Ester Wardle
Contributed By BrenthdBrown · 25 January 2015 · 0 Comments
LIFE STORY OF ESTER WARDLE BROWN
Written by her daughter Elizabeth Brown Martin
Ester Wardle Daniels Brown daughter of Ralph Wardle and Harriett Charlesworth in connection with twin brother Noah Wardle were born October 1, 1841 join Manchester England. She was baptized in the Church of Jesus Chris of Latter Day Saints by Elder Hartley 1851 in Manchester England.
Her father having a large family ( seven daughters and two boys) she was put to work in the cotton mills when about eight years of age which position she held until she was married having but little chance for an education. When an opportunity permitted, she would help the elder’s deliver tracts. She was married to Thomas Daniels Brown on the 19th of March 1861 in Manchester Cathedral England by Rev G.S. Allen. In connection with her husband, they left Liverpool England for America April 16th of that same year landing in New York May 13, 1861. A great excitement existed in New York City when they landed drilling soldiers preparing for the Civil War. They had no money when they arrived. With conditions of the country it a made times very dull so she went as a waiter in an ice-cream parlor. They left New York June 12, 1862 arriving in Winter Quarters destitute of wearing apparel and bedding. They left winter Quarters August 8, 1862 in Captain Henry W. Millen’s company.
The company consisted of sixty wagons with ox teams and 693 emigrants. Each wagon was allotted six hundred lbs. of church freight and the baggage of eighteen emigrants to a wagon leaving them to walk the journey to Salt Lake City arriving October 17, 1862. The company suffered considerable on their journey with sickness and fatigue also with limited provisions. Twenty eight of their number (mostly children) were buried on the plains.
They lived in Salt Lake City five and a half years. They then moved to Lynn Weber County in April 1867 where they rented a farm. One day in July a cloud of grass hoppers came over the locality and settled on the crops taken before them every green leaf and sprig of grass in about 2 hours leaving a plague that lasted for seven years.
They moved to Harrisville in April 1868 and there they rented a farm for one year and in April 1869 the located in West Harrisville (now known as Far West) where they still reside.
They were sealed in the old endowment house on October 11, 1870. May 16, 1900 Ester had her patriarchal blessing under the hands of patriarch P.G. Taylor which gave her encouraging thoughts to strengthen her faith and help her through out life.
On April 25, 1902 they went to the Salt Lake Temple and had their second anointing’s. They celebrated their golden wedding April 5, 1911 which will long be remembered.
They passed through much poverty and much sever sickness in the raising of their family.
Ester was known for her musical talent especially in the early days using the talent in public service up to her declining years. She has done considerable work in the temple for the dead relatives. She was chosen visiting teacher in the first Relief society organization in Harrisville in 1868 which position she still holds. She was chosen 1st counselor to Mary A. Stephenson in the relief society organization of Farr West on November 3, 1892 which position she held until October 15, 1903.
They have had twelve children born to them eleven of whom are living seven boys and four girls. Her husband, Thomas Daniels Brown and five sons have filled missions and all the family have been married in the temple.
They have sixty living grandchildren plus ten that have passed away. They also have seven great grandchildren.
(Addition)
Since the above was written God has seen fit to call this noble wife and mother home. It was on October 28, 1915 that she passed to the great beyond. But while we mourn for her we know that her salvation is sure and her happiness supreme. If we who are left would but follow her good example and the teachings she has given us we know we will meet her when our time comes. One of her daughters Sarah Ann Taylor joined her mother on August 30, 1919.
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The Dancing Cat
Contributed By gjpowell · 6 October 2013 · 0 Comments
She was listed as tops among the Grandchildren. She had a way of making them work and still like it. When the young suitors would call upon her daughters they enjoyed their visit with the mother almost as much as with the object of their affections. Grandmother was clever in the art of telling fortunes, especially through the use of a teacup. Of course, the young men did not suspect that she had her scouts out during the week gathering this data.
Then there was the dancing cat: Thats a fact--she had a cat who would keep time with the Jew's Harp. With paper tied around its paws used as dancing slippers, it could cut quite a rug.
Many members of the family remember the "Peanut Showers" which Grandma was famous for on Christmas Day. (I think this means that peanuts in shells were thrown all around the house and the grandchildren would scramble to find them)gjp
It was always one of the girls' jobs to be on hand Sunday morning to help Grandma dress. Besides all of the lacing, there was the padding to put into place. She always wanted to bulge in the right places.
Written by Ross Holland and found in the Book, "Thomas Daniels Brown and Esther Wardle, their Ancestors and Descendents" complied by Vance Holland, Published by Brown Family 1962. found online now at familysearch.org
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History of Thomas Daniels-Brown and Esther Wardle Compiled by Ila Marlene Davis Ashton
Contributed By Denis Ashton · 31 July 2013 · 0 Comments
Thomas Daniels Brown was born December 16, 1838 at Wigan, Lancashire, England. He was the ninth child in a family of seventeen children. The first seven children died in infancy and the eighth child, William, went to live with his Grandparents. So Thomas was the eldest child at home and thus had to help shoulder the responsibility of the younger children. Long before Thomas was 13 years of age he had to work to help provide food for the family but he was only allowed to work one-half day because of a law in England which prevented full-day labor of anyone under the age of 13 years. The money that Thomas and his father made was not adequate to supply the needs of the family and they suffered intensely.
Thomas' mother reared several of her brothers and sisters after her mother died. With these and her own large family there were many to provide for. They suffered many hardships, were helped some by the county but were turned out of the poor house because of the lack of room.
When Thomas became 13 he was permitted to work full days and obtained a job working on the railroad as a helper in repairing cars. It was customary for a man and a boy to work together.
At 14 years of age, Thomas became an apprentice to a locomotive and carriage painter and served seven years. After completing his apprenticeship he decided to go to Utah.
On March 19, 1861, Thomas married Esther Wardle in Manchester, England. They crossed the ocean together and made the Journey in 28 days which was considered extra fast.
While on the way to America, Thomas heard that there was plenty of work to be had in New York, so he and Esther decided to remain there and earn enough to take them to Utah. After this decision they gave their fare from New York to Florence (Nebraska), to a friend who was poorer than they, so he could get that far.
While on their voyage the Civil War broke out and when they arrived in New York the streets were filled with soldiers who were drilling and preparing for war. All manufacturing plants were closed and employment was not to be had. In the spring of 1862, Thomas saw an advertisement which read, "A good painter wanted to paint passenger steam boats, in a rush", so he applied and got the job. It was here that he earned enough money to take them to Florence. They left New
York June 12, 1862, by train and while on their way the baggage car caught fire burning all their belongings.
After arriving at Florence they stayed there for six weeks and then started across the plains with Henry Miller as their Captain. The company consisted of 60 wagons with 693 emigrants. Out of this number 28 died and were buried on the plains. Each wagon had from 3 to 4 ox teams and was loaded with 6000 pounds of church freight, besides the
luggage of 18 persons to a wagon. No one was permitted to ride unless they were sick; so Thomas and Esther walked the full 1000 miles and carried their six month old baby, Joseph. They arrived in Salt Lake City on October 17, 1862.
Thomas bought a pair of shoes as they left Florence. When they reached the Green River in Wyoming and waded across, his shoes dropped off his feet and he walked the rest of the way barefoot and many times left bloody prints in the sand.
When they arrived in Salt Lake City, they had no place to go so Brother George Openshaw, who was the toll keeper of Eagle Gate, took them into his home. While they were here a Brother Broadest came in and saw the destitute condition of Thomas and Esther and he was deeply touched. He went directly down town and bought twelve yards of bed ticking, paying $1.25 a yard. This he gave to Esther and she made a nice tick from it. Then Brother Broadest and Thomas took the tick Into Brigham Young's back yard and filled it with corn fodder. Thomas was so full of appreciation and gratitude to this Brother that he could hardly express himself for tears. This bit of charity or help was something that Thomas never forgot.
As soon as Thomas could locate a place they moved from the Openshaws and located in the Twentieth Ward in Salt Lake City. This being December in the year 1862.
In December 1862, Thomas painted the Tabernacle at Sessions Settlement with the help of Mr. Beck.
In the spring of 1863, Thomas and Esther moved to the Sugar House Ward and lived in a small adobe house that was located on the county road. This house belonged to a Mrs. Sharp and had no doors or windows no ceiling, a leaky roof and loose boards for the floor. It was here that a daughter, Elizabeth, was born, November 7, 1863.
In May 1863, Thomas left his wife in Salt Lake City and went to Montana with an ox team and a heavy load of freight for the Walker Brothers. While he was in Montana he worked in the Bannock City mine and earned money to help his parents and their four children emigrate from England.
Thomas returned home in August 1863. During that fall he painted at Mill Creek and the winter he spent in the canyon gathering firewood.
In 1864, Thomas did painting at various places. Brigham Young’s house was one of them. In 1865 he worked on a farm. It was in this year on August 28, 1865 that a baby boy, Thomas Jr. was born. The following winter Thomas again went to the Canyon and gathered wood. In April 1866, he again went to Montana and worked in the Gold mines. He returned home in October 1866. He bought a wagon and team to drive home but the night before he was to leave someone stole one of his horses. He spent a week trying to find it and then gave up all hopes of retrieving it. He then sold the harness and wagon end rode the other horse home.
The winter of 1866 again found Thomas in the Canyon gathering wood to sell and to use at home. In the spring of 1867 he moved his family to Bingham Fort, Weber County, Utah, and rented a farm from Daniel Thomas. In July the grasshoppers came and in one half hour they destroyed one and one half acres of beans and ten acres of corn.
On the 27th of August, 1867 another child was born to Thomas and Esther and they named her Esther.
In the fall, 1867, grading began on the U. P. Railroad and Thomas with two other men took a contract and did well financially.
In the spring of 1868 Thomas moved to Harrisville, Weber, Utah, and farmed on one half shares for Martin Harris. The grasshoppers again came and destroyed about half the crop.
In the spring of 1869 Thomas and his brother, Richard, took another contract for the U. P. Railroad and made enough money to send for their sister Mary Ann, who was still in England. It was during this spring that Thomas end his family moved to west Harrisville (now Farr West) and Thomas built a small shanty out on the field. It had a dirt floor and a slab roof and was neither comfortable nor convenient but for two years they lived here with their five children.
On October 30, 1869 another daughter, Sarah Ann, was born. Still another bad year for hoppers.
One day a heavy rain came and an Indian came for shelter. Upon entering the house he said, “Heap no good, rain harder inside than out." Thomas took tubs and buckets to keep the rain off the mother and baby.
In 1870 Thomas built a shanty near the spot where the rock house was later built and it was in this shanty that another daughter, Harriet was born on November 23, 1871.
During this time, 1870 and 1871, Thomas hauled rock for his house. He did the carpenter work himself and hired Joe and Abram Redford to do the mason work. He paid them with one yolk of oxen. At this time Thomas's rock house was the nicest house in Harrisville. Up until this time Thomas and Esther had no furniture except stools to sit on,
A homemade bedstead and table and a board pegged into the wall for a cupboard.
In 1872 they moved into the rock house, although it had not been plastered or finished. In 1874 while the house was still in this condition, a son, Lemuel was born on May 17th. In later years five more sons were born in this rock house. They were Reuben, born October 15th, 1876; Jethro, born March 18, 1879; Harry Wardle, born September 25, 1881; Almon Dell, born January 31, 1884; and Berttie Laurence born June 11, 1888. This made the total of twelve children -- four
girls and eight boys.
On October 11, 1870, Thomas and Ester were sealed as husband and wife in the Salt Lake Endowment House by Squire Wells. While in the Endowment House, Thomas met and conversed with Martin Harris, one of the witnesses to the Book of Mormon. Martin Harris bore his testimony to the couple, saying, “As sure as the sun rises in the east and sets in the west, I saw an Angel from Heaven, and heard him talk to the prophet Joseph Smith. I saw the angel deliver unto Joseph the records or Gold Plates of ancient history."
In the spring of 1876,. Thomas worked on the Utah Northern Railroad Section. Then during the summer he went to Logan and painted engines and coaches for the same company. In 1877 he became Section Boss on the Railroad.
Thomas lost his mother on June 12, 1877.
In May 1880 he contracted to paint the Central School House in Ogden. He did well financially and that fall sent his wife and baby Jethro to California on a visit.
In 1881 Thomas painted the Weber County Courthouse and from that time on he did much painting for D. H. Perry and other prominent men of Ogden.
On May 17, 1886, Thomas and Esther took their five children to the Logan Temple and had them sealed to them.
On February 14, 1888 Thomas received a letter from president Wilford Woodruff who was then President of the LDS Church, asking him to accept a mission to England. He left for his mission May 12, 1888 and landed in England on May 30, 1888. He was set apart to labor in Wigan, Liverpool Conference. On the 19th of August the same year, Apostle
Teasdale called Thomas to preside over this same conference. He held this position until he was released in June, 1890.
A few weeks after Thomas left for his mission, Esther gave birth to a baby boy, June 11th, 1888, but he lived only one day and died June 12, 1888. He was named Berttie.
After Thomas was released from his mission he was set apart as second counselor to Henry Hays to accompany 118 Saints to Utah on the ship Wisconsin.
In years later Thomas sent four of his sons on two year missions and paid their expenses. He also helped his son Joseph on his mission although Joseph was married. He helped his son-in-law , Joseph Holland, and five grandchildren who filled honorable missions to different nations of the world.
Thomas helped thirty-six relations, who were Saints to emigrate from Europe to Utah, for the sake of the gospel.
After a life of hard work and struggle for a livelihood , Thomas decided in the spring of 1906 to sell his farm to his two sons, Jethro and Harry, and retire from hard labor. He intended thereafter to live and bless his family in whom he took the greatest pride.
Out of twelve children born to Thomas and his good wife, Esther, they reared eleven to man and womanhood. All their children are members of the Church and were married in the Temple and sealed for all eternity. Thomas spent his life in service and working in the church and at his death he had 71 grandchildren and 97 great grandchildren.
April 5, 1911, Thomas and Esther celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary at Farr West. All of their children were present, as well as 23 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. There were 103 relatives present.
On October 28, 1915, Thomas lost his beloved wife and most of his remaining years he spent living alone in the frame part of the old rock house tending to his flowers and walking long distances to visit among his children and friends.
Thomas died January 9, 1930 at the age of 91 years 1 month in Ogden, Weber County, Utah
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History of Thomas Daniels Brown as told by himself
Contributed By gjpowell · 19 March 2013 · 0 Comments
The following is a history of Thomas Daniels Brown and Esther Wardle written by Thomas Daniels Brown.
I, Thomas Daniels Brown was born December 16, 1838, in Wigan, England, the son of Richard Daniels Brown and Margaret Parkinson. My parents were natives of England and were of a laboring class, working where they could do the best for themselves. My father and his people were well educated and were esteemed as high class people. He was an expert in the highest grade of warping in the cotton mills. My mother was of a poorer class, her people being mostly colliers and cotton factory employees and therefore had little chance for education. I was baptized in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, September 5, 1852 by Henry Cunliff, in Manchester, England.
We moved from Wigan to Manchester on a boat drawn by horses along side of the canal, made especially for carrying passengers from one town to another. In 1846, we moved three miles out of town to Est-End. In 1848, we moved to Gorton near Manchester. It was there that my father first heard the Gospel of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was working with a man named John Scofield, who presented to him the Mormon literature, which he accepted and investigated. He was also invited to attend conference in Manchester which he did. The apostle John Taylor was the speaker and the spirit of his sermon was so manifested unto my father that he was converted to the Gospel and was baptized Aug 5, 1849.
In 1848, my father's family suffered severe hardships caused through a cotton panic, all the mills being closed down, and no work. My parents had five small children and nothing to eat and we were granted a small sum from the Parish, but on account of living over the line in another Parish the commissioners refused to give us any more. The officers started with us to the Poor House, but being dark and my parents not being able to travel the distance with their children, my father refused to go any farther so they took him by force to the jail and put him in prison over night leaving my mother and children by the wayside. My uncle happened to come along and recognized us and took us home with him. That was one of the greatest trials of my live.
After working on the Manchester, Sheffield, and Lincolnshire railroad for quite a long time. I started at the age of fourteen and served seven years as an apprentice to a carriage and locomotive painter.
I made up my mind to go to Utah, so on the 19th of March, 1961, I was married to Esther Wardle in the Manchester Cathedral, England, by Reverend G S Allen. On the 16th of April, 1861 we set sail for America on the ship Manchester, which made the voyage in 28 days. This was supposed to be extra fast at that time for some were 6 weeks going over.
Hearing that I could get good work in New York, I gave my pass to a friend to come to Florence, while I would stay in New York and earn a little money so I could continue my journey to Utah. While I was on the water the war broke out between the North and South and when we arrived in New York the streets were full of soldiers, drilling and preparing for war. All employment was shut down and times were very dull and very little work to be had and low wages even at that. In the spring of 1862, I saw an advertisement, “A good painter wanted to paint passenger steam boats,” so I applied and got the job, as that kind of workman were scarce. I earned our passage to Florence and left about the 12th of June 1862.
While on our way the baggage car caught on fire and burned all our baggage. After we arrived Florence we stayed there six weeks and while there witnessed some very severe thunder storms. In one of them, Joseph A Young was severely hurt about the head.
We started across the plains with Brother Henry Miller as our Captain. The company consisted of 60 wagons and 693 emigrants, each wagon having three to four ox teams and sixty hundred of Church freight besides the luggage of 18 persons to a wagon. All of us were forbidden to ride (except the sick). My wife and I walked one thousand miles and carried our six month old baby, Joseph in our arms, arriving in Salt Lake City, October 17, 1862.
When I left Florence I bought a pair of shoes from the commissary and when I reached Green River I waded the river with my shoes on and the soles left the tops and left me without shoes. The next morning it snowed so one of the teamsters gave me a pair of shoes, but they were so small I could scarcely wear them. I was too bashful to let any one see me go bare foot so I just put them on night and morning while in company with the emigrants and when I was traveling out of sight I would take them off. I suffered very much rather than have my modesty shocked.
When we arrived in Salt Lake we had no place to go, so a Brother George Openshaw, toll keeper at he Eagle Gate, took us in his home and cared for us until we could do better, although he lived in a small log house. While we were there a Brother Broadish came in and seeing our destitute condition went down town and bought us twelve yards of bed ticking, paying $1.25 per yard, and gave it to us. My wife made the tick and he took me with him behind his wheel-right shop in Brigham Young’s yard where he had some corn fodder and showed me how to strip the shooks from the corn, and fill the tick which made us a very good bed. We greatly appreciated his kindness and I shall never forget his good deed.
After we left Openshaws we moved to the 20th Ward. In December 1862, we moved to Baties Hallow, half mile east of the penitentiary. In the winter of 1862, an 1863, I painted the Tabernacle at Sessions Settlement with a man named Beck.
In the spring of 1863, we moved to the county road in Sugar House Ward in an old small adobe house belong to Mrs. Sharp. The building had no doors or windows, no ceiling and a leady roof, loose boards made a floor. It was there that my daughter Elizabeth was born, Nov 7, 1863. The snow came that night and it blew on my wife’s bed as she lay there sick, for we had nothing to shut out the snow and cold.
In May 1863, I went to Montana freighting for Walker Brothers. I earned enough money to bring my parents and four children from England. I returned home in August. That winter I chopped and dragged wood in Parley’s Canyon. In the fall of 1864, I painted a house for Brigham Young in Forrest Farm (now Forrest Dale) in Sugar House Ward. Soon after that I went to work for Squire Wells in Big Cotton Wood. I cooked for 12 to 17 men while the saw mill was being built.
In the spring of 1865, I moved near the penitentiary in Salt Lake City and hired out on a farm and there my son Thomas was born, August 25, 1865. Every winter for several years I would chop and slide wood in Parley’s Canyon.
In April 1866, I went to Montana again and worked all summer until October 1st. (He worked in the Gold mines) I bought me a wagon and a span of horses to come home with but the night before I started home, I staked my team out ready to start in the morning, and when I got up one horse was gone. I rode horse-back for one week hunting for it, but all in vain, so I sold my harness and wagon and a few other traps and came home horseback. That winter I went sliding wood again. In April 1867, my brother Richard borrowed an ox team from Martin Haris at Harrisville (as he was employed there) and I moved my family to Lynn, Weber County, Utah. That summer I farmed for Daniel Thomas and one day in July the grasshoppers came and took one acre of beans and ten acres of corn, stripping it all to the stalks in about one half hour. It was there my daughter Ester was born, August 27. 1867.
In the fall of 1867, grading began on the URRR and three of us took contract that winter.
In April 1868, we moved to Harrisville and I farmed that summer for Martin Harris on shares (for half) and the grass hoppers came and took half the crop.
In the spring of 1869, my brother Richard and I took another contract from the same railway company and raised enough money to send for my sister Mary Ann and family from England. In the spring of 1869, I moved my family to west Harrisville, now know as Farr West. I built me a small shanty in the field, with ground floor and slab roof. It was not comfortable or convenient at all. There we lived for about two years with five children. It was there my daughter Sarah Ann was born, October 30, 1869. We were very poor and could scarcely make a living for the grasshoppers had taken our crops for seven years in succession from 1867 to 1874. In 1870, we moved to the main road where I still reside. I built me a small shanty where I lived until I build my rock house. In this shanty my daughter Harriet was born, November 23, 1871.
Up to this time we had no furniture at all, except stools to sit on, a homemade bed-stead and table and board pegged to the wall for a cupboard. We moved into the rock house about 1972, but it was not plastered or finished until later on. While in this condition my son Lemuel was born, May 17, 1874. The remainder of my family were born and raised in this home.
October 11, 1870, myself and wife were sealed in the Endowment House in Salt Lake City, by Squire Wells.
In the spring of 1876, I worked on the Utah Northern Railway Company section and that summer I went to Logan and painted engines and coaches for the same company. In 1877, I was section boss in Harrisville and I quit that job in December 1877. It was that summer that my mother died, June 12, 1877. In May 1880, I contracted to paint and clean the Central School House in Ogden. I did fairly well and that fall I sent my wife and father to California on a visit. In 1850 and 1881, I painted the Court House of Ogden City on the out side. From then on for many years I did much painting for business men in Ogden.
May 17, 1886, we went to Logan Temple and had five children sealed to us. February 14, 1886, I received a letter from President Woodruff to go on a mission, so I left for England May 12, 1888. I left my wife in a critical condition and on the 11th of June her baby was born. It died the next day, living eleven hours.
I landed in England May 30, and was set apart to labor in Wigan, Liverpool Conference. I labored there until August 19, when Apostle Teasdale called me at Conference to preside over the Liverpool Conference, which position I held until I was released June 1890. I was then set apart as second counselor to Henry Hays to accompany 118 Saints to Utah on the ship Wisconsin. After I returned from my mission I sent four sons out in the mission field at different times, each serving about 2 years, which was constant drain to support them. I also helped my son-in-law, Joseph Holland and my grand son Merlin Webster to fill honorable missions in different nations. I have also emigrated and helped emigrate 36 relatives and saints from Europe to Utah for the Gospel’s sake.
My ancestors before me are very numerous, most of them having large families, I being one of seventeen children of my parents.
In the spring of 1906, after considering a period of time that I was doing myself an injustice to work on my farm at the age of 68, I decided to sell my farm to two of my sons Jethro and Harry and retire from hard labor. I feel it has lengthened out my days and has given me more time to reflect upon my past life. I desire while I live to bless and comfort my family and do what good I can.+
I am the father of 12 children of whom are living seven boys and four girls, all are members of the Church and have been married in the temple. I also have 67 living grand children and 10 dead also 7 great grand children.
On April 5, 1911, we celebrated our 50th wedding anniversary at Farr West, Utah. All of our living children were present also 23 living grand children and 3 great grand children.
The celebration was held in the ward hall which was beautifully decorated with gold and white. A beautiful banner "Welcome to Our Golden Wedding" hung across the hall. An elaborate luncheon was served after which a program was given. The wedding cake was covered with gold pieces, gifts from the family also had a $2.50 gold piece which was made in the same year as we were married. There were 103 relatives present and all pronounced it a grand success.
But joy must be mingled with sorrow or we would not appreciate our happiness. So sorrow came to our happy home on 28 Oct 1915, when my darling wife was called to the great beyond. The parting was hard but the loving memory of her ever cheerful face gives me strength and courage to press onward in the way of truth and righteousness
On 30 Aug 1919, our daughter, Sarah Ann departed from us to join her angel mother. One by one they are passing away, but God in his goodness is blessing me with wonderful health.
I am eighty two past and am still able t o mingle with my children and brothers and sisters and be able to enjoy myself.
May the blessing of God rest upon my posterity and that they may all remain true to the Church their parents have sacrificed so much for.
While we were in the Endowment House, I met and conversed with Martin Harris, one of the witnesses of the Book of Mormon, and he bore his testimony unto us, saying that “As sure as the sun rises and sets, I saw and heard the Angel talk to the Prophet Joseph Smith, and saw him deliver unto Joseph the records and brass plates of ancient history.
I was ordained a Priest May 10, 1857, by Henry McCrackin in Manchester, England; ordained a Seventy, December 9, 1871, by Lyman A Shurtliff. I was set apart as one of the Seven Presidents of the Sixtieth Quorum of Seventies, March 8, 1873, under the hands of Golden Kimball and C G Felstead. I was released from the above position about 1907, and June 27, 1908, I was ordained a High Priest by Hans Madson. I was a Sunday School teacher for a number years but cannot remember just how long. I also sang in the ward choir for a number of years. On December 16, 1871, I was nominated school trustee in Harrisville District where I served three terms
Contributed By BrenthdBrown · 25 January 2015 · 0 Comments
LIFE STORY OF ESTER WARDLE BROWN
Written by her daughter Elizabeth Brown Martin
Ester Wardle Daniels Brown daughter of Ralph Wardle and Harriett Charlesworth in connection with twin brother Noah Wardle were born October 1, 1841 join Manchester England. She was baptized in the Church of Jesus Chris of Latter Day Saints by Elder Hartley 1851 in Manchester England.
Her father having a large family ( seven daughters and two boys) she was put to work in the cotton mills when about eight years of age which position she held until she was married having but little chance for an education. When an opportunity permitted, she would help the elder’s deliver tracts. She was married to Thomas Daniels Brown on the 19th of March 1861 in Manchester Cathedral England by Rev G.S. Allen. In connection with her husband, they left Liverpool England for America April 16th of that same year landing in New York May 13, 1861. A great excitement existed in New York City when they landed drilling soldiers preparing for the Civil War. They had no money when they arrived. With conditions of the country it a made times very dull so she went as a waiter in an ice-cream parlor. They left New York June 12, 1862 arriving in Winter Quarters destitute of wearing apparel and bedding. They left winter Quarters August 8, 1862 in Captain Henry W. Millen’s company.
The company consisted of sixty wagons with ox teams and 693 emigrants. Each wagon was allotted six hundred lbs. of church freight and the baggage of eighteen emigrants to a wagon leaving them to walk the journey to Salt Lake City arriving October 17, 1862. The company suffered considerable on their journey with sickness and fatigue also with limited provisions. Twenty eight of their number (mostly children) were buried on the plains.
They lived in Salt Lake City five and a half years. They then moved to Lynn Weber County in April 1867 where they rented a farm. One day in July a cloud of grass hoppers came over the locality and settled on the crops taken before them every green leaf and sprig of grass in about 2 hours leaving a plague that lasted for seven years.
They moved to Harrisville in April 1868 and there they rented a farm for one year and in April 1869 the located in West Harrisville (now known as Far West) where they still reside.
They were sealed in the old endowment house on October 11, 1870. May 16, 1900 Ester had her patriarchal blessing under the hands of patriarch P.G. Taylor which gave her encouraging thoughts to strengthen her faith and help her through out life.
On April 25, 1902 they went to the Salt Lake Temple and had their second anointing’s. They celebrated their golden wedding April 5, 1911 which will long be remembered.
They passed through much poverty and much sever sickness in the raising of their family.
Ester was known for her musical talent especially in the early days using the talent in public service up to her declining years. She has done considerable work in the temple for the dead relatives. She was chosen visiting teacher in the first Relief society organization in Harrisville in 1868 which position she still holds. She was chosen 1st counselor to Mary A. Stephenson in the relief society organization of Farr West on November 3, 1892 which position she held until October 15, 1903.
They have had twelve children born to them eleven of whom are living seven boys and four girls. Her husband, Thomas Daniels Brown and five sons have filled missions and all the family have been married in the temple.
They have sixty living grandchildren plus ten that have passed away. They also have seven great grandchildren.
(Addition)
Since the above was written God has seen fit to call this noble wife and mother home. It was on October 28, 1915 that she passed to the great beyond. But while we mourn for her we know that her salvation is sure and her happiness supreme. If we who are left would but follow her good example and the teachings she has given us we know we will meet her when our time comes. One of her daughters Sarah Ann Taylor joined her mother on August 30, 1919.
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The Dancing Cat
Contributed By gjpowell · 6 October 2013 · 0 Comments
She was listed as tops among the Grandchildren. She had a way of making them work and still like it. When the young suitors would call upon her daughters they enjoyed their visit with the mother almost as much as with the object of their affections. Grandmother was clever in the art of telling fortunes, especially through the use of a teacup. Of course, the young men did not suspect that she had her scouts out during the week gathering this data.
Then there was the dancing cat: Thats a fact--she had a cat who would keep time with the Jew's Harp. With paper tied around its paws used as dancing slippers, it could cut quite a rug.
Many members of the family remember the "Peanut Showers" which Grandma was famous for on Christmas Day. (I think this means that peanuts in shells were thrown all around the house and the grandchildren would scramble to find them)gjp
It was always one of the girls' jobs to be on hand Sunday morning to help Grandma dress. Besides all of the lacing, there was the padding to put into place. She always wanted to bulge in the right places.
Written by Ross Holland and found in the Book, "Thomas Daniels Brown and Esther Wardle, their Ancestors and Descendents" complied by Vance Holland, Published by Brown Family 1962. found online now at familysearch.org
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History of Thomas Daniels-Brown and Esther Wardle Compiled by Ila Marlene Davis Ashton
Contributed By Denis Ashton · 31 July 2013 · 0 Comments
Thomas Daniels Brown was born December 16, 1838 at Wigan, Lancashire, England. He was the ninth child in a family of seventeen children. The first seven children died in infancy and the eighth child, William, went to live with his Grandparents. So Thomas was the eldest child at home and thus had to help shoulder the responsibility of the younger children. Long before Thomas was 13 years of age he had to work to help provide food for the family but he was only allowed to work one-half day because of a law in England which prevented full-day labor of anyone under the age of 13 years. The money that Thomas and his father made was not adequate to supply the needs of the family and they suffered intensely.
Thomas' mother reared several of her brothers and sisters after her mother died. With these and her own large family there were many to provide for. They suffered many hardships, were helped some by the county but were turned out of the poor house because of the lack of room.
When Thomas became 13 he was permitted to work full days and obtained a job working on the railroad as a helper in repairing cars. It was customary for a man and a boy to work together.
At 14 years of age, Thomas became an apprentice to a locomotive and carriage painter and served seven years. After completing his apprenticeship he decided to go to Utah.
On March 19, 1861, Thomas married Esther Wardle in Manchester, England. They crossed the ocean together and made the Journey in 28 days which was considered extra fast.
While on the way to America, Thomas heard that there was plenty of work to be had in New York, so he and Esther decided to remain there and earn enough to take them to Utah. After this decision they gave their fare from New York to Florence (Nebraska), to a friend who was poorer than they, so he could get that far.
While on their voyage the Civil War broke out and when they arrived in New York the streets were filled with soldiers who were drilling and preparing for war. All manufacturing plants were closed and employment was not to be had. In the spring of 1862, Thomas saw an advertisement which read, "A good painter wanted to paint passenger steam boats, in a rush", so he applied and got the job. It was here that he earned enough money to take them to Florence. They left New
York June 12, 1862, by train and while on their way the baggage car caught fire burning all their belongings.
After arriving at Florence they stayed there for six weeks and then started across the plains with Henry Miller as their Captain. The company consisted of 60 wagons with 693 emigrants. Out of this number 28 died and were buried on the plains. Each wagon had from 3 to 4 ox teams and was loaded with 6000 pounds of church freight, besides the
luggage of 18 persons to a wagon. No one was permitted to ride unless they were sick; so Thomas and Esther walked the full 1000 miles and carried their six month old baby, Joseph. They arrived in Salt Lake City on October 17, 1862.
Thomas bought a pair of shoes as they left Florence. When they reached the Green River in Wyoming and waded across, his shoes dropped off his feet and he walked the rest of the way barefoot and many times left bloody prints in the sand.
When they arrived in Salt Lake City, they had no place to go so Brother George Openshaw, who was the toll keeper of Eagle Gate, took them into his home. While they were here a Brother Broadest came in and saw the destitute condition of Thomas and Esther and he was deeply touched. He went directly down town and bought twelve yards of bed ticking, paying $1.25 a yard. This he gave to Esther and she made a nice tick from it. Then Brother Broadest and Thomas took the tick Into Brigham Young's back yard and filled it with corn fodder. Thomas was so full of appreciation and gratitude to this Brother that he could hardly express himself for tears. This bit of charity or help was something that Thomas never forgot.
As soon as Thomas could locate a place they moved from the Openshaws and located in the Twentieth Ward in Salt Lake City. This being December in the year 1862.
In December 1862, Thomas painted the Tabernacle at Sessions Settlement with the help of Mr. Beck.
In the spring of 1863, Thomas and Esther moved to the Sugar House Ward and lived in a small adobe house that was located on the county road. This house belonged to a Mrs. Sharp and had no doors or windows no ceiling, a leaky roof and loose boards for the floor. It was here that a daughter, Elizabeth, was born, November 7, 1863.
In May 1863, Thomas left his wife in Salt Lake City and went to Montana with an ox team and a heavy load of freight for the Walker Brothers. While he was in Montana he worked in the Bannock City mine and earned money to help his parents and their four children emigrate from England.
Thomas returned home in August 1863. During that fall he painted at Mill Creek and the winter he spent in the canyon gathering firewood.
In 1864, Thomas did painting at various places. Brigham Young’s house was one of them. In 1865 he worked on a farm. It was in this year on August 28, 1865 that a baby boy, Thomas Jr. was born. The following winter Thomas again went to the Canyon and gathered wood. In April 1866, he again went to Montana and worked in the Gold mines. He returned home in October 1866. He bought a wagon and team to drive home but the night before he was to leave someone stole one of his horses. He spent a week trying to find it and then gave up all hopes of retrieving it. He then sold the harness and wagon end rode the other horse home.
The winter of 1866 again found Thomas in the Canyon gathering wood to sell and to use at home. In the spring of 1867 he moved his family to Bingham Fort, Weber County, Utah, and rented a farm from Daniel Thomas. In July the grasshoppers came and in one half hour they destroyed one and one half acres of beans and ten acres of corn.
On the 27th of August, 1867 another child was born to Thomas and Esther and they named her Esther.
In the fall, 1867, grading began on the U. P. Railroad and Thomas with two other men took a contract and did well financially.
In the spring of 1868 Thomas moved to Harrisville, Weber, Utah, and farmed on one half shares for Martin Harris. The grasshoppers again came and destroyed about half the crop.
In the spring of 1869 Thomas and his brother, Richard, took another contract for the U. P. Railroad and made enough money to send for their sister Mary Ann, who was still in England. It was during this spring that Thomas end his family moved to west Harrisville (now Farr West) and Thomas built a small shanty out on the field. It had a dirt floor and a slab roof and was neither comfortable nor convenient but for two years they lived here with their five children.
On October 30, 1869 another daughter, Sarah Ann, was born. Still another bad year for hoppers.
One day a heavy rain came and an Indian came for shelter. Upon entering the house he said, “Heap no good, rain harder inside than out." Thomas took tubs and buckets to keep the rain off the mother and baby.
In 1870 Thomas built a shanty near the spot where the rock house was later built and it was in this shanty that another daughter, Harriet was born on November 23, 1871.
During this time, 1870 and 1871, Thomas hauled rock for his house. He did the carpenter work himself and hired Joe and Abram Redford to do the mason work. He paid them with one yolk of oxen. At this time Thomas's rock house was the nicest house in Harrisville. Up until this time Thomas and Esther had no furniture except stools to sit on,
A homemade bedstead and table and a board pegged into the wall for a cupboard.
In 1872 they moved into the rock house, although it had not been plastered or finished. In 1874 while the house was still in this condition, a son, Lemuel was born on May 17th. In later years five more sons were born in this rock house. They were Reuben, born October 15th, 1876; Jethro, born March 18, 1879; Harry Wardle, born September 25, 1881; Almon Dell, born January 31, 1884; and Berttie Laurence born June 11, 1888. This made the total of twelve children -- four
girls and eight boys.
On October 11, 1870, Thomas and Ester were sealed as husband and wife in the Salt Lake Endowment House by Squire Wells. While in the Endowment House, Thomas met and conversed with Martin Harris, one of the witnesses to the Book of Mormon. Martin Harris bore his testimony to the couple, saying, “As sure as the sun rises in the east and sets in the west, I saw an Angel from Heaven, and heard him talk to the prophet Joseph Smith. I saw the angel deliver unto Joseph the records or Gold Plates of ancient history."
In the spring of 1876,. Thomas worked on the Utah Northern Railroad Section. Then during the summer he went to Logan and painted engines and coaches for the same company. In 1877 he became Section Boss on the Railroad.
Thomas lost his mother on June 12, 1877.
In May 1880 he contracted to paint the Central School House in Ogden. He did well financially and that fall sent his wife and baby Jethro to California on a visit.
In 1881 Thomas painted the Weber County Courthouse and from that time on he did much painting for D. H. Perry and other prominent men of Ogden.
On May 17, 1886, Thomas and Esther took their five children to the Logan Temple and had them sealed to them.
On February 14, 1888 Thomas received a letter from president Wilford Woodruff who was then President of the LDS Church, asking him to accept a mission to England. He left for his mission May 12, 1888 and landed in England on May 30, 1888. He was set apart to labor in Wigan, Liverpool Conference. On the 19th of August the same year, Apostle
Teasdale called Thomas to preside over this same conference. He held this position until he was released in June, 1890.
A few weeks after Thomas left for his mission, Esther gave birth to a baby boy, June 11th, 1888, but he lived only one day and died June 12, 1888. He was named Berttie.
After Thomas was released from his mission he was set apart as second counselor to Henry Hays to accompany 118 Saints to Utah on the ship Wisconsin.
In years later Thomas sent four of his sons on two year missions and paid their expenses. He also helped his son Joseph on his mission although Joseph was married. He helped his son-in-law , Joseph Holland, and five grandchildren who filled honorable missions to different nations of the world.
Thomas helped thirty-six relations, who were Saints to emigrate from Europe to Utah, for the sake of the gospel.
After a life of hard work and struggle for a livelihood , Thomas decided in the spring of 1906 to sell his farm to his two sons, Jethro and Harry, and retire from hard labor. He intended thereafter to live and bless his family in whom he took the greatest pride.
Out of twelve children born to Thomas and his good wife, Esther, they reared eleven to man and womanhood. All their children are members of the Church and were married in the Temple and sealed for all eternity. Thomas spent his life in service and working in the church and at his death he had 71 grandchildren and 97 great grandchildren.
April 5, 1911, Thomas and Esther celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary at Farr West. All of their children were present, as well as 23 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. There were 103 relatives present.
On October 28, 1915, Thomas lost his beloved wife and most of his remaining years he spent living alone in the frame part of the old rock house tending to his flowers and walking long distances to visit among his children and friends.
Thomas died January 9, 1930 at the age of 91 years 1 month in Ogden, Weber County, Utah
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History of Thomas Daniels Brown as told by himself
Contributed By gjpowell · 19 March 2013 · 0 Comments
The following is a history of Thomas Daniels Brown and Esther Wardle written by Thomas Daniels Brown.
I, Thomas Daniels Brown was born December 16, 1838, in Wigan, England, the son of Richard Daniels Brown and Margaret Parkinson. My parents were natives of England and were of a laboring class, working where they could do the best for themselves. My father and his people were well educated and were esteemed as high class people. He was an expert in the highest grade of warping in the cotton mills. My mother was of a poorer class, her people being mostly colliers and cotton factory employees and therefore had little chance for education. I was baptized in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, September 5, 1852 by Henry Cunliff, in Manchester, England.
We moved from Wigan to Manchester on a boat drawn by horses along side of the canal, made especially for carrying passengers from one town to another. In 1846, we moved three miles out of town to Est-End. In 1848, we moved to Gorton near Manchester. It was there that my father first heard the Gospel of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was working with a man named John Scofield, who presented to him the Mormon literature, which he accepted and investigated. He was also invited to attend conference in Manchester which he did. The apostle John Taylor was the speaker and the spirit of his sermon was so manifested unto my father that he was converted to the Gospel and was baptized Aug 5, 1849.
In 1848, my father's family suffered severe hardships caused through a cotton panic, all the mills being closed down, and no work. My parents had five small children and nothing to eat and we were granted a small sum from the Parish, but on account of living over the line in another Parish the commissioners refused to give us any more. The officers started with us to the Poor House, but being dark and my parents not being able to travel the distance with their children, my father refused to go any farther so they took him by force to the jail and put him in prison over night leaving my mother and children by the wayside. My uncle happened to come along and recognized us and took us home with him. That was one of the greatest trials of my live.
After working on the Manchester, Sheffield, and Lincolnshire railroad for quite a long time. I started at the age of fourteen and served seven years as an apprentice to a carriage and locomotive painter.
I made up my mind to go to Utah, so on the 19th of March, 1961, I was married to Esther Wardle in the Manchester Cathedral, England, by Reverend G S Allen. On the 16th of April, 1861 we set sail for America on the ship Manchester, which made the voyage in 28 days. This was supposed to be extra fast at that time for some were 6 weeks going over.
Hearing that I could get good work in New York, I gave my pass to a friend to come to Florence, while I would stay in New York and earn a little money so I could continue my journey to Utah. While I was on the water the war broke out between the North and South and when we arrived in New York the streets were full of soldiers, drilling and preparing for war. All employment was shut down and times were very dull and very little work to be had and low wages even at that. In the spring of 1862, I saw an advertisement, “A good painter wanted to paint passenger steam boats,” so I applied and got the job, as that kind of workman were scarce. I earned our passage to Florence and left about the 12th of June 1862.
While on our way the baggage car caught on fire and burned all our baggage. After we arrived Florence we stayed there six weeks and while there witnessed some very severe thunder storms. In one of them, Joseph A Young was severely hurt about the head.
We started across the plains with Brother Henry Miller as our Captain. The company consisted of 60 wagons and 693 emigrants, each wagon having three to four ox teams and sixty hundred of Church freight besides the luggage of 18 persons to a wagon. All of us were forbidden to ride (except the sick). My wife and I walked one thousand miles and carried our six month old baby, Joseph in our arms, arriving in Salt Lake City, October 17, 1862.
When I left Florence I bought a pair of shoes from the commissary and when I reached Green River I waded the river with my shoes on and the soles left the tops and left me without shoes. The next morning it snowed so one of the teamsters gave me a pair of shoes, but they were so small I could scarcely wear them. I was too bashful to let any one see me go bare foot so I just put them on night and morning while in company with the emigrants and when I was traveling out of sight I would take them off. I suffered very much rather than have my modesty shocked.
When we arrived in Salt Lake we had no place to go, so a Brother George Openshaw, toll keeper at he Eagle Gate, took us in his home and cared for us until we could do better, although he lived in a small log house. While we were there a Brother Broadish came in and seeing our destitute condition went down town and bought us twelve yards of bed ticking, paying $1.25 per yard, and gave it to us. My wife made the tick and he took me with him behind his wheel-right shop in Brigham Young’s yard where he had some corn fodder and showed me how to strip the shooks from the corn, and fill the tick which made us a very good bed. We greatly appreciated his kindness and I shall never forget his good deed.
After we left Openshaws we moved to the 20th Ward. In December 1862, we moved to Baties Hallow, half mile east of the penitentiary. In the winter of 1862, an 1863, I painted the Tabernacle at Sessions Settlement with a man named Beck.
In the spring of 1863, we moved to the county road in Sugar House Ward in an old small adobe house belong to Mrs. Sharp. The building had no doors or windows, no ceiling and a leady roof, loose boards made a floor. It was there that my daughter Elizabeth was born, Nov 7, 1863. The snow came that night and it blew on my wife’s bed as she lay there sick, for we had nothing to shut out the snow and cold.
In May 1863, I went to Montana freighting for Walker Brothers. I earned enough money to bring my parents and four children from England. I returned home in August. That winter I chopped and dragged wood in Parley’s Canyon. In the fall of 1864, I painted a house for Brigham Young in Forrest Farm (now Forrest Dale) in Sugar House Ward. Soon after that I went to work for Squire Wells in Big Cotton Wood. I cooked for 12 to 17 men while the saw mill was being built.
In the spring of 1865, I moved near the penitentiary in Salt Lake City and hired out on a farm and there my son Thomas was born, August 25, 1865. Every winter for several years I would chop and slide wood in Parley’s Canyon.
In April 1866, I went to Montana again and worked all summer until October 1st. (He worked in the Gold mines) I bought me a wagon and a span of horses to come home with but the night before I started home, I staked my team out ready to start in the morning, and when I got up one horse was gone. I rode horse-back for one week hunting for it, but all in vain, so I sold my harness and wagon and a few other traps and came home horseback. That winter I went sliding wood again. In April 1867, my brother Richard borrowed an ox team from Martin Haris at Harrisville (as he was employed there) and I moved my family to Lynn, Weber County, Utah. That summer I farmed for Daniel Thomas and one day in July the grasshoppers came and took one acre of beans and ten acres of corn, stripping it all to the stalks in about one half hour. It was there my daughter Ester was born, August 27. 1867.
In the fall of 1867, grading began on the URRR and three of us took contract that winter.
In April 1868, we moved to Harrisville and I farmed that summer for Martin Harris on shares (for half) and the grass hoppers came and took half the crop.
In the spring of 1869, my brother Richard and I took another contract from the same railway company and raised enough money to send for my sister Mary Ann and family from England. In the spring of 1869, I moved my family to west Harrisville, now know as Farr West. I built me a small shanty in the field, with ground floor and slab roof. It was not comfortable or convenient at all. There we lived for about two years with five children. It was there my daughter Sarah Ann was born, October 30, 1869. We were very poor and could scarcely make a living for the grasshoppers had taken our crops for seven years in succession from 1867 to 1874. In 1870, we moved to the main road where I still reside. I built me a small shanty where I lived until I build my rock house. In this shanty my daughter Harriet was born, November 23, 1871.
Up to this time we had no furniture at all, except stools to sit on, a homemade bed-stead and table and board pegged to the wall for a cupboard. We moved into the rock house about 1972, but it was not plastered or finished until later on. While in this condition my son Lemuel was born, May 17, 1874. The remainder of my family were born and raised in this home.
October 11, 1870, myself and wife were sealed in the Endowment House in Salt Lake City, by Squire Wells.
In the spring of 1876, I worked on the Utah Northern Railway Company section and that summer I went to Logan and painted engines and coaches for the same company. In 1877, I was section boss in Harrisville and I quit that job in December 1877. It was that summer that my mother died, June 12, 1877. In May 1880, I contracted to paint and clean the Central School House in Ogden. I did fairly well and that fall I sent my wife and father to California on a visit. In 1850 and 1881, I painted the Court House of Ogden City on the out side. From then on for many years I did much painting for business men in Ogden.
May 17, 1886, we went to Logan Temple and had five children sealed to us. February 14, 1886, I received a letter from President Woodruff to go on a mission, so I left for England May 12, 1888. I left my wife in a critical condition and on the 11th of June her baby was born. It died the next day, living eleven hours.
I landed in England May 30, and was set apart to labor in Wigan, Liverpool Conference. I labored there until August 19, when Apostle Teasdale called me at Conference to preside over the Liverpool Conference, which position I held until I was released June 1890. I was then set apart as second counselor to Henry Hays to accompany 118 Saints to Utah on the ship Wisconsin. After I returned from my mission I sent four sons out in the mission field at different times, each serving about 2 years, which was constant drain to support them. I also helped my son-in-law, Joseph Holland and my grand son Merlin Webster to fill honorable missions in different nations. I have also emigrated and helped emigrate 36 relatives and saints from Europe to Utah for the Gospel’s sake.
My ancestors before me are very numerous, most of them having large families, I being one of seventeen children of my parents.
In the spring of 1906, after considering a period of time that I was doing myself an injustice to work on my farm at the age of 68, I decided to sell my farm to two of my sons Jethro and Harry and retire from hard labor. I feel it has lengthened out my days and has given me more time to reflect upon my past life. I desire while I live to bless and comfort my family and do what good I can.+
I am the father of 12 children of whom are living seven boys and four girls, all are members of the Church and have been married in the temple. I also have 67 living grand children and 10 dead also 7 great grand children.
On April 5, 1911, we celebrated our 50th wedding anniversary at Farr West, Utah. All of our living children were present also 23 living grand children and 3 great grand children.
The celebration was held in the ward hall which was beautifully decorated with gold and white. A beautiful banner "Welcome to Our Golden Wedding" hung across the hall. An elaborate luncheon was served after which a program was given. The wedding cake was covered with gold pieces, gifts from the family also had a $2.50 gold piece which was made in the same year as we were married. There were 103 relatives present and all pronounced it a grand success.
But joy must be mingled with sorrow or we would not appreciate our happiness. So sorrow came to our happy home on 28 Oct 1915, when my darling wife was called to the great beyond. The parting was hard but the loving memory of her ever cheerful face gives me strength and courage to press onward in the way of truth and righteousness
On 30 Aug 1919, our daughter, Sarah Ann departed from us to join her angel mother. One by one they are passing away, but God in his goodness is blessing me with wonderful health.
I am eighty two past and am still able t o mingle with my children and brothers and sisters and be able to enjoy myself.
May the blessing of God rest upon my posterity and that they may all remain true to the Church their parents have sacrificed so much for.
While we were in the Endowment House, I met and conversed with Martin Harris, one of the witnesses of the Book of Mormon, and he bore his testimony unto us, saying that “As sure as the sun rises and sets, I saw and heard the Angel talk to the Prophet Joseph Smith, and saw him deliver unto Joseph the records and brass plates of ancient history.
I was ordained a Priest May 10, 1857, by Henry McCrackin in Manchester, England; ordained a Seventy, December 9, 1871, by Lyman A Shurtliff. I was set apart as one of the Seven Presidents of the Sixtieth Quorum of Seventies, March 8, 1873, under the hands of Golden Kimball and C G Felstead. I was released from the above position about 1907, and June 27, 1908, I was ordained a High Priest by Hans Madson. I was a Sunday School teacher for a number years but cannot remember just how long. I also sang in the ward choir for a number of years. On December 16, 1871, I was nominated school trustee in Harrisville District where I served three terms
Ester Wardle
Contributed By BrenthdBrown · 25 January 2015 · 0 Comments
LIFE STORY OF ESTER WARDLE BROWN
Written by her daughter Elizabeth Brown Martin
Ester Wardle Daniels Brown daughter of Ralph Wardle and Harriett Charlesworth in connection with twin brother Noah Wardle were born October 1, 1841 join Manchester England. She was baptized in the Church of Jesus Chris of Latter Day Saints by Elder Hartley 1851 in Manchester England.
Her father having a large family ( seven daughters and two boys) she was put to work in the cotton mills when about eight years of age which position she held until she was married having but little chance for an education. When an opportunity permitted, she would help the elder’s deliver tracts. She was married to Thomas Daniels Brown on the 19th of March 1861 in Manchester Cathedral England by Rev G.S. Allen. In connection with her husband, they left Liverpool England for America April 16th of that same year landing in New York May 13, 1861. A great excitement existed in New York City when they landed drilling soldiers preparing for the Civil War. They had no money when they arrived. With conditions of the country it a made times very dull so she went as a waiter in an ice-cream parlor. They left New York June 12, 1862 arriving in Winter Quarters destitute of wearing apparel and bedding. They left winter Quarters August 8, 1862 in Captain Henry W. Millen’s company.
The company consisted of sixty wagons with ox teams and 693 emigrants. Each wagon was allotted six hundred lbs. of church freight and the baggage of eighteen emigrants to a wagon leaving them to walk the journey to Salt Lake City arriving October 17, 1862. The company suffered considerable on their journey with sickness and fatigue also with limited provisions. Twenty eight of their number (mostly children) were buried on the plains.
They lived in Salt Lake City five and a half years. They then moved to Lynn Weber County in April 1867 where they rented a farm. One day in July a cloud of grass hoppers came over the locality and settled on the crops taken before them every green leaf and sprig of grass in about 2 hours leaving a plague that lasted for seven years.
They moved to Harrisville in April 1868 and there they rented a farm for one year and in April 1869 the located in West Harrisville (now known as Far West) where they still reside.
They were sealed in the old endowment house on October 11, 1870. May 16, 1900 Ester had her patriarchal blessing under the hands of patriarch P.G. Taylor which gave her encouraging thoughts to strengthen her faith and help her through out life.
On April 25, 1902 they went to the Salt Lake Temple and had their second anointing’s. They celebrated their golden wedding April 5, 1911 which will long be remembered.
They passed through much poverty and much sever sickness in the raising of their family.
Ester was known for her musical talent especially in the early days using the talent in public service up to her declining years. She has done considerable work in the temple for the dead relatives. She was chosen visiting teacher in the first Relief society organization in Harrisville in 1868 which position she still holds. She was chosen 1st counselor to Mary A. Stephenson in the relief society organization of Farr West on November 3, 1892 which position she held until October 15, 1903.
They have had twelve children born to them eleven of whom are living seven boys and four girls. Her husband, Thomas Daniels Brown and five sons have filled missions and all the family have been married in the temple.
They have sixty living grandchildren plus ten that have passed away. They also have seven great grandchildren.
(Addition)
Since the above was written God has seen fit to call this noble wife and mother home. It was on October 28, 1915 that she passed to the great beyond. But while we mourn for her we know that her salvation is sure and her happiness supreme. If we who are left would but follow her good example and the teachings she has given us we know we will meet her when our time comes. One of her daughters Sarah Ann Taylor joined her mother on August 30, 1919.
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The Dancing Cat
Contributed By gjpowell · 6 October 2013 · 0 Comments
She was listed as tops among the Grandchildren. She had a way of making them work and still like it. When the young suitors would call upon her daughters they enjoyed their visit with the mother almost as much as with the object of their affections. Grandmother was clever in the art of telling fortunes, especially through the use of a teacup. Of course, the young men did not suspect that she had her scouts out during the week gathering this data.
Then there was the dancing cat: Thats a fact--she had a cat who would keep time with the Jew's Harp. With paper tied around its paws used as dancing slippers, it could cut quite a rug.
Many members of the family remember the "Peanut Showers" which Grandma was famous for on Christmas Day. (I think this means that peanuts in shells were thrown all around the house and the grandchildren would scramble to find them)gjp
It was always one of the girls' jobs to be on hand Sunday morning to help Grandma dress. Besides all of the lacing, there was the padding to put into place. She always wanted to bulge in the right places.
Written by Ross Holland and found in the Book, "Thomas Daniels Brown and Esther Wardle, their Ancestors and Descendents" complied by Vance Holland, Published by Brown Family 1962. found online now at familysearch.org
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History of Thomas Daniels-Brown and Esther Wardle Compiled by Ila Marlene Davis Ashton
Contributed By Denis Ashton · 31 July 2013 · 0 Comments
Thomas Daniels Brown was born December 16, 1838 at Wigan, Lancashire, England. He was the ninth child in a family of seventeen children. The first seven children died in infancy and the eighth child, William, went to live with his Grandparents. So Thomas was the eldest child at home and thus had to help shoulder the responsibility of the younger children. Long before Thomas was 13 years of age he had to work to help provide food for the family but he was only allowed to work one-half day because of a law in England which prevented full-day labor of anyone under the age of 13 years. The money that Thomas and his father made was not adequate to supply the needs of the family and they suffered intensely.
Thomas' mother reared several of her brothers and sisters after her mother died. With these and her own large family there were many to provide for. They suffered many hardships, were helped some by the county but were turned out of the poor house because of the lack of room.
When Thomas became 13 he was permitted to work full days and obtained a job working on the railroad as a helper in repairing cars. It was customary for a man and a boy to work together.
At 14 years of age, Thomas became an apprentice to a locomotive and carriage painter and served seven years. After completing his apprenticeship he decided to go to Utah.
On March 19, 1861, Thomas married Esther Wardle in Manchester, England. They crossed the ocean together and made the Journey in 28 days which was considered extra fast.
While on the way to America, Thomas heard that there was plenty of work to be had in New York, so he and Esther decided to remain there and earn enough to take them to Utah. After this decision they gave their fare from New York to Florence (Nebraska), to a friend who was poorer than they, so he could get that far.
While on their voyage the Civil War broke out and when they arrived in New York the streets were filled with soldiers who were drilling and preparing for war. All manufacturing plants were closed and employment was not to be had. In the spring of 1862, Thomas saw an advertisement which read, "A good painter wanted to paint passenger steam boats, in a rush", so he applied and got the job. It was here that he earned enough money to take them to Florence. They left New
York June 12, 1862, by train and while on their way the baggage car caught fire burning all their belongings.
After arriving at Florence they stayed there for six weeks and then started across the plains with Henry Miller as their Captain. The company consisted of 60 wagons with 693 emigrants. Out of this number 28 died and were buried on the plains. Each wagon had from 3 to 4 ox teams and was loaded with 6000 pounds of church freight, besides the
luggage of 18 persons to a wagon. No one was permitted to ride unless they were sick; so Thomas and Esther walked the full 1000 miles and carried their six month old baby, Joseph. They arrived in Salt Lake City on October 17, 1862.
Thomas bought a pair of shoes as they left Florence. When they reached the Green River in Wyoming and waded across, his shoes dropped off his feet and he walked the rest of the way barefoot and many times left bloody prints in the sand.
When they arrived in Salt Lake City, they had no place to go so Brother George Openshaw, who was the toll keeper of Eagle Gate, took them into his home. While they were here a Brother Broadest came in and saw the destitute condition of Thomas and Esther and he was deeply touched. He went directly down town and bought twelve yards of bed ticking, paying $1.25 a yard. This he gave to Esther and she made a nice tick from it. Then Brother Broadest and Thomas took the tick Into Brigham Young's back yard and filled it with corn fodder. Thomas was so full of appreciation and gratitude to this Brother that he could hardly express himself for tears. This bit of charity or help was something that Thomas never forgot.
As soon as Thomas could locate a place they moved from the Openshaws and located in the Twentieth Ward in Salt Lake City. This being December in the year 1862.
In December 1862, Thomas painted the Tabernacle at Sessions Settlement with the help of Mr. Beck.
In the spring of 1863, Thomas and Esther moved to the Sugar House Ward and lived in a small adobe house that was located on the county road. This house belonged to a Mrs. Sharp and had no doors or windows no ceiling, a leaky roof and loose boards for the floor. It was here that a daughter, Elizabeth, was born, November 7, 1863.
In May 1863, Thomas left his wife in Salt Lake City and went to Montana with an ox team and a heavy load of freight for the Walker Brothers. While he was in Montana he worked in the Bannock City mine and earned money to help his parents and their four children emigrate from England.
Thomas returned home in August 1863. During that fall he painted at Mill Creek and the winter he spent in the canyon gathering firewood.
In 1864, Thomas did painting at various places. Brigham Young’s house was one of them. In 1865 he worked on a farm. It was in this year on August 28, 1865 that a baby boy, Thomas Jr. was born. The following winter Thomas again went to the Canyon and gathered wood. In April 1866, he again went to Montana and worked in the Gold mines. He returned home in October 1866. He bought a wagon and team to drive home but the night before he was to leave someone stole one of his horses. He spent a week trying to find it and then gave up all hopes of retrieving it. He then sold the harness and wagon end rode the other horse home.
The winter of 1866 again found Thomas in the Canyon gathering wood to sell and to use at home. In the spring of 1867 he moved his family to Bingham Fort, Weber County, Utah, and rented a farm from Daniel Thomas. In July the grasshoppers came and in one half hour they destroyed one and one half acres of beans and ten acres of corn.
On the 27th of August, 1867 another child was born to Thomas and Esther and they named her Esther.
In the fall, 1867, grading began on the U. P. Railroad and Thomas with two other men took a contract and did well financially.
In the spring of 1868 Thomas moved to Harrisville, Weber, Utah, and farmed on one half shares for Martin Harris. The grasshoppers again came and destroyed about half the crop.
In the spring of 1869 Thomas and his brother, Richard, took another contract for the U. P. Railroad and made enough money to send for their sister Mary Ann, who was still in England. It was during this spring that Thomas end his family moved to west Harrisville (now Farr West) and Thomas built a small shanty out on the field. It had a dirt floor and a slab roof and was neither comfortable nor convenient but for two years they lived here with their five children.
On October 30, 1869 another daughter, Sarah Ann, was born. Still another bad year for hoppers.
One day a heavy rain came and an Indian came for shelter. Upon entering the house he said, “Heap no good, rain harder inside than out." Thomas took tubs and buckets to keep the rain off the mother and baby.
In 1870 Thomas built a shanty near the spot where the rock house was later built and it was in this shanty that another daughter, Harriet was born on November 23, 1871.
During this time, 1870 and 1871, Thomas hauled rock for his house. He did the carpenter work himself and hired Joe and Abram Redford to do the mason work. He paid them with one yolk of oxen. At this time Thomas's rock house was the nicest house in Harrisville. Up until this time Thomas and Esther had no furniture except stools to sit on,
A homemade bedstead and table and a board pegged into the wall for a cupboard.
In 1872 they moved into the rock house, although it had not been plastered or finished. In 1874 while the house was still in this condition, a son, Lemuel was born on May 17th. In later years five more sons were born in this rock house. They were Reuben, born October 15th, 1876; Jethro, born March 18, 1879; Harry Wardle, born September 25, 1881; Almon Dell, born January 31, 1884; and Berttie Laurence born June 11, 1888. This made the total of twelve children -- four
girls and eight boys.
On October 11, 1870, Thomas and Ester were sealed as husband and wife in the Salt Lake Endowment House by Squire Wells. While in the Endowment House, Thomas met and conversed with Martin Harris, one of the witnesses to the Book of Mormon. Martin Harris bore his testimony to the couple, saying, “As sure as the sun rises in the east and sets in the west, I saw an Angel from Heaven, and heard him talk to the prophet Joseph Smith. I saw the angel deliver unto Joseph the records or Gold Plates of ancient history."
In the spring of 1876,. Thomas worked on the Utah Northern Railroad Section. Then during the summer he went to Logan and painted engines and coaches for the same company. In 1877 he became Section Boss on the Railroad.
Thomas lost his mother on June 12, 1877.
In May 1880 he contracted to paint the Central School House in Ogden. He did well financially and that fall sent his wife and baby Jethro to California on a visit.
In 1881 Thomas painted the Weber County Courthouse and from that time on he did much painting for D. H. Perry and other prominent men of Ogden.
On May 17, 1886, Thomas and Esther took their five children to the Logan Temple and had them sealed to them.
On February 14, 1888 Thomas received a letter from president Wilford Woodruff who was then President of the LDS Church, asking him to accept a mission to England. He left for his mission May 12, 1888 and landed in England on May 30, 1888. He was set apart to labor in Wigan, Liverpool Conference. On the 19th of August the same year, Apostle
Teasdale called Thomas to preside over this same conference. He held this position until he was released in June, 1890.
A few weeks after Thomas left for his mission, Esther gave birth to a baby boy, June 11th, 1888, but he lived only one day and died June 12, 1888. He was named Berttie.
After Thomas was released from his mission he was set apart as second counselor to Henry Hays to accompany 118 Saints to Utah on the ship Wisconsin.
In years later Thomas sent four of his sons on two year missions and paid their expenses. He also helped his son Joseph on his mission although Joseph was married. He helped his son-in-law , Joseph Holland, and five grandchildren who filled honorable missions to different nations of the world.
Thomas helped thirty-six relations, who were Saints to emigrate from Europe to Utah, for the sake of the gospel.
After a life of hard work and struggle for a livelihood , Thomas decided in the spring of 1906 to sell his farm to his two sons, Jethro and Harry, and retire from hard labor. He intended thereafter to live and bless his family in whom he took the greatest pride.
Out of twelve children born to Thomas and his good wife, Esther, they reared eleven to man and womanhood. All their children are members of the Church and were married in the Temple and sealed for all eternity. Thomas spent his life in service and working in the church and at his death he had 71 grandchildren and 97 great grandchildren.
April 5, 1911, Thomas and Esther celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary at Farr West. All of their children were present, as well as 23 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. There were 103 relatives present.
On October 28, 1915, Thomas lost his beloved wife and most of his remaining years he spent living alone in the frame part of the old rock house tending to his flowers and walking long distances to visit among his children and friends.
Thomas died January 9, 1930 at the age of 91 years 1 month in Ogden, Weber County, Utah
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History of Thomas Daniels Brown as told by himself
Contributed By gjpowell · 19 March 2013 · 0 Comments
The following is a history of Thomas Daniels Brown and Esther Wardle written by Thomas Daniels Brown.
I, Thomas Daniels Brown was born December 16, 1838, in Wigan, England, the son of Richard Daniels Brown and Margaret Parkinson. My parents were natives of England and were of a laboring class, working where they could do the best for themselves. My father and his people were well educated and were esteemed as high class people. He was an expert in the highest grade of warping in the cotton mills. My mother was of a poorer class, her people being mostly colliers and cotton factory employees and therefore had little chance for education. I was baptized in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, September 5, 1852 by Henry Cunliff, in Manchester, England.
We moved from Wigan to Manchester on a boat drawn by horses along side of the canal, made especially for carrying passengers from one town to another. In 1846, we moved three miles out of town to Est-End. In 1848, we moved to Gorton near Manchester. It was there that my father first heard the Gospel of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was working with a man named John Scofield, who presented to him the Mormon literature, which he accepted and investigated. He was also invited to attend conference in Manchester which he did. The apostle John Taylor was the speaker and the spirit of his sermon was so manifested unto my father that he was converted to the Gospel and was baptized Aug 5, 1849.
In 1848, my father's family suffered severe hardships caused through a cotton panic, all the mills being closed down, and no work. My parents had five small children and nothing to eat and we were granted a small sum from the Parish, but on account of living over the line in another Parish the commissioners refused to give us any more. The officers started with us to the Poor House, but being dark and my parents not being able to travel the distance with their children, my father refused to go any farther so they took him by force to the jail and put him in prison over night leaving my mother and children by the wayside. My uncle happened to come along and recognized us and took us home with him. That was one of the greatest trials of my live.
After working on the Manchester, Sheffield, and Lincolnshire railroad for quite a long time. I started at the age of fourteen and served seven years as an apprentice to a carriage and locomotive painter.
I made up my mind to go to Utah, so on the 19th of March, 1961, I was married to Esther Wardle in the Manchester Cathedral, England, by Reverend G S Allen. On the 16th of April, 1861 we set sail for America on the ship Manchester, which made the voyage in 28 days. This was supposed to be extra fast at that time for some were 6 weeks going over.
Hearing that I could get good work in New York, I gave my pass to a friend to come to Florence, while I would stay in New York and earn a little money so I could continue my journey to Utah. While I was on the water the war broke out between the North and South and when we arrived in New York the streets were full of soldiers, drilling and preparing for war. All employment was shut down and times were very dull and very little work to be had and low wages even at that. In the spring of 1862, I saw an advertisement, “A good painter wanted to paint passenger steam boats,” so I applied and got the job, as that kind of workman were scarce. I earned our passage to Florence and left about the 12th of June 1862.
While on our way the baggage car caught on fire and burned all our baggage. After we arrived Florence we stayed there six weeks and while there witnessed some very severe thunder storms. In one of them, Joseph A Young was severely hurt about the head.
We started across the plains with Brother Henry Miller as our Captain. The company consisted of 60 wagons and 693 emigrants, each wagon having three to four ox teams and sixty hundred of Church freight besides the luggage of 18 persons to a wagon. All of us were forbidden to ride (except the sick). My wife and I walked one thousand miles and carried our six month old baby, Joseph in our arms, arriving in Salt Lake City, October 17, 1862.
When I left Florence I bought a pair of shoes from the commissary and when I reached Green River I waded the river with my shoes on and the soles left the tops and left me without shoes. The next morning it snowed so one of the teamsters gave me a pair of shoes, but they were so small I could scarcely wear them. I was too bashful to let any one see me go bare foot so I just put them on night and morning while in company with the emigrants and when I was traveling out of sight I would take them off. I suffered very much rather than have my modesty shocked.
When we arrived in Salt Lake we had no place to go, so a Brother George Openshaw, toll keeper at he Eagle Gate, took us in his home and cared for us until we could do better, although he lived in a small log house. While we were there a Brother Broadish came in and seeing our destitute condition went down town and bought us twelve yards of bed ticking, paying $1.25 per yard, and gave it to us. My wife made the tick and he took me with him behind his wheel-right shop in Brigham Young’s yard where he had some corn fodder and showed me how to strip the shooks from the corn, and fill the tick which made us a very good bed. We greatly appreciated his kindness and I shall never forget his good deed.
After we left Openshaws we moved to the 20th Ward. In December 1862, we moved to Baties Hallow, half mile east of the penitentiary. In the winter of 1862, an 1863, I painted the Tabernacle at Sessions Settlement with a man named Beck.
In the spring of 1863, we moved to the county road in Sugar House Ward in an old small adobe house belong to Mrs. Sharp. The building had no doors or windows, no ceiling and a leady roof, loose boards made a floor. It was there that my daughter Elizabeth was born, Nov 7, 1863. The snow came that night and it blew on my wife’s bed as she lay there sick, for we had nothing to shut out the snow and cold.
In May 1863, I went to Montana freighting for Walker Brothers. I earned enough money to bring my parents and four children from England. I returned home in August. That winter I chopped and dragged wood in Parley’s Canyon. In the fall of 1864, I painted a house for Brigham Young in Forrest Farm (now Forrest Dale) in Sugar House Ward. Soon after that I went to work for Squire Wells in Big Cotton Wood. I cooked for 12 to 17 men while the saw mill was being built.
In the spring of 1865, I moved near the penitentiary in Salt Lake City and hired out on a farm and there my son Thomas was born, August 25, 1865. Every winter for several years I would chop and slide wood in Parley’s Canyon.
In April 1866, I went to Montana again and worked all summer until October 1st. (He worked in the Gold mines) I bought me a wagon and a span of horses to come home with but the night before I started home, I staked my team out ready to start in the morning, and when I got up one horse was gone. I rode horse-back for one week hunting for it, but all in vain, so I sold my harness and wagon and a few other traps and came home horseback. That winter I went sliding wood again. In April 1867, my brother Richard borrowed an ox team from Martin Haris at Harrisville (as he was employed there) and I moved my family to Lynn, Weber County, Utah. That summer I farmed for Daniel Thomas and one day in July the grasshoppers came and took one acre of beans and ten acres of corn, stripping it all to the stalks in about one half hour. It was there my daughter Ester was born, August 27. 1867.
In the fall of 1867, grading began on the URRR and three of us took contract that winter.
In April 1868, we moved to Harrisville and I farmed that summer for Martin Harris on shares (for half) and the grass hoppers came and took half the crop.
In the spring of 1869, my brother Richard and I took another contract from the same railway company and raised enough money to send for my sister Mary Ann and family from England. In the spring of 1869, I moved my family to west Harrisville, now know as Farr West. I built me a small shanty in the field, with ground floor and slab roof. It was not comfortable or convenient at all. There we lived for about two years with five children. It was there my daughter Sarah Ann was born, October 30, 1869. We were very poor and could scarcely make a living for the grasshoppers had taken our crops for seven years in succession from 1867 to 1874. In 1870, we moved to the main road where I still reside. I built me a small shanty where I lived until I build my rock house. In this shanty my daughter Harriet was born, November 23, 1871.
Up to this time we had no furniture at all, except stools to sit on, a homemade bed-stead and table and board pegged to the wall for a cupboard. We moved into the rock house about 1972, but it was not plastered or finished until later on. While in this condition my son Lemuel was born, May 17, 1874. The remainder of my family were born and raised in this home.
October 11, 1870, myself and wife were sealed in the Endowment House in Salt Lake City, by Squire Wells.
In the spring of 1876, I worked on the Utah Northern Railway Company section and that summer I went to Logan and painted engines and coaches for the same company. In 1877, I was section boss in Harrisville and I quit that job in December 1877. It was that summer that my mother died, June 12, 1877. In May 1880, I contracted to paint and clean the Central School House in Ogden. I did fairly well and that fall I sent my wife and father to California on a visit. In 1850 and 1881, I painted the Court House of Ogden City on the out side. From then on for many years I did much painting for business men in Ogden.
May 17, 1886, we went to Logan Temple and had five children sealed to us. February 14, 1886, I received a letter from President Woodruff to go on a mission, so I left for England May 12, 1888. I left my wife in a critical condition and on the 11th of June her baby was born. It died the next day, living eleven hours.
I landed in England May 30, and was set apart to labor in Wigan, Liverpool Conference. I labored there until August 19, when Apostle Teasdale called me at Conference to preside over the Liverpool Conference, which position I held until I was released June 1890. I was then set apart as second counselor to Henry Hays to accompany 118 Saints to Utah on the ship Wisconsin. After I returned from my mission I sent four sons out in the mission field at different times, each serving about 2 years, which was constant drain to support them. I also helped my son-in-law, Joseph Holland and my grand son Merlin Webster to fill honorable missions in different nations. I have also emigrated and helped emigrate 36 relatives and saints from Europe to Utah for the Gospel’s sake.
My ancestors before me are very numerous, most of them having large families, I being one of seventeen children of my parents.
In the spring of 1906, after considering a period of time that I was doing myself an injustice to work on my farm at the age of 68, I decided to sell my farm to two of my sons Jethro and Harry and retire from hard labor. I feel it has lengthened out my days and has given me more time to reflect upon my past life. I desire while I live to bless and comfort my family and do what good I can.+
I am the father of 12 children of whom are living seven boys and four girls, all are members of the Church and have been married in the temple. I also have 67 living grand children and 10 dead also 7 great grand children.
On April 5, 1911, we celebrated our 50th wedding anniversary at Farr West, Utah. All of our living children were present also 23 living grand children and 3 great grand children.
The celebration was held in the ward hall which was beautifully decorated with gold and white. A beautiful banner "Welcome to Our Golden Wedding" hung across the hall. An elaborate luncheon was served after which a program was given. The wedding cake was covered with gold pieces, gifts from the family also had a $2.50 gold piece which was made in the same year as we were married. There were 103 relatives present and all pronounced it a grand success.
But joy must be mingled with sorrow or we would not appreciate our happiness. So sorrow came to our happy home on 28 Oct 1915, when my darling wife was called to the great beyond. The parting was hard but the loving memory of her ever cheerful face gives me strength and courage to press onward in the way of truth and righteousness
On 30 Aug 1919, our daughter, Sarah Ann departed from us to join her angel mother. One by one they are passing away, but God in his goodness is blessing me with wonderful health.
I am eighty two past and am still able t o mingle with my children and brothers and sisters and be able to enjoy myself.
May the blessing of God rest upon my posterity and that they may all remain true to the Church their parents have sacrificed so much for.
While we were in the Endowment House, I met and conversed with Martin Harris, one of the witnesses of the Book of Mormon, and he bore his testimony unto us, saying that “As sure as the sun rises and sets, I saw and heard the Angel talk to the Prophet Joseph Smith, and saw him deliver unto Joseph the records and brass plates of ancient history.
I was ordained a Priest May 10, 1857, by Henry McCrackin in Manchester, England; ordained a Seventy, December 9, 1871, by Lyman A Shurtliff. I was set apart as one of the Seven Presidents of the Sixtieth Quorum of Seventies, March 8, 1873, under the hands of Golden Kimball and C G Felstead. I was released from the above position about 1907, and June 27, 1908, I was ordained a High Priest by Hans Madson. I was a Sunday School teacher for a number years but cannot remember just how long. I also sang in the ward choir for a number of years. On December 16, 1871, I was nominated school trustee in Harrisville District where I served three terms
Contributed By BrenthdBrown · 25 January 2015 · 0 Comments
LIFE STORY OF ESTER WARDLE BROWN
Written by her daughter Elizabeth Brown Martin
Ester Wardle Daniels Brown daughter of Ralph Wardle and Harriett Charlesworth in connection with twin brother Noah Wardle were born October 1, 1841 join Manchester England. She was baptized in the Church of Jesus Chris of Latter Day Saints by Elder Hartley 1851 in Manchester England.
Her father having a large family ( seven daughters and two boys) she was put to work in the cotton mills when about eight years of age which position she held until she was married having but little chance for an education. When an opportunity permitted, she would help the elder’s deliver tracts. She was married to Thomas Daniels Brown on the 19th of March 1861 in Manchester Cathedral England by Rev G.S. Allen. In connection with her husband, they left Liverpool England for America April 16th of that same year landing in New York May 13, 1861. A great excitement existed in New York City when they landed drilling soldiers preparing for the Civil War. They had no money when they arrived. With conditions of the country it a made times very dull so she went as a waiter in an ice-cream parlor. They left New York June 12, 1862 arriving in Winter Quarters destitute of wearing apparel and bedding. They left winter Quarters August 8, 1862 in Captain Henry W. Millen’s company.
The company consisted of sixty wagons with ox teams and 693 emigrants. Each wagon was allotted six hundred lbs. of church freight and the baggage of eighteen emigrants to a wagon leaving them to walk the journey to Salt Lake City arriving October 17, 1862. The company suffered considerable on their journey with sickness and fatigue also with limited provisions. Twenty eight of their number (mostly children) were buried on the plains.
They lived in Salt Lake City five and a half years. They then moved to Lynn Weber County in April 1867 where they rented a farm. One day in July a cloud of grass hoppers came over the locality and settled on the crops taken before them every green leaf and sprig of grass in about 2 hours leaving a plague that lasted for seven years.
They moved to Harrisville in April 1868 and there they rented a farm for one year and in April 1869 the located in West Harrisville (now known as Far West) where they still reside.
They were sealed in the old endowment house on October 11, 1870. May 16, 1900 Ester had her patriarchal blessing under the hands of patriarch P.G. Taylor which gave her encouraging thoughts to strengthen her faith and help her through out life.
On April 25, 1902 they went to the Salt Lake Temple and had their second anointing’s. They celebrated their golden wedding April 5, 1911 which will long be remembered.
They passed through much poverty and much sever sickness in the raising of their family.
Ester was known for her musical talent especially in the early days using the talent in public service up to her declining years. She has done considerable work in the temple for the dead relatives. She was chosen visiting teacher in the first Relief society organization in Harrisville in 1868 which position she still holds. She was chosen 1st counselor to Mary A. Stephenson in the relief society organization of Farr West on November 3, 1892 which position she held until October 15, 1903.
They have had twelve children born to them eleven of whom are living seven boys and four girls. Her husband, Thomas Daniels Brown and five sons have filled missions and all the family have been married in the temple.
They have sixty living grandchildren plus ten that have passed away. They also have seven great grandchildren.
(Addition)
Since the above was written God has seen fit to call this noble wife and mother home. It was on October 28, 1915 that she passed to the great beyond. But while we mourn for her we know that her salvation is sure and her happiness supreme. If we who are left would but follow her good example and the teachings she has given us we know we will meet her when our time comes. One of her daughters Sarah Ann Taylor joined her mother on August 30, 1919.
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The Dancing Cat
Contributed By gjpowell · 6 October 2013 · 0 Comments
She was listed as tops among the Grandchildren. She had a way of making them work and still like it. When the young suitors would call upon her daughters they enjoyed their visit with the mother almost as much as with the object of their affections. Grandmother was clever in the art of telling fortunes, especially through the use of a teacup. Of course, the young men did not suspect that she had her scouts out during the week gathering this data.
Then there was the dancing cat: Thats a fact--she had a cat who would keep time with the Jew's Harp. With paper tied around its paws used as dancing slippers, it could cut quite a rug.
Many members of the family remember the "Peanut Showers" which Grandma was famous for on Christmas Day. (I think this means that peanuts in shells were thrown all around the house and the grandchildren would scramble to find them)gjp
It was always one of the girls' jobs to be on hand Sunday morning to help Grandma dress. Besides all of the lacing, there was the padding to put into place. She always wanted to bulge in the right places.
Written by Ross Holland and found in the Book, "Thomas Daniels Brown and Esther Wardle, their Ancestors and Descendents" complied by Vance Holland, Published by Brown Family 1962. found online now at familysearch.org
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History of Thomas Daniels-Brown and Esther Wardle Compiled by Ila Marlene Davis Ashton
Contributed By Denis Ashton · 31 July 2013 · 0 Comments
Thomas Daniels Brown was born December 16, 1838 at Wigan, Lancashire, England. He was the ninth child in a family of seventeen children. The first seven children died in infancy and the eighth child, William, went to live with his Grandparents. So Thomas was the eldest child at home and thus had to help shoulder the responsibility of the younger children. Long before Thomas was 13 years of age he had to work to help provide food for the family but he was only allowed to work one-half day because of a law in England which prevented full-day labor of anyone under the age of 13 years. The money that Thomas and his father made was not adequate to supply the needs of the family and they suffered intensely.
Thomas' mother reared several of her brothers and sisters after her mother died. With these and her own large family there were many to provide for. They suffered many hardships, were helped some by the county but were turned out of the poor house because of the lack of room.
When Thomas became 13 he was permitted to work full days and obtained a job working on the railroad as a helper in repairing cars. It was customary for a man and a boy to work together.
At 14 years of age, Thomas became an apprentice to a locomotive and carriage painter and served seven years. After completing his apprenticeship he decided to go to Utah.
On March 19, 1861, Thomas married Esther Wardle in Manchester, England. They crossed the ocean together and made the Journey in 28 days which was considered extra fast.
While on the way to America, Thomas heard that there was plenty of work to be had in New York, so he and Esther decided to remain there and earn enough to take them to Utah. After this decision they gave their fare from New York to Florence (Nebraska), to a friend who was poorer than they, so he could get that far.
While on their voyage the Civil War broke out and when they arrived in New York the streets were filled with soldiers who were drilling and preparing for war. All manufacturing plants were closed and employment was not to be had. In the spring of 1862, Thomas saw an advertisement which read, "A good painter wanted to paint passenger steam boats, in a rush", so he applied and got the job. It was here that he earned enough money to take them to Florence. They left New
York June 12, 1862, by train and while on their way the baggage car caught fire burning all their belongings.
After arriving at Florence they stayed there for six weeks and then started across the plains with Henry Miller as their Captain. The company consisted of 60 wagons with 693 emigrants. Out of this number 28 died and were buried on the plains. Each wagon had from 3 to 4 ox teams and was loaded with 6000 pounds of church freight, besides the
luggage of 18 persons to a wagon. No one was permitted to ride unless they were sick; so Thomas and Esther walked the full 1000 miles and carried their six month old baby, Joseph. They arrived in Salt Lake City on October 17, 1862.
Thomas bought a pair of shoes as they left Florence. When they reached the Green River in Wyoming and waded across, his shoes dropped off his feet and he walked the rest of the way barefoot and many times left bloody prints in the sand.
When they arrived in Salt Lake City, they had no place to go so Brother George Openshaw, who was the toll keeper of Eagle Gate, took them into his home. While they were here a Brother Broadest came in and saw the destitute condition of Thomas and Esther and he was deeply touched. He went directly down town and bought twelve yards of bed ticking, paying $1.25 a yard. This he gave to Esther and she made a nice tick from it. Then Brother Broadest and Thomas took the tick Into Brigham Young's back yard and filled it with corn fodder. Thomas was so full of appreciation and gratitude to this Brother that he could hardly express himself for tears. This bit of charity or help was something that Thomas never forgot.
As soon as Thomas could locate a place they moved from the Openshaws and located in the Twentieth Ward in Salt Lake City. This being December in the year 1862.
In December 1862, Thomas painted the Tabernacle at Sessions Settlement with the help of Mr. Beck.
In the spring of 1863, Thomas and Esther moved to the Sugar House Ward and lived in a small adobe house that was located on the county road. This house belonged to a Mrs. Sharp and had no doors or windows no ceiling, a leaky roof and loose boards for the floor. It was here that a daughter, Elizabeth, was born, November 7, 1863.
In May 1863, Thomas left his wife in Salt Lake City and went to Montana with an ox team and a heavy load of freight for the Walker Brothers. While he was in Montana he worked in the Bannock City mine and earned money to help his parents and their four children emigrate from England.
Thomas returned home in August 1863. During that fall he painted at Mill Creek and the winter he spent in the canyon gathering firewood.
In 1864, Thomas did painting at various places. Brigham Young’s house was one of them. In 1865 he worked on a farm. It was in this year on August 28, 1865 that a baby boy, Thomas Jr. was born. The following winter Thomas again went to the Canyon and gathered wood. In April 1866, he again went to Montana and worked in the Gold mines. He returned home in October 1866. He bought a wagon and team to drive home but the night before he was to leave someone stole one of his horses. He spent a week trying to find it and then gave up all hopes of retrieving it. He then sold the harness and wagon end rode the other horse home.
The winter of 1866 again found Thomas in the Canyon gathering wood to sell and to use at home. In the spring of 1867 he moved his family to Bingham Fort, Weber County, Utah, and rented a farm from Daniel Thomas. In July the grasshoppers came and in one half hour they destroyed one and one half acres of beans and ten acres of corn.
On the 27th of August, 1867 another child was born to Thomas and Esther and they named her Esther.
In the fall, 1867, grading began on the U. P. Railroad and Thomas with two other men took a contract and did well financially.
In the spring of 1868 Thomas moved to Harrisville, Weber, Utah, and farmed on one half shares for Martin Harris. The grasshoppers again came and destroyed about half the crop.
In the spring of 1869 Thomas and his brother, Richard, took another contract for the U. P. Railroad and made enough money to send for their sister Mary Ann, who was still in England. It was during this spring that Thomas end his family moved to west Harrisville (now Farr West) and Thomas built a small shanty out on the field. It had a dirt floor and a slab roof and was neither comfortable nor convenient but for two years they lived here with their five children.
On October 30, 1869 another daughter, Sarah Ann, was born. Still another bad year for hoppers.
One day a heavy rain came and an Indian came for shelter. Upon entering the house he said, “Heap no good, rain harder inside than out." Thomas took tubs and buckets to keep the rain off the mother and baby.
In 1870 Thomas built a shanty near the spot where the rock house was later built and it was in this shanty that another daughter, Harriet was born on November 23, 1871.
During this time, 1870 and 1871, Thomas hauled rock for his house. He did the carpenter work himself and hired Joe and Abram Redford to do the mason work. He paid them with one yolk of oxen. At this time Thomas's rock house was the nicest house in Harrisville. Up until this time Thomas and Esther had no furniture except stools to sit on,
A homemade bedstead and table and a board pegged into the wall for a cupboard.
In 1872 they moved into the rock house, although it had not been plastered or finished. In 1874 while the house was still in this condition, a son, Lemuel was born on May 17th. In later years five more sons were born in this rock house. They were Reuben, born October 15th, 1876; Jethro, born March 18, 1879; Harry Wardle, born September 25, 1881; Almon Dell, born January 31, 1884; and Berttie Laurence born June 11, 1888. This made the total of twelve children -- four
girls and eight boys.
On October 11, 1870, Thomas and Ester were sealed as husband and wife in the Salt Lake Endowment House by Squire Wells. While in the Endowment House, Thomas met and conversed with Martin Harris, one of the witnesses to the Book of Mormon. Martin Harris bore his testimony to the couple, saying, “As sure as the sun rises in the east and sets in the west, I saw an Angel from Heaven, and heard him talk to the prophet Joseph Smith. I saw the angel deliver unto Joseph the records or Gold Plates of ancient history."
In the spring of 1876,. Thomas worked on the Utah Northern Railroad Section. Then during the summer he went to Logan and painted engines and coaches for the same company. In 1877 he became Section Boss on the Railroad.
Thomas lost his mother on June 12, 1877.
In May 1880 he contracted to paint the Central School House in Ogden. He did well financially and that fall sent his wife and baby Jethro to California on a visit.
In 1881 Thomas painted the Weber County Courthouse and from that time on he did much painting for D. H. Perry and other prominent men of Ogden.
On May 17, 1886, Thomas and Esther took their five children to the Logan Temple and had them sealed to them.
On February 14, 1888 Thomas received a letter from president Wilford Woodruff who was then President of the LDS Church, asking him to accept a mission to England. He left for his mission May 12, 1888 and landed in England on May 30, 1888. He was set apart to labor in Wigan, Liverpool Conference. On the 19th of August the same year, Apostle
Teasdale called Thomas to preside over this same conference. He held this position until he was released in June, 1890.
A few weeks after Thomas left for his mission, Esther gave birth to a baby boy, June 11th, 1888, but he lived only one day and died June 12, 1888. He was named Berttie.
After Thomas was released from his mission he was set apart as second counselor to Henry Hays to accompany 118 Saints to Utah on the ship Wisconsin.
In years later Thomas sent four of his sons on two year missions and paid their expenses. He also helped his son Joseph on his mission although Joseph was married. He helped his son-in-law , Joseph Holland, and five grandchildren who filled honorable missions to different nations of the world.
Thomas helped thirty-six relations, who were Saints to emigrate from Europe to Utah, for the sake of the gospel.
After a life of hard work and struggle for a livelihood , Thomas decided in the spring of 1906 to sell his farm to his two sons, Jethro and Harry, and retire from hard labor. He intended thereafter to live and bless his family in whom he took the greatest pride.
Out of twelve children born to Thomas and his good wife, Esther, they reared eleven to man and womanhood. All their children are members of the Church and were married in the Temple and sealed for all eternity. Thomas spent his life in service and working in the church and at his death he had 71 grandchildren and 97 great grandchildren.
April 5, 1911, Thomas and Esther celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary at Farr West. All of their children were present, as well as 23 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. There were 103 relatives present.
On October 28, 1915, Thomas lost his beloved wife and most of his remaining years he spent living alone in the frame part of the old rock house tending to his flowers and walking long distances to visit among his children and friends.
Thomas died January 9, 1930 at the age of 91 years 1 month in Ogden, Weber County, Utah
AND
History of Thomas Daniels Brown as told by himself
Contributed By gjpowell · 19 March 2013 · 0 Comments
The following is a history of Thomas Daniels Brown and Esther Wardle written by Thomas Daniels Brown.
I, Thomas Daniels Brown was born December 16, 1838, in Wigan, England, the son of Richard Daniels Brown and Margaret Parkinson. My parents were natives of England and were of a laboring class, working where they could do the best for themselves. My father and his people were well educated and were esteemed as high class people. He was an expert in the highest grade of warping in the cotton mills. My mother was of a poorer class, her people being mostly colliers and cotton factory employees and therefore had little chance for education. I was baptized in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, September 5, 1852 by Henry Cunliff, in Manchester, England.
We moved from Wigan to Manchester on a boat drawn by horses along side of the canal, made especially for carrying passengers from one town to another. In 1846, we moved three miles out of town to Est-End. In 1848, we moved to Gorton near Manchester. It was there that my father first heard the Gospel of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was working with a man named John Scofield, who presented to him the Mormon literature, which he accepted and investigated. He was also invited to attend conference in Manchester which he did. The apostle John Taylor was the speaker and the spirit of his sermon was so manifested unto my father that he was converted to the Gospel and was baptized Aug 5, 1849.
In 1848, my father's family suffered severe hardships caused through a cotton panic, all the mills being closed down, and no work. My parents had five small children and nothing to eat and we were granted a small sum from the Parish, but on account of living over the line in another Parish the commissioners refused to give us any more. The officers started with us to the Poor House, but being dark and my parents not being able to travel the distance with their children, my father refused to go any farther so they took him by force to the jail and put him in prison over night leaving my mother and children by the wayside. My uncle happened to come along and recognized us and took us home with him. That was one of the greatest trials of my live.
After working on the Manchester, Sheffield, and Lincolnshire railroad for quite a long time. I started at the age of fourteen and served seven years as an apprentice to a carriage and locomotive painter.
I made up my mind to go to Utah, so on the 19th of March, 1961, I was married to Esther Wardle in the Manchester Cathedral, England, by Reverend G S Allen. On the 16th of April, 1861 we set sail for America on the ship Manchester, which made the voyage in 28 days. This was supposed to be extra fast at that time for some were 6 weeks going over.
Hearing that I could get good work in New York, I gave my pass to a friend to come to Florence, while I would stay in New York and earn a little money so I could continue my journey to Utah. While I was on the water the war broke out between the North and South and when we arrived in New York the streets were full of soldiers, drilling and preparing for war. All employment was shut down and times were very dull and very little work to be had and low wages even at that. In the spring of 1862, I saw an advertisement, “A good painter wanted to paint passenger steam boats,” so I applied and got the job, as that kind of workman were scarce. I earned our passage to Florence and left about the 12th of June 1862.
While on our way the baggage car caught on fire and burned all our baggage. After we arrived Florence we stayed there six weeks and while there witnessed some very severe thunder storms. In one of them, Joseph A Young was severely hurt about the head.
We started across the plains with Brother Henry Miller as our Captain. The company consisted of 60 wagons and 693 emigrants, each wagon having three to four ox teams and sixty hundred of Church freight besides the luggage of 18 persons to a wagon. All of us were forbidden to ride (except the sick). My wife and I walked one thousand miles and carried our six month old baby, Joseph in our arms, arriving in Salt Lake City, October 17, 1862.
When I left Florence I bought a pair of shoes from the commissary and when I reached Green River I waded the river with my shoes on and the soles left the tops and left me without shoes. The next morning it snowed so one of the teamsters gave me a pair of shoes, but they were so small I could scarcely wear them. I was too bashful to let any one see me go bare foot so I just put them on night and morning while in company with the emigrants and when I was traveling out of sight I would take them off. I suffered very much rather than have my modesty shocked.
When we arrived in Salt Lake we had no place to go, so a Brother George Openshaw, toll keeper at he Eagle Gate, took us in his home and cared for us until we could do better, although he lived in a small log house. While we were there a Brother Broadish came in and seeing our destitute condition went down town and bought us twelve yards of bed ticking, paying $1.25 per yard, and gave it to us. My wife made the tick and he took me with him behind his wheel-right shop in Brigham Young’s yard where he had some corn fodder and showed me how to strip the shooks from the corn, and fill the tick which made us a very good bed. We greatly appreciated his kindness and I shall never forget his good deed.
After we left Openshaws we moved to the 20th Ward. In December 1862, we moved to Baties Hallow, half mile east of the penitentiary. In the winter of 1862, an 1863, I painted the Tabernacle at Sessions Settlement with a man named Beck.
In the spring of 1863, we moved to the county road in Sugar House Ward in an old small adobe house belong to Mrs. Sharp. The building had no doors or windows, no ceiling and a leady roof, loose boards made a floor. It was there that my daughter Elizabeth was born, Nov 7, 1863. The snow came that night and it blew on my wife’s bed as she lay there sick, for we had nothing to shut out the snow and cold.
In May 1863, I went to Montana freighting for Walker Brothers. I earned enough money to bring my parents and four children from England. I returned home in August. That winter I chopped and dragged wood in Parley’s Canyon. In the fall of 1864, I painted a house for Brigham Young in Forrest Farm (now Forrest Dale) in Sugar House Ward. Soon after that I went to work for Squire Wells in Big Cotton Wood. I cooked for 12 to 17 men while the saw mill was being built.
In the spring of 1865, I moved near the penitentiary in Salt Lake City and hired out on a farm and there my son Thomas was born, August 25, 1865. Every winter for several years I would chop and slide wood in Parley’s Canyon.
In April 1866, I went to Montana again and worked all summer until October 1st. (He worked in the Gold mines) I bought me a wagon and a span of horses to come home with but the night before I started home, I staked my team out ready to start in the morning, and when I got up one horse was gone. I rode horse-back for one week hunting for it, but all in vain, so I sold my harness and wagon and a few other traps and came home horseback. That winter I went sliding wood again. In April 1867, my brother Richard borrowed an ox team from Martin Haris at Harrisville (as he was employed there) and I moved my family to Lynn, Weber County, Utah. That summer I farmed for Daniel Thomas and one day in July the grasshoppers came and took one acre of beans and ten acres of corn, stripping it all to the stalks in about one half hour. It was there my daughter Ester was born, August 27. 1867.
In the fall of 1867, grading began on the URRR and three of us took contract that winter.
In April 1868, we moved to Harrisville and I farmed that summer for Martin Harris on shares (for half) and the grass hoppers came and took half the crop.
In the spring of 1869, my brother Richard and I took another contract from the same railway company and raised enough money to send for my sister Mary Ann and family from England. In the spring of 1869, I moved my family to west Harrisville, now know as Farr West. I built me a small shanty in the field, with ground floor and slab roof. It was not comfortable or convenient at all. There we lived for about two years with five children. It was there my daughter Sarah Ann was born, October 30, 1869. We were very poor and could scarcely make a living for the grasshoppers had taken our crops for seven years in succession from 1867 to 1874. In 1870, we moved to the main road where I still reside. I built me a small shanty where I lived until I build my rock house. In this shanty my daughter Harriet was born, November 23, 1871.
Up to this time we had no furniture at all, except stools to sit on, a homemade bed-stead and table and board pegged to the wall for a cupboard. We moved into the rock house about 1972, but it was not plastered or finished until later on. While in this condition my son Lemuel was born, May 17, 1874. The remainder of my family were born and raised in this home.
October 11, 1870, myself and wife were sealed in the Endowment House in Salt Lake City, by Squire Wells.
In the spring of 1876, I worked on the Utah Northern Railway Company section and that summer I went to Logan and painted engines and coaches for the same company. In 1877, I was section boss in Harrisville and I quit that job in December 1877. It was that summer that my mother died, June 12, 1877. In May 1880, I contracted to paint and clean the Central School House in Ogden. I did fairly well and that fall I sent my wife and father to California on a visit. In 1850 and 1881, I painted the Court House of Ogden City on the out side. From then on for many years I did much painting for business men in Ogden.
May 17, 1886, we went to Logan Temple and had five children sealed to us. February 14, 1886, I received a letter from President Woodruff to go on a mission, so I left for England May 12, 1888. I left my wife in a critical condition and on the 11th of June her baby was born. It died the next day, living eleven hours.
I landed in England May 30, and was set apart to labor in Wigan, Liverpool Conference. I labored there until August 19, when Apostle Teasdale called me at Conference to preside over the Liverpool Conference, which position I held until I was released June 1890. I was then set apart as second counselor to Henry Hays to accompany 118 Saints to Utah on the ship Wisconsin. After I returned from my mission I sent four sons out in the mission field at different times, each serving about 2 years, which was constant drain to support them. I also helped my son-in-law, Joseph Holland and my grand son Merlin Webster to fill honorable missions in different nations. I have also emigrated and helped emigrate 36 relatives and saints from Europe to Utah for the Gospel’s sake.
My ancestors before me are very numerous, most of them having large families, I being one of seventeen children of my parents.
In the spring of 1906, after considering a period of time that I was doing myself an injustice to work on my farm at the age of 68, I decided to sell my farm to two of my sons Jethro and Harry and retire from hard labor. I feel it has lengthened out my days and has given me more time to reflect upon my past life. I desire while I live to bless and comfort my family and do what good I can.+
I am the father of 12 children of whom are living seven boys and four girls, all are members of the Church and have been married in the temple. I also have 67 living grand children and 10 dead also 7 great grand children.
On April 5, 1911, we celebrated our 50th wedding anniversary at Farr West, Utah. All of our living children were present also 23 living grand children and 3 great grand children.
The celebration was held in the ward hall which was beautifully decorated with gold and white. A beautiful banner "Welcome to Our Golden Wedding" hung across the hall. An elaborate luncheon was served after which a program was given. The wedding cake was covered with gold pieces, gifts from the family also had a $2.50 gold piece which was made in the same year as we were married. There were 103 relatives present and all pronounced it a grand success.
But joy must be mingled with sorrow or we would not appreciate our happiness. So sorrow came to our happy home on 28 Oct 1915, when my darling wife was called to the great beyond. The parting was hard but the loving memory of her ever cheerful face gives me strength and courage to press onward in the way of truth and righteousness
On 30 Aug 1919, our daughter, Sarah Ann departed from us to join her angel mother. One by one they are passing away, but God in his goodness is blessing me with wonderful health.
I am eighty two past and am still able t o mingle with my children and brothers and sisters and be able to enjoy myself.
May the blessing of God rest upon my posterity and that they may all remain true to the Church their parents have sacrificed so much for.
While we were in the Endowment House, I met and conversed with Martin Harris, one of the witnesses of the Book of Mormon, and he bore his testimony unto us, saying that “As sure as the sun rises and sets, I saw and heard the Angel talk to the Prophet Joseph Smith, and saw him deliver unto Joseph the records and brass plates of ancient history.
I was ordained a Priest May 10, 1857, by Henry McCrackin in Manchester, England; ordained a Seventy, December 9, 1871, by Lyman A Shurtliff. I was set apart as one of the Seven Presidents of the Sixtieth Quorum of Seventies, March 8, 1873, under the hands of Golden Kimball and C G Felstead. I was released from the above position about 1907, and June 27, 1908, I was ordained a High Priest by Hans Madson. I was a Sunday School teacher for a number years but cannot remember just how long. I also sang in the ward choir for a number of years. On December 16, 1871, I was nominated school trustee in Harrisville District where I served three terms
Family Members
Siblings
Children
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Joseph Hyrum Brown
1862–1952
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Elizabeth Brown Martin
1863–1931
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Thomas Daniels Brown Jr
1865–1941
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Esther Louise Brown Webster
1867–1942
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Sarah Ann Brown Taylor
1869–1919
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Harriet Brown Holland
1871–1948
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Lemuel Daniels Brown
1874–1938
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Reuben Daniels Brown
1876–1952
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Jethro Daniels Brown
1879–1962
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Harry Wardle Daniels Brown
1881–1962
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Almon Dell Daniels Brown
1884–1960
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Bertie Laurence Daniels Brown
1888–1888
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