Friday, August 9, 2013
Monday, April 11, 2011
Lucinda Bybee
Lucinda Bybee married David Layne who are the parents of Mary Elizabeth Layne who married George Wilding Sr.
Lucinda Bybee was born 20 or 21 July 1805, Glasgow, Barren County, Kentucky. She was the fourth child of Lee Allen Bybee and Jerusha Jane Attkerson. Her three older sisters were: Elizabeth (1801), Polly (1802), Nancy 1803-1843), then Lucinda, John (abt 1806), Absalor (10 Feb 1808), Mary (24 Oct 1809), Alfred (4 Nov 1810), Sally Ann (22 Dec. 1815-1889), Loraine (abt 1817-1873), Lee (4 May 1819), Ruth (abt 1821), Joab (abt 1823).
Lucinda Bybee married David Layne, 11 Sep 1824. They had seven chldren when David died, leaving a five hundred dollar debt that caused the farm to be sold the next year, 1841, and the family moved to or near Bowling Green County, near to Lucinda's father, Lee Bybee's place.
In the fall and winter of 1838, Phineas Young, A.W. Babbit, and others came through Clay County preaching the gospel as restored by Joseph Smith, the modern prophet of the Lord. David Layne and Byrum Bebee went to the meeting and were well pleased with what they heard and after consideration and comparison with the Bible, they concluded to embrace it at the first opportunity which did not come as far as David was concerned for he was taken sick and died that same year. Byrum was baptized the next year, followed the Saints and was faithful to his covenants to the end of his life. He died in southern Utah about 1870, leaving a large family and a numerous posterity most of whom are in southern Utah at this time, 1897.
In 1842, Lucinda Bybee Layne with all members of her family and her father, three brothers and their families and others from their homes in Indiana, started from their homes to gather with the saints in Nauvoo, Illinois, When about 20 miles from their homes near Terrehaute, Indiana, on of Lucinda's sons Elishu Preston, fell off the wagon and run over by the wheel. Both legs were thought to be broken but next day could walk as well as ever. The following day they crossed the Wabash river and arrived at Paris, Illinois where Lucinda's sister, Polly White lived with her Huband Middleton White. At that time he being the jailer, the jail was their home. The Laynes stayed with them for two days then traveled westward across the state of Illinois to Nauvoo on the east bank of the Mississippi River about 250 miles from where they had started. They stopped in the city for nearly three weeks while the brethern looked about for land that could be purchased. They found land available about five miles outh and a little east of the city and soon moved onto it. That first winter was very cold in 1842-43.
At Springfield they saw their first railroad and cars. At Cathage they saw the jail where two years later the Prophet Joseph Smith and his brother Hyrum were murdered 27 June 1844. They also saw Captain Robert F. Smith commander of the mob that committed the bloody deed.
The children who were school age went to school parts of the years of 1842, 43, 44 at this place where they had settled.
In June 1844 the family lived in a home near to the road that led from Warsaw to Nauvook and during this month almost day and night they heard reports of mobs coming from Warsaw and other places which kept them all in continual alarm. Being on the main road, there were many nights that were entirely sleepless. On the night of June 27th their home seemed to be filled with evil spirits and the next day Lucinda's father came with the terrifying news that the Prophet Joseph and his brother Hyrum had been murdered in Carthage jail. Such a time of mourning had never been know among the Saints.
In the fall of 1844, Lucinda's son, Johnathan along with others chopped wood that was hauled to Naufoo and turned it to those in charge of the Temple work and thus the Laynes had the privilege of assisting in the building tof the Nauvoo Temple.
Johnathan with others at a muster of the Nauvoo Legion when the Prohet Joseph Smith as commander made his last public address when he made the statement as he uncheathed his sword and pointing it heavenward said: "It shall never be sheathed again until the Latter-day Saints shall have their rights". He at this time asked the people if they would stand by him, they answered "Yes" in a loud voice. We have only to read this part of the history of the Latter-day Saints to see a good reason for this.
When the Prophet's and Hyrum's bodies were brought to Nauvoo, Lucinda forbid the children to go along with the many thousands to take a last look at them. The older boys had respect enough for their Mother to obey thought they were sorry to their dying days that they weren't allowed to see them.
In thw winter of 1845-6 the leaders of the church agreed with our people to leave Illiois as soon as their homes and lands could be disposed of and to be ready when the others were to depart. To accomplish this, the branches were organized into working companies to make wagons, carts or anything that could be used to move the people westward. Some of the wagons were used without any iron, not even for tires, rawhide was often used in place of a wooden lingbolt. Cows were often used in place of oxen and some of the frollest outfits that were ever seen or thought of were used to start on the 1500 mile journey.
Their enemies took advantage of this situation. They believed the Saints would go thether or not they sold their homes and they could claim them without cost. However most all were able to dispose of their homes and property at some sort of renumeration which in many cases was about the same as giving them away. Lucinda owned a small brick home and then acres of good land. It was sold in trade for eleven dollars worth of the blackest, most bitter and most vile flour that was ever seen or tasted. It was only after two or three days without food that it could be eaten at all. The fact is that no description of what the people passed through written by the learned or unlearned could possibly portray correctly the true situation. It must be felt to be truly realized. The hearing of the ear, the sight of the eye could not fittingly portray it neither think it possible the language we understood could perfectly describe it.
In May 1846, they with grandfather Lee Bybee and her brothers, Lucinda and her children with others started from their once peaceable homes and were ferried across the Mississippi River. They crossed five miles below Warsaw and Nauvoo, west and north and camped for a week or ten days to make better preparation for the long journey before the. It seemed as if they had to start first and prepare afterward. After two days journey they came to the DesMoines River at Farmington, Iowa there they camped with Byrum Bybee where one of his daughters met a man Luan Bird and in two or three days she married him. He lived at Farmington, Utah and was not of our faith.
They were able while there to get a abundance of good flour for their labor which was a great treat after eating the black stuff they had brought from Nauvoo and surely the hand of the Lord was with them and they thanked him and tried to live as he required them to.
They remained there until the middle of summer then crossed the DesMoines Rivert at Bonapart Mills traveling wetward 10 or 12 miles where there was a large camp of moving saints, here they stopped for several weeks. A man from Keosoqua on the DesMoine River about 20 miles from camp came and wanted an experienced nurse to care for his wife who was ill. Lucinda went and cared for the sick woman for two weeks. Johnathan then took sick with fever and continued to grow worse until little hope for his recovery was entertained. He was in this condition when brother Joseph Young of the Seventies stopped one day to feed his horse and eat with the group. When Johnathan heard that he was there he asked that someone go and bring him that he may lay his hands upon him but they said it would do no good. Johnathan insisted and Brother Young was brought and administered to him and immediately he asked for something to seat, the first food in nearly a week. The next day he was able to get up from his bed and was soon well again. The family knew it was the power and mercy of God that had made the healing possible. After a period of about four weeks they moved on westward with many others toward a resting place for the Saints. In about two weeks they arried at a place where Lucinda's two daughters, Martha Jane and Sally Ann with their husbands, Anthony Johnson Stratton and Horace Burr Owens had stopped on Grand River. They had built themselves log cabins and had raised a little corn which was badly frost bitten but which they were glad to grind and eat before the next spring. Even the frosted cornmeal was a hundred percent better than the bitter black flour they had eaten on the road from Nauvoo. To get corn dry enough to grind they layed it overhead on the house and when dry enought o shell they did so then carried it on their backs to a handmill at Brother Lorenzo Snow's home. They often had to wait their turn to grind the corn as the mill was constatly busy day and night , beside this they paid a small toll for its use. Brother Snow presided over this place for some time.
The next year 1847 they raised some good corn that fully matured being dry and sound and made good bread.
There were scouts sent ahead to make log homes that the companies could live in during the winter months. By putting in an early crop they could then move on to a fall crop ready to be harvested, leaving the early down crop for the following companies to harvest. This was done by the advice of Pres. Brigham Young. In this manner thousands of the saints have been able to gather to Utah.
After living in Pisgah, Iowa nearly 18 months, about November 1847 Lucinda married aman by the name of Barnett Manzer and the following spring they moved onto Potawatomie County, Iowa in company with John W. Cowley and his mother and others. After two eeks of traveling they camped on North Pigeon Creek where Barnett Manzar bult a house and fenced some ground then planted a crop. They made themselves as comfortable as possible at the same time preparing to move farther west as soon as possible.
In the early spring of 1850 some of the men went to drive freight teams to Salt Lake City and Johnathan, on of Lucinda's sons, was with them and he states this experience on the 5th day of April about 10 o'clock we saw this peculiar sign in the heavens. The sun was surrounded for a little distance with a circle of light. From the eastern edge of the sun reaching through this light was the representation of an arm reaching from the shoulder to the hand, the fingers could be plainly seen as grasping the hilt of a large sword with the point toward the earth to the southeast of where we were (Northwest Missouri). This remained in our sight until noon then it disappeared.
Some years Some years after this I read of a person in Illinois one night who stood looking at the heavens with face toward the south and he saw a similar sight. A streak of light reaching from the earth many degrees upward as the figure 1, the ends seemed to lengthen out and each end turned to the right and met in the center making the number 8, the upper end then straightened out leaving the lower end forming the number 6, and then the two ends turned forward and met in the center forming the number 0. Putting them all together as they were maked the figures 1860. This taken in connection with the hand and the sword that was shown to us the events that took place are easily understood to mean the foreshadowing of the great war of the United State, The Civil War
.
As the men reached the place where they were supposed to outfit the freight trains and were about ready to continue the trek westward many of the men let down considerably in their moral conduct which was not in keeping with the teachings of the church. This so disgusted the remaining few that they left the train and went back to the man company. Johnathan being one of these went back to find his mother, Lucinda, with a tiny baby whom they named Stephen Manzer.
In the summer of 1851 nearly all of the Latter-day Saints in Potawatomie County prepared to go the following year to the Salt Lake valley. In the month of May the saints of the North Pigeon branch started their journey to the valley and within the next day or so crossed the river on the flat boat. The cattle were forced to swim but all crossed safely thought the river was more than a half mile wide at the crossing.
The company they traveled in was organized as all companies of the Latter-day Saints were who crossed the plains. Their captain was Benjamin Gardner. They raveled slowly to allow the cattle time for possible feeding. They soon arrived where the buffalo were seen in countless numbers and they had buffalo meat in abundance most of the journey. In June the arrived at the Loop Fork River which they must ford, the river being full of quick sand forced the wagons to keep going once they started to cross for the running water would take the sand from under the wheels and they would sink a foot or more in just a few minutes and so completely envelope the lower side of the wheels that they were forced to use two or three teams to move the sinking wagon. This same condition applied also to cattle, horses or men, all must keep moving or they would become fast in the reacherous sand.
At long last all were safely over and camped for the night. Early next morning they were on the move again passing the Bishop W. W. Lames company who were camped on Look Fork River.
Cholera was in the Lames camp therefore they passed them by and stopped on the west fork of the river for noon. A short time later the Lames company passed on by going up the river. After two hours nooning they again overtook the Bishop's wagon and two others. The Bishop had died of Cholera and they had stopped to bury him. They had dug the grave and were lowering the body inti it, the waster was six to eight inches deep in the bottom of the grave but they lowered the body whihc as half buried in water. They finished covering it with soil and immediately continued on their journey.
Near 4 o'clock in the afternoon they overtook another wagon along the road. It also was one of Bishop Lames wagons, his wife had also died of the cholera and they were digging her grave less than seven miles from where he was buried. It was indeed a sad sight. Death was stalking abroad in daylight as well as in darkness. They then passed on along the Wood River about 10 miles from the last mentioned grave.
Cholera attacked four more in the Lames camp that night and at noon the following day Brother Amos Hunt lost a son near 16 years of age and he was buried immediately. The camp moved on and that night another died and was buried in the like manner. Next morning they moved on again. Indeed it seemed as thought they raveled in death valley so many new graves were passed day after day. They were now on the Platte River and within a few days relief came to them when the sickness ceased and they gave thanks to the Lord.
The camp always layed over on the sabbath day and meetings held as often as it was possible to do so. All camps were made in a circle, wagon to wagon, and always at least four men on guard throughout the night, also two men were with the cattle. Cattle was often taken some distance to find food for them. As troublesome as all these things were it was much better than fear of the mobs had been and it was always pleasant to reflect on going to the land of peace, if not of plenty.
Thus day by day, week by week, they traveled ever onward to the land of promise where they would be free to worship the Lord their God according to the dictates of their own conscience with none to afflict or oppress. Free from the hands of such men as they who killed the prophet of the Lord and drove helpless and sick men and women, many whose husbands were in the service of the government. That same government did nto raise a hand to prevent these outrages
.
Near the forks of the Platte River it was thought best to divide the company into two or more camps, making it possible to travel faster. This was done and proved to be advantageous as planned.
Their company did not cross the Platte River at Fort Laramie but continued up the north side until they reached the mountains 40 or 50 miles above Fort Laramie. There they camped the 11th company, James Megaw captain. They were there two or three days as feed was good and old acquaintances had a good time visiting.
It was a new thing to climb mountains. The different kinds of timber, pine and spruce, the magnificent scenery and the view to be had of the valleys was entirely new to them. The buffalo that were to be seen at this time in the hills and plains near the Platte River was really wonderful. From a 50 foot hill one could see in any direction as far as the eye could reach. The earth was black with herds of moving buffalo so close together that the ground could not be seen between them. Guards were put out right and left to prevent them from going between the wagons, thereby stampeding the cattle and horses, in this manner a stampeded was avoided in their company, but other companies were not so successful being less watchful. Buffalo travel very little at night this proved helpful to the moving saints. In one herd of buffalo an old work ox was seen but it was impossible to separate him from them.
When they broke this camp they separated from the 11th company and didn't see them again until they arrived in the valley. They crossed the river to the south side for the teams were beginning to tire and feed at the camp grounds was not enough for their large herds. It was thought best to again divide the company and this they did and lightened their loads as much as possible by throwing away boxes and other things that could be spared to help the poor overworked teams.
George Wilding, who had married Lucinda's daughter, Mary Elizabeth in the spring of 1851 broke his wagon, his team being weak and nothing with which to mend the wagon. He put his load and team to other wagons and within a few days they reached Deer Creek. There they found coal in the bed of the creek and stayed over a few days to mend wagons and to keep the sabbath. Monday they moved on again and when camping for noon a large group of Cheyenne Indians came to them. As the Indians were dressed in war paint and seemed a little hostile they hardly knew how to handle the situation. They put up a brave front showing no fear although they were, they got out their fiddles and the young folk danced which greatly amused the Indians. Giving them a few presents the Indians soon moved off which suited the company very well and soon they also were on the move but not in the same direction as the Indians had taken.
One day a number prairie dogs were killed and cooked over the sagebrush fires. They were very palatable meat, although many could not be persuaded to eat because it was called dog.
On they traveled for many days through sagebrush and plains, mile after weary mile. After many trials and timbers later they reached the foot of the so longed for mountains. There they camped and ate dinner by a small creek at the foot of the mountain but their stop was short for they had been told that from the top of the next little mountain they could see into the valley of the great Salt Lake so on they hurried to see who could arrive there first. Soon they reached to top and there fore them lay the valley thay had come so far to see. Some were moved to tears of gratitude and thanksgiving, others disappointed with the looks of the place, all sagebrush, dry, a treeless plain, but down the mountain, across the bench and into the city they went. Arriving there at 4 o'clock p.m. 27 September 1852. They found many old friends and acquaintances and soon began to feel better. The next day they were ready to move on toward Ogden, Weber County. Some went south and Arnett Manzer and Lucinda with their unmarried family consisting to two daughter, Nancy Marie, Jerusha Emeline and two sons, Elihu Preston, and baby Stephen went to Nephi County.
There seems to be not record at the present day as to what became of Barnett Manzer but we do know that Lucinda and her children returned to Salt Lake from Nephi and resided in a home on the corner of South Temple and Second West until these children were married and Lucinda was alone. On the 4 Oct 1857 she buried her son Robert Lee Layne and on 19 Oct 1863 she received her endowments which gave her much joy. Shortly after the railroad was completed she went to Pasadena, California to be with her daughter.
As she grew older she returned to her children living in the the vicinty of Salt Lake and was cared for by the George Wilding family in the Sixteenth Ward. She was deprived of her eye sight in her later years but received tender care from her daughter Mary Elizabeth Wilding who lived in the block north of the Jackson School until her death 10 April 1896 at the age of 91 years.
(Author unknown)
Lucinda Bybee was born 20 or 21 July 1805, Glasgow, Barren County, Kentucky. She was the fourth child of Lee Allen Bybee and Jerusha Jane Attkerson. Her three older sisters were: Elizabeth (1801), Polly (1802), Nancy 1803-1843), then Lucinda, John (abt 1806), Absalor (10 Feb 1808), Mary (24 Oct 1809), Alfred (4 Nov 1810), Sally Ann (22 Dec. 1815-1889), Loraine (abt 1817-1873), Lee (4 May 1819), Ruth (abt 1821), Joab (abt 1823).
Lucinda Bybee married David Layne, 11 Sep 1824. They had seven chldren when David died, leaving a five hundred dollar debt that caused the farm to be sold the next year, 1841, and the family moved to or near Bowling Green County, near to Lucinda's father, Lee Bybee's place.
In the fall and winter of 1838, Phineas Young, A.W. Babbit, and others came through Clay County preaching the gospel as restored by Joseph Smith, the modern prophet of the Lord. David Layne and Byrum Bebee went to the meeting and were well pleased with what they heard and after consideration and comparison with the Bible, they concluded to embrace it at the first opportunity which did not come as far as David was concerned for he was taken sick and died that same year. Byrum was baptized the next year, followed the Saints and was faithful to his covenants to the end of his life. He died in southern Utah about 1870, leaving a large family and a numerous posterity most of whom are in southern Utah at this time, 1897.
In 1842, Lucinda Bybee Layne with all members of her family and her father, three brothers and their families and others from their homes in Indiana, started from their homes to gather with the saints in Nauvoo, Illinois, When about 20 miles from their homes near Terrehaute, Indiana, on of Lucinda's sons Elishu Preston, fell off the wagon and run over by the wheel. Both legs were thought to be broken but next day could walk as well as ever. The following day they crossed the Wabash river and arrived at Paris, Illinois where Lucinda's sister, Polly White lived with her Huband Middleton White. At that time he being the jailer, the jail was their home. The Laynes stayed with them for two days then traveled westward across the state of Illinois to Nauvoo on the east bank of the Mississippi River about 250 miles from where they had started. They stopped in the city for nearly three weeks while the brethern looked about for land that could be purchased. They found land available about five miles outh and a little east of the city and soon moved onto it. That first winter was very cold in 1842-43.
At Springfield they saw their first railroad and cars. At Cathage they saw the jail where two years later the Prophet Joseph Smith and his brother Hyrum were murdered 27 June 1844. They also saw Captain Robert F. Smith commander of the mob that committed the bloody deed.
The children who were school age went to school parts of the years of 1842, 43, 44 at this place where they had settled.
In June 1844 the family lived in a home near to the road that led from Warsaw to Nauvook and during this month almost day and night they heard reports of mobs coming from Warsaw and other places which kept them all in continual alarm. Being on the main road, there were many nights that were entirely sleepless. On the night of June 27th their home seemed to be filled with evil spirits and the next day Lucinda's father came with the terrifying news that the Prophet Joseph and his brother Hyrum had been murdered in Carthage jail. Such a time of mourning had never been know among the Saints.
In the fall of 1844, Lucinda's son, Johnathan along with others chopped wood that was hauled to Naufoo and turned it to those in charge of the Temple work and thus the Laynes had the privilege of assisting in the building tof the Nauvoo Temple.
Johnathan with others at a muster of the Nauvoo Legion when the Prohet Joseph Smith as commander made his last public address when he made the statement as he uncheathed his sword and pointing it heavenward said: "It shall never be sheathed again until the Latter-day Saints shall have their rights". He at this time asked the people if they would stand by him, they answered "Yes" in a loud voice. We have only to read this part of the history of the Latter-day Saints to see a good reason for this.
When the Prophet's and Hyrum's bodies were brought to Nauvoo, Lucinda forbid the children to go along with the many thousands to take a last look at them. The older boys had respect enough for their Mother to obey thought they were sorry to their dying days that they weren't allowed to see them.
In thw winter of 1845-6 the leaders of the church agreed with our people to leave Illiois as soon as their homes and lands could be disposed of and to be ready when the others were to depart. To accomplish this, the branches were organized into working companies to make wagons, carts or anything that could be used to move the people westward. Some of the wagons were used without any iron, not even for tires, rawhide was often used in place of a wooden lingbolt. Cows were often used in place of oxen and some of the frollest outfits that were ever seen or thought of were used to start on the 1500 mile journey.
Their enemies took advantage of this situation. They believed the Saints would go thether or not they sold their homes and they could claim them without cost. However most all were able to dispose of their homes and property at some sort of renumeration which in many cases was about the same as giving them away. Lucinda owned a small brick home and then acres of good land. It was sold in trade for eleven dollars worth of the blackest, most bitter and most vile flour that was ever seen or tasted. It was only after two or three days without food that it could be eaten at all. The fact is that no description of what the people passed through written by the learned or unlearned could possibly portray correctly the true situation. It must be felt to be truly realized. The hearing of the ear, the sight of the eye could not fittingly portray it neither think it possible the language we understood could perfectly describe it.
In May 1846, they with grandfather Lee Bybee and her brothers, Lucinda and her children with others started from their once peaceable homes and were ferried across the Mississippi River. They crossed five miles below Warsaw and Nauvoo, west and north and camped for a week or ten days to make better preparation for the long journey before the. It seemed as if they had to start first and prepare afterward. After two days journey they came to the DesMoines River at Farmington, Iowa there they camped with Byrum Bybee where one of his daughters met a man Luan Bird and in two or three days she married him. He lived at Farmington, Utah and was not of our faith.
They were able while there to get a abundance of good flour for their labor which was a great treat after eating the black stuff they had brought from Nauvoo and surely the hand of the Lord was with them and they thanked him and tried to live as he required them to.
They remained there until the middle of summer then crossed the DesMoines Rivert at Bonapart Mills traveling wetward 10 or 12 miles where there was a large camp of moving saints, here they stopped for several weeks. A man from Keosoqua on the DesMoine River about 20 miles from camp came and wanted an experienced nurse to care for his wife who was ill. Lucinda went and cared for the sick woman for two weeks. Johnathan then took sick with fever and continued to grow worse until little hope for his recovery was entertained. He was in this condition when brother Joseph Young of the Seventies stopped one day to feed his horse and eat with the group. When Johnathan heard that he was there he asked that someone go and bring him that he may lay his hands upon him but they said it would do no good. Johnathan insisted and Brother Young was brought and administered to him and immediately he asked for something to seat, the first food in nearly a week. The next day he was able to get up from his bed and was soon well again. The family knew it was the power and mercy of God that had made the healing possible. After a period of about four weeks they moved on westward with many others toward a resting place for the Saints. In about two weeks they arried at a place where Lucinda's two daughters, Martha Jane and Sally Ann with their husbands, Anthony Johnson Stratton and Horace Burr Owens had stopped on Grand River. They had built themselves log cabins and had raised a little corn which was badly frost bitten but which they were glad to grind and eat before the next spring. Even the frosted cornmeal was a hundred percent better than the bitter black flour they had eaten on the road from Nauvoo. To get corn dry enough to grind they layed it overhead on the house and when dry enought o shell they did so then carried it on their backs to a handmill at Brother Lorenzo Snow's home. They often had to wait their turn to grind the corn as the mill was constatly busy day and night , beside this they paid a small toll for its use. Brother Snow presided over this place for some time.
The next year 1847 they raised some good corn that fully matured being dry and sound and made good bread.
There were scouts sent ahead to make log homes that the companies could live in during the winter months. By putting in an early crop they could then move on to a fall crop ready to be harvested, leaving the early down crop for the following companies to harvest. This was done by the advice of Pres. Brigham Young. In this manner thousands of the saints have been able to gather to Utah.
After living in Pisgah, Iowa nearly 18 months, about November 1847 Lucinda married aman by the name of Barnett Manzer and the following spring they moved onto Potawatomie County, Iowa in company with John W. Cowley and his mother and others. After two eeks of traveling they camped on North Pigeon Creek where Barnett Manzar bult a house and fenced some ground then planted a crop. They made themselves as comfortable as possible at the same time preparing to move farther west as soon as possible.
In the early spring of 1850 some of the men went to drive freight teams to Salt Lake City and Johnathan, on of Lucinda's sons, was with them and he states this experience on the 5th day of April about 10 o'clock we saw this peculiar sign in the heavens. The sun was surrounded for a little distance with a circle of light. From the eastern edge of the sun reaching through this light was the representation of an arm reaching from the shoulder to the hand, the fingers could be plainly seen as grasping the hilt of a large sword with the point toward the earth to the southeast of where we were (Northwest Missouri). This remained in our sight until noon then it disappeared.
Some years Some years after this I read of a person in Illinois one night who stood looking at the heavens with face toward the south and he saw a similar sight. A streak of light reaching from the earth many degrees upward as the figure 1, the ends seemed to lengthen out and each end turned to the right and met in the center making the number 8, the upper end then straightened out leaving the lower end forming the number 6, and then the two ends turned forward and met in the center forming the number 0. Putting them all together as they were maked the figures 1860. This taken in connection with the hand and the sword that was shown to us the events that took place are easily understood to mean the foreshadowing of the great war of the United State, The Civil War
.
As the men reached the place where they were supposed to outfit the freight trains and were about ready to continue the trek westward many of the men let down considerably in their moral conduct which was not in keeping with the teachings of the church. This so disgusted the remaining few that they left the train and went back to the man company. Johnathan being one of these went back to find his mother, Lucinda, with a tiny baby whom they named Stephen Manzer.
In the summer of 1851 nearly all of the Latter-day Saints in Potawatomie County prepared to go the following year to the Salt Lake valley. In the month of May the saints of the North Pigeon branch started their journey to the valley and within the next day or so crossed the river on the flat boat. The cattle were forced to swim but all crossed safely thought the river was more than a half mile wide at the crossing.
The company they traveled in was organized as all companies of the Latter-day Saints were who crossed the plains. Their captain was Benjamin Gardner. They raveled slowly to allow the cattle time for possible feeding. They soon arrived where the buffalo were seen in countless numbers and they had buffalo meat in abundance most of the journey. In June the arrived at the Loop Fork River which they must ford, the river being full of quick sand forced the wagons to keep going once they started to cross for the running water would take the sand from under the wheels and they would sink a foot or more in just a few minutes and so completely envelope the lower side of the wheels that they were forced to use two or three teams to move the sinking wagon. This same condition applied also to cattle, horses or men, all must keep moving or they would become fast in the reacherous sand.
At long last all were safely over and camped for the night. Early next morning they were on the move again passing the Bishop W. W. Lames company who were camped on Look Fork River.
Cholera was in the Lames camp therefore they passed them by and stopped on the west fork of the river for noon. A short time later the Lames company passed on by going up the river. After two hours nooning they again overtook the Bishop's wagon and two others. The Bishop had died of Cholera and they had stopped to bury him. They had dug the grave and were lowering the body inti it, the waster was six to eight inches deep in the bottom of the grave but they lowered the body whihc as half buried in water. They finished covering it with soil and immediately continued on their journey.
Near 4 o'clock in the afternoon they overtook another wagon along the road. It also was one of Bishop Lames wagons, his wife had also died of the cholera and they were digging her grave less than seven miles from where he was buried. It was indeed a sad sight. Death was stalking abroad in daylight as well as in darkness. They then passed on along the Wood River about 10 miles from the last mentioned grave.
Cholera attacked four more in the Lames camp that night and at noon the following day Brother Amos Hunt lost a son near 16 years of age and he was buried immediately. The camp moved on and that night another died and was buried in the like manner. Next morning they moved on again. Indeed it seemed as thought they raveled in death valley so many new graves were passed day after day. They were now on the Platte River and within a few days relief came to them when the sickness ceased and they gave thanks to the Lord.
The camp always layed over on the sabbath day and meetings held as often as it was possible to do so. All camps were made in a circle, wagon to wagon, and always at least four men on guard throughout the night, also two men were with the cattle. Cattle was often taken some distance to find food for them. As troublesome as all these things were it was much better than fear of the mobs had been and it was always pleasant to reflect on going to the land of peace, if not of plenty.
Thus day by day, week by week, they traveled ever onward to the land of promise where they would be free to worship the Lord their God according to the dictates of their own conscience with none to afflict or oppress. Free from the hands of such men as they who killed the prophet of the Lord and drove helpless and sick men and women, many whose husbands were in the service of the government. That same government did nto raise a hand to prevent these outrages
.
Near the forks of the Platte River it was thought best to divide the company into two or more camps, making it possible to travel faster. This was done and proved to be advantageous as planned.
Their company did not cross the Platte River at Fort Laramie but continued up the north side until they reached the mountains 40 or 50 miles above Fort Laramie. There they camped the 11th company, James Megaw captain. They were there two or three days as feed was good and old acquaintances had a good time visiting.
It was a new thing to climb mountains. The different kinds of timber, pine and spruce, the magnificent scenery and the view to be had of the valleys was entirely new to them. The buffalo that were to be seen at this time in the hills and plains near the Platte River was really wonderful. From a 50 foot hill one could see in any direction as far as the eye could reach. The earth was black with herds of moving buffalo so close together that the ground could not be seen between them. Guards were put out right and left to prevent them from going between the wagons, thereby stampeding the cattle and horses, in this manner a stampeded was avoided in their company, but other companies were not so successful being less watchful. Buffalo travel very little at night this proved helpful to the moving saints. In one herd of buffalo an old work ox was seen but it was impossible to separate him from them.
When they broke this camp they separated from the 11th company and didn't see them again until they arrived in the valley. They crossed the river to the south side for the teams were beginning to tire and feed at the camp grounds was not enough for their large herds. It was thought best to again divide the company and this they did and lightened their loads as much as possible by throwing away boxes and other things that could be spared to help the poor overworked teams.
George Wilding, who had married Lucinda's daughter, Mary Elizabeth in the spring of 1851 broke his wagon, his team being weak and nothing with which to mend the wagon. He put his load and team to other wagons and within a few days they reached Deer Creek. There they found coal in the bed of the creek and stayed over a few days to mend wagons and to keep the sabbath. Monday they moved on again and when camping for noon a large group of Cheyenne Indians came to them. As the Indians were dressed in war paint and seemed a little hostile they hardly knew how to handle the situation. They put up a brave front showing no fear although they were, they got out their fiddles and the young folk danced which greatly amused the Indians. Giving them a few presents the Indians soon moved off which suited the company very well and soon they also were on the move but not in the same direction as the Indians had taken.
One day a number prairie dogs were killed and cooked over the sagebrush fires. They were very palatable meat, although many could not be persuaded to eat because it was called dog.
On they traveled for many days through sagebrush and plains, mile after weary mile. After many trials and timbers later they reached the foot of the so longed for mountains. There they camped and ate dinner by a small creek at the foot of the mountain but their stop was short for they had been told that from the top of the next little mountain they could see into the valley of the great Salt Lake so on they hurried to see who could arrive there first. Soon they reached to top and there fore them lay the valley thay had come so far to see. Some were moved to tears of gratitude and thanksgiving, others disappointed with the looks of the place, all sagebrush, dry, a treeless plain, but down the mountain, across the bench and into the city they went. Arriving there at 4 o'clock p.m. 27 September 1852. They found many old friends and acquaintances and soon began to feel better. The next day they were ready to move on toward Ogden, Weber County. Some went south and Arnett Manzer and Lucinda with their unmarried family consisting to two daughter, Nancy Marie, Jerusha Emeline and two sons, Elihu Preston, and baby Stephen went to Nephi County.
There seems to be not record at the present day as to what became of Barnett Manzer but we do know that Lucinda and her children returned to Salt Lake from Nephi and resided in a home on the corner of South Temple and Second West until these children were married and Lucinda was alone. On the 4 Oct 1857 she buried her son Robert Lee Layne and on 19 Oct 1863 she received her endowments which gave her much joy. Shortly after the railroad was completed she went to Pasadena, California to be with her daughter.
As she grew older she returned to her children living in the the vicinty of Salt Lake and was cared for by the George Wilding family in the Sixteenth Ward. She was deprived of her eye sight in her later years but received tender care from her daughter Mary Elizabeth Wilding who lived in the block north of the Jackson School until her death 10 April 1896 at the age of 91 years.
(Author unknown)
David Wilding 1804-1890, Alice Atkinson
DAVID WILDING & ALICE ATKINSON WILDING Biography[1] David Wilding was born 24 November 1804 in Longton, Lancashire, England, the son of Henry Wilding and Jennet Bamber, and the tenth of thirteen children.
It has been said the Wildings had lived since the 1200's in this small hamlet just across the River Ribble from the large city of Preston. George Wilding Sr. once said that Henry was a traveling salesman and came from the north of England.
According to the burial records of Longton, Henry was a farmer, who lived to be eighty-two years old, and died in September 1850 in Longton. David, who was trained as a doctor, married Alice Atkinson 23 October 1828 in Preston, Lancashire, England. 
She was born 8 April 1810 in Billsbarrow (a very small hamlet), Lancashire, the daughter of George Atkinson and Elizabeth Charnock. Alice's grandfather, William Atkinson, was the schoolmaster of Billsbarrow and Myerscough, Lancashire, England. The Charnocks were a prominent family in Lancashire. George Atkinson was a drinker and when disappointment would come to him, he would tell his wife, Betty, "Get my check, pay my bills, and put what you don't need in the bank." Then he would go away and drink for awhile. When he came home, he would say, "How goes it, Betty?" Her answer, "All right." "How about the money?" She would explain what she had done. "That's a good lassie," he would say to her.
She was born 8 April 1810 in Billsbarrow (a very small hamlet), Lancashire, the daughter of George Atkinson and Elizabeth Charnock. Alice's grandfather, William Atkinson, was the schoolmaster of Billsbarrow and Myerscough, Lancashire, England. The Charnocks were a prominent family in Lancashire. George Atkinson was a drinker and when disappointment would come to him, he would tell his wife, Betty, "Get my check, pay my bills, and put what you don't need in the bank." Then he would go away and drink for awhile. When he came home, he would say, "How goes it, Betty?" Her answer, "All right." "How about the money?" She would explain what she had done. "That's a good lassie," he would say to her. George taught his daughter, Alice, to read and write. Both she and David signed their own signatures on their marriage license, which was obtained in Preston. After their marriage, David and Alice lived on Williams Street in Preston. Their eldest son, George, was born there on the 9 November 1829; Elizabeth Ann on 28 May 1832; and James on 3 July 1835.
"Two men broke from the small clump of shrubbery and raced along the grassy river bank. One, the younger and more vigorous runner, drew ahead. A crowd of from 7,000 to 9,000 stood watching the race from both sides of the river and from the bridge. "Some shouted, laughed, and cheered as the younger runner reached the 7 men standing at the river's edge. The onlookers were townspeople of Preston, England curious to see a baptismal ceremony performed by the strange young men from America called Mormons. Baptism by immersion was strange enough, but to do it in a river was unheard of. "Winner of the race was George D. Watt, who thus won the honor of being the first convert in England to be baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, the date 30 July 1837, a significant one in the history of the church and in England. "Seven others soon joined the two contestants and the missionaries on the banks of the River Ribble. They were led one by one, into the water and baptized by Elder Heber C. Kimball, first President of the British Mission. "Later in the afternoon of that same day 5,000 of those same townspeople gathered in the Market Place of Preston to hear what 'these Mormon dippers' had to say.
Within a few months some 400 of this curious crowd would follow George Watt into the River Ribble. The harvest in England was indeed ripe for the MORMON missionaries. "The Reverend James Fielding and his congregation at Vauxhall Chapel in Preston was ready. He had read to them his letters from his brother, Joseph, in America. Those letters told of the marvelous restoration of the gospel, of the new church, with a Prophet of God at its head, the Book of Mormon, of the signs, which followed those who believed. "Both the Reverend Fielding and his brother-in-law, Reverend Matthews in Dedford, had left the ministry in established churches. They now led their congregations in a search for the true gospel that they felt had been lost. One Sunday morning Heber C. Kimball, Orson Hyde, Willard Richards, John Goodson, Isaac Russell, Joseph Fielding, and John Snider appeared in the congregation at Vauxhall Chapel. After the sermon Reverend Fielding announced, `There are some ministers from America present, and they will occupy the pulpit this afternoon.' "In the afternoon meeting Elder Kimball outlined the history of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and Elder Hyde bore testimony. Both men were members of the Council of the Twelve Apostles.
"When in the days that followed, some of the congregation seemed inclined to follow the, Reverend Fielding barred the Elders from his pulpit and from that time on he opposed them bitterly. But the door to Great Britain could not be closed to the light of the Gospel. The thin beam was destined to become a great flood of light that would illuminate the entire land. "The missionary work soon extended beyond Preston. Elders Richard and Goodson went to Bedford where Reverend Matthews opened his church to them with results similar to those in Preston. Elder Russell and John Snider, a priest, established themselves in Alston. The three missionaries remaining in Preston made frequent trips to surrounding areas. All found people ready to accept the gospel wherever they went. "On Sunday 6 August 1837, eighty people gathered at the home of Ann Dawson, one of the first nine converts in Preston. The three missionaries confirmed them members of the Church and the first branch of the Church outside of the United States was officially organized." (Church Section of the Deseret News, 26 July 1958, page 12)
There was, also, a group of people called "The United Brethren" who were seeking for the Church which taught the Bible as Jesus did. This Chapel was where David Wilding attended Church. He was present at the meeting when the Elders spoke and Dr. David Wilding was so impressed that he was soon baptized and confirmed a member. He was willing to sacrifice all his worldly possessions in England for the Gospel's sake.
It was in 1837, the year Victoria became queen, that David Wilding joined the Church. David studied the Book of Mormon and received a testimony of its divine origin, which he shared with all that would listen. He was called to serve as a missionary companion to Heber C. Kimball. He was ordained an Elder in October of 1837 and the two traveled all through Lancashire. David was very impressed by Heber C. Kimball. When a new son was born to David and his wife 30 April 1838), he chose to name the baby Heber C. Kimball Wilding. Early Church records of England give David's name as baptizing and confirming many persons. George was baptized by his father, David, in the River Ribble in 1839 and confirmed by his father and Thomas Richardson. "The first number of 'The Latter-day Saints' Millennial Star' was issued at Manchester, in pamphlet form of twenty-four pages."[2]
In Volume One, David Wilding was listed as the Presi-dent of the Rochdale Branch, Manchester, England. David and Alice Atkinson Wilding had their Patriarchal Blessings on June 11, 1840. These blessings were given by Patriarch Peter Melling in England.[3]
The History of the Church tells of an important Conference of the Church in England held Monday, July 6, 1840, and gives names of the Branch Representatives. David's name is listed as representing the Branches at Bolton as well as Bury and Elton.[4]
At that Conference David was one of the Branch "Officers" that was able and willing "to devote themselves entirely to the work of the ministry……"[5] Another son joined the Wilding family 16 July 1840 and was named David William Patten Wilding.
David and Alice soon developed a great desire to join the Saints in America. They worked hard to be ready for that very important day. On Thursday, February 11, 1841, Brigham Young, Willard Richards, and John Taylor chose men to be in charge of a company of Saints ready to sail from Liverpool to New Orleans on the ship "Echo" with Captain Wood. Daniel Browett was set apart to be in charge and his Counselors, who were also set apart, were: John Cheese, David Wilding, James Lavender, William Jenkins, Robert Harris, and John Ellison. They sailed on the ship "Echo" 16 February 1841 and landed at Nauvoo 1 May 1841. David's records in Nauvoo show that his property was Lot 1 in Block 5 of the old Commerce city plat.[6]
Those records also show that he lived in the Nauvoo Fifth Ward and Nauvoo Third Wards. The certificate he brought with him from England was dated February 11, 1841, and was given to him in Liverpool where it was signed by Brigham Young.[7] Nauvoo records also show that David had a home on Mulholland.[8]
George, David's son, often held the Prophet's horses, Joe and John, as the Prophet went about his business. One time the Prophet laid his hands upon George's head and gave him a blessing, then turning to David said, "David, this is your son, and he will be a great blessing to you." This blessing came true, as George was the only member of the family to remain in the Church.
Both David and his eldest son, George, worked on the Nauvoo Temple. David was employed as a carpenter and George worked as a stone mason. David was a member of the Nauvoo Legion and his name is listed on page 1164[9] of the original record. On September 7, 1843, he was named as a Third Lieutenant and the date of his Commission was October 28, 1843.
Two children were born to David and Alice in Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois. They were: Joseph Smith Wilding Born: 12 April 1843 Jennetta Wilding Born: 8 September 1845. David and Alice left Nauvoo with the Saints and went into Iowa where four more children were born: Henry Wilding Born: 1 July 1848 at Crescent, Pottawattamie, Iowa (Henry & Alice were twins. Henry died 20 August 1848) Alice Wilding Born: 1 July 1848 at Crescent Thomas Wilding Born: 18 March 1851 at Crescent Sarah Ellen Wilding Born: 14 July 1853 at Council Bluffs.
Alice learned much of pioneer life as they lived in Nauvoo and Iowa. She often made oatmeal pancakes and strung them to dry to be used later in oatmeal porridge.
David came to Salt Lake City in the early 1850's, a few years after his son George and his family arrived. David made his home on the corner of 1st North 5th West. He lived there but a short time and then returned to Iowa with the rest of his children. After the rich promise of his youth and young manhood, David strayed from the Church because he was unable to accept Brigham Young as the Prophet Joseph's successor. He later joined the Josephite Church[10] in Iowa. Alice died in Florence, Nebraska 9 August 1876 at the age of 66 and was buried in Council Bluffs, Iowa. David, the founder of the huge Wilding clan in Iowa, Utah, and Idaho, died 8 October 1890 at the age of eighty-six years in Crescent, Pottawattamie County, Iowa. He was buried in Council Bluffs, Iowa, in the Fairview Cemetery, Section A, Lot 310.[11]
PATRIARCHAL BLESSING[12] Conferred upon the head of: Allice Wilding Born: In Billsborrow, Lancashire, England on the 8th day of April 1810 Under the hands of Patriarch: Peter Melling Date of Blessing: 11 June 1840 A Patriarchal Blessing confered upon the head of Allice Wilding who was born in Billsborrow Lancashire England on the 8th day of April 1810. Under the hands of Peter Melling Patriarch of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints England at a meeting held for that purpose on the 11th day of June 1840. Allice in the name of Jesus Christ I lay my hands upon thy head and according to the Authority of the Holy Priesthood given unto me I pray our Father would regard thee and that he would bless thee at this time and I do bless thee in his name and inasmuch as thou art humble before the Lord and watchful in all things thou shall find him near at all times when thou callest upon him he sall strengthen thee when thou art weak he will comfort thee when thou art weary and thou shall find that he is a friend at all times near at hand thou shall be blessed also in bringing forth thine ofspring and thou shall inasmuch as thou art faithful see his salvation thou shall be blessed with inteligence and thou shall rejoice with thy partner in all his labours thou shall see strange things come to pass thou shalt have dreams and visions thou shalt know of the mystries of heaven thy posterity shall be blessed and be a numerous people thou shalt speak with tongues thou shall experance and enjoy all these Blessings even according to thy faithfulness and humility before the Lord thou shalt have joy of heart such as thou hast not known and thou and thy partner shall rejoice together I pronounce these blessings upon thy head in the name of Jesus Christ and according to the Authority of the holy priesthood given unto me I seal the[e] up unto eternal life. Amen.
PATRIARCHAL BLESSING[13] Conferred upon the head of: David Wilding Born: In Longton, Lancashire, England on November 24, 1804. Under the hands of Patriarch: Peter Melling Date of Blessing: June 11, 1840 A Patriarchle Blessing confered upon the head of David Wilding who was born in Longton Lancashire England on the 24th day of November 1804 Under the hands of Peter Melling Patriarch of the church of Jesus Christ of latter day Saints in England on the 11th day of June 1840. David in the name of Jesus Christ I lay my hands upon thy head and according to the Authority of the holy Priesthood given unto me I pronounce upon your head the blessings of Abraham Isaac and Jacob and you shall be blessed insomuch that you have humbled yourself and gon down to the waters of baptism therefore dear Brother I say unto thee thou shalt be exhalted take incouragement Brother and go on for the Lord shall be thy defence yea thy shield and thy esceeding great reward, I feel to say thou art of the blood of Ephriam and thou shalt be blessed with his people and as thou art called to this important office to preach the gosple I pray our Father that he may inlarge thy heart and give thee wisdom and that thy faith may be great so that thou shall command the blind to see and the lame to walk and many shall rejoice at the sound of thy voice keep humble dear Brother and the day cometh when the day cometh when great things shall be done by thy instrumentality for thou shall go forth in his power and great things shall be accomplished by thee even according to his migty powr that has called thee thou shall stand before great men of the Earth and the word of the Lord by thee shall penetrate to their hearts thou shalt be blessed in thy Labours and shall return to Zion with many sheaves at last these blessings I pronounce upon thy head in the name of Jesus Christ, thy seed also shall be blessed and thy ofspring shall be numberous these blessings with every other inasmuch as thou art humble and faithful I seal upon thy head and according to the authority of the holy priesthood which is given unto me I seal thee up unto eternal life amen
[1] This history was slightly modified by Bonita (Bonnie) Park Atkinson from the history compiled by Geneva M. Wilding, Genealogist for the Wilding Family Organization. The Sources she used are as follows:
(1) History of David Wilding
(2) History of George Wilding Sr.
(3) Deseret News Church Section, 26 July 1958, p. 12
(4) Family Group Record of David Wilding & Alice Atkinson
(5) Parish Register of St. John's Church, Preston, England - (Marriage Records)
(6) Bishop's Transcripts of Longton & Penwortham, Lancashire, England copied by Mrs. Mary Fielden, Penwortham, England.
[2] Joseph Smith, History of the Church, (Deseret Book Company, Salt Lake City, Utah, 1970), Vol. IV, page 133.
[3] Xerox copies of the handwritten blessings are in the possession of Bonnie P. Atkinson, St. Anthony, Idaho.
[4] Joseph Smith, History of the Church, (Deseret Book Company, Salt Lake City, Utah, 1970), p. 148.
[5] Ibid.
[6] See information received from the Family History Library in the LDS Visitors' Center in Nauvoo. David's Rin number in their computer is 28229. See, also, the personal information on David and his family.
[7] See LDS Ward Record of Membership on FHL Film #581,219, from 1839-1846.
[8] In 1989 a Service Station was on the corner where the Wildings had lived.
[9] See xerox copy of the original record. The date, rank, and year are written in as it was shown with "ditto" marks from the preceding page. Copy in possession of Bonnie P. Atkinson.
[10] Once referred to as the "Josephite's", we now know this as the R.L.D.S. or Reorganized Church.
[11] Thomas Edward Wilding III found that David was buried in the Fairview Cemetery with the Section and Lot.
[12] This blessing has been typed with the original spelling and punctuation.
[13] This blessing has also been typed with the original spelling and punctuation
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