Thomas Guymon (5th Great Grand-Father)

Thomas Guymon

10 March 1787 – 20 October 1855

HISTORY OF THOMAS GUYMON

Thomas Guymon was born March 17, 1787; a son of Isaiah Guymon and Elisabeth Flynn* His father, Isaiah, was the first Guymon born in the United States, and a soldier of the Revolutionary War. We know very little about the childhood days of Thomas Guymon. The first we know he was a young man living in Surry County, North Carolina. He was a goodnatured man and was liked by everyone who knew him. He was an ambitious young man with a fairly good education for those days, for we know he had enough education to be a school teacher. He was also a farmer. It seems that in the first part of the Nineteenth Century people only had time for school when there was no farm work to be done; therefore he farmed in the summer and taught school in the winter. The descendants of Thomas Guymon have in there possession a contract which reads as follows CONTRACT FOR TEACHING SCHOOL Articles of an agreement made and entered into between Thomas Guymon of the County of Jackson, in the state of Tennessee of the first part, and we the undersigners of the other part. The said Guymon does bind himself to teach a school for three months, of reading and writing five days out of every week, at the rate of six dollars per year. One half in current money to be paid at the end of school; one half to be paid in cotton, wool or cloth delivered before the 25th of December. The school house to be built at the Dripping Spring, between that of Guymon and Orson Martins. The school to begin on the second of August. The said Guymon to make up all lost time that he does loose. The said Guymon is to keep good order in the school. The subscribers with the teacher are to build a good sufficient schoolhouse. The house is to be ready in good time. Signed this 11 day of July 1821. Signed: Thomas Hicklen, Archibald M. LeVant, Orson Martin, Salton Coyd, John McLearan. Along with the other work Thomas Guymon did while living in Tennessee he operated a ferry boat crossing over the Cumberland River. His ferry consisted of several boats, some large and some small. The large boats were big enough to carry two teams and wagons. The large boats were run by hose power. The horse was in the cent of the boat, the horse went round and round, which worked the paddles, and the paddles pushed the boat across the river. The small boats were propelled by hand or by a rope stretched across the river. Thomas married Sarah Gordon the 23rd day of February 1809, and together their married life began in Surry County, North Carolina. Here their first three sons were born. They moved from North Carolina to Jackson County, Tennessee about 1815. Tennessee was the birth place of their next three sons and one daughter. They lived in Tennessee for some ten years, then they moved to Paris, Edgar County, Illinois, where three more daughters were born to them. One beautiful day in 1836, Thomas' son James came home very excited, with information of a new church. It was different from the other churches they had known. Thomas and his sons were out in the forest chopping wood. When James told them his story they listened with interest, and when James had finished speaking, Thomas stood upon a log and said, "Jim that is the gospel of Jesus Christ. It is just what we have been looking for." Thomas and his wife Sarah, his sons James and Thomas, and his daughters Barzilla, Polly Ann and Melissa Jane were converted to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They soon joined the saints and were with them through all their persecutions. From the history of Caldwell County, the following information was obtained. A document or covenant made in Caldwell County, Missouri, January 29, 1839. Among the signers we find the name of Thomas Guymon and his son Noah Thomas. "We hose names are here underwritten, do each for ourselves individually here-by covenant to stand by and assist each other, to the utmost of our abilities, in removing from this state in compliance with the authority of the state; and we do hereby acknowledge ourselves firmly bound to the extent of all our available property to be disposed of by ai committee who shall be appointed for that purpose, for providing moans for removing of the poor and destitute who shall be considered worthy, from this country till there shall not be one left who desires to move from the state; with this proviso., that no individual shall be deprived of the right of the disposal of his own property, for the above purpose, or having the control of it, or so much of it as shall be necessary for the removal of his own family; and be entitled to the surplus after the work is affected; and furthermore said committee shall give receipts for all property, and an account of all expenditures of the same. (There were 214 signers). The committee members were as follows: William Huntington, Charles Bird, Alanson Bigpley, Theodore Turley, Daniel Shearer, Shadrack Roundy, and Jonithan H. Hale. Thomas came across the plain to Utah, leaving Illinois in the spring of 1850 with the Aaron Johnson Company. With him were his children who had joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, with the exception of James who came the year before. The children were all married and had families of their own, except Melissa Jane and she and her future husband did their courting while crossing the plains. They arrived in Salt Lake Valley in September 1850. Thomas lived only five years after coming to Utah, The fact that they had Joined the church had divided his family, because his sons Isaiah, John and William never Joined the church, and as a result they .and their families remained in the state of Illinois, He never for one moment regretted Joining the Church, but he did regret the separation in his family. We have many copies of letters exchanged between those who remained in the east with those who came west. Thomas Guymon died in Sprlngville, Utah County, Utah 20 October 1855. CHILDREN OF THOMAS GUYMON Isaiah Guymon b 15 Feb 1810 in Surry County, North Carolina John Guymon b 28 Nov 1811 in Surry County, North Carolina William Guymon b 23 Jan 1815 in Surry County, North Carolina James Guymon b 2? Dec 1816 in Jackson County, Tennessee Noah Thomas Guymon b 30 June 1819 in Jackson County, Tennessee Martin Guymon b 12 June 1821 in Jackson County, Tennessee Barazlla Guymon b 31 Dec 1823 in Jackson County, Tennessee Elizabeth Guymon b 19 July 1826 in Edgar County, Illinois Polly Arm Guymon b 11 July 1829 in Edgar County, Illinois Sarah Jane Guymon b 11 July 1829 in Edgar County, Illinois Melissa Jane Guymon b 14 Feb I833 in Edgar County, Illinois In Volume 6 page 337 of the History of the Church we find that Thomas Guymon filled a mission to North Carolina in the year 1844, This was his birth place.

Pioneer story of Thomas Guymon family- Missouri to Salt Lake- 1850

Thomas, Sarah & son Noah came in 1850 with the Aaron Johnson Co. They left with 100 wagons from Council Bluffs. Trek was from June 8 to Sep 12 1850. Their company had bad cholera (blessings, prayers & healings), a buffalo run through camp, lots of rain. They all walked to lighten the load of the poor oxen. People would sing, tell stories, have music (fiddle, flute etc), dancing. Visited by the Chief of the Ottawa. Info found from different diaries of people in the company. on lds.org/churchhistory/library/pioneercompanysearch.

Biography of Thomas Guymon

10 Mar. 17871–20 Oct. 1855. Schoolteacher, farmer. Born in Surry Co., North Carolina. Son of Isaiah Guymon and Elizabeth Flynn. Married Sarah (Sally) Gordon/Gordin, Feb. 1809, in Stokes Co., North Carolina. Moved to Jackson Co., Tennessee, by 1820. Moved to Edgar Co., Illinois, by 1830. Baptized into LDS church by “Brother Rathburn,” by 9 June 1835. Ordained a priest and appointed to lead branch of church in Edgar Co., Illinois, 21 June 1835. Member of high council in Far West, Caldwell Co., Missouri, 1838. Moved to Hancock Co., Illinois, by 1840. Migrated to Utah Co., Utah Territory, 1850. Died at Springville, Utah Co. I found this on: http://josephsmithpapers.org/person?name=Thomas+Guymon

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Sarah Gordon Guymon (5th Great Grandmother)

HISTORY OF SARAH GORDON GUYMON

HISTORY OF SARAH GORDON GUYMON Sarah Gordon’s first ancestor in the United States was Thomas Gordon who was born in Uslter Down County, North Ireland, He was a son of James Stewart Gordon, originally of the Huntley Gordons of Scotland. He came to what is now called Gordonsville, Albemarle County, Virginia. Her father was the first child of Thomas Gordon and Sarah Flynn, John was born in Abermarle County, Virginia in 1772. He married Barzilla Martin who was born 27 Mar. 1774, daughter of John Martin and his wife Sarah, Th«y settled en main highway about two miles south of Pilot Mountain, North Carolina where they farmed and operated a tavern to serve the passengers who traveled through by stagecoach. They had begun their life together with very little means, but by application of industry, due economy, and intelligence, gained property rapidly, until they became quite wealthy for those days.. They accumulated much real estate and at his death owned twelve slaves. They had three sons and nine daughters Sarah was the oldest of John Gordon and Barzilla Martin°s children. She was born 20 November 1789 in Surry County, North Carolina. Being the oldest of twelve children Sarah had many responsibilities; helping her mother with the children, making beds and helping her mother in the tavern. She had a busy life and never knew an idle moment. Sarah married Thomas Guymon in Stokes County, North Carolina the 23rd day of May, 1809. He was a son of Isaiah Guymon and Elizabeth Flynn. He was an ambitious young man, who farmed in the summer months and taught school in the winter. They lived in Stokes County, North Carolina for six years. During that time three sons, Isaiah, John and William were born to them. They moved to Jackson County, Tennessee in 1815. Here they had three more sons, James, Noah Thomas and Martin, and one daughter, Barzilla. Then years later they moved again, this time to Edgar County.... Illinois in 1825. While living here they had four daughters, Elizabeth, Polly Ann, Sarah Jane and Melissa Jane. Sarah and her husband were converted to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in I836, and soon Joined with the saints and were with them in all their persecutions. Their son James came to Utah in 1849 and a year later in the spring of 1850 Thomas and Sarah Guymon with their daughter Melissa Jane, their son Noah Thomas and his wife and children, their daughter Polly Ann and her husband Robert Johnson and their children, all came to Utah with the Aaron Johnson company. Their three eldest sons however, did not come to Utah., The family with others made many preparations for the journey to Utah. Among other things, they had to train or break cows to lead on a wagon of three yoke of oxen. The most pleasant part of their journey was spent traveling along the banks of the Missouri River. The company crossed the river on flat boats, and the cattle swam the river. They gathered buffalo chips to make fires in the prairie lands. The company traveled long hard hours, but they always took time out at night to sing songs of praise and enjoy one another’s company before retiring- Three days before the end of this journey their son James came to meet them. The children were driving the cattle ahead of the wagons & and when they saw their Uncle James coming they shouted for joy. The shouts of joy soon rang out through the entire company. Thomas and Sarah were Indeed happy to see their son and the company were glad to see someone they knew for now they were sure that their long journey would soon be at an end. Finally they arrived at the little town of Salt Lake City. One of the sights that impressed the children was a red flag on a stick nailed up on a log room to show that merchandise was sold there, and another log room with a tin cup outside to show that tin was sold there. They spent their first week with James who lived on the little Cottonwood River. He had a lovely garden which furnished good eating for the new arrivals to the valley. The married children moved down into Utah County, all except James who moved down sometime later. Thomas and Sarah spent their first winter in the Salt Lake Valley. Sarah had a very quick temper and was very determined about getting her own way when she felt she was right. The people in Salt Lake Valley were told to take their dry cows in the herd, and let the herder take them to Antelope Island, which is an island in the Great Salt Lake. Sarah felt it was wrong to let her cows be sent over there for the winter. The herder came and put her cows in with the rest of the herd. She was very determined that her cows were not going so she came out with her cane for a switch and turned her cows out of the herd and took them home. The cows had to be herded all the time. She must have known what she was doing, for the other cows froze to death and her cows furnished milk for her family and many more settlers. Sarah not only loved her children very much, but she was very fond of her brothers and sisters. We have found many instances where she was close to the son of her sister, his name was Calvin Gordon Stone, who lived in Utah. We also have evidence of her corresponding with her people back in North Carolina. Among the letters written to her youngest brother, Martin, was found a document giving Martin the Power of Attorney and a letter with it asking him to sell her land which was left to her by her father. Her father was a wealthy man at the time of his death. Her oldest brother, James, was the Administrator of the estate. This letter to Martin was written Feb. 28, 1870 In this same letter she stated that her health was very poor and that she was living with her son, Noah Thomas, and that he was taking care of all her business affairs. After Noah Thomas moved to Springville, Thomas and Sarah moved to Springville. Here Thomas died October 20th, 1855. After the death of her husband, Sarah moved to Fountain Green to be near her children there. She lived in a home of her own, and had a girl named Martha Jane Park live with her for company. She lived the last few years with her son, Noah Thomas. She was taken to Springville for burial beside her husband. Written by: Mrs Olive Stone - Provo, Utah.

Pioneer story of Thomas Guymon & family- Missouri to Salt Lake- 1850

Contributed By Brooke Malfatto · Feb 22, 2014, 3:29 PM · 0 Comments

Thomas, Sarah & son Noah came in 1850 with the Aaron Johnson Co. They left with 100 wagons from Council Bluffs. Trek was from June 8 to Sep 12 1850. Their company had bad cholera (blessings, prayers & healings), a buffalo run through camp, lots of rain. They all walked to lighten the load of the poor oxen. People would sing, tell stories, have music (fiddle, flute etc), dancing. Visited by the Chief of the Ottawa. Info found from different diaries of people in the company. on lds.org/churchhistory/library/pioneercompanysearch.

SARAH GORDON

Contributed By christychamberlain1 · Dec 22, 2014, 11:03 PM · 0 Comments

SARAH GORDON GUYMON The oldest of twelve children born to John Gordon and Barzilla Martin BORN: 20 November 1789 PLACE: Stokes County, North Carolina BAPTIZED: 18 June 1835 MARRIAGE: 23 February 1809 to Thomas Guymon ENDOWED: 2 January 1846 CROSSED THE PLAINS: With the Aaron Johnson Company DEATH: 7 December 1872 PLACE: Fountain Green, Sanpete County, Utah BURIAL: Springville, Utah County, Utah CHILDREN: Isaiah Guymon, 15 February 1810, Stokes County, North Carolina John Guymon, 28 November 1811, Stokes County, North Carolina William Guymon, 23 January 1815, Stokes County, North Carolina James Guymon, 27 December 1816, Jackson County, Tennessee Noah Thomas Guymon, Sr., 30 June 1819, Jackson County, Tennessee Martin Guymon, 12 June 1821, Jackson County, Tennessee Barzilla Guymon, 31 December 1823, Jackson County, Tennessee Elizabeth Guymon, 19 June 1826, Paris, Edgar County, Illinois Sarah Jane Guymon (twin), 11 July 1829, Paris, Edgar County, Illinois Polly Ann Guymon (twin), 11 July 1829, Paris, Edgar County, Illinois Melissa Jane Guymon, 14 February 1833, Paris, Edgar County, Illinois

WORK AND EDUCATION

Contributed By christychamberlain1 · Dec 22, 2014, 11:03 PM · 0 Comments

WORK/EDUCATION: Sarah worked at home in her youth to help support the family and assisted in the tavern that her parents owned and operated. The Gordon family also owned a farm in North Carolina which operated as a plantation with slaves to work the land. Sarah used her farming experience throughout her life and on the frontier when she and her husband moved to Utah.

Thomas Crowther III (5th Great-Grandfather)

Thomas Crowther III

25 July 1796 – 3 March 1871

Life Sketch of Tomas Crowther III from "The W. O. Crowther Family" Book

From: "The W. O. Crowther Family Book" Thomas Crowther was christened on July 25, 1796, at Cardington, Shropshire, England. He was the second son of eight children born to Thomas Crowther and Martha Cartwright. He worked as a farm laborer, and hired out at the age of eleven years, while his elder brother, John Crowther, apprenticed as a shoe maker. On the 7th of June 1821, Thomas married Anne Preece. This marriage took place in the Parish Church of Cardington, Shropshire, England. We fist find Thomas in the 1851 Census at Gretton, a widower, age 54, an agriculture laborer and born at Cardington; his son, Richard, age 11 years, was with him working as an agriculture laborer servant and he was born at Astley Abbotts. We find the other children were born at Easthope, Ditton Priors, Astley Abbotts, Stottesden and Bridgnorth. Thomas Crowther, working as a laborer, had a very small income and had to travel from place to place to obtain work. There was a family of ten children to be cared for with food and clothing. Mary, the eldest daughter, died soon after her mother's death in 1847. The first son, Thomas married May 7, 1849, to Sarah Thomason and came to America in 1855. He later married Jane Jewkes, and they became the parents Sarah Jane Crowther Johnson. Francis came to America in 1852 and died on the plains. Anne, the next eldest daughter, and Thomas, the eldest son, were married the same day, 7 May, 1847, in the parish of Dudley, Worcester, England. Anne married Joseph Permain. Martha died January 7, 1847, at the age of 15 years and 8 months. Sarah died December 29, 1835, at the age of 9 months. James, christened, January 31, 1838, later married Mary Ann Robinson. Richard, christened, September, 17, 1839, later married Annie Margaret Christensen. William died as a child. A daughter, an infant died. Thomas Crowther and his wife, Anne, had many sad experiences, but this was not all the grief for Thomas. On the 27th of August, 1846, his wife, Anne Preece Crowther, died soon after their infant daughter was born. Thomas spent the rest of his life caring for his family with his small earnings. Thomas lived to see his sons come to America and live here in Zion. There is no record which indicates that he joined "The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints", but all of his sons did. He died March 3, 1871, in the Union Workhouse at Bridgnorth at the age of 74 years. The Workhouse was a place he could live and work for his keep. He must have been a great and wonderful man.

Jane Jewkes Crowther (4th Great Grandmohter)

Jane Jewkes

2 April 1832 – 2 May 1896

Brief History of Jane Jewkes Crowther:

 Story written by Jane Crowther Anderson

Jane Jewkes, (wife of Thomas Crowther), was born April 2, 1832, at Kateshill, Worcestershire, England.  Her mother was Jane Woodward Jewkes (born June 3, 1802, at Tipton, Stafford, England) and her father was William Jewkes (born January 5, 1794). Jane’s parents lived in the parish of Tipton, which was only one and one half miles from the large city of Dudley.  Tipton is situated nearly in the center of an extensive and rich mining district.  The area had grown from a village to a town of over 11,500 population in the 1830’s because of the abundant 30-foot thick deposits of coal and iron-stone found under almost every acre of the area.  The mines were of superior quality, and provided employment for the people of the community. Jane’s father was killed in a mine accident at Kateshill eight and one half months before she was born.   We do not know much about her childhood, for we have no records.  We do know that she had four older brothers: Richard, Samuel, William, and John.  We find her on the census, living with her brother, Richard, when she was six years old.   Her mother was married again soon after she was born, to a man by the name of *William Price Dunn, and had *two daughters by him:  Lydia, and Mary.  Although we never heard much about them, we know they came to America.  Lydia was married to a man by the name of Coombs, and was Postmistress at Huntington, Utah, for several years. When Jane was *seventeen, she married a man by the name of *John Price, on *December 9, 1849, at *Saint Thomas, Dudley, Worcestershire, England.  Together they had two children: Richard and Mary Jane.  Their little son Richard, was born September 9, 1851, in *Sedgley, Staffordshire, England.  Because of her husband’s drinking problem and disposition, she left him.  Her little baby girl, Mary Jane, was born shortly after, on March 9, 1854, in *Kates Hill, Worcestershire, England; she only lived eighteen days. Jane Jewkes was a small woman, weighing about 110 pounds, and was 5 foot 2 inches tall.  She had dark brown eyes and was a very kind, patient person.  *The following spring after she was married, she was baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on the 7th of April 1850, by Elder George Hill, in the Tipton Branch of the Birmingham Conference.  This was probably one of he things her husband resented.   On the 22 of April, 1855, she left the shores of England with her sister, Mary Ann, to come to Zion, traveling to America on the ship “Samuel Curling,” and bringing her three year old son, Richard, with her.  William remained in England.  John also came to America, although they lost track of him.  However, in later years when Lewis Anderson (uncle to author) was on a mission in Chicago, Illinois, he found him living there.   *Jane Price (age 23) and son Richard (age3) departed July 25, 1855, with the Charles A. Harper Company. 305 individuals and 39 wagons were in the company when it began its journey from the outfitting post at Mormon Grove, Kansas (Near Atchison).  Captain Charles Harper rightly called his overland emigrant company "a mixed multitude from many nations"; it included French, English, Welsh, and Italians.  Some of Harper's company left England on the S. Curling. (called the Samuel Curling. in Latter-day Saint literature). Some of these travelers were Perpetual Emigration Fund (PEF) passengers (which Jane and Richard were); others paid their own fares. Arriving at New York City, they transferred to Philadelphia by steamer and then continued by rail to Pittsburgh and by steamboat (the Amazon), down the Ohio and up the Mississippi to St. Louis. Finally, up the Missouri they went on the Ben Bolt.  Several different groups of these emigrants joined Harper's company at Mormon Grove.  It was in Utah in the fall of 1855 that Jane Jewkes met Thomas Crowther; *he had traveled across the plains just six weeks before Jane and Richard had.  They were married November 25, 1855, by the President of the Stake, Isaac C Haight, in Iron County. Thomas Crowther had lost his first wife and a baby at St Louis, Missouri.  He buried them at Mormon Grove, and after some time came on to Utah by ox team, bringing his little girl, Mary Ann, who was only four years old.  This gave them much in common, she with a little boy three years old and he with a little girl of the same age.  But exactly two months after they were married, January 25, 1856, little Richard, the son of Jane’s first marriage, passed away.  He was buried at Cedar City, Iron County, Utah. They moved from one settlement to another in Southern Utah for a while but finally settled in Fountain Green, where most of their children were born.  Their family grew to three boys and seven girls.  They were faithful Latter-day Saints, she staying home and taking care of the children, while Thomas helped on both the St. George and Manti temples. Vernal and Jane C. Anderson made a trip with her Father and Mother (William Orson and Mary Caroline Crowther), (brother to Sarah Jane Crowther Johnson) to Fountain Green and visited the old home site.  Their house had fallen down, except for one end, where the old fireplace stood.  William O. walked all around the place, and it was sacred ground to him.  He told of several stories of his childhood days.   He spoke of his mother’s beautiful voice, and how he loved to hear her sing.   In March 1890 Thomas and Jane left Fountain Green and moved to Sanford, Colorado, where most of their children had settled.  They purchased a lot (for three dollars and thirty-five cents) within a few blocks of the homes of all the children, and there built a little brick house where they were happy and comfortable. They were soon put to work in the Church.  Thomas was ordained a patriarch and Jane became a counselor to Cornelia Mortensen in the Stake Relief Society.  They both served for several years. On the morning of May 2, 1896, Thomas arose and went out to feed the chickens and milk the cow.  Thinking Jane was still asleep, he didn’t disturb her.  When he came in he could see she had never moved.  On going to her bedside, he found she had passed away in her sleep.  She was buried in the cemetery at Sanford, Colorado.

Obituary of Jane Jewkes Crowther,  From the Deseret News. The Manti Messenger, Friday 15 May 1896

Jane Jewkes Crowther, died at Sanford, Conejos county, Colorado, Jane Jewkes Crowther, wife of Thomas Crowther, born at Kateshill Dudley, Worcestershire, England, April 2, 1832, baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints April 7, 1850 by Elder George Hill in the Tipton branch of the Birmingham conference, She emigrated to Utah in 1855 and was married to Thomas Crowther November 25th of the same year at Cedar City, Iron county, Utah.  From this place she moved with her husband in 1860 to Ephraim, Sanpete County, and in 1861 removed to Fountain Green of the same county, where she took a prominent part in the Relief Society, holding the office of first counselor to the president of that ward.  In 1890 she removed with her family to Sanford, Colorado, where she continued her labors, holding the office of second counselor to the president of the Relief Society of the San Luis Stake.   Sister Crowther was the mother of twelve children two of whom have gone before her. She leaves an aged husband, ten children, forty-nine grand children, one brother, one sister and a host of friends to mourn her loss.  She had been failing in health about eighteen months, but of late had appeared to be improving, and on May 1st was at a birthday party of one of her daughters. On the morning of May 2nd, Brother Crowther left her sleeping while he went out to feed his stock, being out about fifteen minutes, and on returning to the house found she had passed away apparently without a struggle. She had been a loving and devoted wife and mother and died in full faith of the Gospel, with the hope of a glorious resurrection.   May 4, at 10 a.m. the cortege went from the family residence to the meeting house where the services were conducted by Bishop Soren C. Berthelsen. Bishop Marcus Funk, Soren C. Berthelsen and Stake President Albert R. Smith were the speakers. The funeral was one of the largest ever seen in Sanford.

Thomas Crowther IV (4th Great Grandfather)

Thomas Crowther

12 March 1823-

2 October 1898

Personal History of Thomas Crowther given by himself:

"When I was nine years old my parents sent me to school for about twelve months. After that my father having a large family, put me to work as soon as I was able. By this time I was able to read in the Testament without much difficulty. But I never made a letter or figure at school. What I know about writing or the value of figures I have picked up myself and that after a hard days work. At eleven years of age I hired out to an old gentleman by the name of John Bradley at a place called Ditton Friers. I stayed with him for two years and four months, and worked on his farm. He was a good man as far as he had light and knowledge: he was a strict Methodist and taught me good moral principles that had a lasting impression on my mind in after years. When I left him I hired to a man by the name of Edward Hughes, at a place called Kinsely, near Bridge North. I stayed with him two years, but did not get that religious training as I did of my former master. For he was a worldly man. I continued to hire out until I was twenty-two years of age, and notwithstanding the religious training that I has received in my youth it did not seem to have that impression on my mind as it does on some people; that is I could not reconcile myself in regard to what God required me to do to be saved.

I went from one sect to another but I still felt an aken void. I seemed to be hunting something that none of the religious sect had got. About this time I was 22 years of age when I quit farmer's service and went into Staffordshire and worked at blast furnaces, that is manufacturing of iron. I continued to work at this business the remainder of the time I stayed in England. When I was about 26 years of age I married a young woman by the name of Sarah Thompson. About the time that we got married I went and paid a visit to my mother-in-law. When for the first time my eyes beheld the Book of Mormon. This was about 1849. There happened to be a Mormon Elder at her home, by the name of Thomas Shelly, he presented me with a copy of the Book of Mormon which I took home with me and read it through, and truly I thought I had found the pearl of great price. My father and mother-in-law had already been baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Later-day Saints, and had two of their children healed in a miraculous manner. They were both healed by the power of God, which cased quite a stir in the neighborhood. Several joined the church there about this time, and as I stated I read the Book of Mormon through and was very much interested in the little light that I had gained through reading that precious record. It caused me to long for more. I was not long in hunting up the place where the Latter-day Saints held their meetings, and the first or second time I went to see them, one elder spoke in Tongues and another interpreted the Tongue. The substance of it was, that branch should grow and prosper and many should be added to the church. I shall never forget the sensation that came over me at that time, for I was satisfied that these men spoke by the power of God. I saw that prophecy fulfilled to the very letter. In the next three months there were 44 added to that branch, myself and wife included among them. We were baptized Oct. 13th, 1850, into the Tipton Branch of the Birmingham Conference, By Elder George Hill, President of that branch. I was ordained to the office of Priest, December 26, 1851 by Elder John Weston. Later ordained an Elder by William George, 13 May, 1953.

About this time I met with a bad accident. I hurt one of my shoulders so bad I could not lift my arm up. I had faith in the power of God and his ordinances. I went to meeting at night and took with me some oil and requested the elders to anoint my shoulder with the oil and pray to the Lord in the name of Jesus Christ to heal me, which they did and I was healed from that very moment, and went to my work the next morning to the astonishment of all my fellow workmen. Although my should was back and blue and discolored for weeks afterward; but not to hurt me in the least. This was the first time I has the power of God manifest upon my own body. Previous to my hearing the Gospel I had one of my legs broken which caused me to he helpless for three months. This was about two months after I was married. During this time I read and reflected a great deal. I prayed earnestly for the Lord to guide me in the right path. I realize that it was through this circumstance that led me to investigate and embrace the Gospel. Quite a number of years have passed since then. I am writing from memory at this late date, thinking it would be of interest to my children after I am gone. What I write is the Truth. Part of this story is included in the Mormon Pioneer Overland Travel, 1847–1868 Seth M. Blair/Edward Stevenson Company (1855) - Crowther, Thomas, Autobiographical sketch, 62-63, in Histories and biographies written by members of Camp Sunflower, Daughters of Utah Pioneers of Center Utah County, Provo, Utah, vol. 1.

Emigration of Thomas Crowther in 1854 on the Ship "Clara Wheeler"

A Compilation of General Voyage Notes "DEPARTURE OF THE CLARA WHEELER. -- The Clara Wheeler, with 421 Saints on board, including infants, cleared for New Orleans on the 24th ultimo. Elder Henry E. Phelps took the presidency of the company, with Elders John Parson and James Crossly as his counsellors. We commend these brethren and their company to the watchful care and protection of our Heavenly Father, and trust that his blessings will constantly attend them in their journey to the land and cities of Zion." "THE CLARA WHEELER put into the Mersey on the 30th November, having been driven back by stress of weather. We understand that she received no material damage and the Saints on board were generally well, with the exception of seasickness. After receiving further supplies of water and provisions, she again put to sea on the 7th instant with a favorable wind." "SEVENTY-EIGHTH COMPANY -- Clara Wheeler, 422 souls. The ship Clara Wheeler, with four hundred and twenty-two Saints on board cleared the port at Liverpool November 24 , 1854, bound for New Orleans. Elder Henry E. Phelps was appointed president of the company, with Elders John Parson and James Crossly as counselors. After a rough experience in the Irish Channel, being unable to proceed against the incessant head winds and rough weather, the Clara Wheeler was obliged to return to port on the thirtieth of November. During this extraordinary experience the Saints suffered considerable with seasickness. After receiving further supplies of water and provisions, the ship again put to sea on the seventh of December with a favorable wind, and on the tenth she cleared the Irish Channel after which she had a very quick trip to New Orleans, where she arrived on the eleventh of January, 1855. Soon after leaving Liverpool the measles broke out in the company, resulting in the death of twenty children and two grown persons. One child also died after the arrival at New Orleans which made twenty three deaths in all. On the twelfth of January, James McGaw, the church emigration agent at New Orleans, contracted with the captain of the steamboat Ocena, to take the passengers to St. Louis at the rate of three dollars and a half for each adult, and half of that for children between three and twelve years old; and twenty-four hours after their arrival in New Orleans, the emigrants were on their way up the river. Nearly one half of the company had not the means wherewith to pay their passage to St. Louis; but the more well-to-do Saints who had more money that they needed themselves, were influenced to lend to those who had none, and thus all who desired to continue the journey were enabled to do so. At St. Louis where the company arrived in safety, the emigrants were met by Apostle Erastus Snow and others, who gave the new arrivals a hearty welcome, and conducted them to comfortable quarters, which had been secured for their accommodation. This company, although leaving England in the latter part of 1854, really belonged to the emigration of 1855, in connection with which the Saints who crossed the Atlantic in the Clara Wheeler continued the journey to the Valley. (Millennial Star, Vol. XVI: pp.778, 815; Vol XVII: pp.10, 142, 184)." "Monday. 27. [Nov. 1854] -- The ship Clara Wheeler sailed from Liverpool, England, with 422 Saints, under the direction of Henry E. Phelps. The company arrived at New Orleans Jan. 11, 1855, and at St Louis Jan. 22nd."

Robert Lewis Johnson (4th Great Grandfather)

Robert Lewis Johnson
17 August 1819 – 13 June 1901

Life Sketch of Robert Lewis Johnson & Polly Ann Guymon

Fountain Green, Utah: November 15, 1950

This sketch of the lives of Robert Lewis Johnson and Polly Ann Guymon Johnson, was written by their Grand-daughters: Emma O Williams, and Laurelda O Despain ------------------------- Robert Lewis Johnson, Pioneer of 1850, was born to Edward and Sarah in Upper Canada London District, August 17, 1819. He was raised there on a farm and in 1836, the family joined the Mormon church. In 1838, they moved to Missouri, and passed through the persecutions of the church there and in Nauvoo. His father worked on the Nauvoo Temple, and donated considerably towards its ********. Robert L was married in Nauvoo, Illinois, on April 30, 1846, to Polly Ann Guymon, a daughter of Thomas and Sarah Gordon Guymon. She was born in Paris, Edgar County, Illinois, on July 11 of 1829. Grandmother Guymon was from a large family of eleven children. Her father, Thomas Guymon, was a schoolmaster. He was to teach school for three months, (reading and writing, five days of every week at the rate of six dollars per year, one half in current money to be paid at the end of the school year the other half in cotton, wool, or cloth, delivered at his house, or corn, or pork at the market price, and he was also to make up all time lost, keep good order, and help build a school house ahead of time). This shows that although this large family had to be fed and clothed, not much money was in circulation at this time. When the Mormons were driven out in 1846, shortly after Grandfather and Grandmother were married; they moved to Council Bluffs, and in 1850, with their children Robert Hyrum, and Charles H., came to Utah in Captain Aaron Johnson's company. There were several of Grandmother's brothers and sisters, also her father and mother, who came at the same time. Grandfather had two yoke of Oxen and two yoke of cows on his wagon. Great-Grandmother Guymon rode her horse with a side saddle across the plains and drove the cattle. We had the saddle for many years, and it is now in the Springville Museum. The family located at Springville, from 1850 to 1860. During this ten years, four sons were born to them. Three of them died and are buried in the Springville Cemetery. Also, Grandmother's parents are buried there; her Father's being one of the first graves there.

After coming to Fountain Green in 1860, they built a small log house, just north of Clint Oldroyd's corral. I have seem it many times. It was in that little house that my mother Julia was born to them in December 6, 1862. A short time later they built the large home, which is now owned by Amy Samuels. The south room was in the fort, during some of the Indian troubles. They also built a store and engaged in the mercantile business for several years. Their home was the Pioneer Hotel; the first hotel in Fountain Green, and many travelers and also many of the Authorities of the church often stayed there on their way through town. Grandfather became a stock raiser, and lost many head of cattle and horses, during the Black Hawk War, in which he took an active part. He was then bishop, having been appointed to this office in 1861 (and held the position for 23 years). He was one of Fountain Greens most beloved bishops, and during the Black Hawk War. It was his policy like that of Brigham Young, that it was better to feed the Indian that fight them. I have often heard Grandmother say that she had baked more biscuits for the Indians that any other woman known. When Lewis Lund was killed, by the Indians, he was brought to their home and prepared for burial. It was a terrible time for Indian troubles. One day, Bishop Johnson was visited by several hostile INdians. They told him there were 500 Indians camped in Water Hollow, and unless their demands for food were met, they threatened to wipe out the town and kill everyone in it. Grandfather was worried, and asked them to come back at a later date. He called the people together and explained the threat. Everyone was ready to help and by the time the Indians returned, they had gathered together six of the best beef, and 2,000 pounds of flour, and many of the people giving most of all the food they had. Another time the Indians demanded beef, Grandfather had to send one of his oldest sons with the two Indians up to the hills to get them, and as they started up the path, the two Indians motioned for Charley to go on lead. It caused them to laugh when he told one of them to go on ahead, and he would come second, and the other third. One Sunday, the children had just came from Sunday School, and the Indians were all around their home. The children were sent upstairs for safety. The Indians were on the war path. They had sent their squaws to the hills. But after they received the beef they wanted, they killed them under the trees to the west of the house, took the parts they wanted, and rode away. Grandmother ran a dairy up in Water Hollow at one time, but was forced to move to town on account of the Indians.

Grandmother Johnson was Relief Society President for 30 years. I remember her as a very lovely lady. Her home was beautifully furnished. She was a wonderful sewer. She had over 60 geese at tone time; which accounted for her soft feather beds and pillows. She was always very proud, and wore very nice clothes. She was also well educated for those times. I remember her spinning wheel and loom. She had so many things of interest. Her kitchen cupboard was made from the wagon box that they crossed the plains in. She was stock holder in the Ladies Store. She helped to raise the money to build our last Relief Society Hall. She helped with the sick and did all of the things that were required of a Relief Society President in those early times. She died October 3, 1912. Grandfather died June 13, 1901. They had nine children, Aunt Francis is the only one still living. I am proud to be a Grand-daughter of these Pioneers. ------------------------- This is a copy of the letter written by Robert Lewis Johnson to the United States Indian Agent. I found this in one of the lesson books of the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers. I thought maybe you would like to read it. I make copies of all the little items I find and add them to the histories for the grandchildren. D. W. Doge, U. S. Indian Agent: The Indians have not left yet and do not calculate to. They are stealing our horses and killing men whenever they get a chance, and when they please. Can you send troops and drive them off our boarder, as they are no longer friendly? As soon as you gave orders not to feed them they began to get mad, and we would very much like your assistance in protecting us and our property. Please answer immediately what you can do. R. L. Johnson Fountain Green, Utah Aug. 13, 1872

Nephi Hutchins (3rd Great-Grandfather)

Nephi Hutchins

Feb 18, 1847-July 19, 1906

The following information is from John Wayne Hutchins: Nephi Hutchins and Francis Aleno Harp were married and had a son James Lee Hutchins. When James was just a toddler, Nephi his father and a couple of men went to Illinois and stole a team of horses and landed up in jail. Nephi 2nd married his sister-in-law Melvina Harp after his former wife Francis ran off with her step father [HATE] and not knowing where she went. Nephi and Melvina Harp had thirteen children. Altogether Nephi sired fourteen children; seven sons and seven daughters Nephi was a natural born clown; one time he put on an exhibition in Sanford, Colorado on the 4th. of July. He climbed up a twenty foot pole and stood on his head. Nephi was the only one of his fathers house that joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. When Nephi was about to die he was setting in his favorite rocking chair and said; " I can hear heavenly singing and voices." He asked his wife for a glass of water. She went to get it for him and when she returned she found him dead setting there in his chair.

Jane Coupe Robinson (4th Great-Grandmother)

Jane Coupe Robinson
February 27, 1832 - December 12, 1909

Alice Coupe was born in England on 18 December 1818. She was reared in a religious home and her father James Coupe was a Methodist. James was among the early converts of the church and joined in 1840 or 1841. We know that Alice Coupe married John Rowlandson Robinson 5 May 1842 while aboard a ship. The man responsible for marrying them seems to have been Lyman Wight, an apostle. John came from an English family too. John and Alice had a daughter who was born 22 December 1842 in Nauvoo Illinois.
While they were in Nauvoo, John R. and Alice received their patriarchal blessings from John Smith, John on 9 April 1845 and Alice, the 14 April 1845. Alice’s father James Coupe was of the tribe of Levi and Alice comes from the lineage of Judah. John R. was a Seventy in Nauvoo and on 28 July 1844 just one month after the death of Joseph Smith, John was in the Nauvoo temple doing work for family members. John would later name two sons after the memories of Hyrum and Joseph. John and Alice had another son Richard Ammon and it is possible that this family of four left with the main body of the Church in 1846 when they were forced to leave Iowa.
When Richard Ammon was only two years old Alice became very ill and knew that she would soon die. She called for her 15-year-old sister Jane and asked her to take care of her children and be their mother. Jane had been living with John R. and Alice in Nauvoo. Alice died 30 May 1847 in Pottawattamie County, Iowa leaving her husband and two little children. 
Several attempts were made by John R. to visit ladies of his acquaintance, but none of them returned interest. One evening, John R. turned to Jane and said “If it’s all right with you, I think we had just as well raise these children together.” John R. and Jane were married by John Birch on 24 August, 1847 in Pottawattamie County, Iowa. Jane was only 15 and a-half years old having been born 27 February 1832. This new family crossed the plains in 1852 in a company with Isaac Bullock as captain. 
The John R. family was among those who began a settlement at Paragonah in the spring of 1853. Pronounced Pa-ra-goon-ah, and sometimes Pa-ra-goo-ne, the Utes say the word means many springs or marshes. Paragonah has become an important little town because of its location almost directly over an early Indian village and burial ground. Excavations made have uncovered Indian homes and skeletons.
Brigham Young came through the area and advised the Saints to build a fort and John R. helped with the construction and his family moved there in 1855 and lived here for nearly ten years. This piece of land is where the church house stands today. A ward was not organized at first but each Sunday morning the settlers would leave the fort and walk the distance to Parowan for worship. People dwelt here in this fort in safety until 1862 when new homes were built and a community began to prosper. The first sawmill in Paragonah was built and operated by Orson Adams, John R., and Richard Robinson. John R. also built the first grist mill, the old burr mill type, which furnished flour for the settlers for many years. John R. died 9 August 1891 at the age of seventy-six and according to the records of the Parowan cemetery the cause of death was dropsy. Jane lived many years after the death of her husband during which she had other children living with her. Jane loved to weave and one night, upon returning home from work, John found his wife sitting at the loom exhausted, working a piece of cloth which she felt needed to be finished that night. John took over the weaving while Jane rested. When the cloth was finished Jane made a tiny garment, and in the morning the new little garment was found on the new baby which had been born during the night. Jane eventually died 12 December 1909 at the age of seventy-seven and is buried in the Parowan cemetery next to her husband. At the time of John R.’s passing he left Jane thirteen children, all except three were married with their own responsibilities.

According to family tradition, Jane promised her half-sister on her death bed to care her children. A short time later at the age of fifteen she married her brother-in-law and raised those two children along with thirteen of her own. They were always made to feel that they were full brothers and sisters. They arrived in Parowan, Iron County, Utah late in the year 1852, and after the first Indian troubles were over, they settled permanently in Paragonah, Utah. Jane did a great deal of weaving. She also clerked in the family store which was located in the cellar of her home which sold groceries and other small necessary items. She did all of the sewing and knitting for her large family. Jane and her husband took in members of a Corram family traveling to St. George when other members of the community feared to do so because they had whooping cough. It is interesting to note that none of her five small children contracted the disease. Jane was a courageous, trustworthy, God-fearing women who spent years in the service of the Relief Society and in helping others less fortunate than herself. Jane Coupe Robinson passed away at the age of seventy-seven, and is buried in the Parowan Cemetery beside her husband.

Crossing the Plains and Acknowledgments --By Elizabeth R. Applegate, and from family records compiled by Lula R. Bastian According to family tradition, when Richard was two years old, Alice became very ill and knew that death was near. She called her 15-year-old sister Jane to her bedside and asked her to promise to take care of her children' and give them a mother's love and care. Both Jane and her father had lived with John R. and Alice after arriving in Nauvoo until James died in 1845. After James' death, Jane had continued to live with John R. and Alice. Alice Coupe Robinson died in Pottawattamie County, Iowa, on 30 May 1847, leaving the young husband, two small children, and the fifteen-year-old half-sister. According to stories which have been handed down through the years, John R. began visiting the ladies of his acquaintance, hoping to find one sooner or later who would become his wife. However, none of them interested him. One evening on returning home, remembering Jane's promise to Alice, he turned to Jane and said in words to this effect, "If it's all right with you, Jane, i think we had just as well raise these children together." John R. and Jane were married by John Birch on August 24, 1847, in Pottawattamie County, Iowa. Jane was only 15 1/2 years old. Jane Coupe was born in Lancashire, England, on February 27, 1832, the daughter of James and Alice Collings Coupe. Her mother died in 1833 at age 38, leaving Jane and an older sister, Alice, to keep house for their father. (Earlier in this history Jane is included in the story, so it will not be repeated.) In the 1850 Census of Pottawattamie County, Iowa, John R. Robinson was listed as a "waggon maker" who was born in England and gives his age as thirty-five. Jane, also born in England, was seventeen; Sarah was eight; Richard was five, and James barely one. The record indicates that Sarah and Richard had attended school within the year. We learn that James C. was born October 9, 1849, and another son, William, on March 21, 1852, while they were living in Iowa. In the Immigration Index we find that John R. Robinson, wife, and four children (no names given) crossed the plains in 1852 in the 17th Company with Isaac Bullock as captain, arriving in Great Salt Lake City. His brother Timothy also came with a wife and daughter in the same company. *******

SOUTHERN UTAH PERIOD

--Compiled by Hazel Jean Robinson from histories by

Lula Bastian and other sources as noted

Family tradition and early family histories state that John became very ill. At the time the quails came and the people caught them and had them for food, John was so weak that he could not so much as reach cut his hand to get one. From the book, Ensign to the Nations, by Rich, page 46, we read that this miracle took place while the Saints from Nauvoo were gathered on the Iowa side of the Mississippi River, and had been there at least three weeks awaiting aid from the main group then at Council Bluffs. On October 9, before starting the trek westward, these refugees consisting of perhaps seven hundred men, women, and children, "witnessed what to many of them was just as much a gift from God as his feeding the Israelites in the wilderness: flocks of quail suddenly alighted in the camp, and the Saints were able to capture many of them alive as well as to kill many more." We now rejoin the John R. Robinson family in the Isaac Bullock Company as they travel across the plains. We learn from the book Prelude to the Kingdom by Larson that there was an unusually heavy Mormon migration to the West in 1852. At least twenty-one companies, averaging sixty or more wagons to the company, brought approximately 10,000 settlers to the Salt Lake Valley. Many came as a result of the final evacuation of the Pottawattamie lands which, though "indended as a temporary resting place in the flight to Zion, had assumed too much of an aspect of permanency." After many privations and hardships they arrived at Parowan about December of 1852, nearly two years after the initial settlement of Parowan, the "Mother town." The Church population of the community at that time was nearly 400 persons. The John R. Robinson family was among the group which began a settlement at Paragonah in the spring of 1853. However, because of Indian depredations, they had to move back to Parowan in the fall of the year. It was in Parowan where John R. Jr. was born on April 6, 1854. At about this time the Cottom family stopped at Parowan on their way to the southern part of the territory. They had had a long, hard trip, the children having become ill with whooping cough after leaving Salt Lake City. The settlers at Parowan were very reluctant to take them into their homes. John, however, invited them to stay at his home, although he had five small children. It is interesting to note that none of his family con­tracted the disease. Because of its importance in the history of the John Rowlandson Robinson family, and because this family played such a major role in its development, the following history of Paragonah during this period is included: THE HISTORY OF PARAGONAH (Taken from the book History of Iron County Mission, part of which was taken from writings of Nora H. Lund) "In Iron County, Utah. Pronounced by the Indians Pa-ra-goon-ah, also Pa-ra-goo-ne. The Utes say the word means many springs or marshes. Before the water was diverted into the upper fields, there were many swamps and marshes in the low lands." U.H.Q., Vol. I, No. 1, p. 5-25. Paragoonah was settled by a company from Parowan under the presi­dency of William H. Dame. Orson B. Adams, Marius Ensign, Robert Miller, John Topham, Job Hall, Charles Hall, John R. Robinson, Charles Y. Webb, Joseph Barton, Stephen Barton, and Benjamin Watts were in the company of original settlers. As the pioneers traveled through this Parowan Valley on their way to make the first settlement at Parowan, they were quick to see the pos­sibilities in this part of the valley as being suitable for agriculture because of the beautiful stream of water that came down from what is known as Red Creek Canyon. So in the year 1851 two brothers, Job and Charles Hall, came down from Parowan and laid off 40 acres of land just south of town, what is known as Black Rock. They did not make their homes here but traveled back and forth from Parowan, a distance of four and one-half miles. The next year, 1852, other men came from Parowan to join them, among whom were Charles Webb, William H. Dame, John Topham, Robert E. Miller, William Barton, and Benjamin Watts. They did not move their families from Parowan, as they were fearful of the Indians attacking them. These men built rude huts of cedar posts and logs to shelter them while they were planting their crops. They succeeded in clearing and planting about 300 acres of land. This first year proved to be prosperous because their crops were good and they were so encouraged that part of them decided to move their families from Parowan and settle here permanently. Some of these settlers solved the problem of shelter by building dugouts. These dugouts were built like a cellar and were made warm and comfortable. New families were added to this little band of settlers, among which were Grandma Sally Barton and her sons, and the John R. Robinson family. In the spring of 1853 crops were again planted and everything looked favorable for another splendid year, but in July of this year the Indians became troublesome. The pioneers had to abandon their homes and flee to Parowan for protection. However, the Indians did not destroy all the crops, and with difficulty the remaining crops were harvested and taken to Parowan. When the Indian war broke out, Col. George A. Smith and Lieut. W. H. Kimball with thirty-six men arrived in Iron County, Utah, with orders for all settlers outside of forts to move into the forts for protection. Accordingly, all the settlers in Paragonah, about twenty-five families, moved back to Parowan. Those that had log houses moved them, and the ones with adobe homes tore them down. President William H. Dame had just com­pleted a house costing $3,000. This was a great loss to the settlers. An account of the move back to Parowan is given in "From the Valley of the Mississippi to California," journal of the expedition of E. F. Beale, Supt. of Indian Affairs in California, and Gwinn Harris Heap; and also in From Missouri to California in 1853 by Gwinn Harris Heap, 1854: 2 August 1853. Soon after sunrise a few Pah-Utahs, the first of the tribe which we had seen, came running down a hillside to meet us, and accosting us in a friendly manner, asked whether we were Mormons or Swaps (Americans). They informed us that a Mormon village was not far off, and Mr. Beale, riding in advance of our party, in a few hours arrived at the town of Paragonah in Little Salt Lake Valley. It contains about 30 houses, which although built of adobes pre­sent a neat and comfortable appearance. The adobes are small and well pressed and are made of a pink colored clay. The houses are built to form a quadrangle, the spaces between them being protected by a strong stockade of pine pickets. Outside the village is an area of fifty acres inclosed within a single fence and cultivated in common by the inhabitants. It is called the Field, and a stream of water running from the Wasatch Mountains irrigates it, after supply­ing the town with water. We did not remain long at Paragonah, for soon after our arrival, the inhabitants in obedience to a mandate from Governor Brigham Young, commenced moving to the town of Parowan which was four miles south­ward, as he considered it unsafe with the smallness of their number for them to remain at Paragonah. It was to us a strange sight to witness the alacrity with which these people obeyed an order which compelled them to destroy in an instant the fruits of two years labor, and no time was lost in com­mencing the work of destruction. Their houses were demolished, the doors, windows and all portable woodwork being reserved for future dwellings; and wagons were soon on the road to Parowan, loaded with furniture and other property. We left Paragonah in the afternoon and rode to Parowan over an excellent road made and kept in repair and bridged in many places by the Mormons. We passed at a mile on our left a large grist and sawmill, worked by water power. This ride to Parowan formed a strange contrast to our late journeyings through the wilderness. At all the crossroads, finger posts and mile-stones measured the distance. For the next two years, 1854-55, there was no effort to make a settlement in Paragonah. It was during these two years that John R. and Jane dedicated everything they owned over to the Church under the law of consecration. (See document on the following page.) About this time President Brigham Young came down through this part of the country on a tour of inspection, and when he viewed the situation he called the first settlers to come back and make permanent homes. He also invited anyone else who wished to come. As a means of protection he advised them to build a fort. He came down, selected and dedicated the spot where the fort was to be built. The spot of ground dedicated is where the Church house stands today. In the spring, John R. Robinson and his son Richard, John Topham, Marius E. Ensign, Robert E. Miller, Job Hall, Charles Hall, Wi11iam, Joseph P., Stephen S., and Samuel Barton, Orson Adams, John Prothero and his son Jonathan, and Benjamin Watts were the men that returned to begin to pre­pare the adobes for building the fort. This fort was to be made 100 feet square and two stories in height. The lower walls were three feet thick and the walls of the upper story were two feet. It took approximately 375,000 adobes to build the lower story. There was only one entrance to the fort. There were no outside windows in the lower story but in the upper story several were inserted which also served as port holes. The dwelling houses were connected with the outside of the fort but extended all around the fort facing the center of the fort. Each family was given rooms according to the number of members in the family. The northeast corner was a large room which served as a church, school house, and amusement hal1. Although the fort was not completed the first year the pioneers lived in it quite comfortably. Their amusements were limited, but heartily enjoyed by all. Every Thursday evening they met in prayer meeting. They had spelling bees, and the women had spinning bees where they made raw wool into yarn to be woven into cloth. They took turns in holding these bees at each other's homes and were rewarded with supper. The first teacher was a Mrs. Carter. School usually continued for three months. The three R's were the principal subjects taught, and since there was no age limit in the school, anyone could attend school who wished to do so. The school teachers were paid so much for each pupil and they took in payment anything they could use that the settlers could spare. A ward was not organized at first, and every Sunday morning the settlers could be seen leaving the fort, traveling the four and one-half miles to Parowan to worship God. Each family had a few milk cows which were herded and guarded on the meadows by the men. The women were given turns to use all the milk to provide butter and cheese for their families. In fact, they were as one big family, united in their work. The men, when going to the canyon for firewood, went in companies or squads of six to eight. During this time the people lived in suspense lest their homes or crops be destroyed, and they were always prepared for attacks which might be made by the Indians. As their cattle and horses increased in numbers, it was necessary to build a corral, which they did just north of the fort. The men took turns in guarding it at night and then herding the cattle in the day on the meadows. The families that lived in the fort were John Topham, John R. Robinson, Benjamin Watts, Orson B. Adams, Job Hall, Charles Hall, John Prothero, James Williamson, Grandma Sally Barton, Marius E. Ensign, William Robb, William E. Jones, Silas Smith, and Timothy Robinson. The fort was considered one of the strongest and safest forts in this part of the country. The people dwelt here in safety until 1862. About 1860 a town-site was selected and measured off. The blocks were to be 24 rods square and the streets 8 rods wide. The year 1862 saw new homes being built and the people leaving the fort, and it was not long until they had established a prosperous little community. Like all other pioneer communities, the settlers did not come from the idle rich, nor, from the slum districts. But they were the doers of the energetic, ambitious class. Here we found men and women who excelled in almost every vocation in life. There were shoemakers, tanners, carpenters, millers, blacksmiths, musicians, school teachers, harness makers, and nurses. All the women understood the art of dyeing the wool different colors by using tan bark, oak, rabbit brush, etc. Consequently, shops and mills were soon built. The first sawmill was built and operated by Orson Adams, John R. Robinson, and Richard Robinson. John R. Robinson also built the first grist mill, the old burr mill type, which furnished flour for the settlers for many years. Benjamin Watts built the tannery for the purpose of making leather. The sandstone wheel used in the monument by the Church house was taken from that tannery. In 1861 and 1862 the first meeting house was built out of adobes and stood just east of the present Church building. (See photo on page 35.) It was not all work with these early settlers; they had their good times too. They held singing school, husking bees, and dances which were held at night. The boys wore hickory trousers and the girls linsey and calico gowns. Some danced barefooted and still other exchanged shoes with their neighbors so that all might enjoy the good times. Between 1868 and 1870 the Indians again became troublesome. The people dared not travel far unless in companies of twenty or more for fear of an attack. All the able-bodied men were supposed to be minutemen, ready to go at a moment's notice. No lives were lost during this trouble, but Indians raided the valley and stole a great number of good cattle and horses. Through the efforts of the Church leaders at Salt Lake City, permanent peace was finally made with the Indians. Consequently the people in the little town of Paragonah began to cultivate more ground for farming and to build better homes. When the settlement became so thriving, it was seen that a ward must be organized. In accordance with this, Silas S. Smith was set apart as the first bishop. From then to the present time (1959) the following men have served the people faithfully and well: Erastus Mclntire, William E. Jones, Stephen S. Barton, Thomas W. Jones, K. Doyle Robinson, J. Leonard Topham, Gilbert Robinson, and Victor Robinson. The town has become quite important because of its being built al­most directly over an early Indian village and burial ground. Many excava­tions have been made from Eastern states and California organizations, uncovering many interesting Indian homes and skeletons. John R. helped build the fort in Paragonah and moved his family there in 1855, occupying the southwest room in the fort for nearly ten years. ******* The first Sunday School at Paragonah was organized in the latter part of May 1858 under the direction of John R. Robinson and Mary Carter. They held it in the northeast corner of the fort. John gathered old rags and paper from the different families and sent them to Salt Lake City in exchange for small scriptural verse cards which were given to all the children. He also held night school at the same place for his children and all others who wished to come. Four more children were born to John R. and Jane Robinson while they lived in the fort, namely Jane Elizabeth, Alice, Mary Lucinda, and Thomas. The children who were large enough were sent out to gather wool from fences and sagebrush, which was then carefully washed by their mother, then picked, corded, spun, dyed, and woven into cloth. This was done mostly by the mother's able hands, but perhaps some of the older girls were encouraged to help. Most of the women went under a large bridge across the creek, which ran through the northern edge of Paragonah, to do their washing. One day when Jane was there doing her family laundry, a terrible storm came up and she barely escaped with her tub and clothes from being washed away by the flood. When the people moved from the fort, John secured a lot on which to build a home for his family, which was located at 1st South and 2nd East. After he and his wife and children had cleared the brush away, a log cabin was built, which made a comfortable home for them. Six more children were born at this home: Margaret, Joseph, Hyrum, Eliza, Emma, and George. Later he built an addition with a cellar underneath, which became the first store in Paragonah. (The lot is now owned by members of the Calvin Robin­son family.) Jane continued to do a great amount of weaving. At one time she spun and dyed enough yarn and wove enough cloth for dresses for herself and all her daughters and one granddaughter, and a suit for one son. (Some  family members maintain that a bolt of cloth was bought and used for this purpose, that Jane did not do the complete job as described above.) Then the family, most of them in their new attire, was photo graphed in a most interesting fam­ily group picture John R. and Jane were photographed together the same day. Jane also clerked in the family store in the cellar of their home, from which people pur­chased groceries and other small necessary items. One night, upon returning home from work, John found Jane sitting at the loom almost at the stage of exhaustion, working on a piece of cloth which she felt needed to be finished that night. John took over the weav­ing while Jane rested. When the cloth was finished Jane made a tiny garment, and in the morning the new little garment was found on the new baby which had been born during the night. For this large family she did all the knitting and sewing until the girls were old enough to help. Even when the neighbors called, the knitting was going on, for with so many stockings to knit there was not a minute to spare. It must have been a very hard trial for Jane when she lost two of her children while very young. In about 1863 John was called to settle the town of Panguitch, where he raised the first wheat that ripened in that valley. He did not move his wife and chil­dren to Panguitch, however. Because of Indian troubles it was thought best to vacate the town and move back to other settlements. n the fall of 1866 or the spring of 1867, John, along with Orson Adams, built a sawmill east of Paragonah. Their saw went up and down rather than in a circular movement. From this mill Richard and his brothers sawed the lumber for the burr flour mill which was erected in 1869 by John R., his son Richard, and Dennison Harris. The flour mill was situated on the creek east of town, and at that time was the only one in this part of the country. People came from as far north as Richfield and as far south as Washington to have their wheat ground into flour. The wheat was ground between two stones, and it was a slow process. It was often necessary for people who came from great distances to stay in Paragonah a week before it came their turn to have their wheat ground, as everyone wanted flour made from their own wheat. The wheat from the Panguitch area often had been frozen, which made a darker flour. Wheat from this mill was also shipped to Pioche and Silver Reef. Flour was often traded to the Indians for fresh fish, which the Robinson family en­joyed. Most of the sons of John R. spent time working in the mill. Hyrum became known as "Miller Hy," to differentiate between him and his nephew Hyrum Banks Robinson. One day an Indian brave and his son came to the mill. The boy stole something and was caught, so his father gave him a good sound whip­ping—not because he stole, but because he was caught. Blow snakes were kept at the mill to catch mice. One time a large snake almost got ground up with the flour, but was pulled out by the tail by Thomas, and just in time! The trademark "Triple X" was used on the sacks of flour ground at the old burr flour mill. This brings up an interesting story. Several years ago Marie and Charles Leveque of Louisiana were visiting in Paragonah with her parents, Eddie and Belle Edwards, who lived in the original Richard Ammon Robinson home. Charles decided to look in the attic of the old granary, and he saw a piece of metal, rolled in a scroll shape, and curious to see what it might be, he unrolled it. Though it was tarnished and covered with daubs of paint, he was able to discern the name of "Robinson" and the word "Para­gonah." He volunteered to take it back to Louisiana where he knew someone who would be able to restore it to its original state. After the expert worked on it, Mr. Leveque had it framed and brought it back to his in-laws as a wedding anni­versary gift. The words "DeBerry, 43 Fulton St., N.Y. 3095" are plainly discernable, which supposedly is the company which made the trademark sign for the Robinson flour millRobinson home. Charles decided to look in the attic of the old granary, and he saw a piece of metal, rolled in a scroll shape, and curious to see what it might be, he unrolled it. Though it was tarnished and covered with daubs of paint, he was able to discern the name of "Robinson" and the word "Para­gonah." He volunteered to take it back to Louisiana where he knew someone who would be able to restore it to its original state. After the expert worked on it, Mr. Leveque had it framed and brought it back to his in-laws as a wedding anni­versary gift. The words "DeBerry, 43 Fulton St., N.Y. 3095" are plainly discernable, which supposedly is the company which made the trademark sign for the Robinson flour mill. John R. must have been quite a stern man, as evidenced by the following two stories. Emma Schofield Robinson, his daughter-in-law, had a new dress with puckers in it which he thought was just a waste of cloth, and he proceeded to tell her so. When she retorted that a person might as well be out of the world as out of fashion, he banged his fist on the table so hard the dishes bounced up and down as he shouted, "Fashion be damned!" Another time he cut off his granddaughter Jane's bangs up close to her head because he thought they were silly. Later he went down and apologized to her mother, Emma, for his actions. Emma was likely plenty out of sorts about the matter, but she was a meek little woman who bowed her head to the head of the household, her father-in-law. On the other hand, everyone said that John R. Robinson was a man, and perhaps people had to be stern to live through the things which they experienced. Jane was a very courageous, trustworthy, God-fearing woman and most of her visiting around the neighborhood was in the service of the Relief Society or in helping those less fortunate than herself. It has recently become evident that perhaps Jane did not learn to read and write. As we consider her marriage and great responsibility at a very young age, we see that this was possible. Deeds have been found which show her making her mark with an "X". (See the Warranty Deed on the follow­ing page.) Several instances in the life of Jane show that she was full of charity, as seen previously by the example of taking the Cottam family into her home when they arrived in the Parowan Valley in desperate circumstances. Others include the braiding of a straw hat for Brother Benjamin Watts and cooking the first meal the Williamson family had after entering the Parowan Valley. Another wonderful experience was in June 1878, five months after the St. George Temple had been dedicated, when John R. and Jane and family members traveled by team and wagon from Paragonah to St. George to do bap­tisms, endowments and sealings for their relatives and friends. These names with their relationship given, have provided important clues in research work. In fact, many years ago early researchers, who were hired by the family, selected a wrong line which they later said to disregard. John and Jane on this first visit to the St. George Temple listed the names of his grandparents. We will be forever grateful for the information we gleaned and for their devotion and love for their families. John R. was always interested in the welfare of the community and gave freely of his services to make it better. He held different political offices, among which was Precinct Justice. It is said that one time when a lawyer from Parowan tried to tell him what to do he answered, "If you think you can come down here and tell me what to do, you have the wrong hog by the tail!" The John Rowlandson Robinson family takes great pride in the part their ancestors played in the development of this part of the State of Utah. The Robinsons truly left their footprints in the sands of this area and are to be cherished by their posterity. John R. became a citizen of the United States while Utah was still a territory. (See the copy of his citizenship certificate on page 24.) John R. Robinson died August 9, 1891, at the age of seventy-six years, five months, and three days. According to the Parowan cemetery records, the cause of death was dropsy. It is said that he weighed well over 200 pounds when he died. He is buried in the Parowan cemetery. Jane lived many years following the death of her husband. Most of the time she had other children living with her. Her daughter Eliza May lived at home with her mother and did not marry until after Jane had died. She inherited the family home. George lived at home for several more years until he married and moved into his own home. Mary Lucinda and her daughter lived with Jane for some time, also. Emma Josephine lived at home with her mother and others for a time after her husband passed away. So we know that Jane was not left alone. Many of the other children and their families lived here in the community and visited at the family home often. For two years prior to her death, Jane lived in Beaver at the home of her daughter Emma Josephine Smith. Jane Coupe Robinson died at the age of seventy-seven years, on December 12, 1909, and is buried in the Parowan cemetery beside her husband. At the time of John R.'s passing, he left his good wife Jane and thirteen living children to mourn his passing. All the children were mar­ried and with their own responsibilities except three.