Journal of Thomas Howells

I, Thomas, Howells, the son of John and Gwenllian Howells, was born in Ynyswendraeth in the Parish of Penderyn in the County of Breconshire, South Wales.  My father followed the occupation of farming.  He died when I was only 10 years of age, and left my mother a widow with 6 children, five of whom were younger than myself.  She continued in the farming business for several years after my father's death.  Being that we were young and so unprofitable to keep servants, she sold all the stock and implements of husbandry and put the money in the bank, and we children had to seek other employment besides farming.  In the course of time, the Latter-day Saints Elders came to the neighborhood, and I embraced the gospel and was baptized by John Davis the 12^th of October, 1849, and emigrated to America the fall of 1850 [October 17, 1850 with 227 souls].  I sailed across the ocean in the ship "Joseph Badger" and landed in New Orleans, and from thence up the Mississippi River in a steamboat and landed in St. Louis; and there I and another man in connection, hired a team, which took us and our luggage to Gravoy, where we remained through the winter, digging coal.

In March 1851, I engaged myself with a merchant to drive one of his teams across the plains to Salt Lake City.  We started from Jackson County, Missouri, which place was the first settled and build up by the Latter-day Saints and who were driven therefrom because of their religion.  After a tedious journey, encountering many snow storms on the road, we reached Salt Lake City June 6^th, 1851.

I feel grateful to Almighty God for his protecting care, which has been over me since I have left my native land to the present time.

Immediately on my arrival in said City, I engaged myself to an adobe maker to make adobes, and in a little while I got so accustomed to the business, that I could make them myself, and therefore I bought me a piece of land and carried on the business upon my own responsibility for a number of years, until I took up with the mason trade. 

I was ordained an apostle amongst the seventies, by James Ferguson, the 9^th of April, 1852, and was assigned to the 33 quorum. 

I began to think that it was not good to be alone; consequently, I began to look out amongst the young women for one that would suit my taste.  I met with Ann Francis, who came from Cardiganshire South Wales; I married her on the 12^th day of October, 1853.  We went through the House of the Lord August 31, 1855, where we had our endowments and my wife was sealed unto me for time and eternity.

I was elected Junior Major of the 1^st Regiment Infantry Nauvoo legion, Salt Lake district, the 11^th of September, 1859.

I was called on a mission to Europe in April conference 1870.

The Journal

Thomas Howells started to Europe on a mission.  Left Salt Lake City May 13, 1870.  President Young and party traveled in company with the missionaries to Ogden City.  Arrived at Omaha 15 inst. 3:15 pm.

Continued on our journey for Chicago; arrived there on the 16^th inst; continued on our journey and arrived at Pittsburg 17^th inst. 11:45; arrived at Harrisburg at 10:25; continued on and arrived at New York on the 18t^h inst, at 6:30.

Started for Liverpool with the steamship Minnesota on the 18^th inst. At 4 pm from Pier 46.  After a pleasant passage we arrived at Liverpool on the 30 inst. At 2 pm.  In the morning Elder Bird and myself took a warm bath; in the afternoon I visited the museum, where I saw great many curious things.  Bother Bird left in the morning for his field of labour in the London Conference.  On the 31 inst. I left Liverpool for Merthyr Tydfil; took train at Lime Street Station; arrive at Merthyr 3:25 pm. 

Found Elder N. Pratt in the Conference House and was well received by him.  June 1^st.  After breakfast in the morning, he took me around town for a walk; we stopped to her Cranshaw's Band playing; it is now considered the best in Great Britain.  Brother Pratt presented me with a shirt; and paid my fare by train to Hirwaun.  Parted a the station for a short time; he went back to his office; I proceeded on my journey to see my relations at Hirwuan.  I heard the sad news that my mother was dead. 

I then wended my way through brushes and briars to Telamargrig ; I reached the place in the evening.  I knocked at a door and asked if I could get lodging for the night.  My brother said "no"; he told his wife in Welsh that he had a splendid, thinking that I was a bad man.  He could not recognize me, I had to tell him who I was; then I had a great welcome by him and his wife.  They had only been there for a few days before I came.  They were in trouble to get stock to stock the farm.  My brother was formerly a quarryman.  He in now going to try the farming business.  His wife's name is Ann; she is a fine woman.  They have two children: a boy and a girl.

On the 3^rd inst. I left Termergrig for Gellifynnonau; I went by way of Torfol, where my father lived, and where most of my brothers and sisters were born.  On the farm there, is a high mountain; it is exactly like a bell and on the top is draws together to a peak.  There, on the top of this mountain, I spent many an hour when I was a boy, taking care of my father's sheep; and this time I could not pass by it.  Consequently, I went to the top of the mountain and offered a prayer to my God.  This mountains name is Penyfell ________.  From the top of this mountain, when it is a clear day, you can see ships upon the sea and a good portion of the surrounding country.  After gazing upon the surrounding country, and the place where I was born, I wept like a child, thinking about the many happy hours that I spent with my playmates when I was young.

I continued on my journey.  Reached Gelliffynnonau on the 4^th inst. And the first person that I saw was my sister Gwenllian.  She did not recognize me, although she had heard that I was in the country.  After she made me out she wept bitterly and told me that she was very lonesome.  She treated me very kindly and gave me half a sovereign.  In a little while my Uncle Thomas Price came in to the house.  "Thomas, how are you" he said.  For a long time I could not bring him to my memory.  My sister has been keeping his house for many years.  Gellifynnonau is a little farm where they keep 6 cows, no other livestock, with the exception of a horse.  On the 5 inst. In company of my uncle we went to the Baptist meeting, where my father was a member when he was alive; and my uncle Richard was the preacher in the chapel when he was alive.  They are both buried in the grave yard of the Pontprenllwyd, which is the name of the chapel.

We both returned home to dinner to my uncle's residence, which is about a mile and half distant from the chapel.  On the way, I met with many of my old acquaintances, who invited me to come and see them. 

Slept that night with my uncle.

I got up in the morning and partook of breakfast with my uncle, and then went to visit Wernlas, where there is a distant relation of mine.  Took dinner with them and they told me to visit them again.  From there, I went to Glinper-faidd, where my aunt Gwenllian lives, who was very glad to see me.  Partook of tea with her, and had a long conversation with her about my father and relations generally.  She told me to call again before I would leave for home.  I went back to my uncle's that night.

I received a communication from Elder N. Pratt, announcing that I was to return to Merthyr immediately to get acquainted with the business of the Glamorgan Conference, previous to his leaving for home in America.  Slept that night with my uncle. 

7^th inst.  Got up this morning in the enjoyment of my usual health; took breakfast with my uncle.  Kissed my sister and took farewell of my uncle, and started for Merthyr via Telarmorgrig.  Took farewell of my brother and sister-in-law at Tylarmorgrig, and went on my way towards Merthyr; took train to Hirwaun, and reached Merthyr at 2 pm; slept that night at the Conference House, Thomas Town, 10 Alma Terrace.

8 inst.  Partook of breakfast this morning at the latter place.  In the evening, Elder Eliaser Edwards in company, we visited Dowlais Branch, for the first time.  They are very few in number; they were very glad to see us and welcomed us with glad hearts.  We counseled them to do right and to continue in well doing.  After the meeting dismissed, we returned home to Merthyr, where we slept that night.

9 inst.  After prayer, we took breakfast.  I stopped home, waiting for Elder N. Pratt's arrival from Swansea.  He came in the afternoon, and in company with him, we visited the tailor.  He measured me for a new suit of clothes.  In the evening we met with the Merthyr branch of saints for the first time, for me.  We both spoke, and the saints were well pleased to see and hear us.  I slept at the Conference House.

10^th inst.  After prayer, we took breakfast at home.  In company with E. Edwards and N. Pratt we visited Ruth Garet and took tea with her.  In the evening we went to the singing school, where we were greatly entertained by their singing.  Slept that night at the Conference House.

11^th inst.  Took breakfast at Conference House as usual.  In company with N. Pratt and E. Edwards, we went to the Bath House and we all took a warm bath.  Took dinner at home.  In the afternoon I visited with William Hanes and wife at Georgetown, and conversed with them about Utah and its inhabitants, and the customs and manners of the people.  I removed some of the prejudices that they had towards us as a people.  Slept at home that night.

12^th inst.  Took breakfast at home as usual.  In company with N. Pratt, E. Edwards, we took train for Aberdare.  I went to see my brother Jenkin.  He didn't know me at first.  I was well received by him and his wife.  He is a printer by trade; he drives a good business; he keeps a good many workmen to assist him.  He accompanied me to meeting to the Abraham Branch, where I preached in Welsh, and E. Edwards in English.  I went back to my brother's house to dinner.  He is the father of four children.  They're living very comfortably.  After a little chat with my brother, I returned to meeting again; he did not accompany me because of the tooth-ache.  The meeting assembled in the evening at 6 pm.  Eliaser Edwards preached in Welsh and myself in English; the saints were well pleased.  I slept the night with my brother Jenkin.

13^th inst.  Took breakfast this morning with my brother.  In company with N. Pratt and E. Edwards, we left Aberdare for Hirwaun; we reached there in the evening and rented a hall to preach in.  We had little opposition in the beginning of the meeting, which was Eliaser's position to occupy.  I arose and commenced to preach in English, and the Spirit rested on me greatly, and power over the congregation was given unto me.  A good portion of the congregation listened very attentively.  In company with N. Pratt we went to supper to Henry Phillip's widow's home.  We bother slept at David Evans.

14^th.  We took breakfast this morning at a widow's house.  In company with E. Edwards and N. Pratt we left Hirwaun for Aberdare.  On our way down we turned Heol y felin, and took tea with Sister Evans.  In the evening we met with the saints at Aberaman branch; the saints felt well and we had a good flow of the spirit of God.  Took supper with my brother and also slept with him.

15^th inst.  All things right with me this morning; took breakfast with my brother.  In company with N. Pratt and E. Edwards, took tea with Sister Smith in the evening.  We held a meeting in Aberdare and preached to a few.  I preached in Welsh and Eliaser in English; we had a good flow of the Spirit of God.  Slept the night at my brother-in-law's Jacob Williams.  My sister was very glad to see me.  She looks well; in the morning before I left she gave me a shilling.

16 int.  Partook of breakfast and left in company with E. Edwards.  We left Aberdare for Mountain Ash.  In the evening we preached at the latter place, to the Saints and a few outsiders.  They felt well and the Spirit of God was with us.  We slept the night at the home of John Evans' wife. 

17^th inst.  We got up this morning at the usual hour.  Had breakfast this morning at Rees Davis, the President of Mountain Ash branch.  I parted with E. Edwards at the railway station and took train for Treherbert, and went up to the Cwmbach.  I reached Treherbert at 1 pm and met with Evan Evans my brother-in-law, and my sister.  She kissed me and wept bitterly.  She was very young when I left 20 years ago.  She has three children: 2 girls and a boy.  They are the prettiest little children that I ever saw.  She gave me a sovereign and a pair of gloves.  She treated me very kindly.  My brother-in-law took me and showed me around town.  I went to bed about 10 o'clock.

18 inst.  Breakfasted with my sister and remained at home with her all day.  Had a long conversation with Evan and my sister in relation to the principles of the Gospel.  They are full of prejudice and do not understand the principles of the gospel.  Also slept with them that night.

19^th inst.  Got up this morning; all was well and breakfasted with my sister.  Left for Cardiff; met Brother E. Edwards and N. Pratt at Pontypridd junction and went the balance of the journey in the same carriage to the end of the journey.  Immediately after we left the train, we met with Henry Gardner, President of the Cardiff branch.  N. Pratt and myself took up at Brother Gardner's house.  I preached to the Cardiff saints in English at 2 pm, and took train for Merthyr.  Met with the saints in said place and preached to them at 6 in the evening.  The Garth Arms was full of people.  I slept the night at the Conference House. 

20^th inst.  After prayers, breakfasted at the Conference House in company with N. Pratt.  We took train from Merthyr to Abernant.  From there we proceeded to Aberdare, and there made arrangements for the Temperance Hall to hold a concert in on July 25, 1887, and arrangements with Jenkin Howells to print bills and tickets for the occasion.  Took dinner at the above named persons home, and returned to Merthyr by train from Abernant.  Slept the night at the Conference House.

21^st inst.  After prayers, breakfasted at home.  Being that we have no singers in the conference, N. Pratt went to Aberdare this morning and stopped the printing of the tickets, and gave up the idea of having a concert.  We returned in the evening to Merthyr.  We both went up to the Gellibes and met with the saints in a prayer meeting.  We talked to them upon the principles of the Gospel; they felt well and were much edified.  Returned to Merthyr and slept at the Conference House.

22^nd inst.  Got up this morning at the usual hour and breakfasted at home.  In company with N. Pratt visited Dowlais Branch and met with the saints in the evening and talked to them upon the principles of the Gospel.  Returned home to Merthyr; on our arrival home we found John S. Lewis from Swansea, who was previously invited by N. Pratt.  Slept the night at the Conference House.

23^rd inst.  All is bright this morning.  Breakfasted at home.  In company with John S. Lewis and N. Pratt, took tea at John Price's.  In the evening, I met with the Saints in a prayer meeting at the Garth Arms Long Room, Merthyr, and spoke to them upon the principles of faith.  Slept at home.

24^th  All is well this morning at our home.  After breakfast, in company with N. Pratt and John S. Lewis, visited Cefncoedycymer to see two sisters that are going to emigrate to the United States.  They are going with the steam ship Minnesota, that is going to set sail on the 29^th inst.  On our arrival, we found L.W. Richards and Caleb Parry, who came to pay us a visit, by former invitation from N. Pratt.

25^th  Breakfasted at home at the usual hour.  In company with Elders N. Pratt, J.S. Lewis, Ca. Parry and L.W. Richards, we took at walk around town to see what was going on.  Returned home to Thomas Town for dinner; after which, the above named Elders left for their respective conferences.  In company with N. Pratt took tea at William Jones.  Slept at home that night. 

26^th  Took breakfast at home.  Embarked for Treorky in the railway car.  Met E. Edwards at Pontypridd junction; from there we traveled together up the Cwm Rhondda valley until we came to Treorky station, where we found Timothy Wisley, the president of Treorky branch, and from there, we proceeded to council at 11 am.  Met with all the branch in the afternoon and preached to them for the first time.  After meeting, I took tea with the President of the branch.  In the evening we held another meeting, in which I preached in English.  We had a very good meeting, and the Spirit of the Lord was there in its marvelous light.  Slept the night with Evan Evans and my sister at their residence. 

27^th inst.  Breakfasted with my brother-in-law and left Treherbert for Pontypridd; arrived at the latter place at 3 pm.  In company with E. Edwards, went to see the maengwydd, or the Poet stone, which is situated on a hill near the city.  The stone is from 3 to 4 tons weight and stands on a pivot, so that one man can move or rather, rock it with one hand.  There is great tradition about this stone among the poets.  The Bards assemble to this stone once a year to perform their ceremonies.  It is a relic of Druidism.  Eliaser Edwards composed a few lines of poetry while there, and I gave him a title, which in Welsh "Hydd Cymru"; in English, the "Heart of Wales."  We went from the to Trefforest and held a meeting with the saints; that evening in the above named place, I preached upon the fulfillment of Prophecy, and the Spirit gave me utterance, and we had a very good time.  Slept the night with Thomas Mathews. 

28^th inst.  Breakfasted with them also.  In company with E. Edwards, took train for Merthyr and reached there in good time.  Immediately after we left the station, who came to meet us by Brother Pratt.  He was going down to Llanfabon, to get the names of those that were going to emigrate with the next vessel.  Slept at the Conference House in Merthyr that night. 

29^th inst.  Got up the usual hour.  After prayers, breakfasted at our Conference House.  In company with E. Edwards and N. Pratt, went up to Dowlais, and held a meeting in the above named place, and Thomas Howells and E. Edwards spoke to the saints.  The spirit of the Lord was with us.  After the meeting was over, all the above named Elders returned back to Merthyr.  Slept the night in the Conference House. 

30^th Inst.  Breakfasted at the Conference House.  We remained at home to make up the quarterly report to send to Liverpool.

July 1^st.  Breakfasted at home the usual hour.  I took train this morning for Aberdare to see about the statistical report of the Aberaman Branch; got the report and returned home over the mountain.  Slept the night at the Conference House.

2^nd.  After prayers, took breakfast at home in company of N. Pratt.  We took a bath this morning at the Merthyr bath house.  Partook of dinner today at the Conference House.  N. Pratt left for Cardiff to see the saints at that place, before he leaves for home.  Slept the night at the Conference House.

3^rd.  After prayers, took breakfast at home.  Attended Council at the Merthyr branch, where there were three branches represented.  All the Elders were there until in the afternoon, the branch met to break bread in memory of the suffering f Jesus Christ, and that we are willing to keep His commandments until he comes again.  Thomas Howells addressed the meeting; it was dismissed by William Jones, to convene again in the evening.  Pursuant to adjournment, the meeting convened at six in the evening, when I spoke in English to a full room, who seemed to be well pleased with what was said.  Slept the night at the Conference House.

4^th.  Took breakfast at home today.  I assisted the Clerk in making the annual report to send to Liverpool, which bothered us considerably.  In connection with William Jones, we visited Edward Edwards (Gellideg) who is now out of the church, but are very favorable and I hope will soon return to the fold.  Slept the night at the Conference House. 

5^th.  Breakfasted at home this morning.  With the books all day; we can't get our totals to agree.  Slept the night at home.

6^th.  Breakfasted at the usual hour at home.  Remained at home until dinner, and then went to Dowlais, and in the evening I went with the Dowlias saints in prayer meetings.  After meeting returned home to Merthyr, and slept the night at Conference House. 

7^th.  Breakfasted at the Conference House.  Received an invitation from two young ladies to go and see the races in Penydarren field.  I accepted the invitation and accompanied the young ladies to the scene of the performance.  They commenced to execute the program at 1 pm.  They had a circle made with ropes about 400 yards.  The spectators stood outside the circle.  There was very tight matches; their jumping and running was well executed, and Crawnshaw's band was playing for the occasion.  In the evening I met with the Merthyr saints in prayer meeting.  Slept at the Conference House.

8^th.  Breakfasted at the Conference House.  In company with N. Pratt and E. Edwards, started for the valley across the mountains through a dreary path; reached the place in the evening and held a meeting in a school house where a few met together with the saints to hear us.  After meeting, in company with E. Edwards, went with Mrs. Thomas to the Valley Farm to sleep for the night.  On our arrival, we met with the master of the house, Morgan Thomas, who received us very kindly.  He is a free hearted old chap, but not ready for the Gospel.

9^th.  Breakfasted at Valley Farm this morning.  Took our departure for Merthyr, and on our way encountered a great thunder storm.  In company with N. Pratt, on our way we turned to Sister Civil D. Rees and dined with her and also took tea with her.  Went from there home to Merthyr; slept the night at the Conference House.

10^th.  Breakfasted as usual at the Conference House.  In company with N. Pratt, and E. Edwards took train at Merthyr for Mountain Ash and held a Council there in the forenoon.  In the afternoon, we met with saints and partook of symbols of Jesus Christ.  We preached outside on the street in the afternoon, E. Edwards in English and myself in Welsh, to a very scattered audience.  Slept the night in the Public House, where the saints hold their meeting.

11^th.  Breakfasted at Rees Davis, President of the Mountain Ash Branch.  In company with E. Edwards, left Mountain Ash for Cwmbach, where we preached in the evening, E. Edwards in English, Thomas Howells in Welsh.  Slept the night at Leticea Rees, Cwmbach.

12^th  Breakfasted this morning, at the same house as we slept.  I went to meet N. Pratt at Aberdare station.  He is starting this morning from Merthyr, with a small company of saints for Salt Lake City.  He came along the usual hour of the morning train, and I accompanied him to Hancarach station, where I took the last farewell of N. Pratt and the saints that was going with him.  I wept like a child, thinking of home and family.  God bless them is my earnest prayer, in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.  In company with William Jones Merthyr and others of the Elders, we went to dinner to a brother in Llanfabon.  From Quaker's yard, I took train for Mountain Ash and held meeting there in the evening.  I preached in English and E. Edwards in Welsh.  Slept there the night. 

13^th.  Breakfasted at Rees Davis.  In company with E. Edwards, left Mt. Ash for Aberaman, and on our way hither, we turned to the Cap Cach and took dinner there, and laid hands on a sick girl.  From there, we went to Aberdare and took tea at Walter Morgan's, President of the Aberaman Branch.  Held a meeting at Aberaman Branch and preached to them in English and Welsh.  The Spirit of God rested upon us mightily, without reserve.  Slept the night at my brother Jenkin's in Aberdare.

14^th.  Breakfasted with my brother.  In company with E. Edwards, started up for Hirwaun, and on our way hither, we took tea at Sister Evan's in Aberdare.  From there we proceeded on our way and reached Hirwaun in the evening and held a meeting before the Cardiff Arms, and we both preached to a large assemblage of people, who listened with marked attention.  Slept that night at the home of Phillip's widow.

15^th.  Breakfasted this morning where we slept the night.  We left Hirwaun for Merthyr; and on our way hither, we were accosted by a lady who asked if my name were Thomas Howells, and told me that my aunt wanted to see me.  I paused a little while, before I could remember any aunts, but went with her, and sure enough, she was my Father's sister Jane, who lives in the suburbs of Hirwaun.  Took farewell of her and continued on our way for Merthyr. 

At Cwmaynamintan, we turned to the left from the main road and went up the country about a mile, where we came to a farm known by the name of Nant y mobe.  There we found Gwenllian Davis, sister to Ann Davis, who lives in C. Valley.  We partook of dinner with them.  They told us to call again and that we should preach to them the next time that we came.  The name of the farmer is Jenkin Edwards.  We continued on our journey to Merthyr on our way thither, we turned to Gellideg and took tea at Edwards Edwards.  We reached Merthyr in the evening and slept the night at the Conference House.

16^th.  Breakfasted at the Conference House in company with E. Edwards, and then we took a warm bath in the Merthyr bath house.  Took dinner at the Conference House; wrote a letter to the Star in the afternoon, of the condition of the Conference at the present time.  Slept the night at home.

17^th.  Breakfasted at the Conference House.  In company with E. Edwards, took train for Cardiff; held a Council in the said place at 11 pm.  Dined at the home of Henry Gardner's, the President of the Branch.  Met with the saints in the afternoon, and in the evening addressed them also. Slept the night at Canton Square at Thomas Rees's house.

18^th.  In company with E. Edwards, started for Pendoylan; took train at Eby for Peterston.  Took the road from there over fields sometimes, and by perseverance, we reached the place in the evening, and held a meeting there with the saints and a few outsiders came together also.  We had a good meeting; the Spirit of the Lord was with us.  Slept there the night.

19^th.  Breakfasted at Pendoylon and then took our departure for Dinah Davis.  In our travels thither, we lost the way.  In our wanderings, we came to an old church, which I saw in a dream before I left Salt Lake City. A man that was showing us the way, said that the church was 800 years old.  After a long journey through fields and lanes, we reached Dina's Davis, and held a meeting there with the saints, in the evening.  We preached in English to them, they felt well and asked us when we would come again.  After meeting, we walked about 4 miles to Canton Cardiff, to sleep the night. 

20^th.  Breakfasted this morning at Thomas Rees's house.  In company with E. Edwards took a walk through Cardiff and went around the Bute docks, which is considered the best in England.  In the evening, we held meeting in the Latter-day Saints hall; very few of the saints came together.  Slept the night at Canton.

21^st.  In company with E. Edwards, visited the Church Branch; very few of the saints came together.  It is about 2 miles from Cardiff.  Returned to Canton to sleep the night.

22^nd.  This morning after breakfast, took train for Merthyr, and E. Edwards for Treorky.  I arrived in Merthyr at 12:42.  Answered 2 letters and slept the night at the Conference House.

23^rd.  Breakfasted at the Conference House.  Remained at home all day; learnt a few passages from the Scriptures by heart.  Slept at home the night.