Charles William Willden
3rd Great-Grandfather
Birth Date: 27 July 1806
Birth Place: Anston, Yorkshire, England
Parents: Jeremiah Willden and Elizabeth Revill
Death Date: 22 Aug 1883
Death Place: Beaver, Beaver, Utah
Spouse: Eleanor Turner
Marriage Date: 21 Jan 1833
Marriage Place: Laughton, Yorkshire, England
Geneology Line: Mary Leona Dalley>Betsy Violet Willden>Ellott Willden>Charles Willden
Biography of Charles Willden, 1806-1883
Material gathered and compiled by his great granddaughter, Jennie Jensen Hancock
Notes in brackets [...] and footnotes added November, 1996 by great great great grandson, Shawn Willden.
Charles Willden, also found as Charles William Willden, was the fourth son of Jeremiah Wildon and Elizabeth Revil or Betty Revel. He was born 27 July 1806 in Anston, Yorkshire, England. His brothers and sisters of whom we have found record are Sarah, Jeremiah, Ann, Mary and John. There could have been more children as there was a lapse of seven years between Jeremiah and Ann. The children were all born in Anston.
As to Charles' childhood we know nothing. John was just older than he so they must have been quite close to each other. In his diary of 1869 he mentions John several times. Ann and Mary had died before the Willdens came to America, and Sarah died soon after. She did not come to America but her two sons, William and John came in 1855 settling in Scipio, UT. As far as we know all the Memmotts in the Church are descendants of Sarah 1.
Charles married Eleanor Turner (Hellenoir Turner), 21 January 1833 in Laughton, Yorkshire, England. Their first two children, Ellott (a surname) and Eleanor were born in Laughton/ They then moved to Sheffield Yorkshire, England about 1836 where Charles Turner, John, Feargus O"Connor, Ann and Mary were born. Tragedy came to their home when two year old Eleanor died. Two children remained- Ellot and Charles, the latter being less than a month old.
While living in Sheffield Charles worked as a laborer, and also in the steel mills. According to some in the family he discovered a way to refine steel. He was active in politics at the time of Ireland's fight for freedom2. This could have been during the "tithe war" of the 1830's or the revolution of 1848.
It was in Sheffield that the family heard and accepted the gospel. He was baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 27 August, 1839. His wife, Eleanor, did not receive the gospel so readily, as it was more than four years later before she was baptized. The family remained true and faithful to the Church throughout their lives. He did missionary work for the Church much of the tine from May 1844 until he came to America in the fall of 1849, traveling from town to town on foot. In his diary we find the following: "Traveled for the gospel from May 1844 to March 1847:
To Todwich 102 miles
To Thircroft Hall 48 miles
To Thropham 30 miles
To Woodhouse 20 miles
To Loughton 168 miles
To Anston 28 miles
To Answorth 9 miles
To Grimesthorp 12 miles
To Norsberdale 52 miles
To Hoyland Cammon 90 miles
To Chapel Town 280 miles
To Darnall 300 miles
"Out of this I rode 12 miles"
Fortunately he kept a diary, some of which is still in the family. However, some of it has been lost, one book being lost when the Lilywhites came out of Old Mexico. Their trunk was lost en route on the train. Following is the diary of his missionary labors from March 7 1847 to August 5, 1849:
[Sunday] March 7, 1847 - Attended the meeting at Darnal in the afternoon and then went three miles to intake to preach at night and then walked three miles home. 10 miles.
March - Laboring in a weak state of body.
[Sunday] March 14, 1847 - Charles Willden in company with Brother Long, Priest, attended the preaching in Sheffield in the forenoon and in the afternoon walked three miles and attended to a fellowship meeting at Darnal and then we walked three miles to the intake and preached twice to a goodly number of hearers and then we walked three miles home with much joy.
[Sunday] March 21, 1847 - We left Sheffield at noon and trafveled 4 miles to Loxley and preached in the afternoon and then returned to Sherffield and preached in the afternoon and then retrned to Sheffield and then 3 miles to intake and preached there and then returned homme, that is 14 or 15 miles that afternoon, and under great afflictions in body, though high in spirits to do my Father's will. 25 miles.
[Monday] March 22, 1847 - A stranger came to my home asking for relief. My wife gave him all the money she had and I invited himn in and I taught him the principles of the gospel. His words were "You almost persuade me to be a Saint (answer) no almost but altogether one." He left with a promise to be baptized the next day, 23rd, and the ordinance was attended to with much joy. His name, Richard Cooper, aged 67 years.
[Sunday] March 28, 1847 - I attended the Sheffield Conference and was called to the office of Elder.
[Sunday] April 4, 1847 - I went back to Laughton, 12 miles, and then to Dinnington, 1 miles and back to Laughton and gave several exertations and on Monday I visited a church minister and had much conversation with him on a man's salvation. 30 miles.
[Sunday] April 11, 1847 - Was very wet, I did not leave Sheffield
[Sunday] April 18, 1847 - Myself and Priest Thor Lee preached in Barker Pool, Sheffiedl and in the afternoon I wit Priest Warton preached twice at Atterclifff and then traveled to Darnall and attended several duties in the branch and then returned home. 6 miles
[Sunday] April 25, 1847 - I in company with Priest Long preached in Barker Pool. Sheffield in the morning and after dinner we went to Attercliff in company with Priests Winfield and Hawley and preached and then returned 4 miles to our rooms in Sheffield.
[Sunday] May 2, 1847 - Was very wet
[Sunday] May 9, 1847 - Walked to Grimesthorp and preached once at the room and I preached at night. 6 miles
Entry from diary of Elder H Mitchell for (Sunday) May 9, 1947
Attended Council Meeting. A special revelation to Brother Willden through Brother Mitchell.
[Sunday] May 16 - At night we preached twice at Attercliff, after that some questions were asked on the thief on the cross which was soon answered and the man departed and the people were looking for me to be put down but the people were astonished and the young man left us with the people. 4 miles
[Sunday] May 23 - I preached twice at Anston where the gospel had not been preached before which the people listened very attentively to what I said. After that I walked 15 miles.
[Sunday] May 30 - I attended Priest Law's funeral and then went and preached at Attercliff at night. 4 miles
[Sunday] June 6 - I, with Priest Long preached at Attercliff, then preached at Tinsley, then returned six miles and preached again at Attercliff the same afternoon. 41 miles
At the top of one page is written 132 miles.
[Friday] July 9 - After 4 Sundays illness I in company with Priest Long went and preached in the morning at Attercliff and in the afternoon I asked 4 priests to accompany me but they all had excuses so no one went. 4 miles
[Monday] July 12 - I preached at night at the Colyers Row with Elder Sylvester and 13 July I with Priest Hawley preached in Blast Lane.
[Sunday] July 18 - I with Priest Long preached twice at Grimesthorp.
[Monday] July 19 - I with Elder Sylvester preached at Colyers Row.
[Sunday] July 25 - I with Priest Long went to preach but did not 4 miles
[Sunday] August 15 - I traveled 14 miles and held several intercourses on the Gospel with many. One church minister and I waited several times on another, but he would not be seen. 42 miles
[Sunday] August 22 - I with Priest Long and Shipman went to Grimesthorp and from there to Attercliff where I preached and then we returned home. 6 miles
[Sunday] September 5 - I with Priest Long preached at Attercliff and returned home. 6 miles
Sunday - September 5, from diary of Hezekiah Mitchell - Called on Brothers Long and Willden to speak. A very good congregation. The Spirit of God was with us in so much that Brothers Long and Willden testified they had not felt so for a good while."
[Sunday] September 12 - I with Priest Long and Priest Shipman went to Attercliff to get a room to preach in but we did not succeed, returned home. 4 miles
[Sunday] September 26, 1847. From diary of Hezekiah Mitchell - "Moved by Elder Mitchell that Elder Willden have Attercliff from my branch and that he be President; supported and carried at a conference held at the Hall of Le[n?]ience.
[Wednesday] October 6 - I went to Attercliff to make arrangements for preaching 4 miles
[Sunday] October 10 - I with Priest Long went to preach at Attercliff twice. 8 miles
[Sunday] October 24 - I with Priest Shipman went to preach at Attercliff twice. 8 miles 38 miles
[Sunday] October 31 - I traveled to Rotherham and preached and returned. 12 miles
[Saturday] November 6 - I traveled to Dinnington, 12 miles, then to Laughton 1 miles, makes 14 miles
[Sunday] November 7 - I with Priest Long traveled from one place to another and preached three times and traveled home. 18 miles 32 miles
[Sunday] December 19 - I traveled to Dinnington and to Laughton to carry them the Gospel. I asked Parson Hartley to let me preach in their school, but he refused and I told him my errand and was traveled home. that was 26 miles
From March to December 1847 I traveled to preach the Gospel, 276 miles
January 1848 - I traveled to Darnel 6 miles
[Sunday] March 19 - I with Priest Long traveled to Attercliff, preached once 4 miles
[Sunday] March 26 - Sheffield Conference
[Sunday] April 2 - I with Priests Shipman and Longdon traveled to Attercliff and then to Grimesthorp and preached and held a long debate on the Gospel and then returned home 6 miles
[Sunday] April 16 - I with Priests Shipman traveled to Attercliff and then home and in the afternoon preached at Grimesthorp and then at Attercliff.
[Sunday] April 23 - I with Priest Shipman traveled to Attercliff and then home and in the afternoon preached at Grimesthorp and then at Attercliff. 8 miles
[Sunday] April 30 - I with Priest Galimoor preached at Attercliff and returned home and in the afternoon with 3 more priests, preached at Grimesthorp in two places and I help controversy with a church parson and then preached at Attercliff 8 miles
[Sunday] May 7 - I with Priests Hawley and Shipman preached at Attercliff in the morning and in the afternoon preached at Grimesthorp. Priests Hawley and Shipman once, and Longden and myself in another place and after I had done, Thompson, the apostate, came for to stop the progress of the work there if he could. We, after putting him to flight, went and preached 3 places in Attercliff. I preached 4 times and held two discussions. 8 miles
Since January 1848 I had traveled to this time 50 miles.
[Sunday] May 14 - I with Priests Shipman and Galimoor went and preached at Grimesthorp and then returned to Attercliff and preached three times there. I preached three times that day. We was again interrupted by Thompson, the apostate, in Attercliff and he said in the ears of the people that the Priesthood had never been on the earth since Levi. 10 miles
[Sunday] May 21 - I with Priest Shipman traveled to Attercliff and returned home to dinner. I with Priests Shipman and Longden traveled and preached once at Grimesthorp. After we had done Thompson began and we left him to do his worst. 10 miles
[Sunday] May 28 - I with Priest Shipman preached at Attercliff in the morning 2 miles
[Tuesday, May?] 16th - I with Furnis preached in the hay market, Sheffield.
[Tuesday, May?] 30th - I with Priest Paulucca preached in the hay market, Sheffield
Note: The above two entries have no month given.
[Sunday] June 4 - I with Priest Paulucca traveled to Durran's yard, then to Grimesthorp and preached three times and them traveled to Attercliff depending on two of my brethren being there but there was no one and I was introduced into a house and there laid down the principles of the Gospel and after three hours returned home. 8 miles
[Tuesday] June 6th - I with Priest Leigh preached in the hay market, Sheffield and had great oppositions.
[Sunday] June 11 - I with Priest Longden raveled to Grimesthorp and preached and good attention was paid and then we traveled to Attercliff and preached twice and then returned home. 6 miles
[Monday] June 12 - I traveled at night to Attercliff to make some arrangements for preaching indoors; the weather wet. 4 miles
[Wednesday] June 14 - I with Priest Wally preached in the new hay market and had great opposition by many. I walked down the garden to this man's house and introduced to them the Gospel. His name is Pearks.
[Sunday] June 18 - This day very wet but I walked to Attercliff and one man gave in to be baptized and I returned home. 4 miles
[Sunday] June 25 - I with Priest Longden et and preached at Grimesthorp and then to Attercliff and preached there and then returned home. 6 miles
[Tuesday] June 27 - I with Priest Longden went to Attercliff to preach at night but no congregation came together. 4 miles
[Sunday] July 2 - Sheffield Conference
[Sunday] July 9 - I went with Priest Shipman to Attercliff though very wet and after some business we preached at night. 4 miles
From January 1848 to July 1849 traveled 174 miles
[Sunday] July 16 - I with Priest Shipman preached at Attercliff in the morning and I in the afternoon with Priests Longden and Paulucca preached twice at Grimesthorp and then came to Attercliff and preached twice and then walked home. 8 miles
[Sunday] July 23 - I with Priests Shipman and Longden traveled to Attercliff. 8 miles
[Sunday] July 30 - I attended a camp meeting in Broom Hall, Cricket Ground, Sheffield
[Sunday] August 6 - I with Priests Longden and Shipman went to Grimesthorp and Attercliff 8 miles
[Thursday] August 10 - I write I have been three times to preach on Tuesday nights at Attercliff.
[Saturday] August 12 - I with Elder Long traveled to Lighten.
[Sunday] August 13 - I with Elder Long traveled from lighten to Dinnington and preached once in the morning and again in the afternoon, then traveled to Lighten and preached there in the afternoon, then home. 17 miles.
[Tuesday] August 15 - I with Priests Shipman and Hill traveled to preach at Attercliff. 5 miles
[Sunday] August 20 - I with Priest Shipman traveled to Attercliff. 8 miles
[Tuesday] August 22 - ditto
[Sunday] August 27 - I with Priests Shipman and Hill traveled to Attercliff and Grimesthorp 8 miles
[Wednesday] August 30 - I with Priest Shipman traveled to Attercliff 6 miles
[Sunday] September 3, 1848 - I with Priests Shipman and Hill traveled to Attercliff and Grimesthorp 8 miles
[Tuesday] September 5 - ditto
[Sunday] September 10 - I traveled to Attercliff, the day being very
wet 6 miles
[Tuesday] September 12 - I with Priest Shipman traveled to Attercliff 6 miles
[Sunday] September 17 - I with Priests Shipman and Hill traveled to Grimesthorp and Attercliff 8 miles
[Sunday] February 4, 1849 - I traveled to Attercliff and preached once 4 miles
[Sunday] February 25 - I traveled to Attercliff and preached 4 miles
[Sunday] March 4 - I traveled to Rotherham and preached 12 miles
[Sunday] March 11 - I traveled to Woodlouse and preached 10 miles
To this time 536 miles
[Tuesday] March 13 - I traveled to Rotherham and preached 12 miles
[Sunday] March 18 - I traveled to Chesterfield and preached.
[Monday] March 19 - I went to Holy Moor and preached there. 32 miles
[Sunday] March 25 - Sheffield Conference
[Sunday] April 1 - I traveled to Dinnington but did not preach. To Attercliff, preached 26 miles 6 miles
[Monday] April 23 - To Attercliff 6 miles
[Tuesday] May 1 - To Attercliff on Church business 6 miles
[Sunday] May 6 - To Dinnington 29 miles
[Wednesday] May 9 - To Darnell on Church business 8 miles
[Sunday] May 13 - To Attercliff 6 miles
[Sunday] May 27 - I with Elder Long preached on Sheffield Moor 3 miles
From July 1848 to May 1849 I traveled 303 miles
[Friday] June 1, 1849 - I traveled to Lighten. 12 miles
[Sunday] June 3 - Dinnington and back and preached then in Sheffield. 15 miles
[Sunday] June 10 - I traveled to Rotherham to a camp meeting. 12 miles
[Saturday, June 9, or Tuesday, if June 19] June [1?]9 - I went to Attercliff, laid hands on two sick folk and they recovered and gave God Glory 3 miles
[Wednesday] June 20 - I traveled with Elder Babbett on Calver Road and on my return, weary in body and Gentleman Correy came up. I asked the Lady if she would be so kind as to let me ride a little for I was very ill. She said they could not; the Correy's then left me and they had not gone ten yards before one of the horses was took lame in one of his forefeet. They was obliged to take him out. 16 miles
[Saturday] June 30 - I traveled to Deep care. On the 1st of July I preached and had much conversation after preaching on the Principles of the Gospel, and on the 2nd of July I blessed a child 2 days old by the desire of its parents, George and Caroline Grayson. The child's name is Thomas Grayson. 16 miles
[Wednesday] July 4 - I traveled to Rotherham about some money for my immigration. I attended the ordinance on a child, the parents in the Church - name, Chatterton 12 miles
[Friday] July 6 - I left Sheffield and traveled to Chesterfield and attended the ordinance on two sisters with Elder Slack. Sister Ripley had a pain in her head, After we had laid hands on her she was better and Sister MacDuff had had a trap on one of her big toes, which was bruised. I anointed it with oil and laid hands on it; the next morning, much better. 13 miles
[Saturday] July 7 - I left Chesterfield and traveled to Crumford, I reached there about 2 o'clock. I was within half a minute's walk of Crumford. I asked a female which was the way for I saw nothing but rocks and woods. She said I should be there in one minute, I walked a few yards and I saw the market. I then traveled on up to the door of Brother Parks. 13 miles
[Sunday] July 8 - I left Crumford for Belper, and one my way I called at Bullhill. I blessed some oil. I reached Belper, met with them in council. Attended afternoon sacrament. I with Elders Bruerton and Cooper ordained three officers. Bruerton ordained Brother Perks to a Priest; I, Brother Elijah West to a teacher. Bruerton ordained Brother Harrison to a teacher, then we blessed three children. I blessed Clara Harrison, five weeks old, and Elder Bruerton blessed May Ann Simpson and I blessed Milliam Anable, 13 months old. Then we blessed some oil and anointed the arms of an old female that is out of the Church and in the evening I preached in their room. 9 miles
[Monday] July 9 - I traveled from Belper to Bedlam. A man the name of Hugh Haugther began of me about the Saints; I took him up and we had a long debate on the road, and five men came up to us, when he could not answer my questions the men told him to go home for he was a complete fool. Then we went into the village and the people run out of their houses after a long debate, There the people told him to go home for he was nothing but a fool. They would give me dinner. I then traveled to Henmoor farm and there I was bit with a big dog. After leaving the house I had much pain in my leg from the bite. I was obliged to stop; I could not walk. I laid my hands upon it and asked the Lord to remove the venom, which was done. I then had no more pain, I then went to Beage and from there to Belper. 8 miles
I went to Sister Butler's, found one sister there very ill. I gave her some oil, laid hands on her and she was much better. I then preached in the room. After that I went to see this sister, gave her some oil, laid hands on her. She then got up and blessed God. On the 11th I went to see her again, she was well and wished to go to her work.
[Wednesday] July 11 - I traveled to Bullhill. From there to Middleton and preached out of doors. After that I confirmed Charles Cooper who had been baptized previously by Priest Pearks. I then traveled to Crumford. 12 miles
[Thursday] July 12 - I traveled and preached at Bullhill, then returned to Crumford. 5 miles
[Friday] July 13 - I traveled to Langley then traveled to Wirksworth 12 miles
[Saturday] July 14 - I went in one of the cork mines at Crumford under the rocks, then I traveled to Wirksworth, then to Crumford and blessed some oil. 10 miles
[Sunday] July 15 - I traveled to Bullhill and preached in the morning, then blessed some oil then anointed the eyes of one child, laid hands on it and the ears of two more and laid hands on them. After dinner I traveled to Belper and preached. 4 miles
[Tuesday] July 17 - I visited some Saints. Elders Dunn and Bruerton came. Dunn preached at Belper.
[Wednesday] July 18 - I traveled with Elder Bruerton to Bullhill then to Middleton, preached then confirmed two Yabe and John Dicton, then to Crumford. 12 miles
[Thursday] July 19 - I traveled to Bullhill, from there to Wirksworth and preached in the market place. After that traveled to Crumford.
10 miles
[Friday] July 20 - I traveled to Calver
[Sunday] July 22 - I preached on Calver Cross with much interruption and I preached again in the evening. I attended their council meeting.
[Monday] July 23 - I traveled with Elder Babbett to Sheffield. 12 miles
[Tuesday] July 24 - I went to Brother Locel's wedding with Elders Babbett and Long. We enjoyed ourselves.
[Thursday] July 26 - I traveled to Attercliff. I attended the meeting at night. Laid hands on three sick folk. Blessed some oil 4 miles
[Friday] July 27 - I traveled to Crabtree. One female said she would be baptized the Thursday after. 4 miles
[Saturday] July 28 - I attended the Council meeting at Sheffield
[Sunday] July 29 - I traveled to Rotherham and ordained one to the office of a priest, two to the office of deacons with Elders Ward and Tingle. 12 miles
[Monday] July 30 - I was fetched out by Brother Takil to his brother that had a bad foot. After one conversation with him on the principles of the Gospel I anointed it with oil. The doctors could do him no good. He is now well.
I traveled to him, in all 20 miles
[Saturday] August 4 - I traveled to Laughton 12 miles
[Sunday] August 5 - I met Elder Long at Laughton; we then traveled to Dinnington and preached twice. We then went to Laughton and preached there. I spoke near one hour. One of the Methodists, the devil rages in him, so he said he would pull me down and break my neck. They cried from the crowd and told him he had better be good or they would make him. One of their ministers had a long hold with Brother Long. After that we traveled home. 19 miles
[Tuesday] August 7 - I, after visiting a sick person, was on my way home, hurt by a horse but recovered 5 miles
[Wednesday] August 8 - I traveled for the Gospel to Rotherham to borrow a few pounds towards my fare to America 17 miles
[Thursday] August 9 - I after night meeting anointed the swelling on the neck of a child and laid hands on her after, and then left the room.
2 miles
[Friday] August 10 - I saw a doctor at night. I was fetched to a sister to attend the ordinance, I blessed a child, name Joseph Pearson, 2 weeks old. At Sheffield.
[Saturday] August 11 - I attended the Council Meeting
[Sunday] August 12 - I traveled to Woodhouse and preached twice. 12 miles
[Monday] August 13 - I attended a meeting at night.
[Tuesday] August 14 - I traveled to Rotherham and preached at night. I had some things given me. 12 miles
[Wednesday] August 15 - My son, Charles, was sick of the cholera. I gave him some oil and laid hands on him. After we had 3 more Elders and he got better.
[Thursday] August 16 - I attended the meeting at the room; laid hands on three sick people.
[Friday] August 17 - I laid hands on a sick person and attended some business at home
[Saturday] August 18 - I attended the council meeting at Sheffield
[Sunday] August 19 - I was sent for to a sister that had the cholera. After laying hands on her I attended the room three times and at night I with others blessed some oil, laid hands on a few sick folks. I then went to attend the ordinance on Sister Scovil. She had the cholera.
[Monday] August 20 - I visited a sister in bad standing, then visited Sister Scovil. She had the cholera. I laid hands on her.
[Tuesday] August 21 - I attended the ordinance on a sister that had
the cholera.
[Wednesday] August 22 - I traveled to Hobbydale. 8 miles
As soon as I laid me down to rest like as if a voice spoke to me and said or I dreamed that one said, "Another Monday", and then I rose up in haste knowing that I had come very ill. I told my wife I was much concerned about the words but I resumed my sleep.
[Thursday] August 23 - I traveled to Crabtree and at night attended the meeting in the room 4 miles
[Friday] August 24 - I consecrated some oil; visited a man named Thomas Lee. He has in his name to be baptized, and also his wife's sister.
[Saturday] August 25 - I traveled to Attercliff. I attended, laid hands on a sick child. A message came for me to go to a man that was going of his mind. After, I visited Sister Shaw, then to council meeting. 6 miles
[Sunday] August 26 - I baptized Thomas Lee, aged 56 years. Then to the room. I attended the afternoon meeting, blessed some oil, laid hands on some sick, then again at night at the preaching.
[Monday] August 27 - I attended the fellowship meeting. Laid hands on one sister that was sick.
[Tuesday] August 28 - I visited some members.
[Wednesday] August 29 - I visited some members.
[Thursday] August 30 - I was called upon early in the morning to go to a sister that had got the cholera. I administered some oil and attended the ordinance. She was restored in some measure.
[Friday] August 31 - I visited some members and at night I was called upon to administer to Sister Smith. She had got the cholera.
[Saturday] September 1 - I at night attended a discussion meeting on the principles of the Gospel.
[Sunday] September 2 - I traveled to Deepcare and then to Bowerstone. Preached at Deepcare in the afternoon and at Bowerstone at night.
[Monday] September 3 - I returned home after attending the ordinance on a child. 18 miles
In the afternoon I was called upon to go to Brother Hill to attend the ordinance on him and his son. The son had a pain in his head, the father had the cholera. 3 miles
[Tuesday] September 4 - I was called upon to administer to Sister Fanny Gallimore. I sold my goods.
[Wednesday] September 5 - I visited Sister Gallimore and she was quite well. I attended the ordinance on Elder Long. He had the cholera. After administering to him he was better. I then visited Sister Scovil of the cholera. I then visited Brother Hill and his son. They were better. I then traveled to Rotherham. I had a sovereign, (a gold coin of normal value of $4.86 or one pound sterling3) by Brother Hill towards my going away. 6 miles
[Thursday] September 6 - I returned home and at night I attended the meeting at the room and Brothers Long and Lee confirmed two.
[Friday] September 7 - I visited many members after I had been harassed by the devil and caused my wife to suffer as well as myself.
[Saturday] September 8 - I was sent for to a sister that had got the cholera. I and Elder Mitchell laid hands on her and she was better. I then traveled to Doncaster. 18 miles
[Sunday] September 9 - I visited some Saints. Met with the Saints in the afternoon and at night I preached and one gave in his name for baptism. I with Elder Senior confirmed David Thomson who had been baptized.
[Monday] September 10 - I traveled to Skellow. 7 miles
[Tuesday] September 11 - I went to Harvesting and met with some Saints. One sister had a pain in her face and here I anointed her with oil and laid hands on her and she was better. The Saints behaved well to me
[Wednesday] September 12 - I had made known to me something me wife had done at home. I was 26 miles from home, very early in the morning. In the afternoon I traveled back to Doncaster. 7 miles
[Thursday] September 13 - I traveled from Doncaster to Sheffield. I laid hands on Sister Perks. As I came on my way home I attended the meeting at Sheffield at night. I and Elders Long and Mitchell confirmed two. 20 miles
[Saturday] September 15 - I attended the council meeting at Sheffield.
[Sunday] September 16 - I traveled to Wath to a camp meeting. I was there in the morning and afternoon services. I then traveled to Attercliff and heard part of the sermon of Elder Ropers. I wanted something to eat. I had some cold potatoes of brother Charles. They had nothing in the house, I then traveled home. 26 miles
[Tuesday] September 18 - Sister Leigh came very ill, to our house to have the ordinance attended to on her. She returned home well and in peace and I was called upon to go to Brother Scovil. He was ill. I blessed some oil, gave him some and finished the ordinance.
[Thursday] September 20 - I was packing my things ready for emigration and Sister Fisher came to our house ill to have the ordinance attended to.. I attended to her, she was better.
[Friday] September 21 - I traveled to Crabtree, I returned home. 4 miles
[Saturday] September 22 - News reached me that Elder Stevenson had blasted my character at Doncaster. At night I attended the council meeting at Sheffield.
[Sunday] September 23 - The conference I was called upon to lay hands on a young man from Doncaster.
[Monday] September 24 - I attended the tea party at the room, was called upon to lay hands on a young woman not in the church. The pain removed while I laid my hands on her.
[Sunday] September 30 - I traveled to Attercliff. I with other Elders confirmed. I blessed some oil. Blessed a child. 4 miles
[Monday] October 1, 1949 - I attended a fellowship meeting at Sister Smith's.
[Tuesday] October 2 - I was called out to a female that was very ill and she wished to be baptized before she died. She lived at Hill Fort. 4 miles
A sister came to my house, very ill and wished me to lay hands on her, so I did and I laid hands on Priest Scovil in Sheffield.
[Wednesday] October 3 - The day very wet.
[Thursday] October 4 - I attended the meeting at the room, blessed some oil and laid hands on five sick folks with other elders.
[Friday] October 5 - I went to visit Sister Hill. After her confinement she had a bad breast inflamed. I anointed her breast with oil, prayed the Lord to bless it. After, she was able to suckle which she had not done before. This was her fifth child.
[Sunday] October 7 - Sunday, was very wet.
[Monday] October 8 - I traveled to Laughton 12 miles
[Tuesday] October 9 - I traveled to Dinnington for some money to pay my fare but did not receive any. 6 miles
[Wednesday] October 10 - I traveled to Sheffield to meet the Poor Law Guardians and they ordered me into the bastille. I then traveled back to Laughton. I did not go into the house. 30 miles
[Thursday] October 11 - I traveled to Dinnington 3 miles
[Friday] October 12 - I traveled to Woodlee after my brother's money 8 miles
[Saturday] October 13 - I traveled again to Woodlee 8 miles
[Sunday] October 14 - I met with the Saints. Attended to cases of cholera
[Monday] October 15 - In Sheffield
[Tuesday] October 16 - I baptized Caroline Valentine in Sheffield.
[Thursday] October 18 - I attended the fellowship meeting at Sheffield. Laid hands on some sick folks.
[Sunday] October 21 - I traveled to Rotherham, met with the Saints in the afternoon, then I traveled to Laughton. 13 miles
[Monday] October 22 - I traveled to Dinnington. I did not receive my money that night. 3 miles
[Tuesday] October 23 - I traveled to Woodlee after my brother's money. Then I traveled to Dinnington and he gave me 6. Then I traveled to Laughton. 11 miles
[Wednesday] October 24 - I traveled with 4 of our younger children and wife to Sheffield. 13 miles
[Thursday] October 25 - I traveled with my family by railway from Sheffield to Liverpool and for 2 or 3 days I was in great through being short of money. I pawned my watch to Brother Fowler of Sheffield for 1-10-0.
Note: Quite by accident I located a diary of their journey across the Atlantic by sailship. The diary was kept by Hezekiah Mitchell, clerk of the Saints voyage. It is more detailed so there will be excerpts of it in this history. Such excerpts will be captioned "HM". His earlier journals refer to Charles Willden and these references have been used earlier in this history.
November 2 - Then I with my family took an abode on the ship, "Zetland" for our passage to New Orleans but we slept on the deck till the 7th when we started for the river. We lay at anchor three days. On the 10th we started for sea. We had a head wind for four days.
HM. Sat. Nov 10 - Weighed anchor and set sail for New Orleans about 9 o'clock being tugged out by a steamer for about 14 miles, then the sails were spread and the wind wafted us pretty briskly towards 6 or 7, several persons began to be sick...
HM. Wed. Nov 14 - Very windy and rough, the vessel rocked about very much which caused fresh eruptions to break out amongst us. There were a few spirits who desired to create a little dissatisfaction but through the wisdom and prudence of President Hawkins and Elder Henderson things appeared to be set right.
HM. Thurs. Nov 15 - The vessel rolled about very much, some things were upset, one of my boxes being overturned, no particular harm done. Called on God to still the wind and in the name of the Lord rebuked the raging of the sea and wind which to our joy did so early on the 16th which caused us to rejoice and give thanks to our God, felt the spirit while engaged in prayer with the Saints.
HM. Fri Nov 16 - An uproar with the Irish immigrants but they were put down by the chief mate. Several of the Saints with Charles Willden were still dissatisfied at the order which we had adopted. O! That men would learn wisdom by the things they suffer! The president with those who have been appointed to assist have done their duty. (More of the 16th continued later.)
Charles Willden Diary: After we sailed the 15th and 16th we had a very calm sea. 17th and 18th we had a very calm sea but the 18th the wind more favorable. Up to this time we have had many bad spirits. I had to be very mindful of them. We had a pretend of worship. We commenced sickness the day we started for sea but this day the 18th it's all over at present. I have learned a deal in this short space of time. I am determined not to be moved by them all.
HM. 16th - Held a council meeting, President Hawkins with his two councilors and myself forming the same; made some new arrangements to meet all exigencies, appointing 8 persons to each committeeman and putting disaffected persons amongst others so they might be cured if possible. Very beautiful day and pleasant on deck, not much wind. About 1000 miles from Liverpool.
HM. Sunday 18th - Arose with joy and gladness in my heart because much better in health and we were about to have a public meeting on the quarter deck. We assembled about 11 o'clock when President Hawkins opened the meeting with a few pointed and appropriate remarks; then we sang a hymn, then by request I engaged in prayer. We sang again, then President Hawkins read for our instructions the XII and XIII of Romans and a portion of Peter. Then he called on Elder Crooks to speak to us which he did. Sang again. President Hawkins requested me to speak for a short time, before administering the Lord's Supper, rejoiced while speaking, a good time, the Lord was present in the influence of his spirit. The emblems were blessed by Councilors Henderson and Biggs. Elder Stevenson pronounced the benediction. The Captain and his lady were present on the occasion. Laid hands on 3 persons, blessed some oil. Saw three vessels today. Sailing about 7 knots per hours. The day was closed by singing and prayer.
NOTE: Before the Zetland sailed, when the officers of the Saints were voted upon Charles Willden seconded the motion that Hezekiah Mitchell stand next to the president to see that order was kept. However, Mitchell was appointed clerk of the group.
Meetings similar to the above were held each Sunday and different members were called upon to pray, preach or administer the Sacrament but Charles Willden was never asked to participate during the voyage. I have checked every name mentioned in Hezekiah Mitchell's diary in the journal department of the Church Historian's Office to try and find what complaint Charles Willden had against the order on the ship but could find no other diaries.
CW. November 19 - The sea is rather disturbed, the wind very favorable. We are traveling about 7 miles the hour. Several vessels in sight this day.
HM. Beautiful morning but wind contrary.
CW. November 20 - This day rather favorable though a head wind, 1/4 past 4 o'clock a vessel crossed us, a few yards before us, an East India trader. At 5 o'clock she was out of sight. Fine weather.
HM. A beautiful sight to behold, a ship in full sail. . . .
CW. November 21 - This morning fine and pleasant. 12 o'clock another vessel in sight but far from us. 10 o'clock the wind changed for our good, the afternoon we traveled 10 miles an hour.
HM. The vessel rolls this morning. Several porpoises seen today.
CW. November 22 - The morning clear and fair wind, sailing 10 miles the hour in a warm climate. (Miles are nautical miles). Very fine steady wind.
November 23 - The day very fine. We are traveling 4 miles, the sea calm.
HM. Much warmer this morning, very little wind, more sail unfurled.
CW. November 24 - The morning and day very fine and clear sailing. 6 or 7 miles the hour. No vessel in sight. A meeting called this morning for coming and cleaning. I assisted with the water this morning. The evil spirits strove to take their abode in the stern end of the vessel.
November 25 - The morning clear and fine sailing. About 4 miles the hour. Afternoon the wind changed in our favor. No vessel in sight. We had a wedding on board with the Scotch. We had preaching twice the Sacrament at noon in peace.
HM. . . . The president the proceeded to unite in the holy estate of matrimony Thomas Meacock and Selina R Peaton. Also 1400 miles from Liverpool. 124 miles from Madeira Island.
CW. November 26 - The morning fine, a vessel in sight. Yesterday from Madeira. Sailing 6 or 7 miles the hour. Wind favorable.
HM. Not much wind. One of the Irish emigrants evil entreated one of the Saints which caused a little commotion amongst us.
CW. November 27 - The wind in our favor, nothing in sight, 10 or 12 miles the hour.
HM. The wind rose and the vessel rolled very much, sailing about 9 knots per hour.
CW. November 28 - Fair wind, sailing 10 or 12 miles the hour.
HM. Going at a rate of 7 miles per hour.
NOTE: Evidently Charles Willden's account of the rest of the voyage has been lost so I shall use excerpts from the diary of Hezekiah Mitchell who was clerk of the ship. He writes of he and the other presiding Elders perfoming many administrations to the sick on board the vessel. He is also very expressive of his appreciation for the Lord's blessings to them on this voyage and for the gospel. This was the feeling of all the Saints. Morning devotion was evidently held each morning. The Irish emigrants whom it seems were not members of the Church caused much disturbance. In fact, when the ship was about ready to sail several Irish stowaways had to be removed from the boat.
Thursday Nov 29 - Sailing about 9 or 10 knots per hour.
Friday Nov 30 - All things considered we are doing well. Sailing about 10 miles per hour, nice morning. Very good sailing all day.
Sat. Dec. 1 - Sailing as before, wind and water in our favor; the water appears beautiful - indeed, a fine day. The Irish are rough people. Saw two flying fish, also a crampfish, or species of whale about 9 feet long which swam around our vessel several times. The second mate caught a dolphin; this is a beautiful kind of fish.
Sun. Dec 2 - Fine morning, good health prevails on the vessel for which we are thankful to God. (Church services were held as ususal and the Sacrament was administered). We have sailed from Liverpool 2700 miles, having sialed the past week 1300 miles in North Latitude 23 degrees and West Longtiude 27 degrees.
Mon. Dec 3 - Saw a large fish leap out of the water, also saw about 30 flying fish in a company. Saw a small vessel that was bound for California called "Sam and Ben". Our captain spoke to their captain. Sailing first rate.
Tues. Dec 4 - Sailing as before and fine morning. Wind rises toward evening, will rain.
Wed Dec. 5 - Wind strong and much rain all day but blowing right. Some evil spirits amongst us who would not submit to order. Met with President Hawkins and Elders Henderson and Biggs in council to adopt the best measure for the good of all. Sailing first rate.
Thurs. Dec 6 - Fine warm morning. Sailing about 8 knots per hour.
Fri. Dec 7 - Very hot, read a little, the devil is apt to overreach himself. Some of his agents will never be governed. A little ateration in the sials today, all life and stir on board.
Sat. Dec 8 - Not sailing quite so quick as we have done. One of the Irish Emigrants very ill. Engaged in prayer.
Sun. Dec 9 - Hot night. Sailing well (Services held as usual). In north Latitude 17 degree and West Longitude 60 degrees, and 120 miles from Antigua, on of the West Indies Islands. Saw a pelican and a dolphin with many flying fish.
Wed. Dec. 12 - One of the stern sails broke loose. What disorder a small thing makes. Nothing like order in all things. Saw to our joy the Island of San Domingo and was near to the rock, Alto Vela of which we had a good view. No vegation on it. Several large birds flying about. Good health oin board. Thank God for it. First rate sailing at about 11 knots per hour.
Thurs. Dec 13 - Very beautiful morning, only sialing about one mile per hour in consequence of which it became very hot on deck. Nothing particular occured this day of any particular note, only that some of the sialors appeared to rejoice because of the calm, but I prayed to the Lord to cause the wind to blow. He heard and answered my prayers towards evening.
Fri. Dec 14 - Sailing about 8 or 10 knots per hour, fine morning, not so hot as the day before. Elder Ligget's son died about 4 o'clock this morning and his body was cast overboard about 10 a.m. I saw it sink in north Latitude 18.20 and West Longtitude 66.20. The Island of Jamaica was in view this day.
Sun. Dec. 16 - Hot day in consequence of which Captain Brown put up a large sheet as a screen over our heads so that the heat might not be disagreeable, moderate sailing. 700 miles from the bar and about 140 more from New Orleans.
Tuesday Dec. 18 - Sailing well with rain now and again. We are now in the Gulf of Mexico. A little too much water in the hold of the vessel; have to pump twice per day instead of once. Saw a vessel ahead of us, we soon passed her. What a beautiful star and moonlight night!
Wed. Dec 19 - Wind in the same quarter and sailing about the same as the day before. Held our Confernece this day, opened with singing and preayer. Votes of thanks were given to the Captain for his kindness to the Saints, to the President Hawkins for the able and efficient manner in which he has presided over this branch of the Church and the patience and forebearance which he has displayed under various trying circumstances; to Elder Henderson for his able and enduring service, both for his efficiency as a counselor, and for his disinterested labors in distributing the rations and slos for his indefatigable exertions in endeavoring to promote the general good order and comfort of the Saints; to Elder Biggs for his valuable services as councilor; also for his readiness to contribute by every means in his power to the comfort and well-being of the Saints; and to Hezekiah Mitchell for his valuable services as secretary to this company.
Votes of thanks were also given to the different committees. Also voted to give thanks to Bro. Charles Ashton and Bro. John Martin for their valuable and gratuitous servvices at the cooking galley, also our deep sympathy with the former for the severe and painful accident received while in the arduous prosecution of the disagreeable duties he had so generously volunteered for the benefit of the Saints, his fellow passengers.
Moved a contribution to be taken up for John Martin to furnish him with a pair of trowsers. Talks given by presiding officers and Brother Mitchell.
Thurs. Dec 20 - Wind turned round for the better, sailing moderate, fine morning. Saw two vessels at a distance and the smoke of a steamer. Came near the bar at the mouth of the Mississippi River.
Fri. Dec 21 - Very foggy this morning and cold. Heard a steamer at a distance which came in sight in a short time and was presently along side of us. Our vessel was soon fastened and tuged on, then we cat anchor and the tug went and fetched another tug, then we had one on each side of us but after all they could not get us over the bar.
Liquors were sold on one of the tug boats and several of the Saints went over and acted very injudiciously. The Sailors were also reacy to quarrel with us (the heads) of the church, but they were compelled to acknowledge we were a good party when things were explained. The devil has got hold of some of the Saints. Oh! That the Saints would take heed to counsel.
Sat. Dec 22 - Fine, but very cold. Many vessels about with timber floating down the river and here and there a little appearance of land. Still on the bar after two steam tugs had tried to take us off.
Sat. Dec 23 - Fine morning and a little warmer than the day before. No service on deck in consequence of the hurry and bustle of getting us off the bar entirely. But we had prayer and singing down below. The steam tugs, the Conquereor and the Mary Kingsland came about two o'clock and took us off the bar. Therefore we set sail up the river in full spirits with another vessel, viz., the Arab, which sailed about a week before us, having had seven deaths and all down of the fever. The beautiful sights are grand to behold, the scenery surpasses all that we have seen as yet. Good health on our vessel.
Mon. Dec 24 - Pleasant morning but rather foggy. The little villages or plantations were imposing in their views and delightful to behold. The black sons of Canaan were not overworked. Truly this is a land of plenty. The River Mississippi is beautiful in its serpentine course. Its banks are full up to the brim. Arrived at New Orleans this day about 9 in the evening.
Tues. Dec 25 - Christmas Day. Captain Brown gave the crew a holiday this day. We had to set a special guard at the hatchway to keep strangers out and those who would steal what they could take away. Elder McKenzie, the agent for the Church to receive the Saints came on board. I read his recommendation to the Saints and took up a collection for him. Marked down the names of all who were going up the river to St. Louis.
Wed. Dec 26 - Got all our boxes on deck by 12 o'clock to go on the steamer but we did not gett off till very late, very much fatigued with getting the luggage on the Job boat and offf onto the "Ben West". A miserable boat to take passengers. No room to breathe in the berths. Scarely fit for passengers.
Fri. Dec 28 - About as usual. Sold a barrel of oatmeal for two dollars. No money or we should not have sold it.
Sat. Dec 29 - The Saints are to come up to Zion haviung great tribulation. We set sail up the River Mississipi late in the afternoon, sailed only about 20 miles because it was so misty that we could scarely see a yard before us. Therefore we cast anchor for the night.
Sun. Dec 30, 1949 - Set sail up the river but very foggy: nothing like Sunday.
Many of the passengers were taken sick and Brother Mitchell being very ill for several days did not keep his diary but later he wrote: Saw many things not pleasing - - smokong, chewing that noxious weed by Saints. Others were sick besides myself, one child died, vis., Elder Willden's and was interred on the bank by the river side.
The River Mississippi is very dangerous to sail up becuase there are so many snags, that is, trees that have fallen in the river and they stand with the pint to meet the boats, There is a great many pieces of timber floating down the river which injure the paddle wheels very much. At a time we had two very narrow escapes of being sunk. The God of the Saints can and does protect his people on boats and elsewhere. We had many staying places as we came up.
Got to St. Louis from New Orleans Friday, the 11th of January about ten o'clock in the evening.
Sat. Jan 12 - Great hurry and bustle of the Saints in clearing the boat.
This ends the account of the journey of the Willdens with this company, and the diary of Mitchell.
Going back in the story, Charles Willden and his family slept on the docks five days before boarding the ship, Zetland. They landed in New Orleans two months to the day from the day they left their home and loved ones.
In New Orleans, Charles was asked by the Mormon agent, Thomas McKenzie what he was going to do. He replied, "I have only one farthing (about half a cent) and a little oatmeal". Mr. McKenzie told him to move all on the boat. This he did, and when the man came for the money to pay for their passage up the river they did not have it. Charles and his four sons carried wood and probably fired the boilers, and did other work to pay for their fares.
A week after they left New Orleans their baby daughter, Maria, not quite two years old, died January 4, 1850, and was buried at "Council Bain" according to Charles. This date of her death has been verified from the St. George Temple records, the date having been given by her parents when they had their children sealed to them.
Questioning the location of "Council Bain" I checked the book, List of Post Offices in the United States, 1846, and found only one "Council" and that was Council Bend, Crittendon County, Arkansas, which borders the Mississippi River. The town does not exist now. I feel certain this was the place where she is buried.
According to Ann, when the Willdens arrived in St. Louis they settled in a neighborhood where there were no little children (she was five) and the Scotch settlers thought she was a "fine wee lassie" so asked her mother to let her visit them for a day which she did, but she returned with the germs of the "itch". Soon the whole family had contracted the disease. Her mother was much troubled and worried, for this was a new disease to her.
Ann was much interested in their first cow, and one day while she was studying her actions she picked her up with her horns and threw her over her back. Someone ran and helped her up but she was not hurt.
The Willdens stayed three months in St. Louis where, no doubt, Charles and his older sons worked to get funds to continue their journey. Many of the Saints had to find work along the way to buy food and clothing for their families. The Willdens left St. Louis 12 April 1850 on the steamer, "Correy", and arrived in Council Bluffs, Iowa, a new settlement, 4 May 1850. At Council Bluffs they bought a farm from a man named Solomon Walker, a farm consisting of 50-60 acres and two houses for the small sum of $20, as Walker was going to Salt Lake City. After paying for the place they had only two dollars left with which to buy necessities, and they were strangers in a new land, but they were able and willing to work.
They stayed there about two years, engaged in planting and harvesting corn and wheat. This work was done by hand as they had no team nor machinery. They carried the produce on their backs from the field to the house. This must have been the first year.
While my daughter was visiting in Council Bluffs a year ago she tried to find a record of this land but found the land records did not begin until 1953 which was about a year after the Willdens migrated to Utah.
Feargus and his sister Ann, went to school about six weeks while the family lived here. Mary Ellen Elizabeth was born November 5, 1850, in Council Bluffs.
In the Spring of 1852, Brigham Young sent out a proclamation for all to gather to "Zion" which was Utah. So the Willdens as well as others worked hard getting out wagon timber for a man named Montieth who made a wagon for them for pay.
They left their homestead and some bushels of corn in the crib with Milton Huff and started June 2, 1852 for Salt Lake City. Ann says the agent sold the farm for an old second hand watch.
The following paragraphs are taken from her autobiography.
We loaded our covered wagon with our household goods and the family, and started on the long hard journey to Salt Lake.
Earlier in the year of 1852 other companies had gone to Utah. The traveling was so hard that their stock had given out, and so to lighten the loads, many of the household goods were thrown out and left behind; pots, pans, tubs, heavy articles of wearing apparel, and feather beds, were strewn all along the roadside. Our party would have liked to have picked up many of these things, especially the feather beds. Our teams were in good condition, and we could have carried many of these things, but we did not do so for fear of disease.
The stock would stampede if they saw a dead animal by the roadside. At one time some women were walking ahead of the wagons, when they came upon a dead ox. They knew there would be trouble if something were not done, so they stood in line between the dead ox and the road, holding out their long skirts at their sides, thus making an effective screen while the long train passed by.
One day an old Indian Chief came to our wagon. I saw him coming and ran to the far end of our "prairie schooner". He saw that I was afraid of him, so to tease me, ran his long spear as far into the wagon as he could reach. I surely was frightened for I thought he was going to kill me.
At one time, all the men who could get away from the wagon train, went after a herd of buffalo. All returned from the hunt but my father and a companion. The train could not wait for them, as camp had to be made further on so they were left behind. At nine o'clock that night they had not reached the camp and the company became uneasy about them.
A lantern was hung on a tall tree and guns were fired every few minutes. About three o'clock in the morning an answer came to the watching and anxious people. The answer was a gunshot fired by the lost ones.
A few days later, my brother Charles was lost for four days. He had gone back to help another company, which had taken the wrong road, and my brother in trying to find it was himself lost, but he kept up the search and at last found where they were camped. He led them back to the main road and to the camp of the wagon train.
One day Charles was driving our wagon and John was driving the sheep behind the wagon. There was another company behind our outfit and our parents got out of our wagon and said they would walk awhile and talk with the people. Mother told me to stay in the wagon and care for my little sister. After awhile John came to the wagon and called to me, "Annie, won't you come drive the sheep, I am so tired?" I was willing to do so. Had I gotten out of the wagon on the "nigh" side all would have been well, but--instead, I got out on the opposite side. The oxen, not being accustomed to this, kicked me under the wagon, a wheel struck my back and squeezed up my dinner, and my prized lead pencil was lost in the food. This pencil was a piece of common lead that I had in my mouth, chewing and trying to shape into a pencil. Though I was badly hurt, I mourned the loss of my pencil. While being run over I was calling frantically to by brother, "Stop that wagon". I must have been made of India rubber not to have been seriously injured. My frantic parents came running to learn the trouble and there was great excitement in the train for a little while. I was able to walk the next day.
The great prairie was covered with high thick grass and hidden underneath the grass was cactus. The wagon train left the main road to camp and I was walking behind in my bare feet. The cactus thorns would get into my feet and I would sit down to get them out, and I would get them into my hands.
The wagon soon got so far ahead of me that I was sure I was lost. The people behind did not know of the cactus and thought I was lingering because I had gotten into a "stubborn spell". In a short time, which seemed like hours to me, my brother came for me on horseback. When my thorny condition was discovered and doctored, I was petted and comforted.
While passing through Echo canyon we found it to be a very wonderful place, for there were great rocks and high cliffs, the first we had ever seen. We children shouted "Hurrah", and there came back to us the answering "Hurrah". Again we called, "Who are you?" and again came the answer, "Who are you?" So we called, yelled, and shouted just to hear that mysterious voice, echoing from the rocky cliffs.
The older people soon tired of our noise, and we were forced to stop. It was also feared that our commotion and noise would stamped the cattle. We never traveled on Sunday, for the Mormons were strict Sabbath keepers.
While traveling, the weaker members of a family rode in the wagon; the others had to walk. Mother should have ridden, but she walked over half the way.
After many long, weary interesting days, we entered Utah.
The Willdens left Council Bluffs June 2, crossing the plains in the third company of Captain Thomas C. D. Howell.
-Journal History of Church, Dec. 31, 1852
They had nine head of horned stock and some sheep which the younger children took turns driving as has been mentioned previously.
When they were a few miles from Council Bluffs they discovered they had forgotten the ax. My grandfather, John, went back after it. He wished to remain there the land was so fertile.
After the Willdens arrived in Salt Lake City, Charles Willden was making a deal with Lorenzo D. Young to be his farmer, but as soon as Lorenzo heard the name Willden he wanted to know if he was Charles Willden, the steel refiner by trade. Being answered in the affirmative, Lorenzo said he could not make any other arrangements as he had heard his brother Brigham speak of him and that he rather expected that his brother's intentions were to send him to Cedar City, then known as Coal Creek, to work in the iron industry there.
Charles went to Brigham Young, who called him to go to Cedar City, and get his family settled and provided for, preparatory to his commencing work in the steel refinery. They arrived in Salt Lake 13 September, 1852.
After staying on the willows and cane break bottoms four weeks they started for Coal Creek, arriving there Friday, October 29, 1852. They left Salt Lake for Cedar City 11 October, 1852.
While enroute to Cedar City they camped one night at Cove Creek and as Charles looked over the valley he remarked what a lovely place it would be to settle. However, he proceeded to Cedar City in obedience to his call there.
This was the second trip they had made in the late fall with no home, not much food, again strangers in a new place and winter at their door. Upon arriving in Cedar City, or Coal Creek as it was known then, the Willdens lived in the wagon box and camped under the stars until they could build a dugout where their large family slept, ate and cooked in that one room. The beds were piled in one corner during the day and spread out on the floor at night. This did not last very long, for Charles was an enterprising man; he soon built a house, the kitchen first, then adding other rooms later.
While living in the cellar, an old Piute Indian came to trade. Mother had to step out a few minutes and told me to watch to see that the Indian did not try to steal anything, --thought there was not much to steal. When mother left, the Indian took hold of me. I was dreadfully frightened and thought I was to be killed then and there. I pulled away and ran to mother and left the Indian to steal what he would.
"After the second harvest the company built a grist mill. Everybody had to have his wheat ground before the cold weather came on and froze the mill stream. Father had all his ground. He took care of the bran and shorts, which were to be fed to the stock in the spring, if the family did not need it. It was a blessed good thing that we kept it that year, because the cold weather came on early and lasted late, and no one else had all their wheat ground.
Everybody was out of flour and some did not have even bran to eat. Father would not let anyone have his flour, as there was only enough to carry his family through the winter, but mother was free-hearted and tender, and she could not eat nice bread and see her neighbors, and those who were sick, suffer, so she kept giving away flour, a little at a time, praying and hoping all the time that a thaw would come before he family would be in need; but a thaw did not come and our family was at the starvation point.
First we ate the bran, then began on the shorts, but we did not have to eat them very long, for the prayed for thaw came and the mill was kept running day and night.
I thought it was a hard old winter, and that the salt rising bread, made of bran, the poorest food anyone could possibly eat.
Shortly after the birth of mother's last child, Louisa, Mother was taken very ill. We could not get anyone to help us, so I had to do the family washing when I was but eight year old. I had to wash with soft soap and it was made so strong with lye that when I would dip it out with my fingers to put it on the clothes it would eat my fingers, and they would not have time to heal before another wash day, so I had raw and bleeding fingers, continually. The blood would stream from my fingers while I worked. I would cry, and my poor mother in her weakness, had to see me suffer. End of quote from Ann's Autobiography
Louisa was born December 15, 1853, in Cedar City.
According to any history attainable, the Willden's took the first sheep (10 in number) into Iron County. It wasn't long until every family in the county had from 1 to 10 sheep in their backyards. These sheep not only provided meat for them, but also wool which was spun and woven into cloth and knit into socks.
Soon after the Willden's arrived in Cedar City (on December 4) Charles contracted to take the town herd of 200 or 300 cows to pasture for one cent a head per day. The people would take their cows to a common corral, and John and Feargus would take them to the surrounding country and foothills to grave for the day. They kept the herd all the rest of that winter of 1852 and 1853. The boys had nothing but bran bread to eat for one month, and not enough of that. In the spring they dug sego roots and gathered berries and handfuls of grass to subsist on. The people, it seemed, had nothing to pay with, and bread material was very scarce. The herding had to be done rain or shine, wind or show, over rocks, hills, and prickly pears, every day. The boys were barefooted most of the time.
When the Willden's first went to Cedar City the settlers were building their log houses in the form of a 100 yard square fort, with a stockade, an assembly court, and a liberty pole in the center.
However, they soon found with the increasing number of iron workers arriving in Cedar City that the little fort was not adequate in size to take care of so many. In the spring of 1853 when Brigham Young sent an additional 100 families to Dear City the people decided to build another much larger and better fort.
This fort was to be 100 rods square. A town plot was surveyed inside its proposed walls and the men drew for lots. The little fort was abandoned and the houses were moved from it and rebuilt on the new site.
The walls of the new fort were to be of adobe, 10 feet hit, three feet thick on the stone foundation and taper to one foot thick on the top. The Willden's, along with the other settlers, put all the time they could on the construction of the walls, but the iron works and their farms demanded attention also, so the fort walls grew slowly.
The streets inside the fort were 6 rods wide and the avenues 3 rods wide. There were 120 lots 4 x 10 rods. The Southeast quarter was fenced into a public square. The liberty pole stood in the center of this square. There was also a public meeting house. This fort was the largest in the territory being 6 times as large as the Temple block in Salt Lake City. It housed 455 inhabitants, including women and children.
When the Walker Indian War broke out, work on the fort was pushed vigorously. In the Spring of 1854, everyone moved into the new Fort Cedar which was a mile Northwest of Cedar City.
The Willden's lived in Cedar City during the time when the first irrigation laws of the United States were made. Prior to this time the people of the United States had abided by an old English law of irrigation, whereby all water on a man's land belonged to him, and it was his right, even to the point of contaminating the water to keep anyone else from using it. Brigham Young, as head of the Church, formulated the first irrigation laws of the United States, whereby a man was entitled to no more water than he could use.
As it was considered unchristian like to use civil law, all difficulties, irrigation and otherwise were taken to the Church Courts.
At one time Charles Willden was censured severely for suing a Church brother in the courts of the land. Everyone's horses ran together. It was the law that if a man could not separate his own horse from the herd and catch him he could ride the one he could catch. Someone caught one of Willden’s horses and lamed it. Charles Willden took the man before the courts of the land, and was asked by the Church ward authorities if he did not know how injurious such a course was to the character of the Saint. As a rule at that time a man would have been excommunicated from the Church for such procedure, but Charles must have been a member of very good standing to escape such a penalty.
Charles Willden Sr., was ordained a seventy in Cedar City, Iron County, Utah Territory, North America, under the hands of Brother Joseph Young, President of the Seventies
The ironworks had the first general store South of Salt Lake City. Tithing was paid through the store. As currency was very scarce most of the trading was done on a produce exchange. An account of Charles Willden was found in the store books for August, September, and October 1853. There's a monument in the Park in Cedar one black south of where the iron works stood.
The following is the inscription:
"The Old Iron Foundry"
Erected by direction of Brigham Young and associates in 1851-52 one block north of this monument, produced the first iron manufactured West of the Mississippi River, 35 men, the founders of Cedar City, constructed and operated the blast furnace, they established the first mining camp in Utah a few miles west of here, from which they procured the iron ore. The foundry was operated for eight years at a cost of one million dollars. Ore used in this monument was hauled here from the mines by pioneer workers and the pig iron bars in this structure were made by them."
The Willden's had two oxen, Spink and Lion. Feargus and a Danish neighbor made a trip with them to Salt Lake City with these oxen about September 20 or 21, 1855. His father and mother, Charles and Eleanor went ahead with the horses and wagon. William R. Palmers father came back with Feargus. (William R. Palmer of Cedar City, used to collect history of Southern Utah and worked for the welfare of the Indians. He had the above mentioned books.)
Feargus and John went to Salt Lake City again September 18, 1856 and arrived back home October 11. It was customary to go to Salt lake in the fall of the year for supplies for the winter ahead.
In 1856, the town of Cedar City was laid out in blocks and lots, and the men drew lots. Charles Willden, Sr. drew lot 7, block 39. Charles, Jr,. And Ellott drew lots 2 and 4 in block 22. The lots were 8 x 12 rods. The field survey showed Charles Jr, and Ellot receiving 9 3/4 acres in lot 2 and lot 3 block 4.
To find Charles Sr.'s lot, go East 2 blocks from El Escalante Hotel to where the road turn diagonally southeast, go South of the turn about four houses and the lot is on the East side of the street. It was vacant in the summer of 1951,
Charles built a four room house facing west on his lot. Each room had a fireplace. There was a hall between the two front rooms that opened into them and the kitchen. Between the kitchen and the other room was a small service room. There was a porch across the East with a dirt floor. In the back yard was an adobe granary, with a cellar underneath.
Ann learned to spin and made their thread with a "toe wheel". Later she learned to run the big spinning wheel and helped make the yarn for their clothes. She learned to knit when eight years old and thereafter knit her own stockings.
An old lady came to room with the Willden's in their new house. She knew all about making cloth as well as looms. As Charles wished to make a loom, she stayed right by while he worked under her direction until a fine loom was built. They were then quite independent as they could make all their homespun wearing apparel.
Charles planted some apple seeds. There were two apple trees south of the house in 1860 when Peter McElprang bought the place from Charles. The apples were small but very good for pioneer times. The house was torn down in 1910 or 1911. The people in picture of his house of McElprangs.
Ellott evidently sold his lot to Charles Jr. His (Charles Jr.) Lots were where the house 106 South 300 East stands, and the lot south for it. His house was where the driveway is to the south lot and house. Ellot bought a lot a block east through the block from Charles Jr. and on the east side of the street. People still living in the neighborhood say that his home still stands this summer of 1951.
In September 1853, a cloudburst washed out roads and buildings at the iron works. The men were forced to spend their time completing the big fort, protecting their families, stock and crops from the Indians of the Walker Indian War of 1853.
In 1856 the Indians took so many of the Saints cattle that the losses were very heavy. After these losses the authorities in Salt Lake sent men down to gather up the cattle left by the Indians. They were taken to Antelope Island in Great Salt Lake for safe keeping. Sending the cattle to this island was supposed to be voluntary on the part of the owners, but some of men sent from Salt Lake became over-zealous and forced the men to send their cattle which caused some of the owners to apostatize. Charles Willden's losses from these depredations were $190 worth of cattle.
The year 1856 marked for scarcity of bread.
By 1859 the iron works had become a failure, and great numbers of people moved away to seek new homes. The Willden's moved to the badlands or sinks southeast of Beaver, then called lower Beaver. They arrived there Sunday, March 24, 1859. Here Charles Willden and his four sons, Ellot, Charles, John and Feargus each took up 10 acres of land.
Many times Charles had thought of making a home on Cove Creek and as their land in Beaver proved to be poor, Charles bought 160 acres there from Matthew McEwen of Beaver who had sheep there. - John Willden
Here in the fall of 1860, with no financial aid or manpower backing from the Church they built an adobe house on the south bank of Cove Creek and enclosed it at some time with a corral and cedar post stockade. The posts were 8 to 10 feet high and placed so close together that they formed a sold wall. The doors and windows were not put in that fall. They cached some wheat for spring planting and returned to Beaver for the winter.
In February or March of the following spring, 1861, as Ann, who had married at the age of 14, and her husband, Neils Johnson, were returning home from Salt Lake after a fruitless effort to find work, they were caught in a terrible snowstorm between Fillmore and Cove Creek. By the time they reached Cove Creek, Wild Cat Canyon between there and Beaver was blocked for wagon travel so they stopped at the house where they hung blankets and quilts at the doors and windows and built a fire in the fireplace. Even these did not keep out the cold so Ann and her husband made a dugout.
It wasn't long before they ran out of food so found the wheat her father had cached and boiled it. For a change her husband ground some of the wheat between two stones and she strained it through her veil, using the coarse siftings to make some salt rising bread.
After several days someone passing through on their way to Beaver noted their plight and told her parents. Charles and Eleanor loaded the wagon with the doors, windows, provisions, and other necessities and moved to Cove Creek in March. Before long, Ellott and his wife moved there and built a two-room house for themselves.
On April 24, 1891, in her cellar home, Ann's first child, a girl, was born, her mother being the midwife. Little Hanna Jane Johnson was the first child born at Cove Creek. At this time, Ellott's wife, Emma, was ill with an attack of rheumatism so Eleanor had her hands full, taking care of Ann and the new baby, Emma, and her own family.
Willden's Fort, as their site was known for the next few years, afforded food, rest and protection from the Indians to weary travelers passing through. It was built seven years before the rock fort which stands on the site and is known as Cove Fort.
Here I quote from the Compiled Laws of Utah for 1888, Vol 1:261 "Cove Creek Fort".
"Cove Creek was well known to early pioneers as a favorite camping place for travelers, but no attempt was made to settle on this little creek until the fall of 1860 when Charles Willden and his son Ellott commenced to make improvements on the creek with a view of making homes. But Brother Willden did not move his family there until March 1861. For sometime afterward the place was known as Fort Willden. By this name it was still known in January 1866 when Utah was divided into counties, Beaver County was then described as being bounded on the north by a line running East and West through a point 2 miles South from the South side of Fort Willden on Cove Creek.
Cove Creek then ran north of the present store and filling station.
In May 1861 President Brigham Young and party visited Cove Creek on their way to St. George. The scribe of the company wrote the following: "At Fillmore, on the morning of May 20, 1861, President Joseph Young left to return home, the rest of the company proceeding to Cove Creek, a distance of 35 miles which they made by 3:20 p.m. and encamped. There is at that ranch, a corral, two houses, one dugout, and three families including five men who had sown 9 acres of grain. An extensive range surrounds the ranch and there is an abundance of sulphur in the vicinity.
- Deseret News 11:116
The three families mentioned above Charles Willden Sr. and family, Ann Willden Johnson and husband and baby, and the Ellot Willden family. The other two men were probably John and Feargus.
In 1862 John married Margaret McEwen of Beaver and brought her to live at Fort Willden. Their first two children, John Hyrum, and Mary Mahala were born there. They probably lived in the dugout.
Once day while they lived there the horses were lost, and Charles Sr., gave John and one of his brothers a lunch and send them to look for the horses, telling them not to return until they had found them. Night came and they still hadn't found the horses, but found a cave they thought of sleeping in.
There was an awful roaring coming from the cave as well as the odor of hydrogen sulfide.
Fort Willden was only 3 miles from Sulphurdale named thus because of the rich deposits of sulfur there. During the iron working days of Cedar City sulfur was hauled from this vicinity to use in their dynamite for blasting the iron ore.
While living at Fort Willden, Charles Willden married a second wife, Sarah Smith, 19 March 1864. Two children, Sarah Eleanor and Alice were born to them in Beaver after they had left Cove Creek. Sarah Smith later divorced Charles and married Joseph Walker. Both of the children died as children, one of them dying after the age of eight. Her temple work has been done. No additional information has been found on Sarah Smith. Charles’ diary of 1869 mentioned that they were still living together.
The Deseret News of February 8, 1865 published the following:
"Shocks of Earthquake were felt by residents of Cove Creek"
By letter from Brother Charles Willden of Cove Creek, Millard County, we have received the following items respecting shocks of earthquake that have been felt in that neighborhood of late.
"On Monday morning the 23rd, we experienced quite a shaking and on Wednesday, the 25th, we had an almost continuous shaking from one o'clock till seven. There were four heavy shocks and 18 light ones, the heaviest ones occurring at the last named hour. The effects were that the bell in the clock rang, being struck by the hammer very rapidly; the crockery rattled and the tables and chairs got a terrible shaking." John's wife told of the young cottonwood trees swaying until their top almost touched the ground.
Indian depredations were becoming more prevalent and serious by 1865. The Willden sheep got the scab and many of them died. It was a discouraging year so in the Fall of that year, the Willden's moved back to Beaver, however, Charles still claimed the land at Fort Willden
In 1867 President Brigham Young called Ira N. Hinckley to head the building of a rock fort on the land at Cove Creek. Men were called to build this fort, Charles Willden and some of his sons worked hard and diligently on the rock fort, living in their old home while so doing. Eleanor cooked for some of the men. Feargus got lime in his eyes and had to return to Beaver to have them treated for a few days. There was a mail and telegraph station there between the time the Willden's left and Hinckley came.
As far as we can learn the Willden's received very little credit for the work they did at Cove Creek and no remuneration. A search has been made at the Church Historian's office in salt Lake but no early record could be found of the Willden's ever being paid for this land. The last remains of Fort Willden were leveled off in 1948 or 1949 by the Kessler family, who have owned the land and fort since 1904.
There are many outside the Willden family who think Fort Willden should be given more recognition. The Kesslers who now own the property wish the Willden's to erect a marker there in honor of Charles and his family.
J.F. Tolton, a church and civic leader of Beaver published an article in the Beaver paper, 28 November 1938, giving credit to the Willden family as the real pioneers of Cove Fort. Part of his article is quoted as follows:
Old Cove Fort
"Old Cove Fort, by right should become a National Monument on State Highway 91, some twenty five miles North of Beaver, Utah. It has withstood the ravages of time for more than seventy years and is still in a fair condition of preservation.
Several years since a marker monument was erected on the site with fitting ceremonies eulogizing the President of the LDS Church, Brigham Young and Ira N Hinckley, for the erection of this structure. In the course of said ceremonies no credit was rendered the pioneer family which first established a claim on this now famous site. This article is intended to establish the claim for the Willden family as the original pioneers and not to detract from the honor of those who erected the building now extant.
When Beaver County was created by Legislative Act in 1866 its Northern boundary was fixed as a line running east and west two miles south of the south line of Fort Willden. It was more than a year later when the present structure was completed and consequently the fixing of the boundary line could have had no reference to the existing fort.
Some thirty years ago the writer, then County Surveyor of Beaver County, was advised to establish said Northern Line. He appealed to Ellott Willden for information as the location of Fort Willden and was informed that it was located some 500 feet East and 300 feet North of the Southeast Corner of the present structure on the South bank of Cove Creek. At that time a cottonwood trees still marked the site and yet exists, together with stubs of cedar posts which marked the boundaries of the stockade enclosure then existing."
The plaque on the Rock Fort bears the following inscription:
Completed April 12, 1867, by direction of Brigham Young, with L.D.S. Church funds as a traveler's way station and refuge from Indians. Ira Hinckley built and maintained it as a hostelry and residence until 1877. A well within the fort provided culinary water. Cove Creek supplied irrigation. One of its twelve original rooms was a telegraph station. Early in 1861, Charles Willden built three rooms and a dugout known as Willden's Fort. This was a convenient campsite for President and other travelers."
Cove Fort is now a well preserved museum.
We as a family should feel highly honored, for of the 80,000 Pioneers, many of whom gave their lives en route to Utah, very few have had the privilege of having their names immortalized on a plaque, and at such a historical place.,
As has been stated previously, the Willden's moved back to Beaver in 1865, where Charles farmed. While living there he filled a mission for the Church back to his native land, England. These quotations from the Millennial Star refer to this mission:
"Monday, 19 July, 1869, Elders Charles Willden, Levi Garrett, and Howard O. Spencer arrived in Liverpool from Utah, reporting a pleasant journey, and their readiness for their field of labor. Elder Willden was appointed traveling elder in the Sheffield Conference and Elders Garrett and Spencer in the London Conference.
Millennial Star 31: 499
Wednesday, October 20, 1869, Elder Lewis W. Shurtliff wrote from Longdon "A Company of 16 souls of the Saints left Liverpool on the steamship "Colorado", Elder Charles Willden, returning missionary was also on board." -Millennial Star 31:708
"Above company arrived New York, November 1st." - Millennial Star 31:741
"Elder Charles Willden wrote from Salt Lake City, November 14, that he and one family of the small company of Saints which emigrated with him had arrived safely there, and the other families were expected in the next day." - Millennial Star
Following is the diary of this mission:
August 3, 1869 - A rainy morning and cloudy all day. Noon, my brother John came in, hearing of me the night before. I went with him to Dinnington. They received me very well, all his family that was at home, two sons and one daughter. In the evening I walked out, had much talk with some on principles of gospel, one James Eisher Clark in the Protestant Church. I stayed at my brother John's, all night, had my supper. They wished me to have some tea, I took it against my will but to satisfy them. I had a very uneasy nights rest.
August 4 - A fine morning, after I had answered many questions and much talking I went to Laughton and what did I see? Drunkenness, and great wickedness and offered to be very little peace in the streets or anywhere else. Their sports were very little sports to me for they were mixed up in wickedness. My bed this night was a sofa, and I slept in my clothes and a shawl to cover me, not very comfortable, but I got along.
August 5 - Morning cloudy and cold and I saw much wickedness, men fighting each other for a little drink to please other using all kinds of profane language for drink and to please the onlookers. I traveled in another direction, saw a farmer threshing with a machine, his wife driving the horses and women seemed to be the object for work. I do not know how many there was working there. I traveled a little and a few pretty civil. I conversed with a few about the gospel and the latter times. They listened very intently. I had dinner and supper at Caroline's and slept at Rachel's and was very comfortable. (Sisters of Charles' wife, Eleanor.)
August 6 - A little sick with a cold in my head in the morning. It was not with drink but I could not, I did not drink more than a gill and that to pacify the folks. I explained some of the principles of the gospel to a few before retiring to rest.
August 7 - I was much coughy before rising from bed accompanied with pain. I laid hands on myself and asked the Lord for his blessings and commanded the pain to leave and the pain left. That day I traveled to Dinnington and stayed there all night, I had some talk with my brother, but appeared to no use. He apparently could not see anything but his worldly gain. They did not feel as if they could give the Elders anything to eat when they came to preach to them. I felt as if I would be well away from them. I was attacked with a pain. I was determined I would not offend them, that I would call.
August 8 - I arose from bed at 6 o'clock intending to preach the gospel, being Sunday. 8 o'clock I in company with George E. Owen, not a member, traveled to Anston. I preached and good attention paid, and invited to come again. Then returned to preach at Laughton, got there, the wind very rough. I preached about hour, I felt the wind cutting my lungs and I had to quit. I had my supper at G.E. Ownes. I stayed the night at T, Makings.
August 9 - Rose from bed, got my breakfast, visited Emanuel's wife and then left for Dinnington. On leaving I was accosted by a few men so I talked to then, soon I had a good company. I stayed and preached to them till dark with a promise to see them again. They promised to get a room, if they could, for me to preach in, if they could. They wished to hear me talk. I left them at dark, lodging at Laughton.
August 10 - I had a good night's rest, went to look at T. Makings thresh with the steam machine, it did its work very well. I then went and had my breakfast then left Laughton for Rotherham. I stayed with George E. Owne all night and had supper with him, stayed with him all night, had breakfast with him next morning, a cloudy morning.
August 11 -Left 9 o'clock, walked to Sheffield, got my dinner and supper at Bro Gardeners, left my clothes to be washed. I went to Bro Wholstmans to sleep, which was comfortable.
August 12 - I rose from bed in health, did much writing, got dinner with Sister Turner, then went to see Mr. Galemoor. I saw him and his wife they were very bitter against the Saints an as dark as midnight darkness, but I cooled them down. He said we did not believe in the Bible. I asked him to show me one principle that I did not believe in and I would believe it. Then he said we did believe but not obey. I asked him to show me one principle I did not obey and I would obey it right off. He gave me my supper. At supper I had much talk with him and his wife. After supper they very kindly invited me to call and see them any time and not to go back without going to see them.
August 13 - I slept at Bro Wholstmans, very uneasy not sick, but my sleep went from me. I was up several times though the night and did pray to the Lord as things came to my mind. I could not sleep till daylight in the morning. I arose from bed well in bodily strength. Went to visit Sister Chatterton and in the afternoon visited Samuel Wells relations, I saw all of them very ill.
August 14 - Slept at Bro Wholstman's, had my breakfast, I went to Sister Chatterton's. Brother Shipp came in after dinner, we came to the conference house, then I went to the Blackstone house to deliver W. Memmott's message to them. I had much talk with them on the gospel. They gave me a glass of black beer, they wished me to call again to see them anytime. I went in the market, did a little business, then went to the park, had supper at Sister Wadsworth's, then Bro. Ship came in. Then went to my lodgings at the stone house. The principle of plurality was the principle that the people bring against us. They have no other thing to stand upon. I never saw men to easily taken down, they acknowledged that I was right. I have always had an answer for them.
August 15- I slept at Bros. Wholstmans. I wrote a letter to home to send by Sister Smith. I had my dinner at Bros Wholstmans. I preached in the room in the afternoon, my teas at Sister Chatterton's. Talked to her children which had a good effect on their minds. Then I attended the meeting at night. Bro. Shipp preached to a good congregation. I stayed at Bro Wholstman's, laid hands on a sister, consecrated some oil. I blessed it.
August 16 - I visited some Saints and some not saints, talked to them on the principles of the gospel, I hope to a good purpose. They wished to see me again.
August 17 - I rose from bed in health and strength visited John Dammes, my former workmate at Sanderson's Steel Works in West Street. Got my breakfast at Bro., Smiths then traveled to Chesterfield on foot, got there at past 5 in the evening then I was much fatigued with my journey. Had supper with Sister Topham. Slept at Sister For's. Had a good night's rest.
August 18 - Rested myself some, visited some saints, attended the meeting at night, spoke to the saints, slept at Sister Ford's.
August 19 - Had breakfast at Sister Tophams. I spent 4d for something to eat.
August 20 - I visited saints and did some business in the other places and delivered some messages.
August 21 - I went to see Sister Limb's daughter. I then traveled about looking around. I saw an auction. I there bought 52 shoemakers balls for 10 d. Went to see Faulks. Had supper. Brother's Hyde and Shipp came. Bro. Shipp went with me to Brother Brailsford had supper. I stayed there all night.
August 22 - Had my breakfast then talked to some saints on the gospel. Went to see Bros Hyde and Shipp but they were goner to Tupton. At night I slept at James Brailsford's. I attended a council meeting on Sunday morning at half past ten. Went to a Council meeting on Sunday morning at half past ten. Went to camp meeting in Chesterfield. A very good attendance . I preached, good attention paid. Bro Hyde spoke, Some attended another in afternoon. Four or five hundred persons present. Bro. Shipp spoke well to the people. Some interruptions. All passed off very peaceable. Some few Methodists of the Methodists spouted some little against us, but had not much affect.
August 23 - Talked with some one, the man that was to get Sister Lime debts in and saw others on business matters.
August 24 - Went to the station to see some of the Brethren start for the valley. I had my breakfast at Father Brailsfords. I visited some not in the Church there. They were satisfied with what I had said of the doctrine. They said they would attend the saint's meetings. Brother Shipp and myself traveled to Bolsover pound. One Brother James Wright very sick. We blessed some oil and anointed him. Gave him some inward and laid hands on him and blessed him in the name of the Lord and when we retired to bed her felt much better, and when he arose in the morning he was well he said, but very weak. In duty we gave Sister Wright 6d each to help them. They were very glad of it.
August 25. We arose from bed 6 o'clock in health and strength. Had breakfast at Bro Wrights. Sister Wright gave us 6 d each. I left 3 d. By the side of my plate on the breakfast table. We blessed them and started on our journey to Chesterfield, after laying hands on Brother Wright. We reached Chesterfield at 12 noon. I had my dinner at Bro. Brailsfords. Then went to see a Mr. Horton. I saw him, that was all. I attended the saint's meeting in their room and spoke to the saints a little. I slept at James Brailsfords.
August 26 - I arose from bed at 6 in the morning and had my breakfast then walked to Sheffield by noon. Had my dinner at Bro. Wholstman. I went to the night meeting but very few there. Bros. Hyde and Shipp were there. Bro. Hyde said we would adjourn as we were so few. So we went home. I slept at Bro. Wholstman's on their sofa. This is my bed they make one comfortable.
August 27 - I rose in health and strength, had my breakfast and then took the train to Rotherham. Got my supper at George E. Owen's, slept with him. I took a short walk. After rising from bed my nose bled. Then I took breakfast with him. Walked to Masbrough. Another turn with bleeding of the nose which bled very much but stayed stopped after a long time. I visited Bro Wards but not very free. I visited some more the best way I could being as it were in a strange land and far from my home and from my bosom friends. Did I weep? Yes, tears of grief trickled down one after another and the lord knew it all for he heard and answered my prayers apparently the Lord was the only friend that I had near me. The brethren and sisters asked me what was amiss with me. I told them they were my friends and I should not go. They said let him for I had done them good and I should stop with them for they could keep me. This was their feelings one and all. They were all willing to share with me to the last crust of breast for all I had done them good. I should not go on such pretensions.
August 30 - I slept at Bro Wards. I was very comfortable as regards to bed but very troubled in mind. Had breakfast then walked to Ramarsh station. Got my dinner then traveled to Boulton, stayed all night. Counseled with some of the Saints about crossing the seas then walked back to Ramarsh Station. Got supper at Bro. Cranes. I traveled to Masbrough , visited Mr. Cattle formerly a member in the Church. Had much conversation with him on the work. He wished me to come and see him again. Then I walked to Rotherham stayed all night with George E. Owens.
September 1 - After breakfast walked to Attercliff got dinner and supper at Bro Criches. He mended my shoes. Then I traveled to Sheffield slept at Bro Wholstman's.
September 2 - I, after breakfast, wrote a letter to Bro Correnton and a copy for myself.
September 3 - I, after breakfast, hunted for a Mr. Brown after a long search found his son, he being dead, the old man. Then I visited some saints. Slept at Bro. Wholstman.
September 4 - After Breakfast, I walked to Wadsley Bottom to see Alfred Turner; found them all well but poor but they made much of me. I saw all but one daughter. I walked back to Sheffield. I slept at Bro. Wholstmans.
Sept. 5- Sunday - I went with Bro Smith to visit some of the saints as a teacher. Some of the saints gave good attention when we came to bro Gardnere no order there his wife did not know anything but confusion and was too big to be taught. I visited some more but they were very ready to obey what they were taught. In the afternoon went to see Benjamin Millard and family they being Josephites and very stupid, had my tea with them they respecting me. Then I traveled to our meeting in the room house full and good attention paid. I slept at Bro Wholstmans.
Sept. 6 - Monday - I traveled to Wadsley Bottom to Alfred Turner, had much talk with them and family they paid very good attention to what I said, I stayed there all night had a good nights rest.
Sept. 7 - I had much talk with them on the principles of the gospel. Went into th e Mouse Hole Forge saw them making anvils; then I traveled to Sheffield. Slept at Wholstmans.
Sept. 8 - After breakfast I saw Mr. Smith's clerks was in their office had mcuh talk with them on Mormonism. They seemed to take great delight in hearing those things and they were in hearing those things well pleased with me and would like to see me again. Then visited Sister Helmer then went to Sister Messiter's had my supper with them. Slept at Bro. Wholstmans.
Sept 9 - After breakfast at Bro. Smith's I visited some of the Saints then walked to Attercliff to visit Bro Brick and his family then walked to Sheffield. Had my supper at Bro Smith's. Slept at Bro. Wholstmans.
Sept. 10 - Had a good nights rest, after breakfast worte a long letter home. Had supper at Bro. Smith's slept at Bro. Wholstmans.
Sept. 11 - Had breakfast at the conference house after some conversation wiht Bro. Hyde. He said I need not trouble myself aobut the trade I could not do any good. I could not get to know anything about it. The people would not let me know anything about the trade. He siad the authorities would send for some influential men to carry on the trade. I told him they had been deceived once and might be again. Said I to him, "I know more about that business than you or more than I shall tell at present". I told him he did not know anything about these things. He was afraid I would get to know more that himself. I then walked to Chesterfield in 3 hours. Had supper at Bros. James Brailsford's. They were glad to see me. Stayed there all night was very comfortable.
Sept. 12 - Sunday morning all well. I visited some of the Saints, met with the Saints in their meeting room talked to them a little. Met again in the evening. I opened by prayer. Bro. Shipp preached. Bro. Hyde presided. A good congregation. I slept at Bro James Brailsfor's, a good night's.
Sept 13 - A rainy morning I am all well. I visited some of the Saints I went to meet Bros. Hyde and Shipp and Bro. Ardwick. Stayed with them till noon then went to Father Brailsford's. Had my dinner there. Visited some Saints at Brampton. After had tea then went to Bro. James Brailsford and a good few of the brothers and sisters and we had a good time together. We parted with love to each other each heart filled with love and peace toward each other. Then I retired to bed at 11 o'clock. A good nights rest.
Sept. 14 - O arose from bed in good health and strength. I with Bro. Holsebruck took a walk. We came to a gentleman's house his name, Clawton. I got some flower seeds and some black-berries. Was a very good sort. I thanked him kindly for them. We then came to Brampton then to Chesterfield. Got my supper. Retired to bed at 10 o'clock at Bro. Brailsfords. A good nights rest after writing for 2 or 3 hours.
Sept. 15 - I rose early, had a walk got some yarrow had some yarrow tea. To my breakfast, then I finished my writing. Bro. Thomas Holsebruck gave me a pocket handkerchief. Then we visited some Saints. We traveled in the country some. After a good time with the Saints I retired to bed at James Brailsford's. Had a good rest.
Sept. 16 - I rose from bed in good health. Had breakfast at Father Brailsfords. Then went with Bro. Holsebruck to Bro. Hardwicks then they took me to a tailor's and they put me a new overcoat on and gave it to me as a gift from Brothers Thomas Holsebruck. James Brailsford, Henry Turner, Edward Ringly, Ely Hardwick. I had my super at Bro. Brailsfords. Then I went and visited Bro Turner and Ringly then returned and went to bed after prayers which I always attended to.
Sept. 17 - I rose from bed 6 o'clock, all well, wrote a letter for Sister Brailsford to her daughter. I had my dinner then walked to Borrow Hill had my tea at Bro. Bower's. Slept at Bro. Morton's. I was very comfortable. I did not rest so well. I drank some tea that caused me not to rest so well.
Sept. 18 - All well and in good spirits after breakfast I traveled to Laughton. Stayed at Thomas Making's, had a good night's rest. Slept with Thomas Making.
Sept. 19 - Sunday morning I rose from bed in health and strength got breakfast at T. Makings. Then walked to Dinnington to my brother's. They were a little distant. I felt their spirits. At evening my brother's wife commenced on me. I saw in her countenance she had the devil in her. She said she understood that I had two wives and had two children by my last. She could not wait for me to give her an answer but she called me a murderer. I was murdering my first wife and I was the wickedest man living. She called me everything but a good man. Well if I ever saw fire, yes, hellish fire flash in the eyes of any person's eyes it did in hers. Yes, there was the devil in a woman I say for once. For myself, I felt to say "Lord, deliver me from this evil spirit." I thought she would have flown at me, but she turned and set her eyes at her own husband. I thought she would have come out of her head. I waited till her mad storm was over, then I talked to her till her proud hellish spirits were brought to submission. I told her that there was more peace and happiness in my family than there was in hers and more love in my wives than there was with her and her children and more union in my children from my two wives that there was amongst her children in one wife. Now this is a fact, now what is there amiss in this? I felt the power of the Priesthood resting on me at this time. They cooled down pretty well. Night came on I went to bed.
Sept. 20 - I rose from bed in good health. Monday morning I did not care about being near her. Their children desired me to stop awhile with them. I did not wish to offend any of them so I took all things as patient as I could, so I wound my stay with her up as soon as I could to do all things, to be as calm as I could so as I would not give any offense. There was two more women came in as neighboring and in their common discourse they cursed and swore most every word and used all kinds of profane language. Through their discourse, backbiting their neighbors. I thought they were a poor set to offer a better system of happiness than I was trying to live. But I was satisfied I would not have such talk in my house or before my children. She, my sister-in-law, said she d----d soon could put the Saints right if she had them to deal with. They gave me my dinner. I then left for Laughton, being noon. At night I slept at Thomas Makings.
Sept. 21 - I rose from bed in health. T. Makings was taking to me. He said I could stay as long as I had a mind to, he could keep me. I went to Brampton for him, on some business. He said he would give me 6d. After this I went and got a good mess of mushrooms. Then I went back to Laughton.
Went to bed at 10 o'clock. This day I ate a few blackberries and I think they made me a little sick next morning.
Sept. 22 - Morning not very well, light-headed. After breakfast I felt much better. I went to get more mushrooms. I went into the fields for the good of my health.
Sept. 23 - I rose from bed in good health at 4 o'clock in the morning. I was pretty tired and went to bed early.
Sept. 24 - Friday morning my health good. 4 o'clock I went to gather mushrooms. Very tired, went to bed early this night.
Sept 25. - Saturday I rose from bed in good health. I traveled to Anston Common to get some ouler seed. Then I got some crab pips (crabapple seeds). I slept all week at Thomas Markings.
Sept. 26 - Sunday morning, I well. After breakfast I walked to Dinnington to see my brother's family. They looked rather shy, but in the afternoon there was a more freer spirit, they seemed to try to make me more comfortable particularly their daughter. I slept on their sofa. Their daughter, she made me comfortable the best she could.
Sept 27 - Monday morning all well. I stayed till I had had my dinner then left for Laughton at noon. From there to Ully. Had my dinner with William Taylor's wife, Thomas Makings oldest daughter, Sarah, then left for Rotherham. Got two miles out of my way. Stayed at George E. Owens all night, Caroline's daughter's. I was comfortable.
Sept. 28 - Tuesday morning I am well, a rainy morning. I took time to fix some of my seeds as I have got some to take home. Then all right. Still raining. Then I sat down to write in my journal. Now near 5 o'clock still raining out.
Sept 29. - I slept at G.E. Owens' at Rotherham. Tuesday rainy morning. I am well, had breakfast then fine. I traveled to Ramarah Station to see Bro. Crane and family, after seeking Bro. Kinder's relation. Could not find him. This is the second time I have tried to find him, but in vain. I stayed all night at Brother Cranes. Had a good night's rest.
Sept. 30 - Thursday morning all well. A thick foggy morning. I traveled to see Mr. Cattle, formerly a Brother in the Church. Not much prospects of him altering his course. I had tea with him he was very kind with me. I then traveled to see Sister Colbert and son. There was a fellowship meeting there that night. This is Masbrough Grove Road. Stayed there all night.
October 1 - Friday morning all well. Had my breakfast then visited the Saints from one to another. Had my supper at Sister Rough's. Bro Hyde came in and as soon as I felt there was something in him that was not a good spirit. Yet he said nothing. But I felt his spirit. We walked out to Sister Colbert's to sleep. As we wakled along the street he commenced about me going home. I told him I had not time to get my things together what few things I had. They were scattered that there was not time to collect them together before the ship started. If I had known soon enough I would have gone, and I would not leave them, for they were my own. He said if I did not go then he could not promise me a passage and that I need not expect any help in the future. I asked him if I had ever asked for any help and if the Church thinks it is not or that I am not worthy of being helped home, thank the Lord I can help myself and I am not wihtout friends. Yet I only want time to write and I can get help. He said it was his right to send me home if he chose. "Yes", I said, "But I have a private letter from your president and mine that I can go when I choose and stay while I wish to." He got quite mad about it because he could not drive me home. I told him I done nothing to merit this trouble and when I was ready to go home and they would not help me they could keep it. I could get home without your help (If I have no friend in you). I have friends left yet. He saw I was independent and he began to cool down and he siad there was nothing against me and by his own works proved plain that he had nothing against me, only nationality. I being an Englishman and he an American. If he had nothing against me why does he follow me about and send me to one place and then follow me and before I can do anything, come and stop me. I have traveled on foot to the place where he sent me to and then he has spent money by riding to stop me and nothing to do for it. I still feel desirous to do good and I know the Lord blesses my Labors and I will do what is right the Lord being my helper. We slept at Sister Colberts.
October 2 - I rose from bed but not bery well in spirits as soon I lay myself down to rest my spirit told me not to sleep for I had an enemy and my sleep ent from me. So I had no sleep this night. Now this is true. I got up after good daylight told Sister Colbert that I was going to Bro. Wards to my breakfast. Bro Hyde came in, he stayed there a little then he went to see another family that I had promised to see that morning and after a little I followed him but there was no more said about it. I went to G. E. Owens had my supper and stayed all night.
October 3 - I am well. After breakfast, I attended the Saints's Sunday School. Helped teach the children their lessonsthen had my dinner at G.E. Owens then attended meeting in the afternoon then in the eving I preached. Islept at G.E. Owens.
October 4 - Monday morning I am well, traveled to Attercliff after waiting to see my sister-in-law Caroline, but she did not come. I visited Bro Crich and family then another family then traveled to Sheffield. Slept at Bro. Wholstman's. All well.
October 5 - Tuesday all well, examined my letters one from Bro Garret and Spencer
which I received yesterday. They had been waiting two weeks on me. After reading them and a Deseret News I sat down to write home. Did not finish. Went to sleep with Bro. Smith, but I slept very little. I was not comfortable in spirit.
October 6 - All well in body. Stayed and had supper with Bro. Fell then went to Bro. Wholstman's resumed my writing my letters one to my wife, one to Bishop Murdock to fetch Bro. Wholstman home and his family, then I went to be at Bro Wholstman's.
October 7 - Thursday all well. Had my breakfast at Sister Meseter's then I traveled to Attercliff visited the Saints there, brought some of them to the meeting attended in Sheffield. We had a good meeting. Slept at Bro. Wholstman's.
October 8 - Friday all well, a rainy morning. I set htis day to fast and pray to the Lord as I intended to fast yesterday but did not. I have written a letter James Hague, Salt Lake City for his wife's mother and mailed it.
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November 8 - Monday morning all well. Fine morning traveling on very well in peace.
November 9 - Tuesday, all well fine morning. Now in the place were the Indians killed 3 white men a week ago and killed 3 soldiers in a fight since in the morning. Now at Rawlins Springs. We stayed here a little. We are about 300 miles from Ogden. At 10 o'clock we left Rawlins Springs for Ogden.
November 10 - Wednesday reached Ogden. I am very hungry. I have only had to eat from New York to Ogden 2 shillings and 2 d in bread and cheese. I had eat all up.
November 11 - Thursday a rainy morning. I stayed at Bishop Parrey's. I was very comfortable and glad they had got so far on and safe. One family came to Round Valley.
End of Diary
At one time, according to the Indigents Records of Beaver County, Charles Willden kept a poor man for the county and I quote from the County Court Minutes Register A, Page 24:
"By order of the court and the choice of Charles Willden, that he agrees to wash and mend the clothes, lodge and board Mr. Fisher for 6 months at the rate of one dollar and twelve and a half cents per week."
Page 65 of Register A says "Charles Willden, Sr., bill for stationary for the county amounting to $1.50 was presented and the court ordered that a warrant be issued in favor of that amount. Also, Charles Willden's bill for boarding Joseph Fisher 7 4/7 weeks at $1.12 per week amounting to 3 45/60 bushels of wheat.
In 1877 while living in Beaver he and Eleanor made at least 3 trips to the St. George Temple where they did the ordinance work for some of their dead relative. They felt very deeply the importance of this work. This temple was dedicated 6 April, 1877 and the following month they went by covered wagon to St. George a distance of about 110 miles each way. In June they made the trip again, and before winter they went the third time to the temple. In all they traveled by covered wagon over poor roads approximately 660 miles sleeping in the wagon box or on the ground at night and cooking their frugal meals over the campfire. Each trip took about ten days. During the winter some of their children went to the Temple to continue the work their parents had started. Charles' journal shows the following temple work performed.:
Endowed May 17, 1877 for Jeremiah Willden and Betty Revil Willden
May 18, 1877 endowed for Thomas Turner and Ann Wittman Turner
June 20, 1877, endowed for John Turner and wife; William Wittman and wife, and Jonathan Frost and wife.
His journal also shows the following Baptisms performed in Salt Lake City, October 30 , 1873:
Thomas Turner William Wittman* David Turner
Ann Turner Hannah Hugall Wittman* Emanual Turner
John Turner Jonathan Frost* Elizabeth Turner
Mrs. John Turner Ann Hugal Frost*
* these names are mentioned in the will of John Hugall
The Iron Works in Cedar City had the first store south of Salt Lake City. In their books for September 1853, is found an account of Charles Willden with Pioneer Iron Co., (sold later after one year to Deseret Iron Co., name of the store.) The pioneers paid their tithing through the store.
Dr. 1853 Cr.
to Sept. To Sundries per D134 $4.51 Aug 24 by green beans .25
to 1 vol of the Seers 2.00 by 40# flour 2.40
to 1 no of the Pearl 1.00 Sept 10 by hay 3.00
to Ellit Willden 23 by corn fodder 1.00
To produce tithing 8.00 30 by potatoes 1.00
not paid Oct 12 by carrots and beets .15
to labor tithing 48.00 by allowance 22.00
to 26# flour @ 7 1.82 for farming 11 acres
By 5 bu wheat
On produce tithing 10.00
When the Endowment house in Salt Lake City was finished in 1855, Charles and Eleanor made the trip to Salt Lake with team and wagon from Cedar City to be sealed in the Endowment House. They were sealed 9 October, 1855.
On the 22nd day of August, 1883, Charles and his son Feargus were hauling hay. Eleanor at the house upon hearing a commotion looked out and saw the team and wagon coming from the field toward the house as fast as the team would go. Eleanor told Louisa to run down the lane and open the gate. They soon learned that while Charles and Feargus had been loading the wagon in the field that
Charles had had a stroke, causing him to fall from the top of the load. He was dead when they reached the house, so he had apparently died instantly. He must have been active until the time of his death at the age of 77 years and 26 days old. He was laid to rest in the Mountain View Cemetery in Beaver.
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Notes by Shawn Willden:
1. This last comment may have made more sense 40 years ago when the Church was considerably smaller and more confined to Utah.
2. I had always wondered why my great-great grandfather (Feargus O'Connor Willden) had an Irish name. As it turns out, there was an Irish political agitator named Feargus O'Connor who was heavily involved in the English Chartist movement of 1838. He urged the creation of a cooperative land association that would "free working people from the tyranny of the factory and the Poor Law. Settling people on the land would take surplus labor off the market and force manufacturers to offer higher factory wages" he said (from Microsoft Bookshelf '95). There is also some information on the net about Chartism or The Chartist Movement, a bibliography of Chartism (which lists several works about Feargus O'Connor) and a bibliography of the The age of Peel, 1832-1850. Anyway, it seems likely that Charles William Willden, who was politically active at this time, admired Feargus O'Connor and decided to name his son (born in 1840) after the politician. What little I've found about Feargus O'Connor seems to indicate that he didn't come to real prominence until 1843, so it's even likely that Charles knew him personally.
3. I assume this was its value when this biography was compiled. I have found some information that indicates that a sovereign weighed eight ounces. I don't know how much this sovereign was worth relative to 1996 U.S. dollars.
