Photo taken by Allyson Hunt Wood of the old Hebron Church in 2006. What a wonderful experience to see where the older family lived.
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Old Hebron, Kentucky Church
Photo taken by Allyson Hunt Wood of the old Hebron Church in 2006. What a wonderful experience to see where the older family lived.
Hunt Settlement, Kentucky
John and Charity Hunt Hunt settle near Penrod in Kentucky. This marker, photographed in 2006, stands as a memorial to these early settlers.
Thomas Elmer Hunt Brand
This cattle brand was first registered and used by Thomas Elmer Hunt of Enterprise, Washington County, Utah.It was second used by his son Ivin Elmer Hunt.
The right to use this brand is currently held by Ivin's son, Kelly.
Mary Ann Brown Pulsipher
Mary Ann Brown Pulsipher
| Husband: Zerah Pulsipher | |
| 11 Children: Mary Ann Pulsipher (1816-1816) Iona Almira Pulsipher (1817-1868) Nelson Pulsipher (1820-1824) Mariah Pulsipher (1822-1892) Sarah Ann Pulsipher (1824-1909) John Pulsipher (1827-1891) Charles Pulsipher (1830-1915) Mary Ann Pulsipher (1833-1913) William Pulsipher (1838-1880) Eliza Jane Pulsipher (1840-1919) Fidelia Pulsipher (1842-1846) | |
| Father: John Brown Mother: Sarah Fairchild Show Pedigree |
"Perhaps one year passed and not a word was said about baptism. I said to the preacher, `Do you believe baptism to be a duty for us to obey?' He said baptism was not a saving ordinance, just to answer a good conscience. I said, `I see by reading the New Testament, I consider a duty -- a command.' He said, `What say?' I said there was only one way that looked to be right--to be immersed and buried in the water." The minister led her to the water and had her kneel in it. "He dipped a little water, said over the ceremony, and poured it on my head, while he stood on the bank--did not wet his feet. I thought if baptism was to answer a good conscience, I was not satisfied. It looked like mockery to me, but I had done my duty.""I lived in Pennsylvania until I was married in 1815 [18 Aug. 1815, Susquehanna County] to Zerah Pulsipher.... We lived in Pennsylvania seven years...and moved to New York... There we heard the gospel preached for the first time by the Latter-day Saints."
"I think I was in the Methodist Church about 20 years before I heard the true gospel. We happened to see the Book of Mormon. We borrowed it, read it, and believed it, but did not know anything more about it. We were very anxious to know more about it. It wa not long before a Mormon preacher [Jared Carter] came. We had a great many questions to ask. He told us how the Book was found and translated. He said baptism by immersion was the only right way. It was for the remission of sins. I thought that looked right. In a short time some were ready to be baptized. I wanted to be at the first opportunity, but Satan thought he would hinder it. The night before baptism, I was taken very lame with rheumatism or something. I was so sick I could not get around much. As they were fixing to go, Brother Carter said to me, "Sister Pulsipher, if you will do you duty, you shall be healed." I took a cane and hobbled to the water and went in. It was a very cold day, but I came out well, left my cane, and went away rejoicing."
"It was not long before the news went around that Brother and Sister Pulsipher were Mormons. Some would not believe it until they came to see us. We had plenty of visitors. Some came to try to convince us that it was all delusion. They thought they could reclaim us, but went away disconsolate. Others came to inquire. They said if we had got something better, they wanted to know it. They would be baptized and go home rejoicing."
"We were baptized in the year 1832 by Jared Carter. He baptized about 20 in that place, then ordained my husband Zerah Pulsipher and left him to preside over the church. He baptized more. We stayed there about two years, then moved 20 miles to Fabius." Then they moved to Kirtland, Ohio.
"Went to Kirtland, there had my blessings from the first Patriarch in this Church, Father Joseph Smith [the Prophet's father]. He said I should have my friends with me in this church, and that I would be the means of saving and redeeming them. I believed every word, but did not understand how it could come to pass. I never had heard nor thought of being baptized for the dead. He said I had left all for the gospel, I should have a hundredfold in this world and in the world to come, life everlasting, with many more good blessings if I would be faithful."
After Zerah help build the temple, he was one of the council who led a large camp to Missouri. "We stayed in that place one month; then we were driven from there by the mob. Then we went to Far West and stayed there through the winter. Then we had to go again. We started in March [1839] for Illinois. We stopped about 25 miles from Nauvoo, in Bear Creek Woods" where they stayed about two years.
They then moved to Nauvoo where her last child Fidelia was born, an intelligent child who also died there at age four. They helped build another temple there and received their temple endowments there. "Then we started with the rest of the Church west to find some place where we could live in peace. We were two years, not forty, in going to Salt Lake. We helped cultivate the bare desert and make it `blossom like the rose.' My husband was one of the City Council most of the time we were there."
"Then we were called to go south three hundred miles and help cultivate another barren desert. We have lived ten years in this place, Hebron. We have enjoyed great blessings, lived in peace, none to molest or make afraid.... My husband was called away by death in January 1872. He lived to a good age, and then went down to the grave like a shock of corn, fully ripe. I am spared yet."
Eight years later, she added, "I am almost 81 years old, have lived and enjoyed myself well with my children along time....I pray that they may live in peace, be united, and keep all the commandments of God. If riches increase, set not your heats on them, but lay up treasures in Heaven. It is the only safe place that we can lay up riches. I would like to have my children live near together to help and comfort one another. May God bless you all."
Mary died on 7 May 1886 in Hebron, Utah and was buried there by the side of her beloved husband Zerah. Before dying she went to St. George and lived with her daughters Sarah and Eliza for several months and then returned to Hebron and lived with her son John for about two years.
Before she left Hebron she recorded on 16 Oct 1883, "I have been in Hebron from the beginning. I located with my boys as they were herding cattle at Shoal Creek when the main part of this country was a desert... With the help of my boys, I built the first house out of the fort. If I should die away from here I want to be brought back and buried here with my friends that are awaiting for me behind the veil. I have been in this church 52 years; passed the persecutions with the Saints, but never felt to complain, but that all would be well."
From the "Autobiography of Mary Brown Pulsipher" and also her children's words in Pulsipher Family History Book, Terry/Nora Lund, SLC, 1953, pp. 26-32. [Bracketed comments added by John P. Pratt]
Zerah Pulsipher Continues to Serve in Church
Church News Information ---
January 19, 1963 - Church News
With the help of two strong, young sons, Zera Pulsipher was able to mount his horse and ride out on the Iowa prairie to guard his herd of 18 precious cattle. One of the boys held Zera's crutches as the pale, father headed away from the settlement.
The sons turned to the more strenuous task of cutting and hauling logs hoping that all would go well with their father who was so weak that he could walk only with the aid of crutches.
Like many others of the refugees from Nauvoo, Zera had arrived at Winter Quarters early in 1847 nearly destitute. To secure food for his family, he had made a six weeks journey south into Missouri in the coldest time of the year. Exposure to storms and freezing weather for such a prolonged period seriously undermined his health.
The hardest work he could now do was that usually assigned to the younger boys -- herding cattle -- and even that was difficult for him. But as in all things, Elder Pulsipher was anxious to do whatever he possibly could.
His diligence and faithfulness had, in years past, attracted the notice of the Prophert Joseph Smith. The two men possibly had first met in Kirtland in 1835 when Zera had brought his family there to live. Zera was already a veteran in the missionary service of the Church at that time, having traveled and preached throughout the eastern states and Canada since his conversion in 1831. His efforts had led to the conversion of Wilford Woodruff.
Zera and his family remained in Kirtland until 1838. In March of that year, he had been set apart as a member of the First Council of Seventy. Later, when a large company of saints had left Kirtland for Missouri, Elder Pulsipher had been appointed one of their leaders.
They arrived at their destination only to be driven back to Illinois. During the period of relative peace in Nauvoo, he had worked with the rest of the members of the First Council to build up and strengthen the quorum of seventy.
Leaving Nauvoo in the winter of 1846-47, Elder Pulsipher made his home at Garden Grove and Winter Quarters for a time. He was captain of a hundred in a company of Pioneers that crossed the plains to Utah in 1848.
When he found that he could not secure enough flour for the needs of his large family at the lone mill that was operating in the valley, he built his own mill. When hordes of emigrants streamed through the valley the next summer on their way to the California gold fields, Elder Pulsipher could have sold all the Indian meal he could grind at $5 a bushel. But he preferred to sell it to his needy neighbors for $1.50.
He served for some years as a member of the Salt Lake City Council and continued his labors as one of the General Authorities.
Elder Pulsipher was released from the First Council of the Seventy in April 1862, and was subsequently ordained to the office of patriarch.
In 1863, he was called to assist in the settlement of Washington County in southern Utah. He spent the last nine years of his life in the town of Hebron near St. George. There he died at the age of 82 on Jan. 1, 1872.
Zerah Pulsipher
Pioneer story of early Mormon polygamist, Zera Pulsipher
HISTORY OF ZERAH PULSIPHER
As Written by Self
(Found in an old trunk where he kept his papers)
(Sentence construction and punctuation left as he wrote it)
(Computer files generated from OCR Software and restored on 2/16/1997)
I was born June 24, 1789, the name of my parents were John and Elizabeth Pulsipher, my grandfather whose name was David Pulsipher was supposed to be a decendant from Ireland. I have not much knowledge of his ancestors. He brought up a family in Connecticut, New England. In the year 1769 he came to a new state called Vermont, went up the Connecticut River to Bellows Falls. Went five miles back to a place afterwards called Rockingham, an entire wilderness country, where. seldom a blow had been struck by a white man. There he selected and obtained 500 acres of land and proficed or predicted things that would take place in years to come, which was a site for a meeting house, burying ground back of it and a town site where water power was erected.
He cleared some land, built a "Public House" or "Tavern". He helped establish a settlement and converted the wilderness into a fruitful field. This is where I was born. But when the Revolutionary War commenced my father was very young and being away from home one day he heard that the British Army had destroyed some Military stores at Concord, New Hampshire, and being fired with indignation he sought for a recruiting officer and enlisted for one campaign. When he returned home and informed his father of the circumstances, the old gentleman told him that he was too young and that he would enlist and go with him. Accordingly he did, and they both went to Boston, Massachusetts. In the memorable Battle of Bunker Hill. the 17th of June 1775, there they stood side by side and fought with about 13 Americans against 3000 of the British for about two hours. When the enemy after firing Charleston and wending around under the smoke, had nearly surrounded that wing of their own army, when they saw a small gap to retreat through which was then continually plowing the ground with balls from the shipping. But while they were going out my grandfather saw one of our men wounded and crawling away on his hands and knees. In the meantime a British soldier ran him through with a bayonet, being filled with indignation at such rank breach of the laws of all civilized nations he immediately stopped, amid scenes of death and carnage, loaded his gun and shot that man down before he left the ground and then obtained a safe retreat. I speak of this to let my posterity know that our ancestors were clothed with that steady unshaken determination in time of the most immanent dangers that are incident to human life.
In a few weeks after this my grandfather died with cramp rheumatism in his breast, (no doubt heart ailment). My father served his time out and returned home and attended to the care of a family, married Elizabeth Dutton and raised a family of seven sons and three daughters.
My oldest brothers name was Oliver, who raised a large family in tie state of New York on Lake Ontario, The second was David, who raised a family, living with my father in Vermont, where .he died. John also married, but had no children. Solomon married and died in the war of 1812, with England - without child. I am the next, have raised a large family. Elijah has raised a family. Arunah the seventh has a family. My oldest sister Elizabeth married and raised a family by a man named Lloyd (Lord) E. Archer. Poly, my second sister, married a man by the name of Dexter Newton, raised a family in the state of New Hampshire. My sister Sybbel, married man by the name of Abram Newbury and lives in the state of Iowa.
My, father was absolute in his family government, kind and affectionate to all his friends. His common practice was to make a feast once in a year and invite some of the poorest people that were in the town and seemed to take pleasure in their company. I lived with him twenty--five years and never knew him to turn a beggar away empty, He lived to the age of seventy-eight and my mother to eighty-six.
But to return to my own history, - when I was but a child I frequently had serious reflections but never prayed. When I was a small boy my father was taken sick for some time I was not much concerned, 'til I heard some of the neighbors say that Mr.Pulsipher, must die. This put me to thinking that if my father should die that a large family of small children would be left without a head to the open winter subject to many disasters that were incident to human life. I could not bear the thought. An impression immediately came to me that I must go to the barn and there pray for his recovery. I turned and ran as fast as I could and when I got there I was about to bow down when something informed me that if I did I should die there and never return, which scared me so that I turned and ran back as fast as my legs would carry me. But my Father in Heaven took the will for the deed and restored my father to health,
Nothing of important nature happened for a number of years till I think I was about fourteen or fifteen years of age. When one evening as I was sitting by the fire-side in my father's kitchen alone, a sudden influence over-powered my mind to such an extent that I lost sight of every-thing on earth for some time, I never knew how long. Suffice it to say, that it was necessary that more preparation should be made before I should be willing to pass the Vale of Death. Though I could not be reconciled to souls left in Hell fire to all
Eternity as I had been taught by the Sectarians, still there were some things among the Sects that appeared reasonable, I have often heard my father say that the signs of Christ's second coming was often seen and that he would come before many years should pass away. And if he did not live to see it, likely his children would.
However, when I was about twenty-one I married a very agreeable companion, lived with her about one year when she died leaving one child which we named Harriet. After the death of my wife (Polly or Mary Randall) I had some anxiety about her state and condition, consequently in answer to my desires in a few weeks she came to me in vision and appearing natural looked pleasent as she ever did and sat by my side and assisted me in singing a hymn - beginning thus: "That glorious day is drawing nigh when Zions Light Shall Shine." This she did with a seeming composure. This vision took away all the anxiety of my mind concerning her in as much as she seemed to enjoy herself well. This hymn which she introduced and sang with me applied to the great work of the last. Dispensation of the Fullness of Times. This inspired about ten years before Joseph Smith had discovered the first Revelation of the work of the last days. My mind became calm as respecting her condition in the spirit world.
In the year 1814 I hired a farm at Bellows Falls on the Connecticut River and being alone gave my brother John the privilege to work it with me. In the fall of that season there were the most extrodinary Northern Lights that I had ever saw, it was the cause of many speculative notions among the people but my father said it was the signs of the last days and of Christ's second coming. I regarded my father's remarks as specimens of good sense.
I soon wound up my business in that country and went to Pennsylvania, in Susquahannah County. A new country where there were much good timber. I built a mill, cleared a farm and married a wife by the name of Mary Brown. A very agreeable companion by whom I have a large family of kind children. I stayed in that country about eight years and labored very hard rafting on the Susquahannah River, and many times my life was much exposed but I stayed in that country about eight years and removed to Oneadago County in the state of New York. I then lost my only son by the fall of a tree which caused much grief to me in that place.
I had many agreeable friends and good society there. I bought a farm and built a mill. I also built a meeting house for the Baptist Church which I was then associated with. In the summer of 1831 I heard a Minister say that an ancient record or Golden Bible in Manchester near Palmyra which remark struck me like a shock of electricity at the same time thought it might be something that would give light to my mind upon principles that I had been thinking of for years and many times I had remarked that if the pure church with its gifts and graces was not on the earth, if so I had not found it. But I should be happy enough to find it in my day.
I embraced it accordingly in the fall of 1831 there was a Book of Mormon brought into town I succeeded in getting it I directly read it through twice gave it a thorough investigation and believed it was true and the winter following Jerod Carter came that way from a mission to Vermont or Lake George. As soon as he came into town I, with two Methodist Preachers went to see him after a reasonable introduction I questioned him upon the principles of the ancient gospel with all its gifts belonging to it. I asked him if he believed it, he answered in the affirmative. I asked him if he had ever laid hands on the sick and they had recovered. Yes, he said he had in many instances.
He preached the following evening to a crowded congregation, held up the Book of Mormon and declared it to be a revelation from God. I could not gain-say anything he had said, he sat down and gave liberty for remarks, the congregation seemed to be in a maze not knowing what to think of what they had heard. I arose and said to the congregation that we had been hearing strange things and if true they were of the utmost importance to us. If not true it was one of the greatest impositions and as the preacher had said that he had got his knowledge from heaven and was nothing but a man and I the same, that I had just as good a right to obtain that blessing as he, therefore I was determined to have that knowledge for myself which I considered it my privilege, from that time I made it a matter of fervent prayer.
I think about the seventh day as I was thrashing in my barn with doors shut, all at once there seemed to be a ray of light from heaven which caused me to stop work for a short time, but soon began it again. Then in a few minutes another light came over my head which caused me to look up. I thought I saw the Angels with the Book of Mormon in their hands in the attitude of showing it to me and saying "this is the great revelation of the last days in which all things spoken of by the prophets must be fulfilled." The vision was so open and plain that I began to rejoice exceedingly so that I walked the length of my barn crying "Glory Hal-la-lu-ya to the God and the Lamb forever."
For some time it seemed a little difficult to keep my mind in a proper state of reasonable order, I was so filled with the joys of heaven. "But when my mind became calm I called the church together (note: he was their minister) and informed them of what I had seen. I told then of my determination to join the Church of Latter Day Saints, which I did and a large body of my church went with me. I was ordained to the office of an Elder and went to preaching with considerable success at home and abroad. I had the privilege of baptizing Wilford Woodruff on the 31st of December, 1833, at Richland, New York.
At length there came one or two Elders there with enthusiastic spirits which led the church into diversion which caused me a journey of 325 miles to get council to settle the difficulty. I remained in that part preaching in regions around and had the privilege of baptizing many into the kingdom ti11 the spring of 1835, in which I gathered up the remnants of that church and went to Kirtland. There I assisted in the building of the Temple; in the winter of 1836 I received my first endowment in that house, with about 300 Elders.
I labored to support my family and in the fall of 1837, I went to Canada on a mission, raised a branch of 29 members. I returned January, 29, 1838, to Kirtland. I was ordained to the Council of First Presidency of Seventies. (Notes I took a mission south of Susquanahaunah and Delware Rivers, preached considerable, established a branch with some persecution. One day I stopped my carriage at the hitching post before a large house, where I saw a number of women looking out the window. They were entire strangers too, as I had never seen then before. One woman met me at the door, called me brother, and said she had a vision she saw a Mormon Elder drive up to the yard, observe the horse and carriage and person, and as soon as she saw me she knew I was the one. We called a meeting and I preached there that night.)
The season following there arose a great persecution. the Saints were able to escape in the best manner they could. Joseph was carried away in a box nailed on an ox sled to save his life. Old father Joseph was taken out of a window in the right and sent away horseback. After the most of the saints were gone to Missouri I remained in Kirtland with about four of the First Presidents of Seventies. We continued to hold our meetings in the Temple. Accordingly, while we were at a meeting one Sunday, we took a notion to put our property together and remove in that way and when we had made that calculation we felt a great flow of the spirit of God, not withstanding the great inconvenience we labored under for want of means. We lacked means to move ourselves and many poor that were yet remaining that had neither clothing nor teams to go with.
But when they, heard that we were going together and would help one another they, wanted to join us and get out of that Hell of persecution. Therefore, we could not neglect them for all there was against them was that they were poor and could not help themselves. We continued to receive them till we got between five and six hundred an our hands. According to our covenant we had got them to move or stay there with them so we found we had got a Job on our hands. We counciled together from time to time on the subject and came to the conclusion that we could not effect the purpose short of the marvelous power of God by the power of the Priesthood. Therefore, we concluded to best go into the Temple in the attic story and pray that our Father would open the way and give us means to gather with the saints in Missouri which was near a thousand miles away. Accordingly,, one day while we were on our knees in prayer I saw a messenger apparently like an old man with white hair down to his shoulders. He was a very large man near seven feet high, dressed in a white robe down to his knees. He looked on me then turned his eyes on the others and then to me again and spoke and said, "Be one and you shall have enough". This gave us great joy; we immediately advised the brothern to scatter and work for anything that they could get that would be useful in moving to a new country. Some went to making staves to sell an the Lake shore, among which I was one. I think it was in the month of March that I was at work in the woods about nine o'clock in the morning there appeared to be a mighty rattling of wagons at the south. I suppose it must be as much as a dozen wagons rattling on peddle stones, it continued to draw nearer till I discovered it to be in the air and as it drew near I heard the sound of a steamboat puff; it passed immediately over our heads and went on about one mile to Kirtland Temple, there it appeared in the form of a steamboat loaded with passengers. Old Elder Beamen who was the President of the Elders, had appointed them a few months before but had been dead a short time, he was in the bow of the boat. He was singing and swinging his hat till it came in front of the Temple. It then divided in two parts, the one was black the other white; the white went west and the black went north.
The explanation of the phenomenon we saw with much clearness. When with in a few months from that time there was a division of the authorities of the church. A number of the Twelve and First presidents of Seventies descended and led many after them but the pure in heart went west. But we observe while we were attending to our prayers in the Temple from time to time there was a curious circumstance transpired.
A Methodist meeting house stood a few rods from the Temple which took fire one night there was a brand of fire thrown into the Temple at a window but went out. Most of the people being very hostile, the mob laid the charge of burning the house to the Council of Seventies. There was no doubt but they fired it themselves hoping by that means to get a pretex for our destruction but we knew we were innocent and trusted in Cod. We continued our course steadily along and paid no attention to them., There was a universal determination that we should never leave that place in a company and they knew as well as we that the poor could not go out alone; therefore, they had a deep plot laid for our destruction.
But we knew where our hope was grounded kept our steady course preparing to go out in a company well organized. But as I related to the burning of that house, they raged to a great extent because most of them supposed that we had actually done it. But as the Lord dictated to the great leader of that mob who had once been a Morman and well calculated to carry out his devilish designs was held by the power of God so that he had a vision and saw those that fired the house and seemed to be greatly astonished for a while and then met with the mob and informed them that it was not the Council that burned the house and he knew who it was but dared not tell on account of the law because he could prove only by vision, which they would not believe and still swore vengence on us. But he swore by all the Gods that lived that he would have revenge on them if they lost a hair of our heads. He had a large store of goods and could swear and get drunk. He had some influence with them so that we were preserved by the hand of God
We obtained money and clothing for the company and the 4th day of July this man that had led the mob invited me to take all our teams and company and camp in a clover field which was about one foot high. I thanked him'and embraced the officer. The next day we all went out all in order as we said we would in the beginning with about 65 teams and seventy cows. Nothing transpired for some weeks until we got to Dutton and got out of money. The people would take nothing of us but money for our expenses and at a high price too. We went into council and prayed to God for money and provisions. Accordingly the Lord sent a Turn-Pike Jober after us to get us to do a job for him. We therefore agreed with him for a job of twelve hundred dollars which we did in good order with his acceptance. He then wanted us to do another job, it was then very dry and the wells so low that it was difficult to get water for our animals in the dry part of the country if we should go on. But we inquired of the Lord for what was best and we were impressed to go on, not knowing what we should do for drink but the day following there fell such a flood of water that the low places in the country were full and we got along very well. When we got into Illinois a few of our company stopped and further on in Illinois, Joseph Young with others stopped. The remainder of us went an continually hearing reports that there was war in Missouri and if we went on we should be killed by the mob. But we went in good order, keeping guards all the time. When we arrived within five miles of Far West, which was the Metropolis of the Church in Missouri, there Joseph and Hyrum met us, greatly pleased that we had arrived with so large a company. They conducted us on to Far West and we camped around the Temple cellar as they had it dug.
In the morning, the first of October, 1838, Joseph came to me and said he wished me to take company and go to Diemmon, Davies County., about 25 miles North which would take us two days and advised us to guard our wagons during the night. I informed him that his advice was good but we had not been without a guard since we left Kirtland. However, we went on to the place appointed and found a few brethern there surrounded by numerous mobs. Being greatly rejoiced to see us come and we were as glad to get through for we had been on the road with a large company from the 5th of July to the 3rd of October. We suffered the perils of a hard journey for near one thousand miles among a hostile people, but the Lord had brought to try us to see what our faith was made of. We expected we had got home where we could locate our families and prepare to build up Zion, therefore we sold our loose property for improvements, subject to free nation rights.
The people being much opposed to our faith decided to drive us out of the Country and obtain their farms back again that we had paid for. To carry this out they began to burn their houses and then go to the Governor and swear that we had drove them out of their settlements and burned their buildings. Davies County was a beautiful place situated on Grand River. First rate land and plenty of good timber where we supposed there had been an ancient city of the Nephites as the hewn stone were already there in piles also the Mount or Alter built by Father Adam, where he went to offer sacrifices when he was old. Leaning upon his staff, prophesying the most noted thing that should take place down to the latest generation, therefore it was called "Adamondiamon".
There we stayed about a month, being continually annoyed by mobs and thieves stealing everything that they could lay their hands upon that belonged to people of our church. In the time I was there I assisted to build sixteen houses and the longest that I lived in one was four days. I had a large family with an aged mother; I think I never slept many nights while I was there without having my sword and pistols by my bed and frequently called by the sound of the Bugle to defend the people from mobs, yet all the while we expected to stay there and by faith and works retained our places.
Then one day there came two messengers from Far West and informed us that Joseph, with others of the authorities of the church at Far West were delivered into the hands of the mob and that they (the mob) had three thousand men and the word from Joseph to us was that they would be likely to come here soon and advised us to lay away our arms, go to work and submit to anything that they should say. This struck us with a great depression of spirit, not knowing how to comprehend the ways of God. We had expected to stay there, locate our families and preach the gospel, but we were disappointed and right afront us we knew not and were left in a perfect state of suspence. But we knew nothing than to abide by the word of the Prophet. But in this conflict of feeling I walked away from the company where I had received the above information toward the grove and said in the anguish of my soul, "Lord what does all these things mean?" The answer to me was instantaneous, though in-expressed "Be still and know that I am God". In a moment I was at rest and happy in my condition. I returned immediately back to the company that I had left and said to them, "I have no fear for God will provide a way for our escape". So we trusted in Him but if we had not have received word from Joseph we should have been very likely to have sent hundreds of them to hell, cross lots, for there were about 130 of us well armed. There was but one place where they would be likely to cross the river in a line exactly in front of our cannons, well loaded with small slugs of iron. We had not only our houses, lands, wives and children, but the House of God to fight for. But the Lord's "Be still, and know that I an God" was with us. Therefore, we were quiet, bearing the afflictions that were laid upon us. We went to our labors, soon after this. I, with other people, went across the river three times to gather corn, when 800 of the mob were seen coming upon us; as they came up to the gate where we were at work, they halted and sent a messenger to inform us that we were then prisoners, I happened to be an a load the nearest to them, they directed their attention to me and said we must go with them. I observed to them that we were there gathering for our families and cattle which they were in view of. They then said we might fill our wagons, get some boys to drive them home and go with them.
Accordingly we did. They went about a mile and halted. We were surrounded by a strong guard for some time and then discharged and sent home to await their trip into town. We had not gone more than 50 or 100 rods before we heard a volley of guns fired. I would think from fifty to one hundred. The balls came there among us. We looked around and saw a company supposed to be one hundred men paraded a little to the south of the main camp. They also gave a second shot; we kept a sturdy walk as though nothing had happened.. for they hurt none of us. We went home the same day into Diammon, took all arms from the people and then put strong guard around us.
In that time we were often ensulted by scoundrels in the shape of men which brought us near a fight, but the commander stopped it however. He prowled around there for a number of days and then gave us ten days to get out of that place or the mob would be set loose upon us. This had been the case all the time but now we had nothing to defend ourselves with. Besides there were many poor people that had no teams and many widows that had nothing but small children.
I immediately got my horses shod and took my family, a widow and family, another family all to one lead and moved to Far West, then returned back after another family. This was among the last that went out while the mob were prowling about stealing all they could find but although I was alone the last night I lay down by the side of my horses and saved them and went the next day and got the other family and carried them to Far West. This was the last of November; we were all destitute for grain or feed for our teams, our fields of corn were 20 miles off among the mobs as was also what few cattle we had but the most of our corn was destroyed before we could get it. We therefore, had hard living through the winter. After I had obtained a little meal for my family I went away up to the Platt Country with my team to get work for money to move out of the State in the spring as the edict of the Governor was that we should never raise any more crops in that state.
I obtained some money and returned to my family, but while I was gone I was obliged to stay at a mob tavern one night, alone, where they were very hostile. I did not like their appearances but I was obliged to stay there or run the risk of freezing on the great cold Prarie, therefore, I had to watch as well as pray. But in the later part of the night I heard people in the lower part of the house in much, commotion. I heard them saying they never saw such things before. They seemed to be much astonished at what they saw in the heavens. I raised myself up in bed, and looked out and saw a very bright circle around the moon with a very bright half circle at the outside of that with a very bright spot at the side of that nearly as big as the sun, then another appearent sun in the northwest with another in the southwest, which gave a very extraodinary appearance. This gave them such a fright that they could pay no more attention to me, so I went on in peace.
But I prepared to move to Illinois. I took my horse and rode to Richmond to get my gun that they took from me at Diamonn in the war. I obtained it and prepared to move in March. I buried my mother there on a divide near Plum Creek. We succeeded in moving to Gurney; I found rents on houses so high that it would be hard for a poor man with a large family as I had to obtain a living and get anything ahead. Therefore, I took my horse up the river to Lyma and found a forest of about 11 miles square and considerable game in it. I went into the timber with Brother Burgess. I lost one horse moving from Missouri., my son-in-law lost one too, and had to stop among strangers with my daughter who had given birth to a child on the prarie.
I borrowed another horse and went to Illinois with my family and then returned for the remainder. We went into Bear Creek timber and with one horse and our hands, built three homes, cleared 13 acres of land and put it into crops, but we had nothing to live on until the crops were ripe. Brother Burgess and boys were strong to work out but I was not able to do so on account of the exposure that I had past. Therefore, I could not do a days work in a day. I knew not how to obtain food for my family. While hesitating upon these things, I dreamed that I was going to make boxes and measures and also dreamed how to make a frame to turn them in and dreamed that my women and children were making baskets and that I went to sell them. In the morning I went and found some excellent timber for that purpose and made the frame according to the pattern that I had seen and also found some suitable timber for baskets.
The women went to work according to their direction from me. We soon obtained a small load and went out into the settlement and sold them directly for every kind of provisions that we wanted to live upon and some money. In this way we got along until harvest.
This season one of our neighbors from Nauvoo came for help in sickness and informed us that there was not well ones enough to take care of the sick. I sent my daughter and sister there to help take care of the sick. I promised them that I would come to conference and see them. Accordingly, when the time came, I took my carriage and went up. Went first to the place where my daughter was, and found the house shut up, window curtains drawn. I knocked at the door, and a faint voice answered, I went in and found a large family and every person laying prostrate. My daughter was the last one that came down and she had been down about one week having the whole family to nurse night and day, she could not endure it. When I entered the house she heard my voice and she sprang from the bed and said, "Father, you have come. I want to go home." I told her to get ready and I would go and look for my sister. I went where she was and found her and the family in the same situation. I put a bed into the carriage and went home the same day and nursed them three months before I could heal them.
It was thought that my daughter would die but I did not give her up, but I called to the bed one day to see her close her eyes in death. I saw her apparently breathing her last. At that instant the Spirit of God came upon me. I said, "Mariah, do you want to live to raise a family, keep the commandments of God and do all you can to build up Zion?" She opened her eyes and said she did. I said to her, "Then, you will live." The hour she sat up in bed and immediately got well, as did also my sister.
I would like to tell another little incident that happened. There was a man with a family come into the church, who lived about fifteen miles from me, who had a brother-in-law that was possessed with the Devil, and was chained in a tight room. Numbers had been there to administer to him, but to no effect. I went there to preach in the after part of the day. The man got loose and was breaking down the ceiling. They had been in the habit of getting a very strong man to help on such occasions, and were about to send for him in a hurry. I desired them to let me see him before they did. They were afraid he would come out and kill some of them. With much persuasion I got them to unlock the door of his room, but of all the rough language and profane swearing, and threatening anyone who came in sight, I had never heard before. They said he was dangerous to encounter with, but I entreated him to let me open the door. I had full confidence that I could handle him, with the help that God would give me. I was satisfied that they did not understand my, intention.
I looked through the crack of the door. When he caught my eye he bawled out "Old Pulsipher, I know you of old." At that instant I burst the door open. He stood with a sharp stick in his hand drawn back ready to stab me. Although he was a stout man and full of violent passion, I closed in with him so quick that he did not know what was up till he lay on his back, and I holding him while they bound him again. The family seemed a little surprised, however, before I left next morning the man whose name was Samuel Newcomb wished me to come and stay with him one year. He would give me large wages for he said that I could handle the sick man with ease and he could leave his family and home with more safety. He was a man of considerable business and property to manage. I asked him if he wished to gather up to Kirtland with the church. He said he would if he could sell his farm. He wanted $1,611 for all. We arranged for him to go the next spring, and I took the whole care of the wild man. I recollect at one time upon the matter of his feeding, he flew into a rage all at once and broke loose. I was at work in the barn and a messenger came running for me, said the man was killing his mother. I rushed into the room, took him by the shoulders and shook him and said, "Sam, what are you about?" He in a moment left his raging, dropped his head and became docile till he was bound again. Later on we counciled with old Father Smith and he advised us to get seven Elders of good report, and fast and pray till he was delivered. We consulted the family, who had not kept the word of wisdom, but they agreed to do it. We therefore, took the man, loosened his hands, administered to him in a room by ourselves, and I do not remember of him having a raving spell after that for six months. Then the Devil entered him again. We were called for the second time. The family had promised to keep the covenants, but we found they had returned to the old practice of breaking the Word of Wisdom. We therefore sent a message to Father Smith, and he said if they would not keep the covenants we might go about our business and let them all go to Hell together.
I labored to support my fardly and in the fall of 1837 1 went to Canada on a mission, raised a branch of 29 members, returned January 29, 1838 to Kirtland. I was ordained to the Council of the First President of 70's.
After we had lived in this place near two years, Joseph requested the first Presidents of Seventies to come to Nauvoo; I being one of that number I immediately repaired to Nauvoo and located in its vicinity, made a farm, lived comfortably and assisted in building the Temple. But Missouri mobs were continually seeking the life of Brother Joseph. I think there had been some forty raisings against him without success.
These mobbers finally came to the conclusion that the law could not reach him but powder and ball could. Therefore, they organized a mob of about 200 men, put him in Carthage jail with Dr. Richards, Hyrum Smith and John Taylor. The mobs came and broke the jail, shot Joseph and Hyrum and wounded John Taylor. (This being done it gave us a hard shock and caused much mourning) by shooting four balls into him. The fourth saved his life, striking his watch which was in his vest pocket. After Joseph had fell dead one of the ruffins made a move to take off his head but a singular light shown around him (Joseph) that struck the man with fear. They therefore, flew in every direction and disappeared. Our brothern went and brought them home and buried the dead and restored the wounded.
At this time the mob expected we should rise and give them battle; we thought best not to do it. We just kept still and continued our work on the Temple, finished it and got our End. But at that time most of the 12 were absent on missions. Sidney Rigden, who aspired for the Presidency came and called the church together and presented his claim for the Presidency. But the 12 soon came hone and appeared on the stand at the day appointed for choosing. Sidney made his plea. Brigham Young began to speak and at that time I sat with my back towards the stand as did many others. And when Brigham spoke he spoke with the voice of Joseph and we turned around to see Brigham speaking in Josephs voice and behold Joseph's mantle had fallen on him. The people understood it in the same way. Brigham stood at the head of the Twelve therefore the church turned to him.
Persecution continually waxed against the church. They thought it best to go to a more secluded land accordingly in January, 1846. I had ntoice to be ready at three days notice to leave on account of so many attempts to destroy the church. At length I had the notice and started with good team the 2nd day of February, crossed the Mississippi River and went as far as Sugar Creek, till the cold weather broke.
There were about 500 of the heads of the church here. I went back once, gave my son orders to sell what property he could and take the family and follow as soon as the spring opened. We went on from Sugar Creek in the Spring, but streams and tempests opposed our march till late in the season.
I frequently went forward to Pioneer the way and organize places for the poor to stop that was not able to go any farther. In May I took my team and went back to meet my family and found them in Lee County, with two teams, a few cows and a few sheep. My sacrifice there was about two thousand dollars. We went on and crossed the Missouri River that season and established a place called Winter Quarters. That fall and winter, which was 1846 and 47, the church suffered exceedingly. When we got there we found so many sick and dying by exposure that I took my team and what help I could raise and drew timber four miles and built six houses. Then I was obliged to go down to Missouri for provisions, was gone about six weeks in winter, camping out, exposed to all the storms that is common in that season of the year.
I brought home what I could, when I got home I was so far exhausted by exposure that I could not walk one step without two crutches, I then sent my boys again, while I took care of the cattle which amounted to 13 head. Many times I went on my crutches to get on my horse, then rode all day to save my cattle from the Indians, who were continually killing them.
That winter was a sorrowful time for the church. Five hundred of our young men were demanded by the General Government through the influence of Old Tom Benton, who was a noted mober in the first Missouri persecutions, and was then in the Senate. This left the church with old men, children and many poor women, while their husbands were fighting the battles of the United States.
There were not well people enough to take care of the sick and dying. My boys continued to team through the winter till they both got sick. John was laid on the bed and was near the gate of death for a long time, when I was called in to see him breath his last. He was taken with pneumonia what many people think to be certain signs of death. He looked very much like it to be sure. When I came in the doctor and my family stood around the bed. I called to him and he opened his eyes. I said, "John, you are not going to die now. I cannot spare you now, you must get well to help us move through the mountains." He immediately began to vomit a large quanity of the most filthy matter I ever saw come from a person's stomach, as black almost as ink. From that hour he began to recover, and soon got able to drive a team.
In the spring the Church Leaders organized a company of about 50 wagons and we started for Salt Lake. I was advised to take ten wagons and go ahead and assist in making roads, but such storms followed us as I never saw. The highest and driest land in the country was soaked with water so that it was difficult to get along with a wagon. One morning I got on my horse and rode back a few miles to see how the company was getting along. I saw a man walking, with a rubber coat on. I asked him how they got along and he said "first rate"; he put his hands in his pockets and they were full of water.
Parley P. and Orson Pratt and myself went forward, to look for location for the poor, and such as could not go on. We found a grove of timber and called it Garden Grove, a convenient place for a settlement. I then unloaded my wagon and delivered my load of flour and bacon and went back to look after my family. I met them not far from the Mississippi River - 1847. One boy got his leg broke and one man broke his arm in my company, but I set them and they soon got well.
We arrived in the Valley about the 23rd of September, 1847, with all our stock except the sheep. Those we lost at Winter Quarters. We immediately prepared to build. I found grain scarce and hard to get. John Kneff was building a mill, the only one in the Valley. I sold three cows to pay his workmen that I might get grain after he got his mill to running. I went to him for $20 in grain but he said he could not let anyone have more than half that sum, and that was not half what I had paid for. This made me feel very disagreeable because I had a large family and three other families of my friends that had no way of helping themselves and money would not buy it.
I thought on it one night and then come to the conclusion that I would build a mill and take a part of the toll of the grain that was in the Valley. Accordingly, I rallied my help, went onto the mill sight, dug a hole in the bank to live in through the winter about the first of December, and we commensed getting timber, without feed for our cattle and but little for ourselves. We continued our labor with about half rations upon all the different branches of the work till the first of March. By that time we got the first grist mill started and timber out for a saawmill. When done, I ground for one-sixteenth while others ground for one-twelveth. From that time we had bread to eat with all our families. I have seen the hand of God in preserving ourselves and cattle while the snow was three feet deep in the canyon where we got the timber and some of the time more than one foot in the Valley. And we had not as much fodder as could be carried in one load, and when I looked upon the circumstance I could not comprehend it in any other way but the marvelous power of God in sustaining them.
1850 - This was a hard season for many after we got our mill running we had enough but lived prudent on account of so many that had none. Indian meal would command $5.00 per bushel but so many poor had none that I sold all I had to spare at $1.00 per bushel, though I was offered $5.00 by those that were going to California, but their gold would not buy it of me when so many poor were starving. There were some informed me that they had not Any bread in their houses for six weeks and came to me to buy bran but I sold none, but gave them that. This scarce time caused people to scratch for life to raise grain, but the crickets were very trouble-some and destroyed many crops in 1851. But in 1852 the gulls came and destroyed them according to the word of the Prophet.
We built a house 34 by 30 on the corner of block 82 on Jordan street, The next season we built a large barn and made a farm over Jordan about two miles off which gave us a good chance to keep cattle, there was nothing then of a very extraordinary nature with exception of Brother Brigham preached continually to bring the church to obedience, but they were growing rich and careless. Till about the time of the October Conference in 1856 when I understood Brother Brigham to say that the Lord would wait no longer. I think he did not define what chastement testimony that some uncommon event was near at hand, but I was not aware that I had become so dull and careless relatire to my duty, till Brother Kimball called on me in public to awake to my duty. I began to call more fervently on the Lord. I soon saw that Brother Kimball was right and that I was holding a high and responsible station in the church as asleep with many others.
Brother Grant who was one of Brigham's counselors was authorized to preach repentance to the people and to a good effect. I with the associates of my Council went before Brother Brigham and informed him that if he knew of any others that would take our places better, magnify it for the interest of the Kingdom than we could, he was perfectly at liberty to do so, but he told us to go and magnify our calling ourselves. There was much confessing among the people of their faults. Brother Brigham gave some strong prophetic language relative to the United States of America. I think not far from this the President and Congress became very hostile to us and seemed to have design to brand us like themselves or destroy us. Therefore, they sent an army to bring us to or destroy us, but we thought it not best to bring them in among us because we did not like their hostile spirit nor their habits. Therefore, we sent a few of our young men to meet them which brought them to a stand for further consideration. In the spring following, all the north part of the Territory moved south till the army passed through to their quarters at Camp Floyd.
But previous to this the President and Congress saw their mistake in sending the army here. Notwithstanding, they had charged us with treason and many other offenses, they sent commissioners here, forgave all our sins against them and wished peace and tranquility. Accordingly we all moved back to our possessions peaceably. In the meantime, we were rather destitute of clothing but speculators followed the army and brought more goods to the valley, than was ever brought before. So that the people were decently clothed. All this we considered direct from the hand of God to supply our wants. But evils have followed the army, such a herd of abominable characters have come in their wake, that lying, gambling, robbing, stealing. and murdering till it seemed as though they were determined to break up all law and order in the Territory.
They brought with them much liquor which still furthered them in their abomination, and many of our people who were weak joined with them in their wickedness, especially the rising generation who imitated their habits. This gave us some trouble to keep the church in orders Brother Brigham preached continually to bring the church to obedience, but they were now careless.
We had some trouble with the Indians, but nothing in consequence of our being driven out from the United States. I think all the wars we have had with the Indians have not as yet made us so much trouble as the army's sent from the United States.
I still continue my labors in town and on my farm what time I could get I had much labor too among the Seventies remaining councilor. I was frequently out four or five evenings a week besides day meetings.
In March of 1857, I married Martha Hughes, daughter of James and Ann Picton Hughes. She bore me five children.
I discovered that with age that I had approached that it began to wear upon my constitution, I was advised by some to give up my presiding and let a younger man take it that envoked upon it. I therefore gave it with the privilege of remaining in the body of the Seventies or join the High Priests Quorum. I therefore have yet remained in the body of Seventies, considering they were both embraced in the Melcezedic Priesthood. It was a matter of indifference with me.
However the Southern Mission that had been in action for some time had some influence with me, partly on account of its necessity and partly on account of some of my boys that were called there. Therefore, I said I did not know but that I would go there if the Presidency thought it best, but no sooner than they heard of it they sent me an order to go with my family. I therefore put myself in the way of selling my property. My boys heard of it and came to help me move to Dixie. Accordingly the fall of 1862 I removed to Shoal Creek, where my boys were keeping a herd for the Southern people. I found it to be a very healthy section and I enjoyed myself very well, considering the obsecurity of the place. We were a great distance from the abode of the white men, in the very midst of the roving red men.
I will now reflect back to the time our family meetings convened. The first was on February, 1855. 1 called my children together at my house in Salt Lake at this meeting and said, "I want to instruct you a little and give such advice which I hope you will remember. First get the spirit of the Lord and keep it, the most of you have the Priesthood and you will be likely to use it to govern your families and bring up your children.
"When a man has a number of good children he loves all of them. If the destroyer comes to take one of them which will he give, most likely the one he cannot keep, of course. Which child can't you keep by the prayer of faith and the authority of the Priesthood? Pray mighty to God let your thoughts be raised in prayer day and night, that you may have the spirit of the Lord to be with you. Never speak till you know what you are going to say. Never whip a child in anger, be sure that the spirit of the Lord dictates you when you groom your children. Never let your girls go with men that you do not know for some men have the fever of seducing therefore, beware who they go with. Some women think if their husbands get another wife they cannot love them any more but they are under great mistake for he can love one hundred as well as the sun can shine upon each of them in a clear day - if God requires you to get them. Such idle thoughts Should be banished from their minds forever. Why is it so, because it is God's order, a man may love his wives just in proportion to their acts of kindness to him. I beg of you mothers to take care of your children while they are with you. I now will give way for you to speak." Then each child would bear their testimonies. These meetings were held regular once a year and recorded until his death.
He was instrumental in building the town of Hebron. There he died January 1. 1872 at the age of 84. This day closed another chapter in the Book of Life for one of God's chosen and noble sons.
History of Mary Brown Pulsipher
Autobiography of Mary Brown Pulsipher
Polygamous wife of Zerah Pulsipher
My grandfather and grandmother Brown I knew little about; they died when my father was quite young. They had three sons; Joseph, John and Jonathan.
My grandfather and grandmother Fairchild I well remember. Grandmother died when I was four years old, in Connecticut. Grandfather then went to Pennsylvania and died there. I think they had five sons and two girls. The names that I can remember are Samuel, Sherman, Stephan, Eunice and Sarah. Grandfather's name was Stephen, and grandmother's name was Eunice.
My father, John Brown, born February 25, 1770. Their children were:
Juda Brown, born November 2, 1793
John Brown, born August 24, 1795
Eunice Brown, born August, 1794
Mary Brown, born March 2, 1799
Thirsa Brown, born July 11, 1802
Sally Brown, born February 27, 1805
Catherine Brown, born August 13, 1808
Loring G. Brown, born April 17, 1811
They were all born in Connecticut, but Catherine and Loring. They were born in Pennsylvania.
My father moved from Connecticut to Pennsylvania when I was six years old. My father's home was a home for the Methodist Preachers and all other preachers when they came. I joined the Methodist church when I was 13 years old. I lived in Pennsylvania until I was married in 1815 to Zerah Pulsipher. My oldest child was born May 30, 1816.
Mary Ann Pulsipher, born May 30, 1816
died July 14, 1816
Almira Pulsipher, born September 8, 1817
married Horras Burgess
died March 8, 1868
Nelson Pulsipher, born March 28, 1820
died May 7, 1824
Mariah Pulsipher, born June 11, 1822
married William Burgess
died 1893
Sarah Pulsipher, born November 20, 1824
married John Alger
died January, 1909
John Pulsipher, born July 17, 1827
1st marriage: Rosella Huffaker
2nd marriage: Esther Barnum
died August 9, 1891
Charles Pulsipher, born April 20, 1830
Mary Ann Pulsipher, born November 20, 1833
married Thomas S. Terry
died September 17, 1913
William Pulsipher, born January 21, 1836
married Ester Chidester
died March 12, 1880
Eliza Jane Pulsipher, born July 26, 1840
married Thomas S. Terry
died May 6, 1919
Fidelia Pulsipher, born October 13, 1842
died January 8, 1846
We lived in Pennsylvania seven years. Did a great deal of hard work there; then left and moved to New York State -- in Oneadago County. There we heard the gospel preached for the first time by the Latter Day Saints. We went forth and were baptized in the year 1832 by Jared Carter. He baptized about 20 in that place. Then ordained my husband, Zera Pulsipher, and left him to preside over the Church. He baptized more. We stayed there about two years, then moved 20 miles to Fabius; lived with a Doctor Newcome one-and-a-half years. Then we all went to Kirtland, Ohio, together. Stayed there four years. Zera was ordained there one of the first Seven Presidents by the hands of Joseph Smith, the Prophet.
He helped build the Temple. Got his endowments in it, then we were driven from that place with the rest of the Saints. We started in July (the 15th) with a large camp for Missouri. We all got there in the fall and went to Davies County. My husband was one of the Council that led the Camp. We stayed in that place one month; then we were driven from there by the mob. Then we went to the far west and stayed there through the winter. Then we had to go again. We started in March for Illinois. We stopped 25 miles from Nauvoo, in Bear Creek Woods.
The winter we were in the Far Western part of Missouri, we had to part with our good old Mother Pulsipher. She was sick one week, and then died. The day before she died, she lay looking up. I said, 'Mother, what do you see?" She said, "Oh, don't you see that light?" I looked, but could not see any. The next day she saw it again over her bed. She said, "That is a light to light me through the dark valley of death." Then she fell asleep without a struggle or groan. I think she was 85 years old.
We stayed in Bear Creek Woods nearly two years. Then the first Presidency had gotten out of prison and out of Missouri. The Saints had begun to settle Nauvoo. They sent for us to move there. We went there and stayed, I think, five years. My youngest child, Fidelia, was born there. She was a very smart, promising child, but we could not keep her only four years and three months. We buried her there. We helped build the Temple there -- got our endowments in it -- then we started with the rest of the Church west to find some place where we could live in peace. We were two years, not forty, in going to Salt Lake. We helped cultivate the bare desert and make it "blossom like the rose." My husband was one of the City Council most of the time we were there.
Then we were called to go south three hundred miles and help cultivate another barren desert. We have lived 10 years in this place, Hebron. We have enjoyed great blessings, lived in peace, none to molest or make afraid, although we have had to part with some of our dear friends here. Almira, my daughter, died in March, 1868, and John's wife, Rosilla, and little boy, William Lewis, died. We lived here, enjoyed ourselves well with our children and grandchildren all around us until my husband was called away by death, in January 1872. He lived to a good age, and then went down to the grave like a shock of corn, fully ripe. I am spared yet. I hope to do a little good before I die.
I used to say when my children were small if I could live to see my children grow up and be honorable men and women, it would be all I could ask for. I have lived to see them all settled with good families, all trying to do what good they can to build up the Kingdom of God. I feel very thankful and much pleased with my children. I hope they will live and do much good; be united and be agreeable, and try to help each other and carry out the council their father and mother have given them. I write this after I am 72 years old, for my children to look at. It is written very poorly. Perhaps you cannot read it.
May God Bless You All.
By request I write a little more history and experiences. Eight years have passed away since I wrote the little sketches. I am still here. I will begin by my first experiences in the Methodist church. My parents taught me to be honest, industrious, and to keep the Sabbath Day. They were very strict Methodists. When I was about 13 years old I thought I ought to join the Methodist Church. It was the only church I knew much about. The preachers came every week to preach at father's house. I told him I wanted to join the church and he said I could. I did not know but they would call on me to relate a great experience when I was converted, but I could not have told them. All they did was to put my name on the class paper for six month's trial. When six months was out the preachers said, "Here is Sister Mary. She is a good, faithful, worthy Sister. I motion that she be taken in full fellowship." I was voted in. Perhaps one year passed -- not a word said about baptism. I said to the preacher, "Do you believe baptism to be a duty for us to obey?" He said baptism was not a saving ordinance, just to answer a good conscience. I said, "I see by reading the New Testament, I consider it a duty -- a command." He said, "What say?" I said there was only one way that looked to be right -- to be immersed and buried in the water. He said, "The Savior set the example and He was not immersed. He went out into the water and knelt down and had some water poured on his head." He said he had seen it in history. He went to the water. He sang and prayed, then took me by the hand and led me to the water, saying, "Step in and kneel." I did. He dipped a little water, said over the ceremony, and poured it on my head, while he stood on the bank -- did not wet his feet. I thought if baptism was to answer a good conscience, I was not satisfied. It looked like mockery to me, but I had done my duty.
I write this to let my children see the darkness and ignorance the world was then in. Surely the Prophet could say darkness and sin had covered the earth, and gross darkness, the people. I rejoice that we live in a day that the true light and true gospel was shining.
I think I was in the Methodist church about 20 years before I heard the true gospel. We happened to see the Book of Mormon. We borrowed it, read it, and believed it, but did not know anything more about it. We were very anxious to know more about it. It was not long before a Mormon preacher came. We had a great many questions to ask. He told us how the Book was found and translated. He said baptism by immersion was the only right way. It was for the remission of sins. I thought that looked right. In a short time some were ready to be baptized. I wanted to be at the first opportunity, but Satan thought he would hinder it. The night before baptism, I was taken very lame with rheumatism or something. I was so sick I could not get around much. As they were fixing to go, Brother Carter said to me, "Sister Pulsipher, if you will do your duty, you shall be healed." I took a cane a hobbled to the water and went in. It was a very cold day, but I came out well, left my cane, and went away rejoicing. I was very ignorant, I had not heard anything about being confirmed, or receiving the Holy Ghost. The next evening went to meeting and the six that were baptized were there. When he put his hands on my head, he said, "Sister Pulsipher, by the authority of the Holy Priesthood and in the name of Jesus, I lay my hands on your head to bless you and to confirm you a member of the Church of Jesus Christ. I say unto you -- receive the Holy Ghost." He promised great blessings if I would be faithful. The spirit of the Lord was there. We sang, prayed, and praised God together. It was not long before the news went around that Brother and Sister Pulsipher were Mormons. Some would not believe it until they came to see us. We had plenty of visitors. Some came to try to convince us that it was all delusion. They thought they could reclaim us, but went away disconsolate. Others came to inquire. They said if we had got something better, they wanted to know it. They would be baptized and go home rejoicing.
I will mention one that came to see me. My brother-in-law, Joseph (Joe) Chidister. He lived four miles from me; he was going to move away, but could not go without seeing me. I had belonged to the same church he did. He was a preacher. He said I was the last one he thought of as being led away with such hearsay and delusions, as he thought it was. "Well," I said, "If this is what the world calls hearsay, to worship my God," said I, "I know in whom I believe." He said, "I think in about six months you will see your error. I think Mormonism will be all down flat in that time." I said, "Joseph, I have not the least idea that it will. It will stand. But if it does come down I never could go to the Methodist or another church that I know of. It would be going right into darkness." He said, "I see I cannot convince you, but I have done my duty." He cried and bid me farewell. I said, "I thank you for the kind feelings you have for me. Do not worry about me." I never saw him after that. He moved away, lived a few years and died very suddenly with heart disease. He had an appointment to preach the day he was buried. His wife, my sister, died soon after. I think they have heard the gospel preached before this time. Zera and Joseph were great friends. He had not read the Book of Mormon nor heard a sermon preached. He judged before he heard -- like so many others. If they would hear and heed, without prejudice, there would not be half so many among hearsay, delusion, and false prophets.
Well, I began to gather with the church. Went to Kirtland, there had my blessings from the first Patriarch in this church, Father Joseph Smith. He said I should have my friends with me in this church, and that I would be the means of saving and redeeming them. I believe every word, but did not understand how it could come to pass. I never heard nor thought of being baptized for the dead. He said I had left all for the gospel, I should have a hundred fold in this world and in the world to come, life everlasting, with many more good blessings if I would be faithful.
I am almost 81 years old, have lived and enjoyed myself well with my children a long time; I expect the time will come when I must leave them. I have watched over them, tried to comfort them and instruct them right. I pray that they may live in peace, be united, and keep all the commandments of God. If riches increase, set not your hearts on them, but lay up treasures in Heaven. It is the only safe place that we can lay up riches.
I would like to have my children live near together to help and comfort one another. May God bless you all.
Mary Brown Pulsipher
Hebron, March, 1880
Monday, August 4, 2008
Mary Ann Pulsipher Terry
Mary Ann Pulsipher Terry
Wife of Thomas S. Terry
Facts Gathered and arranged by Nora Lund a wife of Terry, a grandson
Mary Ann Pulsipher was born November 20, 1833, in Scott, Courtland County, New York. She was the eighth child born to Zerah Pulsipher and Mary Brown Pulsipher. An odd coincident was the fact that this couple's daughter (oldest) which was born May 30, 1816 was also named Mary Ann - she died in infancy. It is strange they would name their fourth daughter, who lived, by the same name. It must have meant a great deal to them.Mary Ann's parents were good up-right people. They were just waiting to hear the true gospel and when Zerah heard a minister say that an ancient record or Golden Bible was causing quite a bit of discussion in Manchester, he said the remark went through him like a shock of electricity, and when there was a Book of Mormon brought into town, he borrowed it, read it twice and knew it was true.
Elders soon followed and proclaimed powerful sermons to large congregations. A few days after, Zerah was thrashing in his barn when a ray of light came from Heaven, he looked up and saw Angels with the Book of Mormon, telling him of its great revelations and truths.
Needless to say he and his family were soon baptized, as most of his Baptist Congregation. This was in 1831. Soon after Mary Ann's birth her father was on a mission and he baptized Wilford Woodruff who later became the President of the Church. This was in December of 1833 that he baptized him.
When this little girl was two years old the family moved to Kirtland, Ohio, where her father assisted in building the Temple. In 1838 he was ordained to the Council of the First Presidency of Seventies. From here on out the persecutions of the Saints were very great. They were obliged to go from place to place in an effort to have a little peace. During these trying days Mary Ann's grandmother Pulsipher died at the age of 85 years, at Far West, Missouri.
We are all familiar with the hardships of crossing the plains. At this time Mary Ann was 15 years old, so she was able to assist in camp dutie, and was obliged to walk a good share of the way. Her father was Captain of a company, and was advised to take ten wagons and go ahead to assist in making roads.
With this responsibility of looking after other people, I imagine lots of the hard work of the journey fell on the mother and older boys, John and Charles.
The family arrived in the Salt Lake Valley on the 23rd of September 1848. They all began working to make a home and get something around them. Her father built a grist mill and ground wheat for other people to obtain bread for his family. He also erected a saw mill and soon had them a comfortable home built.
Mary Ann had some schooling, but she was just the type of a girl that any young man would consider very favorable as a wife. Consequently, when young Thomas S. Terry met her it was love at first sight. She was 16 and he was 24, but let us have his exact words.
"During the past winter I became acquainted with John Bills, by which means, on the 29th of July, 1849, I became acquainted with Miss Mary Ann Pulsipher who afterwards became my wife. I now thought of changing my situation in life. I, accordinly, made Miss Pulsipher my constant companion. She being the fifth daughter of a respectable family, who was of log and high standing in the Church. On the 25th of September, I visited her parents and family. I now obtained my anxious with from Mr. Pulsipher, which was the company of his daughter.
"On the 25th of December, 1849, I received the hand of Miss Mary Ann Pulsipher in marriage by Heber C. Kimball, I being at the time 24 years of age and my wife 16 years of age. I was married in the house of Mr. Pulsipher in the 16th Ward, Great Salt Lake City. Mr. Pulsipher honored his daughter and friends with a good wedding supper. The next day, the 26th, I moved my wife to Brother John Bills where I lived."
In November of 1850 the young husband gave up the Bills farm which he had rented and took up 40 acreas of land on Little Cottonwood. He built a house there, a little log cabin which they moved into December 1. On the 14th day of December, at 8:00 o'clock in the morning, Mary Ann became a mother to a fine daughter, which they named Mary Ann to honor her 17 year old mother.
The young couple worked hard to make a living on their new land, but they were happy together, although they had good and bad luck with their crops and livestock.
On the 16th of February, 1853 at 5:00 o'clock in the afternoon, Mary Ann became a mother for the second time; another girl, whom they named Adelia.
The grasshoppers came during the summer and devoured nearly all their crops. As if that wasn't enough trouble, the Indian Chief Walker went on the warpath. The people living out on their famrs were instructed to move together and build forts to protect themselves, which they did and the Indian's plan was thwarted.
On the 18th of August, 1853, Thomas and Mary Ann were sealed by President Brigham Young in the Council House in Salt Lake, and in March they received their Endowments at the same place.
Thomas rented his farm and moved his family into Salt Lake and built a house there. On the 14th of October 1854, at 6:30 in the morning, Mary Ann again gave birth to a baby; another daughter, whom they called Celestia.
Along about this time the practice of plural marriage was extensively encouraged and practiced by the Church leaders. So, Thomas decided to take another wife. He chose Eliza Jane, a younger sister of Mary ann. They were married May 5, 1855. Eliza's first child was a boy, Zerah Pulsipher Terry.
In the fall of 1855 Thomas Terry was called on a mission to the East, laboring in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, his old home states. Before he started his labors, he went to see his mother and sister, Elizabeth. During his absence the wives and children got along as best they could, with the help of their brother, Will, and their father and mother. But what made it difficult for Mary Ann was the fact that after her husband had been gone a few months, she again passed through the shadows and gave birth to another girl, January 19, 1857, Sarah Alydia, this time.
When the mission was completed and her husband was there to take care of things, it was a little easier. But he soon sought another wife, this was a very young girl by the name of Lucy Stevenson. He raised this girl from the dead through prayer and the power of the Priesthood, while crossig the plains. She liked to go dancing all the time and Thomas had other things to do, so she left him after a year or so.
In due time, two more daughters were added to the family, Wilhelmina, born April 14, 1859, and Almira, born March 9, 1861.
At the October Conference of 1861, a large company of Saints were called to the Dixie Cotton mission. This call included all of the Pulsipher family.
Mary Ann's father and mother, her sister, Almira, and her husband, Horras Burgess, Mariah and William Burgess, Sarah and John Alger, as well as her own husband and her sisters, Eliza Jane and herself. Her brothers John, Charles and William had come south with the Vanguards in 1861. Records show, however that these boys came back to Salt lake to dispose of their property and they assisted their aging father and mother in the trip south.
The trip south was hard and a tiring one; then the children had whooping cough which added to the discomforture and danger of the trip, it being in the dead of winter. But Mary Ann was never one to complain.
The Pulsipher family traveled together until they reached a valley that lies between Johnson's Fort and the present site of Cedar City. Here they separated; the brothers taking their parents with them, went west to Shoal Creek where they were engaged in taking care of the Church cattle. The others went to St. George, arriving on New Years Day, 1862/3.
The site for a future home was uninviting enough, the little valley with alkiline soil, surrounded by red and black hills with the ever challenging Virgin River to the south. Mary Ann's first home was a wagon box, here she gave birth to her seventh baby girl, March 30, 1863; they named her Lenora.
The Terrys weren't to remain in st. George, however, because in May of 1863, Apostle Snow called them to join the Pulsiphers at Shoal Creek. No doubt Mary ann was pleased to be with hr family again.
There were friendly Indians living in this locality and other maurading bands who were not quite so peaceful. Apostle Snow advised the settlers to move closer together and built a fort for protection. So the families came from Clover Valley and they all moved to the elbow in the main Canyon or Big Willow Bend where there was some fertile land for farming. Here they built a fort.
In the center was built a log meeting house where all could assemble for public meetings.
Father Zerah Pulsipher presided at these meetings. On one occasion he told the people...pg (25)
!Sources: Temple Records Index Bureau, Genealogical Soc SLC Ut
Hebron Ward Records (G.S. call no 6337)
Journal of Thomas Sirls Terry
St. George Temple, Endowment House & UT Temple Records
Research Notes in possession of Family Org
Family records from many family members now in possession of the
Thomas Sirls Terry Family Org.
Royalty records Batch T990197 25 Temple Department SIS
!MARY ANN PULSIPHER TERRY, RHT'S great-grandmother was born 20 Nov 1833 at Scott, Courtland, NY. Mary Ann was baptized 12 Mar 1842. She walked across the plains carrying her spelling book. Arrived SLC 23 Sep 1848, age 14. Mary Ann married TST 25 Dec 1849, age 16, at Salt Lake City, SAlt Lake, Utah. She had lived in Kirtland at age 2, traveled to Missouri with the Kirtland Camp at age 5, lived at Adam-Ondi-Ahmen and Far West, driven to Nauvoo with the Saints at age 6. She lived five years in Nauvoo and was present when the mantle fell on Brigham Young. She endured most of the persecutions. She spent a Winter at Winter Quarters at age 13. A voice from Heaven told her husband whom he was to marry. He was standing in the Bowry on Temple Square in Salt Lake City between meetings and the voice spoke to him twice before he noticed the little brunette a few rows away. She was the mother of twelve children, nine daughters and three sons. She was called to Dixie at age 28, in 1862 with her husband traveling with six daughters in a covered wagon in mid-winter starting in November and arriving on New Year's Day, having a baby in the wagon box soon after their arrival in St. George. Her marriage lasted 64 anniversaries. Mary Ann died 18 Sep 1912, at the age of 80, and was burried at Enterprise, Washington, Utah. She lived until her granddaughter, LORA HARMON, was 21 years old.
! Mary Ann PULSIPHER was the first wife of Thomas Sirls TERRY. When Brigham Young asked him to take a second wife, she gave him her little sister, Eliza Jane Pulsipher whom he married 6 May 1855. His third wife, Lucy Stevenson, left him with no children to be a dancer. His 4th wife, Hannah Louisa Leavitt also raised a family by him. So he had children by three of his wives.
Mary Ann's death date is listed as 17 Sep 1913 in the Pulsipher book. Mary Ann died at age 78.
! Mary Ann moved to Kirtland from New York at age 2. At age 5 she went with the Kirtland Camp to Far West where her grandmother Pulsipher died. At age 15 Mary Ann crossed the plains arriving in the Valley 23 Sep 1848. At age 16 she married Thomas Sirls Terry 25 Dec 1849, in Salt Lake City. She was sealed to her husband 18 Aug 1853 in the Council House. She witnessed the marriage of her husband to her little sister, Eliza Jane, 5 May 1855. Sent her husband to New Jersey on a mission in 1855. Sixth daughter *Almira was born 9 Mar 1861, in Little Cottonwood Canyon. Called to the Dixie mission in 1862. Gave birth in a wagon box in 1863. Her husband was the first bishop of Hebron. Mary Ann was the mother of twelve children, nine girls and three boys. She was a good cook, fed many at her table, made cheese and butter to ship, large round cheese, row upon row, to the ceiling. On one occasion, without advance notice, served 35 people giving them hot biscuits and a piece of pie. She was of a kind, sweet disposition. She was indeed a Mormon pioneer who endured the persecutions in Kirtland, Nauvoo, Far West, Adam-Ondi-Ahmen, etc.. She told of walking a good share of the way across the plains carrying her speller. She knitted beautiful lace. Died 17 Sep 1913 in Hebron.
!The official Church computers list Mary Ann's death date as 18 Sep at age 80.
1831 - MAP's parents were baptized along with most of her father's Baptist congregation, in 1831.
1831 - MAP's father was called on a mission and baptized in December 1831, Wilford Woodruff.
1833 - Mary Ann Pulsipher was born 20 Nov 1833, Scott, Courtland, New York, USA.
1835 - [Age 2] When MAP was two years old her family moved to Kirtland, Ohio, in 1835.
1838 - [Age 5] Her father, ZP, was ordained to the First Council of the Seventy.
1848 - [Age 15] MAP walked nearly every step Across the Plains arriving 23 Sep 1848 with the ZP
Company.
1848 - [Age just before her 16th birthday] MAP married TST 25 Sep 1848, Salt Lake City.
[TST on Temple Square in the Bowery heard a voice say: "There is the girl you are to marry]!"
1862 - [Age 30] Called to the Dixie Mission. Arrived in St George, New Year's day 1863.
1863 - [Age 30] Gave birth to her seventh daughter Lenora in a wagonbox in St. George.
Called to Shoal Creek and spent ten years in Hebron before it was abandoned.
1913 - [Age nearly 80] Mary Ann Pulsipher died 18 Sep 1913, Enterprise, Washington, Utah, USA.
1926 - Her spouse, TST, followed her in death 12 Aug 1926, Enterprise, Washington, Utah, USA.
BIRTHS OF CHILDREN:
1. Mary Ann TERRY 14 Dec 1848, Union, Little Cottonwood, Salt Lake, Utah, USA
2. Adelia TERRY 16 Feb 1853, Union, Little Cottonwood, Salt Lake, Utah, USA
3. Celestia TERRY 14 Oct 1854, Salt Lake City, Salt Lake, Utah, USA
4. Sarah Alydia TERRY 19 Jan 1857, Salt Lake City, Salt Lake, Utah, USA
5. Wilhelmina TERRY 14 Apr 1859, Salt Lake City, Salt Lake, Utah, USA
6. Almira TERRY 09 Mar 1861, Union, Little Cottonwood, Salt Lake, Utah, USA
7. Lenora TERRY 30 Mar 1863, in a wagon box in St George, Utah, USA
8. Thomas Sirls TERRY, Jr. 22 Feb 1866, Hebron, Washington, Utah, USA
9. Minerva Susan TERRY Apr 1868, Hebron, Washington, Utah, USA
10. Elizabeth TERRY 10 Oct 1870, Terry Ranch, Hebron, Washington, Utah, USA
11. Luther Murkins TERRY 18 Apr 1873, Terry Ranch, Hebron, Washington, Utah, USA
12. Joseph Alma TERRY 16 Apr 1876, Hebron, Washington, Utah, USA
MARRIAGES OF CHILDREN:
1. Mary Ann TERRY 29 Dec 1867, married Orson Huntsman
2. Adelia TERRY 05 Oct 1869, married Soren Vihelm Mackelprang
3. Celestia TERRY 10 Oct 1871, married Jefferson Hunt
4. Sarah Alydia TERRY 09 Mar 1877, married Anson Perry Winsor
5. Wilhelmina TERRY 15 Nov 1875, married George W Laub
6. Almira TERRY 04 May 1881, St George, Washington, Utah,
7. Lenora TERRY 30 Jun 1886, married Thomas Eccles Tullis,
8. Thomas Sirls TERRY, Jr. 17 Sep 1895, married Roxie Jane Woods,
9. Minerva Susan TERRY 12 Jun 1894, married Alfred Willard Lund
10. Elizabeth TERRY 23 Nov 1890, married Lamond Cresson Woods
11. Luther Murkins TERRY 17 Jul 1900, married Charlotte Woods
12. Joseph Alma TERRY 01 Sep 1902, married Nancy Mae Holt
1880 UNITED STATES CENSUS:
Census Place: Hebron, Washington, Utah
Source: FHL Film 1255339 National Archives Film T9-1339 Page 399B
Relation Sex Marr Race Age Birthplace
Mary A. TERRY Self F M W 47 NY Birth Year 1833
Occ: Keep House Fa: VT Mo: PA
Almira TERRY Dau F S W 19 UT 1861
Occ: At Home Fa: PA Mo: IL
Lenora TERRY Dau F S W 17 UT
Occ: Works Out Fa: PA Mo: IL
Thomas S. TERRY
Son M S W 14 UT
Fa: PA Mo: IL
Minerva S. TERRY
Dau F S W 11 UT
Fa: PA Mo: IL
Elizabeth TERRY Dau F S W 10 UT
Fa: PA Mo: IL
Luther M. TERRY Son M S W 7 UT
Fa: PA Mo: IL
Joseph A. TERRY
Son M S W 4 UT
Fa: PA Mo: IL
To see where Mary Ann's husband was the day of the census, see Mary Ann's little sister, Eliza Jane Pulsipher TERRY's Census entry.
Monday, March 17, 2008
Slow but sure
The Hunt's genealogy is in really good shape. Quite honestly Uncle Preston and Aunt Ollie, with other members of the distant family, have worked long and hard to piece together the Hunt pieces. I am focusing on other lines right now, but will eventually get to this line. This is my line:
Allyson
Ivin
Thomas Elmer Hunt and Emma Day
Jefferson Hunt and Celestia Terry and John Day and Lucy Philena Canfield (See hunt4day.blogspot.com)
Amos Hunt and Nancy Garrett Welborn, Thomas Sirls Terry and MaryAnn Pulsipher.
More to follow.
Ivin
Thomas Elmer Hunt and Emma Day
Jefferson Hunt and Celestia Terry and John Day and Lucy Philena Canfield (See hunt4day.blogspot.com)
Amos Hunt and Nancy Garrett Welborn, Thomas Sirls Terry and MaryAnn Pulsipher.
More to follow.
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