John Jones

HISTORY OF HUGH AND MARY OWENS ROBERTS AND FAMILY

 

            Hugh Roberts was born on a farm called “Bryn Ucha”, located in the hills or on a small mountain about midway between Eglwysbach and Llanrwst in Denbighshire, North Wales, the 12^th of February, 1803.  His father, Robert Roberts, a very tender, kind-hearted man, was the son of Owen Roberts and Catherine Thomas.  He owned “Bryn Ucha” Farm and was considered a prosperous farmer.  “Bryn Ucha” means highest hill or hilltop.  The farm produced wheat, oats, barley and flax as did most farms in that vicinity. Flax was raised to make linen.  They also raised cattle, sheep, hogs and fowl of all kinds.  The Roberts’ were related to most of the farmers in that neighborhood.  The farm home at “Bryn Ucha” was built on the hillside by a beautiful spring of water. 

 

                Nothing is known of Owen and Catherine Thomas Roberts, Hugh’s grandparents, or of their families.  It is presumed that “Bryn Ucha” Farm had belonged to them and their ancestors for generations and had descended to Robert by natural succession of ownership, from father to son as was the custom there.  Nothing is known of their children except Robert, the father of Hugh.

 

                Hugh’s mother was Jane Jones, a rather proud aristocratic woman.  She was the daughter of Thomas Jones and Jane Jones.  (Jane Jones’ maiden name is unknown.)  Mrs. Jane Jones was Thomas Jones’ second wife.  His first wife was Mrs. Elizabeth Jones, who was a rather delicate woman who did not live very long after their marriage.  After their marriage, Thomas and Jane Jones lived at the “Craig”, the home of her mother who was a widow.  Hugh was one of a family of six children:  ELIZABETH, OWEN, HUGH, JANE, MARY and JOHN, all of whom were born and reared at “Bryn Ucha” Farm.

 

                In his boyhood Hugh broke one of his arms twice and also had both legs broken, which caused him to limp.  Because of this condition he was considered unfit for farm work, which was done by hand in those days and required sturdy bone strength.  Hugh was therefore apprenticed to a shoemaker and learned that trade which was considered most suitable for him.  He learned his trade at a shoe shop in Llanrwst.  During that period he lived, most of the time, at the home of Dr. Tittle who was a friend of the family. 

 

                At Llanrwst he met his future wife.  Soon after learning his trade he married Mary Owens, a servant girl, contrary to the wish of his parents, especially his mother.  They did not think Mary equal in station with him.   However, it was truly a love match.  They were very devoted to each other and faithful throughout their long lives together.  When Mary married Hugh she had many household items saved up including furniture and a large clock that stood on the floor.  All these had been bought from her savings.  Her father, Thomas Owens, was not favorable to her marriage because he considered Hugh too religious.

 

                Mary Owens was the daughter of Thomas and Mary Morris Owens.  Her parents separated, each marrying others.  Mary Morris married Robert Griffiths, a tailor of Port Madoc and Harlech.  She bore him several fine children.  Thomas Owens became the father of another family, among whom were two beautiful daughters.  These daughters were splendid singers and accompanied their father, also a good singer, in giving very popular concerts.

 

                Mary Owens’ mother was the daughter of Hugh and Margaret Edwards Morris, natives of Llanrwst.  Mary Morris had three brothers and one sister:  EDWARD, ROBERT, JOHN and MARGARET. 

 

                Hugh and Mary Owens Roberts first lived at “Bryn Ucha”, where their eldest child Jane was born.  They then moved to Llanrwst where they opened a shoe making and repairing shop.  Business was not very good there.  Eglwysbach, a town about seven miles north, appeared more favorable so they moved and established the shoe making and repairing business there.  They lived in a rented home, to which Hugh built a “lean-to” for a shop.  He plied his trade here for several years, during the early part of which he had quite a thriving business and a number of apprentices, among whom was Robert Evans.

 

                Eglwysbach (meaning “Little Church”) was a village of Denbighshire, North Wales.  It consisted of a group of homes with some shops or stores, a blacksmith shop, shoe shop, grist or flour mill, three taverns, a large Church of England surrounded by the village cemetery, a Wesleyian Church, a Methodist Church, and a Church of the Dissenters.  Eglwysback was the Civic Center for the farming country in the immediate vicinity.   Hugh belonged to the church of the Dissenters, where he was Superintendent, and Mary, his wife, was a teacher.  But he was not satisfied with it.  After a short time he left the church and it was closed.  Hugh sought something else in the way of religion, investigating them all as he was able.  On one occasion he went thirty miles to visit a Catholic Church. However, he was not favorably inclined toward it and would not join it.  His soul yearned for something else.

 

                About this time his apprentice Robert Evans returned from a visit to South Wales.  There he had met Captain Dan Jones, a friend of Joseph Smith, the prophet, and had accepted the strange religion called “Mormonism.”  Robert Evans was the advocate and representative of this religion, with a commission to preach and baptize in the name of Jesus Christ and to administer the ordinances of the Gospel.  He presented the new faith to Hugh and his family.  Hugh was deeply impressed with it.  To him it was indeed “Glad Tidings.”  Elder Evans bore strong testimony to its truth and to the signs following the believers.  His words were accompanied with power and carried conviction to this honest seeker for the truth and his family.  When Hugh’s son Owen, who was then ten years of age and sorely afflicted with dropsy under a doctor’s care, heard the gospel he was converted.  He believed “the sick were healed”.  He demanded baptism and was so insistent about it that he was taken out of bed in a quilt and baptized May 25, 1847.  This was done at night because of the bitter persecution against those who embraced this new religion.  Hugh would not consent for Owen to be baptized alone, so after Owen he was also baptized that memorable night.  Hugh would have been baptized before as he had been converted but Mary, his wife, had not then been convinced of its truth.  After Owen was baptized, he manifested great faith and was rapidly improving in health until the neighbors noticed it and became curious about it.  Mary, in her joy, told them what had happened; what was the real cause of Owen’s improvement.  There was much excitement about it.  The neighbors persuaded Mary to again have Dr. Hughes, the Parish Physician, attend Owen.  Owen objected vigorously, saying that if he took any more Doctor’s medicine he would die.  His objections did not prevail.  Dr. Hughes was called again, the medicine given, and about a week later Owen died.

 

                On July 14, 1849, Mary and her children ROBERT, ELIZABETH, CATHERINE, and MARGARET were baptized by Elder Able Evans, who had followed Elder Robert Evans into the neighborhood.  Soon afterward Robert Evans migrated to Utah, and not being as well received as he thought he should have been, went to President Brigham Young and asked for a mission to Wales.  President Young said to him, “And you are not coming back, are you?”  He went to Wales and apostatized, took up a new religion and preached against the Saints.  He went to Hugh’s home again to preach his new doctrine, but Mary (Hugh’s wife) forbade him saying they had had enough new religion from him.  He died and was buried in Wales out of the Church.

 

                Able Evans, a good faithful man, organized a branch of the church at Eglwysbach with six members.  Hugh and Mary were two of them.  Hugh was called to be presiding Elder.  He held this position until he migrated to America in 1864.  His home was the headquarters for the Elders, entertaining many.  Some Elders were almost constantly there.  There was always a full house the entire day Sunday when general meetings were held.  During the week day evenings councils, prayer and priesthood meetings were held. Hugh Roberts kept the record of Eglwysbach Branch until he left there, when he delivered the records to Brother John Roberts of Pensarn, Denbeighshire.

 

                The John Williams family, living at Eglwysbach, were all baptized into the church at about the same time as Hugh’s family.  They were millers and ran the water-powered burr flour mill at Eglwysbach, making flour and oatmeal.  They were great friends to Hugh and family and migrated to America in 1855, settling in Ogden.  During the sojourn of the Roberts and Williams families at Eglwysbach the branch was strong and flourishing, but when those two families left, it dwindled and soon ceased to exist.  The persecution was so bitter that the Mormon children were excluded from the schools.  They were ostracized and many of the people withdrew their patronage from Hugh in his shoe business.  This made it difficult for the family to obtain livelihood.  They endured much persecution and ridicule and at times openly hostile conduct from neighbors from the time they embraced the gospel until they left their native land.  But they never wavered in their faith.

 

                On one occasion Hugh, the presiding Elder, and a traveling Elder were holding a meeting in Eglwysbach.  A mob gathered and took them to a bridge nearby.  The mob took them under the bridge and were preparing ropes to hand them when the women who followed raised such a strong remonstrance (particularly Hugh’s daughter Catherine, who rushed under the bridge and clinging to Hugh said, “You shall not hang my father”) that the mob desisted with a warning and a threat that the Elders must not preach Mormonism in that neighborhood again or they would suffer death.  Throughout this ordeal the Elders were resolute and calm.  They had no fear nor did they weaken in their faith in God and His mighty work.  Hugh here passed through one of the tests required of the faithful namely even unto death (D&C 98:14, 15).  There are many ways by which this test may come to mortals and it comes at a time and in a way least expected, oftentimes.  In his travels if the distance where they were to hold meeting was not too far away, his daughters, especially Betsy, would accompany them to assist in the singing and to hold the Elder’s hats and the books they used.  The daughters were all good singers and in this way assisted with the meetings.  Hugh did more or less of this missionary service all the while he remained in Wales and as his circumstances would permit him to do.  It was during the carrying out of this missionary labor that he, in company with a traveling Elder, was mobbed and their lives threatened as heretofore recorded.

 

                So bold, constant and uncompromising was Hugh in his efforts to spread the glorious gospel that he incurred much enmity and bitter hatred toward himself and his family.  As a result he lost his shoe trade, or in other words the people of Eglwysbach and that neighborhood boycotted his business.  This condition soon reduced the family to the greatest poverty, even to want and they were finally sent to the “Work House” or what is commonly known as the poor house which was located at Llanrust about 7 miles distant.  The family did not remain there long, however, for no sooner did Hugh reach the place than he began to proclaim the gospel to the inmates with much vigor and he was progressing so favorable with them that the officers of the institution filled with consternation at such prospects, decided on another plan.  They moved him and his family back to his old home and assisted in providing him with means to work at his trade as a shoemaker and he was thereby able to provide for his family through his own labor.  This was much to his liking and the family progressed quite well under this arrangement, until they left for America.  His old neighbors and friends, though bitter towards his religion, seemed glad to see the family return from the poor house at Llanrust to their former home for some reason.

 

                Food was both wholesome and palatable.  They had very little meat as they could not afford it.  Their diet was derived mostly from grains and vegetables, wheat, oats and barley being the principal grains.  They had good bread made from wheat and barley and meal from oats (coarse meal for mush and fine meal for making cakes like crackers).  The oatmeal both coarse and fine was made by first soaking the oats well, then drying and roasting until brown.  It was then passed through the burr mill to get the meal as desired, whether coarse or fine.  Oatmeal cakes were made by taking the fine meal, mixing with water and a little salt, then spreading thin in a large griddle and cooking slightly brown.  So made, it could be kept a year or more and be good.  It made a very delightful dish when broken in a bowl with milk or broth poured on it.  A considerable quantity of this oatmeal cake was made for the journey across the sea.  Another good dish was Irish potatoes, boiled with the peeling on, then peeled and put in a bowl with buttermilk poured over them. Indian cornmeal bread and mush was quite common and much relished.  The corn came from America.  Toasted bread, buttered, was much used.  Milk and cheese spread with butter spread thinly upon very thin slices of bread were also served.  The butter was first spread upon the loaf, then the slice was cut very thin.  It was good.  Beer made of barley was a common drink, as was tea.  To make beer, the barley was soaked until it sprouted.  It was then dried and baked brown, then ground into coarse meal.  Then it was soaked in water until fermented.  With the use of yeast and hops, a beer was made.  This was a very common drink and nearly every one in that country made it or at least used it.

 

THE CHILDREN:

                The children of this splendid couple, all of whom excepting Jane, were born at Eglwysbach in order of birth are:

                Jane born October 10, 1830

                Robert Owens born November 20, 1832

                Elizabeth (Betsy) born March 6, 1835

                Owen born March 19, 1837

                Catherine born April 12, 1839

                Margaret born May 17, 1841

                Mary born November 22, 1843

                Hannah born March 27, 1847

                John born March 16, 1849

                Thomas born April 3, 1851

OWEN AND THOMAS ROBERTS

                Owen and Thomas both died in their youth and were buried in the churchyard at Eglwysbach.  Thomas was born April 3, 1851, and three days later he died.  The little body was prepared for burial and in due time, a funeral service was held at the home.  After this service the family and some friends formed a procession and carried the remains to the village cemetery surrounding the “little Church” (Eglwysbach).  Upon arriving at the cemetery, the gate was locked and they were refused entrance by the officers in charge, for the burial of the child.  This situation being noised through the town, there was soon quite a gathering at the cemetery gate.  Hugh was stirred in his soul because of this unusual unheard of action on the part of the officers in charge of the cemetery, and he determined to gain entrance, peaceably, if possible, if not then by force even to the extent of breaking down the gate.  He began to preach to those assembled on toleration, liberty of conscience and of speech and upon the restored gospel.  So logically and forcefully did he discourse to them that finally the cemetery gate was opened and the procession proceeded and peacefully buried their dead.  This was a very trying incident in the life of Hugh, which was now beginning to be crowded with severe trials.

 

 The other children lived to manhood/womanhood and were all honorably married.  Each has a worthy, sturdy, progeny in the earth to follow after them and to honor and perpetuate their memories and splendid lives through right living in the eyes of God and man.  Jane and Robert, the two eldest, married in Wales and remained there, never leaving their native country.  Elizabeth and Margaret both preceded their parents and other members of the family to America.

 

JANE ROBERTS HUMPHREYS

                Jane married Edward Humphreys and went to live at Harlech, the home of her husband’s family.  She is said to have had after her husband’s death in 1886, something to do with the care and custody of the famous old Harlech Castle.  She lived in a home within the shadow of its walls for many years, where she died at the age of ninety one.  She was a devoted wife and a real mother.  Eleven children, six boys and five girls, blessed their union.  Their names are:  ROBERT, MARY, MARGARET, HUMPHREY, HUGH, EDWARD, JANE ELIZABETH, HANNAH, EDWARD OWEN, LAURA and GRIFFITH.  None of them, so far, have left the land of their fathers.  She always manifested a loving disposition toward her parents and a kindly feeling toward their religion and was in constant correspondence with them.  There is no record of her ever joining the church to which her parents belonged. 

 

                Edward Griffith Humphreys was the son of Robert Griffith and Mary Hughes Morris Humphreys.  His mother Mary was a native of Llanrwst, Denbighshire, Wales, which fact would partially account for the possibility of his acquaintance with Jane before their marriage.  His father was a native of Harlech.  He was a Master Tailor, by trade, and was also a noted bass singer.  The name of Griffith appears in his name as also that of his father, presumably because his grandfather was named Griffith Humphreys, who also was native of Harlech.  Edward was also by trade an assistant overseer.  He “ministered” and preached at the Rehoboth Baptist Chapel at Harlech for 27 years.  He died at Harlech, March 16, 1866.

 

                ROBERT OWENS ROBERTS

                Robert was born at Eglwysbach, Denbighshire November 20, 1832.  His youth and young manhood were spent in and around Eglwysbach.  The custom of the time was that the oldest son in a family had certain rights, namely leadership in a family, privileges to direct the affairs in a family.  There were also emoluments, namely the homestead and most of the estate was his after the father’s death to perpetuate the name of ancestry, to bless posterity and to preserve the estate and houses or families of their race.  The other sons and daughters did not enjoy these things as such.  Robert was the eldest and one of two sons leaving families in the earth, the other two passing from mortality in youth and infancy.  He learned the shoemaking trade of his father.  He grew to a splendid handsome manhood as his countenance and his portrait would indicate.  He was a fine singer and loved music.  With his family, excepting his sister Jane, he accepted and embraced Mormonism, being baptized July 14, 1849 at Eglwysbach.   He took an active part in the affairs of the Church during all of the time he lived there, and he suffered heroically in common with them the severe persecution directed against the family because of Mormonism.

 

                In his young manhood Robert “fell in love” but it did not terminate for his best good apparently for he suffered a very severe loss that may mean the loss of his birthright in the Patriarchal Order of the family, the rights of the first born.  Robert’s love was bestowed upon Jane Davis, a fine Welsh girl, who had been converted to Mormonism and was an ardent member of the Church.  They dearly loved each other.  It is said they intended to marry but events that later crowded into their lives over-ruled their intentions.

 

                About this time a traveling Elder of the Church came into their Branch to labor.  He took a liking to Jane Davis, but her relations with Robert stood in the way of his making a favorable impression with her.  This Elder determined to remove this obstacle, however, and he wrote to Jane advising her that he desired to have nothing more to do with her and signed Robert’s name to the letter.  Naturally she turned cold towards Robert and shunned him.  Robert could not understand this, but being rather independent and proud, let her take her course without remonstrance or explanation.  They became separated though they loved each other.  The Elder then pressed his attentions, wooed, won and married Jane.  They moved to Zion, and in later years when she met Aunt “Betsy” Owens and learned the truth of her early love affair, she wept bitterly, for she loved Robert and her life with the one whom she had married had not been the most cordial and happy.  Robert then found another congenial soul in the person of Elizabeth Owen of Penmanbach and married her.  She was not a member of the Church and was rather bitter against it.  Robert now went to live at Penmanbach and into the shoemaking business.

 

                Later he went into the hardware business.  His wife’s parents were the keepers of the Post Office, which in the country is a place of rather marked distinction.  After the death of his wife’s parents, Robert inherited the Post Office and received the appointment to that service, which position he held until his death on January 26, 1904.

 

                He was highly respected.  His family numbered seven children, three sons and four daughters:  WILLIAM OWEN, MARY JANE, ELIZABETH, MARGARET, HANNAH ROBERTS WILLIAM,  HUGH WILLIAM and JOHN OWEN.   More than 100 years later some information was learned about Robert’s family.  Robert chose to remain in Wales after his parents migrated to America.  Although he did not remain active in the church he was never excommunicated.  He became affiliated with the church of England in Llanfairfechan, Carnarvonshire, Wales.  He died January 26, 1904, at Llanfairfechan, Wales and was buried there.  In July 1967 David Robert Roberts received a letter from F. Leslie Twist, Clerk and Chief Financial Officer, Llanfairfechan Urban District Council regarding the family.  Here is part of Mr. Twist’s  letter.  “I knew the Roberts” family of which you are a member.  I remember as a boy two ladies who kept the sub-post office in Village Road, Llanfairfechan for many years.  It was also a newspaper business.  I think one was Mary, a very small lady and the other her sister.  They are both deceased and buried in the local church yard here, both spinsters.  Then there was another sister, Hannah, who married a local postman.  They had no children.  He died when 48 and Hannah died in 1939, age 69, in December. In my written record of Hannah’s demise the local burial book of the local Council revealed she was buried in the local cemetery, Erw Feiriol.  Her husband was younger than she.  He died in 1935.  I do not know of the first born, William Owen, nor another sister. However, I remember John Roberts who was the local Post Master here.  He was a very fine singer, having a good tenor voice.  The whole family were very good living people and church goers (that is the Church of England, not Non-Conformists).  Mr. Roberts belonged to the church choir I believe, however, I do know that my father and he sang solos together in church (my father being quite a good singer also - baritone). 

 

                “Mr. John Roberts married an English lady, a Miss Gertrude Udale, and they had one daughter, Sybil Rosamond, born 24 December 1917.  It so happens I knew Sybil very well.  Unfortunately Mr. John Roberts had a very serious illness, cancer of the throat, and he died a long time ago when Sybil was a very small girl.  His widow married Mr. Edward W. Williams, who kept a grocery business at Dunphy Corner and of course Sybil lived with them.  Sybil had never married.  She worked for Civil Service and was transferred toLondon.  Her mother and step-father moved to London with her.  They lived in Middlesex, which is near London.”

 

                The following information has been verified by researching the Bishop’s Transcript Records in Llanfairfechan.  The oldest son William Owen, died at the age of three (born April 21, 1861 and died March 12, 1864 at Llanfairfechan); three girls were spinsters (Mary Jane born 11 June 1863 and died 18 May 1941)(Elizabeth born 5 March 1863 and died 5 January 1920)(Margaret born 19 May 1867 and died 17 April 1929), Hannah married Richard Owen Williams 20 November 1917.  She was 47 years of age and he was 31. They had no children.   She died 29 December 1939 at Llanfairfechan.   Her husband died in 1935.  Hugh William was born 24 June 1872 and died 19 December 1872 at Llanfairfechan.

 

                The only child from this family to have progeny was John Owen Roberts.  He was born 19 April 1874 at Llanfairfechan, married Gertrude Udale on 12 June 1912 and died 23 October 1923.  Gertrude Udale, daughter of Arthur and Martha Udale was bornSeptember 25, 1890 at Crewe, England and died March 8, 1971.   The following obituary was received from Sybil Rosamond Roberts, his daughter.  It appeared in the North Wales Weekly News, Conway, Caernarvonshire, Wales, October 1923.

 

                “Mr. John Owen Roberts’ died at the age of 49 of cancer of the larynx or generally known as the voice box.  Survivors:  Widow, Mrs. Gertrude Udele Roberts and a five-year old daughter, Sybil Rosamond Roberts’ Mr. Roberts was the Postmaster of Llanfairfechan who had succeeded his father after his demise.  The position as Postmaster has been in the Family for the last 100 years.  He has been unable to discharge his duties owing to the illness for the last six months, and steps had been taken to make a public presentation to him on his retirement, but death intervened.    He held the Postmaster-ship for 20 years and was a most efficient official, being popular alike with the public and his subordinates.  He was for many years in the Christ Church Choir.  He took a keen interest in the local Football Club, of which he was the Vice-president, and at the meeting of the Committee on Monday a vote of sympathy was passed for the Widow and child.

 

                The funeral took place amid manifest signs of deep respect and regret.  The large attendance bore silent testimony to the popularity of the deceased.  The first part of the funeral service was held at Christ Church, which was filled, and the surpliced choir attended.  The clergy who officiated were the Rev. F. P. Watkin-Davies, M.A. and the Rev Garel Jones (curate), the former reading the lesson from the Corinthians in Welsh.  The choir chanted the 39^th Psalm.  “I said I will take heed to my ways” and the hymns sung were “Just as I am” and Peace, Perfect Peace.”

 

                Among those present were the Postmaster of Bangor, Mr. W. Jones; the Postmaster of Penmaenmawr, Mr. J. Henry Thomas; Mr. W. G. Roberts, J. P.; Mr. J. L. McMichan; Councilor J. Harrison; Rev. John Griffith, Baptist Minister; Rev. W. E. Williams, C. M. Minister; Mr. Warren, surveyor; Mr. J. D. Williams; Mr. Pughe; Mr. E. Williams; Mr. Llewelyn Jones, Llandudno (formerly organist of Christ Church.)  The chief mourners were:  Miss Roberts (sister); Mrs. R. O. Williams (sister); Mr. A. Udale, Bangor (father-in-law); Mr. Penrhyn Williams, Newton (brother-in-law); Mr. W. St. Bodvan Griffith, Bangor (cousin); Miss M. A. Williams (cousin); Miss E. Williams (cousin); Miss M. Williams (cousin); Mr. R. O. Williams (brother-in-law); Mr. E. T. Stythe, Carnarvon (brother-in-law); Mr. V. Child, Bangor (brother-in-law); Mr. E. Godber, Bangor; and Mr. and Mrs. J. M. Jones.

 

                Wreaths were sent by the following:  Mannie and Baby; Mother, Mary and Margaret; Pa and Ma; Hannah and Dick; Annie, Penrhyn, and Cyril; Maude, Ernie and Vera; Lily, Vincent and Baby; Misses L. and F. Davies, Paragon; Mr. and Mrs. Cawthray and Donald; Mrs. H. Clifton Hughes; Post-Office and Telephone Staffs at Llanfairfechan; Winthrope Villa; All at Gladys Cottage; Miss Pickard; Tony, Preswylfa Lodge; Mrs. William, Edina; Mr. and Mrs. R. M. Williams; Messrs. J. S. and E. W. McMichan; Mr. W. St. Bodvan Griffith; Mrs. Moses Roberts; and Mr. and Mrs. North; M. A. and Eliza Williams and Maggie.  The interment was in the burial ground attached to the Parish Church.

 

                The following is an autobiography of Sybil Rosamond Roberts:  “I was born 24 December 1917, Llanfairfechan, Caernarvonshire, Wales, the only child of John Owen Roberts and Gertrude Udale Roberts.  My father died when I was five years old so I do not really remember him.  One of his hobbies was drawing and painting.  My mother married again when I was ten years of age.

 

                “I attended Junior School at Llanfairfechan,  from 7 to 10 and Bangor Girl’s School from 10 to 18.  In September 1939 following the outbreak of World War II, I became a temporary Civil Servant when I joined the newly created Ministry of Food, working in the local office at Llanfairfechan, Wales.   Following centralization of the local offices I left the Ministry early in 1950.  Later that year I sat a Civil Service examination and in March 1951 was posted to the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR) in London.  The DSIR was later reorganized and I remained in the major part which became the Ministry of Technology.  Some years later following further reorganization, part of the Ministry merged with the Board of Trade to become the Department of Trade and Industry.

 

                “Since 1951 I have worked in at least eight different buildings in various parts of London.  At present I am within a short distance of Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament and just across the park from Buckingham Palace, and on the route taken by the Queen and her Foreign guests when they drive from Victoria Station to the Palace in open carriages.

 

                “I first lived in Harrow-on-the-Hill, about eleven miles from London and in 1945 moved to the Kenton area of Harrow where my mother and stepfather joined me in 1967.  In Llanfairfechan both my mother and stepfather were connected with Church and other activities and served on many committees.  For many years mother was the Treasurer of both the Llanfairfechan branch and the Anglisey and the Caenarvonshire County branch of the British Legions (Woman’s Section) and in this connection twice met Queen Elizabeth (now the Queen Mother).  On the first occasion she presented a purse to the Queen (this was a donation from her branch to a special fund).  On the second occasion the Queen presented mother with a certificate of long service.

 

                My stepfather was also a Sergeant in the Special Constabulary.  They were both enthusiastic golfers.  My Stepfather died in 1969, and my mother in 1971.

 

                “In 1969  I received a letter from Lyman (the Hugh and Mary Owens Roberts Family Genealogist) making inquiries about my father’s family.  This was the first indication mother and I had that there were any members of my father’s family anywhere.  I provided what little information I had and this Easter (1972) when Lyman wrote and invited me to the “family reunion”—I decided to accept and within a few weeks was on my way to USA.  I have been given a truly wonderful welcome by some very wonderful people.”  (Sybil was glad to return to England where the temperature was only 69 degrees and here in Utah we had been having weather in the 90s.  She thinks when she comes again it will have to be in the spring or in the fall.  We all enjoyed having her visit with us.

 

ELIZABETH “BETSY” ROBERTS OWENS

                Elizabeth was the third child in a family of nine.  She was of good parentage though they were not blessed with much of the goods of this world; consequently, while she was reared to lead an honorable God-fearing life, she was not given much training in school and was required to begin working early in her career.  Circumstances necessitated her continuing in hard work throughout her life until old age prevented her.  She was ambitious and was trained in taking the lead in affairs because she had been required through much of her life to rely wholly upon her own resources for the sustenance of herself and her family and for their well-being.

 

                She was of medium size and well proportioned, and had blue eyes and medium light hair.  She was of a strong and vigorous constitution.  She had a good singing voice and liked to sing and manifested much talent.  The same has been transmitted to many of her descendants.  She was a good neighbor and learned to mind her own business.  She was firm in her convictions and reared her family in the fear of the true and living God, whom she worshipped.

 

                Elizabeth accepted the restored gospel message delivered by Robert Evans, a friend of the family and Able Evans.  She was baptized into the Church July 14, 1849, by Elder Able Evans.  At Eglwysbach she bore her share of the contempt, derision and persecution of those who belonged to that unpopular faith, being willing to forsake all that was dear to her for it.

 

                In her early years after attaining an age to be of aid in the family duties, she delivered shoes to the farmers and others who had the work done at her father’s shop in Eglwysbach, as well as other errands.  As she grew older she went to work for families who needed her help.  Among other places where she was employed at this time was a tavern at a summer resort called Abergella, operated by Mr. Lloyd.  She was a good singer and sang while Mr. Lloyd played the accordion to entertain the guests.  She also served the guests and assisted in the work about the place.  Mr. Lloyd was her “Godfather.”  A Mr. Jones on one occasion visited the tavern and desiring her services took her to Liverpool to assist his wife and family where she remained three months.  She later went to live with the Thomas Jones family.  He was a butcher and a member of the Mormon Church.  Then Mr. Jones secured a place for her with a Scotch family as a nurse, where she remained a year.  She then went to live with Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Henson, assisting in the home. Mrs. Henson was Irish (Alice Dawdle before her marriage) and a very excellent woman who treated her very well.  When she went to Liverpool she could not speak English.  She met an Elder Peter Evans, also of her faith, who directed her to a branch of the Church. While here she learned the English language very rapidly and soon became able to understand and converse in the English language.  She spent five years in Liverpool.

 

                The time was at hand now for a great change in her life.  She desired to go to America where the body of the Church was located.  She obtained her parents consent and with the money paid by Robert, her brother, into the emigration fund  for his fare, which could not be returned upon his refusal to go, she prepared for the journey to Zion in his stead.  She bade adieu to home, family and friends, and alone joined a company of 431 Saints gathered in Liverpool.  On April 17, 1855, they boarded the sailing ship “Chimborazo” at Liverpool docks and under the leadership of Thomas Jeremy and Edward Stephenson, set sail for America.  The ship landed in Philadelphia, PA, on 21 May 1855, after an ordinary voyage.

 

                At Philadelphia they took the railroad train to Pittsburgh, PA, and from there by boat down the Ohio River and up the Mississippi to St. Louis, Missouri.  From there they went by boat to Hutchinson, Kansas.  The Missouri River was shallow in places.  The boat grounded and they had to walk at times.  From Hutchinson to Mormon Grove the company went by ox teams, which journey she walked all the way.  At Mormon Grove they met a large wagon train under the leadership of Col. Seth M. Blair.  He had joined the Church and had migrated to the Valley some time before.  He had gone back to Texas on a mission and was now returning with a company of Texas Saints whom he had been the means of converting.

 

                At this juncture it was claimed by those in charge of Elizabeth’s company that on account of the unusually heavy charges on the way all of her fare was used up and that she would have to pay more to continue her journey across the plains.  Mormon Grove was the outfitting place of the great plains journey at this time.  This was a serious predicament for a young woman who was without money and a long way from home and family, in a strange land among a strange people.  But the Lord was with her and opened the way.

 

                The Texas company had previously sold their Negro slaves according to council.  The money was loaned to buy merchandise to supply the needs of the West.  The opportunity now came for Elizabeth to enter the service of a Sister Johnson, a lady of some means who had sold her slaves and who had a carriage to ride in.  Elizabeth engaged to help Sister Johnson on the journey for her fare across the plains and she therefore joined the Texas company.

 

                The Seth M. Blair Ox Train started on its eventful journey and had gone about five or six days journey westward from Mormon Grove when one evening at the usual evening meeting after camping Col. Seth M. Blair, who was the leader, because of difficulties that had arisen charge that they had spoken “evil against the Lord’s anointed” and said, “They should die like rotten sheep and their bones should bleach in the sun upon the plains.”  He said that he would take the stage next day and go on to the mountains, which he did, leaving Elder Richard Stevens, an Elder returning from Nova Scotia, in charge of the company.  When the meeting was dismissed, there was a woman who screamed with cramps.  She had the cholera.  Next morning she was dead and her daughter was sick with the dreaded disease.

 

                That day they were met by six Elders with pack horses on their way East on missions.  She went to them and explained to them what had happened and pleaded with them to take her back to her former company at Mormon Grove.  The Elder in charge of the missionaries heard her story, paused a moment, then looking at her he said, placing his hand on her head, “Sister, do not fear.  Go on with the company and you will arrive safe and well.”  She was satisfied.  All fear left her and she went on.  Cholera was spreading throughout the company and several were dying.  Sister Sandel was in the grip of the disease crying with agony when Elizabeth returned from her conference with the missionaries.  Sister Sandel, her husband and the oldest daughter of the family of eight children died. The five smallest children were left helpless orphans and were taken by kind friends to the valleys and cared for.

 

                A Sister Jones lost her husband and five children, leaving her alone with a babe in her arms.  Over thirty persons died of the scourge and were buried in shallow graves as the train went on its westward journey from day to day.  Elizabeth attended the sick and prepared for burial every woman who died of the disease and never had an hour of illness but was “well through the journey.”

 

                The graves of the dead were made shallow because the men were tired from walking all day and standing guard half of the night and there was not time to linger on the way.  Later companies coming on told them that the graves were opened by the wolves and the bones of the dead were scattered over the ground.  Thus was the curse of Col. Seth M. Blair fulfilled to the letter.  One day as they came to a good camping place, Captain Richard Stevens ordered a stay of two days.  The first day was for the sisters to clean up and for a wash day of the clothing that was needed.  The second day was to be a day of fasting and prayer and all were rebaptized to rid themselves of the plague.  This was done and not one of the company died afterwards.

 

                Sister Johnson, whom Elizabeth rode with, was a widow.  She had three sons and three daughters.  The youngest son, Alf, had been sick several days with the mountain fever and was getting well.  They always cooked their bread at night and in the morning so that they did not have to cook it at dinner time.  All they had to do at noon was to take their baskets out and place their food on a cloth on the grass.  One day the captain told them not o unyoke their oxen because there was neither grass nor water for the cattle.  So they just stood and ate their lunch.  Alfred Johnson was in the wagon lying in bed that day, and Sister Johnson put his lunch on a plate just as quickly as she could after stopping and sent Elizabeth with it to the wagon.  Alfred was hungry and said, “You’d let a fellow starve to death.  You have been three hours getting this lunch.”  Elizabeth said, “What a lie.”  “Well,” he said, “Do you call me a liar?” and he pulled his pistol from under his pillow and shot at her.  Elizabeth relates, “It surprised me so that I stood and I felt something taking hold of my head and moving it back as quick as thought and the bullet went by my head.  I felt the air move as the bullet passed my face.  He aimed at me alright but I felt gentle hands as real as my own move my head.  I didn’t think he would shoot but just trying to scare me.  I looked around to see who had moved my head and there was nobody near.  Of course the camp was excited and Alfred’s uncle promised if he ever said or did anything to me again he (the uncle) would “fix him”.”  Thus was she saved and made a “safe” journey notwithstanding her peril and she was very grateful.

 

                She saw only two or three Indian braves during the journey.  They came on ponies when the company was camped, dismounted, laid on the ground on their stomachs with their hands under their chins and watched the “Whites” curiously.  Soon they mounted their ponies and rode away without molestation.  She saw a herd of buffalo at one time on the plains a little distance away.

 

                While on the plains word came to them to be very careful with their food and flour as the crops in the valleys were failing on account of the drought and the crickets.  On Tuesday, September 11, 1855, Elizabeth landed with the Texas Company in Salt Lake City. The eventual journey was ended and she was “Safe and well”.  She had no home, no place to go. No friends, no family, all were strangers and she went with strangers wherever she could, working here and there for her board.  Food was very scarce.

 

                She was working for her board at the house of Richard Morris whose wife was confined.  At that time she was courted by William J. Owens to whom she was married on January 2, 1856, by Ezra T. Benson, at his home.  After the marriage in company with Richard Morris and his wife, they went to the home of Daniel Daniels, where William J. Owens had been living and had a wedding supper consisting of bread, butter and cold bacon which was rather sumptuous, considering the conditions of those days.  They rented a room of a Grandma David and went to housekeeping.

 

                In the spring of 1856 they moved to Willard, Box Elder County, because William Owens had some wheat due him there for working on a threshing machine and as foodstuff was very scarce, they had to go there to take care of it.  They obtained the use of a cow from a friend for the loan of wheat for the summer because many people were without flour or wheat.  Everyone was on rations.  Food conditions were serious.  Bishop Hubbard of Willard gave his team twice a week for the women who had no teams to go to dig Segos by the Hot Springs because bread was so scarce.  Emigrants and the poor were offering all they had: jewelry, watches, everything, even to their articles of personal clothing, to get bread.  President Brigham Young condemned those who were taking advantage of the poor.

 

                Elizabeth and her husband went to the Endowment House, Salt Lake City, with ox teams arriving in June and on June 3, 1856, they received their endowments and were sealed together for eternity.  They made their stay while there with Brother Joseph Evans of the 19^th Ward.  Sister Evans said to Sister Elizabeth, “Now you can get your supper, the table is empty.”  Elizabeth placed her bread on the table.  There was a strange lady there and as Elizabeth placed her food on the table this lady ran out of the house.  Sister Evans went after her and asked what was the matter with her.  The lady said she had not had white bread for two months and when she saw it on the table she either had to run out or take a loaf.  William Owens said, “Can’t we spare her some?” and Elizabeth said, “We will whether we can or not.”  They returned to Willard and remained there until the move south.  During the interval they had all of their wheat ground into flour expecting to go to the White Mountains and Wm. Owens worked for a yoke of steers and a wagon to move them to Salt Lake City.  When they left, there was some bran in one corner of the house, some potatoes in the cellar and a stack of hay, also some papers and books.  They had no shoes and no money to buy any while living in Willard so they traded some butter to a Danish man living in Brigham City for two pair of wooden clogs.  Wm. Owens was employed building a dry rock well near the settlement and dropped a rock on one of his wooden clogs and split it and Elizabeth gave him hers to wear.  There was a shoemaker living there and he gave Elizabeth a change to bind shoes (the kind of work she had in her father’s shop in Wales) for him, and in this way she got shoes for herself, but upon her husband being called to go to Echo Canyon to stand guard there, the shoes were ordered made for him.

 

                Wm. Owens was called with others to guard in Echo Canyon on account of the coming of Johnson’s Army during all of the winter of 1856 and 57, which was a severe ordeal for them all as supplies were meager and the winter was severe.  While he was in Echo Canyon their only cow was lost so Elizabeth took Jeanette, her babe, in her arms and went out for two days to hunt the cow.  On the second day she found the cow in a slough where she had been killed by wolves and partly eaten.  Some neighbors went out and saved the hide and what meat they could that was clean.  Later Wm. Owens skinned the head and made mocassins for her, turning the hairy side of the hide inward.  They were quite comfortable.

 

                During the spring and summer of 1858, William Owens was appointed to watch the fields, to irrigate and to stand guard.  But not being assigned any work he returned to Salt Lake City.  There was a complaint made to President Brigham Young because of his leaving his post, but he was exonerated by Pres. Young and released because he said “A poor man could not be expected to be idle.”  Wm. Owens then hired a team and they moved on southward, being instructed not to stop north of the north Utah County line or the point of the mountain.  They went to Lehi, then to American Fork and, not finding a suitable place to stay, continued on southward to Provo.  Finding no place to live in Provo and having no wagon nor tent, they camped on the banks of the Provo River in the willows.  They made a tent of brush and wove willows into mats to keep themselves and their flour off the ground.  This was all well enough except when it rained, and then they got it all.  Here they remained during the summer and until cold autumn weather came.

 

                The soldiers came through and moved to Camp Floyd.  Wm. Owens and another neighbor man went to that camp to work for the soldiers, helping to build barracks for them.  In this way he earned some money.  The weather, now getting cold, he was sent for by Elizabeth to move them and to find shelter for them.  He came and moved back to Salt Lake City being among the last to go.  He returned to Willard and everything they had left was destroyed and gone, including Welsh magazines, Millennial stars, and some records of the dead.

 

                The soldiers came when the people were destitute for clothing and other necessities and they (the soldiers) brought these necessities in abundance including money to buy bread, bacon and clothing, wagons, mules, blankets, arms and ammunition.  So what appeared to be destruction in the coming of Johnson’s Army proved to be a blessing.

 

                Finally Elizabeth and husband moved from Salt Lake City over on the Weber River in the Weber Canyon on a ranch at Henefer.  It was a little valley or opening in the canyon.  They were, after being there some time, milking as many as forty cows.

 

                Elizabeth now became very desirous of having her father’s family come to Zion and began saving what she could to assist them.  About this time she dreamed that there was a ship on the ocean with her father and his family on board and that someone told her to come and pull them to America.  There was a rope attached to the boat reaching to the shore, and she could walk on the shore.  She did so and took hold of the rope and pulled and tugged until the sweat poured off her but could not “budge it.”  Her brother, Robert, laid on the sand laughing and making fun of her saying, “How foolish it is of you to try to pull them to America.  You can never do it.”  She said, “I’ve got to do it.  I must do it.”  She turned and saw her sister, margaret, coming to help her.  Margaret said, “Wait a minute and I’ll help you.”  So they pulled together and accomplished it.

 

                The year 1861 came around and Margaret came to Zion.  Shortly after her arrival she married Evan S. Morgan and moved to Rush Valley, Tooele County, to live.  In a few months Evan S. Morgan wrote a letter to William Owens reminding him that he had promised to help the old folks out to America and that he (Morgan) was ready to do his part.  Wm. Owens replied that he would not help as he had something else to do with his money.  About this time he went away and left Elizabeth to milk the cows, which she did, and saved the butter.  Soon she had a solid forty gallon barrel of butter salted down.  This she turned over to the Perpetual Emigration Fund to assist her folks to migrate.  Wm. Owens rather reluctantly hauled the butter to Salt Lake City and delivered it to the proper authorities.  This, with what Margaret did and what the folks could do, created a fund sufficient to bring them to the frontiers of Wyoming on the banks of the Missouri River in 1864.  From there the Church brought them through by a missionary train of ox teams that was sent from the valleys for them and others.

 

                Elizabeth went about six miles up Echo Canyon and met her father and family who were behind their company on account of the breaking of their wagon after leaving Bridger and their having to wait over and repair it.  What a happy meeting after having been separated over nine years and after passing through such vicissitudes and experiences.  God had, after all, been good to them.  All of the family who could come were now here in the land of their choice, where the “House of the Lord” was being reared in the tops of the mountains.  She took them to her home in Henefer and made them welcome and as comfortable as she could where they, expecting Mary, remained a short time.  Finally the newcomers moved to Salt Lake City in November 1864, where they remained during the winter of 1864 and 1865 and in the spring of 1865 they moved to Smithfield, Cache Valley and secured a home for themselves.

 

                Wm. Owens spent most of his time in Salt Lake City until he almost deserted Elizabeth and her children, leaving them to provide for themselves as best they could.  Finally tiring of the conditions, and upon the invitation of her father and mother, Elizabeth left Henefer and took her family to Smithfield, where she secured a home of her own within one block of her parents.  There she reared her family of two boys and five girls.  She had a hard struggle always and learned of necessity to be self-reliant and industrious.  Two of her daughters, Charlotte and Hannah, died in their youth through diphtheria.  The others, living to man and womanhood, except for her son, John, married and raised large and splendid families.

 

                John, a splendid man loved by all, died at Liberty, Idaho, of blood poison on the eve of his marriage and was mourned by all.  Through all, Elizabeth has been faithful and true to her family, her God and His work in the earth, and now at the age of 92 is living with her daughter Mary Owens Thompson Pratt at Preston, Idaho, with a full assurance of a glorious reward.

 

                During her life at Preston, she had a dream that made a firm impression upon her and which in some features, was very comforting to her.  She related, “I dreamed that my guide came to me.  He was a great friend and I felt perfectly safe with him.  I had never seen his face.  He told me to follow him, and without hesitation or question I did so feeling it was my duty.  He took me over the earth, just above it—just over the tree tops—and I could look below and see everything as we went along.  We went to a forsaken country where there was only sporting and wickedness and I said, “What, only sporting?  Let us not stay here—let’s go farther.”  I did not want to stay there so we went on and came to a gap in the sea.  A horrible, dark, forbidding pass of the ocean was made.  It was very dangerous but we passed over it safely, then over a great ledge of rocks or cliffs that were very rough and rocks, into a beautiful canyon where all was so pretty and such peace as was there.  I said to my guide, “O, let me lie down here and sleep and die.”  He said that I would not be permitted to do that.  He said that the eyes of the wicked had never been permitted to see that place and that the Lord would provide a way to reach it when it was needed, as it was a place of safety and that the time would come when the great wealth and rare products of that land would be used to build the New Jerusalem.  It was a most beautiful land of great wealth and rare trees and plants.  I noticed dour different kinds of evergreens and they were so different from anything I had ever seen before.  One was a very light green, another a very dark green, another was peculiarly striped and the other had something on it that sparkled like pearls.  The guide said that when the time came to take people there, they will be much surprised to see it and to think that there was such a place.  They will have to cross a big body of water to enable them to get into it.  I awoke with a feeling of peace and joy.”

 

                After Charlotte and Hannah had died and all the rest were married but her son, Will, she went to Fairview, Idaho, with her daughter Mary, who had recently lost her husband, Thomas W. Thompson.  Here she helped make a home for them all, her daughter having at this time a baby, Mildred.  It was not long, however, until Mary remarried, this time to Bishop Moroni W. Pratt, of Fairview.  Elizabeth was then left on the farm to keep house for her son Will.  However, Will found a wife.  He married Etta Nelson so Elizabeth gave up her home to Will and went to live with Mary.  She has been with Mary ever since in Preston, Idaho.

 

                About the year 1901 or 1902 she was strongly impressed to keep the “Word of Wisdom”.  She had been a habitual user of tea, having been brought up on it in the old country.  She had never felt strongly enough to quit it before, and felt the Word of Wisdom was for children brought up in Zion rather than for those who had used tea since childhood in foreign lands.  But at this time she was so strongly impressed that she made up her mind to quit, with the help of the Lord, and has never touched it since.  She had 39 grandchildren.  She died at the age of 94 years in Preston, Idaho, and was buried in Smithfield Cemetery, Smithfield, Utah.

William J. Owens

                The following is a short biography of Elizabeth’s husband dictated by her.  William J. Owens was the son of John Owens and Charlotte Lewis Owens.  He was born 1 May 1827 at Glanmorganshire, South Wales (but it may have been Swansea).  Sometime before 1854 he married Jennette Lewis.  She had two stillborn children.  In the spring of 1854 they had joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  They started on their journey to Utah from Swansea, South Wales.

 

                When in St. Louis his wife Jennette was taken ill with cholera and after giving birth to a child, both she and the babe died.  They were buried in an unmarked grave at St. Louis, MO.  William continued on to Salt Lake City, arriving there sometime in the fall of 1854.  In his native land of South Wales, his occupation was a collier, in the coal mines at Swansea.  When he arrived in the Salt Lake Valley, he worked at whatever he could find to do and in 1855, he worked on the thresher at Willard, Utah, where he was paid in grain.

 

                He stored this grain with a Brother David, and on January 27, 1856, he married Elizabeth Roberts.  His grain being in Willard (all he possessed), they went there to make their home.  He helped build the stone walls around that city, some of which are still standing.  They lived in Willard until the “move south” in 1857.  He was one of the guards in Echo Canyon.  In the late fall of 1857 they moved to Salt Lake City.  In the fall of 1861 or 1862 his wife, Elizabeth, went to the Public Square where the emigrants camped when they arrived in Salt Lake City.  There had been a hand-cart company just arrived, and she with others went to see what they could do for them.  There she found two women, a Mrs. Robert Dawson and daughter Elizabeth (Betsy) Dawson.  She took them home with her and William Owens married the daughter, Betsy.  She was very interested in the children (she never had any of her own) as she could have been if they were hers.  She was a good woman and did everything she could to help the children as long as they lived together. Some time afterward William married Ann Harris, who had two sons Micah and Daniel.

 

                William died March 17, 1874 at the boarding house he was then running in Salt Lake City and was buried there.

 

MARGARET ROBERTS MORGAN

                Margaret was born May 17, 1841, at Eglwysbach.  Her father joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints before she was seven years old.  Through her earnest pleadings, her father allowed her to be baptized while she was yet in her seventh year.  On account of having affiliated themselves with such a despised sect, they were shunned by everyone and her father’s trade, which was that of a shoemaker, dwindled away until he was unable to support his family.

 

                At the tender age of seven years Margaret was obliged to go from home during the day to care for children as well as other odd jobs, such as her age and strength would permit.  She often said that for a weeks’ work she received cloth enough to make an apron or some article of underwear or perhaps some small thing to take home for other members of the family.

 

                As she grew older she obtained work with the more well-to-do people who were glad to have care for their children.  She also hired as a maid.  Her honesty was often tested by those for whom she worked by leaving pieces of money around.  Though she was very poor, she always picked the money up as she cleaned and returned it to her mistress.

 

                After becoming a member of the Church she was deeply interested in listening to her father and other Elders explain the principles of the Gospel.  Though young, her mind seemed to light-up by the Spirit of God so she was able to understand what they taught.

 

                In the spring of 1861 her father decided to send another member of the family to Zion, Elizabeth having already gone in 1855 with some of the Elders and Saints who were going.  Elder Lewis, I think, suggested it to be Catherine, an older sister.  However, she was rather delicate of health and lacked confidence in her own ability to travel alone.  Margaret had developed a character for independence, inasmuch as she had worked away from home a good deal.  She felt she could take care of herself, that “in time she would be a blessing to the entire family”.  This prediction was literally fulfilled (as has been noted in the history of Elizabeth above).  Elizabeth told Margaret’s daughter Hannah “Your mother has always been the prop and backbone of father’s family.”

 

                Margaret walked across the plains.  The following incident happened on the Great Plains in 1861.  It happened while she was on her way with an emigrant train enroute to the valleys of the mountains.  One day as the train of ox teams was winding its way along the Mormon trail westward they came to a place on the bottom of the North platt River, nearing the mountains where there were a lot of wild native currants just in that condition of lucious ripeness to be best, and the bushes were just loaded.  Margaret with about six or seven companions, young people who like herself were walking went into those bushes and picked and picked and picked currants, ate their fill, and filled aprons, hats and pockets.  Time and the train went on unnoticed and the train was some distance ahead.  After getting currants to their hearts content the young people went out again on the roadway, now hurriedly, to follow and catch the train.  To their dismay and horror, standing in the road ahead of them and between them and their train were two stalwart Indian warriors with arms folded in full war regailia, facing and watching them.  What were they to do?  They had no weapons—nothing to protect themselves.  They had been counciled and warned never to leave the train under any circumstances and they had disobeyed.  They threw the fruit away, filled with consternation, prayed for help and deliverance with all their souls.  They stood wondering what to do.  It seemed an age.  Presently the Indians smiled at them, left the road, and went off through the country afoot and the young people proceeded in haste to catch the train, thankful for deliverance and with a firm determination never again to disobey council.  They believed that God had brought about their deliverance and their safe return to camp and they had learned a lesson in such a way as never to be forgotten by them, and their gratitude ever went up to God for His mercy to them.

 

Her 20^th birthday occurred during that journey, at which they would sing and tell stories as they journey along.  Margaret went to live with Brother and Sister Matthews for some time after arriving in Salt Lake City.  They were very kind to her.  While living with a family near Ogden, she had her first experience with red peppers.  Having neither seen nor heard of red peppers and finding some growing in the garden, she judged from their appearance that they must be good to eat.  She tasted one—that bite was sufficient to satisfy her appetite for red peppers for the rest of her life.

 

                Margaret lived for some time with Elizabeth on a ranch in Henefer.  Few girls could ride horses so well as she.  She often forded the Weber River to drive cows in for milking.

 

                She married Evan Samuel Morgan May 1, 1863, and he and Margaret went to live at Shambip, Rush Valley, Tooele County, Utah.  In April 1864 Evan went to Bear Lake Valley to look for a new home.  He left Margaret in Shambip.  She grew garden-stuff which she sold for a good price to the soldiers who were camped not far from there.  Hugh Evan, her first child, was born one month before his father returned from Bear Lake.

 

                April 1, 1865 Evan and Margaret received their endowments in the Endowment House in Salt Lake City.  That same spring Evan returned to Bear Lake Valley, taking what few stock he had and made preparation for moving Margaret.  In the fall he returned to Rush Valley and left there in October for their new home.  Their team consisted of two yoke of oxen.  During this trip they were forced to make what was known ad “Dry camp” after leaving the area now known as Mantua, Box Elder County, Utah.  Evan had broken the tongue of his wagon and he could not fix it before dark.  There were other travelers there also.  These people had several head of cattle and horses for teams.  Since there was no water, they milked their cows and gave the milk to the animals to drink.

 

                Hugh Evan, being only a baby, cried for a drink, and Margaret seeing the people with such an abundance of milk thought surely she could get some for her baby.  She took a pint cup and went and asked if she might have a pint of milk.  She was flatly refused and told that they needed it for their horses and cattle.

 

                Margaret lived to see the day when she enjoyed many of the comforts of life which these people did not have.  It was her privilege to minister to the wants of some of their grandchildren, who were in distressing circumstances.

 

                They reached their destination November 1, 1865.  Their home was near the mouth of the canyon.  Margaret often had to entertain travelers from the lower Valley.  Often she had the leaders of the Church and the Sisters from Salt Lake City.  Her home was a haven of rest for hundreds of people.

 

                She was in possession of many of the gifts of the Gospel, especially was she endowed with the gift of discernment and has been able to read the very thoughts of people and thwart them in their evil designs.  Everyone with whom she came in contact made a confident of her, even strangers.  Though her book learning was limited, she had a rich store of knowledge.  She was a careful observer, an attentive listener and a deep thinker.  She had exceptional ability as a financier.  At one time the Stake Relief Society officers asked her to submit the plan used by her for raising funds for carrying on their work.

 

                She was chosen as president of the Relief Society in Liberty, a position which she held for 32 years.  Margaret spent much of her time ministering to the sick, often being away from home two and three days at a time.  On several occasions children’s lives have been saved through her untiring efforts and exercise of faith along with the administrations of the Priesthood.  One remarkable instance of this kind occurred in her brother John Roberts’ family.  Two of Fannie’s children had already died with membranous croup. Reuben, the third child, was given up to die by the doctors when Margaret was called in.  Through faith and prayers and her unceasing efforts through one day and night, his life was spared.

 

                Margaret’s entire life was one of usefulness and truly did she fulfill the words of the Savior when He said, “Inasmuch as ye do it unto the least of one of these, ye do it unto me.”  She died March 20, 1918, at the home of Caddie Morgan where she was visiting for a week.  She was sick only a few days and died as she had lived, a faithful Latter-day Saint.

 

Evan Samuel Morgan

                The following is a short biography of Margaret’s husband, Evan Samuel Morgan.  Evan was the son of William and Sarah Davis Morgan.  He was born November 29, 1833, on a small farm called “Ynys Ymond”, Cadaxton Parish, Glamorganshire, Wales, which is about seven miles from the seaport of Swansea.  After a few years in school, he commenced working in a mine at the age of eleven.  When about fourteen years of age, he met with an accident which seriously injured his leg and incapacitated him for five months.

 

                At sixteen a boy friend gave him some Latter-day Saint’s literature, which Evan read with great joy as he believed it to be true.  Later his brother William, who had previously joined the Church, gave him a Book of Mormon in English.  He read it through and believed it to be the truth.  Shortly after this he attended a street meeting and heard Elder Evan A. Williams explain some of the new doctrines.  This was the first Gospel sermon he had ever heard.  Evans said: “It was the sweetest thing I had ever heard.”  He attended several open air meetings after this time and was baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ October 18, 1851, by Elder James J. Davis and confirmed on October 23, 1851, by the same Elder.  He was ordained a deacon October 27, 1851, by Elder William Lewis; a priest January 1, 1854 by Elder William Lewis.  After this he began to preach the Gospel in his home town.  He was ordained an Elder November 6, 1854 by Thomas E. Jeremy; a high priest September 8, 1883 by George Osmond.  Evan still continued to work in the coal mines.

 

                In August 1854 he answered a call for volunteers to travel and preach the Gospel.  He was appointed to labor in Carmarthenshire and shortly after was appointed as President, a position he held until February 4, 1855, when he was released to return to his home in Glamorganshire.

 

                When he returned home he found it very difficult to obtain work unless he renounce his religion.  This he would not do.  He therefore had to seek employment some miles from home.  For two years he continued to preach the Gospel and was called to preside over different branches and also to preside over a conference.

 

                March 22, 1857, he left Swansea for Liverpool, on his way to America.  He arrived at this destination March 23 at 6 p.m.  March 28^th he boarded the sailing vessel, George Washington, and started for America.  The sea was quite rough and Evan suffered some seasickness, but was able to assist in caring for others.  He reached Boston on Monday, April 20^th, with just enough money to buy one meal.  A stranger in a strange land.  But the Lord prepared the way before him.  A sister loaned him $5 to pay his railroad fare fromBoston to Iowa.  This he paid back shortly after arriving in the Valley.  Sister Ann Roberts, who was rather sickly and who had paid her hand-cart fare in Liverpool, became discouraged about crossing the plains and allowed him to go in her place.

 

                May 21^st he started on his journey across the Plains, pulling a handcart all the way to Salt Lake and arriving there the 11^th of September.  He endured the hardship incident to crossing the Plains but said that on the whole he enjoyed the journey.  On his arrival inSalt Lake City, he was met by his brother William’s wife, who took him with her to Shambip, Tooele County.  Here he found employment digging potatoes, hauling firewood for which he received very small wages.  At the time of the entrance of Johnson’s Army, he took care of Brother Bates’ cattle at the point of the mountain.  When the soldiers moved to Camp Floyd, he worked there for some time and received good wages.

 

                In the spring of 1851 he was sent to Florence to meet the emigrants.  He returned to Salt Lake in September.  October 3, 1861, he was married to Mary Parry, who was born in 1840 in Denbighshire, Wales.  A baby came to bless their home on January 30, 1863and was named John parry.  His wife died February 7, and the baby died February 23.  Both were buried in Tooele.

 

                May 1, 1863, he married Margaret Roberts.  On September 12, 1864, she gave birth to a boy, Hugh Evan.  In April 1864 he went to Bear Lake to seek a new home.  He settled on North Creek, now called Liberty.  He took up 30 acres of land, cultivating about five acres.  His provisions were very low and he lived on carrots and bran.  He returned to Tooele in October and remained over the winter. 

 

                In the fall of 1865 Evan took his family and their few belongings to their new home in Bear Lake.  During the summer of 1866, the Indians were so hostile all of the settlers were advised to move to Paris.  All were leaving but Evan and his family, owing to the fact that Margaret was too ill with what is now known as pneumonia.  A Sister Clark and husband decided to remain with them and trust the Lord to protect them and they were unmolested.  The frost was early and took the grain before it ripened, causing much suffering. There was no market for their produce so Evan took it to Cache Valley and even to Ogden, where he got a good price for it.  But things they had to buy were also high in price.

 

                He was always an active Church worker.  He served as 2^nd Counselor to Levi Hammon, who was appointed by Apostle Charles C. Rich to preside over the Liberty Branch.  He later served as Counselor to Bishop Edwin N. Austin.  In 1870 he was called to be Superintendent of the first Sunday School in Liberty.  He also presided over the Mutual for some time.  In 1876 he was called by Apostle Charles C. Rich to locate the best canyon as an outlet for the construction of a road to the lower Valley.  He selected EmigrationCanyon and although his advice was not followed, engineers who have later been inspecting the condition have reported it one of the best grades of canyon road.

 

                On September 8, 1883, he was ordained a High priest by George Osmund and set apart as a member of the High Council.  This position he held until he was released in 1889, to go on a mission to Wales.  While there his father, who was blind, died and he had the satisfaction of seeing him properly buried.  He died May 1913 at the age of 78 years and six months, from general debility and kidney trouble.   He was a faithful Latter-day Saint, never doubting that Joseph Smith was a true Prophet, or the authenticity of the Book of Mormon.  Though his education gained in school was limited, he made use of his spare moments in home study and acquired a rich fund of knowledge.

 

CATHERINE ROBERTS ROBERTS

 

                Catherine was born 12 April 1839.  Near the family home in Eglwysbach was a spring used by the entire village for water for household use.  Each day when Catherine went to the spring for water, the minister of the church having learned that she and her family had joined the Mormons would meet her at the spring.  He made all kinds of wonderful offers to the girl to induce her to forsake her religion.  He offered a fine education, beautiful clothes, and a good home.  But she stood the test and remained true to the cause she had espoused.  She worked at odd jobs until her parents were able to emigrate to Zion.

 

                The family left their native village in the night time because of the persecution there, fearing violence.  Accordingly after all necessary preparations were made, at about three o’clock in the morning of May 16, 1864, they slipped away from their loved Eglwysbach and its endearing ties, afoot to Abergala about 15 miles away.  They remained over night at Abergala.  Their baggage had been sent ahead in a horse-drawn cart belonging to David Davis.  The next day they went to a small seaport near Abergala, then by boat toLiverpool, arriving there in the afternoon of May 17, 1864.  They left Liverpool for America about 5 o’clock in the afternoon of 21 May 1864, sailing on the sailing ship “McClellan” after having endured much persecution for the Gospel’s sake in their native land.  It was with feelings of mingled joy and sorrow that they took a last look at the British Isles, as the shadows of night closed about them. 

 

                Hugh, his wife Mary, and Catherine, Mary, Hannah and John left Wales together.  They landed June 21, 1864, at New York, and passed inspection without difficulty.  There were 900 Saints on board the “McClellan.”  Elders Thomas Jeremy and George Bywater were in charge of the whole company.  During the course of the sea voyage there was a very severe storm upon the sea lasting three days, and it was thought the ship would go down.  One child was born during the voyage, and one child died and was buried at sea. The boat touched Boston on a beautiful Sunday morning and the ringing of the church bells of the city could be heard by the passengers.  This was their introduction to America, the land of the free.

 

                At New York they boarded a steamer in the night time and next morning after passing up the Hudson River, landed in Albany, New York.  From there they took a train to Erie, PA, where the train was put on a boat bound for Canada.  The Civil War was on, and some evidence of it could be seen as they journeyed through the country.  While transferring at Erie the mob spirit was very manifest among the American on-lookers and those who attended the transfer.  One man with a timber in his hand was told by a companion to “Hit that old gray-headed man,” (meaning Hugh) “but don’t hit the girls,” (Meaning the daughters Catherine, Mary and Hannah.)  But Hugh was let to go uninjured and unmolested.  Some of the Saints of the company however were very roughly handled.

 

                The spirit of the people in the United States seemed to be so hostile toward them that when the company arrived on Canadian soil where the feeling was so kindly and friendly, Hugh raised his hands high toward heaven and said, “Thank God we are on British soil once more.”  The train preceded on its journey westward, returning to the United States at Detroit, MI, then proceeded on to St. Joseph, Missouri, where they left it and camped in a large warehouse.  Here they took a boat again for a trip up the Missouri River.

 

                The River was shallow in places, and the boat was over-loaded.  It would sometimes run into the sand bars in shallow water and stick in the sand and mud and the passengers would have to get off and walk, sometimes for considerable distances.  Finally after a day and half of such traveling they came to a place called Wyoming, which was located on the West bank of the Missouri River, and which was then the outfitting place for the west-bound emigrant trains in preparation to cross the great plains.  They hurriedly jumped out of the boat there at midnight in a terrible storm and in thick darkness.  They could see only during the vivid flashes of lightening.  The family made their way from the boat partly up the gradual sloping river bank to a large chokecherry bush for partial shelter, drenched through, to wait for the coming of day.  To add to their miseries and worries, some of their luggage was lost, but the most part of it was found the next day.

 

                No bad effects were felt by any as a result of the drenching they had on landing.  There was no shelter whatsoever at Wyoming, so they made a tent from some bed ticking they had with them in which they lived for three weeks, patiently waiting until the teams arrived from the valleys to take them to their future home.  Upon arrival of the ox teams or train from the west, the people and their baggage were loaded into the wagons.  Two yoke of Oxen had brought a load of provisions for them for the journey.  Most of the outfits of the camp were provided with four yoke of oxen, with three families to each wagon.  The westward move of the company is characteristic style, still under the same George Bywater, began with John Warren as the immediate Captain and leader of the Hugh Roberts family.

 

                After proceeding westward about three days from Wyoming, the dreaded Cholera broke out in the camp and continued until over 50 souls were left in unmarked graves on the plains.  Some of the train were dying daily.  The babe that was born at sea, its mother and father and all of a family of 7 children except one girl 18 years of age succumbed to the disease.  The father of George Bywater died and was buried near Green River but the body was later taken to Salt Lake City.  None of Hugh’s family had the dreaded disease and acknowledged God’s kind preserving care over them.

 

                When about half-way over the plains they were over taken by 7 men with mule team outfits loaded with merchandise for the valleys.  They traveled with the ox train a few days.  Then, on account of the slow movement of the ox train, they went on ahead.  About two days later the oxtrain came upon the camping place of the mule-team freighters.  The 7 men were slain, their bodies lying about and some soldiers were digging a trench in which to bury them.  The Indians were bad in that section of the country at that time and had, that morning, attacked the mule team outfit, killing the men, taking their mules and what they wanted of the merchandise and burning the rest.  Shortly after this some soldiers had found them and were caring for the bodies.  What remained of the wagons was smoking when the ox train came up to them.  Whenever Indians were around, the women and children of the ox train were ordered into the wagons and were instructed not to peek out of the wagon covers.

 

                At the first crossing of the Platte River there was a heavy flow of ice, the river was high and the water was very cold.  It was neck deep and some who were walking and were compelled to ford the stream nearly drowned.  The family all passed over safely.

 

                Hugh did some trading at the store at Fort Laramie, a Trading Post.  There he obtained some medicine for Mary, his wife.  The daughter, Mary, went with him to the post, and the storekeeper was very anxious to have her remain to help his wife but Hugh, of course, would never consent to such an arrangement, nor did Mary desire to remain.  Later on and after leaving Fort Bridger, their wagon broke down and it was necessary to stop to make repairs and the train went on and left them.  Finally after repairs were completed they followed and were met by Elizabeth (Betsy) in the mountains about six miles east of Echo.  She was in a wagon driven by a boy named Mich Harris.  It was a joyous family meeting after the years of separation and many changing scenes.  Betsy led them to Henefer, below Echo on the Weber River, where she then lived.

 

                Catherine met her future husband, Christopher Roberts, on the long trip across the plains.  He was driving a six-mule team, and many a ride on the back of the wagon was given by him to the charming Welsh girl.  They arrived in Henefer on 4 Oct. 1864 and she was married to Christopher in August, 1865.  They received their endowments in the Salt Lake Endowment House, 24 May 1869.  Five children were born to them.

 

                Catherine was very quiet and reserved and therefore rather backward at making friends.  She seldom visited outside of her family.  After her marriage she lived in a little home beside her mother.  Together they spent many happy hours visiting and working.  She was a very industrious woman and she spent her time in the interests of her family.   She was very adept with her needle.  Her children were always well clothed, neat and clean.  She was very desirous that her children learn the Welsh language.  At the time of her death the English language was an almost unknown tongue to them.

 

                She was a lover of nature.  Her flower garden was a delight to her and to all who beheld it.  There could be found all the garden flowers common to that day, especially did she love hollyhocks.  This flower grew in her garden profusely, in every color, both double and single varieties.  Everything good and beautiful was dear to her heart.

 

                To recognize her industry, one need but look in her chest.  It was filled with clothes—ready-made, others cut and basted, and after her death, they were finished for her children.

 

                Following the birth of her fifth child, baby Catherine, she died in Smithfield, Utah, 5 August 1874.  She was beloved by all who knew her, a noble character and a splendid wife and mother.  She was buried in the Smithfield cemetery.  The babe Catherine died and was buried beside her mother on 15 August 1874.

 

Christopher Roberts

 

                Christopher Roberts was the son of John and Ann Pool Roberts, born 9 Mar. 1838, at Serin, Flintshire, North Wales.  He joined the Church in his native land, was baptized in Kello, Durham County, England, in Jan. 1857 by his brother, Peter Roberts, and confirmed by William Jones.  Christopher and his eldest brother Peter were the only ones of their family to join the Church.  They remained true and faithful Latter-day Saints to the end of their days.  He was left without a mother at a very early age.  His father was a poor man and when Christopher was but nine years of age, he started to earn himself a livelihood.  He had a hard life; some of his task masters were hard and cruel to him and expected more of him than a small boy of his age was able to do.

 

                He finally drifted over into England.  There he heard the Gospel of Jesus Christ and was convinced that it was the Gospel spoken by the Apostle John in the 14^th Chapter of Revelations.  He continued to work in England until he had saved money enough to take him to Zion.  Before he left for America, he had a great desire to visit his father in Wales.  He also had a sister, Jane and two brothers, John and Nicholas.  He had a desire that they too should hear the Gospel.  He went to his old home arriving there early on a Sunday morning.  It was a custom of his father’s family to read a chapter from the Bible on Sunday morning, then leave the Bible open at the chapter he had just read while he offered up a prayer.

 

                When Christopher came to the door very quietly, he hesitated and listened.  He could hear his father reading from the Bible.  He waited until the reading ceased and the prayer was ended, then he knocked timidly on the door.  His father came to the door.  When he saw who was there he said “Be gone with you.  I have been informed that you have joined those despised Mormons.  I want nothing to do with you.”  Christopher felt very sorrowful.  He lingered around the neighborhood that day.  He was on one side of the street and saw his father and sister go up the other side to church and return.  That was the last he ever saw of his family in Wales.  He left that evening and in a few days set sail for America.

 

                He sailed from Liverpool early in Dec. 1863, touching at New York on 24 Dec. 1863 and landing at Philadelphia, PA, 1 Jan. 1864 where he labored on a farm until about the month of June 1864.  He then proceeded to the frontiers.  He drove six mules in a freight train across the plains and landed in Salt Lake City, 1 Oct. 1864.  On this journey he met and traveled with the family of his future wife. 

 

                In the fall of 1865 they moved to Smithfield, Utah.  Five children were born to them.  At the birth of the last one, Catherine, the beloved wife and mother passed away.  On 9 November 1875 he married Katherine Kunz in the Endowment House at Salt Lake City. One child, Rachel, was born to them.

 

                In the winter of 1869, while coming down the Smithfield canyon with a load of wood, the load tipped over on him and he lay pinned underneath until he was almost frozen to death.  While in this position, not being able to move and in terrible pain, he breathed a prayer for deliverance, and through the miracle of a vision he saw a searching party organized and coming to his aid.  The party that rescued him from being crushed and frozen to death consisted of David Heaps and Nathan Smith.  At this time his feet were badly frozen and for a time it looked as though they would have to be amputated.  But by the help of the Lord and Katherine’s skillful treatment, only three toes had to be amputated.

 

                Christopher had the gift of healing.  While he lived in Smithfield, he was sent for from one end of town to the other to administer to the sick.  He always was kind and sympathetic—always much concerned for those in distress.  He continued to live in Smithfieldwith only an interval of a few years when he tried dairying in Bear Lake County.  He assisted in building the Sale Lake and Logan Temples and the Logan Tabernacle.  He was ordained an Elder 16 May 1868 by Robert Meikle at Smithfield and a High Priest 27 Oct. 1895by Bishop George L. Farrell also at Smithfield.  He received a patriarchal blessing from Patriarch C. W. Hyde 2 June 1867 in which he received remarkable promises.  He died 26 Mar 1909 at the age of 73.  His second wife preceded him in death, having died 7 July 1907.  His life was characterized by public service, good habits, faithfulness to his family, his God and his religion.  He was blessed with the qualities that make a consistent Latter-day Saint, a good neighbor and a good citizen.

 

MARY ROBERTS ROSKELLEY

 

                Mary was born November 22, 1843 at Eglwysbach.  She was short and medium heavy statue, with light blue eyes and dark hair; kind, pleasant, generous hearted in disposition and ambitious far beyond her strength.  Mary was baptized November 22, 1851, by her father, Hugh Roberts, and confirmed a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints December 3, 1851, by William Davis.

 

                Owing to financial circumstances, she was obliged to begin working for her own living when only eight years old.  Her education was sorely neglected, having been in school only three weeks prior to this time.  She began working for the wealthier class ofpeople, caring for children for her “board and keep”, then as she became older she began earning a little money which she would take home to her parents.  When she had saved enough to make a dollar, her father explained to her that ten cents of it belonged to the Lord as tithing, thus this great principle was taught her very early in life, and she always observed it up to her last days.  Her Bishop once told her son Richard “If everybody was as strictly honest about their tithes and offerings as is your mother, the Church would never suffer.”

 

                The family left for America in 1864.  The following incident was recorded in Mary’s diary:  “The next morning after we boarded the ship, we looked back but could see nothing of our old England.  We had been on the ship about 15 or 20 days when a storm, almost a hurricane, overtook us and the rocking of the ship caused great excitement among the passengers.  My parents took steerage passage while my brother John went one story below us with the other small boys to bunk.  When the storm came up, mother was worried about John sleeping down there and made him a bed on the trunks and boxes in her room.  These were placed in a row down the middle of the room between the braces while the bunks were in rows on each side of the wall.  I remember well how some people were crying, some praying and some singing all night as long as the storm lasted.  We got John to bed and the girls went to bed on one side, while the married folks had their beds on the other side of the room.  When we were all settled as best we could for the rocking of the ship and the seasickness among us, there came an extra swell of the sea.  The ship rocked slowly, then lurched, which landed John, bed and all, down on the floor among the buckets and shoes, etc., and rolled him under the bunks.  Mother started up and cried, “O my boy, my boy.”  Father said in his quiet way, “Oh, never mind Mother, he’ll come back when we roll the other way.”  But she thought he must have rolled out of the ship into the ocean.”

 

“Well, when the ship slowly rolled back, here came John from under the bunks, with bedding and buckets and Mother grabbed him.  When the excitement cooled down a little, they took John and tied him down to the boxes and posts and spent the night in peace.  This storm lasted for about three days and two nights.   We reached New York on the 21^st of June.

 

“When we sighted the hills of America a great shout of “America, America” went up from the eager throng and there was signing and rejoicing all day.  The ship was anchored for the night and the next morning we were put on a small steamboat and carried to shore.  We were then taken into a large inspection room.  Father went first, the children next and Mother brought up the rear.  The inspector looked at father and asked him where his wife was.  “Six,” he said, “Back there.”  He looked us all over and said, “You’ll do” and passed us.”

 

“In a day or two we embarked on a boat and sailed up the Hudson River to Albany.  On each side of the river were beautiful homes and we feasted on the beautiful scenery on either side.  We boarded the train from there to Lake Erie.  Reaching there we changed cars.  The president of the company warned us we may have trouble here, but to remain silent.  We left the train here and were met by a mob armed with lumber edgings which they us with.  Some of them said not to hit the girls, but to get that old man, meaning Father.  We finally reached our car, and after boarding it were taken on to it, train and all to cross the lake.  Early in the morning we were all tired and lounging in our seats.  The Canadians came to meet the train with great baskets full of different kinds of sandwiches to treat their fellow countrymen.  The two men that came to our car came up to Mother, who was always awake and asked her where her family was.  She pointed to the four children and said, “These are mine and Father’s”.  He filled her lap with sandwiches.  When Father and the children awoke and saw what the Canadians had done he said, “Well, you can give me the “petticoat” government.  It’s the best yet.”

 

After landing at Wyoming, during the wait for the teams to come, Mary and Catherine were allowed to go to the farm houses to buy a little milk and butter or cheese.  Sometimes they were made very welcome by the housewife, who would tell them to come early on some certain morning and they could assist her in churning and doing general house work.  You can imagine the great enthusiasm of two sturdy young girls at such an offer.  They could  hardly wait for the time to arrive.  When they reached the door, the lady would say “Come, Mary, you can churn and Cathryn can wash dishes and scrub.”  When the work was finished, they were given a nice bucket of butter milk and a roll of butter, perhaps some bread or fruit and they would return to camp, giving praise unto the good Father for leading them to help them on their way.

 

                On July 19, 1864, they started the long and perilous journey in which so many Saints had lost their lives for the Gospel’s sake.  They were in Captain George Bywater’s care.  All who were able were destined to walk.  Soon mother Mary Roberts became ill with cholera, so she was put in the wagon, and Hannah who was somewhat sickly and frail also rode part of the way and held her mother’s head between her knees to ease the jar.  Mary had to take her mother’s place to oversee the cooking while the two other girls looked after their mother and assisted in clearing away and packing up.  Mother Mary became so terribly sick that it seemed they would yet have to leave her body on the plains.  In the evening when the young folks would father in a dance and merry-making, Hugh would tell the girls to go join in the fun while he watcher over his sick wife and cared for her.  Sometimes they would start out but upon recollection of their poor sick mother, they would return to join their father in prayer and supplication to God to spare the life of their beloved mother. As their journey neared the end, the provisions became diminished and all the little things such as tea and butter which their mother might like were saved for her. 

 

                They were met in Echo Canyon by Elizabeth (Betsy) who brought them food such as cheese, potatoes, bread, butter and milk, which caused great rejoicing.  Mary reached Salt Lake City, Saturday, Oct 4, 1864.   A few days after arriving, she went to the General Conference.  After conference she went with Evan G. Morgan to Rush Valley, Tooele County, west of Salt Lake City.   She spent the winter with her sister Margaret in Rush Valley.  Margaret had married Evan S. Morgan, a cousin of Evan  G. Morgan.  She returned to SaltLake in the spring of 1865.  Then she and her brother John drove a cow and some calves to Cache Valley for a man, walking all the way.  They arrived at Smithfield May 31, 1865.  Their parents soon followed and they made their first home here.  How happy they were in this little log house with a dirt roof, which was located near the northeast corner of Third North in Smithfield.  They were most of all excellent singers, gather in the home circle singing those beautiful Welsh ballads that made lasting impressions on ones mind.  Mary up to her old age could join in any song she knew with any of the parts in a sweet harmoneous strain.

 

                On Oc6t 10, 1865 she was married to Samuel Roskelley in the Endowment House, Salt Lake City.  To them were born Thomas, Richard and five daughters:  Ann Jane, Mary, Cathryn, Hannah and Druzilla.  She outlived all but three; Ann Jane died at birth.  Her entire married life was spent in hard labor.  She cooked at construction camps on the Central Pacific and Utah Northern Railways, also at saw mills in Paradise and Cub River Canyons.  She homesteaded land in Cornish and in June 1876, moved on a farm east ofSmithfield where she made her home and reared her family.  Cooking for men, milking cows, raising pigs and chickens, also caring for much small fruit.  In this way she and her children gained a livelihood, always working and saving to make themselves comfortable. She also helped to care for her husband’s first family whose mother died and left four boys.  She also took care and reared to womanhood R. Pearl Hillyard Willmore, whose mother died when she was only one month old.

 

                In April 1915 she sold her farm home to her son-in-law, Asael D. Blanchard, and moved to Logan, where she resided until June 1916, when she and her two daughters Mary and Cathryn moved back to Smithfield to a nice comfortable home they had saved means to build while they labored on the farm.  Here she spent the last ten years of her life in real poor health, suffering from stomach and liver trouble.  Also vericose veines.  Her blood vessel broke in two places on her right leg which caused her much pain and suffering.  The last four years she also suffered with rheumatism and finally after two weeks of suffering from lagrippe, her heart gave suddenly away, and at 2 a.m. the morning of January 20, 1927, she passed peacefully away while in the arms of her daughter Mary. She was buried in the Smithfield Cemetery, January 24, 1927.

 

                Thus another of God’s choice daughters was called to claim the reward which she had laid up in Heaven, not as a public worker but as a homemaker, a noble untiring wife and mother, true to her God and her husband and family and all who may have known her in life, for many have eaten from her table of food which was wholesome and clean, of which she was a real artist.

 

HANNAH ROBERTS ROBERTS

 

                Hannah was born March 27, 1847, at Eglwysbach.  The date and place of her baptism and confirmation are not definitely known except that she was baptized in the year 1855 near her home in Wales, because the records have been destroyed.  She had no opportunity to attend school because she was denied entrance at school on account of the religious affiliations of her family.  In 1864 she passed through the vicissitudes of the journey over the sea and through the war torn North, then across the great plains where she was obliged to walk a part of the way.  Being the youngest daughter of the family, she spent most of her time at home with her parents.  She went however to help other families at times while the family lived at Smithfield.  She was dutiful and obedient to parents and there was a strong mutual love between them.  She received her endowments at the Endowment House, Salt Lake City, May 24, 1869, in company with her sister Catherine and husband.

 

                On June 6, 1870, she arrived in company with Robert D. Roberts of Logan, Utah, at Salt Lake where they were sealed together for time and eternity by Apostle Joseph F. Smith.  Two sons were born to them, David Robert Roberts, March 30, 1871, and Hugh Roberts, May 22, 1876.

 

                Immediately following the birth of Hugh, Hannah contracted a cold through some teeth she had had extracted, and she never recovered from the effects, being in a weakened condition.  She grew slowly worse, and on April 10, 1878, her noble spirit passed from her weakened body into the great world of spirits.  She was mourned by all because she was loved by all who knew her.  She had won the hearts of all with whom she came in contact.

 

                On July 31, 1877, she received a Patriarchal Blessing under the hands of Patriarch C. W. Hyde, as follows:

                “Hannah, beloved sister, I place my hands on your head to seal upon you a patriarchal blessing for there was joy in heaven when you received this Gospel.  The angel of peace shall go with thee.  Thou shalt have visions and dreams to comfort thee while you live.  Thou shalt order they house in righteousness.  Peace shall dwell in they habitation.  Holy prophets shall dine at they table.  Thou shalt teach and instruct queens which shall come to Zion, and no good thing shall be held from thee.  Thou art a daughter of Ephraim and hast a right to the fullness of the Priesthood and with a companion and a kingdom upon the earth forever and ever, and I say unto thee, thou shalt accomplish every desire of the heart in righteousness for your last days shall be your best, for thou shall have eternal life with all they kindred ties which I seal upon thee with crowns of glory with all they Father’s household.  Amen.”

 

                Some of those wonderful promises have been fulfilled.  Others, of course, remain yet to be fulfilled for the promises continue and reach throughout eternity.  As some have been fulfilled, so will all be realized for she was worthy and true to the end.  That blessing should be a source of hope and a comfort to all of the family because it extends to her “kindred ties”—all her “Father’s household.”  For with them she was to have eternal lives, with crowns of glory with a Kingdom upon the earth forever, which may God grant.  (Written by her son David).

 

Robert David Roberts

 

                Robert David Roberts was born Sept 21, 1837, at Park (an old  Roman Castle) in Llanfrothan, Meirionethshire, North Wales, the son of David Roberts and Catherine uch Richard Ap Thomas called Catherine Thomas  or Catherine Richard.  David R. Roberts, his father, was a slate quarryman by trade and worked in the quarries of Festiniog nearby.  Robert was also trained as a slate quarryman.  He attended school as a small boy rather irregularly (for about half a year in all) at Nanmor, Llanfrothan, 2 ½ miles distant from Park. Robert was very desirous of an education but had no opportunity except for the training he obtained through self-effort.  He acquired the ability to read and write in English and Welsh and was able to keep his own records and accounts in his business.

 

                David, his father, received the Gospel (Mormonism) through Elder Robert Evans, who baptized him in the River Pandy near Celly Carnudydd, Llanfrothan, Meirionthshire, North Wales, May 24, 1846.  He was the first one of his father’s family to receive the Gospel.  He was confirmed a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by Elder Able Evans and was soon afterward ordained an Elder and began active Church work.  Much bitter persecution was directed at the family because of “Mormonism.”

 

                On April 9, 1856, the family consisting of David, his wife Catherine and six children:  Robert David, Thomas D., Daniel, Ann, Elizabeth and Jane left Festiniog for America.  They went directly to Liverpool and on April 20^th went aboard the sailing ship “Sunders Curling” and set sail that day.  After a very tempestuous voyage, they landed in Boston May 24, 1856.  From here they took the train to Iowa City, Iowa, which was then the extreme Western Railroad terminal and the outfitting place for the journey over the great plains. They remained there about three weeks, making preparations for the West.  They then set out with handcarts for the trip in Captain Edward Bunker’s Company.  After a very trying journey of suffering from fatigue, heat, cold and almost starvation, they arrived in Salt Lake City Oct 2, 1856.  They were nearer dead than alive when they arrived and were very much discouraged and disheartened with life, because of the terrible sufferings they had undergone, but nevertheless thankful for delivery over the plains.

 

                Robert was assigned to help John his Uncle (the brother of David), who was nearly blind on his journey across the plains.  He and John pulled a handcart for which service John paid Robert’s fare from Wales to Salt Lake City.  A few days after their arrival at their destination, his Uncle John died, being unable to recover from the hardships of that journey.  Several of their company unable to bear the hardships died on the plains and were buried in unmarked graves.

 

                They arrived in Salt Lake City at a time when food was very scarce, as the drought and crickets of 1855 had taken much of the crops and the country had not yet recovered.  Shortly after their arrival they moved to Farmington and settled in a rented log cabin. Robert went to Ogden and spent the winter of 1856-57 working for Erastus Bingham Jr., returning in the spring to Farmington.  Then he went to Brigham City about April 1857 and worked for Captain David Evans on his farm and received two steers and board for his summer’s work.  News came of the movement of Johnston’s army to destroy the people and David was called out, going with the first company to prepare for their coming and to watch their movements.  He spent the winter of 1857-58 in Echo Canyon and suffered terribly from the lack of proper clothing to protect his body.  His feet were badly frozen, but were saved.

 

                In the spring the family moved south, going as far as Clover Creek, near Nephi, in Juab County, where they remained about two months.  They then returned after which David and his son Robert went up Farmington Canyon and made shingles by hand.  The shingles were made from select logs, sawed into blocks of the required length, then split to the proper thickness, then shaved from about midway to one end with a drawing knife.  On Apr 4, 1858, Robert was baptized by David, his father in Farmington Creek and was confirmed a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at the water’s edge on the same day by his father.

 

                In the autumn of 1858 David was stricken with Mountain Fever and Black Canker and on Nov 8, 1858, he gave up the fight, passing into the spirit world, true and faithful to the last.  He was buried in the Farmington Cemetery.  Robert was also attacked by the same dread disease and was in bed for three months.  Five weeks of this time he was unconscious.  He recovered in the spring of 1859 and now the responsibilities of the family fell upon him.  Before his illness and in the fall of 1858, Robert went to Camp Floyd to seek employment but was unsuccessful and returned home.

 

                In the month of April 1859 Robert started to Pike’s Peak, Colorado, to work in the mines to earn money to pay the family debts.  Upon reaching Fort Bridger, he was informed by several who were turning that there was no work at Pike’s Peak, so he secured a job at Bridger in tending the farm for the soldiers and making adobes.  He remained there that summer and earned nearly enough to pay off the family debts and then returned home.

 

                After his return to Farmington in the fall of 1859 he took a pack of bedding and started out on foot to find a new home for the family, finally landing in Logan, Cache Valley, early in Oct 1859.  One day in the early spring of 1859 when he was nearly recovered from the severe illness of the previous winter though quite weak in body, he ascended the hill just north of the his home and there in vision his life was opened up to him.  He was ambitious to go ahead in every good thing, to prosper, to lead and to be at the top.  He could see the things he desired.  They seemed easily within his grasp, coming his way or in his path, but before he could reach them they were taken away from—they vanished.  He knew its meaning.  It was impressed upon him and he was sorely disappointed and wept bitterly.  His life has been full of trial, sacrifice and disappointment, so far as worldly ambitions and successes are concerned, but a wonderful success in spiritual development.  His hope was in God and glorious future.

 

This was the first year of the settlement of Logan.  The first settlers camped there in May 1859.  During the fall and winter of 1859-60 in company with his brother, Thomas, who had followed him, they secured a piece of ground the built a three room log cabin. They returned to Farmington in the spring of 1860 and moved the family to Logan. 

 

                He never held a civic office of any kind.  He was a carpenter and cabinet maker by trade and a farmer and stock raiser by occupation.  He had an old fashioned shingle mill and made shingles for many of the early homes in Logan.  In later years he built a new house of adobe, which when built was considered quite a fine home.  He did considerable work in the canyons.  He assisted in building the Logan Temple and the Tabernacle and participated in all of the early activities and needs of the community.

 

                He married Hannah Roberts June 6, 1870 at the Endowment House.  President Joseph F. Smith performed the ceremony.  Two boys were born of this union, David Robert and Hugh, named for their grandfathers.  Hannah died of a complication of ailments atLogan on April 10, 1878, leaving her little boys to be cared for by grandmother Catherine Roberts, Robert’s mother.  Finally on Oct 16, 1892, Catherine died and left Robert and his sons to do the best they could.  On Feb 6, 1895, he married Eliza Neagle in the LoganTemple.  She was the daughter of John and Agnes Alister Neagle and to them were born four children:  Agnes Alister, John Neagle (who died in infancy), Thomas and Jane.

 

                He spent his entire life not as a leader nor in leading positions in the church but as one of those steady, dependable, plodding, every-day workers.  He was ordained a Teacher at Logan Jan 1860 by Elder White of Brigham City; an Elder at Salt Lake City Jan 13, 1865 by Dr. Sprague; a Seventy at Logan Jan 6, 1864 by Sylvester Lowe; a High Priest at Logan Dec 28, 1904 by Edward Smith.  He was a Ward teacher in Logan 3^rd Ward almost continuously from the time he was ordained a Teacher.

 

                In 1862 he was called and went as a missionary across the plains with ox teams in company with about 60 wagons to help bring the immigrant poor who were coming from foreign lands to the Valleys.  He was in Captain Henry Miller’s Company of that year. He was a member of the Militia (Infantry) from 1857 until the Governor of the Territory forbid a continuance of the organization and it was disbanded.  He stood guard whenever called, which was often, to protect the people, their stock and other interests, from the Indians. He honored every call made of him by those in authority to build roads, bridges, canals, schools and churches, and there was a considerable work to do when the country was young.  He performed every duty required of him as far as it was in his power to do so.

 

                He began his labors for the redemption of the dead in the Endowment House, Salt Lake City, in 1865 and continued that work at intervals spending most of his time during his last few years in the Logan and Salt Lake Temples.  He called all the Roberts families together in Salt Lake City on April 8, 1918 and the Roberts Surname Association was then organized, it being the 104^th anniversary of his father’s birth.  He was up to the time of his death vigorous and strong in body with quite an active mentality, and firm in the faith he had suffered so much for.  He made his home in Logan until 1922, when he moved to Ogden to live with his son David until July 1925.  Then he returned for a visit to his old home in Logan.  On the evening of Aug 9, 1925, he was returning from sacrament meeting at the 3^rd Ward Meeting House, and while crossing the street a block north of his home, he was run into about 9 p.m. by an automobile driven by George Anderson of Logan.  He was so badly injured that he died about 3 a.m. August 10^th or about 6 hours after the injury.  His funeral was held in the 3^rd Ward Meeting House on Thursday, Aug 13, 1925 at 2 p.m. and the remains buried by the side of his two wives, who had preceded him.

 

                His funeral services were conducted by Bishop William Evans in the 3^rd Ward Meeting House Thurs, August 13, 1925.  The meeting house was filled with his old friends and neighbors, and there was a large turn out of his father’s family and the family of his wife, Hannah.  Old friends spoke of his long useful life, his honor, honesty and integrity and of his trials in life.  The 3^rd Ward Choir rendered appropriate and beautiful music.  After the services a large cortege of automobiles followed the remains to the Logan Cemetery. His grave was covered with wreaths of beautiful flowers and many flowers were sent to the homes of those who had brought them in tokens of remembrances, others were sent to the City Hospital to cheer the sick and afflicted.  The day was beautiful, the air was pleasant and a hallowed peace pervaded the occasion.  The exercises throughout the day seemed to bespeak the rest, peace and joy in store for him which he had so well and faithfully earned. 

 

JOHN ROBERTS

 

                John Roberts was born March 16, 1849 at Eglwysbach, Wales.  During his childhood he worked with his brothers and sisters in assisting to support the family, often helping his father who was a shoemaker.  John received baptism at the hands of his father, Hugh Roberts, on May 9, 1857, and was confirmed the same day by his father.  The persecutions of the Saints in Wales had reached such a point that at times they were almost unbearable.  Even their lives were sometimes in danger.  Consequently, John received very little education in the common schools, as he was molested terribly by his associates and he remained away from school to avoid their taunts.  As a result, his schooling throughout his life was one of experience, but he was one who lived and learned.

 

                When John was 15 his family emigrated to America. He was the only son in his father’s family to come to Zion, his son Robert preferring to remain in Wales.  Thus according to the patriarchal order, John became the head of the Hugh Roberts family upon his father’s death.  The family arrived in Salt Lake City in 1864 after a hard and strenuous journey across the plains, John having walked all the way.  Times were hard and during the first winter he hauled wood for a man from a nearby canyon, taking every third load as his pay.

 

                Circumstances grew no better by spring so his father decided to move the family to Smithfield, as conditions there seemed more favorable for making a living.  At this place his father was engaged mostly in farming and logging in the canyons.  He always had time to perform his duties in the Church, having taught the deacons for several years and was active as choir member.  John loved music very much.  It was a natural gift and art which had been developed as a child in his home, as all Welsh children are taught good music from their infancy.  He was ordained an Elder May 16, 1868, by William White.  Six years later on July 9, 1874, he married Eliza Marie Sorensen, daughter of Lars Christian and Carrie M. Abrahamson Sorensen, in the Endowment House in Salt Lake City.  Twelve children were born to them.

 

                On April 7, 1881 John married Fannie Lazell Akins, daughter of Benjamin and Levenia Noble Akins in the Endowment House.  Polygamy was generally practiced throughout the Church at this time.  Thirteen children were born to them.  Plural marriage being against civil law, it became necessary for John and his families to seek new homes as the United States Marshals had been sent to molest and imprison all polygamists.  Many were the nights John spent away from home in secret places to avoid them, even remaining in hiding for several days at a time.

 

                To gain more security from the officers of the law, the family moved to Bear Lake Valley, Idaho, arriving there Sep 7, 1883.  They located on a farm John had previously purchased which was then a part of the Liberty Ward, but came within the boundaries of the Lanark Ward when a division of the Ward was made.

 

                Imagine if you can their feelings as they arrived at their new home.  It was 11 o’clock at night when they reached their journey’s end.  No one to greet or welcome them.  They built a camp fire and ate a supper of hot milk and bread which had been purchased at Bishop Austin’s on the way.  Their supplies had run low as they had been three days on the way.  A rude house without doors or windows sheltered them that night and amid the howls of coyotes on the nearby hills, they spent their first night on the ranch.  For a long time one cow furnished a scanty supply of milk for the two families and their main diet besides milk consisted of bread, butter at times, and potatoes, with wild game occasionally.  Sickness often came and even death, but through their courage and faith they were able to withstand all of the trials.

 

                The original farm was made up of 160 acres and purchased for around $400-500.  Years later 320 acres more were homesteaded above what was known as the Miles Creek Canal.  John spent all his spare time in the canyons getting out material for building barns, fences, corrals, etc.  On the additional land he built one of the best farm houses in that part of the valley and put into it all the conveniences and comforts within his means.  This was Eliza’s first home after the original two-room log house in which both families lived for several years.  John also purchased the Peter Beck home adjoining his land and Fannie lived there.

 

                John’s first machinery consisted of a mower, a cradle and a scythe.  But at the time of the sale of his farm, he had every kind of farm implement and tool necessary to carry on the work of a modern up-to-date farm.  The machinery was always the best and was well cared for.  John was considered one of the most successful farmers in Bear Lake Valley.  His crops were among the best and his livestock often won prizes at the county fairs.

 

                For many years there was no money with which to transact business.  John often paid a bushel of wheat for a dance ticket.  At one time he drove a herd of sheep through the mountains to Smithfield to obtain money to liquidate some of his debts.  Working bees were organized among the neighbors for the purpose of building fences and other work.

 

                As he became more prosperous he made yearly trips to Brigham City after fruit, requiring about a week to go and return.  The children recalled the thrill they would feel when John returned with a load of fruit.  John always worked to fill the bins and cellars with supplies for the winter.  He also went regularly to Salt Lake to conference usually in the spring.  He always took one of the children on his trips until each had had his turn.  He hauled rock for building the Logan Temple and was present at the dedication of both the Loganand the Salt Lake Temples.

 

                In 1900 John built a reservoir on his land, enabling him to retain the spring flow for his land, especially his garden.  He took great pride in this and often would show visitors through it pointing out the fact that there were few weeks.  Many vegetables were sold in nearby town, especially Montpelier.

 

                When Lanark Ward was organized, John was made leader of the choir, which position he held for many years.  In 1900 he was ordained a High priest, having been ordained a seventy Aug 21, 1886 by Thomas Minson.

 

                In the fall of 1902 John and Eliza moved to Paris so that his children might have the opportunity of attending the Fielding Academy.  He was a firm believer in education  and delighted in his children’s scholastic attainments.  Four of them received college training.  He joined the Bear Lake Stake Choir after moving to Paris.  He had a wonderful bass voice, being able to sing lower than any one else in the choir.  He loved good music, he disliked ragtime and jazz.  His idea of a pleasant evening was one of music, especially singing.  All of his children are more or less musically inclined.

 

                In the fall of 1917 John sold his farm to Ernest Hymas.  Reuben, Milford and Lyman had been called into the armies of the United States in World War I, and he could no longer run it without them.  He purchased a home in Paris for Fannie and took a well-earned rest.  He loved the Gospel and taught his children the principles of the Gospel and delighted when he saw his children in the line of duty.

 

                John was a large man, at one time weighing as much as 260 pounds.  He and Eliza made several trips to Salt Lake and Logan Temples and performed work for their kindred dead.  It was in the fall of 1923 that his health broke down entirely.  He had been suffering for many years from Bright’s disease.  He and Eliza had been to October conference in Salt Lake City.  They stopped in Ogden to visit with Milford and his family, then they came to Dora’s house and stayed for a week.  He insisted on seeing Elsie in St. Anthony before returning home even though the physical strain was too severe for a man of 74.  Shortly after they had arrived home, he said to Eliza, “Well, I have been to see all my children living outside of Bear Lake and I feel that something is going to happen.”  Within a month he was dead.  His old ailments appeared with complications and after less than one week of illness he passed away Dec 3, 1923.  During the last day or two his knowledge of the Welsh language, his mother tongue, came back to him and he talked as fluently in Welsh as he had done as a boy.

 

                His funeral was held in the Paris 2^nd Ward at 11 o’clock on Thursday, Dec 6, 1923, both of his wives and all his children in attendance.  With his approval and blessing, the Hugh Roberts Family Association was organized at Logan, Utah, on the 20^th day of August 1923.  He, with a large  representation of both branches of his family, participated.  He was unanimously elected the first present of the association.  He was very happy on the occasion of that reunion of the family.  His presidency of the association though short of duration is a mark of honor to the family and fitting crown of glory to him.  His participation in the organization and his position in the furtherance of the great work of his family and race will at no distant time be proclaimed the greatest act - the crowning glory of his splendid life for it will reach into eternity and become more potent with power and glory as the eternities come and go.

 

                The morning of John’s funeral broke clear and cold over Paris, Dec 6, 1923, and as the hour of 11 a.m. neared, the relatives and friends gathered to pay their last respects and to honor his memory.  Bishop Daniel Price called the assemblage to order.  The High Priests Quorum of Bear Lake Stake, of which he was a member, attended in a body and the meeting house was well filled.  The ward choir sang “Though Deepening Trials Throng Your Way, Press On, Press On, Ye Saints of God.”  Prayer was offered by Elder Morris D. Lowe of the Stake Presidency.  Elder D. R. Roberts, his nephew, spoke briefly on the life and labor of John and his nature so high minded, delicate and susceptible to the slightest touch of things around him, and to spiritual influences.  His musical talent and deep love for the beautiful.

 

                Elder Samuel Matthews, a neighbor and acquaintance of many years, spoke of his sterling qualities, his integrity and honesty.  Elder Roy A. Walker, president of the Bear Lake Stake spoke.  He trusted that the spirit the deceased had manifested would reach each child of this wonderful and large family.  He blessed the bereaved family.  A quartet, L. T. Shepard, Herbert Spencer, Mary E. Lewis and Sister Spencer sang “I’ll Go Where You Want Me To Go, Dear Lord, I’ll Be What You Want Me To Be.”.  Elder Edward Rich, the Montpelier Stake President, dwelt upon the exemplary life and character of the deceased.  Admonished the family to be united to the end and to honor their father throughout their lives.  Elder William L. Rich honored him as a worthy man who had lived beyond the allotted time for man and had done well.

 

                Bishop Daniel Price expressed thanks for the kindnesses at this time of bereavement.  He said the Ward had lost a pillar of strength.  John was interested in others and ready to reach out and help those in need.  He gave the family his blessing.  The choir sang “Abide With Me.”  Benediction was pronounced by Elder Alma Findley.  Friends and relatives followed the hearse to the Liberty Cemetery seven miles away, where the remains were deposited in the last resting place with loved ones whose mortal remains he had previously assisted in laying away.  Those assembled bade a hurried adieu and separated for their several places of abode.  The day turned cold, with a bleak cold wind blowing from the northwest and it closed with a snow storm and blizzard—the dead at rest—the living left to ponder upon the things of life, and to begin anew upon the morrow the battle of life.

 

THE REMAINDER OF HUGH’S LIFE

 

                After the dedication of the Logan Temple in May 1884, Hugh and Mary turned their attention to the work of redeeming their dead kindred and friends as far as they were able to obtain the necessary records.  They labored diligently to do this.  Mary walked many mornings from the old home in North Smithfield to the Logan Temple, a distance of at least 8 miles, to do the endowment work for one soul, then she would walk back in the evening to her home.  She did this after she was 70 years of age.  Such was her desire to see the work done, and great will be her reward for such devotion and sacrifices.  Hugh could not walk much as he was lame, but his devotion to the cause was none-the-less ardent and he embraced every opportunity to go to the temple and do what he could.

 

                Hugh Roberts was near 6 feet in height, well proportioned, not stout but of an athletic build.  He was medium complexioned, with keen blue eyes, rather large straight nose, square chin, high cheek bones, and large ears.  He was of a deeply religious nature, with an undivided love of the Gospel and with a thorough knowledge and strong testimony of it.  He was kind and jovial, but firm in disposition and was good in judgment.  He loved music and had a fine smooth musical deep bass voice, and exhibited superior musical talent.  He found much satisfaction in his trade and had a friend in anyone who knew him.  He was always willing to give to the needy and help in every worthy work and answer every call made of him.

 

                Mary Owens Roberts was short of stature and in her later life she became rather stout of build.  She was round in face with evenly balanced features.  She was medium light complexioned and had small piercing blue eyes.  Her voice was gentle and pleasing, and in song was a rich, melodious soprano.  She was very affectionate and kind, and won the love of all.   She was quick in action and unswerving in purpose.  She loved the Gospel with her whole soul and was willing to make any sacrifice for it.  She was industrious and saving.  She was a very good cook and housekeeper—everything tasty, clean and tidy in the home and she was clean and neat always in her person whether at home or elsewhere.  Many times in the evenings when the tasks of the day were done they would sit and converse about the Gospel and of times gone by.  They would sing the old familiar songs in Welsh, especially the hymns they used to sing for years in the Branch at Eglwysbach.  One of those hymns was a favorite with them and gave them much comfort and joy.  It was a hymn in the Old Welsh Hymn Book composed by David R. Roberts, who was the father of Robert D. Roberts, who had married their daughter Hannah.  When they would finish the singing of that hymn their eyes would be filled with tears and they would exclaim, “Oh, it is beautiful, it is beautiful.”

 

                Their souls rejoiced in the many blessings of God to them.  They had passed through the storms of life together, they were living in the evening’s sunshine, contemplating God’s mercy, with a full assurance of the reward that comes from a well-spent life of perfect union and of devotion to each other and to the cause of righteousness.  They were happy as children in the company of each other.  They had raised a large family and while all of their children were not members of the Church of Christ, they were all honorable in their lives and doing their duty in a way worthy of their noble parentage.  This was pleasing and a source of joy to them.

 

                The time finally came for them to make another move.  They had lived many years in Smithfield and dearly loved the old home there and it was hard to leave it.  John, their son, had located nearly Liberty, Bear Lake County, Idaho.  He had a large farm there which he had bought, and being desirous of living near him, Hugh and Mary left the dear old home and moved into a comfortable log cabin on the farm near to John.  By this time Hugh had retired from active work at his trade and spent his time in reading and visiting around the farm and in playing with the children.  He loved children as did Mary, and he would often even in his advanced years enter into their play with them.  Never did they cease the raising of their voices together in song in the quiet evenings.  Never did they cease their prayers of thanksgiving daily to the true and living God whom they worshipped and served with undivided hearts.  Mortal life had nearly run its course with them.  Hugh had attained the ripe age of nearly 90 years and becoming ill and weakened in body, gave up the struggle of life like the burning out of the candle to its end.  He passed peacefully into the world of spirits on the 13^th of Oct 1892, surrounded by some of his children and grandchildren, honored and loved by all.

 

                A splendid and well-attended funeral was held in the Liberty Meeting House after which his remains were deposited in the little cemetery on the hill where the remains of a number of his grandchildren who preceded him were buried.  Mary now took up her abode with her daughter Margaret R. Morgan, where her every want was supplied by hands until she, too, worn out in body and ill—but a few days gave up this mortal career on Jan 9, 1894.  She went home to that God who gave her life, to mingle with her loved ones gone before in peace and joy for hers was a well-earned reward.  Her remains were buried by the side of her faithful husband in the Liberty Cemetery.