a good seamstress he hired me to make his fine ruffled bosom shirts, also to assist his wife in sewing. I worked for them for some time during which time they tried to induce me to leave the Church and live with them; they would educate me and do for me as if I were their own daughter. They had one little girl two years old and two sons, the older one near my age, 14 years, but their persuasions were of no avail. The mob renewed their work again by tearing down the printing office, and driving the fam ly of Brother Phelps out of the lower part of the building, throwing their things into the street. My sister Caroline and I were in a corner of the fence tremblingly watching them and when they brought out a pile of large sheets of paper saying, "[-]ere are the damned Mormon Commandments" I was determined to have some of them. Sister said she would go too but added, "they will kill us". While their backs were turned prying out the gable end of the building we ran and got our arms full and were turning away when some of the mob saw us and called for us to stop, but we ran as fast as we could into a large cornfield, laid the papers on the ground and then we laid flat over them. The corn was 5 or 6 feet tall and very thick; they hunted quite awhile for us, coming very near and making our hearts beat faster but finally left. After we satisfied ourselves that they had gone we tried to find our way out but the corn being so high we could not see where to go. I saw some trees which had been girdled to kill them and by following these we got out and came to an old stable which looked as though it had not been used for some time. Sister Phelps and her children were carrying in brush, piling it in a corner to have to make their beds on. She asked me what I had; I told her; she took them from us which made us feel very sad. They later had them bound in small books and sent me one, I prized it highly. ----- new page (VMSS363_F6_I5_p009.jpg) I saw the first hay and grain stacks on fire in Bishop Partridge's lot, and other property destroyed. Uncle Gilbert's store was broken into and the goods thrown on the public square. The families went to the Temple block where the Bishop and first counselor, John Corrill lived, for mutual protection; while the brethren were hiding in the woods, food being carried to them in the night. Some of our brethren were tied to trees and whipped until the blood ran down their bodies. After enduring all manner of grievances we were driven from the county. While we were camped on the banks of the Missouri river waiting to be ferried over, this was the night the meteors fell; it was like a heavy snow storm only the flakes were like f re. A sight to behold and it made a lasting impression on me and caused much excitement that night. They found there was not money enough among the men to take all over. A few families would have to be left behind, and the fear was that they would be killed. Some of the brethern by the name of Higbee thought they would try to catch some fish, perhaps the ferryman would take them. They put out their lines in the evening. It rained all night and most of the next day; when they took in their lines they found two or three small fish and one catflish that weighed 14 pounds. On opening it, what was their astonishment to find three bright silver half dollars, just the amount needed to pay for taking their teams over the river. This was considered a miracle and caused great rejoicing. At length we settled in Clay County where my mother married Mr. John M. Burk, a widower with two children, his wife having died with the cholera in St. Louis in 1831. One morning Joseph came while we were eating breakfast of cold mush. It was after we had lost most of our things and we were very poor; but my step-father liked cold mush so had told Mother not to fix anything else. When Joseph came in Mother and I looked at each other and must have shown embarressment for he asked for some, first saying "Brother Burk, that mush looks good. I like mush." Of course he was asked to have some. He ate heartily but we thought he did it to lessen our embarressment. I stayed with Uncle Gilbert most of the time until Zion's camp came up in 1834. Many of the brethern stopped with us, including the Prophet Joseph, his brother Hyrum and William, and Jesse Smith their cousin, and Luke and Lyman E. Johnson. When the cholera broke out Uncle Gilbert, who was preparing to go on a mission, was among the to die, then Jesse Smith. There were five who died at Uncle's house and nine at a neighbors by the name of Burgett; this was in the month of June. The dead were rolled in blankets and buried, as the people were so frightened they would do nothing for us and the brethren were bowed down with sorrow for the loss of these friends; but the Lord saw fit to heal most of those who had come up from the camp, and not many died after the Prophet had administered to them. Uncle died on the 29th of June, 1834. Shortly after this the camp left for their homes in Kirtland. I commenced teaching a few children in reading, spelling and writing. I did not understand much about grammar; I had commenced its study in Jackson County along with Sabrina Phelps, Oliver Cowdry, John Whitmer and others, but was stopped by the mob. I was well versed in geography and continued teaching with success for two years. On August 11, 1835 I was married to Adam Lightner of Liberty, Clay Co. Mo. Shortly after this or people moved to Far West, Caldwell Co. and soon had a flourishing town and a settlement all around, of farms, etc. The brethren persuaded Mr. Lightner to go there and keep a store, as the Church was not able, most everyone having been stripped of all they had. [-]e went and built a log house for his store leaving me in Liberty until it was completed, after which we moved to Far West. My husband furnished the supplies for the brethren until they could harvest ----- new page (VMSS363_F6_I5_p010.jpg) their crops. It was customary among the Missourians to credit the farmers a year. My husband followed the rule; he knew none could pay the money until they had earned it. In the meantime a son was born to us, on the 13th of June 1836, named Miles Henry. In the latter part of 1837 we moved to Milford, about ten miles distant to start another store for my brother James H. Rollins to take charge of. Soon rumors began to circulate of trouble so we deemed it best to return to Far West. We left the store in charge of Mr. Slade, with most of our house- hold goods, expecting to send for them in a few days. When we did we found all of our provisions gone, our carpets ruined. The mob began to gather in great numbers, threatening our people, driving off their stock, committing depredations too numerous to mention, until our grievances became almost unbearable. The brethren determined to defend themselves, but as there was little powder in the place they decided, as Mr. Lightner was not a Mormon, they would send him to Liberty for a keg; Homer Duncan went with him. They got the keg of powder, bought 20 yards of carpet, rolled it around the keg and placed it in a barrel of beans. On returning, their wagon was searched twice by ten men, who thrust their bayonets into the barrel but did not touch the powder. If they had all would have been killed. Both men knew their lives hung on a thread. They arrived home safely to the joy of all. Then men with teams were sent out into the settlements to collect all the provisions they could with two men armed with guns to guard each wagon. Mr. Lightner and Geo. A. Smith were guards for one wagon. Plenty of pro- visions were brought in and stored in Sidney Rigdon's and other places. But we soon heard the heart-rending news of a battle between our people and the mob at Crooked River, in which David W. Patten, Patrick O'Ban- ion and Gideon Carter were killed. About this time occurred Haun's Mill massacre where the rageing mob killed 17 men and their bodies were buried in a well. During the Haun's Mill massacfe one man was shot several times; he crawled into the brush; the mob followed him. One said, "kill him", another said "No, let him suffer, he is dying anyway." But he did not die, he lived to go to the mountains, and lived to a good old age. I knew him and heard him tell that and other incidents connected with that massacre. His name was Charles Jameson. He resided in Minersville, Utah, where I lived after coming to Utah. He told of a boy whose mother dragged him away from the sight of the mob; he was very weak from loss of blood. In despair she prayed to know what to do; a voice told her to take slippery elm bark and bind on the wound. She did as told, the bleeding soon stopped and the boy recovered. This boy was Warren Smith. One ten year old boy was found hidden in the blacksmith shop. He cried and begged to live but one man said, "Oh no, nits make lice," Men not yet dead were pitched into a well. Oh, what a time that was! In the midst of sorrow news came that the militia and hundreds of the mob were marching to destroy our city and its inhabitants. A part of the bloodthirsty mob camped near the city, placed a cannon in the road, intending to blow up the place. They sent in a flag of truce, demanding an interview with John Clemen- sen and wife and Adam Lightner and wife. (John Clemensen was the husband of Mr. Lightner's sister). We went out to meet them. A number of brethren were there well armed. As we approached General Clark shook hands with the two men, as they were acquaintances, and said that Governor Boggs had given him an order for our safe removal before they destroyed the place. After hearing him I asked my sister-in-law what we should do about it. She replied "We will do as you say". I was surprised at her answer as she was the mother of several children and I had only one. I asked General Clark if he would let all the Mormon women and children go out. He said, "No". I asked if he would let my mothers family go out. He said, "The Governor's orders were that no ----- new page (VMSS363_F6_I5_p011.jpg) one but the two families were to be spared", "all were to be destroyed". I said, "If that is the case I refuse to go, for where they die I will die. I am a full-blooded Mormon and not ashamed to own it". He said, "Oh, you are infatuated, your Prophet will be killed with the rest." I said, "If you kill him today God will raise up another tomorrow." He said, "Think of your husband and child". I answered that my husband could go and take the child if he wanted to but I would suffer with the rest. Just then a man who was kneeling near some brush jumped up. I saw it was Heber C. Kimball. He stopped between the General and myself and said, "Hold on General", then turned to me and said, "Sister Light- ner God Almighty bless you. I thank my God for a soul that is ready to die for her religion. Not a hair of your head will be harmed for I will wade in blood on your behalf." "So will I came from Hyum Smith and others. The General pleaded with my husband without avail. Strange as it may seem no harm came to us at that time. The next morning the Prophet Joseph and his brother Hyrum were given into the hands of the mob militia. A few day's later my husband's brother came from Lexington for us to go to his home 40 miles distant. As we found Clemonson's family and ourselves took a change of clothes and were ready to start when we heard a posse was hunting for my brother Henry, who had not been married long, so we took him in the back end of the wagon, covered with a feather bed, his wife sitting near to uncover him for air when none of the mob were near. We passed through Clark's troops of 500 men, one-half on each side of the road. They did not molest us as we feared they would. We had a negro driver and Mr. Lightner's brother was well known and walked beside the team. My brother would have been killed had they seen him. We reached Lexington in safety, but had a hard time crossing the Missouri River as large cakes of ice would almost upset the boat. The officers found where my brother Henry was and came for him. They put him in Richmond jail with Joseph, Hyrum and others, where they were treated like brutes and threatened to be shot every day. What their sufferings were are known only to God and themselves. One day while in this jail a meal was brought to them. Joseph the Prophet put a piece to his mouth and quickly laid it down saying, "Don't eat a bit of it, it is not fit to eat." Whereupon the men who had served it laughed and said "we feed the Mormons on their own beef", meaning human flesh. General Doniphan was disposed to favor the brethren as much as he could. Brother Henry said to me that only God knew what their sufferings were while confined there. My husband being a non-Mormon, they were always trying to find some way to work through him, but Adam loved the Prophet and his brother. He was always willing to do what he could in their behalf. We knew at this time that he was to be sought to go against the Prophet and that they were looking for him, some one had put us wise as to what was coming so we decided to go to Louisville, Ken. to see my husband's Uncle, and get away from Adam having to be questioned and pressure brought to bear in any way against Joseph, for one never knew what might be the outcome of these episodes if we did not conform to their manuevers. We took a change of clothing (our goods were in Far West) and rode day and night, with a quilt for a wrap. Uncle had moved to Pennslyvania. We rented a house of four rooms for six months and gave a gold watch that had cost $200.00 in New York, for the rent. We bought a bedstead and two chairs, a kettle and skillet and went to housekeeping. Our money soon gave out and no work to be had. I was refused work because I had no recommendation. At last I told a man our condition, that we were strangers. He gave me two fine shirts to ----- new page (VMSS363_F6_I5_p012.jpg) make and if they suited him he would give me all I wanted. He was delighted and did up more to take home. I asked to be paid for the others. He offered me 30¢ for the two. I knew the regular price was one dollar for fine shirts so it seemed hard to be offered only 15¢ a piece. I refused to do more at that price. Spent the 30¢ for corn- meal and molasses on which we lived for several days. I painted some pictures and sold them for a fair price which bought our food. One day while at the wharf Adam met Frances Higbee who said our people were in Illinois at Commerce, my brother in Alton, Ill. so we sold out, got enough money to get to my brothers. The boat we went on was so old we had to stop for days for repairs. I improved the time by giving painting lessons to a lady on board. Got six dollars. At Alton we met a man we had befriended in Far West. He was keeping a boarding house. Having some empty rooms we asked to leave our trunks in one of them. He consented. We walked a mile uphill to Brother's found two families living with them. Oh how glad we were to be with friends again and get a good meal, for we had lived on corn meal so long that Mr. Lightner and baby were ill. When we went for the trunks next day he charged us our last half dollar for letting them stay in an empty room all night. Baby was very sick, no money to buy medicine, finally a doctor's wife gave me something to help him. As soon as they were better I went from house to house and procured a number of students for painting. We went to board with a private family, paying 4 dollars a week for both. I earned sixty dollars besides paying board. This paid our way to Montrose where Mother lived and where I went to be sick with my second child. We did not find them in Montrose they had moved to a tract called the HalfBreed. Hiring a team we drove there. They were in a log house and received us joyfully. On Oct. 18th daughter Caroline was born. When she was three weeks old we moved to Farmington. Mother let me have a bed, some dishes and some flour and other necessities. An Irishman gave us a bushel of potatoes and some squash. Work was scarce all around the country so we kept moving to try to get steady work. We commenced housekeeping in two rooms. One room Mr. Lightner used for a shop; as there was no one there who could make furniture the people gladly let him have all the tools and lumber he wanted and took his work for pay. I got work from a tailor and earned clothes for myself and children. We built one large room toward a home, expecting to add to it. Mr. Lightner bought a great deal of choice lumber to season for [-]ureaus and chairs, etc. but finding we were in an unhealthy place we sold our house for two hundred dollars cash and went to Mont- rose to buy mahogany and other articles he could not get at home. We were there just a short time when a steamboat brought news that the bank where we had our money had failed and we got only 25 dollars, we were about discouraged but more was to follow for on looking out one morning he saw his kiln, in which he was seasoning his expensive lumber on fire; not a plank was saved. Winter coming on and no money to live on made us feel very sad. While trying to plan in some unac- countable way way just what to do my step-father, Mr. Burk came over from Nauvoo and seeing our situation offered us a home with them until we could do better. It was a "God-send" and we gladly accepted his proposition. In January we, with Mr. Burk, walked across the Mississ- ippi River on the ice, he did not dare take his team and wagon. He lived near the Temple. Next day the ice had broken and it was some time before he got his team across. On the 23rd of March a baby boy was born to us. We called him George Algernon. Mr. Lightner settled his debts in Montrose by giving his tools, etc., which left us poor indeed. Some of the brethren owed us about two thousand dollars, so we were hopeful; but those who owed the most took the benefit of the ----- new page (VMSS363_F6_I5_p013.jpg) [---] law and reused to pay. One man offered to let me have a barrel of pork and a coffee pot if we would give him back his note of $500. which we did. When we opened the barrel we found the meat sour and full of weavel. As my husband could not get work I commenced giving painting lessons to Julia [-]urdock Smith, Steven Mark's daughter and Sarah Ann Whitney. I procured a lot below the Prophet's mansion. (Note. I wonder who owns the lot today? VCW) I heard the Prophet say "I have rolled the work of this Kingdom onto the shoulders of the twelve, if they don't carry it forward they will be damned". Again he said, "I have asked the Lord to take me out of the world. I have stood all I can." Mr. Lightner got a job cutting cordwood about 15 miles up the river at a place called Pontusuc. He got a log house and I prepared to move there. The Prophet felt very sad when he knew we were going to leave, and with tears running down his cheeks he prophesied that if we left the Church we would have plenty of sorrow; that we would make property on the right hand and lose it on the left. We would have sickness on sickness and lose our children; that I would have to work harder than I ever dreamed; then added "And at last when you are worked out and old you will get back to the Church." I thought these were hard sayings as it seemed as though things had already been about as hard as could be and I felt to doubt them, but the sequel proved them true. Before leaving Nauvoo to go to Pontusuc there was a general parade of the Legion on the 4th of July. As I was living neighbor to the Smith family Emma came to borrow my dining room table, as the officers were to dine with them. The Prophet came also, a few minutes later. He was General of the Nauvoo Legion, and it was a great day, to be their last parade. When he entered the house he spoke to his wife and then said "I want you and you and you" pointing to my Aunt, Brother Henry and wife and muself, "to go and be baptized. He added that he had been commanded to baptize us that day. Emma said, "Why Joseph, why is this. They have always been good members of the church and another thing, the officers will be in for dinner soon". He answered, "Never mindthey can wait." Then Emma said, "Well you certainly are not going in those clothes" to which he replied, "No, but you all be ready by the time I return." As we l[-]ved on the banks of the river we were soon there, Mr. Lightner carrying the baby. Mr. Lightner had never been baptized and perhaps the Prophet thought he would want to be at that time, as of course the rest of us had been baptised some time before, in the year the Church was organized. Well, after we were baptized and confirmed he turned to my husb nd and said, "Now Adam its your turn." Mr. Lightner said, "No Joseph, I'll wait till I quit smoking, I don't feel worthy. I will some other time. I thought Joseph could persuade him as he tried hard. As we walked back to the house my husband went ahead with the baby. Joseph walked by me and said, "Mary, that man will never be baptized in this life unless it its a few minutes before he dies. He later crossed the plains, enduring all the hardships and saw the prophecies of Joseph fulfilled, and often said he would be baptized, still never was. He was the kind of man who looks at the acts of men and lets that influence him instead of looking at the principles of the Church. A few minutes before his death he seemed to want something and looked all around, then finally settled back and said, "It's too late now". I thought he may have been wondering if he could yet be baptised. It was with sorrowful feelings I went to Pontusac to live, leav- ing my friends behind and losing communion with the Prophet's family. The things the Prophet had told me came to pass as predicted. By taking in sewing and the little work my husband had kept us alive. A lady called to ask if we had a cow. I said "No" then she offered to give me ----- new page (VMSS363_F6_I5_p014.jpg) a cow and two pigs if I would let her have my bedstead. I gladly ac- cepted her offer and we slept on the floor until my husband could make another. In a short time George, my little boy took sick and passed on. I was alone with him as Mr. Lightner had gone to a neighbor for help. An elderly woman helped me dress him and my husband had to make the coffin as he was the only carpenter in the place. The two grave- diggers and a little girl were all who went to see my darling buried. I felt that Joseph's words were beginning to be fulfilled. We moved to a better house. In 18[-]3 my third son Florentine was born. When he was two months old I began teaching a few children spelling and reading, but in a short time, through catching a severe cold, I had inflamation of the bowels. I was so low my life was despaired of. Mother was sent for. She brought some consecrated oil with s[--]ch I was anointed. I felt better and persuaded her to fix quilts in a big chair and let me sit up to have the bed made, as it had not been made for two weeks. She was afraid to try it as the Doctor said I could not live three more days; but I pleaded so hard they granted my re- quest. By tipping the chair back like a bed I was lifted in a sheet. Mother was very nervous and put slippers and hose on me and wrapped quilts all around me. We were in a large room on the second story. While lying there a heavy storm came up suddenly, our house was struck by lightning, which shocked all of us (there were 7 in the house at that time). I was the first to come to my senses. I found myself across the foot of my bed, my head on one side of the foot of the bed the rest of my body on the bed. As I looked around and saw the family all on the floor I supposed all were dead. I called for Mr. Lightner who had gone into the next room just before the lightning struck. Not getting any answer I got up and walked through the hall to find him on the floor as rigid as a corpse. The window in the hall that was near to the side hill had been torn out and the water was pouring in until it was deep enough for me to dip up with a small bucket, which I did, pouring it over my husband to see if it would revive him but it did no good. The [-]oor casing was torn out and struck mother on the shoul- der making a terrible bruise. Soon the doctor and neighbors came in. They had seen the lightning strike and seeing no life around they concluded all were dead. When they saw me they were frightened. This was about 4 o'clock June 6th, and it was nine at night before Mr. Lightner could be revived and use his legs. He said he suffered more in being treated to live than he would in dying; but I who had been turned in bed for two weeks with sheets (for I was so swollen and in- flamed I could not stand to be handled) was entirely cured, and soon dressed myself and went about my daily work. Our house was torn nearly to pieces - the lightning had run from roof to ground in seven dif- ferent places - people came from a distance to see it, and wondered that we were not all killed. A few days after this, after getting some- what settled again, I went out to milk the cow. When about finished with the milking she just stepped over the bucket and fell dead. This was indeed a calamity for we depended on her for most of our living. About this time the Prophet Joseph and his brother Hyrum were taken to Carthage jail, soon the men around Fontusac formed a company to go to Carthage, they said to protect the Smiths, also to go against Nauvoo if commanded. I felt they were not truthful and meant mischief. I was called to make a flag for this company; I refused for I was so low spirited I could hardly keep from weeping most of the time. I could not account for these awful feelings. There was no one who knew how to make a flag but myself, and I was compelled to make it or suffer the consequences, as I was the only Mormon in the place. At last I said I would cut a flag and their women could make it, but I ----- new page (VMSS363_F6_I5_p015.jpg) finally had to do it. I felt that they were bent on the destruction of the Prophet. This company left for Carthage, returning during the night. As soon as we were up in the morning a number of men came and called us to the door and said, "the Smiths are dead, and they do say a great light appeared when they were killed". I said, "That should prove to you that Joseph was a true Prophet and a man of God". One answered "It proves that the Lord was well pleased with what we have done." Then they told us if we attempted to go to the funeral that we would be shot. I told them they could shoot me then, but an old man spoke up and said "If you stay home no harm will come to you, unless the Mormons come against us but added if the Mormons did come against them I would be the first to be killed, and Mr. Lightner too, unless he would join their side. We could not leave home for three months at which time we were down with chills and fever, except Mr. Lightner, who did all the nursing and work. My case proved to be bilious fever and again I was given up to die. We got a little girl to stay while my husband took the baby on a pillow and rode horseback to Nauvoo to have Mother take care of it. I never expected to see my baby again. The thoughts of dying and leaving my children under such conditions was terrible. I realized that what the Prophet had told me was all coming true. I prayed that God would save me but the doctor told them there was no help for me. I dreamed an angel came to me and said if I would go to Nauvoo and call for Brother Cutler who worked on the tem- ple, to administer to me I should be healed. They could not get a team. I was in despair when my brother Henry, who was impressed that all was not well with us, sent a boy with an ox team after me. Some said they would not get a mile away before they would bring back my dead body, but I felt better and said that I wanted to be buried in Nauvoo and pleaded to be taken dead or alive. A bed was made in the wagon, I was placed on it. We went a mile. The team was stopped as all thought I was dying. The children were all crying bitterly. I still had my sense and motioned for them to go on. A few miles further we stopped and asked to stay all night. The woman was willing until she saw me in the wagon, then she said she knew I would die before morning and she did not want me in her house. My husband told her I would certainly die if left in the open wagon all night so she finally let us in and fixed us some food and gave me some tea which made me feel stronger and I rested some that night but she was glad whent we left the next morning. We reached Nauvoo with me in a very precarious condition, no one thought I would live. Mr. Lightner immediately asked Mr. Burk if there was a man by the name of Cutler who worked on the temple. When he said "yes" he told him my dream. They brought him, he administered to me and I got up and walked to the fire alone. In two weeks I was able to care for my children. When Mr. Lightner went back for our things he had to pay most of them for doctor bills and rent. My clothes were taken and we were robbed of many things but I was thankful to be away from there with my life. Soon after I got well the temple was finished, ready for endowments. When spring opened up Brigham Young sent work from Winter Quarters for me to come on and the Lord would bless me; I was destitute of clothes for me and the children and not a dollar; how could I go? I was watched day and night so did not but we went to Galena aboard the "War Eagle" and managed to get work and do fairly well for awhile. Then in the last week in June, 1847 I was washing and got a needle in my wrist, close to the pulse, which broke off, leaving half of it in my wrist. My hand was drawn up to my breast and the pain was excruciating. Doctors could give me no help. I could sleep only when exhausted. It was months before I could sew. On the 9th of February a son was born, John Horace. Later I found some work, making trousers at 40 to 50¢ a pair, receiving store pay, no money. ----- new page (VMSS363_F6_I5_p016.jpg) Mr. Lightner got very little work at times and a Br. Bou[-]hton, editor of the Galena Gazette offered us 50. a month and free passage if we would o ' o St. Croix Falls and oversee a hotel in which he was interested. We considered this a blessing and went gladly. We found a man in charge who was a good cook. We engaged him to remain with us as we had about 50 boaders. We did well for awhile then Mr. Light- ner was taken sick with brain fever and my babe with chills and fever. My heart and time were full, for two weeks I never undressed. After each calamity i would hope our troubles were over but hopes were in vain, for my feet began to swell and turn purple. I could not put them to the floor. The Dr. said one was mortified and would have to be amputated to save my life. After praying long and earnestly for some days the pain ceased and swelling gradually went down until I could walk once more. Oh how thankful I was to my heavenly father t at I could once again go about my duties and care for my children, as Mr. Lightner was still in a weakened condition. Then my Aunt Gilbert came from Nauvoo to live with us. She was a great help as no relations were near and none of our faith lived in the place. We were once more getting along nicely as all our provisions were furnished and Aunt assumed much responsibility with the hotel and she was a splendid cook and housekeeper. We could save our salary. On the 20th of September at noon a stranger came to our house, pur- porting to be a physician from Cuincy, Ill. He wanted to sell us some medicine. He had a root, he said, that would cure any kind of cold, liver complaint or bleeding at the lungs. We did not want to buy any but Aunt had liver trouble and was always interested in herbs so he gave her some. He appeared to eat some of it and said it would do us all good. We all tasted it and gave some to my two little boys. In a few moments we were all taken violently ill. At 3:00 o'clock my little boys were dead ( one 10, the other 3). We thought Aunt had passed away also. All three were laid out and covered with a sheet, while Mr. Lightner and myself were not expected to live. Two doctors were in attendance and gave no hopes of our recovery. About nine in the evening to the amazement of all Aunt came fo life, but had con- vulsions for two weeks. The whole town turned out see justice done to the man who gave us the poison. The Mormons were so generally hated that we supposed this man wanted to kill us and took that way, not knowing that any of us would live to tell the tale, as he had urged that the herbs were good for all of us. Well they caught him and put a rope around his neck and raised the window at the front of my bed for me to see them hang him. He was an elderly man with a pleasing countenance; but when I was asked to look my last on him I begged them to desist from their purposes and try him by due course of law. Nothing but my deep sorrow and the fear that I too would soon join my departed children caused them to stop. They confined him to the jail or a building they thought was secure but he had a friend or accomplice in the place who assisted him to escape that night. There was a light snow fall and they tracked him for several days without avail. The next spring a man named [-]each opened an office for land entry, the first of its kind in that part of the country. His office was in our house. He had learned of our trouble and bring a resident of the State of Illinois and doing business in Quincy he discovered that the quack doctor was in Quincy in a hospital in a very bad con- dition. Both feet had b en frozen till the flesh dropped from the bones. He told Mr. Leach that he got lost in the woods after making his escape and would have died if some friendly Indians had not found him and taken care of him until spring, then he was taken aboard the first boat that went down the river in the spring to his home, to be a sufferer all his days. He had escaped the vengeance of man but not of God. ----- new page (VMSS363_F6_I5_p017.jpg) The next spring we moved forty miles down the river to Stillwater on the banks of Lake St. Croix. We resided there until the next spring when we moved to Willow River on the Wisconsin side of the lake. On the third of April my daughter Elizabeth was born. The snow was 2 foot deep on the level. As soon as I was able to travel my husband bought a small farm of 65 acres, opposite of Stillwater; part was heavy timber the rest was under cultivation. We built a 4 room house, but did not get it finished until we moved again. Mr. Lightner bought and horse and cow. In a week we found the horse dead in the stable and soon after that the cow died. It seemed that everything was against us, and as winter was coming on we accepted an offer to keep a three story hotel for 300. will all our supplies, etc. furnished. We were glad to get into a warm house, for the winters were very severe there. The work was very hard on us so in the spring we went back to our home and on the 9th of April my daughter Mary was born. We stayed at home that season then went to Willow River and kept a boarding house for a Mears for two years. A boy was born on the 17th of March. When he was 4 weeks old I was called to go attend the death of my only sister. I went by steamboat to Keokuk and from there to Farmington by stage I stayed five weeks when she passed away. She left 2 boys and 2 girls. She died very strong in the Mormon faith for which I was very thankful. I returned home taking the oldest girl with me, leaving the rest with friends until I could send for them. (Note: I wonder what happened to these children. There is no further mention of them. The next year we moved to Marine on the Minnesota side of the Lake and rented a hotel for $500. per year. While living there I will always believe one of the three Nephites came to our house. We were keeping hotel and getting ready, with extra cooking for a big ball besides expecting a stage full of people to the next meal when a man came and asked for something to eat. My nephew came to the kitchen to tell me. I went into the dining room and told him he could have some dinner. I had a very queer feeling as I looked at him, a solemn feel- ing as though I wanted to be blessed by him. He had no socks on, and when I looked at his shoes they were not dusty and his clothes were clean and neat altho he said he had come a long way. It made me wonder because the roads were so dusty. I told him to sit at one of the tables in a large dining room. I went through another room to the kitchen and began dishing up some food. Aunt Gilbert, who was living with us said, "Shall I cut him a piece of pie"? I said, "No, you know we have a crowd on the next stage and there is plenty for him without pie." Then on second thought I said, "Oh, well, he might as well have it as anyone." I took a piece in to him, when I set it down at the side of his plate he picked it up, raised from his chair and set it down at the other end of the table. I felt queer and I said, "Why, don't you like pie?" He answered, "I don't care for any today." We all felt so strange. He said while eating, "The place where I stayed last night the people think they are Christians but they are not. They are not as good as you are." When he stopped out of the door we all looked at each other and said, "Did you ever have such a strange feeling wonder where he is going"? We went to the door but he was nowhere in sight and it was a mystery to us where he could have gone so soon. I knew he could not have heard our conversation while we were in the kitchen as it was too far away. It puzzled us all. After two years we purchased a two story house and large lot. Then we built a five story hotel for business was increasing at a rapid rate. The house we were in would not accomodate even the travel- ing public and we had forty regular boarders. We had to go in some debt to get it frunished and ready for occupanyt.We were doing well but in the meantime we had mortgaged out property for the debt ex- pecting we could pay it in a few months. Then the war of 1861 came on ----- new page (VMSS363_F6_I5_p018.jpg) [---] to enlist so we lost so many we could not meet the mortgage when due and we lost the whole of our property for which we had labored so hard with many denials. We left the place that held so much misfortune for us, going to Hannib[-]l, Missouri where we lived for a year, waiting for letters from my borther Henry who had gone to Utah with the first aints that were expelled from Nauvoo. We did not hear from him as soon as expected and we were afraid to stay there as we were fro the Union and the people there were slave owners and sided for the South, so we went back to Minnesota, and on October 28th my son Adam was born, being my 10th child. At last the long delayed letter from my Brother arrived informing us there was a large company of men and teams being sent from Utah to Omaha to meet immigrants from England, and that one would be sent for us. Oh how glad we were. It seemed too good to be true. We soon disposed of what we owned, after all our moving around and many mishaps and hardships. ( The following was taken from a small grey backed book which was a daily diary, written in pencil ) On May 25th, 1863 we embarked on the steamer "Canada" for St. Louis. Our quarters were on the lower deck. All was neat and clean. We slept on our baggage. The next day they began taking on wheat until the boat was heavily freighted, so we had no place to cook. The two younger boys down with the measles but I had no place in which to make them comfortable. When we came to Rock Island Bridge, which is a very dangerous place for boats to pass through, we saw a number of vessels near ruined. The passengers on our boat were panic stricken after we attempted passing 5 ti es before getting through. Two days later they took on 17 horses on the lower deck, which made the atmos- phere terrible. In the evening some soldiers came aboard with foul company. Brute beasts filled the place, and conditions were almost intolerable. On the 29th they unloaded grain at Montrose. Nauvoo lies on the opposite bank and looks deserted. One corner alone re- mained of that once beautiful structure. It was raining hard or I should have crossed the river to see it nearer. As I looked at it and thought of what it once was, what it stood for, and the city around it had blossomed forth in beauty with its population of 17,000 inhabitants, I mourned over its present condition. I thought, "Can it be that I shall see this place no more, where once the Prophet stood and moved the hearts of the people to worship God according to the new and everlasting covenant, revealed through him to this gener- ation, and where he gave himself a martyr for the cause he taught." On Saturday arrived in t. Louis, and went aboard the steamer "Fanny Ogden" for St. Joseph. We were to have a stove to cook on so laid in a supply of provisions, but we were transferred to the upper deck until the storing of Government supplies was completed, then 500 mules and horses were taken aboard, consequently we had to remain on the upper deck all the way from there to Omaha, with just bread and dried beef to eat, as the dock hands had stolen our vegetables. We were crowded and for two days sat near a box containing a corpse. Progress was slow. Half the time on sand bars. A steamer passing gave us word that the rebels were gathering in great numbers. There was a con on and soldiers on board for our protection. The men built a breastwork of sacks of grain and tobacco and all hands prepared fro action. June 3rd all was excitement. At Lexington the town was almost destroyed by cannon. It was here my husbands brother was killed. We passed a gloomy night, some doubled up on trunks and any way to get a little rest but strange as it may ----- new page (VMSS363_F6_I5_p019.jpg) good well of water which we appreciated. Baked a shortcake for supper had fried bacon, all after dark. Tired to death. Lost the children's pet rabbit. Aug. 2nd. A train of Government soldiers passed ut to settle some difficulty with the Indians and Gold seekers. Our train stopped to fix wagons and do the washings. You folks danced and played until midnight. We always have prayers in the evening. August 3rd. Saw some returned Californians, they spoke well of t e Mormons in the valley. One of our cows died from drinking alkali water and saw six dead one. Aug. 4th. Lost an ox; a child fell out of a wagon, the wheel passed over both limbs but it didn't seem to be much hurt. Passed 16 dead cattle from the other train. A heavy loss. Aug. 8 Came to a telegraph station. Quite little place. Saw a long freight train. Had coffee, bread and thickened m lf for dinner. Caught up and passed through the train ahead. All well. August 10th. Came to another station, crossed the Flatte river bridge, a good structure. Camped on a hill. More dead cattle. Prospects look gloomy enough. Elizabeth crazy all night with toothache. Aug. 11th The anniversary of our wedding day. Twenty five years of joys and sorrows, never to be forgotten. Came to the "Devil's Backbone" a long range of rocks, looks like it had been thrown up from beneath, and point- in up like ice in a jam. A singular sight. A company of gold seekers camped near us. We lost more cattle. We came to saleratus lake. Cut our a quantity to take with us as the captain said there was none in the valley. Aug. 13th. Passed another station, also Devil's Gate, which consists of two mountains of rocks so near together that a wagon just can pass through them. Perpendicular walls on either side and so high a man would look like a small boy if on top. Aug. 15th had breakfast of bacon, fried cakes and coffee; traveled on good roads, stopped to cook dinner, the wind blowing a gale over us. I think we will get our proverbial peck of dust before we get through. Our cow is sick, no milk for two days. Sage hens and rabbits were killed today. We have had fresh meat just once since leaving the Mississippi river. Sand all day. feel sick and cross. Seems like we always get a horrible place to camp. August 17th. aw mountains covered with snow in the distance; up and down hills all day. Camped in a good place for a wonder. I am writing by firelight. Danes are at prayers, our folks the same while I, poor sinner am baking bread. I don't like our preacher, he strokes his beard too much and speaks too low. Aug. 18th. Saw many antelope; two killed, Captain gave me a nice piece. Camped on a hill for dinner. A beautiful day but so cold that ice formed in our buckets as thick as a knife blade. The captain says we are greatly blessed to what some companies are. Snow in sight, cool for August. We are on the highest land on this side of the Missippi. Here the rivers flow toward the Atlantic, on the western slope they flow toward the Pacific. Scenery grand. A 400 pound bear was killed, divided among our company. I could not bear to eat any. I don't believe they were meant for man's food. We are not in Utah but I don't see any change for the better in the face of the land, though I can't see much anyway, have ben sick for a week. Crossed Green river Sunday evening. It is a beautiful stream with many trees on its banks. Two trains are behind us, makes us hurry to keep ahead as the roads are so dusty we can hardly see ahead. Stopped at a station where our men were reqiored to take the oath of allegiance to the United States Gov't. Our wagons were searched for powder, etc. Not much to say, have been too sick. Was administered to by Brothers Stork and [-]art n. Helped Immedi- ately. Mr. L. says if he finds the people as good when we get to the valley as these he will join the church. He looks too frequently at the acts of men rather than the principles of the Church. Saw two stage coaches pass and more travelers today which makes it look more like the land of the living. Snow all around in the mountains, and down here we are smothered with dust. Another stage passed with two missionaries. ----- new page (VMSS363_F6_I5_p020.jpg) [---] Brigham Young Jr. Arrived at Fort Bridger, a nice substantial building. Looks comfortable. Days warm, nights cold. Last evening we bought some onions and potatoes which were a treat. They did us good as we were getting the canker from so long a diet on salt pork. The earth is of reddish color, mountains greener. Aug. 31st. Passed through mountains in a round about way; they look solemn in their granduer, rising so high with ve dure of many colors, and rocks of various colors and shades look lovely to me. I would like to paint them. One curiosity here is a spring of far. They use it for their wagons. Weather is cold. Passed a mail station also a field of grain. There were some singular looking rocks, reddish and sprinkled with pebbles. The earth looks like burnt brick. Near is a large cave in a rock called the Cascades. Some fruit was brought in @ famine prices. Apples 11c each. Sept. 1st. Passed through Echo Canyon. The scenery is beautiful to behold. Such rocks you never saw. Passed a few houses and potato patches. From ap- pearances Uncle Sam feeds his men pretty well. I am weak today as we have been on short rations for a week and with breathing of so much alkali dust we are not feeling so well. Camped near the town of Weber. Then over a narrow road on the side of a mountain. Looked dangerous. Came to W. Kimball's ranch. He is rich in cattle and sheep. Sept. 3rd. Rained last night, the first time since leaving the Platte River. I hope it will lay the dust. September 15th. Arrived in Salt Lake City on Emigration Square. All well. Went through some of the streets. There were some beautiful homes, or- chards and shade trees. Sept. 17th. My brother Henry, whom we had not seen for twenty years came to meet us with his mule team, and took us south toward Beaver County. Stopped at an old friends in Springville. Traveled through a lovely country. Saw a boiling spring and a large cold spring so deep they had never found a bottom. It was full of fish. Sept. 20th. Arrived in Minersville (1963). There were my dear mother and sister Phoebe, all so happy to see us. We were thankful to find friends and a home after an arduous journey of one thousand miles in an ox team, besides our trips in the steamers from Stillwater to Omaha. At last as the Prophet had prophesied, I had gotten back to the Church and the Saints. In time we got settled and Mr. Lightner being a carpenter had work to do. I could always have sewing of men's suits and buttonholes as I was quite proficient with the needle. Then I taught school. I had some married men in my school. I always had plenty to do to keep me busy with five children the youngest a year old. We had our ups and downs through the years, the children married off, all but Adam the youngest, who passed away at 28, unmarried. The authorities stopped at our home many times and Brigham always came to see us. He would have moved us to the City if I would go. It seems I was destined to live in Southern Utah until after my husband died. I then went to Ogden to live with my son (Charles) and finally back to Miners- villed with my daughter Mary. (Mary, grandmother Carter Rollins, was 13 when they crossed the plains and I have heard my father say that she walked all of the way, barefoot.) Brother Hever C. Kimball prophesied the following to me one time when I was visiting in Salt Lake. We were standing in the old endowment house talking about the Prophet when he said, "Sister Lightner, you will see Joseph again before you die." After Brother Kimball's death I was sitting in my doorway, one very warm Sunday evening. (I was living in Minersville then). I sat pondering over a sermon I had heard that afternoon in church and was humming "All is well". There was no screen, neither porch. Sud- denly I saw, just outside the door three men. They stood about two feet from the ground. These men were the Prophet Joseph, Hyrum, his brother ----- new page (VMSS363_F6_I5_p021.jpg) and Heber C. Kimball. Joseph stood in the middle with his arm around each of their shoulders. They were bowing and smiling at me. Can you imagine my feelings, there before me, the beloved Prophet and Hyrum, with my friend Hever, as I had known them in life. The dear Prophet as I had known him when we lived neighbors in that land where he had inspired his followers to worship their Creator according to the New and Everlasting covenant, as revealed in these last days. Now I was looking into those clear blue eyes as I had done years ago when he had answered my many questions about the gospel, eyes which could read your innermost thoughts. Joseph and Hyrum who were perse- cuted, mobbed and who like the Disciples of Jesus were martyrs for the Gospel's sake, there with our mutual friend Heber C. Kimball. I looked around, pinched my arm to see if I was dreaming. As they were still bowing and smiling I decided to shake hands with them. Trembling with joy I arose, took a step forward and extended my hand. They be- fading away as the going down of the sun. Brother Kimball had helped in the fulfilling of his own prophesy. The following are letters the grandmother received from B.Y. and some of the sisters Presidents Office, Great Salt L.C. May 30, 1864 Mrs. Mary E. Lightner Minersville, Beaver Co. Dear Sister: Your favor of may 20th has come to hand. I am pleased to learn from it of the improvements which are being made at Minersville and of the circumstances of the people. I am sorry that Bro. Henry has such poor health. There is no need for him to have feelings of sorrow through the idea that he is under my displeasure because he went to California with Bro. A.M. Lyman. I have no feeling against Bro. Henry because of his going there, and I feel that all is right with him if he himself will do right. Those who upbraid him with being a Calif- ornian, and on that account despise his counsel as Bishop would do well to look to their own standing; for such a spirit, if indulged in will sooner or later, bring them into trouble and into the very position of which they accuse him of bein in. Let Bro. Henry take a straight- forward upright course, and he need not fear respecting his influence, he will have all he needs with the good, but nobody can give him in- fluence. Two men holding the same priesthood and officiating in the same calling will differ very much in their influence among the people, and this difference is attributable to the course which each takes. It is not position alone which gives men influence; but it can be ob- tained only by pursuing a thoroughly wise and consistent course. Whatever prejudice may, at present exist in the minds of any against Brother Henry Rollins because of his past connection with A.M. Lyman will melt away in a short time if he continues faithful and attentive to his duties. With love to you, to him and the family, and praying the Lord to bless you. I remain your Brother Brigham Young P.S. This is as nigh as I can explain in this short letter. Grandmother Lightner was sealed to Joseph Smith in the Masonic Hall over the old brick store in Feb. 1842, by B. Young and again in the Nauvoo Temple by Heber C. Kimball when B. Young acted as proxy for J.S. ----- new page (VMSS363_F6_I6_p001.jpg) B. Y. U. April 14, 1905. Remarks by SISTER MARY E. LIGHTNER WHO WAS SEALED TO JOSEPH SMITH in 1842. She is 87 years of age. Well, my young brethren I can say I never was more surprised in my life than to be called upon to speak to you young men who are called up- on to go into the mission field to preach the Gospel to the nations of the earth. It is true I have been in the Church from the beginning. Just six months after it was organized I joined it. I have been acquaint- ed with all of those who were first members of this Church, with all those who saw the plates and handled them; those who even saw the angel Moroni, who came to them. I am well acquainted with every one of them and I have known them from the time that they came to Ohio until their death; and I am the only living witness who was at the first meeting that the Prophet held in Kirtland. The Smith family were driven from New York, and a small Church had been organized. Oliver Cowdery, Peter Whitmer, and Ziba Peter- son were members. Well I being anxious, though young, to learn about the plates from those who knew all about it, my mother and I went up to the Smith family the next night after they came to Kirtland. As I went in there were two or three others present. They were all there, the whole Smith family, from the old gentleman and his wife to all the sons and daughters. As we stood there talking to them, Joseph and Martin Harris came in. Said he "There are enough here to hold a little meeting." Joseph looked around very solemnly. It was the first time some of them had ever seen him. They got a board and put it across two chairs to make seats. Martin Harris sat on a little box at Joseph's feet. They sang and prayed. Joseph got up and began to speak to us. As he began to speak very solemnly and very earnestly all at once his countenance chang- ed and he stood mute. Those who looked at him that day said there was a search light within him, over part of his body. I never saw anything like it on the earth. I could not take my eyes off of him. He got so white that anyone who saw him thought he was transparent. I remember I thought I could almost see the bones through the flesh. I have been through many changes since, but that is photographed on my brain. I shall remember it and see in my mind's eye as long as I remain upon the earth. ----- new page (VMSS363_F6_I6_p002.jpg) He stood some minutes. He looked over the congregation as if to pierce every heart. Said he: 'do you know who has been in your midst?' One of the Smiths said 'an angel of the Lord.' Martin Harris said:" it was our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ'. Joseph put his hands down on Martin and said: "God revealed that to you. Brothers and Sisters, the spirit of God has been in your midst. The Savior has been here this night and I want to tell you to remember it. There is a vail over your eyes for you could not endure to look upon Him. You must be fed with milk not with strong meat. I want you to remember this as if it were the last thing that escaped my lips. He has given all of you to me and has sealed you up to everlasting life that where he is there you may be also. And if you are tempted of Satan say ' get thee behind me, Satan.'" These words are figured upon my brain; and I never took my eyes off his countenance. Then he knelt down and prayed. I have never heard anything like it before or since. I felt that he was talking to the Lord and that [---] rested down upon us in every fiber of our bodies, and we received a sermon from the lips of the representative of God. Much has come and gone from me through the powers and vicissitudes of this Church. I have been in almost every mob. I have [-] been driven about and told I would be shot and had a gun pointed at me, but I stayed with the Church until it was driven from Nauvoo. The words of the Prophet that had been revealed to him have always been with me from the beginning to the end of the Gospel. Every principle that has been given in the Church by the Prophet is true. I know whereon I stand, I know what I believe, I know what I know and I know what I testify to you is the living truth. As I expect to meet it at the bar of the eternal Jehovah it is true. And when you stand before the bar you will know. He preached polygamy and he not only preached it but he practised it. I am a living witness to it. It was given to him before he gave it to the Church. An Angel came to him and the last time he came with a drawn sword in his hand and told Joseph if he did not go into that principle he would slay him. Joseph said he talked to him soberly about it, and told him it was an abomination and quoted scripture to him. ----- new page (VMSS363_F6_I6_p003.jpg) He said in the Book of Mormon it was an abomination in the eyes of the Lord, and they were to adhere to these things except the Lord speak. I am the first being that the revelation was given to him for and I was one thousand miles away in Missouri for we went up to Jackson County in MI. I was there in all the tribulations and trials. I have been in houses that have been stoned. The rocks have been thrown criss-cross in every direction. I have seen the Brethern shot and ruined for life. I saw the first martyr dead and a more heavenly corpse I never saw or expect to see on the face of the earth. His face was so happy. I have seen our Bishop tarred and feathered, in the streets of Missouri. They took off his shirt and covered him with tar and then took a pillow and turned the feathers over him. I looked at him and I thought if ever man was counted worthy to be a martyr he was. His life proved it for he lived an upright honorable life and was beloved by the Prophet while he lived and after he died the Prophet honored him. Two of his sisters were Joseph's wives. Emma took them by the hand and gave them to Joseph. I asked him if Emma knew about me, and he said 'Emma things the world of you.' I was not sealed to him until I had a witness. I had been dreaming for a number of years I was his wife. I thought I was a great sinner. I prayed to God to take it from me for I felt it was a sin; but when Joseph sent for me told me all of these things. 'Well' said I, 'don't you think it was an angel of the Devil that told you these things?' Said he 'No. It was an angel of God. God Almighty showed me the difference between an angel of Light and Satan's angels. The angel came to me three times between the year of '34 and '42 and said I was to obey that principle or he would slay me.' But', said he' they called me false and fallen prophet but I am more in favor with my God this day than I ever was in all my life before. I know that I shall be saved in the Kingdom of God. I have the oath of God upon it and God cannot lie. All that He gives me I shall take with me for I have that authority and that power conferred upon me. 'Well, I talked with him for a long time and finally I told him, 'I would have a witness.' Said I 'If Go God told you that why does he not tell me?' He asked me if I was going to be a traitor. 'I have never told a mortal and shall never tell a mortal I had such talk from a married man,' said I. ----- new page (VMSS363_F6_I6_p004.jpg) 'Well said he,' pray earnestly for the angel said to me you should have a witness.' Well Brigham Young was with me. He said if I had a witness he wanted to know it. 'Why should I tell you?' said I. 'Well' said he, 'I want to know for myself.' Said he 'do you know what Joseph said? Since we left the office the angel appeared to him and told him he was well pleased with him and that you should have a witness.' I made it a subject of prayer and I worried about it because I did not dare to speak to a living being except Brigham Young. I went out and got between three hay-stacks where no one could seen me. As I knelt down I thought why not pray as Moses did? He prayed with his hands raised. When his hands were raised Israel was victorious but when they were not raised the Philistines were victorious. I lifted my hands and I have heard Joseph say the angels covered their faces. I knelt down and if ever a poor mortal prayed I did. A few nights after that an angel of the Lord came to me and if ever a thrill went through a mortal it went through me. I gazed upon the clothes and figure but the eyes were like lightening. They pierced me from the crown of my head to the soles of me feet. I was frightened almost to death for a moment. I tried to waken my aunt but I could not. The angel leaned over me and the light was very great although it was night. When my aunt woke up she said she had seen a figure in white robes pass from our bed to my mother's bed and pass out of the window. Joseph came the next Sabbath. He said, 'have you had a witness yet?' 'No.' 'Well' said he the angel expressly told me you should have. Said I' I have not had a witness, but I have seen something I have never seen before. I saw an angel and I was frightened almost to death. I did not speak. 'He studied awhile and put his elbows on his knees and his face in his hands. He looked up and said, 'How could you have been such a coward? 'Said I, 'I was weak.' 'Did you think to say, 'Father help me?' 'No.' 'Well if you had just said that your mouth would have been opened for that was an angel of the living God. He came to you with more knowlege, intellige- nce, and light than I ever dared to reveal.' I said, 'If that was an angel of light why did he not speak to me?' 'You covered your face and for this reason the angel was insulted.' Said I 'will it ever come again?' He ----- new page (VMSS363_F6_I6_p005.jpg) thought a moment and then said, No. Not the same one, but if you are faithful you shall see greater things than that.' And then he gave me three signs of what would take place in my own family, although my husband was far away from me at the time. Every word came true. I went forward and was sealed to him. Brigham Young performed the sealing, and Heber C. Kimball the blessing. I know he had six wives and I have known some of them from childhood up. I know he had three children. They told me. I think two are living today but they are not known as his children as they go by other names. These are things I can testify to as the living truth and I have told it to the Josephites. There is a great deal said about this Church and the Joseph- ites. I never knew of Joseph appointing him to be the prophet. I have never known him to say it, and I have known the boy ever since he was twelve years of age. I heard Joseph say this: 'I have rolled this Kingdom off of my shoulders on to the shoulders of the Twelve and they can carry out this work and build up His Kingdom'. Said he, 'I am tired, I have been mobbed, I have suffered so much, from outsiders and from my own family. Some of the brethren think they can carry this work on better than I can, far better. I have ask- ed the Lord to take me away. I have to seal my testimony to this generation with my blood. I have to do it for this work will never progress until I am gone for the testimony is of no force until the testator is dead. People little know who I am when they talk about me, and they never will know until they see me weighed in the balance in the Kingdom of God. Then they will know who I am, and see me as I am. I dare not tell them and they do not know me'. These words were spoken with such power that they penetrated the heart of every soul that believed on him. Now about these Josephites--I have not a word to say about Joseph. He is doing a good work in the first Principles. He does not believe in endowments; he does not believe in some other things; and he does not recognize this Church as the true Church. But we have one criterion to go by. Joseph said, 'The servant cannot be greater than the Master. If they persecute me they will persecute you.' Has his son Joseph ever been persecuted? Have they been whipped, and murdered in cold blood? They can go into the world as members of the reorganised Church. They do not believe the right one took Joseph's place. ----- new page (VMSS363_F6_I6_p006.jpg) But let me tell you this Gospel is going to spread, and you young men who are going on missions give your hearts to God, for He said, "Young man, give me thy heart." And if you do give Him your hearts and pray to the heavens above the spirit of God and the Holy Ghost will rest upon you. If the great soul that rules in heaven and on earth, and the inspir- ation of the spirit comes down and rests in your bosoms you will be able to speak the Light to the people and you will gain a great reward. Just speaking of yourself in your own strength the spirit is withdrawn. You will have no power that will reach the heart. It may tickle the ear, but you must have the power of the Almighty. You must have the angles to be your companions and rest upon you. Let them be your guide in health and truble. May you ever drink of the water of intelligence that flows from the throne of God. God, Almighty will guide you and direct you and you will walk in the paths of truth and you will receive your re- ward as His servants for the good deeds you have done on this earth. This is my testimoney and I hope and pray you will believe me for I have received it from the servants heart, and when that servant comes he will own his people if they are faithful and humble. A trying hour and darkest hours are in the future before us and it is only those who are humble, contrite, and honest before God and endure to the end who shall receive the blessings. Faith will be trampled down and there will be detractions come upon those who are not honest. These are things I tell you and they are true and you will see that they are, if you live long enough. All I have said to you about the future will come to pass just as sure as the sun shines in the [---]. May God bless you and let you be on the alert to receive the [--]rds of light that are given to you by His servants. You will all be tired by darkness and the powers of darkness will come to you, but put your trust in your heavenly father, let him be your guide and support for He is the everlasting light worlds with- out ends. I hope you will excuse me for being a little agitated but it is a terrible tax for me to come and get up to speak. But I want you to remember what I have said, that is my testimony, as long as you live. I want to say to you as I said before that Joseph said if I was faithful I should see greater things than the angle. Since then I have seen other persons three came together and stood before me just as the sun went ----- new page (VMSS363_F6_I6_p007.jpg) down. Joseph, Hyrum and Heber C. Kimball. It was prophecied that I should see Joseph before I died. Still I had not been thinking about that. I was thinking about a sermon I had heard. All at once I looked up and they stood before me. Joseph stood in the middle in a circle like the new moon and he stood with his arms over their shoulders. They bowed to me about a dozen times or more. I pinched myself to be sure I was awake, and I looked around the room to see where I had placed things. I thought I would shake hands with them. They saw my con- fusion and understood it and they laughed, and I thought Brother Kimball would kill himself laughing. I had no fear. As I want to shake hands with them they bowed, smiled, and began to fade. They went like a cloud behind a mountain. It gave me more courage and hope than I ever had before. Sister Lightner stated that she had ten children, seven of them were boys and she had raised three of them to manhood. She has one daughter in the Church. [Signed: Mary E. R. Lightner. Sadie Preston - Stenographer. Being asked concering her husband Sister Lightner said. 'My husband did not belong to the Church. I begged and pled with him to join but he would not. He said he did not believe in it though he the thought a great deal of Joseph. He sacrificed his property rather than testify against Joseph, Hyrum, and Geo S.Smith. After he said this I went forward and was sealed to Joseph for Eternity.' We her daughter and grand daughter have heard her tell this and much more ever since we can remember. Mary R. Rollins. Elsie E. Barrell ----- new page (VMSS363_F6_I7_p001.jpg) recolect reccolect Minersville Feb 25th 1902 Mrs. C.K. Lush My Dear Niece, Mother wished me to write down the following bits of our Family History as near as she can remember. does not reccolect dates. her story My Grandmothers maiden name was Mary Simons She married James VanBenThuysen, of Albany N.Y. There were four Children Born to them as follows Henry, Keziah, Elizabeth, & John. Grandfather van Ben Thuysen met his death by slipping on some ice on the Porch of some Hotel. Grandmother Van BenThuysen moved to Canada taking the youngest child John, with her. She (Grandmother) had a Sister who married John Winn[-] of Albany N.Y. he must have had some thing to do with the two Girls, Keziah & Elizabeth, as he sent them West, and gave them away. Grandfather VanBenThusyen, had a Brother Nathan VanBenThuysen, who owned a Large shoe store (as near as I can remember) in Albany N.Y. My Aunt Elizabeth V.B.Thuysen Married A.S. Gilbert, of New Haven Conn. My Mother Keziah V B Thuysen. Married John P Rollins from Vermont (do not know what place) he had a Brother Lucian or Lucius Rollins, who was Taken Prisoner by the British in the Revolutionary War, and taken to Canada, Mother never heard any thing more, or knew what became of him. My Father was ship wrecked on Lake Ontario in 1820 or 1821. the supposition is that he was drowned, his Prim[--] ----- new page (VMSS363_F6_I7_p002.jpg) Papers relating to our Family History went down with him, there were three Children Born to them namely James Henry Rollins, Mary Elizabeth Rollins (myself) and Caroline Amelia Rollins. I can remember mothers oldest Brother coming to our house, after Father was drowned, and mother gave him Fathers gun. I was about 7 years old. in 1831 or 32 Mother received a letter from her brother John stating that he was coming to see her, and that she would not only find a Brother, but a friend. Mother lost the Letter, before she could answer it, and she never heard form him again. Mother, & Aunt Gilbert, always believed that they were Robbed of their inheritance, by this John Winnie, as their reccolections of their Parents James and Mary VanBenThuysen, were that they were very wealthy, Aunt Gilbert says she can remember trying to lift a heavey, Solid Silver Pr. of Candle Sticks off of the floor, and could not do it she was about 6 or 7 years old, and after she married A. S. Gilbert, she went to visit this John Winnie, (her Aunt his wife being dead) she distinctly remembers of seeing her mothers set of Rich Furs, there, she said, the Old Servant that waited on her Aunt during her illness, kept moaning over and over before she died, saying if she could only see (Keeshblatt, meaning Elizabeth, I spell it as she Pronoun it, Aunt Gilbert thought she wanted to tell her about the Property, but Uncle Gilbert asked John Winnie, if; there was not some property for the Girls, meaning Elizabeth, his wife, and Keziah my mother, and he said hurriedly, Oh, no, no. I married Adam Lightner ----- new page (VMSS363_F6_I8_p001.jpg) [Writing on left margin] DESERT EVENING NEWS 20 Feb 1904 p. 24. [Column 1] [---] [--] [---] poor [---] [---] of life. [---] [---] the Saints have good in [--] and were willing [---] [---]d for the comfort of [---] [---] here. Th[-]s [---] to the [---] they have [---] never afraid to defend [---]nd the character of the [---] as best they can. At Key West. ation of the Gospel Mes- age at That Place. [--] datd Key West. [---], Feb. [---] by Elder E. D. Davis Walker the witers say [-] [-] November of [-]ast year we [---] to bear the revealed to the inhabitants of Key [-] for [---] be learned no El- [-] the days of the restoration [---] on this stand [---] [---]. time we called upon M[--]or nd acquainted him with our [-] in [---] to appointment [---] [---] E. [---] of this mis- [-] asked of [---] city has any [-] or [---] for us. We daily [---] and told to pr- [-] our work according to our [---] [---] to [---] with their [---] [---] [---]d of s on the streets. We were to [---], Atty. Maloney and [--] [---] also P[---] Jun- [--] and many other prominent all of whom we must [---] gave rty [--] [---]. [--] [---] [---] was [--] [---] [--] [---] the [---] [-] of Key [-] opponents [---]d com[---] [--] while holding a meeting [---]z[-] of Mr Otto's drug [---] [--] [--] [---] [--] thing [--] [-] [---] [---] from [-] who [---] us to [---] ou[-] as soon as possible. on a[-]- [---] [---] from that neigh- [--] postpone our meeting un- arrangements could be made. [---] in a little conferance. [---] the mayor had looked situation and when our [---] [---] with the understanding [---] are to be placed [---] as heretofore. The re- [---] [---] meetings was and the intended check on our [---] was turned into a bless- quietly submitted to the up of our meeting to avoid [-] in court. though undoubted- old have been acquitted. Our [-] was rewarded. [---]e of our work we find [-] falsehoods that have been [---] the beginning. At a rul[-] [-]e have been fair enough to r story." and as a result our re many. They have liberally our literature. We also [---] some privileges that are out of the ordinary, haritable Cuban by the name [-] [---] the [---] and s[-]ell- [---] San Carlos in the city. [--]d with attention while we [--] [---] our mission. He then [---] it his duty to do some- [---]us, [---] were granted f the [---] [---] for Sunday [---] but for night meetings the lighting. Our pieces for meeting, as before suggested. been limited to San Carlos. [---] roofless churches, ones [--] [---] box for a pulpit. It [--] market on the beach. We [---] from the p[---] [-] [---] and business n the wharf. In lumber [---] [-] under [---]. [-] the close of last month we [---] with a [---] from Pre[--]- E. [---]. He was returning [---] tour among [---] many [---] [--] [---] been investigat- [---] [-] and advisablity of [-] [---] [---]nary work. [Column 2] [---] [---] [---] [---] Sunday to [---] He is in the "gall of bitterness" him- self and he [---] his arguments from [---] [---] [---] of a [---] frame of mind. Th[--]e with the regular [---]- [---] and [---] made to [---] [---] by the [---] [---] [---] [-] [---]- [---]. [---] to talk with us on religion [-]or receive our [---]. [--] [---] we have to [---] [---]. We have how- ever, been wonderfully blessed and have [---] all thanks [-] [--] [---] of fasting and prayer. In a [---] way we have been received on [--] [---] [---] generally and are favored with the privilege of [---] f[---]ntly with the people in their private [---] [---]. We [---] [-] [-] [---] [-] [---] we are re- ceiving the "News" direct from the [---]. It is always welcome. RAN FROM THE MOB. How Two Young Girls Saved Copies of the Commandments. Minersville, Utah. Feb. 12. -- I note in the Deseret News of Jan, 15 of a Brother Taylor believing he was the only person to [---] a few of the first commandments or revelations printed in Independence, Mo. When the mob was tearing down the printing office, a two story building, driving Brother Phelps' family out of the lower part of the house they (the mob) brought out some large sheets of paper, saying, "Here are the Mormon commandments." My sister, 12 years old (I was then 10) and myself were in a corner of a [---] watching them. When they spoke about them being the commandments, I was determined to have some of them. So while their backs were turned, [-]rying out the g[--] [--] end of the house, we ran and grabbed up all we could carry in our arms. As we turned away, two of the mob got down off the house and called for us to stop, but we ran as fast as we could, through a gap in the fence into a large corn field, and the two men after us. We ran a long way in the field, hid the papers on the ground, then laid down on top of them. The corn was very high and thick. They hunted all around us, but did not see us. After we were satisfied they had given up the search, we tried to find our way out of the field. The corn was so tall we thought we were lost. In looking up we saw some trees that had been [---] to [---] them. We followed them and came to an old log stable, which looked like it had not been used for years. Sister [---] and family were there, carrying in brush and pil- ing it up on one side of the stable to make their beds on. She asked us what we had. We told her and also how we came by them. She took them and placed them between her beds. Subsequently Oliver Cowdery bound them in small books and gave me one. I gave it to Apostle Richards shortly before he died. We [-]ave one, however, that belonged to Sidney Gilbert. Soon after the mob tore the printing office down, I saw them tar and feather Brother Partridge and Allen in in the streets of Independence. I joined the Church in 18[--]. MARY E. ROLLINS LIGHTNER. SPEAKING OF SENATOR SMOOT Elders Find People Ignorat o The Point In Controversy. The [---] paragraphs are from a letter signed in [---] L[---] A. Lee and John W. Chambers, Jr.: The work of the Lord is progressing favorably in Yankton, South Dakota and we believe that since our advent last November, a great deal of preju- dice has been destroyed at least. We have conversed with a number of people upon the Senator Smoot case, and with people who [---] to be well informed on ordinary subjects, too. [Column 3] [faded image] WEST BOUNTIFUL'S N[-] Handsome House of Worship, Enfire[-] West Bountiful, Feb. 20 - The accom- panying illustration gives a fairly good idea of the meetinghouse just complet- ed in the West Bountiful ward of Da- [---] Stake. It is situated near the cen- ter of the ward, and just one-half mile north of Wood[--] Cross. The building is remarkable from a number of stand- points. It has been but nine months in course of erection. Ground was broken April 10, [---], and now the build- ing has been completed for one month. But more remarkable than this is the fact that [---] [---] while there are but [---] souls in the ward. Of this number there are [--] widows. This amounts to nearly 1[--] a [---] for men, women and children. There is no [--]- debts [---] whatever on the building. We believe that we should look in vain Edward B[---]y and Oscar Evans as counselors, and Jediah [-]. Muir as sec- ratary. E D [---] was sustained as second assistant superintendent of Sunday school, and Joshua Eldredge as [---]. Sister [---] Brown of E[---] was also sustained as sec- retary of the Primary associations El- der John Cox was sustained as a mem- ber of the High Council and D E. [---] and Joshua Eldredge as alter- nates. Sunday evening the Y. M. and Y. L. M. L. A. conferance was held, at which a good and instructive program was [---]ed, after which Elders Smith and Sharp gave some good instructions to the young people of the stake. At all the meetings the meetinghouse was [---] to its [---] capacity, and the conferance was enjoyed by all who were present. Last, but not least, was the beautiful singing of the Randolph choir conducted by their able leader, R. S. McK[---]. Conferance adjourned for three months to be held in the Lyman ward. T. J. TINGEY, Stake Clerk. Promontory Sunday School Con-
ference. The second annual Sunday school conference was held in the schoolhouse on Sunday, Feb. 11, 1[---] Visitors pres- ent were Bishop James Nelson, Elders O[---] J[---]sen, [---] M. Lee and Charles D Brown and Clarence Horsley of the Boxelder stake, Sunday School [---] board, also M[---] M[---] Mon[---] and Jo[--]e Murphy. Three very interesting sessions were held, the first being de- voted to the regular Sunday school work. S[---] F. C. R[---]n and the teachers are working zealously in [---] interest and their labors have been crowned with success. Forty-one were present at school. The department work, singing, marching, and concert recitation were all in good shape. In the afternoon addresses were giv- en by the visitors on Sunday school work. the [---] of parents and the Gospel. In the evening an excellent program was [---] by all the Sunday school children. Useful prizes in the shape of good books were presented by S[---]. [Column 4] for a parrallel to Great credit is for his unceasing commit[---], cons [---], Bryant S X. Pack, should of the praise. exception have to make the [--] The structure [---] and the [-] capable of seat room is octogon are arranged i circles racing of stand and the [--] te slanting [--] [---] make it [-] plete view of t point in the roo[-] [-] Bishop's co[-] of High Priest[-] of every auxili[-] stake. Elder [-] in a prosperous The snowfall [---] so [---] [-] are encouraging Reports of were given by [---]. Elder [-] intendent of Y. Nevp000[ superin A. Bishop J. A. ward. Sister Ja Primary[-]. Bish Lake Shore. B[-] Spanish Fork George Baley ward. Bishop [-] Apostle [---] ment of pr[--] [---] that world/ He ref to come out of come out of [--] place of safety Elders Lemm stake preidency ganization of st [---]d of officers their duties an them. On Sunday af stake officers w [---] sustain feature of our [-] [---]rs rendere Miss F[---]er [--] Wightman. ONE[-] A Well Atten Co The regular [-] the [---]stak [-]any on Sunday and [-]. The me[-] morning under stances. The and the [---] people took [--] [---] [---] f[---] Elder Perkin stand. [---] [--] ELder Bu[---] [-] ----- new page (VMSS363_F6_I9_p003.jpg) Mary [-]. R. Smith, look on Pg 32 & 33 Baptisms page 1 Sealings " 24 Adoptions " 35 History of our Family on Pg 35-36-37-38-39-40-41-42 44 and over on last Pages John Lightner Pg 56 Endowments Pg 23 ----- new page (VMSS363_F6_I9_p005.jpg) For the Dead. HEIR OR PROXY. RELATIONSHIP. Baptized. Confirmed. Witness. Recorder. WHEN ENDOWED. Day. Month. Year. HEIR OR PROXY. BY WHOM ORDAINED Children of Adam Lightner & Mary Trout. Lydia Leghtner (Married John Clemerson) Born July 11-1800. died Aug 11-1873. Abiah " " Jemima work done " Oct 27-1801 Rachel " work done " <& sealed to> Hyram Meeks, " Feb 29-1804. Isaie " Babtised for & wife work done " Oct 22-1807 Adam " " Mary E Rollins, " April 10-1810 " Aug 30. 1885 Jeremiah " Eleza Jane work done " July 16-1813 Lucy Ann " " Jan 18-1816 died, infant Hyram " wife work done " wife work done " Nov 20-1817 Missouri " " " Dec 30 1820 died, infant. John " wife work done. work done, " Nov 27 1823. ----- new page (VMSS363_F6_I9_p006.jpg) 1 Baptisms and Endowments St George WHEN BORN. WHERE BORN. WHEN DIED. WHEN BAPTIZED. NAME OF THE DEAD Day. Month. Year Town. County. Country. Day. Month. Year. Day. Month. Year. Mary Trout. Ga 14 Apl 1891 Adam Lightner 14 Apr 1810 " 30 Aug 1883 , , , Adam Lightner Jr 28 Oct 1861-2 Chicago Minn 21 Sep 1890 , , , Frances Kerr 27th Jan Farmington Iowa St George Thomas Jewell 23 July 1859 Washington Minn 8 Mar 1891 14 Apr 1891 Nathaniel Kerr of Iowa 1847-8 , , , Rachel Rank S , Clay Mo. In Church Adam Lightner Lancaster Pennsylvania Lexington Abia Lightner Lancaster Co October <27> 1801 John Lightner Lexington Fayette Missouri Nov 27 1823 <1823> Levi E Lightner Jun 24 1913 Jacob Lightner " " "Mary Jewell Springfield Ill U.S.A. Feb 11 191[-] Lucy Lightner Jan 18 191[-] <181> Hyram Meeks Nov 22 <15> 1904 Rachel Lightner Jul 29 1804 D[--]tt How Oct 1811 Ohio U.S.A July 28 1903 Orlando Kerr 15th " 1842 [illegible] Iowa " ----- new page (VMSS363_F6_I9_p007.jpg) For the Dead St George HEIR OR PROXY. RELATIONSHIP. Baptized. Confirmed. Witness. Witness. Recorder. WHEN ENDOWED. HEIR OR PROXY. BY WHOM ORDAINED. Day. Month. Year. Mary E. R. Smith. Daut-law W.W. Bean Horace Thornton Thos. Higgs Ole Swenson A. C. Smyth 15 Apl 1891 Mary E. R. Smith. Henry Walton Hall. males friend ' ' ' ' ' 16 ' Ole Swenson J. D. Rees ' ' ' ' ' ' ' 16 ' ' Hans J. Dietrich J. E. Metcalf ' ' ' ' ' ' ' 16 ' Mary E. R. Smith ' ' ' ' ' ' ' 17 ' ' Ole Swenson ' ' ' ' ' ' ' 17 ' ' Hans J. Dietrich Horace Thornton ' ' ' ' ' ' ' 17 ' ' Mary E. R. Smith. EK Puigh Confirmed JL Becaiting 22 Dec 1904 Alexander G. Matheson E. K. Pugh John Nelson Lee W J Henderson " " " M. K Lee 12 Mch 1913 " " " Henrietta Cot by Ed K. Pugh Endowed 23 Dec <1904> JLB T.K.aw [---] 23 [---] 1904 George Jarvis Miles Wm H Thompson 16 " " Janet Hunter Fife Walker Proxy Edwin Eyres Corrected 13 Aug 1903<23 Dec 1879> Edwin Eyre E. K. Pugh " " 14 " " " " Joseph Orton ----- new page (VMSS363_F6_I9_p008.jpg) Baptisms and Endowments 1879 & 1882 St. George No. NAME OF THE DEAD. WHEN BORN. WHERE BORN. TOWN. COUNTY. COUNTRY. WHEN DIED. Day. Month. Year. WHEN BAPTIZED. Day. Month. Year. Mrs E Gilberts Relations Mr Gilbert Brother of 23d May 1882 Eli Gilbert 23d do 1882 Another Brother Both died in Connecticut Mrs Wilson epirins 4 Nov 1879 Randal— Mrs. x Randal Elexander McRea Frances Kerr McRea 27 Jan 1840 Farmington U.S.A Orlando Kerr John Kerr Mary Van Benthuysen 4th Nov 1879 Mrs VanBenthuysen 4th Nov do Mrs Van Benthuysen 4 Nov do Keziah Vanthusen Keziah Vanttewsen do do do x Great Grand Mother Simons do do do x Betsy Simons 4 Nov 1879 x Mrs Gilbert do do do x Betsy Simons do do do Nancy Buckingham 4 Nov 1879 x Auly Winnie do do do x Maria Winnie do do do x Bynthia Winnie do do do x Rachel Winnie 4th Nov 1879 x Ann Winnie do do do x Peggy Batterman do do do x Mrs Gonover do do do x Mrs Dox 4th Nov 1879 x Mrs Van Vaeton do do do Mrs Leanord do do do Mrs Van Bensaler do do do Mrs Snyder Do do do ----- new page (VMSS363_F6_I9_p009.jpg) For the Dead. Heir or Proxy Relationship Baptized Confirmed Witness Witness Recorder When Endowed (Day, Month, Year) Heir or Proxy By Whom Ordained E Gilbert Relations Mr Gilbert Brother of Eli 25 May 1882 Mr Gilbert do do ^ ^ 25 do 1882 Baptized & Endowed Alice Louger 11th March " " 25 27 Feb " " 6 Nov 1879 5 November 1879 " " 20 Nov 1879 21 26 M K. Lex 4 December Alice Louger 5th 1879 " " 12 " " 17 " " 18 " " 19 " " 24 " " 1880 1st January " " " " 4th Feb " " 6 " " 11 " " 12 " " 18 " " 20 " " ----- new page (VMSS363_F6_I9_p010.jpg) 3 Baptisms and Endowments no work yet mch 31-1918No. NAME OF THE DEAD. WHEN BORN. WHERE BORN. WHEN DIED. WHEN BAPTIZED. Day. Month. Year. TOWN. COUNTY. COUNTRY. Day. Month. Year. Day. Month. Year. Albert Dewitt Howe 7 July 1818 Ohio U S. 23 Dec 1879 his wife Mary Jane Kerr " 20 Dec 1838 Far West Missouri 9 Jan 1918 children of above Albert Dewitt Howe 16 May 1856 Minn Simon Arnold Howe 19 Mch 1858 " Frank " Theodore " 1 " 1862 " 28 May 1863 Minn Wiliam Orlando 30 May 1864 corrected " 26 Aug 1866 Edwin Bingham " 12 Nov 1866 " 2 Feb 1908 Fred George " 11 Jan 1870 " 23 Dec 1878 Lenard B. " 16 Sept 1872 Farabout " Daisy " 12 Dec 1875 " : work for above done. Recorded on Page 7 ----- new page (VMSS363_F6_I9_p012.jpg) 4 Baptisms and Endowments No. Name of the Dead. When Born. Where Born. When Died. When Baptized. Day. Month. Year. Town. County. Country. Day. Month. Year. Day. Month. Year. George W. Rollins 19 Mch 1856 San Berdino H county USA 24 Jan. 1820 8 yrs child his wife Jennet McKnight 9 April 1860 Parowan Utah " 22 Oct 1883 12 Oct 1884 Theresa or Teressa Infant Born & died about 1876 "" Jenett Isabel B 21 Sept 1875 23 Oct 1919-12 Oct 1884 James Henry 1878 William George W. Rollins + Jennet Mcknight Kineght were sealed ----- new page (VMSS363_F6_I9_p013.jpg) For the Dead. done by his second wife Mary R Rollins HEIR OR PROXY RELATIONSHIP. Baptized. Confirmed Witness. Witness. Recorder. WHEN ENDOWED. HEIR OR PROXY. BY WHOM ORDAINED. Day. Month. Year. Day. Month.Year. Frank C Perkins " " " " " 22 June 1920 Frank C Perkins Harriet L, B, L, Leanett " 5 April 1922 Together april 13th 1922 in Salt Lake City Temple. Proties John J. Jonassen Sophia W. J. Jonassen A. J. Smith Th. Biesenger H. J. Christeansen [Circled] at the Instance of his son, James Henry Rollins ----- new page (VMSS363_F6_I9_p014.jpg) Baptisms and Endowments [Table below is crossed out with a large X] No. NAME OF THE DEAD. WHEN BORN. WHERE BORN. WHEN DIED. WHEN BAPTIZED. Day. Month. Year. TOWN. COUNTY. COUNTRY. Day. Month. Year. Day. Month. Year. William J Carter 10. Dec 1833 Plattsburg Essex U S A 4 Feb 1895 no record his wife Mary R Lightner 9 April 1851 Willow River in Wisconsin " Charles Elmer Caster (Sealed to the above) Charles Elmer Carter Dec 15 1890 Adopted June 25 1891 Edna Caroline Carter Dec 14 1875 " " Carried to Page 9 work done for 1922, Sept William T Kerr 16 April 1846 Farmington Iowa Aug 1920 ----- new page (VMSS363_F6_I9_p015.jpg) For the Dead. HEIR OR PROXY. RELATIONSHIP. Baptized. Confirmed. Witness. Witness. Recorder. WHEN ENDOWED. HEIR OR PROXY. BY WHOM ORDAINED. Day. Month. Year. David Lenot none 12 Oct 1910 David Lenot Sealed togath Oct 12 work done " " by William J Certer wife. Living Sealed Oct 12 1910 " " April 15 1921 ----- new page (VMSS363_F6_I9_p016.jpg) Baptisms and Endowments No. NAME OF THE DEAD. WHEN BORN. WHERE BORN. WHEN DIED. WHEN BAPTIZED. Day. Month. Year. TOWN. COUNTY. COUNTRY. Day. Month. Year. Day. Month. Year. Joseph Long about 1838 Pittsburg Penn State U. S. A. 5 Oct 1920 Mrs. Long " 1838 " " " ----- new page (VMSS363_F6_I9_p017.jpg) For the Dead. done at the Instance of Mary R Rollins. No Relation HEIR OR PROXY. RELATIONSHIP. Baptized. Confirmed. Witness. Recorder. WHEN ENDOWED. HEIR OR PROXY. BY WHOM ORDAINED. Day. Month Year. 12 Oct 1920 George Marshall Sealed to the above Oct 13-1920 12 Oct 1920 Rachel Marshall. ----- new page (VMSS363_F6_I9_p018.jpg) 7 Baptisms and Endowments No. NAME OF THE DEAD. WHEN BORN. WHERE BORN. WHEN DIED. WHEN BAPTIZED. Day. Month. Year. TOWN. COUNTY. COUNTRY. Day. Month. Year. Day. Month. Year. Albert Dewitt Howe 7 July 1818 Ohio 23 Oct 1879 7 Sept 1920 Mary Jane Kerr 20 Dec 1838 Far West Caldwell Iowa. 9 Jan 1915 7 " " The above were sealed togather as Husband & Wife Sept 23—1920 The following children were sealed to the above 23 Sept 1920 Brother of Mary J Kerr Orlando Kerr 15 Oct 1842 Farmington, Iowa about 1868 Son Theodore Howe 1 Mch 1862 Minn 28 May 1863 " Edwin Binham Howe 12 Nov 1866 " 2 Feb 1908 " Fred George Howe 11 Jan 1870 " 28 Dec 1878 William Orlando 30 May 1864 ----- new page (VMSS363_F6_I9_p019.jpg) For the Dead. This work was done at Instance of cousin Mary R Rollins HEIR OR PROXY. RELATIONSHIP. WHEN ENDOWED. HEIR OR PROXY. BY WHOM ORDAINED. Day. Month. Year. George Marshall none 17 Sept 1920 Geo Marshall Rachel Marshall " 15 " " Rachel " in the St George Temple John G. Hafen Steven R. Burcker Thos R. Forsythe John G Hafen Henry Hall and 26 Aug 1866 Lucy A. E. Hall Sealed to Parents by George F. Whitehead Witness Jos H Lee Fred K Reber ----- new page (VMSS363_F6_I9_p020.jpg) Baptisms and Endowments No. NAME OF THE DEAD. WHEN BORN. WHERE BORN. WHEN DIED. WHEN BAPTIZED. Day. Month. Year. TOWN. COUNTY. COUNTRY. Day. Month. Year. Day. Month. Year. Thomas C. Jewell 1837 U S A 21 Dec. 1907 Caroline Keziah Lightman 18 Oct 1839 Demoines Iowa " " " 21 Dec. 1910 Sealed April 13 - 1922 in Salt Lake City Temple ----- new page (VMSS363_F6_I9_p021.jpg) For the Dead. HEIR OR PROXY. RELATIONSHIP. WHEN ENDOWED. HEIR OR PROXY. BY WHOM ORDAINED. Day. Month. Year. 5 April 1922 John F Jonassen 5 April 1922 Sophia W.F. Jonassen A L Smith Tl Bresenger H.P. Christiansen ----- new page (VMSS363_F6_I9_p022.jpg) Baptisms and Endowments No. NAME OF THE DEAD. WHEN BORN. WHERE BORN. WHEN DIED. WHEN BAPTIZED. Day. Month. Year. TOWN. COUNTY. COUNTRY. Day. Month. Year. Day. Month. Year. William J Carter 10 Dec 1833 Plattsburg Essex N Y 4 Feb 1895 Nov 1884 Mary R Lightner 9 April 1851 River Willow Wisconsin [---] 9 April 1865 Children Adopted or Sealed to the above Charles Eliner Carter 15 Dec 1890 Minersville Beaver C Utah 25 June 1921 Edna Caroline Carter 14 Dec 1875 " " " living A. Earl Carter 23 Mch 1878 " " " " ----- new page (VMSS363_F6_I9_p023.jpg) For the Dead. HEIR OR PROXY. RELATIONSHIP. WHEN ENDOWED. HEIR OR PROXY. BY WHOM ORDAINED. Day. Month. Year. 12 Oct 1910 David Lenord Living 12 Oct 1910 by wife, Sealed 12 Oct 1910 15 April 1921 Sealed 2 Feb 1928 ----- new page (VMSS363_F6_I9_p024.jpg) [column 1] 1 2 3 5 6 4 7 8 9 [column 2] John Clemensen Lydia Lightner Ambrose Clemensen Minerva " Laura " Elmira " James " Mary M. " Lydia " Diantha " John " [column 3] WHEN BORN. Day. Month. Year. 29 Dec 18 1792 11 July 1800 [break in column] Children of the above, adopted or sealed. [column 3 continued] 11 Sept 1823 24 " 1824 24 Oct 1825 13 Sept 1831 7 Aug 1833 25 April 1829 24 Mch 1836 23 Feb 1839 8 Dec 1842 [column 4] WHERE BORN. TOWN. COUNTY. COUNTRY. [column 5] WHEN DIED. Day. Month. Year. 28 Dec 1849 1879 11 Aug 1873 1[-] Dec 1823 26 Oct 1824 6 Nov 1906 7 Nov 1832 about 1920 22 April 1879 " 1889 [column 6] WHEN BAPTIZED Day. Month. Year. Sept 1922 19 Sept 1922 Sept 1922 Sept 1922 ----- new page (VMSS363_F6_I9_p025.jpg) For the Dead. done at the Instance of Mary R L Carter Niece & Cousin HEIR OR PROXY RELATIONSHIP WHEN ENDOWED. HEIR OR PROXY. BY WHOM ORDAINED. Day. Month. Year. 14 Jan 1915 John N Lee 1 May 1915 Melissa Lee. Bp & Endowed Sept 1922 Mary R. L. Carter Bp & Endowed Bp & " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " ----- new page (VMSS363_F6_I9_p026.jpg) 11 Baptisms and Endowments No. NAME OF THE DEAD. WHEN BORN. WHERE BORN. WHEN DIED. WHEN BAPTIZED. DAY. MONTH. YEAR. TOWN. COUNTY. COUNTRY. DAY. MONTH. YEAR. DAY. MONTH. YEAR. Joseph Orson Turley 12 July 1845 Nauvoo Ill. 29 Dec 1916 Elizabeth Lightner 3d. April 1849 Hudson wis or Mississ. 26 Jan 1927 2 boys D.Y. Sealed to Parents St George Temple ----- new page (VMSS363_F6_I9_p027.jpg) For the Dead. HEIR OR PROXY. RELATIONSHIP. WHEN ENDOWED. HEIR OR PROXY. BY WHOM ORDAINED. Day. Month. Year. 13 Sept 1927 30 Jan 1927 Sealed by Henry Hall Sep 14 <1927> by Edna C.C. Mecham 14 Sept 1927 " Edna C.C. Mecham " " "

----- new page (VMSS363_F6_I9_p028.jpg) Baptisms and Endowments No. NAME OF THE DEAD. WHEN BORN. WHERE BORN. WHEN DIED. WHEN BAPTIZED. Day. Month. Year. Town. County. country. Day. Month. Year. Day. Month. Year. Miles Henry Lightner 18 Jun 1837 St Cevit Falls Minn 20 Nov 1847 10 May 1924 John Lightner 9 Feb 1847 Galena Ill. 29 Nov. 1923 ----- new page (VMSS363_F6_I9_p029.jpg) For the Dead. Sister Mary R.L. Barter Lister Rollins HEIR OR PROXY. RELATIONSHIP. Baptized. Confirmed. Witness. Witness. Recorder. WHEN ENDOWED. HEIR OR PROXY. BY WHOM ORDAINED. Sister 6 June 1924 Rausom S Ensign .. Bp & End 1924 St Geo Temple ----- new page (VMSS363_F6_I9_p030.jpg) Baptisms and Endowments I have been endowed for all these women. No. NAME OF THE DEAD. WHEN BORN. WHERE BORN. WHEN DIED. WHEN BAPTIZED. Day. Month. Year. Town. County. Country. Day. Month. Year. Day. Month. Year. Laura Glenrenson 24 Oct 1823 6 Nov 1906 Sept 1922 Mary W .. 25 Aprl 1829 22 April 1879 19 Sept 1922 Lydia .. 24 Mch 1836 Sept 1922 Diantha .. 23 Feb 1839 '" " done in the work for 2 Lightner Rel, women & 6 women for Rachel friends Marsha " " " " 23 VanBenthuysen " " " " " " 15 " " " " 1924 Jan 9 to 31 done work for " Feb 6, 7 &8 " " " " Mch 1/11-2/12-2/13-2/14 " " " Aprl 2/23 2/24 2/23 2/30 May 2/1 2/2 2/7 2/8 2/9 May 2/14 2/15 2/16 2/21 2/22 2/23 2/25 1/30 June 2/4 1/5 1/6 1/26 2/27 2/28 Sept 1/3 2/4 2/5 2/10 2/11 2/12 2/17 2/18 2/19 2/24 2/25 2/26 Oct. 2/1 2/2 " 2/24-25 Susan Caldwell as Colwell Charity " 25 Clara Adeline Howard 1/24 2/25 2/26 2/27 Paid for having 7 women Endowed Paid for having work done for 19 men 14 25 ----- new page (VMSS363_F6_I9_p031.jpg) For the Dead. Mary R. L. C. Rollins HEIR OR PROXY. RELATIONSHIP. WHEN ENDOWED. HEIR OR PROXY. BY WHOM ORDAINED. Day. Month. Year. Cousin Sept 1922 Mary R.L. Carter " Sept 1922 " " " " " " " " " " " " Sept 1922 " for 4 in St George Temple March 1923 1923 8 " S. L. City " June 1923 " 1923 " 23 " " " " " Sept " " 1923 " 15 " " " " " Nov " " 1923 " 18 " " " " Jan 1924 " 1924 " 15 " " " " Feb " " 1924 7 St George Temple Mch " " 1924 " 7 Salt Lake Temple April 1924 18 " May " 15 " June 9 " Sept & Oct 27 St George Temple Feb 24 1925 " " " up to May 9 1925 done work for women [table of numbers] ----- new page (VMSS363_F6_I9_p032.jpg) Baptisms and Endowments No. NAME OF THE DEAD. WHEN BORN. WHERE BORN. WHEN DIED. WHEN BAPTIZED. DAY. MONTH. YEAR. TOWN. COUNTY. YEAR. DAY. MONTH. YEAR. DAY. MONTH. YEAR. Baptized & Endowed have paid for having work done for Samuel Baily 1 Miles Henry Lightner 1 up to June 28 1924 " " 18 men " Oct 2 19251924 " " 6 " Feb Mch. 1925 John Horace Lightner John Horace Lightner 1 B. 3d. June 1909 D. 11 Nov 1921. End. 30 Jan 1924 Charles Stanhope Young 1 March 1925 ________ 28 men ----- new page (VMSS363_F6_I9_p036.jpg) 24 SEALING RECORD [column 1] No. [column 2] NAMED OF PERSONS SEALED. Adam Lightner Jr. Frances Kerr dead Adam Cra[-]k Smyth Rachel Rank dead James Mollins Veriah Van Benthusen dead Adam Lightner Maria dead Adam Lightner first Mary Trout dead [column 3] NAME OF HEIR OR PROXY. Ole Swenson Mary [-]. R. Smith Mary [-]. R. Smith James Bolliner Veriah Van Benthusen Dead Eveline Rollins [column 4] WHEN BORN. Day. Month. Year 28 Oct 1861-2 29 Feb 1840 14 April 1810 14 April 1810 [column 5] WHERE TOWN. Chi[-]ago Minn Farminton Iowa Manchester Sancaster Co Sancaster Penn ----- new page (VMSS363_F6_I9_p037.jpg) FOR THE DEAD. BORN. WHEN DIED. WHEN SEALED. BY WHOM SEALED. WITNESS. WITNESS. COUNTY. COUNTRY. Day. Month. Year. Day. Month. Year. Minn 21 Sep 1890 16 Apl 1891 Andrew Thompson Jr. J. H. Tuttle Lewis Barney Iowa. " " " " " " Lancs. Eng. 17 " " " " Hans Madsen Clay Mo. " " " " " " ----- new page (VMSS363_F6_I9_p038.jpg) SEALING RECORD in St George Temple. No. NAME OF PERSONS SEALED. NAME OF HEIR OR PROXY. WHEN BORN. WHERE Day. Month. Year TOWN Adam Lightner & Wife Mary Trout Lighter The following named children were sealed or adopted to the above Abiah Lightner & Jeminaa his wife Jeremeah " Eliza Jane " " Isaic " Mrs Hyram Lightner John " Missouri " died when Infant Lydia " John Clemerson her Husband Lydia 11 July 1800 ----- new page (VMSS363_F6_I9_p039.jpg) FOR THE DEAD. BORN. WHEN DIED. WHEN SEALED. BY WHOM SEALED. COUNTY. COUNTRY. Day. Month. Year. Day. Month. Year. 27 Jun 1913 J. N. Lee & Wife MkLee " " " Hector McQuarie " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " Mary A Perkins 11 Aug 1863 " " " " " " " " " " " ----- new page (VMSS363_F6_I9_p040.jpg) SEALING RECORD No. NAME OF PERSONS SEALED. NAME OF HEIR OR PROXY. WHEN BORN. Day. Month. Year. Adam Lightner & John N Lee wife Mary Trout Melissa K Lee Abria Lightner & John N. Lee 27 Oct 1801 wife Jemima M. K. Lee Jeremiah Lightner John N. Lee 16 July 1813 & wife Eliza Jane M. K. Lee Hyram Lightner John N Lee John Clemerson John N Lee 29 Dec 1792 & Wife Lydia Lightner M. K. Lee 11 July 1800 John Lightner John N Lee 27 Nov 1823 & wife Mrs John " M. K. Lee Alexander McRae James H Rollins & wife Frances Kerr Mary E. R. Smith Hyram Meeks & wife Rachel Lightner 29 Feb 1804 ----- new page (VMSS363_F6_I9_p041.jpg) [FOR THE DEAD header from previous pages appears] WHEN DIED WHEN SEALED BY WHOM SEALED 28 Nov 1879 27 Jun 1913 [List of "error" names with and x across them appears] 11 Aug 1873 25 May 1882 J.D. McAlister 27 Dec 1904 ----- new page (VMSS363_F6_I9_p042.jpg) SEALING RECORD 71 years Old. Speech by Mary E. Lightner on the 24 of July 1889. Havining been called upon to address you this morning I do so, with some degree of reluctance, knowing that it will take a mightier voice than mine to portray the many and varied scenes thru which this church has passed since it was organized in 1830. and yet thru all its vesisitudes, it has continued to grow and increase in numbers untill the present time. Our forefathers left home and country and endured many years of warfare for the sake of enjoying the freedom of their religious opinions, and they bequeathed to their Posterity and future generations the Legacy of a free Constitution with the inaleneable to worship our Father, in Heaven, as their consience should dictate, however The Mormons, so called, some of them the posterity of these same Fathers, have not enjoyed this priviledge to its full extent, for, by false reports, the world has been made to believe, that the Latter day Saints, as a body, are a sin poluted people, consequently our people have been made to suffer, even as did the Saints of Old. Our Saviour said in speaking to his disciples; if, they persecute me, they will also, persecute you. This saying was verified to the very letter, for many suffered even unto death in the year 1830 our Prophet, Joseph Smith, and Sidney Rigdon, were dragged from their beds in the middle of the night, Tarred and Feathered and other wise brutaly treated. This was the comencement of of a long series of mobing and oppression for the Saints in Jackson Missourie. Bishop Patridge ----- new page (VMSS363_F6_I9_p043.jpg) FOR THE DEAD. BORN. WHEN DIED. WHEN SEALED. BY WHOM SEALED. WITNESS. WITNESS. COUNTY. COUNTRY. Day. Month. Year. Day. Month. Year. and two other bretheren were also Tarred and Feathered. Three were imprisoned in the county jail, others whipped their Houses stoned and torn down over their heads, their anim- -als stolen or killed, their grain and Hay stacks burned or confiscated. after enduring all manner of grieveances they were driven in to Clay County and from there in to Caldwell County, and in that county occurred the Terrible massacre at Hawns Mill, where 18 of our bretheren were shot down in cold blood. one of that number was our Towns man, Father Jameson, also at Crooked River, David Patten one of the 12 Apostles was killed. [60 of our Bretheren were confined in Prision at one time and were treated worse than brutes. all this transpired in our boasted land of Freedom, a land proud of her attainments in civilization, arts and sience. at last we were driven in to the state of Illinois; where we enjoyed comparitive peave for a number of years. prosperity attended them, they built a beautiful city and Temple in which was accomplished a work which will have a bearing for good or evil, thruout the countless ages of Eternity. as the good increased, so also did the works of the Adversary increase to such an extent that our Prophet and Patriarch were murdered, and deep sorrow filled every heart, once more were the Saints compelled to forsake their all, in the midst of winter and seek an asylum far, far from Civilation and the haunts of their Enemies, in our exodus from Illinois our Troubles commenced, with threefold rigor, cold, hunger and disease, swept many to untimely graves. but they endured every trial and hardship with a fortitude born of their ----- new page (VMSS363_F6_I9_p044.jpg) SEALING RECORD belief in the Gospel of God. at Omaha I was shown the graves of over 600 who had died there, and on the plains, I was shown the spot where 16 had frozen to death, so from Omaha to Salt Lake City the plains wer strewn with our dead, no movement marks the spot where those martyrs lie, but he, who gives his Angels charge concerning his Elext, knows their resting place and will give them a Home and a memorial, that will endure when Earths movements shall have passed in to oblivion, who knows; but that when the the foundations of this Earth was laid in our primeval Existance when the morning Stars sang to gather and all the sons of God shouted for joy, they there chose the time of their coming to this earth and the manner of their death and entrance in to the world of Spirits. but now; how changed the scene, we are now in the Valleys of the mountains, the great Temporal Treasure House of the Lord of Hosts, where we have been brot to study the law of our Lord and prepare to purify ourselves against the great day of his coming and in all our future lives may we remember to keep his commandments and walk worthily before him, what I have said in regard to the trials of this church and people is no faney sketch, for I have passed three it all from the beginning and know whereof I speak, may we so live, as to gain the approbation of our Heavenly Father and be permitted to enter in to the marriage supper of the Lamb of God. 1923 copied from the original by M. R. R. ----- new page (VMSS363_F6_I9_p045.jpg) FOR THE DEAD. BORN. WHEN DIED. WHEN SEALED. BY WHOM SEALED. WITNESS. WITNESS. COUNTY. COUNTRY. Day. Month. Year. Day. Month. Year. The Rich men of the Earth, employ the poor men to labor for them, so as to increase their riches, but when their labor is no longer required they cast them off to suffer or die in their poverty but there is one rich man, the possesor of all things, who, employes the poor of the Earth, to work for him early and late to Preach the everlasting Gospel to all nations, kindred, Tongues and people, and when their work is faithfully done, he does not cast them off, but gives to each an everlasting inheritance with Kingdoms and Dominions without end. and such is the Master, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, whom we are trying to serve. Mary E Lightner Copy M.R.L.R. ----- new page (VMSS363_F6_I9_p046.jpg) SEALING RECORD No. NAME OF PERSONS SEALED. NAME OF HEIR OR PROXY. WHEN BORN. WHERE Day. Month. Year TOWN Composed by Mary E Lightner 9th Oct. 1905 87 yrs & 6 month Lord, grant me grace from day to day, And Strength to do thy will, Oh may I walk in wisdoms way. And all thy laws fulfill. And when my days on Earth expire, Dear Lord, Remember me For its my souls sincere desire, That where Thou art, there, I may be. There may I join that Heavenly Host and sing sweet songs of praise. To Father, Son and Holy Ghost, Thru out Eternal days. Copied from the original by M. R. R. 1923 ----- new page (VMSS363_F6_I9_p047.jpg) SEALING RECORD in St George Temple. No. NAME OF PERSONS SEALED. NAME OF HEIR OR PROXY. WHEN BORN. WHERE When Died. When Sealed. By Whom Sealed. Witness. Day. Month. Year TOWN my first composition. age 16 years <1834> Mary E. Lightner when these scenes of life are fled and we, are numbered with the dead. Oh may our souls in glory rise, To meet our Father in the skies. There may we join that hallowed throng, and a glorious Heavenly song Even to him who gave us Birth and died for mortals here on Earth. Yes, Jesus died for all mankind. That Eternal life might find, and in his Glorious Kingdom rest There to dwell amid the blest. copied from the original, by M. R. R. 1923 ----- new page (VMSS363_F6_I9_p048.jpg) SEALING RECORD in St George Temple. No. NAME OF PERSONS SEALED. NAME OF HEIR OR PROXY. WHEN BORN. WHERE Day. Month. Year TOWN Composed by Mary E. Lightner, for Louis Beerman when leaving When to the distant west you go, where Peaceful Rivers gently flow where Breezes blow oer land and sea, Then, o then remember me, when Holy Prophets with you meet To worship at Messiah feet, and you, their face in peace may see, Then, O then remember me. Or, when in the merry dance, Each one has a joyful glance and all, around are full of glee, Then, O then remember me. Or should sad feelings press your heart, For friends with whome you had to part, Let this some consolation be, That I will still remember thee. copied from the original by M. R. R. in 1923. ----- new page (VMSS363_F6_I9_p049.jpg) FOR THE DEAD. BORN. WHEN DIED. WHEN SEALED. BY WHOM SEALED. WITNESS. WITNESS. COUNTY. COUNTRY. Day. Month. Year. Day. Month. Year. My Father, Adam Lightner, had the following Brothers & Sisters Abiah Lightner Born 22 Oct 1801 died in California Hyram " " 20 Nov 1817 Jeremiah " " 16 July 1813 Isaic " " 22 Oct 1807 John " " 27 Nov 1823 Rachel " " 29 Feb 1804 Married Hyrum Mueler Lydia " " 11 July 1800 " John Clemenson Missourie" " 30 Dec 1820 Died an Infant. Lucy " " 18 Jan 1816 " " " Mary R. Rollins Adam Lightner & Mary Elizabeth Rollins, were married in Liberty Clay Co, Mo 11 Aug. 1836 ----- new page (VMSS363_F6_I9_p050.jpg) SEALING RECORD No. NAME OF PERSONS SEALED. NAME OF HEIR OR PROXY. WHEN BORN. WHERE 80 yrs Old. Day. Month. Year TOWN Copy of a speech given on the 4th of July by Mary E. Lightner The declaration of Independence that has been read to you this morning, was first read in Public from the Balcony of Independence Hall in Philadelphia Penn, amid the aplaus of the lovers of Liberty, and the consternation of the adherents of King George, and the Bell that first rang out the Peal for Liberty had these words inscribed upon it, Proclaim Liberty to all the People thruout the Land. and this day is celebrated by every American, in what ever Country he may be found, in Order to keep fresh in our minds & Hearts the memory of the noble deeds, of our forefathers many who were sorely persecuted in their own lands for their religious belief, consequently to escape oppression they left their homes and Country to come to this Land where they could feel free, to worship God as they deemed proper, the trials and sufferings they endured by change of climate and the comforts they formaly enjoyed was terrible, they saw their freedoms fade away day by day with no power to relieve their distress, many settlements would have become extinct if, the Indians had not furnished them with food, who from being friendly at first, became their better foes, when I read the History of those times, I wonder at the courage and Heroism displayed by our Patriot Sires and mothers for Tyrany and opression followed them here, Their priviledges were curtailed Puritan were not allowed to hold office, large grants of land were given to the Kings favorites on which previous settlements had been made, after enduring all manner of grievences with no hope of redress they withdrew their allegiance to the British Crown and took up arms in self defence but they had to count the cost of this great movement, for they well knew, if, they were not successful in the cause they had espouse a horrible death would be their portion, those were days to try mens souls to their center, but they pur their trust in God and he did not forsake them in their hour of need, but raised up Generals to lead them who, for true nobility of soul ----- new page (VMSS363_F6_I9_p051.jpg) FOR THE DEAD. BORN. WHEN DIED. WHEN SEALED. BY WHOM SEALED. WITNESS. WITNESS. COUNTY. COUNTRY. Day. Month. Year. Day. Month. Year. and self denial are without a paralel in history. manfuly they fought against their foes, tho at times repulsed with heavy loss yet heroicaly returning to the combat, instead of manifesting fear or cowardice their watch word was on, on to Liberty or death. Oh, how many heroes have laid down their lives for the benefit of Posterity, it was such heroes in that gained the victory and how it must have thrilled all their being with delight, when from a score of voices the glad shout vibrated thru the long corridors of space, saying, we are free but freedom bought at what a price, the real loss will never be known untill regiment and Batalion comes forth in the Resurection of the dead—an exceeding great army, then while we honor the memory of our Patriot Sires and extol their heroic deeds let us not forget our equally Patriotic mothers for it was they who, encouraged the men of our country in their noble work, the success of which gave us the great boon of a free, and independent government and paved the way that the oppressed of every land and clime might find and asylum in this land and live under the protection of our Nations Banner, which greets the Eyes of millions to day for it not only waves over our won land, but in almost every country on the globe and the name of Goerge Washington the Father of our country, is honored in all the world the Laurel wreath of fame encircles his brow on earth but we humbly trust that on a far higher plane of d) existance he wears a more induring memorial namely, the Golden Crown of immortality and Eternal Life I Thank you. ----- new page (VMSS363_F6_I9_p052.jpg) SEALING RECORD No. NAME OF PERSONS SEALED. NAME OF HEIR OR PROXY. WHEN BORN. WHERE Copy Day. Month. Year TOWN Minersville Utah Feb 21st 1905. (Affadavit) This is to Certify that about the last of Feb 1842 I Mary Elizabeth Rollins, Lightner was sealed to the Prophet Joseph Smith as his plural wife Elder Brigham Young Officiating. this Ceremony was performed in an upper room of the red store used as a Masonic Hall in Nauvoo, Ill. Mary E Rollins Lightner. wit, Mary R. Rollins J. E. Vanderwood. above is copy of the Original affadavit. M. R. R was resealed in the Nauvoo Temple, Elder Heber C Kimbal officiating ----- new page (VMSS363_F6_I9_p053.jpg) FOR THE DEAD. BORN. WHEN DIED. WHEN SEALED. BY WHOM SEALED. WITNESS. WITNESS. COUNTY. COUNTRY. Day. Month. Year. Day. Month. Year. My Mother, Mary Elizabeth Rollins Lightner, when 12 ys old, was Baptised by Parley P. Pratt, in a clear stream running near the farm of Isaic Morley, in Kirtland when the first Missionaries were sent out by the Prophet Joseph Smith to find the center Stake of Zion in the fall of 1830. Oliver Cowdry, Ziba Peterson and Peter Whitmer assisting in the ordinance. Mary R. Rollins Jan, 29-1923 I was called to fill a two weeks mission in the St George Temple, which I did, was endowed for 8 women while there I was secretary of the minersville R. S. also President, 1 year with Rachel Marshall & Jane Croft as counsellors, was counselor to Ida Marshall in the Primary. was clerk & Trustee of the school board, was a member & clerk of the Town I, Mary Rollins Lightner Carter Rollins, (some name) was born 9 April 1851 on Willow River, Wisconsin lived in Marine, Chicago and Hastings Minnesota, in Hanibal Mo, came acrossed the plains in Ox Team 1863 walked barefoot nearly all the way. The captain of our company's name was Patterson. arrived in minersville, Utah Sept <20> 1863. went barefoot every summer untill I was 18 yrs Old. Gleaned wheat barefooted. helped to kill and drive chintz bugs off of 5 acres of weat and saved the wheat one year, for uncle Henry Rollins. when 19 years old I married William Jenkins, Carter. by him I had 10 children, all living at this writing but one boy, died when 6 months old. Nearly 4 years after Wm J Carter died, I married my cousin George W. Rollins. Since his death have been living with my son, Guy Carter & wife. Aug 2nd 1923. Mary R. Rollins ----- new page (VMSS363_F6_I9_p054.jpg) 34 SEALING RECORD No. NAME OF PERSONS SEALED. NAME OF HEIR OR PROXY. WHEN BORN. WHERE Day. Month. Year. TOWN. My Father, Adam Lightner told me the following, of his ancest[--] 3 Brothers by the name of Lightner or Leitner, one named Nathaniel, came over from Germany or Holland. One settled in Lancaster, Penn. The other were dissatisfied and went back, thot one of them went to South Africa. This is the only account of his forefathers we have. His Father's name was Adam, his mother's name was Mary Trout or Traut Lightner. Father had 3 uncles, 1 Isaic Lightner kept an Iron foundry in Pittsburg Penn. moved from there to St Louis Mo. was in same business there. 2. Levi Ellmaker Lightner. Kept a store in Cape Gerada on the Mississippi River. (was a cripple) 3. Jacob Lightner, Blacksmith in St Louis then moved to Albany, Indiana on the Ohio River. (Father) had 6 Brothers and 4 Sisters (Adam Lightner, my Grandfather, move from Lancaster Penn, to Mount Vernon, Layfayett Co, Mo. Kept Store in Lancast[-] also in Mount Vernon. About the 1818 1819 or 1820. This is all I know about my Grandfather Adam Lightner and his 3 Brothers Isaic, Levi E. and Jacob Lightner. There were 3 Adam Lightners Father, Grandfather and my Bro, Adam. Mary R. Rollins, Minesville, Utah Aug 8th 1923. ----- new page (VMSS363_F6_I9_p055.jpg) FOR THE DEAD. BORN. WHEN DIED. WHEN SEALED. BY WHOM SEALED. WITNESS. WITNESS. COUNTY. COUNTRY. Day. Month. Year. Day. Month. Year. Fathers Brothers & Sisters Children of Adam & Mary Trout Lydia Lightner B. 11 July 1800 Md. John Clemenson Penn. Abiah Lightner B. 27 Oct 1801 " Rachel Lightner B. 29 Feb 1804 Md Hyram Meeks. both died in California Isaic Lightner B. 22 Oct 1807 " " Adam Lightner B. 14 April 1810 Md. Mary E. Rollins both died Minersville Jeremiah Lightner B. 16 July 1813 Lucy Ann Lightner B. 19 Jan 1816 died young. Hyram Lightner B. 20 Nov 1817 Missourie Lightner B 30 Dec 1820 " " John Lightner B. 27 Nov 1823 ----- new page (VMSS363_F6_I9_p056.jpg) SEALING RECORD No. NAME OF PERSONS SEALED. NAME OF HEIR OR PROXY. WHEN BORN. WHERE Day. Month. Year TOWN Keziah had 2 Brothers John & Henry no dates. & Sister Elizabeth Keziah Van Benthuysen B. May 15—1796 Albany N.Y. D. Horse Shoe Bend, 20 29 Jan 1878 Md John P Rollins, in 1815 in Lima Livenstone co N.Y. Ch. James Henry " B. 27 May 1816 Lima Livinstone co N.Y. D. Mary Elizabeth " B 9 April 1818 " "(Pg 36) " D. 17 Dec 1913 Minersville Caroline Amelia " B. 1st May 1820 " " " D. in Keokirk Iowa. John P. Rollins had a Brother Lucius Rollins taken Prisioner by the British in the Revolutionary war taken to Canada, never heard of again James Henry Rollins, Md. Eveline Walker, both D. in Lyman Wyoming ch Mary Elizabeth Rollins, Md. Adam Lightner Pg 36 10 children Caroline Amelia Rollins, Md. Nathanel Kerr. Children MaryJane Kerr (Md. Dewett Howe.) She was Born 20 Dec 1838 in Far West Frances B. 27 Jan 1840 Md. Aleck McCray. no children both D. in Marine Minn Orlando B. 15 Oct 1842 Farmington Iowa. not married D. in Stillwater Minn William T. B. 16 April 1846 " " D. August 1920 in Chicago Ill. Ind. ----- new page (VMSS363_F6_I9_p057.jpg) Manti Temple 16 Apl. 1891. 1. Adam Lightner Jr. Dead. 28 Oct, 1861-2. Minn 21 Sep 1890 Sealed to Frances Kerr Prophet Joseph Smith. Dead Dec 1805 Sharon Winsor Ut. D. 27 June 1844 And his mother Mary Elizabeth Rollins Smith, 9 Apl. 1818. Livingston Co. N.Y. Niels Ch[-]. Christiansen Act. for #1. Azariah Smith " " Prophet Joseph. Smith. Adam Lightner Dead 14 Apl. 1810. Penn. D. 30 Aug 1885 Adopted to Prophet Joseph Smith and Family. Mary Elizabeth Rollins Smith Rep. Female Line. Niels Ch[-]. Christiansen Act[-] for #1. Azariah Smith " " Prophet Joseph Smith, [Written sideways on the left side of the previous block of text: A. H. Lund Sealed Lewis Anderson } Witnesses J. L. Bench. }] Elizabeth Van Benthuysen B. 5 Aug 1800. Albany N.Y. D June 1[-]91 Minersville Md. Algernon Sidney Gilbert B. 28 Dec 1789 New Haven Conn. D. 29 June 1834 no children. md. A. S. Gilbert in Mentor Geauga Co Ohio 29 Sept 1823. Died in Megarzel [-]exas 8 children Albert D, Simon A, Frank, Theodore, Edwin B, Fred G, Lenard B, Daisy. no children and had children no names or Dates ----- new page (VMSS363_F6_I9_p058.jpg) Born in Lancanster, Lancanaster Co Penn Adam Lightner. B. 14 April 1810 Died in Minersville Beaver Co Utah 30 Aug 1885 Md. <11 Aug 1836> Mary Elizabeth Rollins B. 9 April 1818. Lima Livinston Co N.Y. D. Dec 17–1913 Minersville Children Miles Henry Lightner, B. 18 June 1837. D. Nov 20 1847 Poisened. Far west Missouri Caroline Keziah " B. 18 Oct <1840> near Dernoines Iowa, D. 21 Dec. 1910 Chicago Ill. George Algernon " B. 22 Mch <1842 or> 1841 Nauvoo Ill. D. 10 Nov <1842 or> 1843 Pontusic Ill, Florentine Mathias " B. 23 Mch 1843 Far West Missourie D. 20 Nov 1847. Poisioned in St Croix John Horace Gilbert " B. 9 Feb 1847. Galena Ill. D. Nov 29—1923 in Minersville Elizabeth " B. 3d April 1849 Hudson Wis. Mary Rollins " B. 9 April 1851 Willow River " Minnesota Algernon Sidney " B. 25 Mch 1853 " " D. 10 Nov 1853. in Hudson Charles Washington " B. 17 Mch 1856 <1857> Marine Minn. D. 21, Oct 1932 Bap 22 Oct 1934 E 27 Adam " B. 28 Oct 1862 Chicago " D. 21 Sept 1890 Panaca Nev. Caroline K. Lightner Md. Thomas C. Jewell B. 1837 D. 1910 Chicago Ill. Ch. Nellie Jewell Md Charles K Lush. <(Father) Cannon B. 1880> one child Olive (Nellie <8. Aug> 1862) 1 Boy Arthur Thomas " Jun B. <23 July> 1859 D. 1891 Springfield no children D. Springfield Ill. Mary B. 1865 D. About 1903 " " D. (Bertha B. 1871 Maud. Md. Elmer E. Dick D. 1 child Jewell Dick Md. Imogene Fox 2 child <[---]> John Horace Gilbert Lightner. Md. Louisa Abegail Burk 6 children Elizabeth Lightner. Md Joseph Turley, 7 children Mary Rollins " Md. Wm J Carter 10 children Charles Washington Lightner Md. Lydia Williams. 4 children, as follows Alta May B. 2 April 1884 in Fillmore Utah Md Benjamin Goodenough 2 Ch[-] Li[-]n B. 14 Oct 1885 " Minersville " Leroy B. " Baby girl B. & D. in Ogden Utah Bertha Jewell Md. Frank L Kriete B. 1870 3 ch. baby D. april 1914 Frank Jr B. abt 1915. Barbara born Sept 1923 Jewell Dick Md. Imogene Fox B. 26 Dec 1894 Indianapolis Chil Virginea Dick B. 23 Sep 1921 Chicago Barbara Imogene B. 7 Sept 1923 " ----- new page (VMSS363_F6_I9_p059.jpg) Mary Rollins Lightner Md. Wm J Carter in Minersville UT, Feb 23 1870 Wm J Carter B 10 Dec 1833 in Platsburg, St. Laurence Co N.Y. D. Feb 4 1895 Minersville Ch. Nellie Rosina B 26 April 1871 Pg 27. Pg 37. in " Sidney Algernon, B. 9 Aug 1873 " 37 " " Edna Caroline, B. 14 Dec 1875 " 38 " " Minnesota) Adam Earl, B. 23 Mch 1878 " 39 " " Hayward, B. 30 July 1880 " 40 " " Lester Lavalle B. 9 Mch 1883 " 41 " " Hazel Elizabeth, B 29 Mch 1885 " 42 " " Guy William, B. 16 Dec 1887 " 43 " " (Feb 1935) Charles Elmer, B. 15 Dec 1890 D. 25 June 1891 " " Horace Lightner, B 19 June 1892 Pg 44 " " Nellie Rosina Md. Samuel Bailey B. in <1867> county Down Ireland D. <23 Sept 1894> Frisco Utah 2 Husband) Md. Josiah Osborn. B. 14 Mch 1858 Rose Cornwall Co England ch Hallie, B. 24 Apl 1898 Ogden Md. Edwin Murdock, 3 ch. Wilbur & Orlean John, B. 2 Mch 1900 " D. April 2. 1907 in Minersville Kenneth; B. 14 april 1904 D. 13 Mch 1907 " " Helen, B 21 Sept 1906 Vera & Vilda, Twins) B. Mch 7-1910 Salt Lake City, Utah. Blessed. 28 Apl 1910 Sidney A. Carter Md. <10 Aug 1898> Paulina Eyre. B. 24 Aug 1880 Minersville ch. Garner William B. 28 June 1899 D. 16 Dec 1899 " Hulda Melinva, B. Dec 1900. D. 7 Mch 1901 " Theron L. B. 21 Dec 1901. Marjorie Hammelman " Hester. B. 25 Jan 1904. Truman Rollins " Zola, B. 2 Feb 1906. Md Leland Dalley " Vie. B. 11 Aug 1908 Fred Watts " Newell Edwin, B. 22 Aug 1910 Vera Datson " Ward Eyre, B 1 Nov 1913. Re Van Eyre " Ida Richards—divorced Sidney Neale, B. 27 Aug 1916 Rea Thurning " ----- new page (VMSS363_F6_I9_p060.jpg) Edna Caroline Carter Md. Ward P. Thompson B. 24 Dec 1868 D. 1 Oct 1912 Ch Earl Dewett, B 30 April 1897, Minersville Utah. Theone Lucretia B. 15 June 1899. D. 18 Nov 1899. Born & Died near Marysvale UT. Ora, Elizabeth, B. 22 Nov 1900 Minersville Clinton Carter, B. 16 Oct 1903 " Linda M. B. 29 April 1906 " Harry Ward, B. 28 May 1908 " Lula Edna, B. 3 Aug 1910. " Earl Dewitt Thompson, Md. Essie Grisman 13 Mch 1896 " Ch. Elina May " B. Nov 1915 " Ward P. " B. 26 April 1918 " Vera " B. 2 May 1920 " Dan " B. 19 Aug 1922 " Val. " B 14 Feb 1925 " Ora E. Thompson, Md <23 Aug 1918.> Joseph Glen Fotheringham, B. 10 Aug 1893 Beaver Ut Ch. Shirley B. 26 Dec 1919. Minersville Robert Lowell, B. 8 Feb 1922 " Ferral B. 4 Mch 1925 " Linda M Thompson, Md. Leslie Mecham <8 June 1922 Salt Lake Temple> B 1st Dec 1902 Rettie May Mecham B. 16 Aug 1924 Clinton C. Thompson Md. Verna Venta Walker. B. 7 Sept 1905 Minersville UT Ch. Fay Leora " B. 7 Aug 1925 ----- new page (VMSS363_F6_I9_p061.jpg) Adam Earl Carter Md. <27 Dec> Sarah Williams, B. 1875 Greenville Ch. David Jewell B. 26 April 1900 D. Feb 1904 Minersville William Homer B 8 Dec 1901 Md. Violet England Nov 281923 B no date ch Varidas Griffith Ronald. B. 26 Oct 1903 " Margaret Theone B 1 March 1906 " Mary Irene B. 14 April 1908 Thomas " Idaho Velma B 16 Mch. 1910 Minersville Caroline B. 27 July 1912 Greenville Dell Earl B. 19 Sept 1916 " Ralph William 16 Oct 1918 Minersville " ----- new page (VMSS363_F6_I9_p062.jpg) Hayward Carter Md. 3 Oct 1900. Ivy Roberts B. 15 Sept 1883 Minersville Ch. Leona. B. 20 Dec 1901 " Frank William B. 25 July 1903 " Nettie B. 1st Nov 1905 " Addie B. 2nd Aug 1909 " Shirrel H. B 31 July 1912. " Lois. B. 22 Aug 1914 " Darwin. B. 3d April 1917. D. 18 June 1917 " Bertha. B. 20 Oct. 1919. " Rex & Max (Twins) B. Nov 1926 " Leona Carter Md. 7 April 1920 to Lester Roberts B. 27 Feb 1901 " Ch. Vance L. B. 2 Dec 1920 " " Burl boy B. 6 Oct 1924 " Frank Wm. Carter, Md. 20 Sept 1922, to Drucilla Bradfield B. 20 Dec 1903 " Ch. Arland " B. 21 April 1923 Minersville Utah " Robert " B 2 May 1925 " " Nettie, Carter, Md 6 June 1923 Victor Myers B. 24 Jan 1901 Minersville Ch. Betty Colleen Myers. B. Oct 13 1924 ----- new page (VMSS363_F6_I9_p063.jpg) Lester Lavell Carter. Md. Mch 1909. Jennie Eyres. B. 21 Aprl 1888. Parowan Iron Co Ut. Ch. Lillian Carter B. 28 Jan 1910 Minersville Ut Authnell P " B. 29 Mch 1912 " " Basil Eyre. " B. 30 July 1914 D. 24 Mch 1915 " " Arlow L. " B. 4 Aug 1916 " " Mary Doris " B 24. July 1919 " " Barbra " B. 5 Oct 1921 " " Lester Claire " " 7 July 1924 " " Enid Lou ----- new page (VMSS363_F6_I9_p064.jpg) June 25–1904 Hazel E. Carter Md Charles Young B. 12 Apil 1872 in Lynn, Lynn co Mo. Ch Carlyle Carter Young B. 9th Oct 1904 Minersville UT. Frances Marion " B 29 Sept 1906. D. 27 Oct 1908 Stanhope B. 3 June 1909 D. 11 Nov 1921 in S.L.City Bp 21 Aug 1928 21 Aug 1928 Born in Ernest Max B. 27. April. 1913 Clarence & Clark, Twins, B. 18 Dec 1916 Isabell Gwendolin, B. 24 Sept 1918 ----- new page (VMSS363_F6_I9_p065.jpg) Guy William Carter, Md Effie Myers B. 23 Oct 1890 Minersville Ch. Bernice " B. 3d Dec 1908. Dewayne " B. 27 Aug 1910. " Sherman " B. 5 Oct. 1912. " Fern " B. 8 Nov 1914. " Gertrude " B. 18 April 1916. " Guy Lou " B. 21 Sept 1919 " Calvin Wesley " B. 11 Sept 1924 " John or Jack Jane ----- new page (VMSS363_F6_I9_p066.jpg) Horace Lightner Carter Md <30 April 1912> Maggie Frances Le Ferer. B. 18 May 1893 Panguith Ch. Elmer " B. 29 Aug 1912 Minersville Dwight L. " B. 8 Aug 1914 " Vaudis " B. 17 Sept 1916 " George Ellis " B. 2 Oct 1918 " Betty " B. 12 Nov 1920 " Nellie " B. 8 Dec 1922. " Don Horace " B. 11 Oct 1925 " Jed & Ned (Wildon or Hilden) & Ray Joy ----- new page (VMSS363_F6_I9_p067.jpg) from Pg. 36 Jewell Deek. Md. Adilea Imogene Fot B. 26 Dec. 1894 Children. Vergenia Adelia Deek B. Sep 23. 1891 Chicago Ill. Barbara Imogene B. Sept 7. 1923 .. .. Nancy. pewell Deek B. 1926 .. .. ----- new page (VMSS363_F6_I9_p068.jpg) Thomas Jewell, B. 1837, D. 1907–Ill. Md. Caroline Lightner B. 18 Oct 1840 D. Chicago Ill. 1910 Ch. Thomas Jewell B. 1859 Ill. D. 1891 Springfield Ill. Ellen " B 1862 .. .. Mary .. B 1865 D about 1903 .. .. Maud .. .. 1867 .. Bertha .. .. 1871 .. Thomas Md Cora —dont know last name. abt 1879 2 Ellen .. feist Cannon Ch. Olive .. B. 1880. Arthur .. .. 1882 D. 1885. Illinois 2 Second Husband Charles K Luch B. 1861 Mary Jewell. D. unmarried. Ill. Maud " Md. Elmer E. Dick B. 10th Aug 1860 D. Mch 5 1920 Ch. Jewell. Dick B. 9 Dec 1891 Bertha Jewell. Md Frank Kreete B. 1870 Ch. Infant D. april 1914 Chicago Ill Frank Kriete Jr. B. no date " " Jewell Dick Md. Imoge Fox. 2 Ch. Virginia & Barbra. no Birth Olive Cannon. Md <1901> Gustave P. Theidt B. 1879 Ill Ch. Charles Theidt B. 1903 .. ----- new page (VMSS363_F6_I9_p069.jpg) 56 [Column 1] John H. S. Lightner B. 9 Feb 1847 in Galena Ut. D Nov 29-1923, Minersvill Ut Md. Louesa Abigail Burk. B. 16 June 1851 on Mohava River California ch Ada B. 1871 D 1872 Minersville Maud. B. 18 July 1872 D. 9 Dec 1893, md Luther J Smith D. Horace Raymond B. 21 Aug 1876. " Arthur. B. 9 Sept 1880 " Don Allen B. 19 April 1888. " Mary Abigail B. 15 Nov 1892 " Horace R Lightnes md. Fonda Tanner. B 25 Oct 1882 D. 1914 " Ch. Norval " B. 2 May 1902 " Hulda " B. 1 Jan 1904 D. Blanche " B. 1st Dec 1907 " Laurence " B. & D. in 1910 Mary Abigail Lightner Md. Earl Mc Farland. B 2 Dec 1881 Nephi Ut Ch. Thora Mcfarland B. 22 May 1911. " " Marie " B. 16 July 1914 " James Lightner " B. 13 Jan 1916. " Elizabeth " B. Sept 26 - 1923 Don Allen Lightner Md. Neida Canfield B. 8 Dec 1901 Mountain Meadows Ut. Evola Lightner B. 10 June 1922 D. 28 July. 1922 B. SL George D. at Enterprise, Ut Phylis Lightner. B. 27 May 1923 St.George, Ut. ----- new page (VMSS363_F6_I9_p070.jpg) Bap 22 Oct 1934 Endowed 27 Feb 1935 Charles Washington Lightner B. 17 Mch 1857 in Marine Minn, Md 17 May 1883 Md Lydia Williams B. 17 June 1866 Fillmore Ut. Ch. Alta May 2 April 1884 " Lynn B. 14 Oct 1885 Minersville U Leroy B. 21 Mch 1887 " 1 ch. girl B. & D. in Ogden Ut. ----- new page (VMSS363_F6_I9_p071.jpg) on the 20th of July 1833 the Printing Office was Torn down in Jackson Co, mo, by the mob. Witnessed by Mary E Lightner ----- new page (VMSS363_F7_I10_p001.jpg) [Sideways at top of page: 7 receipt the means due her will be sent to her at the middle of each quarter.] April 20th 1904. Bishop Wm B. Preston. Dear Brother. I wrote you March 30th for to send my quarterly allowance on the Tithing Office here to Minersville as usual, but have not received it as yet. please let me hear from you in regard to it I should have received it the fore part of April. I am very glad to hear that the church has purchased the land in Jackson Co. I was one of the many that was driven out of Jackson County by the mob in early days. your Sister in the Gospel, Mary E Lightner Minersville Utah. for M.R.R. ----- new page (VMSS363_F7_I10_p002.jpg) Mary E. Lightner April 20, 1904 ----- new page (VMSS363_F7_I1_p001.jpg) Minersville Beaver Co May 20th 1867 Dear Brother Young, I sit down to address a few lines to you hoping you will have the kindness to send me a few lines in return, as you shall deem proper In the first place I will say that myself and family are well as usual at present, Mr. Lightner and my son John (who is of age) have gone to California to be gone a year or so- in fact I do not know when they will return—I am engaged in teaching School and making Garden, I have planted nearly an acre of ground, with the help of my Daughter & a little son—and by Gods blessing I hope to be able to accomplish that, which will enable me to keep my family together in Zion. Minersville has improved considerable in the last year- not so much in building, as in the planting of fruit trees, shade trees &c The People here are generally poor—But since the Road has been opened to Pahranegst—they have had a better opportunity of obtaining [---] & other articles that were needed to help them in making improvements—And I think they will obey Council in such matters as fast as they can procure means to do so— I regret to say that the health of our Bishop MSS 1031 ----- new page (VMSS363_F7_I1_p002.jpg) Henry is very poor at this time, and for a year past he has not been able to do much hard work But now his mind is weigh down with sorrow in consequence of being under your displeasure as a Californian—he always supposed that you sent him there, he was told so by Amasa Lyman or he never would have gone—for to obey your Council as his dead—has always been the desire of his heart—And I believe he is honest before God, of any intention to disregard the will of his superiors in the Church he has had to endure the sneers of some of the Brethren lately—and some have went so far as to say that his Council was not worth any thing—for Californians did not have the spirit of the Lord—consequently he has but little influence—this is a painful state of things—I hope you will not be offended at the liberty I have taken in his behalf— for he is my only Brother—and I love him as none but a Sister can love—therefore I appeal to you to forgive him wherein he has erred & restore him to your confidence and favor—for I know he has tried to live, so as to answer a clear consience before God, and his Brethren—Now if you can give me ----- new page (VMSS363_F7_I1_p003.jpg) any comfort respecting him—I implore you to do so at the earliest oportunity—and remember me with kindness, in your suplications at the throne of Grace. Yours in the Covenant Mary E Lightner ----- new page (VMSS363_F7_I1_p004.jpg) May 20 Recd May 30/64 Mrs. Lightner affairs at Minersville feelings of her brother Bishop Rollins ----- new page (VMSS363_F7_I2_p001.jpg) Beaver Co Minersville Sep 13th 1881 Brother Taylor Dear Sir I regret to inform you; that it will be impossible (at present) for me to pay the money I borrowed last fall; in consequence of sickness and the inability of those indebted to me; to pay what they owe—Mr Lightner has not been able to earn twenty five cents for the last eighteen months— Please inform me of your will in the matter And Oblige Mary E. Lightner ----- new page (VMSS363_F7_I2_p002.jpg) Mary E Lightner Minersville Sept 24/81 ----- new page (VMSS363_F7_I3_p001.jpg) St George-May 22d-1882 President John Taylor Dear Brother Mrs Elizabeth Gilbert, (who is in her Eighty second year) is here for the purpose of obtaining her Second Annointing, together with her husband Algernon Sidney Gilbert, who died when Zions Camp went up to Missouri—My Brother Henry Rollins, stands as Proxy for her Husband—his uncle I also wish to know if the sealing of my Mother to Mr John M Bush, in Nauvoo can be changed. as she did not wish to be sealed to him—But Brother Young told her to let ----- new page (VMSS363_F7_I3_p002.jpg) it be so for the present, and it could be changed afterward, (or words to that effect) must her sealing remain as it was in Nauvoo? Or can she be sealed to Joseph—For that is our Desire Henry desires to be adopted into Josephs Kingdom— Respectfuly Mary E. Lightner James H. Rollins Dear President Taylor as I understand you are well acquainted with Bro James H Rollins and his sister Mary E. who is the wife of Joseph the Prophet it does not require a great deal of writing from me he has had his second anoin ting and can act for his uncle if approved. they are very much exercised about their mother. he informed me it was understood when living at President Smith that he was to be in his family. and would like his mother sealed to him. Your Bro in the Gospel John D. J. McAllister St George 25 May/82 NB. please to answer by wire. If the mother is to be sealed to Joseph. please to say Henry Rollins . Second, and all approved. If the mother remains where she is. I will under stand the usual forms [---] ----- new page (VMSS363_F7_I3_p003.jpg) Mary E Lightner & [---] H. Rollins St George May 1882 ----- new page (VMSS363_F7_I4_p001.jpg) Mary E Lightner City May 19/86 May 18th 1886 Salt Lake City President Taylor Dear Brother, I received Your Order through Bro " Kingsbury' and as I think there has been some mistake in regard to the matter, I thought I would address a few lines to you myself, One year ago last September, I was at the Garde House, and you promised me the sum of two hundred Dollars a year from that date, One hundred in Cash and One in Produce from the Tithing Office in Minersville. I received an order every three months, with the exception of the last one, which I did not ----- new page (VMSS363_F7_I4_p002.jpg) [Column 1] receive until December—I should have received it on the first of September—Consequently I have taken up (at the tithing office) the sum I was to have received from September until March, or the most of it. I was under a great deal of expense during Mr Lightners sickness and Death—in fact it has left me without any means of support— the next Sabbath after Mr Lightners Death—My Son was sent to Prison for a term of Six years, for a crime he was not Guilty of, but was found in bad company—He was all the help I had, he was a good and affectionate son, and perfectly Honorable in all his dealings I Borrowed money to pay my passage up here, in order to see the Governor in his behalf, Mrs West gave me considerable hope, said [Column 2] he would look into the matter, and do all he could for me. This is why I came up—also to learn the cause of no remittance being sent me. If I could start a little store of some kind, I think I would be able to get along until my son is free—I am hardly able to go out to work, as I was sixty eight years old last month—however if you do not feel willing to assist me any more, as Josephs wife I must do the best I can without money, and with- -out friends— But I hope you will let me have an order for the fifty Dollars I already owe the tithing office, for I could not raise it to save my life, and it must be paid. I must close hoping to hear from you soon, as I must leave for Home in a few days— Trusting that ----- new page (VMSS363_F7_I4_p003.jpg) The Lord will direct you in this affair, and all others— I remain your Sister in the Gospel Mary E Lightner ----- new page (VMSS363_F7_I5_p001.jpg) Salt Lake City Oct 7th 1887 President Woodruff Dear Sir— I take the Liberty of addressing you upon a matter of vital importance to me. I find after being a member of this Church fifty seven years this month; that I am under the necessity of asking assistance from the church for my future support, I ask this favor of you in confidence, the more so; because I have been promised repeatedly by Brother Joseph, and Brigham Young, who; the last time but one that he was South; sent for me, and told me, that he had bought a House in the City for me, and that hereafter my family—should be provided for—that I had suffered ----- new page (VMSS363_F7_I5_p002.jpg) [Column 1] enough, and the Lord did not require me to suffer any more– I never received the House, or any thing—for I suppose he forgot all about me, having more important Business to attend to. My House is Built of inch Lumber, and very cold in Winter & hot in Summer— I have not lived in a House that was plastered in any past—; since I came to the mountains—but that does not matter much, as I am used to hardships of all kinds. I have never called on the Church for aid; until, the long sickness, and Death of Mr Lightner accompanied by a series of misfortunes compelled me to apply to Brother Taylor for assistance. Just before my Husband died, Brother Taylor allowed me two hundered Dollars a year during his life time—but intimated that he would increase [Column 2] the amount at his death—he died two years ago—and left me in debt over a hundred Dollars—a few has my note for $80.00 Eighty Dollars and I have not a Dollar to pay on it—the rest of the Debt is paid. I have not received a cent since Brothers death—I have Aunt Gilbert to support, who, is not in her Eighty-Eighth year of her age, and a cripple—I Borrowed money to come up, hoping to see you, I find my only alternative is to pen these lines to you, hoping the Lord will direct you in this matter I was sealed to Brother family in the Spring of 1831. And when Zions Camp went to Missouri, he received a commandment to take me for a wife–But was afraid—and I was not sealed to him as a wife, until 1841— ----- new page (VMSS363_F7_I5_p003.jpg) I cincerely hope you will not pass this request by, for I assure you; that unles I am assisted, I must suffer for both food, and clothing for the coming Winter. Please answer this Letter as soon as convenient. Direct to the care of Hellen M, Whitney—and I can get it—I shall be here a few days longer— Your Sister in the Gospel Mary E Lightner ----- new page (VMSS363_F7_I5_p004.jpg) Mary E Lightner 8 Oct. 1887 President Wilford Woodruff Addressed ----- new page (VMSS363_F7_I6_p001.jpg) City October 9th, 1887. President Wilford Woodruff, Dear Brother: I feel to add a few words in Sister Lightner's behalf, concerning whose life I know enough to truthfully say that she is a woman of sorrow and acquainted with greef. And she has suffered from the bitterest hardships, and is lacking in the necessities of life. She is in need of immedi- ate assistance to get some articles of clothing before she returns home to Minersville. She was very sick all the way from there, and is very poorly now, is very sensitive and hated to apply for help, but I con- sider her worthy of your attention, and that she, as the Prophet's wife, should be relieved and provided for the remain- der of her days. Your sister in the covenant. Helen M. Whitney. ----- new page (VMSS363_F7_I7_p001.jpg) Minersville April 6th 1891 Brother Woodruff Dear Sir As I have an oportunity to go to Manti tomorrow to do a work for my Dead, and the only chance I have had for years; I appeal to you, for your sanction to the same, to be sent to the President of the Temple so as to be there; when I get there—I could not get Mr Murdocks signature as he is in Salt Lake Yours with Respect Mary E Lightner ----- new page (VMSS363_F7_I8_p001.jpg) [written in left margin: Recd Apr. 25-1903] Beaver. Presiding Bishop's Office, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 14 NORTH MAIN STREET SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH, April 21st., 1903. Mary E. Lightner, Minersville, Utah. Dear Sister:— We are in receipt of yours of April 18th, in which you make inquiry for your usual order on Minersville. Answering same will say, that the First Presidency have not instructed this office to issue an order during the month of March. You might address an inquiry to the First Presidency. Very truly yours, [illegible signature] ----- new page (VMSS363_F7_I8_p002.jpg) Mary E. Lightner Apl. 25. 1903 ----- new page (VMSS363_F7_I9_p001.jpg) [written in left margin: Rec'd Apr. 25 1907] April 25 1903. President Joseph F. Smith. Dear Brother. On March 31st, I wrote Brother Preston as usual, for my quarterly allowance, due april 1st. not receiving it, I wrote again about the 17th of this month and received the enclosed reply. The order on the Tithing Office, that I receive from the Church, is my only means of support, I have no home of my own, am living with my Daughter she furnishes me a room, Fuel, Board and washing, and I pay her 35.00 every 3 months out of the order. I also pay 4.50 of the order and 50 c cash, in Tithing. and then my Daughter pays tithing on what I pay her out of the Order, which makes $8.00 that is paid out of the $50.00 that I receive, I am to old ----- new page (VMSS363_F7_I9_p002.jpg) to work, or I should not let the church support me and my Daughter depends on my help, to help support her family. Please let me hear from you. Your Sister in the Gospel. Mary E Lightner Minersville Beaver Co; Utah. [written sideways: Let the usual allowance be forwarded to her. J. F. Smith. Apr 25, 1903]