Sorry it's been a while since my last post. It is summertime and my kids and grandkids from Texas and Nevada were here off and on for three weeks so it was hectic and busy. But mostly it was wonderful to have them all together under one roof for meals, temple time, water park time, and lots and lots of game nights.
Now, back to the everyday.
I wanted to share some more stories from Grandma Bonnie's side of the family, the Burgess clan.
Our direct line ancestor was William Burgess, Sr. and then his son, William Burgess, Jr. One of William Jr.'s brothers was Wilmer Burgess. He would be my third great uncle. These stories are from his life:
"My parents were William Burgess and Mariah Pulsipher. I have five sisters, three brothers, three half brothers and one half sister." (these half siblings are a result of polygamy.) "My parents crossed the plains in 1848. My father filled a mission to the Indians on the Snake River in 1854.
I was born on the first day of April, 1850 in Salt Lake City. The place I was born is located on the corner of Fourth West and North Temple, where the Union Pacific Railroad Station is today.
When I was eight years old, I commenced to drive oxen for my father to bring rock for the Salt Lake Temple. When I was nine I drove four oxen to my father's sawmill to what is now Park City. At that time it was called Parley's Park. All that summer I worked in the timber with my cousin George Burgess. My cousin George made seven trips across the plains when he was nine or ten years old. When I was twelve years old, my folks were called to Dixie to help build up that part of the country. George and I drove three yoke of oxen in order to get our things all moved.
In the spring of 1863 we were called to the Pine Valley Mountains. My father started a saw mill. I helped with the lumber and logging until I was sixteen. From then on I did a lot of rambling. Part of the time I stayed on my uncle's farm. I traveled around through Nevada and Arizona with pack horses. My traveling companions were Clint McLain, Charley Ely, and Billy Higby. But McLain and myself were together the most of the time.
The year I was seventeen, I crossed Death Valley in California. Twice the Mojave Indians tried to capture us, but we escaped. We were near Las Vegas when this happened. That summer we were traveling around, the Indians surrounded us but we escaped on our horses, as they had none. We also saved six steers for the man we were working for that the Indians had stolen.
About this time, Frank Wooley was killed by the Indians. These same Indians captured W. Levitt, and Ira Hatch, just before they tried to catch us. The Indians sentenced them to death and when they were about to slay them, they asked if they could pray. When permission was given, they knelt down and began to pray. Before they were through with the prayer, about half of the braves were willing to let them go, and the other half wanted to kill them. But the chief of the tribe took them in his tent and kept them guarded until morning. Then they got them breakfast and set them free. The Indians kept their horses and they had to walk a hundred miles to Las Vegas.
In Nevada we were working for Mr. Ely on his ranch rounding up cattle. One day when I was out on a round up, I ran across some good looking rock, so I broke off some and took it to Mr. Ely to see what it was. He was real interested. He said, "If you will show me where these rocks came from, I'll give you a horse, saddle, and bridle." At that time in my life, nothing was more important to me or any boy, than to own your own outfit, so I took Mr. Ely to the spot and you all know what it turned out to be, a great mine. It was called the Ely mine and it produced lots of rich ore. (The gold mining town of Ely was founded in 1868. Now more noted for the large copper mine, gold and silver are still mined there.)
When I was eighteen I went back to Pine Valley to help father in the saw mill and getting out timber for the mill. Father also had a contract to get timber out for the Tabernacle Organ and Pine Valley was the only place where white pine grew and was good for organ pipes. In the fall I spent my time riding the range and running wild cattle into Bull Valley."
What great adventure stories. I hope you will all share them with your kids, especially all the young boys in the extended family. Next post I will continue Wilmer's incredible history. Stay tuned!!
Monday, August 11, 2014
Monday, June 30, 2014
Hough/Goodwin Ancestors
As mentioned in the last post, my grandmother was Ida Mae Goodwin Higginson. Her father was Isaac Michael Goodwin, born 26 March 1855 in Greencastle, Putnam, Indiana. He died 17 April 1942 in Decker Lake, British Columbia, Canada. He homesteaded up in Canada and I hope to be able to share some pictures I have collected of him and Ida Ann soon. Her mother was Ida Ann Hough, born 26 April 1862 in Pottawattamie, Iowa. She died 1 February 1945 in Ukiah, Mendocino, California.
I can go back many generations for the Hough line but only two more for the Goodwin line.
Isaac Michael, who everyone called Grandpa Ike, was born to William Jefferson Goodwin who was born 16 February 1825 in Harrison County, West Virginia. This part of West Virginia later became part of the state of Virginia. William died 14 January 1899 in Rantoul, Kansas. His parents were Francis Goodwin, born 1799 in West Virginia and Sarah Greathouse, born 1800 in West Virginia. Francis died in 1871 while living in Putnam County, Indiana. His wife, Sarah, died in 1873, also in Putnam County, Indiana. There are conflicting records as to who Francis Goodwin's parents were but there are friends I know who are working on that line and I will let you know when I get any updated information.
I do have information on Sarah's parents and the Greathouse line back many generations. The name was Grotehausen when they arrived in this country from Germany but they changed it to Greathouse. They came here back in the 1600's, settling in Pennsylvania and one day I will share their history with you.
Back to the Hough line. Ida Ann was born to Joel Riley Hough and Cedelia P. Spinning. This is where the story gets interesting. Both Joel and Cedelia joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1832 back in New York where they were both from. They soon after packed up all their belongings, just as our Pulsipher and Burgess ancestors did, and traveled to Kirtland, Ohio to be with the Prophet Joseph Smith and the body of the Church there. They traveled with the saints from Ohio to Missouri to Nauvoo and then when they were all driven out of Illinois by the mobs, they settled in Pottawattamie County, Iowa. So we have LDS ancestors on both mom and dad's sides. Mom's ancestors continued on to Utah with most of the other members of the Church but there were some who stayed in Iowa and the Houghs were among those who stayed. In Joel's obituary it is said that he remained faithful to his religion until his death. He passed away after falling from their windmill and hitting his head. He was home alone at the time and it was his wife, Cedelia who found him lying on the ground, near death. He had climbed up the tower to make repairs and somehow fell. He died a day or two later.
Isn't it interesting to imagine that mom and dad's ancestors probably knew one another or at least knew of each other way back when. When someone says it's a small world they really aren't kidding.
We can go back many generations on both the Hough and Spinning lines. If anyone ever wants that information just let me know and I can direct you as to how to access it on the LDS Church's genealogical web site, familysearch.org. You do not have to be a member of the LDS Church to access the site. It is one of the world's largest genealogical research sites and it grows everyday, gaining more and more names, dates, and places from records it is indexing (thru the work of thousands of volunteers.)
I can go back many generations for the Hough line but only two more for the Goodwin line.
Isaac Michael, who everyone called Grandpa Ike, was born to William Jefferson Goodwin who was born 16 February 1825 in Harrison County, West Virginia. This part of West Virginia later became part of the state of Virginia. William died 14 January 1899 in Rantoul, Kansas. His parents were Francis Goodwin, born 1799 in West Virginia and Sarah Greathouse, born 1800 in West Virginia. Francis died in 1871 while living in Putnam County, Indiana. His wife, Sarah, died in 1873, also in Putnam County, Indiana. There are conflicting records as to who Francis Goodwin's parents were but there are friends I know who are working on that line and I will let you know when I get any updated information.
I do have information on Sarah's parents and the Greathouse line back many generations. The name was Grotehausen when they arrived in this country from Germany but they changed it to Greathouse. They came here back in the 1600's, settling in Pennsylvania and one day I will share their history with you.
Back to the Hough line. Ida Ann was born to Joel Riley Hough and Cedelia P. Spinning. This is where the story gets interesting. Both Joel and Cedelia joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1832 back in New York where they were both from. They soon after packed up all their belongings, just as our Pulsipher and Burgess ancestors did, and traveled to Kirtland, Ohio to be with the Prophet Joseph Smith and the body of the Church there. They traveled with the saints from Ohio to Missouri to Nauvoo and then when they were all driven out of Illinois by the mobs, they settled in Pottawattamie County, Iowa. So we have LDS ancestors on both mom and dad's sides. Mom's ancestors continued on to Utah with most of the other members of the Church but there were some who stayed in Iowa and the Houghs were among those who stayed. In Joel's obituary it is said that he remained faithful to his religion until his death. He passed away after falling from their windmill and hitting his head. He was home alone at the time and it was his wife, Cedelia who found him lying on the ground, near death. He had climbed up the tower to make repairs and somehow fell. He died a day or two later.
Isn't it interesting to imagine that mom and dad's ancestors probably knew one another or at least knew of each other way back when. When someone says it's a small world they really aren't kidding.
We can go back many generations on both the Hough and Spinning lines. If anyone ever wants that information just let me know and I can direct you as to how to access it on the LDS Church's genealogical web site, familysearch.org. You do not have to be a member of the LDS Church to access the site. It is one of the world's largest genealogical research sites and it grows everyday, gaining more and more names, dates, and places from records it is indexing (thru the work of thousands of volunteers.)
William Raymond Higginson
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| This is Grandpa Bill, William Raymond Higginson. Wasn't he a handsome young man. |
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| This is my grandfather, William Raymond Higginson and his second wife, Nina C. Griffin. |
Tuesday, June 24, 2014
More Ancestor Pictures
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| Another picture of Elizabeth Irle Higginson as a younger woman. |
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| Three of Elizabeth and Thomas Higginson's children. This picture was taken in 1892. From Left to right they are Harriet, Willie (William Raymond, my grandfather,) and Charlotte. |
Monday, June 23, 2014
More Higginson/Irle Pictures
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Johann Karl Irle (Charles Irle, Sr.) Born 11 January 1819 Marienborn, Prussia Married Elise (Elizabeth) Winnerling The story goes that his eye was damaged one day when he was making soap. He was stirring the lye in a big pot over an open fire when some of it splashed into his eye. Both Charles and Elizabeth died and are buried in Wisconsin. |
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Elizabeth Winnerling Born 15 May 1821 Hohenberg, Bavaria She is the mother of eight children. |
Higginson and Irle Ancestor Pictures
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| Thomas William Higginson |
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| Elizabeth Irle Higginson--1904 47 years old |
Tuesday, June 17, 2014
Our Irle Ancestors
As I mentioned in the last post, my great grandfather, Thomas William Higginson married first Jane Smith. They had two boys, Edward Thomas and Samuel George. Samuel was born in 1878 and Jane passed away in 1879, leaving Thomas with two very young children to care for. I do not know the story of how Thomas came to know Elizabeth Irle, but they were married in 1881. Elizabeth was from Wisconsin and that's where they settled for awhile.
Elizabeth was born 7 January 1857 in Brooklyn, New York, the fifth of eight children. Her father is Johann Karl Irle (Charles Irle, Sr.) who was born 11 January 1819 in Marienborn, Prussia. He married Elizabeth Winnerling in 1847 in New York City. She was born 15 May 1821 in Hohenberg in Oberfranken (Bavaria.) Their first child was born two years after they married in Cincinnati, Ohio. Their second child was also born in Ohio. The other kids were all born in Brooklyn, New York except for the last two who were born in Long Island, New York. I sure wish I had more information on when they came to the United States and what took them to Ohio, then New York, and eventually Star Prairie, Wisconsin. I do have pictures of Charles and Elizabeth I will share next time.
The Irle family had a family letter for many, many years that I was able to be a part of for a few years while living in North Carolina. Each person would write an update of what they and their family had been doing since the last time they wrote. They would include that in a large envelope with the letters of other family members and would then send it to the next person on the list. They often included pictures. When the letter came back to you in several months, you would take out your last letter and then include a new one. My grandfather, William Raymond Higginson, was a participant in the family letter for many years before he passed away.
I am also in possession of the Irle Genealogical Record 1434-1994 written by Betty Irle of Oregon. She has done a wonderful job of gathering information on the Irle family, and yes, she has traced them all the way back to the early 1400's. There is a five page introduction in her book listing all the Irle's and what their lives were like in Germany. If anyone is interested in reading that account just let me know and I will make copies for you.
The Irles stayed in the same area in Germany (Prussia) until John Charles Irle left for America. If anyone has any more information on the Irle or Winnerling lines we would love to hear it.
So Thomas William Higginson married Elizabeth Irle and they had seven children, only three of them living into adulthood and then Charlotte died when she was only thirty-six years old. How hard that must have been to lose so many babies. Their only son who survived was my grandfather, William Raymond Higginson. He was born 5 May 1888 in Bayfield, Wisconsin. He married Ida Mae Goodwin 20 April 1920. She is the daughter of Isaac Michael and Ida Ann (Hough) Goodwin.
Elizabeth was born 7 January 1857 in Brooklyn, New York, the fifth of eight children. Her father is Johann Karl Irle (Charles Irle, Sr.) who was born 11 January 1819 in Marienborn, Prussia. He married Elizabeth Winnerling in 1847 in New York City. She was born 15 May 1821 in Hohenberg in Oberfranken (Bavaria.) Their first child was born two years after they married in Cincinnati, Ohio. Their second child was also born in Ohio. The other kids were all born in Brooklyn, New York except for the last two who were born in Long Island, New York. I sure wish I had more information on when they came to the United States and what took them to Ohio, then New York, and eventually Star Prairie, Wisconsin. I do have pictures of Charles and Elizabeth I will share next time.
The Irle family had a family letter for many, many years that I was able to be a part of for a few years while living in North Carolina. Each person would write an update of what they and their family had been doing since the last time they wrote. They would include that in a large envelope with the letters of other family members and would then send it to the next person on the list. They often included pictures. When the letter came back to you in several months, you would take out your last letter and then include a new one. My grandfather, William Raymond Higginson, was a participant in the family letter for many years before he passed away.
I am also in possession of the Irle Genealogical Record 1434-1994 written by Betty Irle of Oregon. She has done a wonderful job of gathering information on the Irle family, and yes, she has traced them all the way back to the early 1400's. There is a five page introduction in her book listing all the Irle's and what their lives were like in Germany. If anyone is interested in reading that account just let me know and I will make copies for you.
The Irles stayed in the same area in Germany (Prussia) until John Charles Irle left for America. If anyone has any more information on the Irle or Winnerling lines we would love to hear it.
So Thomas William Higginson married Elizabeth Irle and they had seven children, only three of them living into adulthood and then Charlotte died when she was only thirty-six years old. How hard that must have been to lose so many babies. Their only son who survived was my grandfather, William Raymond Higginson. He was born 5 May 1888 in Bayfield, Wisconsin. He married Ida Mae Goodwin 20 April 1920. She is the daughter of Isaac Michael and Ida Ann (Hough) Goodwin.
Saturday, May 3, 2014
Higginson History
I have decided to take a break from sharing our Pioneer family history from mom's (Bonnie's) side and share a little from dad's (Don's) side. I have reconnected with some of my Higginson first cousins via Facebook so I thought it would be fun for us all to learn a little more about our Irish lineage.
Many years ago, Dad gave me a copy of a book entitled, Descendants of the Reverend Thomas Higginson, written by Thomas Boyd Higginson. This book is a treasure trove of our family's history and I am so grateful to have had it in my possession for all of these years. The pages are soft as butter after so many perusings on my part. If anyone is interested in checking it out for yourselves, you can find it at the Family History Library in Salt Lake City and you can make copies of it's pages.
I corresponded with Thomas Boyd Higginson for a few years before he passed away. As all of our Higginson line stayed in Canada after arriving there in 1817, he considered us the American branch of the family. My great grandfather, Thomas William Higginson came to America and married Elizabeth Irle of Wisconsin. That's where Grandpa Don's father, William Raymond Higginson was born in 1888.
I don't know what brought Thomas William to Wisconsin, but I would love to find out. If any one knows, please share. Think of how all of our lives would be so different if that one man had stayed in Canada. History would be very different for us all.
The very first Higginson we meet in the book is George Colonus Higginson, the father of the Reverend Thomas William. I will include some background history of the Higginson clan in the next post. For now I would like to introduce you all to the earliest known members of our direct line.
"On June 5, 1718 there entered Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland one Thomas Higginson, aged 18 son of George, 'Colonus', born in Ballinderry, County Antrim. (The catalog of graduates of Trinity College, Dublin, states: "Cultor, Agricola, and Colonus are used alike for a farmer of a few acres and a country squire of great possessions.")
He (Thomas) had been a pupil of the well known Dr. Clarke of Lisburn. He must have been a student of some distinction as in 1720 he was elected to a foundation scholarship. In 1722 he obtained the B.A. degree.
It is difficult to trace his career in the Church of Ireland as all the pertinent records were destroyed in 1922. However, thanks to the kindness of His Lordship, the Bishop of Connor, a kindness hereby most gratefully acknowledged, some light has been thrown on it. He was curate of Tickmacrevan (Glenarm) in 1728, and Curate of Cairncastle from 1731 to at least 1768. In 1766-7 according to a letter recieved from the Rector of Larne in 1927, he was also Perpetual Curate of Larne."
"Our tradition is that he married Mary Boyd, daughter of Archibald Boyd, and this is supported by the reference in the autobiography of the Rev. Adam Clarke, mentioned in the introduction (of this book.)
In 1758 he obtained a grant of lands in Corkermain from James Tullus, and in his will, dated March 31, 1775, he left these to his sons, William and Boyd.
I believe that we can accept 1775 as the year of his death, as the signature on his will seems that of a dying man, and it was apparently the custom to defer making a will till almost the last moment in those days." He is believed to be buried at Cairncastle.
Thomas William Higginson is my fifth great grandfather, Grandpa Don's 4th great grandfather. You can determine your relationship to him by determining your relationship to Grandpa Don.
This is our direct line through George Higginson:
His son, Thomas William, born about 1800 in Ireland
His son, Boyd, born about 1745 in Ireland
His son, George, born 1783 in Ireland
His son, William, born 12 November 1820 in Hawkesbury, Ontario, Canada
His son, Thomas William, born 18 February 1851 in Hawkesbury, Ontario, Canada
His son, William Raymond, born 5 May 1888 in Star Prairie, Wisconsin
His son, Donald Lee, born 9 February 1930 in Hayward, Alameda, California.
We are greatly blessed with a wonderful heritage from our Higginson line. Many of our ancestors played an important role in building communities in Eastern Canada. They built schools and churches and were very involved in local politics. They were military men who gave their lives in fighting to protect our allies in Europe. In Hawkesbury, the city offices are located on Higginson St. Some of the Higginson homes are still standing and if you google Higginson barn and Higginson Tower you will see some unusual architecture from our ancestors. More on that later as well.
Thomas William, my great grandfather married second a woman named Elizabeth Irle. She was born in Brooklyn, New York soon after her parents arrived here from Prussia and Bavaria. I have quite a bit of information on her line as well and will share that with you in later posts. His first wife, Jane Smith died soon after giving birth to thier second son. I will include that information at a later date as well.
Many years ago, Dad gave me a copy of a book entitled, Descendants of the Reverend Thomas Higginson, written by Thomas Boyd Higginson. This book is a treasure trove of our family's history and I am so grateful to have had it in my possession for all of these years. The pages are soft as butter after so many perusings on my part. If anyone is interested in checking it out for yourselves, you can find it at the Family History Library in Salt Lake City and you can make copies of it's pages.
I corresponded with Thomas Boyd Higginson for a few years before he passed away. As all of our Higginson line stayed in Canada after arriving there in 1817, he considered us the American branch of the family. My great grandfather, Thomas William Higginson came to America and married Elizabeth Irle of Wisconsin. That's where Grandpa Don's father, William Raymond Higginson was born in 1888.
I don't know what brought Thomas William to Wisconsin, but I would love to find out. If any one knows, please share. Think of how all of our lives would be so different if that one man had stayed in Canada. History would be very different for us all.
The very first Higginson we meet in the book is George Colonus Higginson, the father of the Reverend Thomas William. I will include some background history of the Higginson clan in the next post. For now I would like to introduce you all to the earliest known members of our direct line.
"On June 5, 1718 there entered Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland one Thomas Higginson, aged 18 son of George, 'Colonus', born in Ballinderry, County Antrim. (The catalog of graduates of Trinity College, Dublin, states: "Cultor, Agricola, and Colonus are used alike for a farmer of a few acres and a country squire of great possessions.")
He (Thomas) had been a pupil of the well known Dr. Clarke of Lisburn. He must have been a student of some distinction as in 1720 he was elected to a foundation scholarship. In 1722 he obtained the B.A. degree.
It is difficult to trace his career in the Church of Ireland as all the pertinent records were destroyed in 1922. However, thanks to the kindness of His Lordship, the Bishop of Connor, a kindness hereby most gratefully acknowledged, some light has been thrown on it. He was curate of Tickmacrevan (Glenarm) in 1728, and Curate of Cairncastle from 1731 to at least 1768. In 1766-7 according to a letter recieved from the Rector of Larne in 1927, he was also Perpetual Curate of Larne."
"Our tradition is that he married Mary Boyd, daughter of Archibald Boyd, and this is supported by the reference in the autobiography of the Rev. Adam Clarke, mentioned in the introduction (of this book.)
In 1758 he obtained a grant of lands in Corkermain from James Tullus, and in his will, dated March 31, 1775, he left these to his sons, William and Boyd.
I believe that we can accept 1775 as the year of his death, as the signature on his will seems that of a dying man, and it was apparently the custom to defer making a will till almost the last moment in those days." He is believed to be buried at Cairncastle.
Thomas William Higginson is my fifth great grandfather, Grandpa Don's 4th great grandfather. You can determine your relationship to him by determining your relationship to Grandpa Don.
This is our direct line through George Higginson:
His son, Thomas William, born about 1800 in Ireland
His son, Boyd, born about 1745 in Ireland
His son, George, born 1783 in Ireland
His son, William, born 12 November 1820 in Hawkesbury, Ontario, Canada
His son, Thomas William, born 18 February 1851 in Hawkesbury, Ontario, Canada
His son, William Raymond, born 5 May 1888 in Star Prairie, Wisconsin
His son, Donald Lee, born 9 February 1930 in Hayward, Alameda, California.
We are greatly blessed with a wonderful heritage from our Higginson line. Many of our ancestors played an important role in building communities in Eastern Canada. They built schools and churches and were very involved in local politics. They were military men who gave their lives in fighting to protect our allies in Europe. In Hawkesbury, the city offices are located on Higginson St. Some of the Higginson homes are still standing and if you google Higginson barn and Higginson Tower you will see some unusual architecture from our ancestors. More on that later as well.
Thomas William, my great grandfather married second a woman named Elizabeth Irle. She was born in Brooklyn, New York soon after her parents arrived here from Prussia and Bavaria. I have quite a bit of information on her line as well and will share that with you in later posts. His first wife, Jane Smith died soon after giving birth to thier second son. I will include that information at a later date as well.
Monday, March 31, 2014
Nauvoo and the Martyrdom
Harrison's journey continues........................
"I removed my family to Daviess County and in a short time my wife was taken sick with the chills and fever which rendered her nearly helpless for about six months, during which also the terrible tragedies of persecution were enacted in Missouri. Daniel Carter, and some of his family, were sick and on my hands to provide for. Thus, surrounded by affliction , I, with my brethren, were compelled to remove our sick family to Caldwell County. We tarried there till the next March and were then obliged to leave the state. In addition to removing my own family, I made two or three trips with my team to assist in the removing of the destitute.
I removed to Nauvoo in April, 1840. I remained during the summer and in the fall I took a mission to the east in company with Daniel Carter. We took our families, and by request of Hyrum Smith moved into his large and commodious house in Kirtland to which was attached a most beautiful orchard. We then proceeded farther east on our mission as we were authorized to visit the branches of the church and gather means for the Nauvoo Temple. I was gone two years when I returned to Nauvoo.
In June of 1844 the storm of persecution arose against the leaders of the church, which terminated in the martyrdom of Joseph and Hyrum Smith. During this scene I had the command of one of the companies of the Nauvoo Legion and I was on duty about three weeks. I saw Joseph and Hyrum's dead bodies and was called on to act as one of the guards at the burial.
At the organization of the seventies I was appointed one of the Presidents over the Second Quorum and was ordained to that office under the hands of Elder Orson Pratt. During the spring and summer I assisted in ordaining several hundreds of the seventies and organizing them into quorums.
In the fall of 1845 the mob spirit revived and after due reflection and counsel the church as a body concluded to leave the states and seek a home in the wilderness.
Every possible exertion was then made to hasten the completion of the temple, that the saints might therein receive their anticipated blessings and endowments before their departure. The temple was dedicated and the giving of endowments commenced."
As you have been reading the blog you may have noticed that the Carter surname has come up on several occasions. Elder Simeon Carter first preached the gospel to Harrison in New York. John Carter died in Harrison's arms during the march of Zion's Camp. Jared Carter was present on the occasion of William Harrison's confirmation. Daniel Carter is assisted in the exodus by Harrison. The Carter brothers were missionaries as well. I researched the Carter boys while we were in Kirtland and found some information about them. Unfortunately, only Simeon remained true to the gospel and came west with the Pioneers. He did not live long after their arrival in Utah but the Burgess descendants owe a great debt to the Carter family for all they suffered through together.
We know that Harrison served in the Nauvoo Legion (if you would like more info on this group you can Google it or read what's available in numerous church history books.) Willaim Burgess served with the local military in Utah. How grateful I am to these good men who were willing to serve and protect, even as today our relative, Nick Kolowich is willing to serve and protect his country while being deployed in Afghanistan. Grandpa Don Higginson served for more than twenty years in the U.S. Navy as well. I am sure there are others of you who have willingly given service to protect and defend this great country of ours. We are all grateful to you for your service.
"I removed my family to Daviess County and in a short time my wife was taken sick with the chills and fever which rendered her nearly helpless for about six months, during which also the terrible tragedies of persecution were enacted in Missouri. Daniel Carter, and some of his family, were sick and on my hands to provide for. Thus, surrounded by affliction , I, with my brethren, were compelled to remove our sick family to Caldwell County. We tarried there till the next March and were then obliged to leave the state. In addition to removing my own family, I made two or three trips with my team to assist in the removing of the destitute.
I removed to Nauvoo in April, 1840. I remained during the summer and in the fall I took a mission to the east in company with Daniel Carter. We took our families, and by request of Hyrum Smith moved into his large and commodious house in Kirtland to which was attached a most beautiful orchard. We then proceeded farther east on our mission as we were authorized to visit the branches of the church and gather means for the Nauvoo Temple. I was gone two years when I returned to Nauvoo.
In June of 1844 the storm of persecution arose against the leaders of the church, which terminated in the martyrdom of Joseph and Hyrum Smith. During this scene I had the command of one of the companies of the Nauvoo Legion and I was on duty about three weeks. I saw Joseph and Hyrum's dead bodies and was called on to act as one of the guards at the burial.
At the organization of the seventies I was appointed one of the Presidents over the Second Quorum and was ordained to that office under the hands of Elder Orson Pratt. During the spring and summer I assisted in ordaining several hundreds of the seventies and organizing them into quorums.
In the fall of 1845 the mob spirit revived and after due reflection and counsel the church as a body concluded to leave the states and seek a home in the wilderness.
Every possible exertion was then made to hasten the completion of the temple, that the saints might therein receive their anticipated blessings and endowments before their departure. The temple was dedicated and the giving of endowments commenced."
As you have been reading the blog you may have noticed that the Carter surname has come up on several occasions. Elder Simeon Carter first preached the gospel to Harrison in New York. John Carter died in Harrison's arms during the march of Zion's Camp. Jared Carter was present on the occasion of William Harrison's confirmation. Daniel Carter is assisted in the exodus by Harrison. The Carter brothers were missionaries as well. I researched the Carter boys while we were in Kirtland and found some information about them. Unfortunately, only Simeon remained true to the gospel and came west with the Pioneers. He did not live long after their arrival in Utah but the Burgess descendants owe a great debt to the Carter family for all they suffered through together.
We know that Harrison served in the Nauvoo Legion (if you would like more info on this group you can Google it or read what's available in numerous church history books.) Willaim Burgess served with the local military in Utah. How grateful I am to these good men who were willing to serve and protect, even as today our relative, Nick Kolowich is willing to serve and protect his country while being deployed in Afghanistan. Grandpa Don Higginson served for more than twenty years in the U.S. Navy as well. I am sure there are others of you who have willingly given service to protect and defend this great country of ours. We are all grateful to you for your service.
Saturday, March 22, 2014
Zion's Camp, Temple Visions, and the School of the Prophets
We left off last time with Harrison barely escaping death from cholera on the famous Zion's Camp march. The story continues:
"When the camp broke up I received an honorable discharge from Lyman Wight our Commander in Chief. After this I started for home in company with Heber C. Kimball, and arriving at Kirtland, Ohio about the last of July I found my friends well and the saints were exerting themselves to the utmost in their poverty to build the temple. I received my endowments there in the spring of 1835. (This endowment was not the complete endowment as we know it today. Harrison and his wife received the full endowment in the Nauvoo Temple and we will hear more about that later.)
The Lord blessed His people abundantly in that temple with the spirit of prophecy, the ministering of angels, and visions. I will here relate a vision which was shown to me.
It was near the close of the endowments--I was in a meeting for instruction in the upper part of the temple with about a hundred of the high priests, seventies and elders. The saints fell to shout "Hosanna" and the spirit of God rested upon me in mighty power and I beheld the room lighted up with a peculiar light such as I had never seen before. The room looked to me as though it had neither roof nor floor to the building and I beheld Joseph and Hyrum Smith and Roger Orton enveloped in the light. Joseph exclaimed aloud, "I behold the Savior, the Son of God." Hyrum exclaimed, "I behold the angels of Heaven." Brother Orton exclaimed, "I behold the chariots of Israel." All who were in the room felt the power of God to that degree that many prophesied and the power of God was made manifest, the remembrance of which I shall never forget while I live upon the earth.
The winter of 1836 I attended a high school together with brothers Joseph and Hyrum and most of the heads of the church. (This is the school of the prophets we study about in church history. If any of you have been to Kirtland you sureley visited the Newel K. Whitney store. The school of the prophets was held upstairs. It was wonderful to visit there and know that Harrison actually spent time in that very room.) It was a fine opportunity for instruction. The evenings were mostly spent in meetings for instruction in the principles of our faith and religion. It was then and there that the lectures in the forpart of the book of Doctrine and Covenants were given. During this winter and spring members of Zion's Camp were called together to receive an especial blessing, according to a promise which had been made in the before mentioned revelation. Out of this number most of the Twelve were selected, and also the first Seventy, of whom I was one.
We had a meeting every Saturday to bless and ordain such as had been called. I was blessed and ordained under the hands of Joseph Smith, Jr., Joseph Smith Sr., and Sidney Rigdon.
I started the eighteenth of April on a mission to New York and Vermont and returned home September twentieth. Nothing of importance transpired with me in 1837. In the winter of 1837 I took a short mission to Ohio in company with Lucious N. Scovil. While upon this mission, we heard persecution had been raised against the church in the burning of the printing office and the church was leaving for Far West, Missouri. We returned home immediately and I made preparations and started west with my family on the twenty-sixth of March in company with several other families among whom was Brother Hyrum Smith. We had an exceedingly hard journey in consequence of a great deal of rain and mud. Arrived at Far West on the twenty-seventh of May, 1837.
The next day I went to Daviess County with Joseph and Hyrum Smith and some others to look out a new location. I remained there nine days and helped survey the site for a city. As a reward for rendering this assistance at that time, Brother Joseph selected me a very fine city lot."
It is exciting to read about all of the historical events we learn about in Sunday School as we study the Doctrine and Covenants and know that our ancestors were there, they were a part of it, and it strengthened their faith and testimony. I wonder what our descendants will say about us and our historical contributions to the church. Hopefully they will be grateful for what we did.
"When the camp broke up I received an honorable discharge from Lyman Wight our Commander in Chief. After this I started for home in company with Heber C. Kimball, and arriving at Kirtland, Ohio about the last of July I found my friends well and the saints were exerting themselves to the utmost in their poverty to build the temple. I received my endowments there in the spring of 1835. (This endowment was not the complete endowment as we know it today. Harrison and his wife received the full endowment in the Nauvoo Temple and we will hear more about that later.)
The Lord blessed His people abundantly in that temple with the spirit of prophecy, the ministering of angels, and visions. I will here relate a vision which was shown to me.
It was near the close of the endowments--I was in a meeting for instruction in the upper part of the temple with about a hundred of the high priests, seventies and elders. The saints fell to shout "Hosanna" and the spirit of God rested upon me in mighty power and I beheld the room lighted up with a peculiar light such as I had never seen before. The room looked to me as though it had neither roof nor floor to the building and I beheld Joseph and Hyrum Smith and Roger Orton enveloped in the light. Joseph exclaimed aloud, "I behold the Savior, the Son of God." Hyrum exclaimed, "I behold the angels of Heaven." Brother Orton exclaimed, "I behold the chariots of Israel." All who were in the room felt the power of God to that degree that many prophesied and the power of God was made manifest, the remembrance of which I shall never forget while I live upon the earth.
The winter of 1836 I attended a high school together with brothers Joseph and Hyrum and most of the heads of the church. (This is the school of the prophets we study about in church history. If any of you have been to Kirtland you sureley visited the Newel K. Whitney store. The school of the prophets was held upstairs. It was wonderful to visit there and know that Harrison actually spent time in that very room.) It was a fine opportunity for instruction. The evenings were mostly spent in meetings for instruction in the principles of our faith and religion. It was then and there that the lectures in the forpart of the book of Doctrine and Covenants were given. During this winter and spring members of Zion's Camp were called together to receive an especial blessing, according to a promise which had been made in the before mentioned revelation. Out of this number most of the Twelve were selected, and also the first Seventy, of whom I was one.
We had a meeting every Saturday to bless and ordain such as had been called. I was blessed and ordained under the hands of Joseph Smith, Jr., Joseph Smith Sr., and Sidney Rigdon.
I started the eighteenth of April on a mission to New York and Vermont and returned home September twentieth. Nothing of importance transpired with me in 1837. In the winter of 1837 I took a short mission to Ohio in company with Lucious N. Scovil. While upon this mission, we heard persecution had been raised against the church in the burning of the printing office and the church was leaving for Far West, Missouri. We returned home immediately and I made preparations and started west with my family on the twenty-sixth of March in company with several other families among whom was Brother Hyrum Smith. We had an exceedingly hard journey in consequence of a great deal of rain and mud. Arrived at Far West on the twenty-seventh of May, 1837.
The next day I went to Daviess County with Joseph and Hyrum Smith and some others to look out a new location. I remained there nine days and helped survey the site for a city. As a reward for rendering this assistance at that time, Brother Joseph selected me a very fine city lot."
It is exciting to read about all of the historical events we learn about in Sunday School as we study the Doctrine and Covenants and know that our ancestors were there, they were a part of it, and it strengthened their faith and testimony. I wonder what our descendants will say about us and our historical contributions to the church. Hopefully they will be grateful for what we did.
Tuesday, March 18, 2014
Harrison Burgess: Another Heavenly Visitation, and Zion's Camp Experience
Harrison is the older brother of William Burgess, Jr. and son of William Burgess, Sr. and Violate Stockwell. He is the only brother who kept a lengthy journal and I will attempt to share as much of that as I can. He served a mission to Scotland and has a separate journal for his mission. I made a copy for Matthew Higginson when he was called to serve and would be happy to make copies for any others who are preparing for missions. I think I gave one to Kingston Matua also.
"I was born September third, 1814 in the town of Putnam, Washington County, State of New York. I lived with my parents until I was fourteen years and a part of the time afterward, and being the eldest of my father's family, I was kept constantly at work and had but little opportunity of acquiring an education.
My father made no profession of religion but led a moral and virtuous life.
My childhood was not marked with any crime, although I paid but little or no attention to religion until the seventeenth year of my age. In July 1832, when I first heard the fullness of the gospel proclaimed by Elder Simeon Carter, I was convinced that the scriptures were true and that the Book ov Mormon was a divine revelaton from heaven. I was baptized and spent the following winter in going to school, working for my board and in meeting with the saints. In the spring of 1833 I started in company with Brother John S. Carter to the state of Vermont where we labored about two months and then returned to New York state.
On the third sabbath in May while speaking to a congregation, I declared that I knew the Book of Mormon was true, the work of God. The next day while I was laboring, something seemed to whisper to me, "Do you know the Book of Mormon is true?" My mind became perplexed and darkened and I was so tormented in spirit that I left my work and retired into the woods in misery and distress and therein cannot be described.
I resolved to know whether I had proclaimed the truth or not, and commenced praying to the God of Heaven, for a testimony of these things, when all at once the vision of my mind was opened, and a glorious personage clothed in white stood before me and exhibited to my view the plates from which the Book of Mormon was taken.
In September, 1834 I started with my father's family for Kirtland, Ohio, as it was necessary for him to stay (behind) to transact some business. On my journey I accidentally met with the Prophet Joseph Smith in Springfield, Pennsylvania. I there saw him for the first time and heard him preach. I arrived in Kirtland and tarried there during the winter which Brother Joseph received a revelation calling for the strength of the Lord's House to go to Jackson County, Missouri for the redemption of Zion. I was one among the rest that volunteered to go and fulfill this commandment. (Harrison is referring to Zion's camp. If you are not familiar with the history of Zion's camp you can read about it in History of the Church or even google it. It was an important part of our LDS history, many of the leaders of the early church were tried and tested during their time on the march to Missouri.)
I started in March, 1834, in company with Joseph Smith and others. We had a long and tedious journey and arrived in Missouri on the last of June. While the camp tarried there, Brother Joseph received the word of the Lord by revelation, relative to the camp, informing us that we were not to fight at that time, that Zion could not be redeemed then, and that He had required us to come thus far as a trial of our faith, that He had accepted of our offering. Some individuals of the camp fell to murmur at this decree and wanted to fight the enemies of God. Brother Joseph said that the Lord would send in a scourge upon us in consequence of this murmuring. The cholera was upon us in a few hours after this prediction and some eighteen of our brethren fell vistims to its grasp. Among the number that I attended upon, and helped to bury, was my beloved Brother John S. Carter (his former mission companion.) My feelings on this occasion can never be described. At length I was violently seized with it myself, but through faith in God and the kind assistance of Brother Zerah H. Cole I was rescued from the grasp of death.
"I was born September third, 1814 in the town of Putnam, Washington County, State of New York. I lived with my parents until I was fourteen years and a part of the time afterward, and being the eldest of my father's family, I was kept constantly at work and had but little opportunity of acquiring an education.
My father made no profession of religion but led a moral and virtuous life.
My childhood was not marked with any crime, although I paid but little or no attention to religion until the seventeenth year of my age. In July 1832, when I first heard the fullness of the gospel proclaimed by Elder Simeon Carter, I was convinced that the scriptures were true and that the Book ov Mormon was a divine revelaton from heaven. I was baptized and spent the following winter in going to school, working for my board and in meeting with the saints. In the spring of 1833 I started in company with Brother John S. Carter to the state of Vermont where we labored about two months and then returned to New York state.
On the third sabbath in May while speaking to a congregation, I declared that I knew the Book of Mormon was true, the work of God. The next day while I was laboring, something seemed to whisper to me, "Do you know the Book of Mormon is true?" My mind became perplexed and darkened and I was so tormented in spirit that I left my work and retired into the woods in misery and distress and therein cannot be described.
I resolved to know whether I had proclaimed the truth or not, and commenced praying to the God of Heaven, for a testimony of these things, when all at once the vision of my mind was opened, and a glorious personage clothed in white stood before me and exhibited to my view the plates from which the Book of Mormon was taken.
In September, 1834 I started with my father's family for Kirtland, Ohio, as it was necessary for him to stay (behind) to transact some business. On my journey I accidentally met with the Prophet Joseph Smith in Springfield, Pennsylvania. I there saw him for the first time and heard him preach. I arrived in Kirtland and tarried there during the winter which Brother Joseph received a revelation calling for the strength of the Lord's House to go to Jackson County, Missouri for the redemption of Zion. I was one among the rest that volunteered to go and fulfill this commandment. (Harrison is referring to Zion's camp. If you are not familiar with the history of Zion's camp you can read about it in History of the Church or even google it. It was an important part of our LDS history, many of the leaders of the early church were tried and tested during their time on the march to Missouri.)
I started in March, 1834, in company with Joseph Smith and others. We had a long and tedious journey and arrived in Missouri on the last of June. While the camp tarried there, Brother Joseph received the word of the Lord by revelation, relative to the camp, informing us that we were not to fight at that time, that Zion could not be redeemed then, and that He had required us to come thus far as a trial of our faith, that He had accepted of our offering. Some individuals of the camp fell to murmur at this decree and wanted to fight the enemies of God. Brother Joseph said that the Lord would send in a scourge upon us in consequence of this murmuring. The cholera was upon us in a few hours after this prediction and some eighteen of our brethren fell vistims to its grasp. Among the number that I attended upon, and helped to bury, was my beloved Brother John S. Carter (his former mission companion.) My feelings on this occasion can never be described. At length I was violently seized with it myself, but through faith in God and the kind assistance of Brother Zerah H. Cole I was rescued from the grasp of death.
Tuesday, February 18, 2014
William Burgess, Jr.
"In the fall of 1862 I was called to go to southern Utah and take my saw mill to Pine Valley to saw timber for the pipe organ (for the Salt Lake Temple.) That was the first saw mill in that part of the state.
(Pine Valley is about 20 plus miles north of St. George and is a beautiful mountain valley. The Burgess family settled there and my great grandfather, James William Burgess was born there. William Burgess, Sr. helped settle the town and was known as "Grandad" by all the residents. He and his wives are buried in the cemetery there. The church building in Pine Valley is a historic building and one of the oldest LDS churches still in use. Elder Jeffrey Holland rededicated it several years ago after a remodeling. His ancestors worked side by side with ours to establish the community of Pine Valley. There is a monument that still stands today to honor the Burgess men and their contributions to the community via the saw mill.)
"There was extra good timber in the Pine Valley mountains. Some of the timber was sent to help with the tabernacle in Salt Lake. We were called by President Brigham Young. We lived in Pine Valley about twenty years, meanwhile building the first grist mill. Some time in 1882 we moved to Thurber, Wayne County, with a few settlers to open up that part of the state for new homes as population was increasing all the time. We farmed and raised cattle for a livelihood.
(When he says they were called by Brigham Young, this is what he meant. In the October 1861 General Conference, Pres. Young announced several names from the pulpit as those he wanted to go south to help establish the Dixie Mission. The Pulsiphers and Burgesses were called in this manner. They had no warning, just the call from the pulpit. And they went, Zerah and William were in their sixties, as were their wives, and once again, they packed up everything they owned, sold their comfortable homes and businesses and traveled to St. George and it's outlying areas. Exercising incredible faith and commitment to what they believed.)
"In 1885 I took my family and moved to Huntington, Emery County, where my wife's folks had settled. The Pulsipher's had a saw mill in Huntington Canyon. I went into the bee business and also bought into the Co-op Mercantile Company. (One of the principal stockholders, he served as president for seven years.) I made this town my home the rest of my life. We had a family of nine children, five girls and four boys. My wife (Mariah Pulsipher Burgess) passed away on December 26, 1892. She was seventy years, six months and nine days old. She was buried at the Huntington Cemetery.
William Burgess, Jr. passed away on September 26, 1904 at the age of eighty-one years. He was buried near his wife in the Huntington Cemetery.
My mom, Bonnie Jean Petty Higginson, talks about going camping and fishing in the mountains near Huntington as a child. She says the country there is beautiful.
Tuesday, February 11, 2014
The life and times of William Burgess, Jr.
"In the spring of 1841 we moved to Nauvoo, Illinois. I was elected Captain of the Third Company, Fifth Regiment of the Nauvoo Legion. I passed through the trials and privations with the saints there and assisted in building the temple. On October 18, 1844 I was ordained a seventy by Daniel J. Mills. We completed the temple for ordinance work and on January 7, 1846 we received our endowments in the House of the Lord."
Neither William nor any of our ancestors who left written records describe how horrific the conditions they suffered under actually were. Probably because so many years had passed by the time that they sat down and recorded their experiences and events. There are many great resources out there to explore that describe the conditions of the day and how the pioneers suffered at the hands of the mobs. When William says they left Nauvoo in February he does not tell how they were forced to leave in the dead of winter and had to cross the miraculously frozen Mississippi river, many of them without the necessary clothing or shoes necessary at that time of the year. You will recall Emma Smith's description of having Joseph's translation of the Bible tied around her waist under her skirt while she carried her babies across that frozen and freezing cold terrain, with her other children clinging to her skirts. Many people recorded having bruised and bloodied feet by the time they reached the other side of the river. None of our pioneer ancestors who left written records really share just how bad the conditions were nor do they complain much. They were true heroes who suffered and sacrificed so very much so that they could have the gospel in their lives and be able to worship freely. That blessing is now our own because of their sacrifices.
William goes on to say, "I left Nauvoo on February 10, 1846 with the pioneers, but came back the last of March, fixed up the best my wife and I could and started on May twenty-third for Council Bluffs, Iowa. I stopped in Iowa and worked. We arrived in Winter Quarters on September 16, 1846. We passed throught that sickness that took so many lives and left Winter Quarters in May 1848 for the west. After four months we arrived in the Salt Lake Valley on September 22, 1848. We wintered in what was called the Old Fort in the Sixth Ward. The country was new and there was not a house on the city plot except the Fort. It commenced to snow the fifth of December. We had a long hard winter. The ground was covered with snow until April.
In the spring of 1849 the militia was organized and I was elected Captain of the Fifth Company of the First Regiment. In 1853 I was elected Colonel of the Second Regiment. I was also ordained a President of the Ninth Quorum of Seventies. In May 1855 I was called to go on a mission to the Indians on the Salmon River. My nephew, Baldy Watts, and J.Kress went with me. We were there more than a year.
After we came home I put up my saw mill in Parley's Canyon. We made lumber for the shingles and sawed timber to help build the old Fort and some of the first homes in the city. We were alloted ten acres of land. (The Denver and Rio Grande Depot is now on this spot.) My father, William Sr., and brothers, Harrison, Horace, and Melanchton worked with me."
In one history, it is recorded that Melanchton Burgess's wife was the very first white woman to live in Park City. The Pulsipher men also had saw mills up Parley's Canyon alongside the Burgess mills. They were always working and living together.
Neither William nor any of our ancestors who left written records describe how horrific the conditions they suffered under actually were. Probably because so many years had passed by the time that they sat down and recorded their experiences and events. There are many great resources out there to explore that describe the conditions of the day and how the pioneers suffered at the hands of the mobs. When William says they left Nauvoo in February he does not tell how they were forced to leave in the dead of winter and had to cross the miraculously frozen Mississippi river, many of them without the necessary clothing or shoes necessary at that time of the year. You will recall Emma Smith's description of having Joseph's translation of the Bible tied around her waist under her skirt while she carried her babies across that frozen and freezing cold terrain, with her other children clinging to her skirts. Many people recorded having bruised and bloodied feet by the time they reached the other side of the river. None of our pioneer ancestors who left written records really share just how bad the conditions were nor do they complain much. They were true heroes who suffered and sacrificed so very much so that they could have the gospel in their lives and be able to worship freely. That blessing is now our own because of their sacrifices.
William goes on to say, "I left Nauvoo on February 10, 1846 with the pioneers, but came back the last of March, fixed up the best my wife and I could and started on May twenty-third for Council Bluffs, Iowa. I stopped in Iowa and worked. We arrived in Winter Quarters on September 16, 1846. We passed throught that sickness that took so many lives and left Winter Quarters in May 1848 for the west. After four months we arrived in the Salt Lake Valley on September 22, 1848. We wintered in what was called the Old Fort in the Sixth Ward. The country was new and there was not a house on the city plot except the Fort. It commenced to snow the fifth of December. We had a long hard winter. The ground was covered with snow until April.
In the spring of 1849 the militia was organized and I was elected Captain of the Fifth Company of the First Regiment. In 1853 I was elected Colonel of the Second Regiment. I was also ordained a President of the Ninth Quorum of Seventies. In May 1855 I was called to go on a mission to the Indians on the Salmon River. My nephew, Baldy Watts, and J.Kress went with me. We were there more than a year.
After we came home I put up my saw mill in Parley's Canyon. We made lumber for the shingles and sawed timber to help build the old Fort and some of the first homes in the city. We were alloted ten acres of land. (The Denver and Rio Grande Depot is now on this spot.) My father, William Sr., and brothers, Harrison, Horace, and Melanchton worked with me."
In one history, it is recorded that Melanchton Burgess's wife was the very first white woman to live in Park City. The Pulsipher men also had saw mills up Parley's Canyon alongside the Burgess mills. They were always working and living together.
Wednesday, February 5, 2014
The life and times of William Burgess, Sr.
We have established that John Christian Burgess, formerly known as the Hessian soldier, John Christian Borges, came to America from Germany to fight against the colonists but ended up fighting alongside them. He married Hannah Newland and they raised a large family in Lake George, New York.
Their son, William, married Violate Stockwell and they had a large family as well. One of their sons, William, Jr. wrote a life sketch:
I was born March first 1822 in the township of Putnam, Washington County, New York. When I was ten years old my father and most of his family (his wife and kids, not his siblings) joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saint. This was December second, 1832. The next August we started to move to Jackson County, Missouri. We arrived in Kirtland, Ohio the first part of September. The Prophet Joseph Smith advised us to stop there and help build the Temple. The walls were about four feet above the ground.
That fall (1833) the church was driven out of Jackson County by the mob. In February 1835 I was baptized by my brother Harrison Burgess and confirmed by the Prophet Joseph Smith, under the following circumstances. There had been about thirty-five baptized during the week and all went to church on Sunday to be confirmed. We sat on the three front rows of seats and I was on the third one. Jared Carter and Elder Cahoon were doing the confirming. After they had confirmed all on the first row, the Prophet held up his hand for them to stop, and came to where I was and confirmed me, then went back to the stand and told the brethren to go on with the confirming.
(William had lived with Joseph and Emma and I think that may have been why Joseph performed William's confirmation.)
I lived in the Smith family for two years, and learned much of the gospel hearing the prophet talk. I helped build the Kirtland Temple and was at the dedication. We passed through the persecution with the saints and were driven out. We then moved to Caldwell County, Missouri in August of 1838. The prophet counseled us to go to Daviess County. We arrived at Adam-Ondi-Ahman about the twentieth of August, 1838. The mob spirit was raging and all the old settlers but two moved away in order to have their families safe while they were fighting. For about three months I didn't undress only to wash and change clothes, and no one except those that passed through it knows the tribulation and privations that we had to endure. As it was for the gospel's sake, we endured cheerfully. (Wish I could say I always "endure" cheerfully!) I was taken prisoner by the mob and abused terribly. But we depended on the Lord and He delivered us from them. We went to Caldwell County in December and in the spring we were put in prison and the church was driven from the state.
We next went to Adams County, Illinois. We were driven out of Missouri leaving our homes and all we had, but we were thankful for our lives that we were spared.
On September 17, 1840 I married Mariah Pulsipher, daughter of Zerah Mulsipher and Mary Brown, near Lima, Adams County, Illinois.
This is where the Pulsipher and Burgess families first become forever connected. Another Burgess boy married Mariah's sister, Almira. These two families, the Burgess's and the Pulsipher's then were always together, settling area after area until finally ending up in different parts of southern Utah.
Their son, William, married Violate Stockwell and they had a large family as well. One of their sons, William, Jr. wrote a life sketch:
I was born March first 1822 in the township of Putnam, Washington County, New York. When I was ten years old my father and most of his family (his wife and kids, not his siblings) joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saint. This was December second, 1832. The next August we started to move to Jackson County, Missouri. We arrived in Kirtland, Ohio the first part of September. The Prophet Joseph Smith advised us to stop there and help build the Temple. The walls were about four feet above the ground.
That fall (1833) the church was driven out of Jackson County by the mob. In February 1835 I was baptized by my brother Harrison Burgess and confirmed by the Prophet Joseph Smith, under the following circumstances. There had been about thirty-five baptized during the week and all went to church on Sunday to be confirmed. We sat on the three front rows of seats and I was on the third one. Jared Carter and Elder Cahoon were doing the confirming. After they had confirmed all on the first row, the Prophet held up his hand for them to stop, and came to where I was and confirmed me, then went back to the stand and told the brethren to go on with the confirming.
(William had lived with Joseph and Emma and I think that may have been why Joseph performed William's confirmation.)
I lived in the Smith family for two years, and learned much of the gospel hearing the prophet talk. I helped build the Kirtland Temple and was at the dedication. We passed through the persecution with the saints and were driven out. We then moved to Caldwell County, Missouri in August of 1838. The prophet counseled us to go to Daviess County. We arrived at Adam-Ondi-Ahman about the twentieth of August, 1838. The mob spirit was raging and all the old settlers but two moved away in order to have their families safe while they were fighting. For about three months I didn't undress only to wash and change clothes, and no one except those that passed through it knows the tribulation and privations that we had to endure. As it was for the gospel's sake, we endured cheerfully. (Wish I could say I always "endure" cheerfully!) I was taken prisoner by the mob and abused terribly. But we depended on the Lord and He delivered us from them. We went to Caldwell County in December and in the spring we were put in prison and the church was driven from the state.
We next went to Adams County, Illinois. We were driven out of Missouri leaving our homes and all we had, but we were thankful for our lives that we were spared.
On September 17, 1840 I married Mariah Pulsipher, daughter of Zerah Mulsipher and Mary Brown, near Lima, Adams County, Illinois.
This is where the Pulsipher and Burgess families first become forever connected. Another Burgess boy married Mariah's sister, Almira. These two families, the Burgess's and the Pulsipher's then were always together, settling area after area until finally ending up in different parts of southern Utah.
Saturday, January 11, 2014
The Burgess family begins.....
We finished up with Zera Pulsipher's autobiography last time and so today I wish to start with the Burgess line. I do have more writings from some of Zera's sons and daughters as well as his wife, Mary Ann Brown, but will save those for another day.
Our first "Burgess" ancestor to set foot on American soil was Johann Christian (Watterman) Borges. Johann was a Hessian mercenary. How he was recruited is not known, but he defected early upon arriving in the new world. This was not uncommon among the Hessian soldiers hired by the British to come and fight against the Continental Army. They viewed this as an opportunity for free passage to a new land, one with plenty of available wide open spaces to begin a new life and new adventure.
The first German troops arrive mid-1776 and we find Johann trying to get married as early as February of 1777. Some believe that he was wounded and healed back to health by a family named Burgess and so he adopted their name. Yet in the records I have found his name was Borges and was written as Burgess when he defected to the American's side.
He tried to marry Hannah Newland three different times before he was allowed to do so. A young couple had to have the select men's consent to be wed, and with Johann being a German mercenary they were refused twice before finally receiving permission to be married.
Hannah Newland was christened on May 10, 1758 at Norton, Bristol, Massachusetts the daughter of Antony and Patience Woodward Newland. This christening record can be found in the vital record of Norton. It is believed that Hannah had one son when she married John Burgess (his new American name.) Supposedly, Hannah and this son's father were never married.
Not only did John defect from the Hessian army, but we have records available of John's service after he enlisted in the Continental army in 1782 in Rhode Island.
Rhode Island State Library, State House, Providence, Rhode Island: Multiple records list John Burgess, a weaver, born in Germany enlisted as a private on March 19, 1782 in James Angells's class, Campaign of 1782, age twenty-six years. He served nine months and received a certificate for service in December of 1782.
John and Hannah moved to Lake George, New York. They were there in 1790 for the census but we are not sure exactly when they arrived.
One record indicates that John Burgess was the first owner of the place now occupied by Mr. Hiram Vowers, at the foot of Elephant Mountain. He had eleven children. Some records indicate that John died due to a tree falling on him while living in the Lake George area.
He shows up in the 1800 census, listing ten people living with him. As to his date of death, I will have to do more research.
Of their eleven children, William Burgess was the only one to join the LDS Church. William was married to Violate Stockwell and they were also living near Lake George when the Mormon missionaries came into their community. Their oldest son, Harrison, listened to the Elder's message and came to know of it's truthfulness and wished to be baptized. William and Violate also joined the Church but their is still some confusion as to when. One record indicates it was not until they moved to Kirtland, but William Burgess, Junior indicates that his parents were baptized while still in Lake George.
Interesting note: One of John and Hannah Burgess's sons is believed to have taken the picture of Abraham Lincoln that is used on the five dollar bill. So, each time you see that you can think of your legacy from your Burgess line. I have discovered a history of this particular son and will share that with you later as well.
We will continue the story of William Burgess and his family next time. I will tell you that William arrived in Kirtland, Ohio in September of 1833 and according to some records, William was one of the chief carpenters in erecting the temple at Kirland. He laid out the roofing timbers.
Another tidbit: My mom (Bonnie Jean Petty Higginson) told me that she had heard rumor in her family that her grandfather, James William Burgess (husband of Diana Elizabeth Crow) sang with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. I checked the choir's history and it does indeed appear that he was once a member of the Choir. Fun fact!
Our first "Burgess" ancestor to set foot on American soil was Johann Christian (Watterman) Borges. Johann was a Hessian mercenary. How he was recruited is not known, but he defected early upon arriving in the new world. This was not uncommon among the Hessian soldiers hired by the British to come and fight against the Continental Army. They viewed this as an opportunity for free passage to a new land, one with plenty of available wide open spaces to begin a new life and new adventure.
The first German troops arrive mid-1776 and we find Johann trying to get married as early as February of 1777. Some believe that he was wounded and healed back to health by a family named Burgess and so he adopted their name. Yet in the records I have found his name was Borges and was written as Burgess when he defected to the American's side.
He tried to marry Hannah Newland three different times before he was allowed to do so. A young couple had to have the select men's consent to be wed, and with Johann being a German mercenary they were refused twice before finally receiving permission to be married.
Hannah Newland was christened on May 10, 1758 at Norton, Bristol, Massachusetts the daughter of Antony and Patience Woodward Newland. This christening record can be found in the vital record of Norton. It is believed that Hannah had one son when she married John Burgess (his new American name.) Supposedly, Hannah and this son's father were never married.
Not only did John defect from the Hessian army, but we have records available of John's service after he enlisted in the Continental army in 1782 in Rhode Island.
Rhode Island State Library, State House, Providence, Rhode Island: Multiple records list John Burgess, a weaver, born in Germany enlisted as a private on March 19, 1782 in James Angells's class, Campaign of 1782, age twenty-six years. He served nine months and received a certificate for service in December of 1782.
John and Hannah moved to Lake George, New York. They were there in 1790 for the census but we are not sure exactly when they arrived.
One record indicates that John Burgess was the first owner of the place now occupied by Mr. Hiram Vowers, at the foot of Elephant Mountain. He had eleven children. Some records indicate that John died due to a tree falling on him while living in the Lake George area.
He shows up in the 1800 census, listing ten people living with him. As to his date of death, I will have to do more research.
Of their eleven children, William Burgess was the only one to join the LDS Church. William was married to Violate Stockwell and they were also living near Lake George when the Mormon missionaries came into their community. Their oldest son, Harrison, listened to the Elder's message and came to know of it's truthfulness and wished to be baptized. William and Violate also joined the Church but their is still some confusion as to when. One record indicates it was not until they moved to Kirtland, but William Burgess, Junior indicates that his parents were baptized while still in Lake George.
Interesting note: One of John and Hannah Burgess's sons is believed to have taken the picture of Abraham Lincoln that is used on the five dollar bill. So, each time you see that you can think of your legacy from your Burgess line. I have discovered a history of this particular son and will share that with you later as well.
We will continue the story of William Burgess and his family next time. I will tell you that William arrived in Kirtland, Ohio in September of 1833 and according to some records, William was one of the chief carpenters in erecting the temple at Kirland. He laid out the roofing timbers.
Another tidbit: My mom (Bonnie Jean Petty Higginson) told me that she had heard rumor in her family that her grandfather, James William Burgess (husband of Diana Elizabeth Crow) sang with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. I checked the choir's history and it does indeed appear that he was once a member of the Choir. Fun fact!
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