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Show • • • A SKETCH OF THE PIONEER IDSTORY OF SAMUEL ADAMS SR AND FAMILY By Mary A Beckstrand, Granddaughter Submitted by Les Adams My grandfather, Samuel Adams Sr. a navigator and stone mason, was the third child of John and Sarah Brindley Adams. He and grandmother Elizabeth (Bessie or Betsy) Mountford, the eldest child of William and Hannah Hibs Mountford, were each born in Baddeley Edge, Staffordshire, England, on these dates respectively: August 1805 and ( 11-15) April 1815. Their grandparents were Ralph Adams and Martha Ball: Thomas Mountford and - - - - - My grandparents were married about 1833. Thirteen children were born to this union I John, 5 June 1833, Samuel 16 April 1835, Bessy 30 April 1837, Ann 22 March 1839, Thomas 26 Dec. 1840, Sarah 12 May 1843, Joseph 9 March 1845, Hyrum 22 Oct. 1846, Elijah 18 May 1848, Emma 27 January 1850, Eliza 8 June 1852, Isabella 19 June 1854, and Lorenzo 10 May 1857. Regarding the place and date of conversion of my grandparents information is missing. But there is a possibility that my grandparents listened to Elder Woodruff's teachings for they lived near places where he preached. My grandfather's vocation was that of "Boatman". He transported bullion, and on the return trip the boat was loaded with freight. He was also an apt stone mason. Through the years of earnest endeavor he and his family were preparing to emigrate to America. During the meantime two daughter Bessie and Sarah preceded them to America, in the year of 1857. Bessie's experience was of short duration. She died 23 May 1859 leaving a baby and husband. She was buried in Newton, Jasper County, Iowa, USA. Prior to this time two of their sons had died. John the eldest at the age of seven years, and Elijah in his first year. They were buried in Norton, in the Moors, England. In May of 1860 with nine of their children, they under took the long voyage from England to America, with Utah as their goal. Grandfather kept a diary of the voyage. It was necessary for Grandfather and his family to remain in New York for nearly a year to earn sufficient money to purchase supplies necessary to make the journey. On the third of August their youngest daughter Isabella died and was buried in the Calvary Cemetery, Long Island, New York. The family put their trust in God and received strength and courage to carry on. Their daughter Sarah, had made a temporary sojourn in Iowa and met them in New York in 1861. The family was assigned to travel in Joseph W. Young's company and Sarah to Ira Eldridge's company. The long tiresome trek across the plains with ox team was not just one drab picture, for there were many pleasant memories. As a child I remember hearing my father relate this incident: "At one time they put some milk in a small wooden keg and tied it up C I • • • under the wagon to be in the shade so that it could be saved for the evening meal. It worked very well, for instead of milk, there was butter and buttermilk. A delightful surprise. They never had any regrets or discouragements. They still maintained an attitude of faith that urged them to make the venture to the land of Zion. They were also desirous of looking upon the bright side of life. They arrived in Salt Lake Valley 20 September 1861. Ira Eldridge's Company in which Sarah traveled arrived in the valley 15 September 1861 . During the journey Sarah made the acquaintance of Jesse Bond and they were married 24 September 1861 in Provo. Seemingly the Adams family entered the Valley by the ringing of wedding bells, for the same day her sister Ann and his brother William were married in Salt Lake City , Utah. The family stayed for a short while in Salt Lake and then went to Portersville, Morgan County. At a later date Grandfather was sustained as Branch President. In Portersville they homesteaded and cultivated some farming ground. There were many problems to be solved. With the scarcity of food due largely to the cricket invasion, bread was a problem. They learned to like such foods as pigweed and nettle greens. Each sensed the responsibility of trying to procure the bare necessities, each grasped any opportunity of earning such as would be helpful. Grandfather got work at the saw mill. His pay was chiefly garden vegetables. (After cooking beets, the water was boiled to a syrup. My father said the kids called it "Black Jack.") After several experiences in Portersville they went forth seeking better opportunities for gaining a livelihood. They traveled about 225 miles southward to Meadow about five miles northwest of Pahvant Indian Village. It was 8 miles south of Fillmore, the first capitol of the Territory ofUtah, 1851 to 1856. The family was favorable impressed and decided to remain. They made blue adobes and built a four room house. They then set about the duties of building up and beatifying their surroundings and preparing the soil for planting crops. Their motto was "a place for everything and everything in its place." In English history it is ascribed to the Adams progenitors as being regular attendants at the Old Burslem Church, with the Woods, Wedgewoods, Rogers and Davenports. The spirit of reverence carried down through the Samuel Adams family. And they always took part in movement promoted for community wlefare. The joy and happiness in their new home was saddened by the passing of Grandmother. She died 11 May 1874 at the age of 59 years. About one and a half years later Hyrum and Martha Alice Stoot were married in the Endowment House by Heber M. Wells, 1 November 1875. They lived in the pioneer home and cared for Grandfather during his declining years. His eyesight dimmed and his step was slackened due to varicose veins a condition, that required daily nursing care. Fortunately Martha proved to 2oF3 2 • • • be an "angel of mercy", humbly assuming the duties of nurse. It was obvious that she possessed the virtues needful to become, as she did, an efficient practical nurse, and she was entered into a life-long service of practical nursing. In spite of his handicaps, Grandfather was happiest when he could be of assistance to others. In the home he did such duties as churning the old wooden dasher chum. In the autumn he assumed the responsibility of husking com. When the weather was favorable, he enjoyed going about out of doors and basking in the sunshine. He walked about with the support of a crutch and a cane, using the cane also as a feeler to be sure the path was free of objects. In the last years of Grandfather' s life my parents took Grandfather to the Saint George Temple, where he had the deceased members of his family sealed to him and Grandmother. He remained an untiring pioneer. He never stopped until he met with an accident. His cane centered on a knot in the floor which gave way and the cane went through the floor, this sent him down with a thud. The injuries sustained in the fall made it impossible for him to walk again. Mother spoke highly of his good qualities and often Grandfather expressed his appreciation for the care and attention they gave him. December 18, 1887 the chapter of his earthly life was closed and he peacefully passed on at the age of 82 years. He always maintained a firm testimony of the Gospel. 3 • • DIARY OF OUR TRIP FROM ENGLAND TO AMERICA SAMUEL ADAMS SR. Monday, May 7, 1860 - I, SAMUEL ADAMS, and family left Baddeley Edge, Staffordshire, England for America. We went to Burslem and stayed all night at Sister Sarah Lewis'. Got our notes of standing of President Cook, and directions for our boxes and bags. Tuesday, May 8, 1860 - We carried our luggage to the Burslem station and started for Liverpool. We waited a while at Crewe and went to Liverpool with the Birmingham Saints. Arrived at Liverpool about 11 :00 AM. The carriers took our luggage to the Bromley Moor Dock, and about 3:00 P.M. o'clock we went out to the WILLIAM TAP SCOTT which lay in the River, and for the first time stepped on the salt water. Wednesday, May 9, 1860 - Arose from our new bed and got our breakfast then I went on shore in a ferry boat for some necessary things which I though we should want during our voyage. While I was away Samuel sent tow letters by President Clark, one to his grandfather and the other to Sarah his sister which is in America. I came on board about 3:00 o'clock in the afternoon with a steam tug which took some more passengers for America. Thursday, May 10, 1860 - I wrote a letter to Baddeley Edge to tell them how we are getting along, and we expect to start this afternoon. Sent it to be posted by Elder Clark. Friday, May 11, 1860 - We bought some more articles for our voyage and started out about half past 2 o'clock in the afternoon. We were take out by a steam tug. As we went along we saw the Welch mountains, and it was reported that we passed the place called Hollyhead at midnight. Saturday, May 12, 1860 - We were taken along by the steam tug very well. Sunday, May 13, 1860 - It was said that we got through the Irish Channel about 1 o'clock this morning and the steam tug left us. It was very fine and the sea looked beautiful, and about an hour before sunset I saw Ireland. We left it on the right hand. Monday, May 14, 1860 - Was rather windy but we went along well. Tuesday, May 15, 1860 Wednesday, May 16, 1860 - We went along middling well. Thursday, May 17, 1860 Friday, May 18, 1860 - It was rather rough Saturday, May 19, 1860 - Calm and started slowly in the morning but swifter in the afternoon, and big speed at night. Sunday, May 20, 1860 - Very fine morning. We have two meetings today on deck. Some lcf2 • • • very good instructions given on obedience and cleanliness which was carried out middling well. Distance from Liverpool at 12 o'clock noon today - 1550 miles. Monday, May 21, 1860 - Very rough and we went along swiftly. At 12 o'clock today 1553 miles from Liverpool and 1562 miles from New York. Tuesday, May 22, 1860 - Morning very fine and the sea very green. Wednesday, May 23, 1860 - Wet and rainy. Thursday, May 24, 1860 - Wet and rainy. Friday, 25, 1860 - Fine, not much speed. Saturday, May 26, 1860 - We went speedily along Sunday, May, 27, 1860 - Isabella was mending from the measles or some other breaking out like measles. Lorenzo very bad of the same complaint and has been for two days. Eliza broke out with the same. We have all been affected by the sea voyage more or less. Monday, May 28, 1860 - )Fine and a good wind Tuesday, May 29, 1860 -) Wednesday, May 30, 1860 - Very wet Thursday , May 31, 1860 - Friday June 1, 1860 - We were 946 miles from New York Saturday, June 2, 1860 - Very fine morning and we started slow today. Rather better toward night. Sunday, June 3, 1860 - Small pox broke out among the Scandinavians. We sailed badly several days. We landed in the Castle Gardens, New York, June 20, 1860, and stayed there all night. Thursday June 21, 1860 - we went to Williams borough and lay in a passage of a second floor all that night. Friday, June 22, 1860 - We rented a house for one month and paid $4.25 in advance rent. August 3, 1860 - Isabella departed this life. She was buried in Calvery Cemetery, Long Island, New York, America. • • • |
