I was born
of goodly parents, Robinson Greenwood and Elizabeth Cryer. They were born in Yorkshire
in the rural districts. Suffice to say
they lived to a long age together with my forefathers. My mother was of a
religious mind and belonged to the Baptist church all her life; hence, she took
considerable pains to have me be religious also. My father was of a worldly moral turn. His
occupation was a merchant miller, and he owned a large flouring establishment
and was quite a man of business and that too, successful.
In my early childhood I was naturally
of a serious turn of mind which often kept me from joining with my companions
is that which would bring me to ruin.
Being raised in the midst of a large populous city and with many temptations
to beset me in my early youth, it has often been a wonder to me how I escaped
the many corruptions that were around me, but I have always acknowledged that
God did surely preserve me for a wise purpose, and I do not take the glory to
myself- - but God, my Heavenly Father.
When but a
child I wondered how it was that there were so many ways for people to get to
heaven and serve God and how they could all be right. I well recollect when but seven years old
being in a very serious state of mind, asking God to show me and give me a
testimony of that which was the right way.
I received as assurance that it should be given to me in the future.
I received
a liberal education up to the time I was fifteen years. Being the youngest son
living of seven brothers I was thought well of my parents and the mores so
because I shunned wild company. My father took me in confidence in his business
at the age of sixteen years and my prospects in the mercantile life was
promising. I continued, up to the time I
heard of the fullness of the gospel, to enjoy the confidence and good will of
all around; and prosperity, as far as this world’s goods, was mine in
abundance.
Upon being
invited by my former school teacher (Thomas Ward) to go and hear a strange sect
by the name of Angelites, merely for novelty’s sake, I went. It was in a poor man’s house. The preachers
were not at all of fine polished type after the manner of the world, but poor
fisherman like. I liked their doctrine
well. It sounded to me familiar and childlike and simple and so much like the
voice of the ancient saints. I thought I
would seek further and ask God to give me a testimony, expecting he would
answer my simple prayer- - for surely it was simple for I was but a child.
After a
diligent perusal of the Holy Scripture that I was taught to read from
childhood, I found them truly to contain the Gospel and the Spirit that
attended the preaching of the elders- - caused my eyes to see the true order
established in the day of Jesus and the Apostles. My parents and relatives were much alarmed
for my safety, for all maaer of evil respecting those who God sent with the
Gospel was circulated- - but truth is mighty and did and will prevail. I was therefore told in plain terms the
consequence if I should become united to such a deluded set and that I was to
leave my home, relatives, and friends, and become a cast away. The priests raised the warning voice
concerning delusion, imposters, etc.
About this time- November 1840- I
became entirely convinced by the remission of my sins and hands laid upon me
for the gift of the Holy Ghost by those called by direct revelation where God
and Christ dwells I could not come, but the consequence that I saw would follow
- - I should have to leave my home and part with all my relatives and former
friends. A few days before I was
baptized my Father and Mother called me into their room, and told me if I
followed after that delusion I could no longer have a home with them, and that
I should be cut off from all the rights of property, etc. My reply was, “When my Father and Mother
forsake me, the Lord, My God, will take care of me.”
I went
forth on the 29th day of November 1840 about 10 in the morning
before a number of witnesses. The water
course I was baptized in was right before the Methodist chapel—just as the
people were assembling—it being Sunday morning!
Elder Rodger Dewhurst baptized me.
I was confirmed the same day in meeting.
I returned home at noon but no sooner did I enter my father’s house than
I heard the sentence given by my Father, “You can have no home here.” I accordingly left, but I can say that God
did sustain me and comfort me and made me to rejoice in the midst of all
opposition.
In those
days after I left home I was invited to go and live with my brother, John, in a
place called Chorley near Preston ,
England
It seemed
that so long as I possessed the spirit of the latter day work I had no friends
of this world, and it seemed all the powers of earth and hell were combined
against those who brought the gospel as revealed to Joseph smith and the
Latter-Day Saints. I again returned to
my brother John’s in Chorley and was treated
kindly by my brother and his wife, Catherine.
In the meantime I paid a visit to my folks, but the same severe
treatment and resentment was meted out. An older brother, Robinson, whilst in
my father’s house took a horse whip and whipped me out of the door.
I have five
brothers and one sister living at this time—James, John, Anthony, Jonathan,
Robinson and Elizabeth. I had two
brothers dead- Thomas and George- and two sisters- Martha and Hannah. My greatest enemy was my brother,
Robinson. He will have his reward.
I must now
pass on the time I left my native land to gather with the Saints on the 12th
day of March 1842. I set sail in the ship “Hanover ”
from Liverpool , England Orleans the 25th day of April
1842. We all took passage on a steamboat and landed in the city of Nauvoo , the 15th
day of May.
The first
night I slept on shore it was at the house of Brother Richard Withnal who made
us welcome, though he was poor. The day
after my arrival I went to live with one John Robinson on the flat in Nauvoo. I
then got work at the mill of Laws and Co.
In fourteen
days from my arrival I was taken down with river complaint or bowel
complaint. In the course of my sickness
I was reduced to skin and bone, insomuch that everyone who saw me gave up and
at one time they pronounced me dead. I have always said that I died and then
came back to inhabit my tabernacle and do a great work upon the earth. From this time life seemed to be given to me
more fully yet I was like a little child- - my mind and body alike childish. The Lord from time to time did comfort me in
my afflictions and his servants did administer to me- - Brethren of the twelve,
John Taylor and Brigham Young, I remember in particular.
At one time
a holy Angel from the Mansions of Glory administered unto me, and at the time
he stood before me and took me by the hand he told me who he was- - and it
seemed I had known him before. The
brightness of his person was above the splendor of the sun at noon day, and his
words, though simple and easy to be understood—such was their power that they
ran through every vein and part of my body.
Electricity is no comparison to the sensation that I felt- - tongue nor
language cannot describe- - only can it be known by those who pass through
it. Suffice to say, many words of
comfort and consolation and promises were given to me, which part has been
fulfilled.
About this
time, August 1842, I was baptized for my health in the baptismal font in the
basement of the Temple
then being built. Through my sickness I
had hard fare sometimes finding something to eat. As a general thing people all around were
very poor. Brother William Rushton, sent
me two or three dollars on a store and many would give me a good meal when they
had it. It seemed to me my memory was
taken away, but as I recovered things in the past were restored and the God of
Joseph and Hyrum did keep me safe and the spirit of apostasy was kept from me,
and I never felt to murmur at my life.
The Prophet
called upon the elders to go out to preach in the fall. It was at this time that Bennett and Laws and
other turned against Joseph. Many went
out on mission and Joseph’s name was help up from President of the United States .
On the 29th
day of September 1942, I started, in company with Brother Esaias Edwards, on a
mission. Our course was north towards Wisconsin Territory Mississippi
as far as Davenport
about 100 miles travel from Nauvoo. The
winter was very severe. At that place
some of my old shipmates had come up from Nauvoo- - William Houghton and
family.
At that
time I had made up my mind to get married, I made my intentions known to Alice
Houghton, daughter of William Houghton.
In April, or March, I remember a letter coming to Nauvoo informing me of
the death of my father and that he had left me one thousand pounds
($5,000). On the 30th day of
May 1843, Alice Houghton was married to me according to the Law of U.S.
On the 17th
day of June 1843 we started for England
and had a prosperous journey and arrived in Liverpool
on the 22nd day of July 1843. We started the next day and arrived in
my native town, Burnley . Many were anxious to see me, some wondered if
my wife could talk English. My relatives
were anxious to find out and expected that I would have, by this time, got sick
of my religion. They had heard of my
hardships, etc. - - but I gave them to understand that Joseph was a man of God
and as soon as possible would get ready to return to America again. When I got what means I could, I made
preparations to return.
The
property was so left that I could only draw $1,000 and the balance in three
years; however, I made a proposition to my brother, Robinson, who was left very
unjustly sole executor of my father’s will.
I agreed to throw off $1,000 in order to obtain the balance. So having got hold of some $4,000 in my own
hands, I could not feel nor see any prospect of enjoying myself. The scenes of
childhood seemed no home to me. Every
inducement was offered me to remain. My
mother thought I was hard hearted, but the commandments of the Lord were more
to me than all my relatives. I wished them
well, and hoped some day to do a work for my relatives and they will yet see
the day that I will be a Savior to my father’s house.
On the 9th
day of December 1843, we set sail in the ship “Rochester ”
from Liverpool . We had a stormy passage across the sea, but
arrived safely in New York
January 15, 1844. We stayed two days in New York and then
journeyed on it being winter and very cold.
In crossing the Allegheny Mountains we
stayed about in the middle of the mountains at a place of an old German settler
of the mountains who kept a tavern. They
treated us kingly at this place and we spent some 14 days there and then
journeyed on to Pittsburgh
and stayed about four weeks. At this
time my wife was baptized by Br. Saverg who presided over the Pittsburgh branch. Her folks previous to this had all been
baptizes into the Church. (I will say that William Houghton and family crossed
the sea at the time with me in the ship “Hanover” in 1842.)
About the 7th
day of March 1844 we took passage on board a new steamer- - Allignippia (the
name of an Indian Queen.) The captain’s
name was Joseph Smith. We traveled down
the river until we came to Cincinnati ,
Ohio Louisville my wife Alice
was confirmed of a son about 11 o’clock in the night. She got along first rate considering she was
traveling. This was the 10 of March
1844. Two weeks from the time we started
from Pittsburgh we arrived in St. Louis .
My wife wished me to go up the river to Davenport where her father lived.
In April I
went down the river to Nauvoo to attend conference. On the 6th of April at this
conference the Prophet Joseph Smith gave some good instructions on the
plurality of the Gods and the Land of Zion being North and South
America . This was the last
conference that Joseph Smith attended and if any man ever spoke truth and was
inspired of God, it was Joseph Smith,
the man of this the dispensation of the fullness of times. He was truly sent of God. After conference I
went to see the Prophet and expected to let him have some money and receive
some land out on the prairie near the big mound a few miles from Nauvoo. I returned to Davenport expecting to return to Nauvoo, but
my father-in-law was opposed to my returning, and took possession of my
money. Not being sufficiently
determined, I stopped in Davenport
and purchased a farm joining the town. (168 acres)
I can truly
say that I was far from enjoying myself. The influence of apostates and those
who are opposed to the gospel of Jesus Christ was there. I was more and more
dissatisfied. In about one year I paid a visit to Nauvoo to pay my tithing. The
Prophet Joseph Smith and Hyrum Smith were martyred in Carthage jail on the 27th day of
Jun 1844. The news came to Davenport and the mass of
the people justified the cold bloody deed.
In paying a visit to Nauvoo, my wife’s father was much opposed to my
paying my tithing, etc. insomuch that he
came into my house and took away my carpet bag with the money in and kept it in
his possession for a few days. About
this time one Brother Raleigh called and stayed with me and told me to fix up
my affairs, so as to move down to Nauvoo. This I was determined to do.
On the 17th
of day of May 1845, I went down the river and paid in on my tithing and also
received my Patriarchal Blessing from John Smith, Patriarch. {blessing typed at
the end of this history.} This visit put
within me a determination to live with my Brethren and enjoy the teachings of
the servants of God independently of all the opposition from my wife’s folks,
who did all in their power to make my wife of the same spirit, etc. I told her I was going to gather with the
Saints to live and die with them and that she could have her choice and if it
came to the worst I would forsake wife and children, etc. My father-in-law was very much enraged at me.
At this time he feel from a horse and broke his arm, this for a time turned his
attention.
In the
beginning of August 1845, I gather my loose property together such as my
furniture and one pony and carriage and moved down the river. The whole town
was enraged at me and published about me in the “Davenport Gazette.” I left my
farm and all my outfit, teams, cows, etc and rented them to Jas. Houghton and
John Rigby. I arrived safely in Nauvoo and rented a house on Mullholland Street .
In the
latter end of August a mob on the outskirts of the city began to put into
operation their hellish plans by burning the houses, etc. of the Saints. Father Morley’s settlement was burnt out and
a general rising of the mob through Hancock
County
In company
with my brethren about the 1st of September I went out, commanded by
Stephen Markham. Everything connected
with the mob fled before us. We camped a day or two at a farm house – three
miles from Green Plains, the general camping place of the mob. It was owned by one Col. Williams. The mob upon hearing of us fled to Warsaw and then across the river into Missouri .
We then took up our line of march to Carthage and fell in with forces from Nauvoo
under Brother Miller and others. The
forces surrounding Carthage . The mob that was there fled in all
directions leaving all of us, but our orders were “not to hurt or destroy
anything.”
In the
morning we took up our line of march for Warsaw . The mob kept out of our way and scattered in all
directions. In the evening we got to Warsaw and halted in the
main part of town. The men had fled
leaving only women and children. It was
then agreed to return home to Nauvoo. We
arrived about midnight and were glad to get there.
Two days
after this my little daughter, Elizabeth Alice, died on the 8th day
of Septemeber 1845.
All this
time the Temple
was being finished so that endowments could be given. I went up the river to Davenport to sell my farm,
etc. as I was determined to move out west.
The authorities of the land called upon the Twelve to agree to leave the
state in mass as the church agreements were entered into to leave in the
spring. Previous to this, I had
purchased a new brick house and lot from one, John Pickles. I paid him for it as
per agreement and knew at the same time that I should have to abandon it. I let
Brigham Young and Heber C. Kimball have $500 (it was part of the means received
from my farm.) After October conference
preparations were entered into to make wagons, etc. and to give endowments in
the temple. In January 1845, I received,
in connection with my wife, Alice ,
endowments and on the 6th of February received the sealing of the
new and everlasting covenant and was adopted into President Brigham Young’s
family. I was ordained a seventy in the 31st quorum of Seventies on
the 9th day of October 1845.
In
February- - the Twelve were hunted for their lives. Writs were got out, and tried to be served
upon Brother Brigham more especially. At
one time they waited at the temple door and one Brother Wm. Miller came to the
door and the officer served a write upon Miller taking him to be Brigham
Young. They conveyed him to Carthage and then found
out their mistake. It this month the
Twelve with many others crossed the river into Iowa and began to travel westward. Not having my business settled up I was
detained from starting with the Twelve; however, I let my carriage and harness
and one horse go to assist the company, besides money to assist.
I had
occasion to go to Davenport
to receive the balance of my pay for my farm, etc. My wife’s folks made threats as to what they
would do when I came up, but I escaped unhurt.
I bore my testimony to Moses Houghton and wife, Betty, and also to one
Robert Jackson, whom I assisted from England (he having apostatized). I
told them they would yet remember me when God’s judgment should go forth to
punish this nation for killing the anointed of God, and the Saints will stand
in holy places.
On the
first day of May 1846, myself, and wife Alice, Joseph and Benjamin, my two
little sons, also Brother Richard Withnal and family (in number seven) and like
the ancients we journeyed on through the rain and mud trusting to the Almighty
God of Jacob to lead us. We journeyed on
to Council Bluffs and the church made preparations to stay for the winter
around the country some on the east and some on the west side of the Missouri
River.
The Mormon
Battalion was called out by the government to try our loyalty. They thought we should refuse to let 500 of
our best men go to fight against the Mexicans.
My teamster, Walter Barney went, but I went into Quarters on Little
Pigeon. It now is a sickly time. Many of the Saints laid down their lives
through the hardships they were called to endure and through so many being
destitute of the comforts of life. In the month of September I was taken with
the chills and fever and all expected me to die.
Little
Pigeon is some 7 to 9 miles from the Missouri River .
There lived in this little grove in the hills many of the families of
saints—Allreds, Hegberts, Ivins, Chipmans, Taylors and many others. The twelve and the main body of the church
crossed the River. Thus, on both sides
of the river the church rested for the fall and winter. The east side was called Council Bluffs and the west side Winter
Quarter.
As soon as
the spring of 1847 dawned preparations were commenced to be entered into. A majority of the Quorum of the Twelve with
many others were in readiness to start by the first of April 1847. Their course was westward. Their object was to seek a place that the
saints might rest in peach from their enemies and be far from a wicked world.
From the first introduction of the gospel Joseph and his brethren were hunted
like the deer on the mountains and our foes were continually on the alert, but
their hopes now were that we should go into the wilderness and there perish
with hunger. Away went the noble band of pioneers trusting in God to lead
them. Few in number – seeking for
country - - they knew not where.
In the
month of May 1847, I started down the river with some two or three to obtain an
outfit - - provisions, etc. I wanted to
follow out after the pioneers. I
exchanged considerable property such as clothing, my watch, etc. I was blessed
in obtaining bread stuff, etc. in the middle of June 1847, I left my little
house that I had wintered in, and felt full of faith to follow the servants of
the most High God. I joined the main
camp on the Horn River Platte River
Having not
kept a daily journal I have not the dates of our arriving at the different
points. Two days before we arrived at the Pacific Springs we heard of the
Pioneers - - this is the first we heard of them. Also I must say here that one
item of my journey was that I had stolen from me, together with some ten or
eleven more horses, my two ponies that I thought everything of for they were a
good team for fourteen or fifteen hundred pound weight. It was some thirty miles west of For Swimie.
It was supposed to be Indians. We felt this loss very much, still we journeyed
on. We met the Pioneers at the Pacific
Springs, and rejoiced to meet with the noble band of Pioneers. We heard from then that they had found place
for the oppressed of the Almighty now wandering in the wilderness. And I must here say that after having my
ponies stolen, my oxen began to fail. My wife also had two small children - -
Benjamin and Margaret Ann, that could not walk.
We continued our journey over deserts and high mountains following on the
track of the Pioneers. It was almost
impassable going through the narrow passes of the mountains. At last we burst forth into open space- - a
beautiful valley - - the place where His servants had lead the way by
inspiration - - a place of rest from our foes and the fury of mobs. And my prayer is that I may be worthy to live
and inherit this land and be ever faithful to the Church and the Kingdom of God
We arrived
at the Old Fort, October 28, 1847, - - a day ever to be remember by me and my
wife, Alice. She had to carry in many places her two smallest children over the
mountains because of the dangerous roads, but we felt thankful that we were
brought safely through to a resting place for our weary feet. I purchased a log house partly put up by Patriarch
Jno. Smith and got into the same in a few weeks. And we had a floor which was
sawed by Brother Hess, one of the Battalion boys, I gave him some bread stuff
for it. I also took in one of the Battalion boys, Robert Egbert, in January
1848. I renewed my covenant by baptism.
I acted as
clerk of the high council through the winter season, but kept no diary. We had good meetings with the Quorums. It was
a scarce time for bread and we had to be put on allowances. I divided up with my brethren making things
last out by eating poor beef, roots and greens.
July 14,
1848, Up to this time the Saints in the mountains have been tried, for at one
time, about one month ago, the crickets seemed as if they would eat everything
up. My crop was almost entirely eaten up, but there was part not destroyed;
hence, we were encouraged.
July 15 - Today
have been stacking hay and ate supper on ground wheat.
July 16 - Sunday.
Attend meeting in the center of the square.
Elder Jed M. Grant and others spoke on the necessity of taking care of
the grain.
July 17 - Monday.
Thrashed out some. Got for work one bushel.
July 18 - Got
it chopped.
July 19 - Whitewashed
my log room.
20 and 21 - Hot
days. Reaped a little wheat—harvested
general
22 - to work.
23 - Sun.
Attended meeting address by P.P. Pratt and President Jno. Taylor of the Twelve
and President John Smith.
From 24 to
27 - hot days
28 to 29 –
been gleaning wheat.
30- Meeting addressed by Elders Chas. Rich and P.
P. Pratt and President Jno. Smith on stealing and following out the Epistle
which was read every Sunday. My wife,
Alice, renewed her covenant by being baptized and confirmed.
31 - Sold a
cow for $20.00
August 1,
2, 3, 4,- on the 4th and 5th thrashed out some wheat that
I raised on land put in by Jacob Gates on shares by me.
Sun. 6 –
had news from President C.B. young and Co.
returning to the valley (600 wagons)
7 - Today cleaning up wheat
9- Assisting
to build a bowery in old Fort
10- This
day we celebrated harvest feast by erecting a liberty pole and a white flag and
a sheaf of wheat and barley and by the firing of cannons and shouting of
Hosanna! Hosanna! Hosanna!
To God and the Lamb - - three times.
Preparations were then made to set tables and put on the products of the
valley. All the people sat down at 12
o’clock noon, and the feast was truly a feast of fat things. All were truly
thankful of the God of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, and Hyrum for the
blessings of the same, and for the harvest that God had given us. All the Saints that were in the mountains
partook of the feast – there being about one thousand under a bowery erected
for that purpose. At 2 p.m. the trumpet
sounded for the people to clear away the tables and come to order and an address
was given by each—Elder John Taylor, Parley P Pratt, Jed M Grant, and others,
on the good partaken of and the privileges of the Saints. Also a call was made to assist in the
President C. B. Young and Company who are now on the way to the valley. In order
that our feast might be acceptable to the Lord the two center alleys of the
bowery were then cleared away and the seats were set in order and all went
forth in the dance until sunset.
11- Today we had a beautiful shower of rain.
12-
Repairing my wagon to go back on the road to meet the companies.
13- Today
is Sunday and the subject of making roads and assisting
Aug. 19-
The past week teams have been going back to meet the coming emigration. The
weather is very favorable.
Aug. 24 –
The people were called together by the ringing of the bell to send more help
for the emigration companies.
25 – Up to
the 30th of August the nights were very cool and the days hots.
31- Had
frost. I am now making sun-dried brick
(or adobes.)
Sept. 1 to
3 – considerable rain at intervals- also snow on the mountains up to 7 of
September. Good weather. My daughter, Margaret, is sick of fever and a
sort of influenza, but I have faith that she will soon be better again.
10 – Today
is Sunday. Our meeting was addressed by Parley P Pratt. His subject was
resurrection, he spoke of the death of Brothers. Brawet, Cox, and Allen, who
have been killed by the Indians in California .
11-12 - Had some heavy rains which wet down 12 to
13 inches. My daughter, Margaret, is much better.
Up to the
15- there is snow in the mountains and frosty nights.
On the 16th
it is a pleasant day. On the 17, Sun. we
heard of the companies being on the Weber.
22-
Fri President B. Young arrived in the
valley.
24- Sunday
meeting has some very good instructions given by President B. Young President Heber C Kimball arrived.
Oct 1. Had good weather up to this date. Sunday meetings addressed by President B.
Young and H., C. Kimball, Pres. Young in the evening addressed the people on
the subject of Mormon Battalion and said that the band of brethren who had
enlisted and filled their mission with honor were the means of deliverance to
this people and their temporal salvation – like a ram caught in the
thicket. Also speeches were given by
Captain Hunt and Brown and others told of the privations the band of 500 went
through.
Oct. 5 –
The day appointed for the Battalion to have a feast, but an account of the rain
it was adjourned over to the 6 which went off in good order and credit. All rejoicing and dancing together.
Oct. 8-
Conference commended and the First Presidency for the first time in the valley
were presented. For President, prophet,
seer and revelator, Brigham Young and Heber C Kimball and Willard Richards, his
two counselors. Carried unanimously.
John Smith, Patriarch of the Church.
President Young spoke of the priesthood and the necessity of a first
presidency and patriarch and that no man was ever ordained to any higher order
than an apostle. And that Joseph Smith never received any higher
ordination. Many very good instructions
were given the high council, the first seven presidents of the seventies and
Bishop W. K. Whitney as presiding Bishop all were presented and unanimously
sustained. Conference then adjourned
until next Sunday at 10 a.m.
Oct 15 –
Conference was opened by prayer by Pres. Joseph Young. President B. Young presented the subject of
those who raised the first crops in the valleys and the blessing of paying
tithing on the same. Pres. H. Kimball
spoke on the same subject and if we will observe the law God will pour out
blessings upon his people. The minutes
of a conference held on the Pacific
Islands Islands
and that many laborers were need in that part of the vineyard. It was voted to send out Elders to Islands with Brother Pratt. Also elders to be sent to Holland ,
East Indies and the whole world. President B. Young requested that the high
priests, seventies, elders, etc. get
together and brush off the rust and dust from each other and inform our minds
of the things pertaining to the kingdom
of God
Oct
22. Met as adjourned. Good instruction
given. It was asked if those who had done plowing the laying out of the Church
farm would they turn into the church their share for tithing. Adjourned.
Oct. 29 –
Met again. A call was made to work on the council houses. The President spoke of some who wish to go
off to themselves from the main body of the church. All those who so pursue
such a course were of the devil. He called the Saints to pull together and then
the blessings of God would rest with the people. The conference then adjourned to the 6 day of
April 1849.
I tool up
my city lot- Sat. 6- block 52, plot 6
The Quorum
of the Seventies which I have the pleasure of being a member of, met at Pres.
George C. Rizers every Sunday evening at early candle and showed how it was
necessary to be pliable in the hands of the great Potter. Also Pres. B. Young said if we make all
things right with our God we should be sure to make all things right with our
fellow men.
Dec. 6,
1848 – I moved into a house which I have built on my lot. It is adobe.
One front room and a bedroom and pantry.
Previous to my final move into my new house I had my feet frozen in
going up to Red Butte Canyon
Jan. 5,
1949- Today the 31st and 30th Quorums of Seventies joined
in a festival. Together myself and wife,
Alice, enjoyed ourselves very much. It is very cold.
Jan. 11 –
President Young today spoke of a certain council that was organized in the days
of Joseph also spoke of those who were blessed with a good crop last year and
that they were speculating out of their brethren, obtaining a good price for
the same. If they did not repent they
would go to hell. There was plenty of bread to supply at three-fourths lb. per
head.
The spring
up to the 18 day of May 1849 has been very good for putting in grain, I
dedicated the seed and the ground to God, trusting in Him for the increase. Up
to August 3, 1849- up to this time I have been blessed in my efforts to raise
bread for which I am thankful to my God and give Him the praise forever. I sent my first grist to the mill.
July 24,
1849 – Today was the grand first celebration of the arrival of the Pioneers
into the valley. The first Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve was escorted
to the old bowery made of mud and stakes by 24 young ladies and 24 young
men. Also, the veteran fathers, bishops
of the different wards and a brass band.
On their arrival at the bowery they were saluted by shouts from the
people of Hosanna, and long live the Governor of Deseret. Also the procession moved around the bowery
singing “we are the true born sons of Joseph of Zion.” The Declaration of Independence was presented
to Pres. Young by 24 young men and which he had read. Many interesting remarks were made on the
boon of liberty and of the fallen liberty that was meet out to us being driver
from our homes, etc. The whole people then partook of a rich feast which was
carried on in great order by the wards being organized in 10. The wards set
tables, when they were cleared away short speeches were given and singing was
conducted. It is a day long to be
remembered.
Dec. 18,
1850 – The past year I rejoice that the Lord is rolling forth his work in the
earth. Plagues are stalking abroad, pro
? ? that the time of His coming draweth nigh.
God has blessed me in my labors.
In the year
1851, I moved from Salt Lake City to American Fork City
1852 and
1853, I am struggling and working hard to raise my little family of small
children, being seven in number.
Up to
January 1855, the past year has been a year of plenty of every kind of bread
stuffs, and a great draft in the United States
for the Ward between Russia
and the combined powers of England
and France and Turkey .
This spring
of 1855 has been very favorable for putting in the small seeds. A very early
spring. At this date, May 10, 1855, the grasshoppers have hatched out and they
appear to cover the face of the whole country and as numerous as the sands upon
the seashore. The grain and every green
thing is devoured by them, and all other settlements around appear to be
sharing the same fate, but the hand of the Lord is in this, and will eventually
work out for the good of his faithful, for it is written that judgments begin
at the house of God first, and then God will in His own due time remember the
wicked and ungodly. I am at this time laid up – having severely cut my right
foot with an ax on the instep and I feel to say the hand of the Lord id is all
this, and over his Saints for good, suffice to say that the year of 1855 will be
a year long to be remembered by the Saints in the mountains for the destruction
of crops and cattle.
May 18,
1856. Up to this date there is a good
prospect for raising grain. I feel to
write the following. Half past seven p.m. Feb. 23, 1856 brought forth a
daughter whom we named Rachel. My family
now numbers six sons and three daughters.
My wife, Alice, enjoying good
health for which I thank God. My oldest
son, Joseph Robinson is a good trusty boy. He was 12 years old last March 10
and he promise to be a good man and now assists his father in putting in grain.
My prayer is that he may be useful in building up the kingdom of God
I feel to
say he will and his face be like a flint.
The next is my daughter, Margaret- nine years old last Feb. 25, 1856 –
an example to her sex- a lover of home, trusty to her mother, industrious and
ever attentive to her smaller brothers and sister. She is inclined to be backward in company and
shy to strangers. May the Lord preserve
her long upon the earth to be a pattern of good to all around her, and be a
mother in Israel
and a stay to principles of virtue in the circle she shall move which she
promises fair to be a pattern.
My
daughter, Alice, seven years old, is inclined to be careless, but quick to
learn- no care nor trouble upon her mind, but will still make a smart woman of
a healthy constitution. May she yet be a
bright star in the kingdom of our Redeemer.
Next is my
son, William, six years old, rather small is stature but a mind and body full
of activity and never still only when asleep-
inclined to be of consequence in his mind and actions bold and
resolute. May he be bold in the
principles of the Gospel of Jesus and grow up to be a good man.
Next is my
son, Samuel, four years old, March 5, 1856, a peaceable and amiable
disposition, very little to say, generally a great favorite of his sister,
Margaret. Never inclined to quarrel with
any person, very distant with grown persons, and ever with his father and
mother, easy to be controlled especially by mild means. May he live long on the earth to bear his
father’s name to the latest generations and all his enemies who seek to hurt
his peaceable disposition, may they not prosper. He is young though very stout
in body and contented. May he ever be
and do right.
Next me
son, Jacob, three years old February 25, 1856.
He is a smart boy wide awake to what is going on, not easily cheated and
well calculated to fight his way through this world, not afraid not timid. May
he be vigilant in the Redeemer’s cause, and never swerve from the principles of
the Kingdom of God
Next is my
daughter, Rachel, a few months old. May
she be preserved to a good old age and bare sons and daughters in the kingdom of God
It is now
May 25, 1856. the past year – the later part- there has been a great
reformation amongst the Saints. Everyone
going forth and renewing the covenants by being baptized and President Jedediah
M. Grant one of the first presidency of the Church, fell as a martyr to
reformation through his excessive labors, preaching and baptizing the
people. Also this year the emigration
from the old country came over the plains with hand carts, and through starting
late in the season many laid down their lives in consequence of the severe cold
in the mountains and hunger, but the Saints in the valley responded nobly to
the call by sending out teams and provisions and they were brought in, being
month of December 1856.
This year
1857, has been one of the most fruitful years ever known in the valleys of the
mountains and all in fulfillment of the words of Brigham and Heber, the
Prophets of the Lord. The counsel is to lay up grain etc. against the day of
famine, my prayer is that I may be able to carry out this counsel. Brother H. C Kimball prophesied last April
conference that the time was night at hand when a famine such as this earth
never witnessed since it was created, and for this people to lay up seven years
bread stuff in advance.
May 21,
1857, I was ordained under the hands of President Joseph Young and others one
of the seven presidents of the 44 Quorum of seventies.
July 24,
1857. Being invited by President Young to accompany Bishop L. E. Harrington with others from American Fork
Ward to celebrate the anniversary of the noble pioneers at the head waters of Big Cotton
Wood Canyon
Dec. 6,
1857 – the U.S.
troops have been kept back in the mountains and are wintering in and about
Ham’s Fork. By the obedience of the
brethren going out to Echo
Canyon U.S. troops)
animals are dying off with the deep snows, and they are now eating mule meat,
being short of provisions.
1858- This
year begins with preparations to raise a standing army to combat with our
enemies, but this is given up and at the general April Conference it was
unanimously voted that Salt
Lake Valley Salt
Lake Provo , yet many are going
still further south of that place. All this time the U.
S. troops are quartered in and about Fort Bridger Cedar Valley being south- and they call the place Camp Floyd
March 26,
1859. My wife, Alice, brought from
another daughter whom we named Mary Ellen.
This year,
1859, nothing of particular occurrence- but the powers of darkness are
cunningly at work seeking to lead away the unwary, yet all the exertion got up
to hurt the servants of God prove futile- and God has prospered my labors and
endeavors to sustain my family.
July 29,
1860- My wife again brought forth a fine son whom we named Joshua.
A.D.
1860 This is an eventful year. The
purposes of the Almighty are rolling on.
The rebellion commencing at South Carolinas
as was prophesied by Joseph Smith, the great Prophet of the last day though
they murdered him in cold blood. God has
decreed that the United States
shall be brought to feel His wrath and indignation in His own due time. On July
1, 1860, I was called to be second counselor to Bishop L. E. Harrington.
1861- The
remnant of the army that came up against Utah ,
or the Kingdom of
God
1862- This
year my son, Joseph Robinson, went to the States to frontiers as a teamster to
gather the poor and returned all right.
1863- The
War in the United States
still continues- the south is growing weaker all the time.
1864- My
son, Joseph R., volunteered to go back as night guard to assist in the
emigration. Being a wet season he took
cold and never survived. We never heard
of his illness. The first news we heard was by Brother Bull coming to us
bringing the news that he in trying to bring him in with a carriage he got out
at Bear River and got something to eat and
then got into the carriage and died in a few minutes. He was buried on the Weber at Chalk Creek, 40
miles from Salt Lake City .
Sept 16,
1864- thus he ended his youthful career in dutiful service in the Kingdom of God
1868- This
year there has been a great overturning of merchandising in Utah . Cooperative institutions being
established in the different cities. The
President of the Church put forth his exertion and means to establish a parent
Co-Op Institution so as to supply the branch institutions. A very business was done and money was
plentiful. The Union Pacific Railroad is now building and soon to be completed. I took an active part in establishing the
American Fork Cooperative Institution. I put in $100 to commence with and the
object of the Institution is to get all interested in the same and sustain it,
each one putting in some, but not to allow a monopoly of capital, but carry out
home industry, etc. Our institution runs
very successfully, turning over means or capital after thereby making good
profits. I assisted to make the first
purchase of goods and acted as secretary- keeping all accounts.
1869- The U
P R R was completed and other lines – which is quite a change in the freighting
of good to this territory.
On March 22
of this year, I married Bertha Eyring. Called on a mission to the United States
at the October Conference, in company with Br. John Hindly and Br. Washburn
Chipman of American Fork, also many others.
Arrived back home February 22. 1872 at 11 p.m.
1874- March
5. I was ordained a High Priest under
the hands of President A. O. Smoot and others and set apart to be first
counselor to Bishop L. E. Harrington, having acted as counselor since July 1,
1860, yet not being ordained to the High Priest Quorum but belonging to the
Seventies. Pres. Smoot was mouth. Br. John Hindley was also ordained
a H. P. etc. and second counselor to
Bishop Harrington in place of Br. James Clarke who died March 15, 1873.
1874- Being
called to go on a mission to England
by the First Presidency I toiled day and night to get ready. I left my home on the morning of September 6,
1874, in company with Br. Henry Eyring, my brother-in-law and other
elders. I arrived home March 18,
1875. In consequence of poor health in
England to the damp wet climate it was not wisdom to stay longer, hence I was
released and returned home, but can say I enjoyed my mission and could I have
enjoyed good health, it would have been a pleasure to remain longer.
Nov. 14- Dec. 13- My wife Bertha, brought
forth my daughter, Charlotte . My son, Stephen Edward died whilst absent on
my mission. Up to the year 1883, I have been toiling and laboring and trying to
do my duty. Congress is trying to pass
restrictive laws against the Latter Day Saints. My son, Alma, is on a mission
to New Zealand . Bishop Wm Bromley is our bishop to fill the
place of Bishop Harrington who died in June this year. He brought a very good report of the labors
on my son, Alma, in that far off land.
In 1886 the
first raid of the deputies of the U S was made in January arresting Bishop Wm
Bromley. Brother Wm Grant and Brother
Warren B Smith got out of their way and are going on the underground or exile.
Other raids were made in 1886. Myself
expecting to be arrested, but escaped.
Great excitement prevailed through the settlements of the Saints. The leading Authorities got out of the
way. The cause of these arrests was
against those who practice the plurality of wives, and many families were left
destitute of their husbands and fathers.
My son, Joshua, this fall returned from a mission to England just in
time to see his mother in her last stage of sickness and attend her funeral. My
son, Alma, returned the year before from New Zealand . I felt proud that I had two sons counted
worthy to go on missions to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ, and their mother
felt proud before her death of the same.
On the 13th
day of November 1886 at 45 minutes past 12, my dear wife, Alice Houghton
Greenwood, departed this life after a lingering sickness of nearly two
years. She was patient and enduring in
her affliction and seemed to have a great desire to live. We have journeyed through many trials of
poverty and persecutions- having been compelled to leave our home in the State
of Illinois . Still we have enjoyed many pleasant times
together, rearing a large family in the poverty times, yet though separated for
a short time we hope to enjoy an eternal existence in the Glory of those who
had received the fullness of the everlasting Gospel. I was with her to the last
minute of her life and her last breath was peaceable and she fell asleep to
rest until she shall be raised again to a glorious resurrection which is not
far distant. The day she was interred is
the American Fork Cemetery which was Monday, November 15, it was an awful
stormy day, scarcely anyone was able to go the cemetery expect my seven sons
and five son-in-laws and a few brethren to consecrate the grave and inter the
body, but peace be to her ashes until the trumpet of the arch angel shall sound
and the dead who died in the Lord shall arise, and join each other to go forth
and help to perform ordinances for the redemption of Adam’s great family.
Spring
1889- My sons removed the remains of wife Alice (I never felt satisfied where
she was buried.) The lot she was moved
to is close to the gates entering the cemetery on the left hand as you enter
said gates. We put up a very nice marble monument over her grave.
1889, May
11, 1889, having for some time preparing to go to the Temple at Logan to do
work for the dead and living, myself and wife, Bertha E. started on the 9 a.m.
UCRR to Salt Lake City and stayed all night in Salt Lake, my wife having gone
on the 4 p.m. train May 22 to visit friends in Logan. Met her in Ogden ,
May 12, 1889-started on the 10 a.m. UCRR- arrived at Logan 2:15 p.m. same day. Put up at Sister Curtis’s, her husband being
on the underground. Performed labor on
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, also the week after on the same
days. The joy and happy feeling and
solid pleasure I never experience in those few days. I truly was drawing near to God, His Son,
Jesus Christ, and holy men who have to this stage of action long, long ago also
those who have taken part in this the dispensation of the fullness of
times. We started homeward from Logan , June 3, stopped in Salt Lake
* * * * *
Entries to William Greenwood’s journal ended at this
point. An unidentified relative added
the following:
He also was one of the first
surveyors of American Fork and was the first school teacher acting as
principal, assistant and janitor.
William Greenwood departed this life
January 16, 1891 at his home which now stands opposite the Presbyterian
Church. He was an unassuming man but
lived a life of service and devotion to God and his fellow men. The Gospel of
Jesus Christ was everything to him. He was willing to forsake all and take up
his cross and follow the Master.
He was
prominent in the settlement and development of American Fork- financially,
socially, morally and intellectually.
Served as counselor and on the reorganization of the bishopric he was
again chosen counselor to Bishop Wm. M. Bromley.
During his
many long weary nights of constant pain (Bright’s disease) a murmur never
passed his lips. He born his burden with the patience of Job, the courage of
Paul, the love of John the Beloved, and the faith of Abraham. A portion of his numerous family was at his
bedside. He was the father of 19
children and 64 grandchildren. At this
time, January 26, 1898- his posterity number several hundred revere his memory and
are proud of their lineage.
* * * * *
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