PORTER SANFORD SR. 1847 HISTORY OF SANFORD PORTER, SR. My grandfather's name is Timothy Porter, who was born at Hartford, Conn in the year of 1710, My father's name is Nathan Porter, born at Brirmfield Mass. in 1745. My mother's name is Susanna West Porter. I was born in the year 1790 at Brimfield, March 7th; my parents moved to Orange Co., Vermont in the year of 1790. I lived with my parents until 1810, when I set out for western New York, stopping at Holland, Erie Co., New York, about 30 miles west of southeast Buffalo. There I spent a year opening up a farm and preparing a home. The next three months I spent visiting with my parents and family in Vermont. While there I married Miss Nancy Arrita Warriner. We soon returned to Holland, New York. Shortly after our return the War of 1812 began, and I was in the American Army,and during my absence my eldest son was born October 12, 1812, at Holland, New York. I was allowed a furlough in 1814, and shortly after my return the burning of buffalo by the British and Indians took place. This caused considerable excitement in the surrounding country, and in order to be out of daner of life and property we moved to Oneida Co, about 180 miles eastward, and there opened up another farm, where we lived until 1818. In that year I rented my farm and moved back to our old home in Vermont, where I bought another farm, selling my own in New York. From there we moved to Liberty, where two children were born, Sanford and Nancy Arrita. We now had eight in the family. In 1827 we again sold our all, this time for the purpose of journeying toward the land of the setting sun, to the fertile land of Illinois in company with a Mr. John Morgan. We constructed a flat boat, which we launched on the Mahoning River not farm from our home in Liberty, loading it with our effects, and floated down the Mahoning, then into the Beaver, and then into and down the Ohio. This journey was fraught with danger and adventure, as the country was wild and uninhabited. Our first danger was going over the falls of the Beaver River--some distance above its confluence with the Ohio. As we neared the falls we drew to shore and disembarked all execpt Mr. Morgan and two pilots. Leaving them the boat, the rest followed down the river, watching the vessel with intense interest. As it drew near the suck which plunged it over the falls, for a few moments we thought all was lost; but she soon hove in sight, right side up, and no material damage was done. On the fourth, 1827 we disembarked near evansville. Indiana and there we rented a farm of a Mr. Gentry and planted crops, after which I took very sick, and for a while my life was dispaired of; but at length I began to mend, and became strong enough to teach school that winter; then in March of 1828 we again took up our march toward Illinois. The wagon we hauled our belongings in, although common in those days, would seem very novel in construction at the present time. It was built in the form of a truck, the wheels being made of pine logs morticed together with a large hole through the axel for the linch pin. We used tallow for wagon grease. With this crude construction drawn by two yoke of oxen, we traveled northwest from Evansville, crossing the Wabash River into Illinois. We had a very stormy spring, as is usual in that part of the country. One night we spent in the hollow base of a large tree, 3 finding protection from the cold wind with a fair degree of comfort. We arrived at our destination sometime in June, after having a long but beautiful journey. My son and I purchased a saw mill at Farm Creek. It was here that we became converted to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in the month of July, 1830. We were converted and baptized by Lyman Wight and John Carral. Those two Elders visited the country in the early part of the year. Although my children and grandchildren are most all religiously inclined, I think they did not inherit it from their grandfather. Prior to a few years before I joined the Mormon Church l was very near, if not wuite an athiest or infidel. I believed in what I could see and feel and hear, and maintained there was no life after death. I looked upon all churches as a scheme to ministers to make an easy living by plying their trade on the minds of the ignorant and weakminded. About the time Mormonism was revealed, though, I had heard nothing of it at the time, I became disturbed in mind, and something was telling me there was a God and life after death. I pondered upon it and would then try to put it from my mind, but it would not leave me. I did not speak of it to anyone, nor could I satisfy my own mind as to any cause why I should be thus disturbed in my ideas of atheism; but this I realized-—that some unseen power was holding a stubborn argument with me upon the existence of a God and a life after death. And I became so upset in my iedeas as to upset my rest; while at work it would be continually on my mind, and after my family were all asleep I would get up and walk the floor; and at last I came to the point where I spoke out in an audible voice and said: " Oh, is there a God? ... if so, may I know the way that is right?" Then I was answered by an audible voice which said, "There is a God, and after this night thou shalt doubt no more." The voice was a mild one, but it went through me like a shock, and I trembled in every limb; but in a few moments I gathered myself, and I thought someone had learned of my state of mind and had been standing at the door and heard me speak, and had been answering me in those words, thinking I would believe it was a supernatural being that had spoken; so I opened the door. A light snow had fallen, and it was light enough so anyone could be tracked, but not a track of anything could be seen, So I went back into the house thinking someone may have gotten into the house and played a trick on me. I lighted a candle and made a thorough search, even to looking into the large barrel we kept the soiled clothes in, but found no one. So I seated myself before the fire to await developments. I knew I had heard an audible voice and understood plainly the words...., and it filled me with fear to hear them again, lest I might be overcome; but I waited awhile and all was quiet; so I thought I would lie down and rest while I waited. My head had no sooner touched the pillow than I was caught away from things of earth. Whether I was in my body or out of my body I could not tell, but I felt myself and said, "It is not a dream; for I am awake." A guide was with me, and we passed through a cloud of darkness. Then we came into a world of light, and the light surpassed the light of the sun.. We seemed to be standing on a railing or framework, which surrounded a large body of light. This body reached up so high I could not see the top. But close around it were many people, and they were all bowing to the large body of light in an attitude of worship and praise, and their countenances showed they were most happy. 4 They were in pews or bores formed like honeycomb, the sides of which formed the sides ot others. In those that were occupied there was male and female. There were none with a single person in, but there were some that were empty. Behind the first circle was another large circle of people who looked happy, but not as supremely happy as the ones in the first, and they also were in an attitude of praise and worship. Still farther back from the second were the host of people, but they were in darkness and torment, so much so that they were wringing their hands and going into contortions of bodily pain, until I turned from the sight. Then I asked my guide what the body of light was that seemed to be filled with moving light, and he said, "It is God." I asked then who the people were that were so extremely happy. He said, "They are those who have kept the commandments of God and have gone through great trials but have proven faithful." When I asked who were in darkness and such torment, he said, "They are they who have broken the commandments and do all kinds of sin." I asked if their torment would ever come to an end, and he quoted scripture in answer. (To all my queries the different passages of scripture were quoted, giving the exact chapter and verse.) "Yes, there will be an end," I said. "Let us go." Then I looked back the way we had come and saw only darkness, then I wanted to stay, but he told me I was not good enough. I then asked if I should ever be any better? He told me I would, then; "When your work is finished on earth you will occupy this mansion," pointing to one by which we stood, quoting scripture again; "In my Father's house are; many mansions etc..." Then he spoke again, "If thou art converted strengthen they brethern"; to which I replied, "They will not believe me. "What is that to you?" he answered. "You do as you are bid; some will believe." We then went through the darkness and I came to full sense of realization with a prickly feeling all over my body, but only for a short time until I was carried away again and shown the order of spiritual life and what mortals must do to gain an entrance into the Father's Kingdom; and as the voice said, three times that night I was shown the orderings of heaven and told the way that was right and that I need never doubt more; and so it has been ever since that time. I am convinced that if I lose my inheritance in the kingdom of God it will be my own negligence. 5 Instructions were to gather at Jackson County, Missouri; so in December in company with James Emmet, Morris Phelps, Wm. Alridge, Harrison Aldridge, and a Mr. Berry, all with our families set out for Independence. Those who have been in Illinois will know something of the hardships to be met traveling on this journey in the dead of winter. The first night out we camped on ice which was eight to ten inches thick. There was difficulty experienced by the teams slipping; so quantities of dry grass was cut and spread on the ice when water poured over it made it soon freeze, thereby making the crossing easier for the teams. The Spoon River 60 miles farther on we crossed in the same way. Here we rested a few days, at a Bro. Unstead's who had joined the Church a short time before. About eighty miles farther we came to the Mississippi River, called "Great Father of Rivers". Owing to a south wind which had been blowing for several days the ice was softened, so it was considered unsafe to cross even for the horsemen, and we thought to wait for the ice to melt and pass down the river so the boat could meet us. We reasoned in this way, that as we were making this trip in obedience to the requirements of the presiding authorities of the Church of Jesus Christ, in whom we had placed our faith, let us ask for help in time of need. So I and James Emmett went to a secluded place, and in humble prayer inquired of God of Heaven what was best to do; and by inspiration these were the words that were given us; "Be of good cheer; for behold I will prepare the way before you. Get up early in the morning and cross this river with your temas and wagons. Use wisdom and no harm will befall you, but you shall cross in safety." This gave us a peaceful assurance, and all night long Brother Emmet and I were awake, thinking the wind would surely change to the north and freeze the ice harder. But in this we were mistaken. The south wind continued to blow, out the ice was a little hard, and according to the inspiration of the previous day, we made ready to cross. Chauncey W. Porter, my eldest son, was sent ahead with the first wagon, with two yoke of oxen hitched to it, and was told to stop at a certain sand bar more than half way across the stream and there wait until the main body of the company drove across; but he disobeyed instructions and drove across. After journeying a number of days in the state of Missouri a halt was made to give the teams a much needed rest. While here an almost fatal accident occurred. My son Sanford was kicked by a newly shod horse with such force that the toe penetrated his skull,and to all appearances he was dead when carried into the tent. We anointed his head with oil, and laying our hands on his head, we invoked the life-giving Power of the God of Israel; and soon after taking our hands from his head his muscles began to show signs of life. In a short time consciousness returned. He opened his eyes and seemed to recognize those about him, and in a short time walked around. The next day we resumed our journey. After crossing the river and being divinely guided and helped throught many trying experiences we reached our destination. We were so happy to be with people of our own faith that we soon forgot our hardships. We found the Saints were required to live by the law of Consecration or stewardship as in the days of Enoch. We expected to reside in peace until the coming of the Saviour and were to build a magnificent temple to His most Holy Name. The majority of the people voted to sustain the Prophet Joseph in his plans. The temple block was then 6 covered with a thick growth of timber, but the brethern went to work with a will, clearing it. Four branches of the Church had been organized to the west of Independence, extending out to a distance of 12 or 14 miles; namely, Big Blue, Timber, Coalville, and Prairie. I and my family located at the last named place, being assigned about twenty acres to the family. The law of Consecration was believed to be a divine requirement from Heaven, so all who voted t o sustain it did so with a feeling of devotion. Those who did not vote for it were those who were pretty well to do financially and were in the minority; but our people seemed divided and trouble arose; so the law was not lived successfully and the order was dissolved. Strife ran to such a degree that we were driven from our homes without court or council, and that at the point of the bayonet and muzzle of the gun. In 1833 we were driven in a body from our nearly made home. We then went into Caldwell and other counties to make homes, but not for long were we allowed to enjoy them. The Church of Jesus Christ soon found there was no place in the United States where it could dwell in peace, and the 12th of November 1833 while the body of the Saints who had been driven hurriedly from their homes were camped on the south bank of the Missouri River with no way of making an immediate crossing, the mob who had driven us were still in pursuit, and as they said, they were under pledge to kill men, women and children as soon as overtaken. A heavy storm came up just as the guards said the mob were upon us; but before they began their attack the storm broke in meteoric violence, the worst that any of us had ever before seen; and in seeming fear the mob fled from their intended victims, and we looked upon the storm as a miraculous deliverance by the hand of God. To describe the storm,it looked as if the whole were falling thickly for awhile, then only a few would fall, then it would renew its violence and fall thickly again--so it kept up until nearly dawn before it ceased. Instead of crossing with the main body of the Saints I went with a few others, traveling south fork for some distance. About fifteen families decided to stop for the winter, and something had to be done about provisions. After a council I made the suggestion that those who had left grain and animals at their homes take teams and go back to get them; and it might be that the Lord would soften the hearts of our enemies that they would let us have some of our own to bring back with us. Part of us went back. Some dared to remain, but I did not think it wise; so I was just going to try to get some food. When I arrived at my home, all was gone. My bins were empty, and my hogs were stolen or strayed off. Nothing was there; and in this condition my feelings can only be imagined. I was among my bitter enemies with no money to buy food with, and my family out in the wilds with winter upon them and nothing to live on. I was walking the yard with a silent prayer to God that He would soften the hearts of my enemies that they would be willing to let me have some of my own to take to my family. While thus in deep trouble, a Mr. Cantrel, one of my neighbors, though a bitter enemy to our people, came up to me and said, "Good morning, Mr. Porter. You seem to be in trouble." "I am" I answered, and then told him my sad predicament. His heart seemed to soften, for he took me over to his place and gave me what I wanted, and did not charge me a cent. With a thankful heart I accepted his offer, although I felt I was getting my own, but we had suffered so much persecution that we were forced to take the strips and bow to the giver. 7 I soon met the other members, and we went, back to our families. During the winter of 1833-34 we cleared land and built houses, Being in a wilderness, we were thrown entirely upon our own resources. In the year of 1839 we started for Montrose, Iowa, where we wished to give our children better advantages. Shortly after settling here my son Nathan, through overwork and handling heavy timber, was injured internally and was unable to work. For several months he was confined to his bed, and the mending was slow and not very sure. During this time, my daughter Sarah was married to a Mr. Daniel Willard, not a member of our church. But he had made her a solemn promise that he sould join soon after their marriage; so she trusted him and believed his word, but soon after she found that he had never intended to join the Church, and when out of her presence would speak against the Mormons, vilifying them. We were all opposed to her marrying him, but like many others she made her own choice. When she learned of his true character it had a fatal effect on her sensitive nature. She grieved very deeply. It undermined her health, and she passed away within a year after her marriage. So she was free from the trials of this life. Another death occurred in the family in 1841. Justin Theodore was killed by a horse falling on him. This occurred in August. On October 6th, Nathan started on his first mission. In about thirteen months he returned. Later he was sent out again, this time to electioneer for the Prophet Joseph Smith, he having announced his candidancy for President of the United States. It was while on this trip in Ohio that the martyrdom of the Prophet and Hyrum occurred. Nathan says that Governor Ford was heard to say in speaking of the killing at Carthage jail, " I would have thot they would have had more regard for my safety." (And this after the Mormons' militia had been disarmed by his orders, this implying that he expected it to take place, but not so soon, plainly showing he was taking no steps to prevent it, although he had pledged his honor to their safety, which was his duty as governor of the state. (After calling upon all the Mormons to surrender their arms, which was an unamerican act, they turned an armed mob loose upon them. Such things are for the record of Heaven.) Shortly after the martyrdom of the Prophet and Hyrum, a meeting was called to elect or choose a new President for the Church, and those who were at the meeting testify to seeing Joseph Smith and hearing his voice in the person of Brigham Young, when he arose to speak. The people willingly voted him to lead the Church; he immediately began preparations for the long journey to the West. In 1845, when we started to the Great Rocky mountains of Salt Lake, my two sons, Chauncy and Nathan, remained behind to make preparation for the long journey, but before getting ready the cold weather set in, and they were compelled to wait until the next spring before joining their father and the rest of the party at Winter Quarters. They got a little work through the winter, however, which helped them to a little means, and in the spring of 1846, they started with what they had and came to Winter Quarters, and got there some time in June. On account of sickness and death in the family, having to bury his wife and two children, Chauncey was compelled to remain two years longer and did not come to Salt Lake until 1849. My son Sanford was in California with 500 other Mormons, who had been drafted into the U.S. Army at Winter Quarters, and was marched across the desert to the 8 Pacific coast to subdue the Mexicans; but the Mexicans surrendered, and the army disbanded in 1847, and Sanford met us in Salt Lake on October 16, and remained with us until 1849, when he returned to California and was absent two years, returning again in 1851, when he married in 1852, settling in Davis County, Utah. Now my family were all in Salt Lake except my eldest daughter Milinda, who went to Texas with her husband shortly after they were married. We resided in peace until 1857, when the word came that the President of the United States was sending an army to the Great Salt Lake to exterminate the Mormons. What had we done worthy of death? We never knew, unless we were like the meek and humble Nazarene, being persecuted to death because of peldging our faith to the Lord. Though we were only a handful of people, we were going to put up a fight and not let the army shoot ud down without any resistance; for we did have that much American blood in us. Our brave, kind and noble President Young called a council for all the presiding authorities, and a prayer meeting was held, and the attention of the God of Isreal called to the case; and in this was our answer, "Be of good cheer, call up your little army and furnish them of your means, and send them forth into the mountains; and I will put the sling of David in their hands, and a hook of iron in the jaws of your enemies, and shall lead them where I will, and there shall be no blood shed." I can tesfify that proved to be true. The Militia was organized, and Daniel H. Wells amde general over the little army that went forth into the mountains in the winter of 1857-6. As scouts were Porter Rockwell and Lot Smith. My youngest son, Lyman W. Porter, and my eldest grandson, Alma Porter, went into the little army and were out in the snow all winter. The captain of the scouts was heard to say in speaking of the good of his men, "If you could see the tons of hardtack and crust they devoured up there in the snow, you would think they had grit".... Those scouts were hard at work all winter helping their enemies, and got up a serenading party to cheer them up. Porter Rockwell and his partner Lot Smith picked fifteen men, and my son Lyman was one of them, Porter and these men used for musical instruments camp pans, tin pans, tied to dried raw hides, and bake oven lids rubbed together; and they could all join in a song of lusty yells. The program was to draw as near as possible to their camp, then start the music and put spurs to their mules or horses, and ride over to their sleeping-tents while the snow and wind were coming so thick a horseman could not be seen a few steps away. Then they would ride over to the herd grounds and stampede their mules and beef cattle, and keep them going until another party would take them, while the scouts drew to a higher ground from where as soon as the storm had ceased they could watch the movements of the old soldiers with their glasses. They saw a squad of soldiers wallowing through the snow, but going in opposite directions to our scouts, who drew to their camp to rest and enjoy a piece of beef and get fixed for another party. To use my son's own words, it was plain to be seen that the God of Heaven was taking care of the United States Army. He had sent so much snow and cold that it froze the fight right out of them. The general move was made before the delegates returned from Washington, and not a family was to be found anywhere; but they brought goods * There is no indication in the manuscript from which I am copying, but I surmise a paragraph was left out. 9 news; a treaty was signed-- a new governor from Utah and no hostilities. The army was to come into Salt Lake Valley the latter part of May, and the people returned in the fall. The army marched as far as Cedar Valley and made a barrack; they remained tow years, then returned back to serve in the Civil War in 1860; and now we see the God of Israel had a hook in the jaws of our enemies and blessed that which seemed to be evel, and turned it into good. For thousands and thousands of dollars were brought to the poor Mormons, and some became almost rich off the army, and no blood was shed, and praise be given to an allwise Father in Heaven. About the year 1858, such heavy snow fell in winter and such high waters followed and caused such an unusual rise in the Salt Lake that most of the farmers lying in the bottom along the shore about fifteen miles were damaged by salt water. I had to abandon my farm then, and I went to the mountains in Morgan County, Utah, 'where I found the soil good, and my boys later joined me. We made brick, and hired men to burn a large kiln. We soon had good houses, and we got along fine in farming and stock raising. In 1858 I was upon the side of a mountain chopping timber. I was falling a tree when my foot slipped and I fell, and before I could gather myself I fell, breaking my leg above the knee. I was in my 73rd year, and it was 36 hours before we could get a doctor to set it, and by that time it had turned black. The doctor said that my leg would have to come off; I said I and my leg would both go together. I had him set the bone as best he could and before he bound it up anoint it well with consecrated oil, then he and my sons were to administer to me, and if the Lord was willing, I should live and it would heal; if not, it would be all right anyway. But my time had not yet come; my leg healed alright. My greatest trial came when in Sixty-four my life's partner was taken from me; and a dear, good wife and mother she had always been. Then life lost its interest, but we must all remain until our time comes; and here I close my history and lay down my pen. Sanford Porter.