Roberts, David - Journal

A RECORD
OF THE FAMILY OF
DAVID AND CATHERINE ROBERTS
OF
LLANFROTHAN, MEIRIONETHSHIRE, WALES

by David R. Roberts,
a grandson.

THE BEGINNING IN WALES

It is most appropriate that this record should begin with a recital of the earliest writings known in the family, namely, the writings of Grandfather, David Roberts. His record book is in my possession, it having been given into my care, by my father, Robert D. Roberts. It is written in the Welsh language and bears the marks of time. The record consists, in the most part, of poetry as grandfather was a poet. There are, however, a few pages of historical and genealogical data which have been translated from the Welsh into the English. The first translation was made by my father many years ago and recently I secured another translation by my friend, Mr. John Thomas of Ogden, Utah. I acted as scribe. I have compared the translations and they agree throughout. I am sure that the translation is very accurate, giving not only the letter and meaning but also the spirit of the original. The notes in brackets are inserted by me, by way of explanation. I have also inserted the headings.
(The translation is as follows:)

GENEALOGY

January 9, 1854
David Roberts

MY LINE OF DESCENT

Following is a record of some of my family as I have been able to get them. I was born in the year 1814, on April 6th, in Meirionethshire, in Nanmor, in a house called Fron Wen (White Hillside) on the estate of the celebrated bard, David Nanmor. The place is now taxed with Beddgelert (Gelert's grave) in Carnarvonshire.

There were born to my parents eight children. Their names are as follows, placing the oldest first: Robert (who died two months old) Edward, Robert, Elinor, David (himself), William, Daniel and John. The first five were born in Fron Wen, the next two in Bryn-y-sgybor, (Hill with the barn), and the last, namely, John, in Lletty, (all) in Llanfrothan Parish.

Edward was married to Elinor Griffith, daughter of Griffith and Catherine Williams of Bron-y-berllon (Hill orchard) in Llanfrothan. Robert was married in Llanfrothan to Gwen, daughter of William and Mary Williams Cae-Glas (Green Field) Llanfrothan. To him were born twelve children.

Elinor was married to John, son of William Humphreys and Catherine James of the parish of Festiniog. There were born to them nine children. They immigrated to America.

I, David, was married in Llanfrothan to Catherine, daughter of Thomas Richard and Ann Morris of Creua Mawr (Large Crag) Llanfrothan. There were born to us six children. The oldest, Robert, Thomas, Daniel, Ann, Elizabeth and Jane Roberts.

William was married in Festiniog to Margaret, dauthter of Evan Roberts and Jane Griffith, Glan-y-Pwll-Bach (near the small pool). There were four children born to them namely, Elizabeth, Robert, Evan and William Roberts, the youngest, who died as a babe.

Daniel was married in Llanfrothan to Gwen, daughter of John Lloyd and Catherine Jones of Caer Llwynog (Box Castle or Den) Llanfrothan. There were born to them four children as follows: Catherine, Elizabeth, William and John Roberts.

John, the youngest of us, married Mary, daughter of Edward Richards, a slater (one who made slates) of Festiniog, and Mary Owens, Festiniog. The present number of their children is three. I presume the number will soon be changed. Their names are as follows; Elizabeth, Sydney and William Daniel Roberts. (Later a son named Robert Edward Roberts was born).

My oldest brother, Robert, (infant) was buried in Beddgelert (Grave of Gelert) (Carnarvonshire) cemetary.

Edward is a shoemaker by trade and is now living in Gelli Cornwydydd (Place of Carbuncles) in Llanfrothan and my father lives with him. He does not belong to any religious sect of belief but he and his wife are listeners in the Baptist Church (Scotch).

Robert (Second) lives in Erw-Fawr (large acre Farm) Llanfrothan. He is the third son of my father. He has buried four of his children. (The names of their children are here inserted in my father's translation as follows: Rhys, Mary, Elinor, Elizabeth, Ellis, Myric, William, Samuel, Daniel and Gwen Roberts. He is a slate quarryman. He is a member of the Calvinistic Methodist Church and is bringing up his children carefully in the same faith.

Elinor is now in America, I presume in the State of Vermont. The names of her children are as follows: Robert, Catherine, William, John, David and Sydney (Humphreys), who (Sydney) died and was buried in Festiniog. She was very beautiful and lovely and I composed the following epitaph to her:

Beautiful Rose of the garden eternal,
Cut at dawn by death.

Ebenezer and James Henry Humphreys were born in America, and I am not sure whether or not they also belong to the Calvinistic-Methodists.

Daniel died in America. (He was buried at Worthings Landing in Kentucky, U.S.A. in 1850 while migrating to Zion.)

Now I will give a little of my own history.

EARLY LIFE OF DAVID ROBERTS

I was brought up in the midst of great poverty. The wages of the common laborer was my father's wage, which, for many years was from one shilling to one shilling and six pence in a day and board himself which, usually was not enough to get bread for the family. My tasks, until I was eleven years old, were to collect kindling wood, also to gather moss from rocks for dyeing purposes, also to peel oak bark and cut it into pieces about six inches long and similar tasks -- everything in its season.

I was very sick with fever when I was ten or eleven years old and soon after getting well I went to the quarry at Festiniog with my father and brother Robert to work. I followed the job of working slates under many disadvantages until I was fifteen or sixteen years old. At this time I went to a place named Caeunest (Field Nest) at the head of the Valley of Ardydwy to serve on the farm of a man by the name of William Pugh where I remained about a year and a half. Then I returned to the quarry and from then until now, I have followed one or the other of the occupations at the quarry.

EDUCATION

No one thought, that I know of, that I needed any public schooling, at least I did not receive any. My parents sent me to Sunday School at the Calvinistic-Methodists where I started reading Welsh. My mind was inclined toward the Baptists, consequently it was hard to make me go to the Methodists, but the Baptists did not have a Sunday School. They considered that a sin.

THE BARD

When I was a boy I greatly wished to become a Bard (poet) and when I was about eighteen years old I studied the rules of poetry. At this time I was lodging at the home of the grandmother of Gwylym Ystradau, (later) the Bard. He also was about of the same age as I and of about the same inclination toward poetry--so we were some encouragement to each other. We became acquainted with old Gwylym Twrog, the Bard, and received some lessons from him.

MARRIAGE AND CONVERSION TO MORMONISM

Bethania, January 18, 1856

I was between twenty-two and twenty-three years old when I got married. I went to live in Lofft-y-Ty-Llaeth (Loft of the Milk House) park, Llanfrothan for the first year. From there we went to Gelli Cornwydydd (Place of Carbuncles) in the same Parish and on the same estate from Gelli to Llwyn-y-Gell, Parish of Festiniog; from Llwyn-y-Gell to Ddol-y-Garreg Ddu (Black Rock Meadow) in the same Parish; from Ddol-y-Garreg-Ddw to Bethania where I am now. From this place I intend immigrating to America between now and the first of next March.

I was converted to the faith of the Gospel by Robert Evans, Glan Conway (On Banks of the Conway) and was baptized by him in the River Pandy near Gelli Cornwydydd on the 24th day of May in the year of 1846 and I was confirmed by Able Evans and soon received the Holy Priesthood. On my shoulders was placed the resposible duty of preaching the everlasting Gospel in the fullness of its blessings. A branch of the Church of Jesus Christ, called the Festiniog Branch was entrusted to my care. I had the privilege of lodging in my house many of the servants of Jesus Christ as well as helping them with food and clothing and money to build up the Kingdom of Jesus Christ my Lord.

THE FAMILY EMBRACES MORMONISM

Catherine, my wife, was baptized by David Peters, near Rhyd-y-Sarn Factory (Ford of the Waste) Festiniog, August 22, 1847. I baptized our own children. Thomas was baptized Sept. 30, 1849, Daniel Sept. 17, 1850, when he was eight years old; Ann Dec. 28th, 1852 when she was eight years old, and Elizabeth April 9th 1855. Robert has not been baptized altho he believes in the Gospel, and Jane has not been baptized because she is not of responsible age.

HIS WIFE'S ANCESTRY

My wife was born in Creua Mawr, Llanfrothan. The name of her father as stated above was Thomas Richard. Her mother's name was Ann Morris. Her father, (Thomas Richard) was raised by his grandfather and grandmother in the Creua. His father's name was Richard (Thomas) and his mother's name was Elizabeth. His grandfather's and grandmother's names were Thomas Williams and Catherine uch Richard. The names of the children of Richard and Elizabeth Thomas are as follows: Thomas Richard, Catherine Richard, Robert Richard, and Jane Richard. The names of the children of Thomas Richard and Ann Morris are as follows: Jane, Catherine (his wife) and Richard Thomas.

Ann Morris, the wife of Thomas Richard was born in Llwyn yr Hwch (Bush of the Sow) Nanmor. Her father's name was Rowland Morris. Her mother's name was Jane Parry. Rowland (Morris) and Jane Parry's children's names are as follows: Rowland, Jane, Ann (her mother) Elinor and Henry Morris.

HIS ANCESTRY

My father's and mother's names are Robert Roberts and Elizabeth Edwards. They were married at Beddgelert on the 3rd day of February in the year 1805. My father was born in Cae Glas (Blue field) Clynog in Carnarvonshire in the year 1775 on the 18th day of January. Nine children were born to his parents, (Robert Roberts' parents) three sons and six daughters. Their names are as follows: Salmon, Marged, Robert, (his father), Catherine, Jane, Ann, Elinor, Elizabeth and William. My grandfather (Rhys Roberts) was born in Felin Faesog, (Landed Mill) Clynog. (D. Rec.)

(This ends the translation of the record of Grandfather David Roberts.)

EARLIEST KNOWN HOME OF ANCESTRY

(In an undated letter to "Dear Nephew ? Humphrey Jones, Bryddir", father, Robert D. Roberts writes), "I am very thankful to you for out great-grandfather's name, Rhys Roberts. I thought that was his name." (R.L.)

(Fortunately that manuscript story written by my father, Robert D. Roberts, records a key to our paternal ancestry. It is as follows:)

The family of Roberts' were living in the Parish of Clynog, Carnarvonshire, Wales. There were three families of Roberts near each other, likely three brothers. They were by occupation farmers, millers and mill-wrights and highly respected people. They were physically large and well built. Those three farms were named Coch Big, Cae Glas, and Felin Faesog. (R.MS.)

Rhys Roberts and wife, to whom we trace our origin, had nine children. Their names are: Salmon, Margaret, Robert, Catherine, Jane, Ann, Elinor, Elizabeth and Williams Roberts. Robert, the third child of the family, was the father of David Roberts who was my father. Robert Roberts was married to Elizabeth Edwards, at Beddgelert, Carnarvonshire.

STORY OF RHYS ROBERTS

(From an old manuscript written by my father, Robert D. Roberts, I gleaned the following story:)

Great-grandfather, Rhys Roberts, had gone to Pen Marfa to market, which was not far from where he lived. He got on his horse to go home, when a young fellow challenged anyone for two guineas to come and fight him. The old man said to him, "You better put on your coat or you may get a cold. There are plenty here today who can spank you." This remark aroused the fellow and he took hold of grandfather's clothes and pulled on him to come and fight. Finally, he (grandfather) got tired of him and got off his horse. He gave a boy some pennies to hold his horse and in a few moments the old man had the fellow's two guineas. They were not prize fighters, but if anyone swaggered around challenging in that fashion he was liable to be taken up. Grandfather was not long in winning the fellow's guineas, after which he got on his horse and went home. (R.MS)

(From another old manuscript by father, Robert D. Roberts, in writing about his father's ancestry is the following:)

This branch of the Roberts family we found in Carnarvonshire, North Wales. I think that the parish they resided in was Clynog. We find there three farms where Roberts families resided, viz: Coch-y-big, Cae Glas and Felin Faesog. Here is where we find the oldest branches. From here they scattered. Some went to America. They were a sturdy, strong, healthy people. I think grandfather's name was Rhys Roberts. He had a family of nine children, viz: Salmon, Margaret, Robert (his grandfather), Catherine, Jane, Ann, Elinor, elizabeth and William Roberts. My grandfather was married to Elizabeth Edwards in Beddgelert, Carnarvonshire, and soon afterwards moved to Llanfrothan, Meirionethshire, to work in a grist or flour mill, where he was employed several years. They had eight children viz: Robert (who died at three months), Edward, Robert, Elinor, David (his father), William, Daniel and John. Five of them were born in Fron wen, two in Bryn-y-sgybor, Parish of Nanmor, and one, the youngest, in Llety, Parish of Llanfrothan, Meirionethshire." (R.MS.)

THE SLATE QUARRIES

My father, David Roberts, was born April 6, 1814. When he was eleven years old he was very sick with a fever. When he recovered he went to work with his older brother, Robert, in the slate quarry at Festiniog. When he was about fifteen years old he hired to work on a farm where he remained about a year and a half and then went back to the slate quarries of Festiniog. In the spring of 1844 the family moved to Festiniog parish to a place called Llwyn-y-Gell, which was about six miles from the old home. This was near the slate quarries where father worked, as slater and inspector, so that father could be at home daily after his work was done. At this place thomas attended school, in the winter for a short time, and helped in the quarries, when old enough, during the other portions of the year. From this place the family moved to a place in the same parish called Dol-y-gareg-ddu where they lived for some time then moved to Bethania, from which place they moved to America, to Salt Lake City, Utah."

THE EISDEDDFOD -- A STORY

(Some years ago I requested my father, Robert D. Roberts, to write some facts which he had told me about grandfather and had not been recorded. In a manuscript he writes of the wonderful Welsh custom of the Eisdeddfod of the town, city district and national Eisdeddfodu. They were great events in the lives of the people--great public competitions in literary productions, in music and oratory, and in all other lines of human activity, for amusement, entertainment and educational purposes. He mentions also the periodical competitions and exhibitions (fairs) in agriclture, horticulture, animal industry and in mechanical and other productions representing the ingenuity and mind of man) "to show our ability to improve in all worthy enterprises". (R.MS.)

"These competitions or Eisdeddfodu were held for various periods of time from one evening or day to several days. It was a custom that at the first session of an Eisdeddfod anyone desiring, might present a few verses or compositions (that were original) in praise or criticism of any custom or anything that the person might choose." (He then relates a story of such a competition entered into by grandfather, David roberts, on one occasion as follows:) "During the summer of 1852 there was a district Eisdeddfod held at Port Madoc for the District of Carnarvonshire, adjoining the city. A large bowery had been built for the event. There were a few Englishmen throughout Wales, especially in the seaport towns, such as Port Madoc. There was a few Englishmen thoughout Wales, especially in the seaport towns, such as Port Madoc. There was not the best of feelings, always, between the English and the Welsh, and they were often in the habit of slurring each other. On this particular occasion the English of Port Madoc had contributed quite liberally toward the construction of this bowery for the holding of this Eisdeddfod and were entitled to some measure of praise for this donation to the success of the gathering. The first day of the Eisdeddfod came on, and the place of gathering was packed. Father composed ten "Epigrams" praising the custom of the Eisdeddfod with its competions and praising and eulogizing the loyalty of the English because of their shortcomings and counseling goodfellowship. He presented the compositions personally to the gathering and when he got through reading them, the people were wild with their ovation and eulogy. The composition was published in the English and Welsh papers. He was almost overcome in the praise he received because of the counsel he had given. It seemed to bring more union between the Welsh and English than there had been before, at least, there was not so much discord as before. One Englishman came to him to show his appreciation for what father had read. The leading poet said, 'It is a pity he is associated with those people (Mormons). He would make a fine Methodist preacher.' Considering the few advantages he had and the very meagre education, it was wonderful. He must have possessed great natural ability, born in him, and this talent of his may yet be shown in his posterity. Let us hope so." (R.MS.)

STORY OF THE CONVERSION TO THE GOSPEL

(There is another story in the manuscript of my father, relating to the conversion and baptism of grandfather that I present here because it should be preserved for the benefit of posterity and be made available to them. My father told me of it many times. It is very important, for it was the great turning point in grandfather's life and it has effected the lives of every one of his descendants. It is as follows: "In the year 1846 while engaged at work in the slate quarries the word came to father that a young man in America was receiving revelations from God, and that God, the Father, and his Son, Jesus Christ, had appeared to this young man when he was only fourteen years of age, and that later angels had visited him and that the gospel was again restored as it was in the days of the savior and his apostles. Many people said this was blasphemy and that it was terribly wicked to join with such a wicked sect; that they could not find a man who would join with a people who would make such claims as getting revelations from heaven and that there was no such thing in our day. There was nothing too vile for Satan to put into the hearts of the people to heap upon anyone who would join them. Father believed in revelation and when some persons came caliming that they had communicaitons with the heavens he did not condemn them but considered their claims worthy of consideration and investigation. He was looking for a religion of that kind."

My father's oldest brother was a shoemaker and had his shop adjoining grand-father's home in Gelli. He had three or four men working for him. One of them was a local preacher of the Campbellite, or the Baptist belief, who made his home with grand-father and was like one of the family. He was quite able in arguing and discussing religious subjects. His name was Robert Evans. Father, as usual went to the shoe shop to discuss the new religion. Robert Evans was an unmarried man and father persuaded him to journey to Merthyr Tydfil, Glamorganshire, the headquarters of the new religion in Wales and investigate it, as he was best able to go (being single) and to bring back some information about it. Robert Evans went, and the first representative of the new religion that he met in South Wales was Captain Dan Jones (who went to Carthage with the Prophet Joseph Smith) who had come from America but a short time before. He (Robert Evans) was converted to the new religion and was baptized by Capt. Jones. He returned to Festiniog and told father of his conversion. 'But', said he, 'you had better wait a little while as I haven't a firm tesetimony as yet.' Later he went back to South Wales to investigate his new religion further and returned again to father and testified to him that it was indeed the truth that had been restored. He taught the gospel to father and father was convinced of its truth and was soon ready for baptsim. At this time we lived about six miles from the place called Gelli Cornwydydd, Parish of Llanfrothan, where we had formerly lived and where grandfather now lived. On May 24th, 1846, father and Bro. Robert Evans went there to baptize father, and the ordinance was performed. Father had to get a change of clothing from grandfather for the occasion. On June 21st, 1846, father was confirmed by elder Able Evans of Merthyr Tydfil, South Wales. Soon after this father was ordained a priest and not long thereafter he was ordained an elder. Grandfather went to Gelli to live after we had moved from there to Festiniog. Gelli is a small farm and the house was on the brink of the River Pandy. Above the house a little way was a bridge and there was a nice pool of clear water with a nice gravel bottom and gravel banks. Father used to say, "If I am ever baptized, it will be right there."

"While they were gone the woman of our neighborhood came to Mother and told her of the terrible character of the people Father was joining; that they were thieves, robbers blasphemers and a very wicked people; that they were denounced by the newspapers and all of the world, and that it was strange that an intelligent man like Father should join such a people. What an awful tale these neighbor women had to tell. I listened, I did not know what to think of it. I was too young to understand it all but when Father came home, I watched him. I sat near behind him. He appeared to me to be sweeter and cleaner than I had ever seen him. His face beamed with light and his whole person seemed changed and there was a peace in his presence that was soothing and I came to the conclusion that Father had done no wrong, and that what he had done was right. In a few days I asked father's permission to be baptized and he said, "You better wait a little while because your mother is not well and you can be baptized when she is baptized." I was not at home when Mother was baptized. I was living with Mother's brother on a farm and was on that farm about a year.

With Father's acceptance of Mormonism came bitter persecution and constant abuse, and slurring remarks from the people, which I resented, at times, with my fists. I thought that under such conditions I should not be baptized until I could control myself better or until conditions changed, because, if I joined under suck conditions I would likely do something to cause my excommunication and this I did not want so I was not baptized until I came to Utah." (R.MS.)

GELLI CORNWYDYDD
LANFROTHAN, MEIRIONETHSHIRE, WALES

By Robert D. Roberts

"It is a home and little farm. The farms furnishes summer pasture and winter's hay for two cows. There was a beautiful little river flowing near the house, (River Pandy) it would sometimes be quite a large river. That was when there were heavy storms in the locality. Salmon and other fish from the sea would come up there sometimes, but they could go no farther up as there were obstructions so they could not pass on. The fall of the river was quite considerable and it made quite a noise when running high as it dashed downward to the sea. There was a fine grove of ash trees at the back of the house and garden in front with fruit trees, and there was a row of oak trees on the opposite side of the river. It was a pleasant place to live where nature could be seen in its full beauty. In Springtime, the trees put on their leafy garments of green, the flowers bloomed in variety and there was a carpet of green grass around. The birds sang in the trees as they flew from branch to branch, their songs of melody most charming. It was most pleasant and beautiful, making your soul to dance within you. With the coming of frost and the snow of winter and the departing of the birds for warmer climes, there was such a feeling of quietness and rest, as nature changed her garment of green to that of white. Soon even the river is still, its splashing and foaming and noises are gone."

STORIES OF THE SLATE QUARRIES

"It became necessary for me, at times, to defend my father from attack. He bore the persecutionis and abuse heaped upon him most patiently, always, and without the spirit of resentment.

"One day father told me to tell men at the quarry that he was not well and could not work that day. I did so. At noon there were some of us working along the tracks leading into the pit clearing up the rubbish. That was the only time the track could be so used. My neighbor got his car and commenced to clear his rubbish. I asked him to move about a foot, so I could clear my place. He would not do it. He told me if I would not let up he would slap me in a minute. Well, I thought, if it is going to be like that I better take off my jacket as it was very tight around my arms. I did so and he came and gave me a lick. I returned the compliment and the fight was on. In a few minutes I got the best of him to the great wonder of everyone. He was a stalwart young man and I was only a boy. About three o'clock father came up to the quarry. When he got home, I asked him why he came up there. "Well," he said, "I thot they were taking advantage of you and were abusing you." "They were," I replied, "But I came out alright."

"On the occasion father was talking religion with a certain man and father pinned him down so tight that finally the man had nothing to say. The man was of a proud disposition and he felt terrible at being so hemmed in as he was. When they met again this man told father, 'Well, David, I had a notion to kill you the last time we met.' This shows the feeling of wickedness in some men's hearts. To think of father who belonged to such a people as the Mormons were reputed to be, beating him so badly in a religious argument, was so humiliating as to be almost unbearable, and put the spirit of murder in his heart.

At a later time, Father was shamefully abused by this same man. In the quarry every man had his work to do. A man was trimming the slate blocks and I was helping him and handing them at Father's side so he could split them and another man was squaring them after Father was thru with them. There was no time for idleness. At this particular time this man who had had the notion to kill him, began to abuse him and tantalize and ridicule him and to speak evil about the saints and he kept it up for some time. Finally I got tired of this and I said to Father, 'If you do not strike that man, I will.' In a minute he was silent, never said another word but sneaked off in a hurry. He found that his time was up and he did not want to have anything to do with that boy.

Father sent me usually to get his pay. The place of payment of the workers was in a large room at an inn. Pay day came and I went at this time after the wages. The room was full of men and I joined in the crowd. The secretary began to call the names, as usual, and finally called 'David Roberts' then added, 'the saint,' I did not answer. He called other names and the men began to laugh. They knew I did not like such things and I showed it in my expression. I did not say a word. Some of the men said, 'Look out, he is coming.' The secretary got scared. The men expected me to pounce on him, but I did not, and I thank God that I did not strike him. The men knew I could not stand very much of that kind of treatment.

At one time a crowd of men happened to meet together and were discussing the principles of religion. Father was talking to their satisfaction when one of them said. 'David, you get a religion of your own and we will join you.' Father was offered a good position under the government if he would only relinquish his religion and stay in Wales but he had a pure testimony. He knew that the teachings of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints was the truth revelaed from heaven for the salvaation and exaltation of man. Instead of turning back he went forward because of his testimony and deep knowledge of the Gospel." (R.MS.)

THE FESTINIOG BRANCH OF THE CHURCH

(From a manuscripot of my father, Robert D. Roberts, is the following:)

"A branch of the Church was organized called the Festiniog Branch and father was appointed to preside over it. It embraced the neighborhoods or parishes of Festiniog and Llanfrothan. Quite a number of people there received the Gospel. In 1849 a few of them emigrated for Utah and more members again went in 1850, my uncle Daniel and his family being among them. During those years the cholera was raging along their route which was to New Orleans and up the Mississippi River and several of them lost their lives through this terrible disease. This condition checked the growth of the Church in our locality. By the time our family emigrated in 1856 there were very few left in the Branch and it dwindled to nothing." (R.MS.)

(The record of the Festiniog Branch of the Church has a strange story associated with it, as follows:)

A STORY ABOUT A RECORD BOOK

By David R. Roberts

The record of the Festiniog Branch of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints was left with someone in Festiniog, Meirionethshire, Wales, by Elder David Roberts, the President of the Branch, on April 10, 1856 when he emigrated to Zion.

His son, Thomas D. Roberts, found the Record in the possession of someone, not a member of the Church, while on his mission in Wales and purchased it on November 15, 1892 from the possessor for three shillings as indicated on the title page of the record. He brought it to his home in Logan, Utah, and kept it there until his death which occurred on May 28th, 1918. After his death the record was thrown into a heap of trash to be burned. The record was observed in the trash by Miss Annie Martin who at that time was in the employ of the Thomas D. Roberts family. She took the Record and kept it until May, 1934 when she delivered it to Hugh Roberts of Rupert, Idaho, a nephew of Thomas D. Roberts. Hugh Roberts mailed it to Daivd R. Roberts, his brother, at Ogden, Utah (keeper of the David Roberts family records) in June, 1934, who in turn delivered it, on July 18, 1934, to the Church Historian, where it properly belonged.

(Preface to the record written in Welsh)
"Festiniog, Meirionethshire, Wales Branch Record"

"This Branch was established in the following manner:

Elder Robert Evans came from the Vale of Conway to preach in this locality in the year 1846 and he baptized David Roberts who was called after a while, to the Priesthood and was finally accepted and ordained to the office of an Elder.

"About a month after the baptizing of David Roberts, Elder Able Evans came here and confirmed him. At this time, he (Able Evans) baptized David Peters together with his wife, Lowry Peters.

"This place was visited by William Clark and he baptized one by the name of Ann Jones. Elder Eleazer Edwards was here about the same time and confirmed her. Elder Able Evans visited here the second time and baptized Owen Roberts toward the end of the same year (1846). John Hughes and Margaret Hughes, his wife, were baptized by Able Evans the same year. David Roberts baptized Hugh Jones together with some sister.

"The first meeting of this Branch was held in the home of David Peters who lived in a house belonging to and adjoining the Factory Rhyd-y-Sarn (Ford by the Refuse Dump). And at his home the meetings were held until he emigrated. That took place in the year 1849. From that time until gyndoychid (?) the meetings were in the home of Elder David Roberts. He also was the President of the Branch from the time he was ordained (an Elder) up to the present time. Many labored in this Branch at different times."

Elder Jason Thomas came here in the year 1847 and he remained in this Branch up to this time. Inasmuch as the writer has no positive information concerning the manner or authority under which he labored here, he (the writer) has nothing to say and leaves the reader to satisfy himself from what is recorded in this book."

(Translated from the Welsh by: JOHN THOMAS, Ogden, Utah in July, 1937.)

(ENTRIES IN AND EXCERPTS FROM FESTINIOG (WALES) BRANCH RECORD
of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints)

"#1 David Roberts, Quarryman, of Festiniog, born April 6, 1814 at Beddgelert, Carnarvonshire, Wales, aged 32, baptized May 24, 1846 by Robert Evans, confirmed by Able Evans, Emigrated April 10, 1856.

"#15 John Roberts, Merchant, of Llanfrothan, born Llanfrothan, Meirionethshire, Wales, baptized July 17, 1847 by David Roberts, confirmed by David Roberts. (Immigration not shown but on line above is April 10, 1856 intended for him apparently).

"#17 Catherine Roberts of Festiniog, born June 25, 1809, age 39 years, baptized August 22, 1849 by David Peters, confirmed by Able Evans, Emigrated April 10, 1856.

"#33 Gwen Roberts of Llanfrothan, born Llanfrothan, Meirionethshire, baptized March 11, 1849 by David Roberts, confirmed by Able Evans, emigrated, 1851.

"#35 Daniel Roberts, Quarryman, of Llanfrothan, born in Llanfrothan, Meirionethshire, baptized April 21, 1849 by David Emas (Eames) confirmed by David Emas, emigrated in 1851

"#38 Thomas D. Roberts, Quarryman, of Festiniog, born Llanfrothan, Meirioneithshire, Age 8 years, baptized September 30, 1849 by David Roberts, confirmed September 30, 1849 by Eleazar Edwards, emigrated April 10, 1856.

"#39 Daniel Roberts, Quarryman, of Festiniog, born September 8, 1842 at Llanfrothan, Meirionethshire, age 8 years, baptized September 17, 1850 by David Roberts, confirmed Sept. 18, 1850 by David Roberts, emigrated April 10, 1856.

"#40 Ann Roberts of Festiniog, born Llanfrothan, Meirionethshire, age 8 years, baptized december 28, 1852 by David Roberts, confirmed Dec 29, 1852 by David Roberts. Emigrated April 10, 1856.

"#41 Elizabeth Roberts of Festiniog, born Festiniog Meirionethshire, age 8 years, baptized April 9, 1955 by David Roberts, Emigrated April 10, 1856.

"#47 Elizabeth Roberts of Llanfrothan born August 8, 1847 at Llanfrothan, Meirionethshire, age 8 years, baptized February 10, 1856 at William Ajax, confirmed ________ 10, 1856 by David Roberts, emigrated April 10, 1856.

(CHILDREN BLESSED IN FESTINIOG BRANCH)

"#1 Jane Roberts, January 13, 1850 by David Roberts and Jason Thomas. Daughter of Elder David Roberts and Sister Catherine Roberts, his wife.

"#2 William David Roberts, son of elder John Roberts and Mary Roberts, his wife by william Richards and David Roberts, February 29. 1852.

"#3 David Thomas, son of Elder Jason Thomas and sister Phebe Thomas by Elder David Roberts, November 25, 1855.

"#4 Robert Edward Roberts, son of Elder John Roberts and Mary, his wife, by Elder John Treharn, March 10, 1856."

MIGRATING TO ZION

(Daniel Roberts, the brother, had gone with his family to America in 1850 and had died on the way. The time now came for the departure from the old home of the brothers, David and John, for Zion and with their families they now prepared to make the journey. As a preliminary to this journey, a notice of the sailing of the ship was sent to grandfather and his family. It is so full of interest as to justify reproducing it here. It gives the journey a setting.)

NOTIFICATION OF THE SHIP'S DEPARTURE

Fo. 103
N. 126

(This part of the Circular should be presented when the Passengers' contract Ticket is applied for)

PACKET SHIP "S CURLING", CAPTAIN CURLING, 1898 TONS REGISTER TO SAIL FROM LIVERPOOL FOR BOSTON, APRIL 19TH, 1856

36 Islington, Liverpool
March 28, 1856

Dear Bro._____________________________

I have chartered the fine American packet Ship "S. CURLING," to sail with a load of Passengers from Liverpool for Boston on Saturday, the NINETEENTH DAY OF APRIL, 1856.

Applicants for passage herein named are requested to be in Liverpool on MONDAY, the FOURTEENTH DAY OF APRIL, namely:

Name	Age	Name	Age
David Roberts and Seven Persons:
David Roberts	42	Daniel Roberts	13
Catherine Roberts	48	Ann Roberts	11
Robert Roberts	18	Elizabeth Roberts	9
Thomas Roberts	15	Jane Roberts	6

Let no persons who know themselves to have been exposed to, and thereby liable to be taken down with, the Small-pox, Measles, or other contagious disorders, come forward for embarkation. Such as do thus jeopardize their own lives, and sow death among all the ship--incurring a most fearful responsibility.

FARES

Adults- - - - - - - - - - - - - - L 5-0-0
Childnren under Eight years and
over One year old - - - - - - - 4-10-0
Infants under One year old - - 0-10-0

THE FOLLOWING WEEKLY SCALE OF PROVISIONS WILL BE ALLOWED TO EACH STATUTE ADULT:

3 1/2 lbs. Bread	1 1/2 lbs. Rice	2 oz. Salt
1 1/2 lbs. Oatmeal	1 1/2 lbs. Peas	1/2 oz. Mustard
1 lb. Pork	2 lbs. Potatoes	1/4 oz. Pepper
1 1/4 lb. Beef	1 lb. Sugar	1 gill Vinegar
1 lb. Flour	2 oz. Tea
	Three quarts water daily

Half the above amount to CHILDREN UNDER EIGHT YEARS AND OVER ONE YEAR OLD.

This will be about sufficient for the passengers during the voyage; if, however, they should want more, or a greater variety,l they must supply themselves therewith.

Ten Gallons of water for every hundred persons will be supplied for cooking.

Passengers must furnish their own beds and bedding. A straw mattress will anser veryu well for sleeping upon when passengers do not bring feather or other beds with them.

A box or barrel to hold provisons, and the following utensils for Cooking, &c., will be necessary--Boiler, Saucepan, Frying-pan, Tin porringer, Tin plate, tin dish, Knife, Fork and Spoon, and a Tin Vessel to hold 3 quarts of Water for each adult.

I shall commence to book the passengers on MONDAY the FOURTEENTH, and all should have their passage paid in full by the evening of Wednesday,l as several entire lists of names and ages must be made out according to law, before the ship can receive her clearance. A neglect of this instruction will put the passengers and myself to great inconvenience. No persons will be permitted to receive their berths until they ahve procured their tickets; therefore let none delay procuring their tickets longer than WEDNESDAY, the SIXTEENTH.

Let no persons bring their luggage to my office, as I have no room for it, but on receiving their Tickets, the passengers will be informed when they can go on Ship-board, with their luggage.

Those passengers who forward luggage by the Luggage Trains, should be careful to send it on a few days before they leave for Liverpool, and it will then arrive about the same time as themselves. Their first care after securing their "Passengers' Contract Ticket," should be to seek after their luggage department, who will see that it is forthcoming immediately. In order to facilitate the forwarding of luggage, the passengers sh ould be careful to state upon it the names of the various railways it may have to pass over, if more than one, and also to say, "To be left at the Station, in Liverpool." The emigrants can obtain all necessary information to carry out the foregoing instructions from the clerks at the railway stations in their own towns or villages. Let all persons sending luggage be careful to obtainb a recept for it from the person to whom they deliver it. That which is to arrive in Liverpool by the London and North Western Railway should be addressed to the Waterloo Station "until called for." All that can possibly be spared during the voyage should be marked "To go below," that it may be put into the hold of the ship. Only that which is absolutely necessary during the voyage should be retained on deck.

The ship will be found in the WATERLOO DOCK until Wednesday, the Sixteenth of April, where all passengers with their luggage should be aboard to remain.

On arriving in Liverpool, either by Railway or Steam-packet emigrants are beset by persons who endeavor to draw them away to various Lodging Houses, and not unfrequently to wherre they are eventually robbed of all they possess. This has recently been remedied to some extent by the present Passenger Act, which requires all "Emigrant Runners" to be licensed, and to wear a badge while employed with emigrants, and prohibits them from asking or receiving any remuneration from the emigrants themselves. I would, however, advise all my Passengers not to employ even these persons, (except A. Chapman, the number of whose badge is 381,) but to repair at once to the places named below. should they need any assistance in finding the places, the policemen, or any respectable individual in the street will direct them.

Anthony Chapman, 356 Great Crosshall Street
William Powell, 63 Great Crosshall Street
Eliza Burnett, 72 Do.
Each about five minutes' walk from the London and North Western, the Lancashire and Yorkshire, and East Lancashire Railway Stations.
C. Dillman, Emigrants' Home, Moorfields;
Opposite the lancashire and Yorkshire and East Lancashire Railway Stations.

It would be advantageous for the emigrants to arrange by letter, or otherwise, with he above-named houses before coming themselves. Parties coming in companies would do well to send some one to Liverpool in advnace to procure the lodgings, when the President of the Conference or the Pastor does not come to do it.

Passengers while in port, and getting on Ship-board, should use every precaution to preserve their health by being suitably clad, and comfortably supplied with food. Many inconveniences must necessarily be endured, but all unnecessary exposure and hunger should be avoided. Let parents be particularly mindful of their children in this respect, and see that they do not suffer, and perhaps, die, from neglect. Diseases and infirmities are often entailed upon the human system by not properly providing for its natural wants, and from pure inattention. These hints, if observed, will not only tend to preserve health, but good feelings, and promote the happiness of all.

A committee will be appointed to preserve cleanliness and good order during the voyage.

There is no necessity for changing English Gold into American Money.

No persons should come to Liverpool with an expectation that there will be room for them on my ships, unless they have been duly notified to come, for in so doing, they might be disappointed, and make themselves unnecessary expense.

Yours, most respectfully,

FRANKLIN D. RICHARDS

In a letter to his cousin, Robert L. Humphreys, dated March 15, 1886, father, Robert D. Roberts wrote: "You wished me to give a little narrative of our lives since we left dear old Wales. I did that for my uncle, your father, some time ago and thot when I first wrote to you that perhaps you had seen the letter.

On the morning of April 9th, 1856 we put our belongings into a wagon and bid adieu to Festiniog's people and commenced our march forward the setting of the sun. As we crossed the divide on our way toward Tolwn Pelau we took the last look on Merionethshire--the loved old neighborhood, the hum and bustle of Festiniog slate quarries and the very many good people. After the dropping of a few tears of sadness and love at the parting from the old home and friends, we set our faces in earnest toward the western hemisphere with the cherished hope of finding a better country, little dreaming of the hardships that were before us before we would arrive at our destination."

(From a copy of another of his letters is the following:)

"On April 9th, 1856, we left Bethania, Festiniog, and started for America. Uncle John Roberts and family started from Rhyd, Llanfrothan and met our family in Bangor. From there we traveled together to Manai Bridge where, on the morning of the next day we went on board a boat and sailed for Liverpool, arriving there the same day."

(Following the record of grandfather as translated by my father and placed in the beginning of his Record Book, now in my possession, my father begins the narrative as follows:)

"Now I shall write a little. Robert D. Roberts.
"Logan, Utah January 2nd, 1861

"I shall give a little of our history beginning with the old country and up to the present time as correctly as my memory will serve me.

"We started from Bethania, Festiniog, Merionethshire, North Wales, on the 9th of April, 1856, arriving in Liverpool on the 10th. On the 19th we went into the ship named "Samuel Curling" which was, on the 20th to start her journey across the Atlantic Ocean. This journey was very rough, the sea was rising like mountains and tossing the ship in every way. On may 24th we arrived in Boston on the continent of America." (R.Rec.)

(From a manuscript written by my father, Roberty D. Roberts, is the following:)

"The 'S.Curling' that we crossed the ocean in was a merchant sailing vessel. The sides of the vessel were only about five to eight feet above the water. We had very rough weather during the voyage. At first the sea was calm but it turned very rough. Sometimes we would think we were in the bottom of the sea and the waves, mountains high on all sides. But soon we would find ourselves on top of the mountain just out of a deep gorge or valley with waves tossing all around us and before we were aware we would be down in the bottom of a deep gorge again. I went on deck one day alone when the ship was rolling fearfully. I had a bucket in my hand. The ship rolled on its side and I was thrown violently against the rail on the side of the ship--the bucket between me and the rail and I was nearly thrown overboard into the sea. Rough though the sea was I was not seasick during the voyage. The other members of the family were, for a time, not able to get out of their berths." (R.MS.)

There was a notice in the Millenial Star, Vol. 18, p. 542, under the caption L.D.S. Emigration Report from Nov. 30th, 1855 to July 6th, 1856, "The passengers of the ship "S. Curling" which sailed from Liverpool April 19th, 1856, bound for Boston, 428 were under the 'Perpetual Emigration Fund' and 279 were 'Ordinary' passengers. (M.S. 18-542)

From the book, "Emigration, 1855-1856-#1045 (H.O.)

"Ship 'S. Curling' of 1898 tons Register, S. Curling master, for Boston, Franklin D. Richards, Agent."

Under names, ages and addresses: "David Roberts, 41, Quarry-man; Catherine Roberts, 48, wife; Robert 18, quarry man; Thomas 15, slate quarry man; Daniel 13; Ann 11; Elizabeth 9; and Jane 6; (Address) Dol-y-garreg ddu Festiniog, Meirionethshire; Country, Wales; No. of Notification, 126; Acknowledgement of Notification, April 1, 1856; Steerage, Deposit L 40-0-0; Balance L-14-0-0; Total L 54-0-0; No. of Ticket, 146: P. E. Fund.

(The addresses given above "Dol-y-garreg ddu" is not the place they last left, but "Bethania" was the last home in Wales. Both were in Festiniog. The reason for the difference is no doubt due to their having begun payments to the Perpetual Emigration Fund for their transportation to Zion while they were living at "Dol-y-garreg-ddu" and the general Church Office at Liverpool did not change it.)

(Persons named "Roberts" on S. Curling, beside grandfather and his family were as follows: John Roberts, 32, Carmarthanshire; John Roberts, 32, shopkeeper,and wife Mary, 34, and children Elizabeth 8, William 5 and Robert 3, Address L.D. Saint Rhydcyffymair W. Tan-y-Bwlch, Llanfrothan, Meirionethshire (Grandfather's brother and family); David Roberts, 29, Weaver, Monedray, Mallwyd, Meirionethshire; David Robertws, 45, Ironer, wife Mary, 31, and 5 children of Swansea; Eleanor Roberts, 23, Eliza Roberts, 21, spinsters, address Evan S. Morgan, Pontref, Berw, Anglesea; Robert Roberts, 18 quarryman, Monktou Pembrokeshire; John D. Roberts, 31, miner, wife 33, son 7, Tredegar, Mounothshire; David Roberts 29, weaver, Susannah, 19, spinster, Aberystwith.)

After the listing of the names, there is a recapitulation as follows:

"Recapitulation"

Countries	Adults	Children	Infants	Totals
England	121	26	2	149
Scotland	1	0	0	1
Ireland	22	4	2	28
Wales	426	79	23	528
America	1	0	0	1

Totals	571	109	27	707

Class	Adults over 8	Children over 1 yr.	Infants under 1 yr.	Total
P. E. Fund	357	59	12	428
Ordinary	210	50	15	275

Totals	567	109	27	703

Elder Dan Jones, President of the Company; David Davis and Joseph Sawyer, Cooks; Edward Middleton, Steward (4) TOTAL: 707

Passage: Adults, L5-0-0; Children L-4-10-0; Infants L0-10-0; Total L3339-0-0; Sailing April 19th, 1856 for Boston."

[The following pages are missing: A -15, A-16, A-17, and A-18]

passengers to remain on board the ship till Monday, the 26th of May, when the journey was continued to Iowa City." (Millennial Star, Vol. 18, Pages 283, 426, 542. Deseret News, Vol. 6, page 160.)

From a manuscript written by my father, Robert D. Roberts, I copied the interesting item following:)

Three of father's old companions in Wales who had migrated to the slate quarries in the State of Vermont came to the camp at Iowa City to get him to go to the quarries in Vermont with them to work, offering him good wages and steady work if he would go with them. He said "No." He knew that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God and he was going to Utah to share with the Saints of God in prosperity or adversity as it might come." (R.MS.)

J.H. 18 June, 1856. "On the eighteenth of June, Daniel Spencer organized another company near Iowa City numbering about three hundred passengers, principally from Wales, who accompanied Elder Dan Jones and crossed the Atlantic in the ship 'Samuel Curling'. Elder Edward Bunker was appointed to take charge of them, assisted by David Grant, George W. Davis and John Parry as Captains of hundreds. This company rolled out from the camp ground near Iowa City on the twenty-third of June and arrived in Florence on the 19th day of July. There the emigrants tarried a few days to repair their hand carts and take a fresh supply of provisions, etc; on the 30th of July they set out for their long journey across the plains. One month later (on the 30th of August) they passed Scott's Bluffs, and finally arrived safe and well in Salt Lake City, on the second of October, (Millennial Star, Vol. 18, pages 489, 638, 767; Deseret News Vol. 6, page 245)

PREPARING FOR THE MARCH OVER THE PLAINS

(Millennial Star, Vol. 18, Page 489, from letter of Daniel Spencer, L.D.S. camp near Iowa City, Iowa, June 22, 1856, to Pres. Franklin D. Richards, records:)

"Much credit is due, not only to the brethren in charge of the companies, but to the native Presidents of conferences, who emulated each other in setting an example of putting in practice the theories they had taught their flocks in their fields of labor in their own country. The remainder of the 'S. Curlings'' company of Fund passengers will leave tomorrow numbering about 320 souls. They are organized with elder Edward Bunker as their Captain, assisted by Elders David Grant, John Parry and George W. Davis, to fit out these companies Brothers Grant and Kimball succeeded in purchasing in the vicinity of Weston, a few cattle and mules, which including traveling expenses, average nearly $85.00 per yoke of oxen, and $120 per head of mules. Since then cattle have lowered some in value and Brothers Van Cott and Grant have purchased about sufficient to fit out the independent hand-cart and ordinary dependent companies at an average of from $38.00 to $65.00 per yoke, cows will cost from $15.00 to $18.00 each. These will be furnished at the Bluffs with the through fit-out.

"Brother George has also purchased and brought in 16 head of mules at $110.00, which, with seven or eight which Bro. Van Cott has got, will make sufficient for a mule team to each 500 of the Funds companies. The health of the camp is unusually good this season" (M.S. 18-489)

(Millennial Star, Vol. 18, page 637 prints a letter from J. H. Latey to Elder J. Taylor from Florence, Nebraska Territory, August 14, 1856, which contains matter of interest in a general way. He speaks of the first and second companies of hand carts under the care of Captains Edmund Ellsworth and Daniel D. McArthur and says:)
"Arrived in Camp on the 17th day of July, in fine health and spirits, singing as they came along, Elder J. D. T. McAllisters' noted hand-cart song--"some must push and sum must pull, etc." One would not think that they had come from Iowa City, a long and rough journey of from 275 to 300 miles, except by their dust-stained garments and sunburned faces. My heart is gladdened as I write this, for methinks I see their merry countenances and buoyant step, and the strains of the hand-cart song, seem ringing in my ears like sweet music heart at eventide or in a dream. In giving you this description of the feelings of the first companies, I give you in effect the feelings of the whole. This is the bright side of the picture." (M.S. 18-637) (The third company under the leadership of Captain Edward Bunker were nearly all Welshmen; they arrived at Florence on the 19th of July and set out on their journey across the plains on the thirtieth.)

(The following material is inserted at this point because it contains the instructions issued to the Saints regarding the use of hand carts for crossing the plains.)

THE GENERAL CALL

The general published instructions and information for all who contemplated going from Briton to Zion in 1856 were as follows:

1856--Church Emigration--From Europe. In the 13th General Epistle of the First Presidency dated Salt Lake City, October 29, 1855, the following instructions were given: "Let all the saints who can, gather up for Zion, and come while the way is open before them; let the poor also come, whether they receive or not from the P.E. Fund; let them come on foot, with hand carts or wheel-barrows; let them gird up their loins and walk through, and nothing shall hinder or stay them.

"In regard to the foreign emigration another year, let them pursue the northern route to Boston, New York or Philadelphia, and land at Iowa City or the terminus of the railroad; there let them be provided with hand carts on which to draw their provisions and clothing; then walk and draw them, thereby saving the immense cost every year for teams and outfits for crossing the plains.

"We are sanguine that such a train will out travel any ox team that can be started. They should have a few good cows to furnish milk, and a few beef cattle to drive and butcher as they may need. In this way the expense, risk, loss and perplexity of teams will be oviated and the saints will more effectually escape the scenes of distress, anguish and death which have often laid so many of our brethren and sisters in the dust.

"We propose sending men of faith and experience with some suitable instructions to some proper outfitting point, to carry into effecct the above suggestions; let the saints, therefore who intend to emmigrate the ensuing year, understand that they are expected to walk and draw their luggage across the plains and that they will be assisted by the funds in no other way." (M.S. Vol. 18-54) C.E. Vol. 2-1856)

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS

In the Millennial Star of February 23, 1856, was published a lengthy circular about the emigration of 1856. It stated that Iowa city had been selected as the outfitting place for the plains, to which point all the emigrants from Europe, both P.E. Fund emigrants and those going through with their own ox-teams, should be forwarded from the port of debarkation on the northern route; and via Chicago and Rock Island R. R. the P. E. Fund emigrant," said the circular, "will use hand carts in crossing the plains in which they will convey their provisions, tents and necessary luggage. There will of course be means provided for the conveyance of the aged, infirm and those unable from any cause to walk........ The saints may all rest satisfied that their interest and comfort will be consulted in the best possible manner by those men who will be charged with instructions direct from our beloved Prophet Brother Brigham...... The Saints who go in the hand-cart companies need not expect to take any chests; trunks excepting the tin trunks mentioned in the circular--or boxes across the plains with them, because, if strong enough for the trip they would be too cumbersome and heavy, and if made sufficiently light they would soon be broken to pieces. Therefore it is not necessary to take any from this country, only such as they need in crossing the sea and those they should expect to dispose of or finally abandon.......... The first two hundred miles of the journey from Iowa City will be through a settled grain-growing country, where it is expected that supplies and provisions cana be obtained without the labor of hauling them any considerable distance. By traveling this distance with the carts lightly loaded, the saints will have an excellent opportunity of becoming accustomed to camp life, and walking and thereby be better prepared for starting out on the plains." The circular further stated that the P.E. Fund price for hand-cart emigrants would be 9 pounds sterling for each person over one year old; for those under that age half that amount." (Millenial Star, Vol XVIII, p. 122).

(The following intersting note is taken from a slip of paper found among the writings of my father, Robert D. Roberts:)

"Our first day's journey with the hand carts was three miles. Very early in the evening it started to storm - thunder and lightning and rain in torrents came down upon us. We came to a very nice little spot at the edge of a creek and camped. The wind came on and blew so hard that we had to cling to our tent poles to keep our tents from blowing away. Very soon we found ourselves almost knee deep in water. We were drenched with water -- bedding and everything was wet and we got no rest that night. The storm cleared by morning and we had to stay in camp next day to dry our clothing and bedding as there was not a dry rag in the camp." (R.MS.) (It was quite a trying introduction to the plains journey.)

(The Deseret News, Vol. 6, page 160, July 23, 1856, contains a list of the names of the passengers of the ship S. Curling bound for Boston. In the list are the names "from Wales" David Roberts, wife and 5 children.--There were six children. The same is repeated. Also "John Roberts, wife and 3 children.")