Elizabeth Coffin Rawson (5th Great Greatmother)

Elizabeth Coffin

Elizabeth Coffin was born 18 of October 1807 in Montgomery, Virginia. She was the daughter of William and Mary Duncan (Dunkin) Coffin who were devout Quakers. William had moved there from Massachusetts several years before because of ill treatment and persecutions the Quakers were receiving. They had some land in Montgomery County and lived there from 1803 to 1809. They must have felt the need to move again as they joined with other families and moved toward Indiana and Iowa. They stopped in Washington County, Indiana for a few years where Elizabeth's father William died. Elizabeth was about 18 years old at this time. This is where she met her future husband. She married Horace Strong Rawson the 9th of October 1825 and immediately assisted him in caring for his orphaned brothers and sisters. From Washington County, Indiana they moved to Randolph County, Indiana. Having bought a quarter section of land, they soon had a nice farm with suitable buildings. They labored hard and prospered much and felt they were settled for life. They had four children in Indiana, Mary Ann, Daniel, Semantha and William. This is where Elizabeth and Horace met the missionaries and were taught the Gospel. Elizabeth was baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in 1831, a few months before her husband. They decided to move near the Saints and settled near Independence, Missouri. Here they had many tragic and frightening experiences. They were always on the alert because of the threat from mobs with their killings, plundering and the burning of homes and crops. They were later driven out of Jackson County in the fall of 1833. Elizabeth was pregnant and suffering from the want of food and other necessities. She became quite ill but was finally able to travel. They went to Lafayette for the winter where they had quite a struggle. They were no shoes for their children and not much to eat. She gave birth to twins in the spring, Oriah and Sariah. The boy only lived until September of that year. Because of the uprising of the mobocrats, Horace was advised by Thomas B. Marsh to cross over to Clay County where people were more friendly. They crossed the Missouri River on a ferry boat. The family and their provisions were unloaded on a sandbar. It was cold and they didn't have much protection. As soon as he could Horace secured a spot and built a house. He planted a crop and harvested it early. They remained there the rest of the year 1835 during which time Chloe was born. In the spring of 1836 they moved to Caldwell County near Far West and built a house on Plum Creek. Here they were still having a hard time. Once all they had to eat was milk and a little corn. Then the morning came when their cow turned up missing. Whether it strayed or was stolen all they had to eat was corn. After about a week they decided to go in search of something different to eat. The Lord heard their prayers and they were able to find a wild turkey. While living at Far West they were privileged to hear Joseph Smith speak at a conference. Wherever the Rawsons lived they were pursued by mobs. They were driven from their home five times. Elizabeth tried to protect her children by hiding them in corn fields. They even hid in a bear cave during the Haun's Mill Massacre. At this particular time their homes were burned, their livestock and even their clothing was stolen by the mob. Her husband was taken prisoner and she was left not knowing if he would ever return alive. In the winter of 1839 they moved to Nauvoo. Here they enjoyed their association with the Saints. Their son Caleb died in April 1839. Their son Arthur was born June 17, 1840 in Nauvoo. In 1842 they were called to go to Lima. Her husband was a carpenter and was needed to build homes. Her daughter Sarahrinda was born was born February 8, 1844 in Lima. In the fall of 1845 the people of Lima were driven from their homes and their homes were burned. The family returned to Nauvoo. Both Elizabeth and her husband worked in the temple helping to wash and dry clothes and anything else they could. This was the time when they kept the Temple open 24 hours a day so that as many as the Saints as possible could get their endowments before they had to leave Nauvoo In the spring of 1846 they were forced to leave the state. They stopped at Council Bluffs where they remained for several years. This is where Cyrus and Horace were born. In the spring of 1850 preparations were made to cross the plains with the Wilford Woodruff Company. Elizabeth contracted cholera and was very ill on the way spending most of the trip in the wagon. After several breakdowns and delays and company arrived in Salt Lake City the October 14, 1850. Daniel, their eldest son, had joined the Mormon Battalion and had come to Utah the year before. He had a home ready for his parents in Ogden. They were very thankful for their arrival to a place where they could live in peace. They held responsible positions in the Branch which was soon organized. Elizabeth gave birth to her thirteenth child Elizabeth in Ogden, Utah in 1853. Elizabeth thought her moving days were over, but they later moved to Farmington, Utah where Horace had obtained a nice farm. They again moved to Payson, Utah and lived there until 1860. In 1860 they returned to Ogden where they lived in peace but not in idleness. Elizabeth kept busy helping her children and grandchildren. She did the weaving, spinning and knitting for all of them. She never complained and was loved by everyone. She always bore a fervent testimony of the Gospel. She and other members of the family made trips to the endowment house in Salt Lake City and to the St. George temple where did ordinance work for their parents, brothers and sisters, and other relatives, including the sealing ordinances. Horace Rawson said, "My faithful wife is my best of all God's gifts to me. the partner of my life, the sharer of my every joy and hope, the consoler of my griefs." Horace died October 16, 1882 after a nine day illness at the age of 83 years. Elizabeth lived another seven years and passed away the 21st of April 1890 in Ogden, Utah and was buried next to her husband in the Ogden City Cemetery.

History of Elizabeth Coffin

A NOBLE WOMAN WRITTEN BY A SON I feel it my duty to write a few incidents of the life of my dear mother, Elizabeth Coffin Rawson who passed away at one o’clock ( on the ) 21st of April 1890 after an illness of ten days. She had a light stroke of paralysis which deprived her of her speech but kept her right mind to the last. She was the wife of the late Horace Strong Rawson. She was born the 18th of October 1807 at Montgomery County, Indiana. She was baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints by Levi W. Hancock in 1831. Her husband joined a few months later in 1832. ( In his story he said they were baptized in 1831 and in the ordinance records of the church it is recorded that he was baptized in 1831 and she was baptized in 1831 or 1832 . Whichever is correct we do not know for sure but we do know they were baptized, in fact, according to the ordinance records of the church they have both been baptized several times). They gathered with the Saints in Jackson County, Missouri. They were driven by the mob from their homes five times and finally came to these valleys and settled in Ogden in 1850. Passing through all the incidents of pioneer life without a murmur. Owing to her infirm age she came to Harrisville a short time ago to live with her children. She was the mother of 13 children, 15 grandchildren and 155 great grand children. She was 82 years 6 months and 3 days old. She was chosen for a teacher of Relief Society where she labored faithfully for many years. She never resigned from that office. (She) bore a strong testimony of the work of God. As she knew for herself that this was the true church of Christ. She died as she had lived full of faith and love for all with whom she became acquainted with. ( Her) funeral was held at the East Harrisville meeting house. Bishop P.G. Taylor presiding. Counseling remarks were made by Charles Middleton, Bishop P. G. Taylor and Patriarch Joseph Taylor. They spoke of good deeds of the deceased and family. A large assembly viewed the remains. A large cortege accompanied them to Ogden Cemetery. There she was laid to rest by the side of her diseased husband thus passed away an honest devoted mother and affectionate and loving wife. Copied from Horace Strong Rawson’s patriarchal blessing and record book by Mary E. Rawson Christensen July 24th 1950 ( A great grand daughter). Written by a son.

Horace Strong Rawson (5th Great-Grandparent)

History of Horace Strong Rawson 

WRITTEN BY HIMSELF

BORN :15 JULY 1799 - DIED: 10 OCTOBER 1882

Nothing very particular transpired in my childhood, only what is common until the war of 1812 with Great Britain. In 1812 the British came over Niagary River and burned Buffalo City and several other towns and drove the inhabitants off of the frontier, My father with his family and many others but they again returned and in 1819 my father and his family moved by water down the Allegary River to Pittsburgh and then down the Ohio River to the falls just below Cincinnati. We came very near being lost in the (lage) but the Lord in His great mercy preserved us. My parents were goodly folks reserved in all their ways. My father, Daniel Rawson, was a Baptist preacher. He lived up to the best light they had until his death. My father died 17 Sep 1824 in Salem,Washington Co., Indiana in his 53 rd year leaving my mother with six children. I feeling in some degree the obligation I was under to a kind and tender mother done the best I could to relieve their wants. My mother, Polly Strong, died 16 August, 1825 in her 45th year and the same as my father leaving their children on my hands to provide for. I married and my wife kindly assisted me in providing for my brothers and sisters till they could take care of themselves. We labored hand in hand and prospered much. We then moved to Randolph County, Indiana and bought a quarter section of land. We soon had a nice farm with suitable buildings. Settled down for life as happy as we could be with the light we had. steadily pursuing our labors. Endeavoring to the best of our abilities to keep the first and great commandment to multiply and replenish the earth. In 1831 we were baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints by Levi W. Hancock and confirmed by Bidde ( Zebedee) Coltrin ( D.& C. 52: 29), receiving the holy Spirit of the Lord verifying his promise. I then testified to a large congregation the truth of the latter day work. We soon partook of the gathering Spirit being fully convinced that the Lord had set his hand the 2nd time to gather His people in this the 7th dispensation. We learned the place of gathering. In 1832 with several other families moved to Jackson County Missouri the land of Zion. Then I was ordained a teacher under the hands of Wheeler Baldwin, President of the Branch.( Wheeler Baldwin was also one of the missionaries called from Kirtland to Missouri in 1831, D.&C. 52: 31) We enjoyed ourselves for a short time filled with the love toward each other, granting us the gifts and we improved on them to a great extent. The devil got mad and you better believe for we are a law abiding people. He saw he couldn’t harm us by mob, that being his only remedy, and fully commenced then with his power then he went to Kirtland to attend to the Prophet Joseph and the mob carried out his orders there. They then commenced their deprivations by whipping some, tarring and feathering others, unroofing and tearing down houses. In the night driving women and children into the woods. Destroying property until we could not stand it any longer. Therefore we came out in self defense. Some skirmishes took place. Some killed and wounded on both sides but we kept the ground until they gathered their forces, three to one of us and they were well armed and we were not. We met them on the temple lot and compromised just on their terms. We were to give up our arms and would leave the country. I saw L. Simon White, which was our captain, deliver his sword to Col. Boggs exclaiming, “ Take my sword or my head I don’t care a damn which.” We were all ordered to set our guns on the temple block against the fence where the great temple is to be built and dedicated unto the Lord in this generation and a cloud is to rest upon it by day and by shining of flaming fire by night for upon all the glory shall be defense and according to delight of old Boggs the Saints had to leave Jackson County. There we saw the stars fall, a great sight indeed.( 13 November, 1833) Here we found friends, “God bless them forever.” In the spring of 1835 ( 1834) Bishop Partrige and council, who lived in Clay County, requested the scattered Saints to gather there prior to the coming of the Prophet Joseph Smith with a portion of the strength of the Lord’s house to redeem Zion. We were obedient to the call. In the Spring of 1835 ( 1834) we left our friends Eza Bennet and moved across the Missouri River into Clay County. The people here for awhile seemed very calm until Joseph and his little band arrived( Zion’s Camp) which magnified in the eyes to that degree that 200 swelled to 2000 then the mob gathered on all sides swearing they would destroy Joseph and his band. They gathered in the night ( 19 June, 1834 – DHC Vol. 2 P. 102. ) and got within a mile or two of his camp and the Lord interposed by sending his artillery from heaven in the form of an awful hail storm, slivering some of their gun stocks to pieces, cutting through their caps into their sculls. Defeated in their purpose they gladly left the field carrying their wounded. The Lord verified his promise, “ I will fight your battles.” peace restored. ( This account took place on Fishing River on the 19 June, 1834. Three days later on 22 June 1834 the Prophet Joseph Smith received a revelation recorded as D.& C. 105. ) Here in 1836 ( about 1834) I saw Joseph Smith the prophet for the first time and heard him speak as never heard a man preach before. Speaking of the redemption of Zion and the restoration of scattered Israel, exhorting us to be faithful and seal up the church to Eternal Life and then returned to Kirtland. The church then moved to Caldwell County, settled down hoping to enjoy peace but in 1834 the war commenced again. A jealousy arose to the degree that all western hell boiled over. Old Belzebub old Boggs his right hand man, also G.M. Hinkle, the old apostate, all equipped the hellish clan set out to destroy their fellow man. They called 8000 against Far West and Diamon . They voted Hinkle to betray Joseph and Hyrum and Rigdon and voted Balwin and McRay into the hands of the enemy also the rest of us. All who stood to their posts serving some way and I pray God would reward him according to his deeds. Now Boggs issued his extermination orders. Old determined to carry them out and called a court martial comprised partly of sectarian priests and sentenced Joseph and his followers to be shot next morning. General Donophan of Liberty, Clay County, Missouri, one of the court martial arose and said, “ gentleman this is a damned blood thirsty inquisition. I will have nothing to do with it and the next morning started back to Liberty with his regiment which frustrated their calculations. Old Clark declaring to us that we need not think of ever seeing our brethren again crying, “this die is cast their doom finished, their fate is sealed ,” but he didn’t. for God knoweth how to deliver the Godly out of temptation and tribulations, Old Boggs, Clark, Hinkle and the devil and to reserve the unjust until the day of judgement to be punished. In the winter of 1847 ( about 1837 – their son Caleb was born 5 March 1839 in Lima, Hancock, Illinois ) we moved to the state of Illinois hoping to find a more hospitable people away from the relentless hands of our persecutors. We settled in the city of Nauvoo or the City of Joseph. Here we enjoyed our selves very well for some time. feasting on the teachings of the seventies of God. Surely we were exalted to Heaven in points of privilege but didn’t appreciate the days. In 1851 ( about 1837 ) I was ordained an Elder. 1852 ( about 1838 ) ) moved to Lima and was ordained a High Priest under the hands of Isaac Morley, President of the branch. Also was chosen one of the high council and called to preside over the quorum of High Priests of that branch and was an eye to many of the recorded facts pertaining to the sufferings of the Saints. Although I was not present at the awful martyrdom of the Prophet Joseph and Hyrum, “ awful in deed .” Law abiding , holy men of God cast into jail, murdered in cold blood. (Some of the preceding dates are incorrect they do not fit into the order they should in church history and his life. I put in some approximate dates that seem to fit better — Eugene M. Hancock. ) In the fall of 1845 ( we were) driven from Nauvoo and our houses ( were ) burned by the Christians of Illinois. In the Spring of 1846 was obliged to leave the state and go into the wilderness and seek a home among the red men of the dessert. We stopped at Council Bluffs. We had now become so noticeable that Uncle Sam stretched out his hand and made a requisition upon us for 500 men to help fight the Mexicans. An unheard of thing. Free born American citizens driven from our native lands as exiles but formed to the letter. Daniel, my oldest son was one of the boys and we Saints by so doing proved our loyalty to the government. In 1850 we moved to the valley of the mountains and settled in Ogden, Utah. Was rebaptized by Elder Glasgo and the organization of the branch and was chosen high council also was elected selectman also one of the high council. Here in the far off land of “ Sweet Mountain Home “ we enjoyed our Holy religion. The Lord more fully known unto us his ways causing great joy in our hearts. In the spring of 1855 moved to Farmington and called to preside over the High Priests of that branch. 1856 moved to Payson by council of Brigham Young. There I was elected one of the city council and also called to preside over the High Priests of that branch. Have been in all the ups and downs of the church from Jackson County Missouri in 1832 till 1859. Twenty seven years. Driven five times from our homes because we embraced the Gospel. The free gift of God to man. Not withstanding all the persecutions and tribulations we have had to endure. The church has kept a steady onward march increasing in knowledge and numbers continually until from six members in 1830 to over 100,000 in 1859 showing that the Lord is abundantly able to carry on His own work. We were organized into a territorial government by President Brigham Young then we enjoyed peace and tranquility in the land until Uncle Sam couldn’t stand it any longer in 1857 he sent an army, Johnston’s Army , of 13,000 men that honored the United States causing our gratitude to cease and newly arranged affairs on purpose to appose the work of God and His people. But if we are Saints of god we will be falsely accused for the Savior said, “ Then lift up your heads and be exceedingly glad for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.” The Lord over ruled in this causing an investigation to take place and peace was restored again so we will acknowledge His hand in all things for the eye hath not see nor the ear heard , neither hath it entered into the heart of man the blessings laid up in store for them that walk uprightly before him. For it is the Spirit of our religion to keep the law of the land. It is for us to deal justly, love mercy and walk humbly with God. So I will conclude by saying that I have not written the half of it but what I have written is true. Horace Strong Rawson Horace Strong Rawson’s history, it looks like, was written in 1859. As far as we know it was written in his own hand writing. It was in the archives in Salt Lake. It was copied by Mary Estella E. Rawson Christensen and given to Zetta Hancock Ormand a grand daughter. Note: Mary Estella Rawson was born 30 June, 1890 in Lewisville, Fremont, Idaho. She married James Christensen. Zetta Hancock Ormand was born 9 July 1884 in Burville, Sevier, Utah to Charles William Hancock and Mary Sophronia Curtis.

Short history of Horace Strong Rawson and his wife Elizabeth Coffin

Contributed By Gene Hancock · 2013-04-26 21:48:04 GMT+0000 (UTC) · 0 Comments

NOTE :Typed by Eugene Merrill Hancock 3rd great grandson of Horace Strong Rawson and Elizabeth Coffin Rawson. This history of Horace Strong Rawson and Elizabeth Coffin Rawson was given to me in a hand written form many years ago by my mother Margaret Amanda Poulsen Hancock I can remember using some of the stories from the history in my church history class in seminary. In recent days I have been compiling the ordinance records for the Rawson family and this brought to memory this history that I had. I pulled the history out of one of my genealogy books and went to work to type it up so it can be shared with family members. I have inserted some corrections and notes that help, I feel, with the history. The following histories of Horace Strong Rawson and his wife Elizabeth Coffin Rawson were also found in my family history papers that seems to have more correct dates to help understand their story better. A VALIANT VETERAN A SHORT LIFE SKETCH OF THE LATE PATRIARCH HORACE STRONG RAWSON COPIED FROM THE OGDEN DAILY HERALD OF 12 OCTOBER, 1882 Horace Strong Rawson was born 15 July, 1799 in Oneida Co. State of New York. He married Elizabeth Coffin on the 9th of October, 1825 and settled in Randolf County, Indiana. He was elected Justice of the Peace for several terms and he enjoyed the esteem and good will of all who knew him. Here he first heard the principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ of Latter of Latter-day Saints and received the ordinance of baptism through the administration of Levi W. Hancock and was confirmed by Zebeedee Coultrin in the year 1831 and in the year of 1832 gathered with the Church in Jackson County, Missouri and settled near Independence. Here he was ordained a Teacher under the hands of Wheeler Baldwin. In 1833 persecutions commenced and the threats increased until the Saints were forced to deliver up their arms and leave the county. He went into Lafayette County where he resided during the winter. He was again threatened by the mob and in consequence of their threatening attitude he moved to Clay County then to Cladwin County and settled near Far West. Here he took an active part with his brother in defending themselves against the ravages of the mob. The Brethren were under the command of George M. Hinkle who betrayed them into the hands of the mob by marching them into the hollow square formed by the forces of General Lucos and laid down their arms at the cannon’s mouth. Here they were forced to sign a deed of trust which made all of their property liable for all the expense and trouble that the mob incurred in driving, killing and plundering innocent people. In the winter of 1837-8 he was driven from his home that he had bought and toiled so hard to improve. Finally he was forced to leave the state of Missouri, passing through many hardships and trials incidental to the journey at that season of the year, with the scouting outfit that they had. In 1839 he settled at Commerce, afterwards called Nauvoo, Illinois. In 1841 he was ordained an Elder under the hands of Charles C. Rich and Simeon Carter. In 1842 he moved to the south part of the county to the branch of Yelrome. In 1843 he was ordained a High Priest by Isaac Morley and Edwin Whiting, Presidency of the branch and was set apart a member of the High Council. He was afterwards called to preside over the High Priests Quorum. In the fall of 1845 he was again driven from his home. His buildings burned and the products of his farm left ungathered. Hogs, sheep, and cattle were left for the mob. In 1846 he came west to Council Bluffs where he remained until the spring of 1850. In April he started for Utah arriving at Salt Lake City 16 October and settled in Ogden, Weber County, Utah. At the first stake organization of Weber County he was chosen a member of the Ogden City Council In 1854 Elder Rawson moved to Farmington and was called to preside over the High Priests Quorum of that place. In the spring of 1856 he moved to Payson, Utah County where he again presided over the High Priests Quorum. Here also he was a member of the city council. In the spring of 1859 he moved back to Ogden where he resided the remainder of his days. On the 24 October, 1880 he was ordained a Patriarch under the hands of George Q. Cannon. He blessed all of his children who were living and many of his grandchildren. He had passed through the trials, privations, persecutions, drivings, and plundering from the first settling of Jackson County, Missouri to the final expulsion of the Saints. Five times he was driven by the ruthless mobs. He delivered up his arms twice and was left without arms to the mercy of the infuriated mob who were urged on by professing Christian Ministers. He passed away on the night of the 10th of October, 1882 at 11:20pm after an illness of nine days. He was aged 83 years, 2 months and 25 day.. He died as he lived, faithful and true to God and his Religion, having been a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for 51 years. He never doubted the truthfulness of this Gospel for one moment. His whole mind and soul were in the work. During his last illness he was patient and full of blessings for his wife, children and friends. His last words were to his companion and family who surrounded his bedside. They were, “ Hold fast to the Glorious principles of the gospel.” He had 13 children, 85 grandchildren, 71 living and 58 great-grandchildren of whom 45 are now living. Copied by William Coffin Rawson ( a son) 24 February, 1890.

A PARTIAL LIST OF CHURCH

 MEMBERS LIVING IN NAUVOO

HORACE STRONG RAWSON

Born 15 Jul 1799, Scipio, Oneida, MI to Daniel UWSON and PoLly STRONG. He married Elizabeth COFFIN 9 Oct 1825, Washington Co., IN. He and Elizabeth joined the Mormon Church in 183 1. In 1834 when their f i f i and six cbildren were born (twins), they were living in Lafayette County, MO, which is just east of Jackson County. In 1836 they were in Clay County, 1839 in Lima, Hancock Co, IL and in 1840 in Nauvoo. Horace's name is found in the 1842 Hancock County Tax Records. In Apr, 1844, a quorum of high priests was organized in the Lima, Adams, IL branch (located in the Yelrome or Morley settlement in Lima) with 31 members. Horace was the president. He also is found in the Nauvoo Temple Endowment Register as a high priest, under the date of 3 Feb 1846. He appears to have moved back and forth between Lima and Nauvoo more than once. His eleventh child was born at Mt. Pisgah, L4 in Jan of 1846. In Jan 1848, Horace is listed as a high priest in the "Hill" or "MilI" Branch, Pomwattamie, IA. His twelfth child was born in October of that year in Council Bluffs, Pottawattarnie, IA. He crossed the plains in 1850 in the 8th Company under Wilford Woodruff. His last chld was born in 1853 in Ogden, Weber, UT. Horace was a member of the high council of the Weber Stake in Ogden, justice of peace for seven years, Weber Co. selectman, and member of the Ogden city council. He married a second wife, Sarah SMITH. He was a farmer and a chair maker. He died 10 Oct 1882 in Ogden, Weber, UT and is buried there. (AF-S; NAUI :14; HC6:346; NJ3,2:44; KIWI 1 :439; PHP:2; NTE:274; PPM:*237,1121; SEB)

ELIZABETH COFFIN Born 18 Oct 1807, Montgomery Co, VA to William COFFIN and Mary DUNCAN. She married Horace Strong RAWSON on 9 Oct 1825, Washugton Co., IN. She joined the Mormon Church in I83 i and moved to MO and IL. Before leaving Nauvoo, she went to the Nauvoo Temple for her endowments on 3 Feb 1846. From Nauvoo Elizabeth went to Mt. Pisgah, Council Bluffs, crossed the plains in 1850 with her husband and family, and settled in Ogden, Weber, UT. Her last four children were born after the 1842 Census and are not identified below: Sarah Urinda, born 8 Feb 1844, Lima, Hancock, IL; Cyrus Rawson, born 14 Jun 1846, Mt. Pisgah, Pottawattamie, IA; Horace Frankh, 9 Oct 1848, Council Bluffs, Pottawattamie, JA; and Elizabeth, born 21 Aug 1853, Ogden, Weber, UT. She died in Harrisville, Weber, UT on 25 Apr 1890 and is buried in Ogden. (AF-S; NAU1: 14; HTWlL:439; NTE:274)

Daniel Berry Rawson (4th Great-Grandparent)

Daniel Berry Rawson

Daniel Berry Rawson was born 15 Dec. 1827 at Randolph County, Indiana, the son of Horace Strong Rawson and Elizabeth Coffin. In 1831 his parents joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. . . In 1832 the family moved to Jackson County, Missouri, where they purchased land near Big Blue Creek After fencing and clearing the land, they planted a crop; however, they never harvested it. In the fall of that year persecution increased, forcing the family to leave their crops and move to Lafayette County. Daniel and his oldest sister made the journey on foot with no shoes, walking across the frozen prairie ground. Renting an old log home and four or five acres of land from a Mr. Barnard, Daniel’s father worked and paid for the use of the property. He planted a crop and felt encouraged by the prospects of a good crop. However, howling and threatening mobs forced them to move across the Missouri River to Clay County, leaving a crop that they were unable to sell. Having no shelter, they stuck willows into the sandy bank and stretched sheets over them for temporary shelter for the family until the father was able to arrange for a small place on the bluff of the river. Here they built a home during the winter of 1835. The next spring they sold their property and rented a home and farm, where they raised a good crop. Then in the spring of 1836 they moved again, this time into Caldwell County near Far West, Mob violence caused them to move from one place to another until the spring of 1839, when Governor Boggs issued his infamous extermination order. At that time the Rawson family had to leave behind all that they could not load into a repaired wagon to leave the state. In the latter part of 1829 their family arrived at Quincy, Illinois, then moved on to the area near Lima, where a number of the saints built a fairly large settlement. They stayed there until the spring of 1841, when they moved into Nauvoo and built another home. For two years the family enjoyed relative peace. In 1842 their father bought some property in Yelmore, moved there from Nauvoo, fenced their farm, cleared the land and planted crops for two years. However, after mob activities increased and the Prophet Joseph Smith and his brother Hyrum were slain, the Rawsons were forced to leave. Following is his account of some terrifying experiences: “Joseph Etlerr drove down from Nauvoo with a team and moved the family and household goods up to Nauvoo, leaving part of our stock, swine and fowls behind. A few days after we returned to get what we had left. We found our house in ashes, swine, fowls and sheep and stock carried away. Fencing being hauled away. The men who were hauling the rails promised to pay father for them. “During the winter of 1846 I went to try and get pay for them. When I got in sight of the house his dogs scented me and commenced barking. I saw three or four men come out of the house. I saw they were rank mob, Josh Vance being one of them. When I saw who was there, I dreaded to approach but they had seen me. I thought it was best to go up to the house. “I asked the man who had got the rails (I forget his name) if he could let me have a little meat for my father as he was very destitute. He at first denied me, but after a few minutes of reconsideration he let me have one small bacon, ham and a few pounds of salt fish. While I was in his house I looked out and saw a large flock of geese that my mother had raised. I also noticed as he moved the stacks of boards overhead to get the ham (his meat was hanging in the loft) the large hams and midlines of a very large hog and a lot of other small sows and midlines. It struck me forcibly, there are the remains of my father’s large sows and several other things that were taken from our home. “I put my meat and fish in my sack and was glad to get away. It was sundown and began to get dusk. After I had gone a short distance from the house the mob began to shoot off their guns. Whether they shot at me, or whether they intended to scare me I could not tell. Be assured I did not stop to see but traveled as fast as I could until I was out of sight. Then I left the road and traveled through the woods and arrived safe at my destination and congratulated myself that I got off as well as I did. “On the 20th of November 1845 myself and a young man by the name of James Woodland made preparations for making shingles. By getting our tools and some provisions together we carried them to a vacant house located on the main road leading from Bear Creek to Nauvoo. At night another young man by the name of Gilbert Hunt came to our camp after supper. He proposed that we go over to Solomon Hancock’s barn to sleep. We agreed. We picked our bedding and went to the barn a half mile down the road, climbed up onto the hay, made our beds and were soon asleep. Near twelve o’clock I was awakened by the crackling and popping of fire. There had been a stack of straw stacked up in an old rail pen. It was the oak timber that made the popping. “I looked out and saw the light of fire, woke up the other boys. We climbed up and out in quick time. There was a lot of dry straw in the barnyard. It was afire and burning near the barn. In a very short time the barn would have been on fire. George Hancock was awake, looked out and saw the light. He awakened his father and his family and also brother Edmund Durfey and son. They all came out. “The horses and stock were all turned out of the barn. All hands went to work raking straw and rubbish to prevent the barn from catching fire. The barn yard was built of logs, so while we were in stooping position the mob did not have a chance to shoot at us but as soon as we straightened up, there was a shrill whistle heard south and answered around the west, then the shooting commenced. The guns roared and the bullets whistled around our heads. “Solomon Hancock and the boys all ran for their guns but myself and Edmund Durfey. We stood for a short time, then there came a shower of bullets. One struck him hear the collarbone. He fell, a dead man. By this time I thought it best for me to get out of there. I took legging it, as I had to run the length of the barn and stables exposed. They again opened fire on me. The bullets flew like a hail-storm. It was found next morning that bullets had lodged on either side of the gate I had passed through but through the blessings of the Lord, I had passed through unharmed. “Durfey’s remains were guarded until the next morning when his brother-in-law, David Gardner, came along with a team. We loaded the remains of Durfee on a straw bed. Myself and James Woodland followed as guard to Nauvoo. We washed, shaved and laid him out, sat up with the body during the night. The next day we dug his grave.” On 9 Nov. 1845 Daniel married Mariah Atkinson, lived with her parents over winter, then moved to Nauvoo. In the spring they joined the westward movement of Saints, Daniel hiring passage for himself and his wife by driving a team. When they reached Mount Pisgah, they heard of Captain Allen enlisting men to serve in the war with Mexico. At the time he was very resentful against the government for its disregard for his family’s need of protection in Missouri and Illinois; however, when he heard President Young’s statement that the salvation of Israel depended upon raising the army, he promptly enlisted. The story of Daniel’s experiences in the Mormon Battalion and the return trip to meet his loved ones who had yet to cross the plains reads like a wild west novel. One cannot do justice to the story in a brief account such as this. Arriving back in Council Bluffs, Daniel learned that his wife had been led astray by a Negro prophet. He lived with his parents that winter, then in the spring he bought a team and wagon and with his sister Samantha crossed the plains in the Captain Richards Company. The trip proved uneventful except for a terrible blizzard which occurred near the crossing of the Sweetwater. For 46 hours the blizzard raged, drifting show as high as their wagons. They had to dig the wagons out of the snow to continue their journey. Arriving in the Salt Lake Valley in October 1849, he stayed in Farmington over the winter. In November he married Nancy Boss and with her moved to Ogden in the spring of 1850. They took up a farm and built them a home. In the winter of 1850 he built a shop, put up a turning lathe and made the first chair and spinning wheel that were made in Weber County. In the ensuing years he moved his family to Farmington, then Payson. In the fall of 1858 he was called to take a load of supplies to assist the troops who were in the siege of Johnston’s Army. He found his brother William C. Rawson very ill and used his influence to have the man released. Daniel himself was retained and called to act as Mayor’s agent for Maylor Thurber from Spanish Fork Division. In the spring of 1860 he was called on a mission to scout the country south and west of Fillmore to find a place for the saints to colonize. After returning from that mission, he moved his family to Ogden. In August 1863 he was elected Constable for the Ogden City Precinct. In the latter part of 1864 he rented the farm of Bishop Chauncy West and moved his family there. In the spring of 1866 he was called to preside over the 8th ecclesiastical district of Weber Stake, which position he held until 1876. In 1875 he was called at a general conference to go on a mission to Arizona and to the Indians in the region of the Colorado. During the winter of 1876 he reported having baptized four Indians, two men and their wives. In late July 1876 he was released to come home with the understanding that he would return in the fall; however, ill health terminated his mission. He resumed his position as president of the 8th district of Weber Stake until June 1877, when the stake was organized into wards. He was soon released to be called as a stake missionary, then subsequently called as a high councilor in the Weber Stake. In January 1890 he was “attacked with liver and kidney complaint.” He died 18 Feb. 1892 and was buried in the Ogden City Cemetery. (This life story was written in January 2006 by Brian L. Taylor. Source: Life story of Daniel Berry Rawson written by him at Farr West, Utah on 28 Jan. 1892 just three weeks before his death) THE CHILDREN OF DANIEL BERRY RAWSON AND NANCY BOSS 1. Nancy Emeline Rawson was born 29 Jan 1857 in Ogden, Weber, Utah. She married 5 Sep 1868 in the Salt Lake Endowment House, Harvey Green Taylor. He was born 6 Oct 1849 in ,Pottawattamie,Iowa. 2. Elizabeth Ann Rawson was born 3 Feb 1853 in Ogden, Weber, Utah. She married 15 Aug 1868 in the Salt Lake Endowment House, Francis David Higginbotham, Sr. He was born 24 May 1848 in , Tazewell, Virginia. 3. Mary Ann Olive Rawson was born 2 Jan 1855 in Ogden, Weber, Utah. She married (1)in the summer of 1850 at ____, Stephen Ordway, Jr. He was born abt 1825 of , Hall, Missouri. Mary Ann married (2) 23 Sep 1872 in Salt Lake City, Salt Lake, Utah, Moroni Taylor. He was born 1 May 1853 in Kaysville, Davis, Utah. 4. Obedience Leonora Rawson was born 23 Apr 1857 in Payson, Utah, Utah. She married 28 Apr 1879 in Vernal, Uintah, Utah, Lamoni Taylor. He was born 12 Sep 1855 in Ogden, Weber, Utah. 5. Polly Ann Rawson was born 3 May 1859 in Payson, Utah, Utah. She married 28 Oct 1879 in the Salt Lake Endowment House, James Rushton Dinsdale. He was born 9 Oct 1855 in Ogden, Weber, Utah. 6. Sariah Diantha Rawson was born 28 Aug 1861 in Ogden, Weber, Utah. She married (1) 31 May 1878 in the Salt Lake Endowment House, Joseph Hyrum Daniels Brown. He was born 6 Jan 1856 in Goarton, Lancashire, England. Sariah married (2) George Brown in 1881 in Salt Lake City, Salt Lake, Utah. He was born about 1857 of Salt Lake City, Salt Lake, Utah. 7. Daniel Heber Rawson was born 8 Sep 1863 in Ogden, Weber, Utah 8. Charlotte Grace Rawson was born18 Feb 1865 in Ogden, Weber, Utah. She married 13 Apr 1882 in the Salt Lake Endowment House, Chauncy West Richardson. He was born 15 Oct 1861 in Ogden, Weber, Utah. 9. Samantha Dalena Rawson was born26 Aug 1867 in Harrisville, Weber, Utah. She married 25 Jan 1888 in the Logan Temple, George Washington Rose. He was born 6 Dec 1859 in Ogden, Weber, Utah. 10. Daniel Benjamin Rawson was born 6 Nov 1870 in Harrisville, Weber, Utah. He married 15 Nov 1893 in the Logan Temple, Mary Leah Brown. She was born 7 Mar 1875 in Huntsville, Weber, Utah.   THE CHILDREN OF DANIEL BERRY RAWSON AND MARY MELVINA TAYLOR 1. Silas Daniel Rawson was born 4 Sep 1867 in Harrisville (now Farr West), Weber, Utah. He married 23 Jan 1889 in the Logan Temple, Johanne Marie (Mary) Hegsted. She was born 20 Nov 1866 in Huntsville, Weber, Utah. 2. David Ward Rawson was born 17 Sep 1871 in Harrisville (now Farr West), Weber, Utah. He married 26 Sep 1895 in the Salt Lake Temple, Nancy Jane Bingham. She was born 19 Apr 1876 in Wilson Lane, Weber, Utah. 3. Joseph Horace Rawson was born 6 Aug 1874 in Harrisville (now Farr West), Weber, Utah. He married 15 Dec 1899 in the Logan Temple, Emmeretta Bingham. She was born 15 Jul 1878 in Wilson, Weber, Utah. 4. Wilford Woodruff Rawson was born 1 Sep 1881 in Harrisville (now Farr West), Weber, Utah. He married (1) 4 Oct 1905 in the Salt Lake temple, Eugenia Lefgren. She was born 30 Oct 1879 in Ogden, Weber, Utah. He married (2)12 May 1932 in the Salt Lake Temple, Erma LaVera Madsen. She was born 11 Apr 1895 in Milford, Beaver, Utah. SOURCES: 1. LDS Church Census, microfilm #0271399 and #0471591 2. Internet IGI 3. Jeffery, Janet Franson, History of the James Lake, Jr. Family (Murray, Utah, Roylance Publishing, 1990), p. 201.