27 Autobiography of James Tucker, son of John and Susan Blackmore Tucker, was born at Bastdown Parish, Devonshire, England. July 28, 1836. The story of his long and busy life, as told by him¬self is as follows, in part: "My schooling was very limited, only about four months. Most of my early life was passed in my father's tailor shop, where under his instruction I learned the tailoring art. When fourteen years old, I was bound by contract for five years to my uncle, John Blackmore, to learn the cordwainer trade. After two years my uncle died, and I served under Robert Canebear two years. Then for one shilling per day served one year under John Prediux . When about nineteen years old I went to Eixter, the capital of Devonshire, for further instruction, for one year, returning to the residence of my father at Kintisbury. At the age of twenty, I started business for myself as a cordwainer, or shoe maker. This continuted three years. About the age of twenty-three, I became acquainted with Morman Elders who visited that locality, teaching the everlasting gospel. Study of the scriptures and earnest prayer brought me a testimony that what they taught was true. I was baptized in October, 1859, and thus became a member of the L.D.S. Chureh. The un-popularity of the "Morman" doctrine caused some of my friends and patrons to forsake me. The spirit of gathering to Zion rested, upon me and in March 1860, I made preparation to emmigrate. Previous to this I had formed a very friendly acquaintance with Betsy Lerwill who also had joined the Church. She and I in company with our esteemed friend Richard Fry, and about five hundred others, sailed on the ship "Underwriter" March 29, and landed after about five weeks in New York. from there we journeyed by boat and railroad to the outfitting post at Florence, Nebraska. Here about five weeks were consumed in make- ng preparation to continue the journey acrons the great plains to the valleys beyond the Rocky Mountains. In the month of June, 1860, I and Betsy Lerwill were married by Elder J.D.Ross. Richard Fry and I purchased two yoke of oxen, two cows and a wagon. About thirty wagons made up the train which started in June from Florence, Nebraska, and arrived in Salt Lake City, September 11, 1860. Brother Fry and I now divided our interests, he going to Weber Valley,(Morgan) while I secured a house and lot in the Tenth Ward, S.L.City, and resumed my former occupation as a shoemaker, working for other parties. In the spring of 1862 we also moved to Morgan, purchased a farm and like good pioneers started to make a living in a new place with very few tools to work with. Followed general farming and raising live stock, when the Morgan Z.C.M.I. was established I again took up my tra trade of shoemaking, having charge for many years of that part of the business. In 1888 the firm of Tucker and Tonks opened up a real shoe store which was quite successful notwithstanding robbers several times depleted the stock. In 1892, the later part of August I was afflicted with Typhoid Fever; also three other members of the family were attacked, Lucy Rose and Nettie, In April 1894, I rented my business and responded to a call to preform a misson to England. I received a very honorable release and returning home found my business in much worse shape than I left it. After working years paying off debts, and suffering loss from thieves, I finally sold all my store, also my interests in the Morgan Z.C.M.I. I served in various positions, such as water master many years, for thanks, School trustee twelve years, member of city council, city treasure, county treasure, two terms, and county commissioner two terms. But in positions in the Church I have also done a little, For many years I was secretary of the thirty-fifth quorum of Seventies; one of its first presidents as long as I was connected with it. After being ordained a High Priest I served in the presidency of that quorum. I was Genealogical representative for Morgan Stake many years. I have labored in the temple four years, have my baptisims and 3,000 ordaiances preformed for the dead, both for my kindred and my wife's people also. Much more could be added but something should here be said concer- ing my wife, who , as a faithfull helpmate, assisted me in many of our accomplishments; and endured the privations incident to the pioneers, In the year 1863 after our second child was born she was very sick and for thirteen weeks lay confined to her bed. At one time her spirit left her body for thirty-six hours, and during this time I heard her song twice. The burial clothes were being prepared, but she was restored thru faith and lived and bore ten more children. She was a faithful "Latter-Day-Saint, a devoted wife and a wonderful mother. Largely thru her faith and works we succeeded in raising all twelve of our children to maturity. She taught all her ten daughters real domestic science and the art of home-making. Their success as wives and mothers has been the res ult of her instructions, I hope they will cherish her memory and emulate her many virtues. The names of our twelve childen are; Mrs. Charles Kingston, Ogden, (Utah; Mrs, Fred J, Muir, Grey's Lake, Idaho; Mrs, John J. Sommons, Oakely, Idaho; James Henry Tucker, Morgan, Utah; Mrs, Gibson A.Condie, Carey, Idaho; Mrs. Edward Jones , Penrose, Wyo; Mrs, George Spakman of Partington, Utah; Mrs, James Clark of Carland, Nevada Mrs. Chas. Van Orden, Idaho Falls, Idaho; Mrs, Willis A.Smith, Rexburg, Idaho; Mrs. Norman Gorder, Milton, Utah; William Lerwill Tucker, Morgan, Utah, I have 84 grandchildren, 74 now. living, and 40 great grand children.