Williams, John Jenkins and Rebecca Evans

JOHN WILLIAMS

REBECCA EVANS

                Rebecca Evans was the only daughter of a well-to-do family living in North Parish, South Wales, when she met John Williams, who was serving as a traveling missionary.  She joined the LDS Church, and they were married a short time later. Rebecca was disowned, given all of her personal possessions, and told never to return home. She had been educated in music and voice and had a thorough knowledge of the art of fine needlework, which was later to be of great value to her and her family.

                John was the only son of well-to-do and had been educated in mining and was a musician. He made a good living for his growing family of seven children. Just before they were to leave for America, four of their boys died in one week of scarlet fever. They sailed 30 June 1861 and were seven weeks on the water. Their last son was accidentally pushed down the stairs of the ship and suffered a broken back. He died almost instantly and was buried at sea. John and Rebecca reached America with the two remaining children, and the weeks that followed were sad ones for them. They crossed the plains and arrived in Salt Lake City, Utah, late in October. They came to Cache Valley in March 1862 and a son was born shortly after their arrival. Rebecca did sewing and dressmaking for the people who were able to pay for her services. John had brought his clarinet from the old country. With his knowledge of music and Rebecca’s vocal training, they organized a choir. John coached music and organized a brass band. Their music furnished much happiness and people would say, “There’s nothing like the old John Williams; Band.” They later returned to Tooele.