Husband of Harriet Amelda Hutchens

Journal - The following correspondence was published in the "Deseret Evening" of Nov. 25, 1879.

Sebree City, Webster Co., Ky - Nov 15, 1879.

I left this place (my old home) on the 10th day of May 1874, soon after my father's death, bound for the West. I left a mother, four sisters and four brothers. My mother was greatly grieved to take leave of me, but in consequence of my bad health, she acquiesced, submitting her son to God. As I was raised in a backwoods country, I was not posted on worldly affairs. Consequently, I never heard but very little concerning the "Mormons."

On the 17th day of May, I arrived in Ogden, Utah. At the depot I met with one P. T. Knowles, an anti-Mormon, and I enquired of him where I could find a good hotel that I could stay at that night. He told me that there were hotels kept down town. But the hotels were kept by "Mormons" and they were not safe for strangers to stop. He invited one to stay with him that night, and I did so. Of course, by the next morning, I was pretty well posted. I received instructions to fear the "Mormons," which I adhered to very closely. During my stay in Ogden, I wrote letters to my dear beloved mother, informing her that I was in a community of people that was liable to take my life at any moment, which caused her to grieve greatly.

On the 22nd day of August 1875, I embraced the gospel, which tidings astonished and increased the grief of my mother and friends. And now my home is in Lynne, Weber County, Utah, where I have a good helpmeet and a fine son whom I bid farewell on the 6th of August 1879, for the gospel's sake. I was received by my friends and relatives very kindly. They had lost all hopes of ever meeting with me again, as they had been informed that I could not leave Utah. As soon as I embraced the gospel, my friends began to read books that were circulated through the country, such as the "Confessions of Bill Hickman," and "Life in Utah" or "Mysteries and Crimes of Mormonism."

I can say that I have succeeded in removing a great deal of prejudice. I have held several meetings, and there are many honest souls investigating our doctrines. I believe that there are several here who believe but fear the reproach of the people. There is a good field for labor here, and I am confident that when the ice is broken many will come forward and embrace the truth. But they fear the rebuke of the hireling priests who are warning them (from the pulpit) of the "false prophets." When I look around me and see the religious confusion. I can thank my God that I am numbered with the Latter-day Saints.

I can now mark the difference between the doctrine of Christ and the doctrine of men. I have been threatened with mob violence, and had two churches closed against me. One objector said I was too young to introduce a new way of getting to heaven, (thinking I was the founder of the Mormon Church) but I held three meetings in that neighborhood, and was listened to by large and attentive congregations. There are no Saints in this part of Kentucky and as I am inexperienced. It is an uphill business with me, but I try to do the best I can, seeking to be guided by the Spirit of God.

Times are very close here, money scarce, labor 50 cents per day, weather very warm for this season. I am as ever, your brother in the Gospel of Christ. S. G. Crowley.