Journal and Diary
of Francis D. Hughes
An Elder in the
Church
of Jesus Christ
of Latter-day Saints
June 24th, 1863.
No. 8
[Begins Wednesday, 24 June 1863 and ends 15 July 1885]
[p. 1]
(June 1863) Wednesday 24th At
Aberavon. This morning bro. James Davies came here.
We went to a watchmaker’s shop and bore our testimonies of the restoreation of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Afterwards we
went to the top of a mountain and stayed there for two or three houers. It was a verry fine day.
In the evening we went to Cwmavon and visited some of
the Saints. Afterwards we returned to Aberavon where
I stayed for the night. Thursday 25th I went to Neath
and attended a Saints meeting there. Friday 26th I went to Morriston. Saturday 27th
[p. 2]
(1863) I went to Alltwen. In the
evening I administered the ordinance of anointing with oil and the laying on of
hands to bro. David Morgans Juniour
who had been sick for several days. He got better then and I heard afterwards
that he has whooly recovered. Sunday 28th At Alltwen. About 2 ½ p.m. I
attended a sacrament meeting at bro. James Davies’s house and it was a verry good meeting. The Spirit of the Lord was poured upon
us. Some spoke in tounges and some prophesied. In the
evening I and bro. David Morgans administered the
ordinance of anointing with oil and the laying on of hands to Sister Harriet
Davies who was sick in bed. After we had rebuked the desease
[p. 3]
(June 1863) and prayed to the Lord to bless her. She came
with us down staires and joined in a little
amusement. I stayed for the night at bro. David Morgans’s
house. Monday 29th After dinner I went by
train to Swansea.
Sister Emma Tout of the Neath branch accompanied me to
Llansamlet Station. In the vening
I attended a prayer meeting at our hall. Tuesday 30th I went to Morriston and stayed there for the night. Wednesday July 1st
At Morriston. I oocuped most of this day in writeing
balance Sheets for the Quarter Ending June 30th and also for the
Month Ending June 30th.
[p. 4]
(July 1863) Thursday 2nd At
Morriston. I occupied most of this day in writeing a Statistical report of the Conference, and also a
list of tithe payers for the year Ending June 30th.
In the evening I attended a Saints meeting at bro Henry John’s house. Friday 3rd
After dinner I went by train to Neath and met
President Jeremy there. He had come from Merthyr. 5 has been baptized in this branch last night, viz Sister. _______ Tout and Susan
________, her sons and daughter. I and Bro. Jeremy slept together this
night at bro. Samuel Hornsby’s house. Saturday 4th After takeing some breakfast I and
bro. Jeremy went by train to Swansea.
In the evening I went to Morriston.
[p. 5]
(July 1863) Sunday 5th This morning I done some writeing. After dinner
I went to Swansea
and attended a Sacrament meeting at 2 ½ p.m. at our hall. I and bro. Jeremy
addressed the meeting. I also attended a preaching meeting at 6 p.m. I and bro.
Jeremy preached. After we got through with the meeting I went to bro. William
Richards’s house, and stayed there for the night. Monday 6th This
morning I went to see bro. Jeremy. We went together to the Sea and had a good
bathe. In the evening I attended a tea party with some of the Saints and some
that was not in the Church but they were favourable
to us. The place that we selected to enjoy ourselves was a little Cottage about
a mile from town
[p. 6]
Situate on the sea shore. The garden was decked with pretty
flowers, and their sweet fragrance and beautiful colours
rendered the place verry interesting. In fact
everything about the humble dwelling bore the impress of industry and loudly
proclaimed the good taste of its occupants. Bro. Jeremy was one of the company. We took some tea in a summer house. We had some verry nice cakes and biscuits besides bread and butter.
After we got through with the tea We had some fruit vix Black and White Currants and Strawberries. And also a
few bottles of ginger beer to drink each others health. After consumeing the above dainties we went to a field and had a
few innocent games. Such as wheeling a barrow blindfolded. Throwing
[p. 7]
(July 1863) stones &c. When the shades of evening began
to darken our pleasant day we dispersed feeling quite satisfied with the
evening’s amusement. Tuesday 7th At Swansea. I and bro Jeremy
had a bathe in the sea this morning. In the evening we were invited to tea to a
Mrs Nott’s house and we were verry
well entertained there. Wednesday 8th This
morning bro. Jeremy went by train to Carmarthen.
In the evening I went to Morriston. Thursday 9th
I occupied most of this morning in writeing. In the
evening I went to Neath and attended a Saints meeting
there. Friday 10th I stayed at Neath. In
the evening I took a walk with Sister Emma Tout as far as the
[p. 8]
Sea wall. Saturday 11th
I went to Swansea.
Sunday 12th At Swansea. This morning I attended a district
Council at our hall. The branch Presidents reported their branches as being in
a verry good condition. I gave the brethren some
instructions relateive to outdoor peraching
[preaching] &c. At 2 p.m. I attended a Sacrament meeting. A verry good feeling prevailed. At 6 p.m. I attended a
preaching meeting also. And preached from the stand and had good flow of the
Spirit. Monday 13th At Swansea. In the evening I went by the train
to the Mumbles (a distance of 4 miles) In company with Sister Harriet Davies
[p. 9]
(July 1863) and John her brother.
We went to the top of a mountain and explored a large cave. Afterwards we
visited the old castle. It is a huge constructure and
a powerful testimony to the ingenuity of the ancient Welsh inhabitance of this
place. The view from the top of the mountain was delightful as it was a verry fine clear day. The sea layed
before us and several pleasure boats were ploughing
its smoth [smooth] surface. We could see the Country
all around. And our vision across the water extended as far as Devon Shire in England. About
9 we returned to the Mumbles which is a little Village beautifully situated by
the sea shore and a place where a great many people
[p. 10]
Resort to in the summer for amusement. At 9 ½ we took our
seats in an open carriage. We were not seated there long before the whisle blew. The horse pulled and the train moved slowley towards Swansea.
Our train was drawn on a railway by horses. After stoping
at several small stations we arrived at our destination. Afterwards I went
along with Sister harriet
Davies & John to Mr John Thomas’s house, No. 33, Bathurst Street and
took some supper there. Afterwards I made my way to bro. John Hughes’s house
and stayed there for the night. Tuesday 14th At
Swansea. I
spent most of this day in company with bro. Jeremy and Sisters Harriet Davies
and Livinia Robbins. Bro. Jeremy
[p. 11]
(July 1863)
had returned last night from
Carmarthen Shire. Wednesday 15th I spent this morning at Swansea. In the evening I
went to Morriston. Bro. Jeremy went to Neath. Thursday 16th I spent some time this
morning in writeing. In the evening I went to Alltwen and attended a Saints meeting at bro. James
Davies’s house. Friday 17th I went to Neath.
Saturday 18th At Neath. Sister Harriet
Davies came here to day with a new Shirt that she had made for me. I spent some
time in walking about with her and Sister Emma Tout. In the evening I went to Merthyr Tydfil by the train.
Upon my
[p. 12]
arrival at Merthyr I was met by
bros. Davied E. Jones, President of the Carnarvon
Shire Conference North Wales, and George W. Grant President of the Hereford
Shire Conference. We went to 45 Union Terrace and found in the parlour Presidents George Q. Cannon, Thomas E. Jeremy and
George G. Bywater, and Elder John G. Holman President
of the Cheltenham district. I took some supper
with them. Afterwards I went to Cwmrhydybedd with
bro. John Evans and stayed there for the night. Sunday 19th I stayed
at Merthyr to attend the general Conference of the
Welsh Mission. The following is a short report of it. Present
on the Stand. Prresident George Q. Cannon,
Elder Thomas E. Jeremy,
[p. 13]
(July 1863) President of the Welsh Mission and the following
district and Conference Presidents, Viz Elders Johnb G. Holman, George W. Grant, George G. Bywater, David L. Davies, Davied
E. Jones, George Gibbs;, George Stockes, William
Lewis. Also John Evans travelling Elder in the Merthyr Conference, and myself. Meeting was called
to order at 11 a.m. and the choir Sang a Welsh hymn.
After prayer had offered and another hymn had been sung President Jeremy rose
and said he was glad to meet with the Saints in the capacity of a genral Conference. Stated the object of the meeting, and
said he should like to hear from the Presidents of Conferences how things
[p. 14]
were going on in their fields of labour. Elder George G. Bywater
being called upon to report the condition of the Eastern Glamorgan
Conference, said that he never felt better in the work of the Lord than at the
present time and rejoiced to be able to report the Conference in a favourable Condition. 73 persons had been baptized during
the year ending June 30th 1863 and an increase of upwards of £60.0.0
had taken place in the amount of tithing paid during the same period as Compared
with the report of the previous year. But notwithstanding this increase there
was still room for improvement. Outdoor preaching has been conducted with encourageing success and fair prospects for baptisms during
the season.
[p. 15]
(July 1863) Elder George Stokes reported the Cardiff
Conference as being in a healthy condition. Prospects for the future were very
encouraging. I in reporting the condition of the Western Glamorgan
Conference said that I felt well and the people among whom I laboured were a good people. They enjoy the Spirit of the
Lord. Baptisms has been frequent, outdoor preaching has been attended with
success and the increase in the amount of tithing paid during the year ending
June 30th 1863 was over £12.0.0 and I had reasons for believing that
it would continue to increase. Elder William Lewis in reporting the condition
of the Monmouth Shire Conference said that the work was moveing
on steadily. The Spirit of emigration and paying
[p. 16]
Tithing was increasing. Outdoor preaching is being carried
on and good was being done. Elder George Gibbs in reporting the Condition of
the Pemtroke Shire Conference said he felt happy to
be present. The greatest part of the people under his Watchcare were desireous
of doing good. The[y] are willing to do all they can to build up the Kingdom of God. Four persons had been baptized of
late, and the prospects were very bright for the future. Elder David L. Davies
reported the Carmarthen Conference. He said that the people were much scattered
but generaly desireous of
doing right, that they were determined to take the Stars and learn the english language and he took much
pleasure in
[p. 17]
labouring among them. Elder
David E. Jones in reporting the condition of the Carnarvon Shire Conference, said that the people had an inclineation
to do right; one has been baptized lately and the prospects for more are
flattering; he had done considerable out door preaching during the season.
Elder Jeremy then read the Statistical report of the Welsh Mission but said he
had not received the reports of the Flintshire and
Denbigh Shire Conferences. The total number baptized during the half year Ending June 30th 1863 was 104 persons. He then
said that he was glad to see so many of the Saints gathered together, several
of whom had come great
[p. 18]
distances. Elder David E. Jones had
travelled on foot a distance of 150 miles to attend the conference. Others 80
miles and upwards and one gentleman not a member of the Church, viz (Evan Thomas of Lampeter)
came a distance of 60 miles to attend the Conference, bringing with him besides
himself other token of his friendship and good will. President then said he did
not rise to any lengthy remarks for the time had been verry
profitabley spent, but he was glad of the oppertunity of being in the midst of the Saints in the
Welsh Mission once more. He felt that there was a good influence there. If faithfullness and diligence would bring down the blessings
of Heaven he had good reasons for
[p. 19]
(July 1863) believing that they would be
enjoyed there that day. For when people came over 100
miles to attend Conference it was a proof that they had faithg.
He exhorted the people to pray continually that God might bless them that their
minds might be opened to understand things pertaiing
to their holy religion, and imparted much excellent instruction which was
listened to with pleasure and profit by the Saints. The choir then sang a hymn,
and the meeting was dismissed by Elder J. G. Holman. 2 p.m. the meeting was
convened in the large and commodious temperance hall which will hold 1,500
people and it was filled to overflowing.
[p. 20]
Meeting was opened by singing, and prayer by Elder G. Bywater. Another hymn was sung after which Elder J. G.
Holman was called upon to address the Congregation. He said that he was verry happy to meet the people here and to have a name and
a standing in the Kingdom
of God. His remarks were
interesting and instructive. President Cannon then addressed the congregation
at some length upon the object for which they came upon this earth and the
responsibility that was upon them to honorably fulfil
that great Object. He also presented the Authorities of the Church here and in Zion who were unanimously
sustained. The meeting was then dismissed by Elder George Stokes. 6 p.m.
Meeting
[p. 21]
(July 1863) was called to order by singing and prayer by
Elder John Evans. Elder Jeremy addressed a few words to the Welsh portion of
the Saints, expressive of his regret that they were unable to fully understand
what had been spoken by the brethren in the english
language in the forenoon and afternoon meetings and would have to labour under the same disadvantage during the evening also.
But notwithstanding this difficulty he knew that if they had come together
actuated by proper motives and were in the enjoyment of the Spirit of the Lord,
they would Still feel well and by the aid of its inspireation would be able to understand many things and it
would convey to their hearts the Spirit and power
[p. 22]
of the truth advance though they
might be spoken in a language of which they had but little or no knowledge.
President Cannon then occupied the time allotted for the evening service. He
discoursed at length upon the design of God in the ordination of our present
probation beautifuly showing how wisely all things
have been ordained for the Salvation of mankind and clearley
explaining the inseparable connection there was between the temporal and
spiritual conditions of man. He then proceeded to unfold in a powerfull and impressive manner the adaptability of the
gospel for the accomplishment of the purposes of God in the redemption of the
earth and the
[p. 23]
(July 1863) believeing
inhabitance thereof. He said one great reason why the Spostles were not more successful in establishing the Kingdom of God upon the earth in their days was
because there was not a place where the believers in the Gospel could gather
together from among unbleavers where they could obey
and practice the laws and ordinances of the Gospel of the Kingdom. He quoted
largely from the prophecies contained in the Bibl, showing that in the last
days the God of Heaven would set up a kingdom which would eventually bear rule
over all the earth which would bring to pass a reign of righteousness and universall
[p. 24]
peace. He then in conclusion bore a
faithfull and powerfull
testimony to the truth of the great Latater-day work;
declared the land of America to be the promised land, that wise men were raised
up on that land and inspired of God to frame a Constitution for the government
of its inhabitance, the wise and liberal provisions of which would admit of the
establishment of the Kingdom of God thereon. That the gospel in its fullness
had been revealed from Heaven, on that land, to Joseph Smith, whom the Lord raised
up as his chosen Servant, through whom the plan of salvation had been revealed
to this generation and the Church of Jesus Christ organized, and the Kingdom of
God set up.
[p. 25]
He moreover testified that the prophet Joseph fell a Martyr
to the gospel of Jesus and sealed his testimony with his blood; that President
Brigham Young was his legal successor, called of God and sustained by his
people, and that allthough persecution might rage and
many might fall victims to the enmity and murderous hatred of wicked men, yet
he knew that the Kingdom now set up would stand for ever, the Knowledge of the
Lord would eventually cover the earth, and the kingdoms of this world would
become the Kingdoms of our God and his Christ. So powerful was his testimony and
so liberal was the outpouring of the Spirit of the Lord upon the Saints, that
tears of joy flowed
[p. 26]
freely from many an eye. A hymn was
then sung by the choir to which much credit is due for the enlivening tones in
which their inspireing hymns and anthems were sung
during the day. Benediction by President Cannon. The
above report appeared in the Millennial Star for Saturday, August 8th.
I acted as reporter. I and bro. John Jones of St Brides slept together this
night at a temperance hotel. Monday 20th This morning President
Cannon left by train for Liverpool. I attended
a Counsil at 45 Union Terrace, Thomas Town. President T. E. Jeremy presiding. Several Conference
Presidents were present and we enjoyed ourselves well. I stayed there for this
night also.
[p. 27]
(July 1863) Tuesday 21st I occupied most of this
morning in writeing a report of the Conference to
send to the Star. In the afternoon I went by train to Abardare
and was met at the Station by bro. David E. Jones. After staying there a few howers we proceeded by train to Neath
and attended a meeting at bro. Samuel Hornsby house. Bro. Jones and myself addressed the meeting. A good feeling prevailed.
Wednesday 22nd I went to Morriston. After
staying there a few howers I went to Swansea and attended a Saints meeting at our
hall. Thursday 23rd I stayed at Swansea. Friday 24th I went to Morriston and occupied most of the evening
[p. 28]
in writeing.
Saturday 25th I went to Alltwen and stayed
there for the night. Sunday 26th This morning I went to Cyfyng and attended a district council at bro. Thomas
Evans’s house. At 2 p.m. I attended a Sacrament meeting also at his house and
blessed one child called Lewis Lewis. In the evening
I went back to Alltwen. Monday 27th This
morning I went by train to Swansea
in Company with Sisters Mary Morgans and Margaret
Lewis. After spending a few howers with them I went
to Morriston. Elder Davied
E. Jones came here from Neath. Tuesday 28th
After breakfast I and bro. David
[p. 29]
(July 1863) E. Jones went to Landore
Station and took train for Llanelly Carmarthen Shire.
We stayed there a few howers and visited several of
the Saints houses. In the evening we proceeded by train to Llandbie
which is a verry pleasant country village. We visited
the Churchyard which we found nearly full of graves; and they were nicely
ornamented with flowers. Several of bro. Jones (my companion’s) relatives were
buried in this place. I slept this night at a farm house belonging to a Mr.
Owens, a relateive to bro. Jones and bro. Jones slept
at another house belonging to the same person, and we were treated by them verry kindly. Wednesday 29th By
the time I had got up this morning bro. Jones had arrived
[p. 30]
from his lodgings, and we had some
home made bread and cheese, and nice new milk for breakfast. After thanking the
people for their hosbitality we went about 2 miles to
see a Sister that lived with her mother. Her name is Jane Davies. She is a verry faithful young woman. Her work is chiefly confined to
knitting stockings and notwithstanding being poor she has saved nearly enough
of money to emigrate to Zion
which is deposited in the I. E. Deposit fund at Liverpool.
She and her Mother were verry glad to see us. After
Staying a short time with them we returned to Llandbie
and took train for Llandilofawr which is a neat
little town standing on an elevation. We stayed there a few howers
and visited
[p. 31]
(July 1863) Lord Dynevor’s
park. In the evening we proceeded by train to Lampeter
road Station where we were met according to previous arrangement by a horse and
Car the property of Mr. Evan Thomas, butcher, Lampeter.
After travelling 16 miles in the Car we reached Lampeter
and we preached the gospel there on the street to some hundreds of people who listened verry attentive. We were verry kindly entertained at Mr. Evan Thomas’ house, and
before going to bed bro. Jones baptized and Confirmed
him a member of the Church. Thursday 30th After
dinner we started on foot for Llanrhystyd, distance
18 miles, and we reached there by night.
[p. 32]
(August 1863) We went to Sister Elizabeth Richards’s house
and had some food there. We lodged in the village for the night. Friday 31st
We took some breakfast at Sister E. Richards’s house.
Afterwards we went to Aberystwith which is reconed [reckoned] the prettiest town in the County of Cardigan. We were kindly entertained
there at the houses of bros. David John and Francis Argust.
We lodged in the Town for the night. Saturday, August 1st This
morning we took a walk on the Terrace which is by the Sea
Shore, and from there we could see North Wales, the place that we were bound for. We walked
to a place called Borth to meet a line of the Railway
that had been
[p. 33]
recently made from this place to
several Towns in North Wales. After reaching
the Station we went by the first train to Machynlleth,
the place where my Father, Mother, Sister and Grandmother lived. After reaching
Machynlleth I and bro. Jones went Strait to my
Father’s house and there was great joy to see me. My poor Mother was ready to
leap for joy when she saw me walking into the house. We were treated verry kindly there. Bro. Jones went to bro. Edward Davies’s
house where he was lodging. He is the President of this Conference. I slept at
My Father’s house. Sunday 2nd I attended a sacrament meeting at bro.
Edward
[p. 34]
Davies’s house. In the evening I
and bro. Jones preached upon the Step of the town hall to a good many people
and they listened pretty well. Monday 3rd I spent this day visiting
my old acquaintances, many of whom did not know me at first sight for I had
only been there once for nearly 6 years and many of them had not seen me when I
was there upon my previous visit. Tuesday 4th Spent this day at
home. Wednesday 5th This evening I and bro.
Jones preached the gospel by the Skinners Arms. Mrs. Williams the landlady
kindly lent us a chair to stand upon. Bro. Jones preached first
[p. 35]
(August 1863) Our enemies did everything they could to anoy us. They even sent a drum and fife band to play by us
while bro. Jones was preaching. He stoped for a
while. When the band went off he finished his sermon. I preached after him and
had to put up with many insults. At last the Polieceman
told me if I did not stop preaching that I should be summonsed to appear before
the Magestrates for createing
a disturbance. I took no notice of him; but the Confuseion
became so great that I was oblidged to give up
speaking. Such was the reception that we had at Machynlleth
in offering to them the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The people of this Town are
full of predjuice and
[p. 36]
quite Gospel hardened. Thursday 6th
I spent this day in walking about the town. Friday 7th At hom. Bro. D. E. Jones left by
train en route for Harlech. Saturday
8th At home. Sunday 9th At
2 o’clock p.m. I atteneded a
Sacrament meeting at bro. Edward Danies’s house.
In the evening I went for a walk about 2 miles in the Country. Monday 10th
Tuesday 11th and Wednesday 12th I spent at home walking
about. Thursday 13th This morning I left by train for Borth. My Father came with me there. In the
[p. 37]
(August 1863) evening I went by an omnibuss
to Aberystwith. Upon my arrival at Aberystwith I met with a return Carrage
drawn by two fine horses going to Aberayron, a
distance of 16 miles and I went along with it and stayed at Aberayron
for the night. Friday 14th This morning I itook
a walk in the Street and met a man that was going to Lampeter
Road Railway Station with a Horse and Car, distance 27 miles. I gave him half a
crown for rideing along with him. We reached the
station in time for the evening train, so I took train and reached Swansea by 10 o’clock at
night, distance 39 miles.
[p. 38]
Saturday 15th I went to Mr. Robbins’s house this
morning and found bro. T. E. Jeremy there. In the evening I went to Morriston. I can truly say that I was verry
glad to return to my field of labour. I feel more happy among the Saints than I did at my Father’s house.
Allthough they were as kind to me as they could be.
Sunday 16th This morning I attended a district council at bro. Hopkin Jones’s house. President Jeremy was there Presiding.
The branch Presidents reported their branches as being in good condition. Jane
Evans of Swansea
branch was cutt off the Church for dishonesty. At 2
o’clock we held a Sacrament Meeting.
[p. 39]
(August 1863) After the meeting was over I and bros Jeremy
and Hopkin Jones went to Swansea and attended a preaching meeting at
our hall. I and bro. Jeremy preached. After the meeting was over I went back to
Morriston with bro. Hopkin
Jones. Monday 17th I stayed at Morriston writeing different things. Tuesday 18th I went
to Neath. The Saints everywhere were glad to see me
returned from the North. Wednesday 19th I stayed at Neath. Thursday 20th I went to Aberavon and stayed with bro. and sister Hodson over the night. Friday 21st I went to
Pyle and found
[p. 40]
that branch in a verry poor Condition. The man that was looking over the
branch had been drinking and neglecting to hold meetings &c. Saturday 22nd
I stayed at Pyle. Sunday 23rd This morning I went to Aberkenfig and attended a council there. I ordained bro.
David Morgans an Elder and appointed him to Preside over the Pyle branch. I also ordained bro. Mrogan Harding to the office of a Teacher. At 2 ½ o’clock
p.m. We held a Sacrament meeting at bro. John Groves’s
house. Monday 24th I went to St Brides Major and attended a meeting
there at bro. Wm Williams’s house. Tuesday 25th
I went to Pyle and by
[p. 41]
(August 1863) the time I reached there my feet were verry sore. Wednesday 26th This morning I went
to Aberavon. In the evening I went to Neath. Thursday 27th I stayed at Neath. In the evening I and Sisters Harriet Davies and Emma
Tout took tea at Sister Webster’s house. Afterwards I attended a Saints meeting
at bro. Wm Jenkins’s house. Friday 28th I went to Morriston. Saturday 29th In
the evening I went to Alltwen. Sunday 30th
At Alltwen. I attended a
Sacrament Meeting at 2 o’clock p.m. at bro. James J. Davies’s house. In the
evening I went as far as Kilbebill factory to send
the Saints from Cyfyng branch. We had
[p. 42]
(September 1863) a little singing meeting there; afterwards
I returned to Alltwen and stayed for the remainder of
the night at bro. David Morgans’s house as usual.
Sisters Harriet Davies & Mary Lewis were there besides Bro. Morgans, his wife & children. Between us allwe managed to raise a little on the Spirits of Sister
Harriet Davies, whom was a little depressed owing to the bad feelings that
exist between her and her Mother, who wanted to lead her in a way Contrary to
the one pointed out by the Priesthood. Monday 31st This evening I
went to Morriston. Tuesday, September 1st
I went to Swansea
and attended two meetings at the great National Eisteddfod Pavillion.
Wednesday 2nd I stayed at Swansea,
and
[p. 43]
(September 1863) met bros Jeremy and Bywater.
Thursday 3rd I stayed at Swansea
and attended a concert at the Eisteddfod in company with bro. Jeremy. There
were in the Pavillion which was a wooden building no
less than six thousand persons. Just before the Conceret
was begun I heard some timber crak. The people under thought that the gallery was coming down, and we
had a regular panic. Many people nearly got frightened out of their
wits. The band was put to play and everything else was done that could be done
to try to restore peace, but all to no purpose; so great was the Confuseion that they were oblidged
to dismiss the Congragation by telling
[p. 44]
(September 1863) them that their tickets
would be availeable on the morrow. It appears tha there was no danger at the Pavillion.
Only a few boards broke and they had nothing to do with the safety of the
building. If the building had come down hundreds of people would have
undoubtedly been killed on the spot. Friday 4th I attended two
meetings at the Eisteddfod. In the evening I went to Morriston.
Saturday 5th I went to Neath and stayed for
the night at Saml Hornsby’s house. Sunday 6th
This morning I went by train to Aberavon in Company
with Sister Harriet Davies, and attended a sacrament meeting in the evening at
bro. Thomas Richards house.
[p. 45]
(September 1863) Monday 7th I stayed at Aberavon. Tuesday 8th This morning I went to Cwmavon to see some of the Saints. In the evening I
returned to Aberavon. Wednesday 9th I went
to Neath. Thursday 10th I went to Alltwen branch and attended a Saints meeting at bro. James
J. Davies’s house. Friday 11th I went to Morriston.
Saturday 12th This evening I went to Neath.
A large fair was being held there. Sunday 13th At
Neath. This morning I attended a district council at bro. William
Jenkins’s house. A good number of brethren had come from the various branches
[p. 46]
and a verry
good feeling prevailed. After opening the meeting by singing and prayer, I
address[ed] the brethren for
a short time, giveing such counsel and instruction as
the Spirit of the Lord suggested. Elder William Richards in reporting the
condition of the Swansea
branch said that one man had been baptized during the month and that there were
prospects for baptizing more, and that good feelings were enjoyed among the
Saints. Elder Evan Jenkins in reporting the condition of the Cwmavon branch said that one had been baptized during the
month, and that good feelings were enjoyed by the Priesthood and Saints, with
the exception of Elder John Jones whom had been for some time under suspension.
Elder Jenkins and others of the
[p. 47]
(September 1863) above branch said that the aforesaid John
Jones was continually abuseing the Priesthood that is
over him. Bro. Richards the President of the Swansea branch said that he knew John Jones
for several years and that he had been cutt off the
Church more than once for a similar offence. I gave all the brethren the privillage of speaking their feelings concerning John
Jones, and there was not one in the council that had a good opinion of him, and
they all manifested a feeling to cutt him of[f] the
Church. I felt the same and he was excommunicated from the Church of Jesus
Christ of Latter-day Saints by the voice of the Council for Continually abuseing the Priesthood. I will here relate that some
[p. 48]
time ago I had to sit in council at
Cwmavon to try to settle some difficulties that
existed between John Jones, his Mother Hannah Lewis and Sister Mary Richards.
John Jones and his Mother swore to one thing and Sister Richards to the contray. I stood up and said it was evident that one of the
parties lyed willfuly to the Priesthood, and that darkness should come
upon the minds of those that lyed from that hower, and that they should apostatize from the Church of
Jesus Christ unless they speedily repented. And my words which were dictated by
the spirit of the Lord has literaly been fulfilled.
For John and his Mother never prospered and now they are out of the Church. The
Neath branch was reported by Elder Benjamin Jones as being
[p. 49]
in a prosperious
condition. The Morriston branch is not in as good a
condition as I would wish it to be. At 2 ½ p.m. I
attended a sacrament meeting also at the same place, and had freedom to speak
to the Saints. There are some men jest arrived in this part of the Country from
America,
the followers of the late Strang. They are going
about trying to decieve the Saints with false
doctrine. They say that President Brigham Young and the Twelve has gone astray and that the Church is no longer
acknowledged of God, and that they are the right leaders. They have managed to
pick up a few wicked apostates like themselves, and they are the right leaders
for them. They will perhaps lead them to
[p. 50]
the devil a litter [little] quicker
than they would have gone themselves. I cautioned the Saints against these
notorious apostates and counseled them not to receive them unto their houses.
We enjoyed ourselves will for the Lord blessed us with a liberal portion of his
spirit. Monday 14th I spent most of this day at Neath.
In the evening I went to Morriston. Tuesday 15th
I stayed at Morriston. Wednesday 16th In the evening I went to Swansea and attended a Saints meeting at our
hall. Notwithstanding my health being verry poor I
had power to preach to the Saints as much as I liked. After the meeting was
over, I went home with bro Wm Richards. Sisters
[p. 51]
(September 1863) Ellen Davies and Livinia
Robbins came to send us half a mile. Thursday 17th I returned to Morriston. By the time I reached there I felt so poorley that I was oblidged to go
to bed. In the evening I got up and proceeded to Neath from Llansamlet
by the 5 p.m. train. I attended a Saints meeting there and had freedom to
preach to the Saints. A verry good feeling prevailed
throughout the meeting. Friday 18th I stayed at Neath.
Saturday 19th I went by train to Pyle. Sunday 20th This
morning I went by the 10:30 a.m. train to Bridgend and walked from there to St
Brides where I attended a Sacrament Meeting at 2 ½ p.m. at bro
[p. 52]
Thomas Buttler’s
house. I slept at a public house for the night. Monday 21st I
went to Bridgend in company with bro. John Dicksey
whom made me a present of a verge Watch. I went to Pencoed
by the 3:30 train p.m. where I met Elder George Stokes President of Cardiff
Conference According to previous arrangement. We went together to Llantrissant. Took some supper at a tavern, and proceeded to Pontydown to bro.
Roderick’s house. We slept together for the night at a public house. Bro.
Roderick paid for our lodgings. Tuesday 22nd This
is my birthday. I am 25 years of age. In the evening I went by train to Pyle.
Bro. Stokes went to Pendilwn. I stayed at Pyle for
the night.
[p. 53]
(September 1863) Wednesday 23rd I went to Aberavon. In the evening bro. T. E. Jeremy came here from Cardiff. A meeting was
held at bro. Francis Gibbon’s house but I was too poorley
to attend. I and bro. Jeremy slept together for the night at bro. James Hodson’s house. I could not rest much for I had a severe
pain in my side. Thursday 24th This morning
bro. Jeremy administered the ordinance of anointing with oil and laying on of
hands to me, and he blessed me and said that I should live to see many good
things upon this earth and go to Zion
and dwell upon the mountains of Ephraim. In the evening we went to Neath and attended a Saints meeting there. Friday 25th
[p. 54]
This morning bro. Jeremy went by train to Swansea. In the evening I went by train to Landore and walked from there to Morriston.
Saturday 26th At Morriston.
In the evening I wrote a letter to Sister Harriet Davies with a peice of poetry that I had composed. Sunday 27th
At Morriston. Monday 28th
I stayed at Morriston. This was a very wet day.
Tuesday 29th In the evening I went to Swansea. Wednesday 30th
At Swansea.
Spent the forenoon in vissiting the
Saints. In the evening I went to our Hall with the intention of holding
a Saints Meeting, but owing to the rain which was coming down in
[p. 55]
(October 1863) torrents, nobody had come but bros David E.
Davies, and another brother whom had recently been baptized. Thursday, October
1st This morning I went to Morriston.
After ruleing out some balance sheets I proceeded to Neath and attended a *Saints meeting. A good feeling
prevailed. Friday 2nd I stayed at Neath.
Saturday 3rd I went to Aberavon Sunday 4th
At Aberavon. In the evening I attended a Sacrament
meeting at bro. Thomas Richards’s house. Monday 5th This morning I sent a P. O. Order for the sum of £6.9.6 to
President G. Q. Cannon to be appropriated as follows: Tithing £0.18.6, Book
money £0.19.2, I. E. Deposits £4.2.2, Old debt 8d. *I omited
stateing in the proper place that bro. James Page was
ordained to the
[p. 56]
office of a Teacher under the hands
of Elders Benjamin Jones, Samuel Hornsby, and myself, I being mouth. Tuesday 6th
I stayed at Aberavon. Wednesday 7th I went
to Neath. Thursday 8th I went to Morriston Friday 9th At Morriston.
I occupied most of this day in writing. Saturday 10th I went to Swansea. This was a verry wet day. Sunday 11th At
Swansea. This
morning I attended a district council at our Hall. The brethren reported the
branches as being in good condition. At 2 o’clock p.m. I attended a Sacrament
meeting also at
[p. 57]
Our hall and a preaching meeting at 6 p.m. Monday 12th
I went to Morriston. Tuesday 13th I went
to Alltwen and attended a meeting there. Wednesday 14th
I went to Ystalyfera. Thursday 15th
Returned to Alltwen and attended a Saints meeting
there. Friday 16th I went to Neath in
company with bro. David Morgans. On the road we met a
man and after haveing some conversation with him conserning the different sects of the day, I asked him if h
e thought there were any sect without any good people belonging to them. He
said that there was a sect called the Latterday
Saints.
[p. 58]
After showing him that the Latterday
Saints believed more of the Bible than any other sect, and that they were more
like the ancient church
of Christ &c, he had
nothing to say for himself. He was an ignorant fool. Saturday 17th I
went to Aberavon. In the evening I went to Taibach. A serious accident occured
here this day at a coal pit called the Morfa pit. The
pit took fire. About 36 between men and boys lost their lives. I am happy to
say that none of the Saints fell victims to it. Sunday
18th I went to Pyle and attended a Sacrament meeting there at 2 ½
p.m. Monday 19th I stayed at Pyle. Tuesday 20th I stayed
at Pyle. Wednesday 21st
[p. 59]
(October 1863) I went to Neath.
Thursday 22nd I stayed at Neath. In the
evening I attended a Saints meeting at bro. Wm Jenkins’s house. After returning
to bro. Samuel Hornsby’s house, I and bro. Hornsby consecrated some oil and
administered the ordinance of the church to Sister Harriet Davies, late of Alltwen branch. Friday 23rd I went to Morriston. In the evening I went to see bro. David M.
Davies late President of the Llanelly Conference
performing with a magic lantern. Saturday 24th I went to Alltwen. Sunday 25th At
Alltwen. I attended a council here at bro. James J.
Davies’ house, and a sacrament meeting at 2 o’clock p.m. At 6
½ p.m. I preached at Kilbebbill factory.
[p. 60]
Monday 26th I stayed at Alltwen.
Tuesday 27th I went to Swansea
in company with bro. David Morgans Jun. In the
evening I attended a singing meeting at our hall. I gave some instructions conserning these meetings, and said that I wished them to
be opened and closed by prayer like other meetings. I appointed bro. David E.
Davies to preside over them. Wednesday 28th I stayed at Swansea. In the evening I
attended a Saints meeting at our hall. While I was speaking to the Saints a
drunken man came in and created a little disturbance, but we soon had him out.
Thursday 29th I went to Neath and
[p. 61]
(October 1863) attended a Saints meeting there and had
freedom to speak to the Saints. After the meeting was over bro. Samuel Hornsby
baptized two persons, one of whom had been in the Church before. Considerable excitment was manifested this day all around this part of
the country owing to the prediction of some man who said that on the 30th
instant Swansea
and the country around for 12 miles would be the scene of a most disastrous
Earthquake. I heard that many people got frightened so much that they left Swansea and neighbourhood for fear that it would take place. I did not
trouble much about it. I only thought that if the people were as ready to
believe the servants of the Lord as they are to believe false prophets, all
would
[p. 62]
(November 1863) be well with them. Friday 30th I
went to Morriston. Saturday 31st At Morriston. I spent most of this
day in writeing. Sunday, November 1st
1863. At Morriston at 2 ½ o’clock
p.m. I attended a Saints meeting at bro. Henry John’s house. Monday 2nd
I went to Alltwen and stayed at bro. David Morgans’s house for the night. Tuesday 3rd I sent P. O. Order to
President George Q. Cannon for the sum of £6.0.4 being the income of Tithing
and Book Money for the Month of October. Wednesday 4th I went to Cyfyng and stayed
[p. 63]
(November 1863) there for the night.
Thursday 5th I returned to Alltwen and
attended a Saints Meeting at Bro. James J. Davies’s house. I slept this night
at bro. Jacob Thomas’s house. Friday 6th I went to Morriston. Saturday 7th I went to Neath. Sunday 8th I went to Aberavon.
At 2 p.m. I attended a Saints meeting at bro. Thomas Richards’s house. Monday 9th
This morning I and bro. James Hodson
vissited to Morfa Coal pit.
Tuesday 10th This morning I went to Britton Ferry in Company with
bro James
[p. 64]
Hodson. Bro. Hodson stayed there. I
proceeded to Neath and stayed there for the night. Wednesday
11th I stayed at Neath. In
the evennig [evening] I was took verry
ill and was oblidjed to go to bed. Bro. Samuel
Hornsby administered the ordinance of anointing with Oil and laying on of hands
to me. Afterwards I felt much better and slept comfortable. Thursday 12th
I stayed at Neath. In the evening I attended a Saints
meeting at bro. Wm Jenkins’s house. Friday 13th I went to Britton
Ferry and stayed some time at bro. Jenkin Williams’s house. In the evening I took train for Llansamlet and walked to Morriston.
Saturday 14th
[p. 65]
(November 1863) I stayed at Morriston.
Sunday 15th At Morriston.
I attended a district council this morning at bro. Hopkin
Jones’s house. At 2 o’clock p.m. I also attended a sacrament meeting at the
same place. A verry good feeling prevailed. Monday 16th
I went to Swansea.
In the evening I attended a prayer meeting at the hall. Tuesday 17th
I attended a singing meeting at the hall. Wednesday 18th At Swansea.
Thursday 19th I went to Morriston. Friday
20th I went to Neath. Saturday 21st
Stayed at Neath.
[p. 66]
Sunday 22nd I stayed at Neath.
At 2 o’clock p.m. I attended a sacrament meeting at bro. William Jenkins’s
house. I also attended a preaching meeting at 6 ½ o’clock p.m. at bro. Samuel
Hornsby’s house. I and bro. Hornsby preached. Monday 23rd I went to Aberavon. Tuesday 24th I went to Pyle for the
accounts of the month. Wednesday 25th I stayed at Pyle. Thursday 26th
I went to Neath. Friday 27th I went to Morriston. Saturday 28, I went to Swansea. Sunday 29th
______________ at 2 and 6 o’clock p.m. I preached at both meetings.
Monday 30th
[p. 67]
(December 1863) I went to Alltwen.
Tuesday, Decembr 1st I went to Morriston. In the evening I baptized one man and confirmed
him. Wednesday 2nd I went to Neath.
Thursday 3rd I went to Swansea
and attended a branch council at the hall. Friday 4th I stayed at Swansea and slept at bro.
Thomas P. Thomas’s house. Saturday 5th This morning I went to Morriston. It was verry wet. In
the evening I went to Alltwen. Sunday 6th At Alltwen. At 2 p.m. I attended a
sacrament meeting at bro. James J. Davies’s house. I attended a preaching
meeting
[p. 68]
Meeting [sic] also at 6 ½ p.m. at Kilbebill factory. Monday 7th I went to Ystalyfera. Tuesday 8th I went to Swansea by train and
attended a singing meeting there. Wednesday 9th at
Swansea.
In the evening I attended a Saints meeting at the hall. Thursday 10th
I went to Morriston. Friday 11th At Morriston. I spent this day in writeing on the Conference books. Saturday 12, I went to Neath. Sunday 13th I attended a district counsil at 11 o’clock a.m. At 2 p.m. I attended a Sacrament
meeting. Sunday 20th at Morrison. I
attended a
[p. 69]
(December 1863) Sacrament meeting at 2
p.m. Friday 25th Christmas day. This evening I attended a
concert at our hall Orange Street,
Swansea. The concert was a verry good one. I enjoyed myself verry
much. Saturday 26th At Swansea in the evening I went to Morriston in company with Sister Harriet Davies. Sunday 27th
I attended a sacrament meeting at 2 o’clock p.m. Monday 28th I
stayed at Morriston. Occupied most
of my time in writeing. Tuesdy
29th I went to Merthyr
Tydfil by the train. Elders T. E. Jeremy, G. G. Bywater and George Gibbs met me by the station. We all went
to Brynmawr by the Omnibuss
that evening, Where we were met by Elders
[p. 70]
Evan A. Richards, Jonas M. Beck, David L.
Davies, William Lewis and John Evans. We stayed there overnight.
Wednesday 30th I in company with the aforesaid Elders took train for
Birmingham. We
went by way of Abergevenny, Hereford & Worster. Elder George Stokes, President of Cardiff Conference met us at Worster. After arriveing at Birmingham we went to bro. John S. Smith’s house, No. 12 ½
St Paul’s
Square and had some food. Afterwards we went and had a warm bath. President
Jeremy had engaged lodgings for us all at the French horn. I and Elders E. A.
Richards, G. Gibbs, G. Stokes, D. L. Davies and Jonas M. Beck slept in the same
room, 2 in each bed, and we had one washhand basin
between us all.
[p. 71]
(January 1864) Thursday 31st At
½ past 10 o’clock a.m. I attended a council meeting at our chapel, Farm Street. President George Q. Cannon presideing.
There were present on the stand with bro. Cannon Elders John L. Smith,
president of the Swiss and Italian Mission and Jesse N. Smith, president of the
Scandivinian Mission. Nearly all the Conference presidents
and travelling Elders in the European Mission were present upon this occation. Meeting was called to Order by singing The morning breaks the Shadows Flee &c. Prayer by
President Cannon. After another hymn had been sung president Cannon gave us some
valuable instructions in the duties of our callings. Afterwards Elder John L.
Smith was called upon to represent the Swiss Italian and German
[p. 72]
Mission.
The conference lasted seven days. We held two meetings each day during which
time all the Elders present had the privillage of
reporting their fields of labor and of expressing their feelings. The Spirit
and power of God rested upon us and we had firstrate
times. January 7th 1864 I took train in company with some of my
brethren for Brynmawr Glamorgan
Shire, and slept there for the night. Friday 8th I walked to Merthyr in company with Elder George Stokes. In the evening
I went by train to Neath. Saturday 9th I
went to Morriston.
[p. 73]
(January 1864) Sunday 10th At
Morriston. Monday 11th Stayed at Morriston writing. Tuesday 12th I went to Alltwen. Wednesday 13th at Alltwen. In the evening I attended a Saints meeting.
I and bro. David Morgan confirmed two members of the Church. Thursday 14th
I went to Neath and met Elder Evan A. Richards. We
attended a Saints meeting and we preached to the Saints. Friday 15th
We went to Morriston.
Saturday 16th We stayed at Morriston.
[p. 74]
Sunday 17th I attended a district council at Swansea. Monday 18th
I stayed at Swansea
and attended a prayer meeting in the evening. Tuesday 19th I went to
Morriston. Wednesday 20th Stayed there writing. Thursday 21st In the evening I attended a Saints meeting. I was verry poor in health. Had to get out of
bed several times in the night. Friday 22nd I went to Neath. Saturday 23rd I went to Pyle. Sunday 24th
I went to St Brides Branch and attended a Sacrament meeting.
[p. 75]
(January 1864) Monday 25th Stayed at St Brides
and attended a preaching meeting. Bro. Richards preached. My health was verry bad. Bro. Richards layed
hands upon me and I slept better than I had for several nights. Tuesday 26th
We went to Pyle. I felt verry
weak after walking from 8 to 9 miles on a rough road and went to lay upon the
bed for about an hower. Then
I got up and attended a preaching meeting. Bro. Richards preached. Wednesday 27th
I felt verry poorley. I
went to Neath, and found Sister Hornsby confined. She
had a daughter. I had foretold several weeks ago that
[p. 76]
she should have a daughter. I had
seen it in a vission. In the evening I went to Morriston. Thursday 28th I felt my health improveing. Friday 29th This
evening bro. Richards came here and requested me to go to Neath. Sister Harriet
Davies was took dangerously ill. I went to Neath by the Mail train, and found bro. Samuel Hornsby verry low hearted in consequence of his wife and Sister
Harriet being verry ill. He said that when he saw me
he felt as if a great burden had been taken off his shoulders. I went up Stairs
and found poor Harriet as pale as death. She could hardly hear nor speak. I
anointed her with oil in the name of the Lord.
[p. 77]
(January 1864) and layed my hands
upon her and blessed her and rebuked the power of death (for it was there) in
the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the power of the holy Priesthood.
Afterwards she felt better and began to talk to me. I sat up all this night
waiting upon her, and got everything that I could think of to make her
comfortable. Saturday 30th I stayed at Neath.
Sunday 31st I went to Alltwen and attended
a Sacrament meeting there. Monday, February 1st I returned to Neath. I met a gentleman on the road and he took me in
[p. 78]
his carrage,
and I preached the gospel to him, but he did not feel inclined to believe it,
for it was not popular enough. Tuesday 2nd I stayed at Neath. Wednesday 3rd I went to Morriston. Thursday 4th I stayed at Morriston, my health being very poor. Friday 5th
I went to Swansea
in company with bro. Evan A. Richards. Saturday 6th Returned to Morriston. Sunday 7th I went to Neath and attended a Sacrament meeting there. Monday 8th
I went to Taibach. Tuesday 9th I went to Morriston.
[p. 79]
(February 1864) Wednesday 10th I went to Alltwen and attended a Saints meeting. Thursday 11th
I went to Cyfyng and attended a meeting. Friday 12th
Returned to Alltwen. Saturday 13th I went Mrriston. Sunday 14th At
Morriston. Attended a district
council and Saints meeting. Monday 15th Stayed at Morriston. Tuesday 16th I went to Elder Francis Gibbons’s house in company with bro. E. A. Richards, and we
took dinner there. In the evening we went to Swansea. Wednesday 17th I went to Neath.
[p. 80]
Thursday 18th I went to Neath.
In the evening I attended a Saints meeting and blessed Elizabeth, daughter of
Samuel and Elizabeth Hornsby. Friday 19th I went to Maesteg in company with bro. Evan A. Richards and was
treated verry kindley by
bro and Sister Hodson (whom had moved from Aberavon) and also by bro David Powell. Saturday 20th
Went to Pyle. Sunday 21st Attended a Saints meeting. Monday 22nd
Elder E. A. Richards went to Llanvabon. In the
evening I baptized and confirmed a Woman named Martha Harris.
[p. 81]
(February 1864) Tuesday 23rd I went to Neath and attended a prayer meeting. Wednesday 24 I went to Swansea and attended a
Saints meeting. Thursday 25th I went to Morristand
[sic] and attended a Saints meeting. Friday 26th At
Morriston. I [o]ccupied
most of this day in writing. Saturday 27th In
the evening I went to Alltwen. Sunday 18th
I attended a district council at 10 ½ past a.m. Elder Richards came here and we
had good times. At 2 o’clock p.m. I attended a preaching meeting at the Cross
Inn long room which was kindley lent us gratis by Mr ___________ [blank].
[p. 82]
(March 1864) The room was really full of people. The branch
presidents present reported their branches as being in good condition. I and
bro. Ricahrds bore our testimones
to the restoreation of the Gospel. At 6 o’clock p.m.
we again meet at the aforesaid room which was chock full of people. Bro.
Richards preached in Welsh, and bore a powerfull
testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ. I followed him with a few remarks in english. Monday 29, We went to Swansea
and attended a prayer meeting. Tuesday, March 1st Stayed at Swansea. Wednesday 2nd
Went to Morriston. Thursday 3rd Went to Bridgent, and
[p. 83]
(March 1846) met President Jeremy. I in [sic] evening we
went to St Brides and stayed there for the night. Friday 4th We went to Monknash. In the
evening we returned to Bridgend. Bro. Jeremy went by train to Cardiff, and I went to Neath.
Saturday 5th I went to Morriston. Sunday 6th
At Morriston. Monday 7th
At Morriston. Tuesday 8th
In the evening I went to Alltwen.
Wednesday 9th This [day] I in company with bro. Morgans,
President of this Branch walked over the
[p. 84]
mountains to Carmarthen Shire and
were nearly covered with snow. We reached the Dufryn
Station in time for the mid day train. We had walked many miles at a fast rate
in the Comencement and had to run untill
we had Sweeted [sweated] much to be in time for the
train. And had it not been that the train had been detained behind its time we
should have lost it. We booke[d] to
Lampeter
Road. Bro. Dd Morgans went to vissit some of
his friends, and I walked to Lampeter, distance 18
miles. I was tired, had my feet washed and was treated kindley
by Sister Thomas. Thursday 10th I sent my carpet bag by
[p. 85]
(March 1864) Coach and walked myself to Aberystwith,
a distance of 24 miles, and I found it up and down hill buisnes.
I went to bro. William Argust’s house. His wife
washed my feet and gave me some food and I blessed them. Friday 11th
This morning I walaked to
the Borth railway Station in a verry
short time, distance 8 miles. I went by train to Machynlleth.
After arriveing there I went to my Father’s house. My
poor mother was overjoyed to see me and so was my Father. Anne my sister was
not at home. She was at Dolgelley learning the
Millenary buisness. I slept with my Father
[p. 86]
this night. Saturday 12th
Spent some of this day talking with my grandmother
Anne Oliver. She lived with my parents. Sunday 13th Spent this day
at home. I stayed a[t] home untill Monday the 21st
instant and was treated verry kindley
by my parents and Saints and some of my friends. My dear Sister Ann came home
to see me. I did all that was in my power to save them. I testified to them
many times of the restoreation of the Gospel of Jesus
Christ. Yea, I unfolded to them the glorious principles of the plan of
Salvation, and
[p. 87]
tried as much as I could in my
humble way to convince them of the error their ways. And I feel free from them.
Inasmuch as I was going to emigrate to Zion my Mother gave me a
lot of bags that were required on the Sea. Also a pair of bed sheets, 2 bolster
cases and a pillow case. She also gave me a lace ribbon to give my intended
wife, and she gave me some Money. Sister Elizabeth Griffiths gave me a moleskin
jacket which was verry acceptable. Sister Lucy Davies
and bro. and Sister Griffiths gave me a little money to help me to return to my
field of labour.
[p. 88]
Tuesday 22nd This morning I found it rather hard
to part with my relatives. My poor Father, Mother and Sister took as they
thought their last look at me in this World. My Faather
came with me to the Railway Station. I took train to Borth.
Sent my luggage by coach to Lampeter.
Walked to Aberystwith and was treated kindley by the Saints. In [the] evening I walked to Llanrhystyd. As I was travelling alone along the road I
felt quite low hearted thinking about my Relations. I prayed to the Lord that I
might have power to overcome that influence and a portion of the holy Spirit came upon me and I felt full of joy and willing
to leave everything for the society of the Saints of God.
[p. 89]
(March 1864) I was treated kindley
at Llanrhystyd by Sister Elizabeth Richards. She gave
me six pence. Wednesday 23rd I went to Lampeter
and was treated well by bro. and Sister Thomas. They gave me some food and
money. Thursday 24th I went by a Van to Llandovery,
distance 20 miles. I rode behind the Van with a young man, whom was at College prepareing himself to be a parson. He told me that he used
to be in the Drapery line. He had got tired of that and was determined to adobt [adopt] the White gown dodge, as it was an easy way
of getting a liveing. He told me that religion did
not trouble him. It was
[p. 90]
the money he was after. In the
evening I took train for Swansea,
distance 43 miles. Friday 25th Went to Morriston.
Saturday 26th Went to Alltwen. Sunday 27th
At Cyfyng. I spent the
remainder of this month travelling from Branch to Branch. Friday, April 1st
At Swansea.
Saturday 2nd I went to Morriston. Sunday 3rd
At Morriston. Attended a sacrament meeting at 2 o’clock p.m. Sunday 10th
At Swansea.
A Conference was held here this day. We had three meetings and the Spirit of
God was in our midst. Many valuable
[p. 91]
(April 1864) instructions were given by Presidents T. E.
Jeremy and G. G. Bywater. Elder Evan A. Richards was
appointed to preside the Conference in my place as I
was releaved to go to Zion. I and bro. Richards preached during
Conference and we had good times. Sunday 17th I and bro. Richards
were at St Brides. We held a Sacrament meeting with the Saints at 2 o’clock
p.m. Sunday 24th I attended a general Conference of the South Wales
Conferences at Merthyr tydfil, President
Thomas E. Jeremy presiding. We had three meetings and it was one of the best
Conferences that I ever
[p. 92]
witnessed. There were several
Conference Presidents and travelling Elders, and we all had the privillage of addressing the Congregation,
and I can truly say that the power of God was in our midst. At the close of the
evening’s meeting I went to 45 Union Terrace, and was married to Sister Harriet
Davies of Alltwen. President Thomas E. Jeremy
officiated. Severall Elders were present upon the occation. Monday 25th We
went to Neath. Thursday 28th I went to Swansea in company with Harriet my wife. In
the evening we went to Alltwen, and had a party at my
brother-in-law’s house. We enjoyed ourselves verry
much.
[p. 93]
(May 1864) Sunday, May 1st I went to Aberavon and attended two meetings. Monday 2nd
Returned to Allwen and stayed there for the week.
Sunday 8th Went to Morriston and attended
a council and Saints meeting. I confirmed Daniel A. Richards, son of bro. Evan
A. Richards. In the evening I returned to Alltwen and
blessed Catherine Anne, daughter of John and Eliza Lake.
Monday 9th At Alltwen.
Tuesday 10th I went to Morriston in
company with Harriet. Wednesday 11th We
went to Swansea
to transact some buisness.
[p. 94 and 95 – A list of items purchased totaling $307.02.
No date or place.]
[p. 96]
Death of my beloved wife Harriet – June 1st
1885. After an illness of nearly four weeks duration, my dearly beloved
wife Harriet passed away unto the Spirit world. Her pure Spirit passed away in
peace. A heavenly influence pervaded the atmosphere of her death bed. Her
liberation from mortality was like unto a sweet sleep. A few days before she
died she told me that she had been in the Spirit world and that they were very
busy there. She attended a council and it was tould
her that she would have to come to the other
[p. 97]
1870 Work for J. C. Little at 25 cents per hour. [A list of
hours worked from 19 April to 14 May 1870.]
[p. 98]
1870 Received of J. C. Little. [A list of payments received
20 April to 28 May 1870.]
[p. 99]
side ______________ it could not be
postponed any longer. She was a woman of great faith and was very valiant for
the gospel of Jesus Christ. She was a firm believer in every principle
pertaining to the Gospel and a faithful advocate of the law of Celestial
Marriage, the Lord having revealed unto her in heavenly vissions,
and by the manifestations of the holy ghost the
necessity of obeying this holy law. She taught it to her children, practiced it
and testified of its divinity upon her dying bed. I will here give a Synopsis
of one of her Vissions [as] it [is] puplished in the Woman’s exponent
[p. 100]
for July 15th 1885, No. 4, Vol
14. While in the vission she saw herself in the midst
of a large forest. The trees appeared to be withered up. There was not a leaf
on any tree. The dried up remains of flowrs &
grasses also added to the desolation. While she was pondering upon the cause of
this calamity a personage of exceeding pleasing countenance stood by her side
and pointed her to look in another direction. Imedatley
a most heavenly Sceane presented itself to her. New
large forests of beautiful trees extended on every hadn.
Their ample foilage wving in response to the gentle breeze. She beheld a
beautiful land filled with Verdure
[p. 101]
and the perfume of flowers. On
every hand were heard the murmer of gently rippling
brooklets, while the sweet singing of birds with their varigated
plumage awakened in her heart the most heavenly feeling she had ever
experienced. While yet gazing with wonderous
admiration up this heavenly scene, her guide touched her and pointing to the
desolation said this is a true representation of the Monogamie
system of Marriage. Here is represented the end of their increase. Pointing to
the other he continued. This represents the holy order of Celestial Marriage,
the new and
[p. 102]
everlasting covenant, &c,
_________ Peace and everlasting joy here is eternal increase. A few days before
she died she saw another vission of the Spirit world.
My oldest daughter Kate while watching over her fell asleep
when all of a sudden she heard the most delightful singing. She was so
enamored of the singing that she sat up in bed and awoke and the singing died
away, but her mother was still singing. She told Kate and me that she had been
in a beautiful place and felt as though she had been in heaven. In the Spirit
world there was a grand
[p. 103]
hall filled with distinguished
women all having obeyed the patriarchial order of
plurality of wives. And as she entered this magnicifent
[magnificent] appartment they all recieved
her with salutations & singing and she felt such a heavenly influence that
she also joined the singing. She told us the [that] she was told there was no
distinction there between first, second or third wife, but all was a perfect
paradise of love and peace. She saw many things conserning
the Spirit world. Her faith was firm. Angels ministered to and watched over
her. I know that my wife is all right, and that her exhaltation
is sure
[p. 104]
but still I mourned her loss and felt pretty greaved and depressed in Spirit after her departure untill on the night of July 24 (pioneer day) while I was
laying in bed the Spirit of my beloved wife came to me. I was consious to intward things but
still under the influence of a spiritual power. I was not asleep. She told me
she had been to a meeting that they sing and pray the same as we do and that
they have hymn books. She said she was happy and that I would be happy when I
cam there. She told me to go to the Temple
and attend to the ordinances for our dead relatives, and also
[p. 105]
to have another wife sealed to me.
She smiled and looked full of peace and hapiness.
When she left I was able to wake up my wife Elen and
relate the vission to her, but the sweet influence
and gentle heavenly power that accompanyed this vission is entirely beyond my power to portray. Suffice it
to say that I felt I was near the portals of heaven. The spirit of Mourning
left me, and I felt a calm, happy influence fill my whole soul. I felt in my
heart that death had forever lost its terrors to me, and that my dear Harriet
had only passed to the
[p. 106]
paradise of God ________ a little
before and that I should Anon follow. I composed the following in memory of her
I loved so much.
1st
Farewell
dear faithful wife & Mother
God
has called thee to his rest
Though
we mourn to live without thee
Yet
we know that thou art bless’d.
2nd
Soon
we’ll meet beyond the valley
Where
pain and sorrow is no more
O
how happy will be the greeting
On that peaceful blessed shore.
Death has no terrors to me. I look
forward to the time when I shall pass away with pleasure, for I know by the
revelations of Jesus Christ to me that ________ in the paradise of God there
[p. 107]
is hapiness beyond the conception of mortal man. I want to
remain on the earth to finish my mission and to raise my children. On the first
day of June 1885 Harriet died leaving me 6 of her children, viz
Catherine
Ann
Elen Jane
Francis
D.
David
John
Florence
My other wife Harriet’s sister has
also 6 children living, viz
Harriet
Lorena
Miriam
Amelia
Hilda
Theophilus
James
Olive
[p. 108]
I pray God my Heavenly Father that
he will inspire my children to bee faithful to the gospel of Jesus Christ and
that they may keep his comandments while they dwell
in mortality. I entreat you my dear children to keep the faith, for your
sojourn in the flesh is at most but of short duration.
Allways sustain the servants of God who preside over
you. Listen to their counsels, keep the word of wisdom, pay your tithing,
attend your meetings, that you may continualy be fed
with the Spirit of the gospel. Live so that you may enjoy the sweet influence
of the holy ghost, and you shall have joy
[p. 109]
in your
living and you shall see and recognise the hand of
God in your own individual experience. His power will be made manifest in your
behalf. Angels will watch over and minister to you. You will see the God of
Israel display his allmighty power in behalf of his
people. The nations that fight against Zion
shall be broken up, for God will build up his Kingdom upon this land. Remember
my dear children that it is nesessary for us to pass
through trouble, trials, perhaps poverty, persecution, imprisonment and all
these things are nesessary to humble
[p. 110]
and qualify
us for exhalted positions God has in store for us in
the future. Our Saviour and his Apostles, the prophet
and seer Joseph and many of the anointed of God have suffered even unto death.
The dark, frowning clouds with their drenching rain is jest as essential to the
maturing of the tiny plant and the development of the towring
Oak as are beautiful Sunshine of a Summer Morning.
