Allen Family History

Patriarchal Blessing given to Truman Leonard:

(Volume 9, page 171) No. 522 May 16th

A Blessing by John Smith, Patriarch, upon the head of Truman Leonard, son of Truman & Roxana, born, Sept 17th 1820, Ontario Co., New York.

Bro Truman I lay my hands upon thy head in the name of Jesus Christ, & by the authority which he hath given me, I seal & confirm a fathers blessing upon thee; thou art of the blood of Ephraim the son of Joseph, & because of thy diligence & perseverance in keeping the commandments of the Lord, the Lord is well pleased with thee; thy name is written in the Book of the names of the sanctified, the Lord hath given His Angels concerning thee to preserve & to keep thee, to defend thy cause at all times, & not a hair of thy head shall fall by the hand of an enemy, for thou shalt be able to do any miracle that ever was done by man on the land or on the sea, when it is necessary for the accomplishment of thy mission, for the Lord hath called thee to preach the gospel to many nations in various parts of the Earth, and Island of the sea, thou shalt be able to speak the language of any people on Earth when it is necessary also to move mountains, and turn rivers out of their courses; thou shalt gather thy thousands even the great & the learned, the high and the low the rich and the poor, and lead them to the land of Zion and establish them in the cities of Saints, with gold and silver and precious things in great plenty; thou shalt have an inheritance with thy brethren, and possess all things which are desirable for thy happiness; thou shalt have a companion who shall increase thy happiness, and a posterity to bear thy name in remembrance to all generations; thou shalt live until thou are satisfied, behold all the blessings and glories of Zion, and share in all the beauty and glory thereof, be numbered with the 144,000 which shall stand on Mt Zion in the last days to live and reign with Christ a 1000 years, be diligent in keeping the commandments if the Lord, and follow the counsel of his servants, and not one of these words shall fail for I seal them upon thee and thy posterity forever. I seal thee up to eternal life even so amen.

Albert Carrington Records.

Life sketch of Truman Leonard

Truman Leonard was born September 17, 1820 in Middlesex, Ontario County, New York, to Truman Leonard, Sr. and Roxanna Allis. Although the family lived less than thirty miles from Palmyra, the place of Joseph Smith's first vision, they did not hear much about the restored gospel at that time.

The family moved from New York to Chatham, Ohio, over 300 miles from their old home. Truman, Sr. bought 396 acres of land and began farming this new land in 1835. Truman Jr. was fifteen years old at this time.

Eight years later, Noah Packard, a member of the LDS Church, taught Truman Jr. the gospel, and he was baptized March 25, 1843 in the Black River. Truman's younger brother, John, was baptized soon afterwards. Eventually Truman's father, probably his mother, and five or six of the other eleven children became members of the Church. A small branch of the Church was formed in Chatham in September of that year and Truman Jr. served as its presiding elder. Four months later he accepted a call to serve as a missionary in Ohio and New York and left the branch presidency to his father.

Truman's parents both remained in Chatham and died there in 1846. Two years before their deaths, Truman traveled to Nauvoo to be with the Saints. He arrived at Nauvoo just 14 days after Joseph and Hyrum Smith were martyred. Many years after his arrival he wrote in his journal that he was regretting sorely that I had not seen these men of God. He wrote that the Lord was merciful to him and allowed him to see Joseph and Hyrum in a vision in which Hyrum told him it would make no difference in not seeing the Martyrs in life; for if I would only be faithful in keeping the Commandments of God I should be saved in the Kingdom of God.

Truman worked on the Nauvoo temple after arriving in the city. The story is told that at the end of the day, Truman used to take part in a game that developed among the young men working on the temple. They would race down on swinging ropes from the top of the temple walls to see who could touch ground first. One day, Truman leaped out from the roof of the temple and caught the rope in mid-air. His jump was apparently not successful. He wrote many years after the fact that he fell from the roof of the building into the attic, nearly breaking his ankle, and that the next day (Sunday) he was healed by the administration of the elders in the fifth quorum of Seventies. After being administered to Truman has recorded: I was healed in a moment even in the twinkling of an [eye] and could have run a foot race from that moment and did resume my labors next morning on the Temple.

The first marriage performed in the Nauvoo Temple was that of Truman Leonard and his bride, Ortentia White, on January 1, 1846. A majority of the Saints fled from Nauvoo and camped in Iowa that year, but Truman and Ortentia stayed behind to help put finishing touches on the temple. Truman possibly helped install the angel atop the temple's spire. Truman helped fight mobs in Nauvoo but was not harmed in the battles which took place there.

The Leonards were forced to flee Nauvoo in September 1846, when Ortentia was pregnant with their first child. They reached a camp (probably Winter Quarters) in the late fall and Ortentia gave birth to Ezra Newton Leonard November 4. He died that same day. The couple remained in the Council Bluffs area for several years and then set out for Kanesville in June of 1850.

Truman and Ortentia settled in Farmington, Utah, where Truman began farming ten of his fifty acres of land. After two years, Truman was called to serve a mission in India. He settled his affairs and left two months later; he spent two and a half years in the Hindoostan Mission, plus another eighteen months in travel. At the beginning of their journey, Elder Leonard wrote a song for the missionaries of their group, which is as follows:

1. May the God of Heaven protect us We his servants going forth, To proclaim the glorious gospel, To the nations of the earth.

CHORUS For we are a chosen band of brethren Blessed with union and are led The holy priesthood rests upon us, The God of Abraham at our head For we are his servants sent from Zion

2. Cheerfully our homes we leave them, And our families most true; Saints in the vallies [sic] of the mountains We bid them all adieu CHORUS

3. Bound for China and Hindoostan Siam and Australia free, South American they've sent us, And the Islands of the sea CHORUS

4. Enemies shall not o'erthrow us All our foes shall be oppress'd, Priests shall wander in their darkness If the truth they don't confess. CHORUS

5. Thousands will the truth rely on Through our faithfulness abroad, And return with us to Zion To fulfil the words of God. CHORUS

6. Then O Lord wilt thou preserve us From all wickedness and sin, Spare our lives and keep us faithful Then we shall return again. CHORUS

Truman and eight others arrived in Calcutta, on India's east coast, on May 1, 1853. Truman spent his first seven months at Chinsura, which was not far from Calcutta. He then joined Elder Amos Musser and traveled to Bombay. From there, the two traveled to Karachi and remained there for the next year and a half. Elder Leonard kept an extensive journal of his missionary labors, and upon arriving in Karachi wrote: Awe had the privilege of setting our feet (thank the Lord) once more on land although far distant from our native soil and under rather peculiar circumstances, without money with the exception [of] 2 Rupees and a few Annas this being all we both could call our own in a land of strangers . . . but there is a God in Israel, and in him we trust. The missionaries traveled without purse or scrip, usually eating only what people shared with them. They spent a lot of time preaching to English-speaking soldiers in the area. Elder Leonard suffered quite a bit from fever and parasites.

While on his mission, Elder Leonard healed the son of a Catholic widow in Hydsabod, India, who had smallpox. Elder Leonard himself suffered from cholera but his life was preserved. Brigham Young had promised him that he would return in safety. Success in India was minimal. Elder Leonard wrote to Elder Franklin D. Richards that all whom he had contacted had refrained from obeying the Gospel; they heeded it not sufficiently, they regarded too lightly the day of their visitation, they remain out of the kingdom, and know not its sweets. He wrote that the judgments of an offended God were about to be poured out upon the land.

At the end of their mission, the group found passage to Liverpool, England, and from there joined the Enoch Train to America, which was loaded with 537 Saints, including Margaret Bourne and 21-year-old Mary Ann (Polly) Meadows, who were both LDS converts from England. They landed at Boston and then took a train to Iowa City, where Truman assisted in preparing handcarts for crossing the Plains to Utah. Truman led part of Daniel D. McArthur's handcart company, which left with 222 people on June 11, 1856. They spent two weeks in Florence, Nebraska, and then headed out on the plains July 24th of that year.

Another handcart company, that of Edmund Ellsworth, traveled to the valley just ahead of McArthur's company. During the journey, Truman frequently spoke or gave prayers in Ellsworth camp meetings. Margaret Bourne and Mary Ann Meadows were both part of the Ellsworth company. Both companies reached the Salt Lake Valley on Friday, September 26. The next day, Ortentia came down into the valley from Farmington to meet her husband, whom she had not seen in years. The couple returned to Farmington to resume family life.

Two months after his return, Truman obtained Ortentia's approval to marry Margaret Bourne and Mary Ann Leonard. Truman and Ortentia traveled to Salt Lake City, where both Margaret and Mary Ann were sealed to Truman January 6, 1857 in the Endowment House. Truman bought a new dress for Ortentia while in Salt Lake. Truman's faith was tested when he first learned of the principal of polygamy. When he first heard that Joseph Smith was teaching and practicing polygamy, he said, I was greatly surprised, in fact, if a thunderbolt had struck near me I should not have been more so; and turning suddenly around I inadvertently started for the orchard nearby, and had not proceeded more than one hundred and twenty-five yards when a voice spoke audibly and verbally to me saying >Bro[ther] Leonard, you know that Mormonism is true, and if Mormonism is true you know that Joseph Smith is a prophet of God. If Joseph Smith is a Prophet of God it is none of your business what he does and with this admonition [I had] a glow of testimony that was altogether satisfactory . . .

Margaret was childless, but Mary Ann had seven children, all of whom lived to maturity. Truman and his wives worked hard to farm and irrigate 20 acres of land. On November 17, 1860, disaster struck when a spark from a neighbor's chimney landed in Truman's straw stack. The fire destroyed Truman's straw, several tons of hay, a mule, and 116 sheep, as well as the home of Andrew Quigley who lived across the lane.

Truman Leonard was involved in many church and civic positions. He served as senior president of the 56th Quorum of Seventy from September 1854 until the end of his life. In 1857, he served as county selectman. Then in 1861 he served as road supervisor for the Farmington district. During this time he was also watermaster for Shepard Creek. In the spring of 1857, Truman was invited to join the Deseret Brass Band. He played percussion for an Independence Day celebration and played with the band throughout the year. Ortentia was also musically talented. She had a clear alto voice and sang in the ward choir and took part in a popular singing quartet. She also taught sewing classes and worked as a dressmaker. She served for more than twenty years as a counselor and then as president in her ward Relief Society presidency.

In 1871 and 1874, Truman served missions to the Ohio area, mainly seeking to share the gospel with his relatives. Few, if any, were interested in accepting the gospel. He was forced into hiding in the 1880s due to polygamy raids. In 1886, he and Margaret (one history says Ortentia) went to Logan and spent many hours in the temple. Staying in Logan kept Truman somewhat safe. The next year he traveled up to Canada, where Margaret later joined him. She brought Amy, one of Mary Ann's daughters, with her and they settled in Cardston. Truman and Margaret remained in Cardston for four years, where Truman farmed, presided over a priesthood quorum, and spoke in many church meetings. Truman then returned to Farmington for a while and then headed back up to Cardston and remained there until 1894.

Truman lived in Farmington for the next several years and then died at 10:53 p.m. on Saturday, November 20, 1897 after suffering from pneumonia and heart disease. That day he told the family, Put out the light. . . . This has been a hard day, but I am going to rest. He was surrounded by relatives and friends at the time of his death. His obituary reads: Truman Leonard had been one of the hardiest of men and all his life had been spent in the pioneering of the way for those who were to follow here . . . Truman Leonard had a big heart. He was generous to a fault. Those who knew him best loved him most; and in that time when he shall stand before his Great Judge to receive his rewards, a multitude will rise and say, He was our friend. Ortentia lived another nine months and Mary Ann just fourteen months beyond that. Margaret died in 1904.

Truman Leonard wrote poetry throughout his life. The following was written February 13, 1887:

You sweet little spring flowers so early are out, In fact it is winter yet, and still you have thought To beautify nature by adorning the earth; Also honor your creator by premature death.

With its rare rich petals and filaform [round, slender] stem, Combining in all a desirable jem; How gladly I would pluck some & press to my he[art] To remind me, that I too should perform my par[t]

What a lesson we mortals can learn by the fact, Of its delicate clothing above solomons tact; For God is the Architect so wise and so good, To him be glory & honor also wisdom so broad.

It's becoming his children to render him praise Also manifest to him a tribute we raise God will approve of heartfelt effusions of love Though feebly directed to the courts above

An Omnipotent ear he will not turn aside The fact he has pledged & his word we abide Yes while clad in habiliments [clothing] of earthly clay Prepareing to launch thro, the unknown way

Where millions of creatures from earth are said To assist in the great work of redeeming the dead And thus become Saviors to those whose lot was cast In other dispensations where the Gospel was lost.

He will manifest a power so abounding in love, To provide meanes so ample so becoming a God. His children are dear to him and he will reach out! An Omipotent hand and redeem from death.

In February of 1888, Truman Leonard wrote the following:

The sun that declines in the far western sky, A sight most delightful for us to descry Reminding us too, of obligations we're under The importance of which we may well ponder.

For God is the Author of all we enjoy And will hold us accountable for what we employ It is His right for He is the sovereign of all, And has redeemed us from the original fall.

Yes Christ the deliverer is worthy of praise, His condescention and suffering for us to save; Should elicit an earnest devotion of love, Directed to the Author of our being above.

I desire to be greatful for the share I crave, Of the redemption from death also hell & the grave; Then let me live humble, submissive and pure, And the glorious plan keep full well in view

Then to Jesus the giver of all we enjoy My time to his service I wish to employ Contented and happy we climb high the hill, Without pandering to an unrighteous will.

Constant care it will need to evade each blow, That may be directed, or aimed here below; But the spirit of truth, will be our constant guide Then courage and onward, casting evil aside.

The following was written in 1889:

Our Father in heaven we would now present, A tribute of praise by a heart that is rent; Through a realization of a just power thine own, And by it as children rejoice to be known.

Thankful to know we are accepted of thee, Our hearts fill with joy to think we are free; Knowing that we of thy rich bounty partake, May we never no never thy goodness forsake.

For us thou art mindful unworthy we are, With blessings full tendered we are made to share, Tis the Gospel of peace that's so freely offered, Yea more, so imploringly urgently proffered.

And Joseph the person to whom he has spoken, Making known his will in this dispensation, Confering upon him the Priesthood of heaven, By which is imparted the true Gospel leaven.

The Church too is founded with Office & Power, And all should know of the heavenly sower, The seed of the Gospel should scatter the nations, Either in this life or sleeping of other probations.

For to those who have died not knowing the truth, As the Gospel has not always been upon earth; Our Father is just and will not condemn, Those of this life who had not knowledge of him.

To all generations these tidings must sound, Till heaven and earth will be made to resound, With glory to God and his son the blest lamb, Henceforth and forever amen and amen.

Conversion of Truman Leonard

Truman Leonard first heard of Mormonism as a young man. His father had left Massachusetts in 1811 and moved to Ontario County, New York, where, like so many other New Englanders, he sought a new life of economic opportunity in the new West. At Middlesex, among the Finger Lakes, the family was only a few miles from the center of early Mormon activities. Stories of a gold bible, discovered in a hillside by one Joseph Smith, Jr., spread by word of mouth throughout the district. Excerpts of the translated record soon appeared in Obediah Dogberry's Palmyra Reflector in 1830 and then the book itself was offered at doorsteps in the hands of earnest missionaries.

Truman, who was born at Middlesex on September 17, 1820, once visited Hill Cumorah out of curiosity for a personal inspection of the landmark. But the new religion did not catch up with the Leonards in New York. Truman's father, Truman Leonard, Sr., sold his improved 148-acre farm for $4,221 and moved on to Chatham, in Medina County, Ohio, where he started over again on a 396-acre spread. That was in 1835. Young Truman was fifteen years old and it would be another eight years before his investigations and the visit of Noah Packard, an itinerant Latter-day Saint preacher, would lead him to accept baptism. Packard's proselytizing apparently attracted the interest first of Harvey Edwards, husband of one of Truman Leonard's older sisters. Truman was baptized in the Black River on March 25, 1843 . . . . Eventually Truman's father, probably his mother, and five or six of the other eleven children became members.

Stories from the life of Truman Leonard

The temple, only partially completed, was not yet formally dedicated, and although most church authorities and a majority of the Saints fled from the threatened city early that year, Truman and Ortentia stayed on to help put finishing touches on the sacred monument . . . According to a report preserved by Ortentia's children, Truman helped install the angel atop the completed temple's spire. He also took part in the Battle of Nauvoo.

Glen M. Leonard. Truman Leonard: Pioneer Mormon Farmer, 244-245].

Truman Leonard's mission in India had lasted two years, four months and 21 days. He had been without funds, traveling without purse or script, eating what he could get, wearing what was available, and sleeping where and when he could. . . . Once while traveling alone, Truman was seized with the cholera and for sometime was without assistance, scarcely able to move. . . . The Indian mission was not very fertile, few real saints have come from this area. . . . the mission to Hindustan-India, was begun and closed in the 1850's. No other attempt has been made there since that time.

Source: Frank J. Earl, "Sage of Truman Leonard, Pioneer Missionary: Fifth Mormon to Circumnavigate the Globe," 12.

Truman Leonard healed the son of a Catholic widow in Hydsabod, India, who had smallpox.

Source: Truman Leonard, Diary 1886 27 June 1886.

Truman Leonard: There is nothing more heroic in our Church annals than the labors and sufferings of the brethren of the mission to India [document #75].

Truman Leonard wrote a song while serving a mission in India.

Journal History of the Church: [document #82].

Truman Leonard: worked almost daily in the Logan Temple in 1886 [document #106].

Truman Leonard (obituary): Truman Leonard had been one of the hardiest of men and all his life had been spent in the pioneering of the way for those who were to follow here . . . Truman Leonard had a big heart. He was generous to a fault. Those who knew him best loved him most; and in that time when he shall stand before his Great Judge to receive his rewards, a multitude will rise and say, He was our friend.

Journal History of the Church: [document #121].

Notes from the journal of Truman Leonard

12 Jun 1850

Captain Gardner Snow’s company of emigrating Saints, the second fifty of William Snow’s hundred left the Missouri river for G. S. L. Valley. From a letter written Aug. 28, 1850 at the upper Platte Ferry, signed by Joseph Young and Gardner Snow and addressed to the First Presidency in the Valley, and forwarded to the valley by a special messenger (David Lewis), we call the following: “We are the second fifty of Captain Snow’s hundred; Gardner Snow is captain. Joseph Young, president, Winslow Farr, consellor, Lucious N. Scovil and Geo. W. Parish, marshalls, Aaron M. York, John Cater and Thomas Rich, captains of tens, and Samuel Pollock, clerk of the fifty. By council of our brethren from the Valley, we, by mutual consent, have divided our company for the convenience of traveling. Brother Truman Leonard and Harmon Pearsons are the captains of the tens that are not with us; they are in our advance and we cannot give an account of their situation. We were met by Brothers Stratton and Hanks at the branch of the La Bonta on Tuesday, Aug. 20th. They read to us a document from the Presidency and Counsel in the Valley. We were truly thankful to hear from you and have concluded to send a messenger forthwith (Brother David Lewis) in advance of Brothers Stratton and Hanks to represent to you our situation as early as possible. When we left the Missouri river as a camp, we were short of teams and had no extra ones. We have 42 wagons in our company, besides those with Brothers Leonard and Pearsons. About 20 head of our cattle are crippled, an if any more should give out, we shall be under the necessity of leaving some of our substance by the way-side. But we feel that we need all we have, as we are among the poorest of our people, yet rich in faith. If you could send to our assistance, as soon as possible, from 12 to 16 yokes of oxen and 2 wagons, you will confer on us a lasting favor that we will duly appreciate. With such help we may extricate ourselves, our wives and our little ones from these mountains.” Gardner Snow

Thursday, Aug 14 1856

It was a cloudy day in the G. S. L. City. Pres. Brigham Young was in the office part of the day.

Elder J. H. Latey wrote from Florence, Nebraska Territory as follows:

Elder John Taylor: Dear Brother: Knowing that you, as well as the saints generally feel a lively interest in the gathering of Israel, prompts me to write a few lines to let you know a little of the emigration at this point. Brother T. Woolley intended writing you, but I believe he has not done so, and as he has left here for Atoison to cross with Bp. Abraham O. Smoot’s train, I will endeavor to give you the information he intended. The first, second and third departures of independent immigrants with their own teams left this Jan, with in all, about 175 wagons, 1050 head of cattle and 800 souls; they rolled out in right good spirits, rejoicing in their emancipation from Gentile bondage, and with the flattering prospect of specially resting the sweets of liberty in the beehive state of deseret. Good health has universally prevailed in our midst and I am happy to able to state that very few deaths have to be recorded. We feel to acknowledge the hand of our God in preserving us from sickness and health. Among the 800 we referred to, were 2 deaths both Danish brethren; they died from disease contracted in the ___ country. Elders Grant and Truman, whom you appointed to purchase cattle for the ___ season, have brought us several hundred head, as far as I know, or can learn, have given general satisfaction in the discharge of their laborious duties.

The first and second companies of emigrants, by handcarts under the care of Capts. ___ Ellsworth and Daniel D. McArthur assisted by Kluers J. Oakley, Wm. Butler, Truman Leonard, and S. W. Crandall, ____ Elders Jose H. France, who acted as agent and commissary, arrived in camp on the 17th of July in fine health and spirits. Singing as they came along Kluer J. Oakley ____ _____ McArthur’s noted hand cart song-“Some Must Push and Some Must Pull” and so forth-one would not think that they had come from Iowa City, a long and rough journey of from 275-300 miles, except by their dust stained garments and sun burned faces. My heart is gladdened as I write this for methinks I see in their merry countenances and buoyant steps and the strains of the handcart song seems ringing in my ears like sweet music heard at eventide or in a dream. The first company had among its number the Birmingham Band, and though but young performers, they played really very well, far superior to anything to be found this far west. In giving you this description of the feelings of the first companies I give you in effect the feelings of the whole. This is the bright side of the picture and is of those who may really be called Latter-day Saints who have in continual remembrance the covenants they have made; to obey counsel and may really be called saints of the most High God, there are others-for I have seen both sides of the picture who are apt to forget the god who has delivered them from their Gentile chains and task masters, and are allured by fine promises and then there are whose faith is not of that nature to stand the trials they are called upon to undergo and back out, from 5 to 50 in a company of 300; but the march of the one kind does not interfere with the gloom of the other, or, vice versa, each one does what suits him best. Those weak in the faith, soon find those who will make them weaker; those who have backed out before them come up with long faces smooth words and melancholy tone, prating away their words of comfort (?), and if they will only go away with them there is no end of the money and comfort they are going to have and a team only next spring to ride in and go to the valley. I will say that these apostates, who give their time and horses, and wagons, to pick up the wavering are right zealous and I thought if they were only as zealous in assisting the widow and the orphan, instead of those who are already cared for, they would be arriving a good team, but it is all right, the sort that are led away from the line of their duty by such spuricious promises and oily tongues, will never stand that-are not wanted in the valley and by staying here they save themselves two journeys-one to Utah and one back. I am prolonging my letter longer than I had any idea of, and will shorten it as much as possible by just giving you account of arrival and departure of companies; and as I had before said the companies are much alike they do not need separate descriptions. The first handcart company, (Capt. Ellsworth’s,) left the grain on Thursday, July 17th, went out 3 ½ miles and camped; on the south. I went up to settle up with Capt. Ellsworth and saw them start off in good earnest to the tune of “Some must push,“ etc. (can’t move without that.) The second company (Capt. Daniel D. McArthur’s started on July 24th, being the anniversary of the entry of the pioneers into the valley, and was rendered more memorable to that company from their exodus from Winter quarters. The third company, under care of Capt. Edward Bunker were nearly all Welshmen; they arrived on the 19th July, and set out on their journey across the plains on the 30th. The 2rth company, Capt. James G. Willie, president assisted by Elders Atwood, Savage, Ahmansen, Wooward and Chislett, moved on the ground on the 11th August; part of the company moves out a mile or two today, and the remainder go on Monday. The companies stay here longer than they otherwise would in consequence of the carts being unfit for their journey across the plains; some requiring new axles and the whole of them having to have a piece of iron screwed on to prevent the wheel from wearing away the wood. Another company-perhaps of handcarts-have yet to arrive from Iowa City, in addition to the wagon companies. I will, if I have time and opportunites, give you an account of these companies. I will now conclude by whishing you ever good things; and that you may be preserved in health and strength is the prayer of

Yours truly J. H. Latey (Mormon Aug. 30, 1856:2)

President Young returned 5:30 p.m. with escort and citizens and the companies of the brethren drawing their handcarts. They all went on the Union Square.

Edmund Ellsworth’s company, 52 handcarts, 266 souls: D.D. McArthur’s 44 handcarts, 220 souls: total 96 handcarts, 486 souls, 8 wagons.

Elders Edmund Ellsworth, Daniel D. McArthur, John Oakley, Truman Leonard and Spicer W. Crandall, returned missionaries arrived with said companies. (H. B. Y. 1856: 659)

The “Deseret News” contains the following:

The First Hand-Cart Companies

Having learned that Capt. Edmund Ellsworth’s company camped at the Willow springs on the evening of the 25th inst., on the 26th Presidents Brigham Young and Heber C. Kimball Lieut. Genl. D. H. Wells and many other citizens, in carriages, and several gentlemen and ladies on horseback, with a part of Capt. H. B. Clawson’s company of Lancers and the Brass Bands under Capt. William Pitt; left the Governor’s Office at 9 a.m., with the view of meeting and escorting them into the city.

Within about a mile and a half of the foot of the Little Mountain, Pres. Young ordered the party to halt until the handcarts should arrive, and with Pres. Kimball drove on to meet them. Ere long the anxiously expected train came in sight, led by Capt. Ellsworth on foot, and with two aged veterans pulling the front cart, followed by a long line of carts attended by the old, middle aged and young of both sexes.

When opposite the escorting party, a halt was called and their Captain introduced the new comers to Prests. Young and Kimball, which was followed by the joyous greeting of relatives and friends, and an unexpected treat of melons. While thus regailing, Capt. Daniel D. McArthur came up with his hand-cart company, they having traveled from the east base of the Big Mountain.

From the halt to the Public Square on 2nd West Temple street, the following order was observed, under the supervision of Capt. Clawson: Lancers; Ladies on horseback; Pres. Young’s , Pres. Kimball’s and Lieut. Genl. Well’s carriages; the Bands; Capts. Ellsorth and McArthur’s companies; Citizens in carriages and on horseback. The line of march was scarcely taken up, before it began to be met by men, women, and children on foot, horses, and in wagons, thronging out to see and welcome the first hand-cart companies and the numbers rapidly increased until the living tide lined and thronged South Temple street.

The procession reached the Public Square about sunset, where the Lancers, Bands and carriages were formed in a line facing the line of hand carts; and after a few remarks by Prest. Young, accompanied by his blessing, the spectators and escort retired and the companies pitched their tents, at the end of a walk and pull upwards of 1300 miles.

This journey has been performed with less than the average amount of mortality usually attending ox trains; and all, though somewhat fatigued, stepped out with alacrity to the last, and appeared buoyant and cheerful. They had often traveled 25 to 30 miles in a day, and would have come through in a much shorter time, had they not been obliged to wait upon the slow motion of the oxen attached to the few wagons containing the tents and groceries.

Much credit is due to Capt. Ellsworth for having walked the entire distance, thus cheering and encouraging his company by example as well as precept, and the saints with their hand carts, aided by Capts. Ellsworth and McArthur and their Assistants, Elders Oakley.

Following is a concise statement from the pen of Elder Daniel D. McArthur of his mission to Great Britain and the travels of the second handcart company across the plains, of which he was the leader. The report was addressed to Elder Wilford Woodruff and dated Jan. 5, 1857.

“On the 28th of August, 1852, I was called, in company with quite a number of other Elders, by the authorities of the Church, to go on a mission to Europe. To this call I cheerfully responded and left this city on the 15th of September, together with the rest of my brethren. We arrived in the city of New York on the 4th or 5th of December, and on the 16th of the same month, I, in company with twenty other Elders, went on board the ship “American Union,” of the New York liner, and went out into the sound. On the 17th we weighed anchor and set sail for Liverpool, where we landed safe and well Jan. 5, 1853. We all felt to bless the God of Israel for our safe passage, although we had truly had a very boisterous time. Quite a number of ships were wrecked at the time we were crossing and many a life lost. On the 7th, I think, if I mistake not, our company of 21 Elders, held a meeting in Liverpool; and the spirit of God was with us and we blessed each other, and then having our different fields of labor set off to us by the presidency in Liverpool, namely, Samuel W. Richards and council, we shook hands with each other and scattered wherever our lots were cast. It fell to my lot to go to Scotland to labor under the direction of Pastor Robert Campbell, and he sent me to labor in the Dundee conference as a traveling Elder under the presidency of Elder Andrew Ferguson, who sent me to labor in the city of Aberdeen, and there and in the surrounding country I labored with a good deal of opposition for nine months and baptized 8 souls. On Jan. 1st 1854, I was called by President Samuel W. Richards to take charge of the Dundee conference, over which I presided for two years. During my presidency I cleared the conference of all indebtedness and left it on the 13th of March, 1856, as clear of all incumbrances as a new born babe, although it was quite heavily involved when I took it. I had all the blessings of all the saints on my head.

From there I went to the city of Glasgow and on the 16th I left there in company with some 200 saints, bound for the States and the Valley. I was called to assist in taking care of them while on their way to Liverpool, which I did. On the 20th, I think, at the office in Liverpool, and at a meeting of the returning Elders which was called by President Franklin D. Richards, I was called to be a counselor in company with Brother Edmond Ellsworth to Brother James Ferguson, who was to take charge of a company of saints which were then on board the ship ‘Enoch Train,’ bound for the city of Boston. On the 20th Capt. Rich put out into the sound and on the 22nd weighed anchor and set sail. After a pleasant voyage of 5 weeks sail, we landed all safe at Boston. We were favored with the very best kind of a time; not much sickness and had but one death. The company numbered 600 souls or there abouts. After passing all inspection and being pronounced the best set of emigrants that ever came to that port by the captain of the ship, and all the rest of the officials, we left for the city of New York, and from there we all continued our journey to the city of Iowa in the State of Iowa, the point of outfit for the plains. On the 19th of May, our company, which had crossed the sea with us, were divided by President Daniel Spencer, into two handcart companies, Brother Edmond Ellsworth to take charge of the first and I, Daniel D. McArthur, to take charge of the second company. Then every move was made to get our carts ready, which job was a tedious one, but by using all our efforts, the first company was enabled to start on the 9th of June, and the second on the 11th, about 11 o’clock. This second company numbered 222 souls, and were bound for Florence, and from thence to the Valley, at which place (Florence) we arrived on the 8th day of July, distance, 300 miles, or there abouts. We had the very best of good luck all the way, although the weather was very hot and sweltering, but let me tell you, the saints were not to be overcome. Our carts, when we started, were in an awful fix. They moaned and growled, screeched and squealed, so that a person could hear them for miles. You may think this is stretching things a little too much, but it is a fact, and we had them to eternally patch, mornings, noon and nights. But by our industry we got them all along to Florence, and being obliged to stop at Florence some two weeks to get out outfit for the plains, I and my council, namely, Truman Leonard and Spencer Crandall, went to work and gave our carts a thorough repair throughout, and on the 24th of July, at 12 o’clock, we struck our tents and started for the plains, all in the best of spirits. Nothing but the very best of luck attended as continually. Our main teams consisted of 12 yoke of oxen, 4 wagons, and 48 carts; we also had 5 beef and 12 cows; flour, 55 lbs. per head, 100 lbs. rice, 550 lbs. sugar, 400 lbs. dried apples, 125 lbs. tea, and 200 lbs. salt for the company. On the 28th of August, we arrived at Laramie, and on the 2nd of September, we met the first provision wagons from the Valley. On Deer Creek Ave got 1000 lbs. of flour, which caused the hearts of the saints to be cheered up greatly. On the 14th we camped at Pacific Spring Creek, and there I took in 1000 lbs. of more flour, so as to be sure to have enough to do me until we got into the valley, for I was told that that would be the last opportunity to get it. On the 20th we reached Fort Bridger, and on the 26th of September, we arrived in this Valley, with only the loss of 8 souls. 7 died, and one, a young man, age 20 years, we never could tell what did become of him. We brought in our 48 carts, 4 wagons, 12 yoke of oxen, save one, which we had left at Fort Bridger, 10 cows, one cow died and one we left at Fort Bridger,) and the 5 beeves, we ate, of course. We laid still 5 Sundays and three week days all day, besides other short stops while traveling from the Missouri River here.

My company was divided into two divisions and Brother Truman Leonard was appointed captain over the first division and brother Spencer Crandall over the second. We had six tents in each division and a president over each tent who were strict in seeing that singing and prayer was attended to every morning and night, and that peace prevailed. I must say that a better set of saints to labor with, I never saw. They all did the best they could to forward our journey. When we came to a stream, no matter how large it might be, the men would roll up their trousers and into it they would, and the sisters would follow, if the men were smart enough to get ahead of them, which the men failed many times to do. If the water was high enough to wet the things on the carts, the men would get one before the cart and one behind it and lift it up slick and clean, and carry it across the stream.

I will state a couple of incidents that happened in one day, and one other circumstance that took place. On the 11th of August a man came to camp pretending to be starved nearly to death, and wished me to give him some provisions, for he had had nothing for many days but what he had hunted for. So I gave him bread and meat enough to last him some four or five days and he acted as though he had met with some friends indeed. He said that he had been robbed by some Californians somewhere near Fort Bridger, with whom he was in company on their way to the States, and on the 16th, while crossing over some wend hills, Sister Mary Bathgate was badly bitten by a large rattlesnake, just above the ankle, on the back part of her leg. She was about a half a mile ahead of the camp at the time it happened, as she was the ring leader of the footmen or those who did not pull the handcarts. She was generally accompanied by Sister Isabella Park. They were both old women, over 60 years of age, and neither of them had ridden one inch, since they had left Iowa camp ground. Sister Bathgate sent a little girl back to me as quickly as possible to have me and Brothers Leonard and Crandall come with all haste, and bring the oil with us, for she was bitten badly. As soon as we heard the news, we left all things, and, with the oil, we went post haste. When we got to her, she was quite sick, but said that there was power in the Priesthood, and she knew it. So we took a pocket knife and out the wound larger, squeezed out all the bad blood we could, and there was considerable, for she had forethought enough to tie her garter around her leg above the wound to stop the circulation of the blood. We then took and anointed her leg and head, and laid our hands on her in the name of Jesus and felt to rebuke the influence of the poison, and she felt full of faith. We then told her that she must get into the wagon, so she called witnesses to prove that she did not get into the wagon until she was compelled to by the cursed snake. We started on and traveled about two miles, when we stopped to take some refreshments. Sister Bathgate continued to be quite sick, but was full of faith, and after stopping one and a half hours we hitched up our teams. As the word was given for the teams to start, old Sister Isabella Park ran in before the wagon to see how her companion was. The driver, not seeing her, hallooed at his team and they being quick to mind, Sister Park could not get out of the way, and the fore wheel struck her and threw her down and passed over both her hips. Bother Leonard grabbed hold of her to pull her out of the way, before the hind wheel could catch her. He only got her out part way and the hind wheels passed over her ankles. We all thought that she would be all mashed to pieces, but to the joy of us all, there was not a bone broken, although the wagon had something like two tons burden on it, a load for 4 yoke of oxen. We went right to work and applied the same medicine to her that we did to the sister who was bitten by the rattlesnake, and although quite sore for a few days, Sister Park got better, so that she was on the tramp before we got into this Valley, and Sister Bathgate was right by her side, to cheer her up. Both were as smart as could be long before they got here, and this is what I call good luck for I know that nothing but the power of God saved the two sisters and they traveled together, they rode together, and suffered together, Sister Bathgate has got married since she arrived in the Valley. While we were leading our handcart companies through the States and on the plains, we were called tyrants and slave drivers, and everything else that could be though of, both by Gentiles and apostates. Your humble servant in the Gospel of Christ, Daniel D. McArthur.”

Elder Truman Leonard died tonight at Farmington, Davis Co. surrounded by his relatives and friends, after a few days illness. H was born in Ontario, N. Y. Sept 16 1820. In 1844 he met the Prophet Joseph and joined the Church, and he was shortly after called on a mission and labored actively in Ohio and New York. He came to Utah at an early date and in 1852 went on a mission to East India, from which he returned in 1856, and crossed the plains with the second hand-cart company as counselor to Capt. Dan McArthur. While on that mission, he encountered many hardships and was miraculously preserved, being seized with cholera at the point of death, he administered to himself, being alone, but was subsequently restored; a wealthy Englishman traveling 200 miles to come to his assistance. He was the senior or the 56th quorum of Seventies, a very hard working man, full of integrity, and true to the last.

For more information on Truman Leonard please click on the following link:

http://sites.google.com/site/allenfamilygenealogy/home/truman-leonard