Transcript

Title: William R. Terry autobiographical sketch, circa 1858

Call Number: MS 14921

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CHURCH
ARCHIVES
MS
14921

Terry, William Reynolds, 1812-1868
Autobiographial sketch, [ca. 1858]

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MS
14921

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Copy of the diary of
William Reynolds Terry

The original copy being at present (1925)
the property of his only living child
Minerva Deseret Terry - Andrus of Draper Utah.

Copied by Venus Robinson Rossiter
great grand daughter of Wm. Reynolds Terry

[illegible note at bottom of page.]
[Only the words St. George are readable.]

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William Reynolds Terry was born
1812 June 2nd day. State of Rhode
Island. County of Washington. Town of
Exeter. Son of Moses Terry, son of Seth
Terry. Brought up under my grand-
father until 13 years of age, on mothers side
Stephen Reynolds. He died in the 76th
year of his age Feb.--1826. Then I was
left to take care of my self. I then worked
5 years by the month at farming for small
wages, then went to the State of Connecticut
in Hartford County at a little town named
Collinsville, my occupation at building
machinery and polishing edge-tools for
two years, then returned to Rhode Island
and made my parents and connection a
visit. Then spent some five years in South
Kingston, over seeing factories, cording
machines and spinning machines and
looms. I was married in South Kingston
December 20th day 1835 to Mary A Phillips
Daughter of John Phillips and Polly Allen both
of South Kingston--Then I--of
little substance and left Rhode Island in

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Sept 2nd day 1838 and made our way west
for the State of Illinois and landed in
February 5 1839 in Pawa Namaran County

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History of Wm. Reynolds Terry
His life and travels

William Reynolds Terry (born) in the year
1812 June 2nd day (Tuesday) 3rd day of the week in the
State of Rhode Island. County of Washington.
Town of Exeter. Eldest son of Moses Terry
and Sarah Reynolds who was the oldest
son of Seth Terry and Mary Barber (who) was
the only daughter of Moses Barber and
Abby Niles. Was the son of Benjamin Terry
and his wife Joanna Pope.

Our mothers ancestors was the daughter of
Stephen Reynolds (born 1750) and Abigail Cotrell
was the daughter of Samuel Cotrell, his
wife was Susan Reynolds. Their children
Abigail John Nathaniel Samuel Leucy
Martha. Brothers and sisters, Henry Reynolds
Martha R. Mary R. Sarah R. Hannah R. John
R. The girls followed off Pemina Wilkersan
who called herself Christ and deceived
many. The girls reounced her doctrine be-
fore dying.

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I lived with my father and mother
untill I was one year old. My grand-
father (Stephen) Reynolds brought me up to the
age of 13 years. My grandfather died
in the 76th year of his age in the of February 1826
Through the process of the 13 yrs I was sent
to school one year and the remainder of
my time I was engaged in choring and
farming. My father having seven sons having
plenty of help didn't call for my service left
me to shift for myself. I went to live with
a man by the name of Avery Browning
who joined farms with my dearest grand-
father. There labored until the year 1829
20th day. In the winter time I went to school
7 months, which finished my education, which
is very limited. My occupation was farming.

On the 25th day of March 1829 I commenced
work for Thomas Hazard for 7 months at
$9.50 per month at farming on the Island of
Rhodesland. town of New Port. From there
I returned to the main land. and
in a cotton factory till the 1st of April 1830.
From there to South Kingston. I spent-six

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months at farming. This time all consumed
in the State of Rhode Island.

In October 1830 I removed to the State
of Connecticut in the township of
Volintown. At a cotton factory owned
by Treet and Done. I took the charge of
32 cardes for to run and keep in order
until April 1831, which was accomplished.
At the 8th of April I removed to a town
of Canton in Heartford County. At the
establishment owned by Sam'l Collins
and Co.. There I went to work at making
machinery and finishing edge tools. There
I remained till December 1832, then returned
to South Kingston Rhode Island. and work
at finishing edge tools the most part of
that year for Joseph Heasari(?). In the
village of Peace Dail in the fall I fell
sick with the tifus fever which disabled
me from labor that year. I was near
unto death. the fever was on me 32 days,
without cessation. With a skilfull Doctor
(and a good nurse) who was mother? and the mercies of
God I was restored to health again.

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January A 1833 I commenced to Samuel
Rodman at Peace Dail. I took charge of
a room of cotton machinery where I
worked raw cotton into nofue ready
for spinning. There I remained 15 months

April 1st day 1834 removed to a factory
owed by Thomas R Hazard and run by
Jonathon h. Hazard Called the (Rockey (moching) bird?)
factory in South Kingston. I took the over-
sight of said establishment with the hire
of 30 men women & children for to manage
said factory. we made [illegible] and satinnetts.
Here I became aquainted with a girl by
the name of Mary Allen Phillips and I
married her the 20th day of December
1835. who is the daughter of John Phillips and
Polly Allen. John P.--was the sone of James P--
and Hannah Champlain. Polly was the
daughter of Ray Allen and Susan Gould
who was the daughter of John Gould and
Moley S tidman.

On the Wednesday 4th day of the week [2 words crossed out]
Oct. the 5th at 8'oclock evening 1836 was born
or eldest daughter by the name of Albina.

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April [the day of the month is crossed out] 1838 we moved to the house
of James Dixon Esq. On Tues. April 13th
1838 was born our second daughter who
we call Dorcas. Here I made preparations
to leave my family and go and explore
the western states of North America.
I procured provisions and fuel and house
room and settled all my affairs.

April the 23rd 1838, I in company
with Stephen A Wright. left home for the
state of Illinois by the way of the south
ferry from New Port. R.I. There we got
passage for New York City that evening
on board the steamer "Rhode Island" and
landed and landed at New York the next
morning. There we engaged passage
for Pittsburg Pa. by the way of Philadel-
phia. and Harris Burg and over the Allegheny
mountains by Holerdays Burg by railroad
and canal. Arrived at Pittsburg the 30th of May.

There engaged passage to St. Louis, Misouri
by steam boat down the Ohio River to the
mouth, then up the Mississippi River on
the steamboat Mountaineer. Arrived at

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St. Louis the 12th day of May 1838. distance by
water 1500 miles. Left St Louis Monday the
14th for RockIsland, Ill, on the river by
stean boat. Arrived at the above men-
tioned point May 16th day. distance 450 miles

Spent 2 weeks veiwing the country
and bargained for a claim to make
a farm 2 miles from a town on the
Mississippi River by the name Porttrion (Port Byron)
3 miles from the Rock River in the fork
of the two, for which I paid 10 dollars

May the 28th day I left Portbiron (Port Byron) for Chicago.
arrived 1st day of June. distance 170 miles
Left May 3rd on the steamboat Consttalation
by the way on [illegible] Bay down the lakes to
Buffalo. distance by water 1400 miles. There
I visited Niagara Falls one of the nations
curiosities, the water falls 150 feet and is
160 ft depth of water making a fall of
320 ft. Crossed over the N. River 3/4 of a
mile below the falls in a small boat
to the Canadian side. Went down the
bank under the seet of water over the fall
on a sun shiny day may be seen a

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beautiful rain bow.

From here to Lock Port I went by steam
cars on rail-road, then took canal boats
for Albany arrived there 18th day of June.
distance 368 miles from there to City of New
York, down the North river one day and
night. distance of 160 miles. from there to
Slinington point, through the Long Island
Sound on the steam boat "Phode Island",
this being the 19th night. A severe
frost fell which killed the leaves on
trees and shrubbery and corn and
vegitation. From the point I took passage
on the rail road to South Kingston which
landed me home on the morning of
the 20th to my family. from New York to
Phode Island 200 miles. Performing a
journey of 5000 miles a little up of
two months and the payment of $100.

I devoted the time from June 20th day
to Sept 2nd day, doing some repairs
on wooling machinery and selling off
my household furniture, settling
up my business and visiting my relatives.

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On the 2nd day of Sept. 1838, I, with
my family left our native land, destined
for the State of Illinois on rail road from
Stonington Point Conn. from thence to the
city of New York by steam boat. From there
to the cities of Philadelphia and Pittsburg
Pa. This city lies in the forks of the
Alleghenia and the Monongahela Rivers
These two rivers unite at that city and
form the Ohio River. At that point
hundreds of steam boats are loaded
with friut for New Orleans, St. Louis and
other points up the Mississippi River.
and Missouri River.

After many hardships and exposures
seen and unseen we landed at the 

above named place the 1st of October
without any serious accident befalling
my family, my self my wife and two children.

Being the dry part of the season the
river was very low and no boats were
running, so I was under the necessity
of building a flat boat.

Myself, and two others bound to the

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same place, jointly agreed to build
a boat suitable for our accomodation.
We went to work and built a boat
20 ft long, 10 ft wide, 10 ft decked over
for the accomodation of our families
consisting in nuber 17, 3 men, 4
women and 10 children.

As were about going aboard Mr. G. P.
Stidman found his brother Christopher
of Rhode Island at the same city, bound
for the same place with his family
consisting of 1 man 2 women & 7 children.
He prevailed upon us to sell our boat and
all turn in together and build another
large enough to accomodate all which
we did and went to work and built
one 32 ft long, 11 ft wide, decked over 20 ft.
and cabined off four berths and other
accomodations, all completed and
loaded for our voyage. Left Pittsburg
the lst of November floating down the
proud (stream) Ohio three weeks without any
serious accident, landing at a towm
named Merietia in the State of Ohio.

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distance 300 miles. In a few days the
river taking a rise, started the steam
boat running. Here myself and the
Stidman families took steam boat
for St. Louis, leaving the other family
with the boat. (name Benjamin Nois.)

Landed at St Louis the latter part
of November, then my wife and two
children were taken sick with the
measles. detained there under very
heavy expenses until the 1st day of
January. 1839. I took on the steamer
"Alfey" for Quinay a river town in Ill.

There I rented a room and put my
family in and took a journey on foot, by
the way of Warsaw. Crossed the river and
landed in the mouth of Des Moines
river, followed up the river on the Missouri
side to a little town in Iowa territory at
that time by the name of Farmington.
Crossed back again, followed up the
river until we struck the Fox River.

At that time were but few settlers
Country was open for making claims.

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From there I struck the Des Moines River.
at a settlement called the Rising Sun.
followed down to a place now called Keosauqua. (Kesochi)
Crossed the river on ice, took lodging
that night, drifted down the river to a
little town named Columbus. Two -
miles east of that town I bought a
claim, paid $100 down, which claim
consisted of 80 acres. This claim was
under bond for 50 percent in trust
per year, which bond I raised at the
years end. by $200 paid and got a
general warranty deed.

I then returned to Quinsy to my
family. There I saw some of the Latter
Day Saints, as they made that point for
crossing the river to the state of Illinois
as that people were forced from their
houses and lands by the rulers (robers) and
Govenor Boggs being the chief magistrate
did encourage the mobbers to exterminate
the mormons for their religious views.

Here I bought a yoke of oxen and horse
[word scribbled out] from those Mormons.
Rigged my team

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and left in February for Iowa my
new [words erased] home. We landed at Columbus
the last of February. remaining there a
few weeks until I built a cabin on my
uncultivated farm. I moved my family
on the farm the 5th day of April 1839.
Traveling the distance of two thousand
five hundred miles in six months
costing five hundred dollers.

Here I went to work making rails
and opening my farm, fenced and
broke and brought into cultivation
forty acres, built two log houses
a two story log barn, crib, sheds and other
out buildings that one needed for
chickens and pigs. Transplanted apple
trees peach trees, sugar trees, butter nut,
and black walnut trees. --nothing un-
common occurred that year.

On Sunday, 1st day of the week 12th
day of July half past three o'clock in
evening was born the third daughter
who we named Mary Abbey.

In 1841 in the month of August, two

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Servants of the Lord named Truman
Gillitt & Joseph T. Ball were sent under
the direction of Joseph Smith, then
presiding at Nauvoo Ill. to Van Buran
County Iowa. They came to the house
of John Luca whose farm joined
mine. There I with my family attended
their meetings and for the first time
heard the Gospel of Jesus Christ preached
for the first time by those who were
called sent and qualified under
the direction of God [to preach the
true principals of Salvation and
to initiate the children of man
into the true church of our Lord and
Saviour, by baptism of water in the
name of the Father and Son and the
Holy Ghost, and laying on the hands
for the gift of the Holy Ghost]

The discourse that fell from the lips
of these two men that day penetrated my
heart with true principles that I
feel to thank the Lord for to this day.

In the month of December (1841) my

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wife embraced the truth in obedience
of the requirements of Christ. On the
20th of March 1842 I was baptized
in the Des Moines River for the remission
of my sins, and confirmed under the
hand of Truman Gillitt, & also my wife.

They organized a Branch in the
neighborhood, by the name of Bentonport
Branch. The Branch was called together
April 20th day 1842. By the unanimous
voice of the Brothers & Sisters there con-
gregated I was ordained to the office
of an Elder of the Melchesidic priesthood
under the hand of Truman Gillit and
Joseph T. Ball. On Monday the 2nd day
of the week & 6th day of June 1842 was
born Joseph at 1/2 past 2 o'clock in the
evening in Van Buran County Iowa.

Soon after thise I had the spirit of
gathering with the Saints. I traded my
farm for one fourth of the undivide
mill and forty acres of timber land on
the west fork of Crooked Creek was
[one word scribbled out]
by the Deahean Mill in the

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County pf Hancock, State of Illinois, 18 miles
east of Nauvoo. In the month of October 1842.
In the month of [crossed out] (January 1st day) 1843
for the first time I had the priviledge
of seeing the Prophet Joseph and the
Apostle Brigham Young at Macedonia
Brother Joseph preached in the forenoon
from this text, "In my fathers house
there are many mansions". Bro. Brigham
occupied the after part day

The 6th of April convened at Nauvoo
at two days conference. Saw the Prophet
Joseph and Hyrum Smith and four
or five of the (twelve) apostles.

Also met at the October conference
6th day in Ill. Hancock Co. Friday February
2nd day of month, 5th day of week was
born William our second son and
fifth child. February the 12th day
the above named child was named
and blessed under the hand of Uncle
John Smith the Patriarch.

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Blessing of Wm. R. Terry given
under the hand of John Smith Patriarch
Feb 12th 1844.

In the authority of the Holy Priesthood, I
lay my hands upon thy head to seal
a fathers blessing, because thou hath no
father. Thou art of the blood of Joseph
and a lawful heir of the priesthood. And
one of the fishers and hunters who are to
search out and to gather the remanent
of Jacob. And thou shalt go to the nations
of the earth proclaiming the gospel with
mighty power. The Lord hath given his
angels charge to keep thee and protect
thee in times of danger. In all thy
afflictions they shall comfort thee.

Thou shalt see much sorrow because of
the destruction of the wicked, which shall
take place in thy days. Many shall fall
before thine eyes, but thou shall be
delivered. Thou shalt preach before
many great and mighty men of the earth
and they shall be astounded at thy wisdom.

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Prisons and chains shall not confine thee.
Thou shalt have power to waft thyself
through the air from one place to another
to accomplish thy missions speedily. Thou
shalt have power to redeem all thy
dead friends and bring them up in
the first resurrection. Thou shalt
have a numerous off spring. Thy
sons and thy daughters shall be mighty
in Zion praising (carrying)? thy name to the
latest generation because of the mighty
work thou wilt perform. Thou shalt
be satisfied with the riches of the
earth. Thou shalt have an inheritance
in Zion, and thy companion and thy
children shall with thee, in as much
as thou wilt seek with thy whole
heart thou shalt inherit the riches
of Eternity and all that thy soul
desireth, for I seal this blessing on thy
head, and I seal thee up to eternal
life. Amen. In the name of Jesus Christ
Amen.

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Mary Allen Philips Terry
Blessing given under the hand of
John Smith Patriarck Feb. 12th day 1844.

Sister I lay my hands on thy head
and pronounce a fathers blessing upon
thee, by the authority invested in me.
Because thou art an orphan. Thou
art of the same lineage of thy companion
entitled to all the blessings of the priest-
hood in common with him. Thou art a
mother in Israel. Thy children shall be
numerous. Thy sons shall be prophets and
seers and revelators, and thy daughters
shall also prophecy and shall instruct
the daughters of the Lamanites in all the
liberal arts and sciences; also for making
clothing for the Saints. Thy name shall
be held in honorable remembrance
to the latest generation. Thou shalt be
mistress in a large house. Thou shalt
have men servants and maid servants.
Shalt feed multitudes of the Saints, thou
shalt partake of the marriage supper

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of the Lord, and thy companion with thee

Thou shalt see the temple reared
in Zion and shalt receive an endowment
there with thy companion. Thou shalt
have power to receive all thy dead
friends and bring them up in the
first ressurection. Thou hast power
to heal the sick in thy own family.
If faith faileth not thou shalt have
all thy soul desireth. I seal all
these blessings on thy head in the
name of Jesus Christ. Amen

Mary was born March 11th first
day of the week, Sunday, in the year
of our Lord 1815, Washington County, South
Kingston Point--Juda (Judith) Rhode Island.

This point of land got its name in
the early age of the Puritans [(illegible)] setteling
New England. A ship load of imogratas
making that point, the first land was
discovered by a black woman by the
name of Juda (Judith).

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May the 10th day 1844, William departed
this life, age three months 10 days.
Buried in state of Illinois. Hancock Co.
town of Macedonia, 20 miles east of Nauvoo.

The first of the month of June 1844, the
different grade of people in Hancock and
surrounding counties at this time, were
gathering at Carthage with the resolution
of exterminating the Saints from the
country, under the direction of the
legal (local) military officers, all infused
with a mob spirit.

Near the 20th of June the President of
the whole church residing at Nauvoo,
namely Joseph Smith, seeing that the
Saints and their property were in danger
called for all the men to gather at
Nauvoo for to defend the city. For there
the mob had sworn in their wrath to
destroy the people and burn the city.

I left my family on Wednesday
night at 8 o'clock for the city. I
traveled through mud and waded

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creeks and sloughs and arrived at the
City at about 9 o'clock in the morning.
There I was under martial orders for
three days, expecting every day the
enemy to attack us. The last time
I ever saw the Prophet Joseph was
before the Legions parade on the
Mississippi River bank. On Sunday
morning the Macedonians were
discharged and we returned to our
families safe and sound.

A day or two after that Joseph
Smith and Hyrum Smith delivered
themselves into the hands of their
enemies on the pledge of the Govenor
of the State for safe delivery to the
City of Nauvoo. The Govenor had them
put into prison with two of the twelve
apostles, Willard Richard and John Taylor.
The Govenor caused the church to give
their public arms that they held
legally as citizens of the State.

Then the Gov. with a part of his
posse (posey) made their way to Nauvoo and

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The Gov. made his way to Nauvoo

and delivered a very abusive speech to
the Saints. This was to excite our
attention, and the plan concocted with
another portion of the mob to murder the
Smiths at the Carthage jail. and was
carried into effect about the same time.
Both Joseph and Hyrum Smith were
killed and John Taylor receiving several
shots was near to death. June 27 day 1844.

At the time this murder was com-
mitted I was five miles north east in
the open prairie. I heard the discharge
of a number of small arms at ________.
Two men being with me, I exclaimed, "
That report was from Carthage"

Soon after I visited Carthage and
saw the ball holes in the door, that past
through and killed Hyrum. He fell back-
wards by the east window. The stain of
the blood was plain to be seen on the
floor. Under the bed was where they
shot at Bro. Taylor. There were plenty
of bullet holes in the plastering. Brother
Joseph jumped out the window and was

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shot.

In the month of August [date crossed out]
I moved on a patent claim, built a
cabin and fenced and broke 12 acres.

In the month of April 15 day 1845
½  past 2 o'clock was born Benjamin
Franklin our 3rd son & 6th child.

In the month of May 1845 I
traded my mill property Joel H.
Johnson for two lots and a story
and a half brick house and a frame
attached on the east side, a good
well of water, and a back stone
house in the town of Macedonia.
Costing me five hundred dollars.

In this town I ---thed and
set up a new carding machine and
run for C. Christman (Crisman)? and Richard?
for one dollar per day until Oct.

In the month of September
the mobs began to burn houses
and wheat stacks [ect down in green
plains and Lyma] and turned the
saints out of doors, sick and well, old

[Page 29 of 49]

and young with no respect to person.

We became alarmed in our town
for we were threatened with the same
fate. We were on our guard day and night.
Moved most of our goods to the city of Joseph
for safety, so that we suffered very much
of nights for need of beds and clothing. My
wife at going to bed, tied on the childrens
bonnets and shoes expecting every night
our houses would be burned to ashes by
the mobs.

Some time in the latter part of September
I was sent to the City of Joseph to get some
cousel. I saw Brigham Young, laid my business
before him and this in the cousel he gave.
"Go home, tend to your labors and the
mob shall be stopped before they reach
Macedonia" and according to his word,
so it was for in a few days --Backinstock
raised a posse of Saints and drove them
over the Mississippi River. Then the
Govenor ordered out 500 men their post
at Carthage for that fall and winter for
to quell all mobs that might arise, until

[Page 30 of 49]

[further arrangements could be made].

In the month of October 6th day
1845, conference met at Nauvoo in the
Temple, as it was now completely
closed in and nearly finished inside.
Here we agreed to leave the State
[two or three words are faded] against (by) the first of the next June
1846. Also we as a people covenetreted one
and all to use our influence and property
to remove the poor to the place where
we should settle, [which covenant is in
force to this day. This seemed to give the
mob a little satisfaction for the time being]

On the 8th day of October 1845 I was
ordained to the office of a Seventy under
the hand of _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _at a Con-
ference held in the Temple. A member
of the 31st quorum Recorded in Book A page
21 no. 712 member.

Then the Saints organized into
companies of one hundred & fifties
and tens, and went to work in what
we called --"Common Stock". Anda (Andrew)?
H. Perkings (Perkins) was Captain of 100. Wm. G.

[Page 31 of 49]

Perkings Capt of 50 E. B. Garland (Garlard)? Capt of
10, in said company I journeyed to
Council Bluffs in I wrot (worked) 18 days and
let my wagans (wages) go as much and gave
my last dime, for which I was recompensed
to the handling (having) ½ cord of wood. I found
this wouldn't do. I went to work for my
self making and repairing wagons.

Oct. the 6th day 1844, attended
conference at Nauvoo. On Sunday the
7th, and and wife in the morning
went to the Mississippi River a few
steps above Nauvoo House and were
baptized for some of our dead friends
under the hand of Bro. _ _ _ _ Cooley
a round shouldered man. These are
the names I was baptized for.
Moses Terry, father
Stephen Reynolds, grand father his
wife Abigail. Samuel Reynolds
Le uae ? Reynolds uncle & aunt.
great uncle & aunt Nathaniel Church
and his wife Luca and great grand
father Moses Barber.

[Page 32 of 49]

Mary was baptized for the following names
Grandfather Ray Allen aunt Lyda Allen
Great grand father John Gould, his wife Moley.

In Febraruy 1845, I and wife
received a part of our indowments in
the Nauvoo Temple.

I sold my town property for 70
dollars to Doct. _ _ _ _ Farris. I sold
my patent claim for an old broken down
mare worth $15. I sold my goods and
chattels at a sacrifice. Rigged up one
wagon, two yoke of oxen a few cows
one yearling and two calves and a few sheep,
loaded my family in, and started out-
for the wilderness. We traveled a west
course. This being the 8th day of May 1846.
Our road was wet and muddy, we
ferried and bridged and forded many
a dangerous stream of water and
encountered many a hard ship and
experiences too numerous to mention.
We traveled two months and 8 days
and found ourselves at Council
Bluffs, which place was owned

[Page 33 of 49]

by the Pottowatomie Tribe of Indians. They
gave us liberty to settle and make our
selves at home [for the space of two
years, as they had sold to the govern-
ment and had reserved two years to
get away]. I then went to cutting hay
and stacking for to winter my stock,
And built me a cabin for to winter in.

By this time I found myself out of
provisions and none to be had short of
the State of Missouri from 60 to 100 miles
and no means to buy with, only my labor.
I made four trips earning a little at
a time and then returning to my
family to meet their wants in the
inclement part of the season suffering
cold and fatigue severely. In that time
I never slept in bed but one night out
of out six weeks, I lay on the floor and
also on the frozen ground the remainder
of the time.

In the spring I fenced and broke
8 acres of land and planted with corn
and other seeds, and then I had to go

[Page 34 of 49]

again, I went 100 miles for a little corn
to make bread, until that I had planted
had grown. We had a bountiful crop
that fall, the Lord blest our labors and
the ground and it brought forth from
fifty to one hundred bushells per acre
also from fifty to one hundred bushells
of potatoes from one bushel planted.

May 11th 1847 Bro. Lyman Stoddard
came to our camp under the direction
of the twelve apostles to organize the
camps into Branches. Our camp was
called the Macedonia Branch.

Oct 21st 1848. Seventies held conference
at the Tabernacle at Kaneville under the
direction of Joseph Young. I was sent to
preach to the branches through the
winter, It being a cold winter and
the snow falling very deep was (not) able
to travel but little. I preached
10 discourses and traveled 175
miles to accomplish it.

In the spring of 1848 the Twelve

[Page 35 of 49]

Apostles made a call on the Saints for
oxen and wagons to go to the Rocky
Mountains. I let 3 oxen and one
wagon go to their assisstance, (they) were
returned to me about the middle of
October, thin in flesh, one oxen
died that winter.

Macedonia Branch: April 1st day
1848 I was elected clerk of the above
named Branch. May 29th (1848) Benjamin
Franklin Terry was blessed by Wm. R. Terry
April 22nd day 1849 I was elected
presiding officer of the (Macedonia) branch. I
selected for counselors, Richard Sessions
and Wm. T. Willis.

My labors perfomed in the Branch
May 12th 1849 baptized and confirmed the
following into the church of Jesus Christ
of Latter Day Saints.  Wm A Haws
Ammy. W. Shumway Welthy A Spafford
Elmor Taylor  Martha M. Graham
Marlan Taylor  Manerva Spafford
John H. Noakis  Rhoda Spafford
James M. Graham  Francis M. Graham

[the following two notes were written on the left margin of the page.]
baptized & confirmed 100 people   blessed & administered [word illegible]

[Page 36 of 49]

Mary M. Shumway  Caroline A. Graham
Wm M. Cowley  John D. Graham
David W. Campbell  May 13th day
Crispin Taylor  Wm D. Graham
Albina Terry  Charles C. Cowley
Dorcas Terry  Elizabeth Taylor
Mary Abbey Terry  Charloty Campbell
Emeline Sessions  Arinda Spafford
Alma Spafford  Rosetta Campbell

May 13th day. I rebaptized and confirmed
under my hands, Thos B Graham and
Sarah Ann Graham

May 13th day, blessed (confirmed?) under my handed
Sarah Maria Terry, Wm Brown, Charles
Perkins. Sarah F Crosby, Isaac H. Benson,
Moroni Spafford, Nephi Spafford and
Thomas Spafford.

July 1st 1849. Children Blessed.
George G. Graham, John Alphonso Sanderson
Caroline Agusta Taylor, Jesse W. Taylor

Aug. 12th Blessed. Benjamin B. Richman
" 19" Franklin G. Waston? baptized & confirmed
" " Joshua Waston? " " "
" " Wm Nelson Spafford " " "

[Page 37 of 49]

Aug 19th Blessed Marian Campbell
  " Vaeria Campbell
Nov 4th. Blessed Daniel & D? Pitt
" 11th   " Amanda G. Graham
" 25th   " Norma Lester Taylor
Jan 27. 1850 " Mary H. Becstid (Beckliad)
  " Joseph Enos Cowley
Feb. 17 "  " Elizabeth Sessions
"        "     " " Hannah Sessions

March 3rd 1850 Baptized and confirmed
Luke William Gallup. John Fisher Smith
Antha Robinson. Elizabeth H. Smith.

March 17 Baptized & confirmed Levig Butlar
Rebaptized   " Julian Butlar
Baptized   " Mary Eliza Croby
"    " Margaret Fife
"    " Warren Campbell
March 31st. Blessed - Jams P. Robinson

April 3rd. Rebaptized & confirmed Jame Fowk
" 11th. Blessed. Oscar W. Stuart, [word struck out]
" "  " Joseph A. Stewart
" 28th. " Lyma P. Decker
" "  " James Fowk Jr.
" "  " Sarah Ann James

[Page 38 of 49]

June 2, 1850 Blessed -- Rufus Francis Furbush

June 23rd 1850 Lyman Stoddard being
appointed to take over sight of all the
branches in this county. At April conference
called to his assistance for to travel
and preach in five branches, filling
appointments every Sunday. name of
branches: Indian Creek Springville
Macedonia. Pleasant Grove, Pleasant Valley.
June 30th Blessed - Margaret E. Willis
July 14th. Blessed & confirmed Joseph
Terry, son of Wm R. Terry
" " Babtized & confirmed Mary Jane Willis
" "  "  "  " Walter Gladwin
" 14th Rebaptized & " Thos Glading
James Udy
James Henderson
John Henderson
Aug 10th 1850
Rebaptized & confirmed. Joshus Grant
Nathan Ward. Cathern Howlin, Eliza Jane
[one word struck out] Gladwin.

[Page 39 of 49]

Confirmed
James Cowley  Francis Graham
Charles Howlin  Eliza W. Gladwin
PisBella A. Udy  Emma Beckstid (Beckstead)?
Sarah A. Graham  Andrew K? Rowlin
Mary Brown  Henry Rushton Jr
Luviry ? Buttler  Caroline Graham
Nancy Buttler  George M. Brown
Margaret Henderson  Mary A. Terry
Sarah Butler
Rebaptized and confirmed: Wm Robinson
"   "  " Lovina K. Robinson

(August 11th confirmed Julian Blest)?

Sept 29 1850
confirmed Alenandrew Clouff
blessed Alexander W. Clouff  Ellener Cottam
confirmed Blest James M. Rushton
Nov. 10th. Under the direction of Lyman
Stoddard, I settled a difficulty between
Pres Robinson and Bish Murry in Davis
Branch. Blessed Marthea Raman in the same
branch.

Dec 4th 1850. I with Brother Wills visited
the members of the Macedonia Branch

[Page 40 of 49]

to know if all were satisfied with the
present organization, and paid tything
and attended to family prayers, and all
were in union, one with another.

All was right.

January 21 day 1851 3 day called Tuesday
at 3 oclock in the evening was born
Silas Allen Terry fourth son & eighth child.

In the month of February _th day
1851, as I was preparing to move my
family to the Valley of the Mountains
I dreamed (unusual dream) the Authorities in Potowatamie
gave orders for a part of those who were
going to emigrate must go to Canidas (Canada)?
with their families and teams.

I was one of the first that reached
the Lake, where we were to ferry 10 miles.
The boat had just landed and started
back with one passenger on board. She
was an open flat boat. and was
conveyed across by one long oar on one
side. She was six inches out of water
without load. Directly the wind began
to blow and I saw other vessels with

[Page 41 of 49]

sails making for harbor, and (but) the
ferry boat never returned.

I next found myself in Rhode Island
on the farm where I was born, now
owned by my brother Seath (Seth), with my
team loaded with logs for laying the
foundation of a log house. I told my
brother he would lay up the logs as fast
as we unloaded, my brother says no.
look at that wheat for the last two days
it has gotten ripe and you must cut all
of it for us. I then found myself with a
[illegible] (?) on my back making [illegible]? for the wheat
my brother Seth and another man in our
Company I commenced and cut athew?
and we were called to supper which was
wheat bread and coffey?. While we
were dining another man came to
employ me to cut another field that
lay north. I could see the wheat. It has
the appearance of being very ripe.
Then on the south I could see an-
other field dead ripe as far as the
eye could behold--And I awoke.

[Page 42 of 49]

Feb 18th 1851. I met with the High Council
at Kanesville. Bro Stoddard was stated
to be very sick and was released
from his appointment.
March 1st. I met with the High Council
at Kanesville. Heard some good in-
structions from Orson Hyde.
March 3rd 1851. Elizabeth Brown, daughter
of George was blessed under my hand,
March 9th 1851. Silas Allen Terry son
of Wm & Mary was blessed under my hand.
March 15. Met with High Council. Bro
Hyde was present, named the [illegible]?
of thirty to go to the states to preach.
Also appointed James C. Snow to fill
Lyman Stoddards place, to organize and
keep all things right in the county
in spiritual things.

March 15th--Heard peep frogs.

March 16th. Attend meetings at the
Macedonia branch.

March 17th. Commenced sowing spring
wheat. A. Stewart called on me to
administer to his child whose clothes

[Page 43 of 49]

took fire and burnt his legs and
belly to blisters. In a few minutes
the child was free from pain & got well.

Also received a visit from Brother Day
and wife.

March 18th. Finished sowing wheat.

March 29th: Met with the (High) Council at
Kanesville. Wm. Nillwington was brought
before the Council for violating the rules
of the Church and lying. He acknowledged
the charge, humbled himself, and com-
plied with the requirement of church
and was forgiven.

March 29th: I administered to Mary my
wife for pains in her neck and shoulders,
in the presence of family. She began to
get better from the very time.

March 30th: Spent the fore part of day at
duties and requirements of home. Spent after
part of day at (prayer) [illegible] meeting at Macedonia
school house. After meeting visited Bro James
Cowley and family, found (James) -tay sick with
fever and chills. I annointed in the name
of the Lord & laid hands on him in

[Page 44 of 49]

company with J. Cowley and Joshua Grant.
He was restored to health.

Some of my labors in the Kingdom
Five different branches. From June 23rd: 1850 to April 6, 1851.
Indian Creek branch filled 5 appoints. traveled 40 miles
Springville " " 5 " " 15 "
Macedonia " " 9 " " 4 ½ "
Pleasant Grove " " 7 " " 56 "
Pleasant Valley " " 7 " " 28 "
33 143 ½ 

April 2nd 1851: met at Kaneville at the yearly
conference. Officers of Church were sanction-
ed by Conference. James C. Snow being
agent of High Council in spiritual things
and requested the traveling Elders to meet
him that evening. I being one of their
number, met and got my discharge by
recommending another to fill my place:--
William Robinson.

April 23rd. Bro Snow met by my
request with the Macedonia Branch, I
I resigned the office of Presiding Elder
and was released by the members

[Page 45 of 49]

of said branch.

December 2, 1851: Bro E. T. Benson met
with the Macedonia Branch to organize
into a company for fitting and journeying
to Great Salt Lake Valley. Bro Washington
Lemmon was appointed Captain and
I his first counselor. A few weeks
before our removal I was appointed
Capt of 2 team? Bro _____ Jolley was
appointed Capt of 7 fifty the above
company I was organized in crossed
the Missouri River on the 16th day of
June 1852; my family of myself and
wife, four girls and three boys, making
9 persons, 2 wagons, 6 oxen, 4 cows &
4 young cattle, making 14 head.

Sept 9 1852: I landed in the
Valley of Salt Lake at one o'clock, went
to Mill Creek above Brigham Young's mill
and camped two days. Then I gathered
my cattle and started south and
landed at the south part of Salt
Lake County, a settlement called
Willow Creek the 12th of Sept. 1852

[written in the left margin]

[illegible] to notes

[Page 46 of 49]

On the 20th camped on the south side
of the settlement on a piece of land
selected for a small farm. Went to
work at abode making. Made 4500
abodes and builded a one story house
16 feet wide and 26½ feet long, Two severe
snow storms fell on us before we got
into our house.

December 13th day half past five
o'clock in the morning was born Leah
Ann Terry, fifth daughter, ninth child
of Wm R. and Mary Allen Terry.

December 13th (1852) I commenced
teaching school on Willow Creek (now
Draper Utah) of about 25 scholars.
Closed school the 12th of February 1853.

Commenced ditching and fencing
a farm of 24 acres. Put in seed and
raised a crop.

July the 1st the Ute Indians made war
against the Mormons. We built a fort and
moved into it for safety. Stayed three
years and returned to our farm in
August 1856.

[Page 47 of 49]

July 7th 1856: was born Rosiana Phillips
Terry ½ past 8 o'clock in the morning, 10th
child 6th daughter in the fort at Willow Creek.

November 24 1856: Wm. R. Terry was
ordained a High Priest at Salt Lake
City at Bishop _______Hunters house,
under hand of Bishop _______Hunter and
Bishop Thomas Colester. Was chosen
first counselor (of Draper Ward) by Bishop Isaac M.
Stewart. 1857 February 14th day.
Ordained Parley P. (Draker a son?) (illegible)?

Feb. 22, Monday, commenced plowing.
Tues & Wed laid abodes for Harry Rawlans
on his farm south of mine. Plowed
Saturday morning. Was called on by
Sister (Jane James)? in connection with
some other brethren to administer to her.
She had given birth to a child, and nature
had ceased to work and the after birth
could not be taken. (Doct.) [illegible] said nothing
more could be done by human power, so
we called on the Lord in her behalf, & in
less than one hour our prayers were answered.

Plowed the fore part of the day and

[Page 48 of 49]

attended the female meeting. Opened
by Beinani and closed by me. Spent
the evening at Bishop Stewarts house
until nearly 9 o'clock. Returned home
wrote a letter E--i Stewart to Provo

March 1st 1857, Sunday. Went to prayer
meeting in evening.
Mon. 2nd. Commenced sowing wheat.
Sat 7th. Put in 9 acres & 1 acre (of) oats.
Sun. 8th. Attended meetings.
Mon 9th: Started for Cottonwood
canal to accomplish the job laid
off for Willow Creek. I was appointed
by Bishop Stewart to take the over
sight of [crossed out] men. Twenty four men
worked one week
more days and returned home.

March 25th 1857. At Salt Lake City, I
deeded my property to Brigham Young
and successors in office in the Church
of Jesus Christ.

At home the remainder of month
April 1st Plowed my garden.

[Page 49 of 49]

1857 In the fall, United States
Troops (Johnsons army) came to Utah
and wintered at Ft. Bridger. The
Territory was put under Marshal law.

March 1858: the First Presidency
counseled the Saints all north of Utah
Valley to move all their avails into
Utah Valley, and I moved 300 bushels
of wheat to Battle Creek (now Pleasant Grove)

April 1853: Silias Allen Terry
departed this life, at the old house on
my farm at Willow Creek.
born 21 Jan - 1851.

Dec. 20th. 185 [illegible] Wm. Reynolds Terry
and Mary Allen Phillips Terry were
sealed at the Council House at Salt Lake
City, by Heber C. Kimball.