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)