•• •• •• John Toone 1813-1893 John Toone was born to John and Elizabeth Reading Toone the 10 April 1813, at Birmingham, Warwicks, England. Being the eldest of fourteen children, John had many advantages. He and his four brothertwere all given ~good education, as their father was a prominent builder and contractor ittll.,eamington. It~as important to him that his sons learn the trades of plumber, plasterer/ builder, painter/ and carpenter. Some of the special things John studied were law, medicine, and music. He had a strong thirst for knowledge, reading, and studying many books. He was a talented musician and played his violin in the Royal Orchestn{ of Queen Victoria, as well as at the Old Salt Lake Theatre and Social Hall. Old time dances at Croydon, Henefer, and Echo often heard the lively strains of John'.s fiddle. John was about twenty-two years of age when he met and fell in love with a lovely and refined young lady whose name was Emma Prosser. She was born 26 April 1819, at Herefordshire, England, the third child of James and Mary Ann Morgan Prosser, who had nine children, six girls and three boys. Emma was tall and slender with brown hair and sparkling brown eyes, along with a lovely smile. She was reared in a comfortable home with nice clothes and pleasant surroundings. She grew up happy and secure. She had a good education and special training in dressmaking and fancy sewing, which came in very handy in her pioneer years . John was a tall handsome fellow, well over six feet, with an abundance of curly hair and smiling blue eyes. When he was twenty-three years old, and Emma but seventeen, they were married in the Leamington Chapel on the 12 June 1836. They made their home in Leamington, where six of their eight children were born and two were buried . C There had been Mormon missionaries in Leamington a number of times, but they were not too successful in making converts in that part of England. In 1843, Brother Alfred Cordon, who had been converted years before, and lived at that time in Willard, A ah, was sent on a mission to England. While in Leamington and Warwick he preached the gospel where • ~ mma had relatives, and they were converted and baptized. The following is taken from Brother Cordon's Journal and given to Sister Dora Toone Brough, by his great, great granddaughter, June Cordon Garfield. On 3 April 1849, he baptized Mr. John Toone of Leamington, who afterwards became an efficient Elder. In conference, held 15 April 1849, he was visited by Elder Levi Richards, who had a commission to travel in any part of England he so desired. On 19 April 1849, John Toone and William Chiveral were ordained Elders. John was later appointed to preside over the branch. Emma was also baptized in 1849 along with other members of the Prosser family. When Elder Cordon was released from his mission to return home, the saints of the Warwick Conference presented him with a contribution to help pay his expenses. Elder John Toone, representing the conference, wrote: "When at last we reflect upon the lonely situation in which you found us, and the wonderful things that have transpired in this, so short a time, we with reluctance say, 'Go home, dear Brother Alfred, to the bosom of thy family, ' but this event will cause the breaking forth of many a tear. When we reflect upon your past labors, your diligence and faithfulness to build up Zion, by aiding her with converts from the land of our nativity, we will unite to bless you in the name of Israel's God. We testify to all around that we have found the Church and Kingdom of the living God." In 1850, John and Emma were anxious to come to Utah and join the saints. They began planning for their future in a new land. At this time they were expecting their sixth child. Little Ann was born the 23 · November 1850. They loved the precious gospel, were humble and faithful and more than happy to make the sacrifices necessary to leave. In early winter, I February 1851, the little family set sail for America. Mary Elizabeth, age 12; William M nry, age 1O ; Charles Jabez, age 8; and baby Ann. Soon after sailing, Ann was taken ill and died on the 16 • bruary, only two months and twenty-one days old. The tiny girls were buried at sea. • Can we mothers realize the anguish of Emma when she had to wrap her darling baby in a blanket and see her cast into the ocean? In those days it took from six weeks to two months to make the voyage by sailing vessel, the only way to travel, and if passengers died during the voyage they were buried at sea. Emma and John were on their way to a new land, to make a home in the west, leaving Emma Georgenia and Hezekiah Prosser buried in their native land and baby Ann at sea. The voyage was long and tiresome, with much sickness s and hardship. They finally arrived in the U.S.A. in March of 1851, and made preparation to cross the plains. They left Pottawatomie 7 June 1851, in Captain Thomas Howell's company. They spent some time at a place called Little Pigeon, Indiana, getting wagons and oxen ready. There were 10 families, 79 souls, 12 wagons, 77 oxen, horses, sheep and calves. They left there e 7 June 1852, just one year later. This c company y sent a letter on ahead to the presiding council in Salt Lake, dated 4 August, Upper Ferry of the Platte River, signed Captain Howell, John Toone, clerk. The letter stated they were on their way and hoping they would have food enough to carry them through. They arrived in Salt Lake Valley the 27 September 1852, with their remaining three children. Soon after arriving in Salt Lake they bought a homestead about IIDII Street and 3rd Avenue, and built a nice four-room adobe house, where Emma kept busy sewing and taking care of her family. She did beautiful fancy work for many noted women of Utah, and made burial clothing when needed. How happy Emma was when she could sit in the theatre in her black, or brown, lace trimmed dress and see her John in the orchestra, playing the cello, or other times the viola, during the performance of a Shakespearean play, or home dramatics. On the 19 February 1854, another son was born to Emma and John. They named him John Prosser . e was a strong, fine baby. He was their 7th child . • This same year, John was called to go back to England on a mission. This gave him a chance to preach the gospel to his family in Leamington. They were e very nice to him and told him they loved him, but 4ere not interested in his new Mormon religion. Emma was lonesome, but kept busy. She worked in the Primary, holding the position of President for 0 years. Little did she know that she would be sharing her John with two other wives soon after his return from his mission. While on his mission he converted a very nice young English school teacher by the name of Hannah Wardle, born 2 April 1821, at Hookley Heath, Warwickshire, England. She became his second wife on the 1 February 1857. Little is known of Hannah or her family. While returning from his mission in 1856, in Apostle Richards' Company, John met Jemima Cook. Jemima was the daughter of Richard Cook and Elizabeth Johns. To our knowledge she was the only one of her family to join the church. Her early childhood was one of nine children, 5 boys and 4- girls, Jemima being the young~st daughter. The children were all born at Stoke Damerel, Devonshire, except Jemima. When she became old enough she had to help support the family. Her schooling was very little, two or three months each winter, over a period of a few years, but she was bright and alert and learned the profession of a tailoress. When she heard the Mormon missionaries preach the gospel, she became very interested although her family was very much opposed to her listening to their teachings and attending their meetings. She would slip away after they thought her in bed, and slip back in through the window unobserved. She was baptized in February of 1854, against the wishes of her family. She had the tailor, who had especially trained her, and for whom she worked, hold a little of her earnings back each week until such a time as she would be ready to start for America. The night she left she wrote her parents a note, and then she slipped quietly through the window. Her parents rushed to the harbor, but the ship had already set sail. She came to Utah in 1856, in Captain Edward Martin's company. She often pushed a handcart through 18 inches of snow. One night she was so exhausted she tried to steal a ride on one • the wagons, and the teamster guide used his bullwhip on her. This incident was told by Jemima to one of r granddaughters, with whom she used to live. Most of the way they suffered many hard ships. She told of men digging graves where fires had been burning all night This softened the ground, as it was frozen very hard. One night 18 souls were buried in one grave. Their provisions ran out and they became very hungry. Some ate the flesh from their own for arms. At night, when they stopped, their clothing was covered with ice and snow and frozen to their bodies. Large fires were built to thaw them out, only to have them awake in the morning and find two or three feet of snow on their beds. Some of the Saints were so exhausted they would ask to die; they felt they could not go on. Many did die and were buried only in the deep snow. President Young heard of their suffering and distress and sent men and provisions to help them. One of the greatest of Mormon Scouts was Ephraim Hanks, and he said the storm during those three days was simply awful. In all his travels in the Rocky Mountains, before and after, he said, I have seen no worse. It lay on the ground so deep it was impossible to move wagons through it The sight that met my gaze, as I entered their camp, can never be erased from my memory. The starved forms and haggard countenances of the poor, suffering souls was enough to touch the stoutest heart I was camped in South Pass one night and earnestly prayed for meat to take to the starving saints. Upon arising next morning, a buffalo crossed my path. I shot it and took it to the starving saints." John was on of the many men sent to rescue the Saints. At a place called Devil's Gate, in Wyoming, John again met Jemima. He asked her if she were going to cross the river in the morning. She told him she was. The river was deep and the water very cold. She sat down to remove her shoes to wade it Instead John picked her up and carried her across the river to safety. He also helped push her handcart. This was when their courtship began. • • • • She had remained at Winter Quarters for some time before leaving with the saints for the Rocky Mountains. The faith of these saints was surely tried, and yet in the face of so many obstacles, they had _.ourage to go on, stopping each Sunday to worship and give thanks for their new found true religion. • They arrived in Utah the 1 November 1856. John and Jemima were married the 22 February 1857, and she became his third wife. Jemima, like Emma, was also a beautiful seamstress. She made many suits for the army officers at Fort Douglas, also for President Young and other church leaders, for which she was well paid. She bought green tea from Fort Douglas and paid $5.00 a pound for it. At one time, President Young asked her to make a coat and a pair of pants for a speaker who was to appear at the Opera House. She told him she would for a pound of tea and $10. 00. President Young thought it too high, but they needed the clothes badly, so they gave her what she asked, and the suit was made. William Driver, a pioneer druggist of Salt Lake, said she made him a suit out of a blanket He was very well pleased, and said he would never forget her. When Johnson's army came to Utah in 1857, it caused much unrest John, and his family, stayed in Salt Lake until the early part of 1858. Here Jemima gave birth to their first child, Lyon, born the 6 March 1858, in Salt Lake. Emma and Hannah, John's other two wives, were both expecting babies. There was a move south, so John and his three wives moved to Payson, Utah. On the 19 March 1858, at Payson, Emma gave birth to another son, Benjamin Prosser, her eighth child. It was a terrible hardship for all concerned. Living conditions were very poor, with practically no conveniences. His second wife, Hannah, gave birth to premature twin babies. She and both babies died the 20 July 1858. That same week on the 23 July, Emma 1 s tiny son, Benjamin, died. He, along with Hannah and her twins, was buried at Payson. Years later, members of the family went to Payson and tried to find the graves, se markers could be installed, but there were so many others, the graves were never identified. After the army trouble was over the family moved back to Salt Lake. They were very happy to get back • . their own homes. The following year Jemima gave birth to another son, Felix, born 25 August 1859, in Salt Lake. John and Jemima had seven children, four sons and three daughters, all born in Salt Lake, except Emma Jemima, their 5th child, who was born in Croydon, Utah, the 15 November 1865. She was given the name of John's two wives. The two youngest gins were born in Salt Lake, Caroline, born the 16 November 1867, and Elizabeth, born 20 May 1871. In 1863, John Prosser, Emma's youngest son, was almost ten years old. His two brothers, William Henry, 21, and Charles Jabez, 19, and their father were sent to Lost Creek (later named Croydon) by President Brigham Young to help build up the town. In October of 1865, Lost Creek was first organized into a branch of the church. In 1865, William Henry married Hannah Webb and Charles Jabez married Sarah Augusta Squires. They both made their homes in Croydon. John Prosser remained in Salt Lake with his mother. As most boys, he was very unhappy, because he felt he was big enough to go along with his big brothers and father. As John traveled back and forth between Salt Lake and Croydon, he continued to serve church affairs and families. Emma and Jemima were alone much of the time. It wasn't until 1871 that John and Jemima, with their youngest child, Elizabeth, who was but six months old at the time, moved to Croydon to make it a permanent home. Emma chose to remain in her comfortable home in the Salt Lake 20th Ward area, where she had, served in the Primary for so many years, and had many friends. Her daughter, Elizabeth, had married John Lyon in April of 1857, and lived close by her. Emma was lonesome at times, but always enjoyed the company of her grandchildren, who stayed with her often. 9 or In her later life she had several illnesses and was obligated to give up Primary and sewing for others. several weeks she was very ill, and her family took turns sitting by her bedside. She passed away 7 April • • •• 1889, age 70 years, with her son, Charles, sitting by her side. She had many trials and heartaches, but she loved the precious gospel and was humble and faithful to the end. John was tall, with an abundance of curly white hair and a long white beard, a description given by . ny of his grandchildren. He carried a walking stick, and a dog was always at his heels. He always had such . xciting stories to tell about people, places and things. He would teach the children songs and music, and he sang with them, as they listened to him play his fiddle, as he often called it He was the father of 17 children, 91 grandchildren, numerous great-grandchildren and counHess great, great grandchildren. He died just four years after Emma's passing, the 31 August 1893, at the age of 80 years. Jemima was age 65 at the time of John's death. As a young woman she had been tiny in stature, with small hands and feet, brown hair and blue eyes. As she grew older, her weight was always a problem. Her son used to call her, jokingly, "a litHe round butter ball." She was almost as round as she was tall. The life of a polygamist wife was anything but smooth sailing. Many jealousies and bad feelings among children, and wives, were often a problem. The men's dedication to church affairs left wives alone much of the time in those days. Jemima loved the gospel but was very shy at taking part in public affairs. Her first and last concern was always John and the children. After Jemima's health began failing, she went to live with her children. She lived for a time with her son, Benjamin, at Echo, and also Lyon. As her health continued to fail, she went to live with her youngest daughter, Elizabeth (Bessie} Hardy, in Morgan, Utah. Jemima helped raise a grandson, Joseph Toone, son of Felix, whose wife died at Echo, Utah, when the boy was born. Jemima lived 14 years after John's death, and died the 3 January 1907, age 79. She was buried in Croydon, by the side of her husband, John, in the beautiful litHe valley where they helped build a setHement. • WHEN WE GET TO THE END OF THE WAY Written by SARAH AUGUSTA TOONE for the old folks Our lives are a wearisome journey We are sick with the dust and the heat The rays of the sun beat upon us The briars are wounding our feet. But the city to which we are journeying Then the toil of the road wiII be nothing When we get to the end of the way. There are so many hills to climb upward Oftirnes we are longing for rest. But the Father who appointed our pathway Knows just what is ·needful and best. We know in his word he has promised Our strength shall be as our day. And the toil of the road will be nothing When we get to the end of the way. He loves us too well to forsake us Or give us one trial too much. Tho this people have been persecuted But satan can never claim much. By and by we shall see Him and hear Him, In the city of Enoch day. Then the toil of the road will be nothing When we get to the end of the way. When the last feeble step has been taken And the gates of the city appear And the beautiful songs of the angels Float out on our listing ear. And all that now seems so mysterious Will be plain and as clear as the day. Then the toil of the road will be nothing, When we get to the end of the way. Cooling fountains will be there for the thirsty. There are cordials for those who are faint. There are robes that are purer and whiter Than ever the facy can paint. Then we' ll strive to press hopefully onward Thinking oft through each weary day. And the toil of the road will be nothing When we get to the end of the way. ® • • • I John Toone and His Wives Emma Prosser, Hannah Wardell, & Jemima Cook Great Britain was the mother of many great nations. The greatest of these was our beloved United States of America. To her we owe much of our greatness as a country. In all classes of society, whether living in a mansion or forced to live in poverty, the English people used all their powers to live exemplary lives, and taught their children the principles of common morality and obligations with regards to society. John Toone, our great grandfather, was born to John and Elizabeth Reading Toone the 10th of April 1813, at Birmingham, Warwicks, England. Being the eldest of fourteen children John had many advantages. He and his four brothers were all given a good education, as their father was a prominent builder and contractor in Leamington, England. It was important to him that his sons learn the trades of plumber, plasterer, builder, painter and carpenter. Some of the special things John studied were law, medicine and music. He had a strong thirst for knowledge, reading and studying many books. He was a talented musician and played his cello in the Royal Orchestra of Queen Victoria, as well as at the old Salt Lake Theatre and Social Hall. Old time dances at Croydon, Henefer and Echo often heard the lively strains of John's fiddle. John was about twenty-two years of age when he met and fell in love with a lovely and refined young lady whose name was Emma Prosser. She was born April 26, 1819, at Herefordshire, England, the third child of James and Mary Ann Morgan Prosser, who had nine children, six girls and three boys. Emma was tall and slender with brown hair and sparkling brown eyes, along with a lovely smile. She was reared in a comfortable home with nice clothes and pleasant surroundings. She grew up happy and secure. She had a good education and special training in dressmaking and fancy sewing, which came in very handy in her pioneer years. John was a tall handsome fellow, well over six feet, with an abundance of curly hair and smiling blue eyes. When he was twenty-three years old, and Emma but seventeen, they were married in the Leamington Chapel on the 121h of June 1836. They made their home in Leamington, where six of their eight children were born and two were buried. There had been Mormon missionaries in Leamington a number of times, but they were not successful in making converts in that part of England. In 1848, Brother Alfred Cordon, who had been converted years before was sent on a mission to England. While in Leamington and Warwick he preached the gospel where Emma had relatives, and they were converted and baptized. The following is taken from Brother Cordon's Journal and given to Sister Dora Toone Brough, by his great-great granddaughter, June Cordon Garfield: On April 3, 1849, he baptized Mr. John Toone of Leamington, who afterwards became an efficient elder. In conference, held April 15, 1849, he was visited by Elder Levi Richards, who had a commission to travel in any part of England he so desired. On • • • April 19, 1849, John Toone and William Chiveral were ordained Elders. John was later appointed to preside over the branch. Emma was also baptized in 1849, along with other members of the Prosser family. When Elder Cordon was released from his mission to return home, the Saints of the Warwick Conference presented him with contribution to help pay his expenses. Elder John Toone, representing the conference, wrote: "When at last we reflect upon the lonely situation in which you found us, and the wonderful things that have transpired in this, so short a time, we with reluctance say, 'Go home, dear Brother Alfred, to the bosom of thy family,' but this event will cause the breaking fourth of many a tear. When we reflect upon your past labors, your diligence and faithfulness to build up Zion, by aiding her with converts from the land of our nativity, we will unite to bless you in the name of Israel's God. We testify to all around that we have found the Church and Kingdom of the Living God." These quotations are from the Journal of Alfred Cordon. In 1850, John and Emma were anxious to come to Utah and join the Saints. They began planning for their future in a new land. At this time they were expecting their sixth child. Little Ann was born the 23rd of November 1850. They loved the precious gospel, were humble and faithful and more than happy to make the sacrifices necessary to leave. In early winter, February 1, 1851, the little family set sail for America, Mary Elizabeth, age 12; William Henry, age 10; Charles Jabez, age 8 and baby Ann. Soon after sailing Ann was taken ill and died on the 16th orFebruary, only 2 months 21 days old. The tiny girl was buried at sea. Can we mothers realize the anguish of Emma when she had to wrap her darling baby in a blanket and see her cast into the ocean? In those days it took from six weeks to two months to make the voyage by sailing vessel, the only way to travel, and if passengers died during the voyage they were buried at sea. Emma and John were on their way to a new land, to make a home in the west, leaving Emma Georgenia and Hezekiah Prosser buried in their native land and baby Ann at sea. The voyage was long and tiresome, with much sickness and hardship. They finally arrived in the USA in March of 1851, and made preparation to cross the plains. They left Pottawattomie June 7, 1851, in Captain Thomas Howell's Company. They spent some time at a place called Little Pigeon, Indiana, getting wagons and oxen ready. There were 10 families, 79 souls, 12 wagons, 77 oxen, horses, sheep and calves. They left there June 7, 1852,just one year later. This company sent a letter on ahead to the presiding council in Salt Lake, dated August 41\ Upper Ferry of the Platte River, signed by Captain Howell, John Toone clerk. The letter stated they were on their way and hoping they would have food enough to carry them through. They arrived in the Salt Lake Valley the 2?1h of September 1852, with their remaining three children. Soon after arriving in Salt Lake they bought a homestead about "D" Street and 3rd A venue, and built a nice four-room adobe house, where Emma kept busy sewing and taking care of her family. After John brought his first wife, Emma, and children to Utah in 1852, he crossed the plains five times helping emigrants to Utah. A family story is told of one trip crossing the plains. A large band of Indians came upon them; the Saints were terrified because they did not know what to expect. John walked up to them, greeted them, picked • • • up his viola and played softly, and started singing in his beautiful high tenor voice, "Come Tell Me Redman Where You Live and Why You Roam." It is understood this song was in one of the very first Latter-day Saint hymnbooks. After John finished playing, the Indians turned their horses and quietly rode away. The next morning bright and early the Indians were back again insisting that John sing and play his viola again. So you see, the Indians also loved music. Emma did beautiful fancy work for many noted women of Utah, and made burial clothing when needed. How happy Emma was when she could sit in the theatre in her black or brown, lace trimmed dress and see her John in the orchestra, playing the cello, or other times the viola, during the performance of a Shakespearean play or home dramatics. On the 19th of February 1854, another son was born to Emma and John. They named him John Prosser. He was a strong, fine baby. He was their J1h child. This same year John was called to go back to England on a mission. (He left May 8, 1854, leaving his wife and children one yoke of oxen and one cow, and arrived in Liverpool, England, August 19, 1854.) This gave him a chance to preach the gospel to his family in Leamington. They were very nice to him and told him they loved him, but were not interested in his new Mormon religion. Emma was lonesome, but kept busy. She worked in the Primary, holding the position of President for twenty years. Little did she know that she would be sharing her John with two other wives soon after his return from his mission. While on his mission he converted a very nice young English school teacher by the name of Hannah Wardle (or Wardell), born 2nd of April 1821, at Hookly Heath, Warwickshire, England. She became his second wife on the 1st of February 1857. She crossed the plains in the Martin Handcart Company at age 3 5. While returning from his mission in 1856, in Apostle Richards' Company, John met Jemima Cook. Jemima was the daughter of Richard Cook and Elizabeth Johns. To our knowledge she was the only one of her family to join the church. Her early childhood was one of nine children, 5 boys and 4 girls, Jemima being the youngest daughter. The children were all born at Stoke Damerel, Devonshire, except Jemima. She crossed the plains in the Martin Handcart Company at age 28. President Brigham Young upon hearing of the suffering and distress of the Martin and Willie Handcart Companies and others who were stranded in Wyoming because of snow, sent men and provisions to help them. John was one of the many men sent to help rescue the Saints. At a place called Devil's Gate, in Wyoming, he again met Jemima. She became his third wife on the 22nd of February 1857. The Martin Handcart Company arrived in Salt Lake City, November 1, 1856. Jemima, like Emma, was also a beautiful seamstress. She made many suits for the army officers at Fort Douglas, also for President Young and other church leaders. When Johnson's army came to Utah in 1857, it caused much unrest. John and his family stayed in Salt Lake until the early part of 1858. Here Jemima gave birth to their first child, Lyon Lemuel, born March 6, 1858, in Salt Lake. Emma and Hannah, John's other two wives were both expecting babies. There was a move south, so John and his three wives moved to Payson, Utah. On March 19, 1858, at Payson, Emma gave birth to another son, Benjamin Prosser, her eighth child. It was a terrible hardship for all concerned. Living conditions were very poor, with practically no conveniences. • • • His second wife, Hannah, gave birth to premature twin babies. She and both babies died July 20, 1858. Three days later on July 23rd, Emma's tiny son Benjamin died. He along with Hannah and her twins were buried at Payson, Utah. Years later members of the family went to Payson and tried to find the graves so markers could be installed, but there were so many others the graves were never identified. After the army trouble was over the family moved back to Salt Lake. They were very happy to get back to their own homes. The following year Jemima gave birth to another son, Felix Pico, born the 25th of August 1859, in Salt Lake. John and Jemima had seven children, four sons and three daughters, all born in Salt Lake, except Emma Jemima, their 5th child who was born at Croydon, Utah, on the 15th of November 1865. She was given the name of John's two wives. The other sons were Richard Cook born 28th of February 1862 and George Benjamin born 24th January 1864. The two youngest girls were born in Salt Lake. Caroline Cook born the 16th ofNovember 1867 and Elizabeth (Bessie) born the 20th May 1871. In 1863, John Prosser, Emma's youngest son, who was almost ten years old, his two brothers, William Henry, 21 and Charles Jabez, 19, and their father were sent to Lost Creek (later named Croydon) by President Brigham Young to help build up the town. In October of 1865, Lost Creek was first organized into a branch of the church. In 1865, William Henry married Hannah Webb and Charles Jabez married Sarah Augusta Squires. They both made their homes in Croydon. John Prosser, who was almost ten years old, remained in Salt Lake with his mother, Emma. As most boys, he was very unhappy, because he felt he was big enough to go along with his big brothers and father As John traveled back and forth between Salt Lake and Croydon, he continued to serve church affairs and families. Emma and Jemima were alone much of the time. It wasn't until 1871 that John and Jemima, with their youngest child, Elizabeth who was but six months old at the time, moved to Croydon to make it a permanent home. Emma chose to remain in her comfortable home in the Salt Lake 20th Ward area, where she had served in the Primary for so many years and had many friends. Her daughter, Elizabeth, had married John Lyon in April of 1857 and lived close by her. Emma was lonesome at times, but always enjoyed the company of her grandchildren who stayed with her often. While living in Croydon with Jemima and children, John traveled back and forth whenever possible. His love for Emma and the theatre were still dear to his heart. In Croydon he was always happy when teaching music, especially the children. He led the choir, supplied music for dances and other functions. He was the schoolmaster, the music teacher, doctor, and lawyer in the town for many years. He also served as clerk for the small branch that was organized in the year 1863. In her later life, Emma had several illnesses and was obligated to give up Primary and sewing for others. For several weeks she was very ill and her family took turns sitting by her bedside. She passed away in Salt Lake City on April 7, 1889, age 70 years, with her son Charles, sitting by her side. She had many trials and heartaches, but she loved the precious gospel and was humble and faithful to the end. She was buried in the Salt Lake City Cemetery . . ' • • • John was tall, with an abundance of curly white hair and long white beard, a description given by many of his grandchildren. He carried a walking stick, and a dog was always at his heels. He always had such exciting stories to tell about people, places and things. He would teach the children songs and music, and he sang with them as they listened to him play his fiddle, as he often call it. He was the father of seventeen children, 91 grandchildren, numerous great-grandchildren and countless great-great grandchildren. He died just four years after Emma's passing, on August 31, 1893, at the age of 80 years. He was buried in Croydon, Morgan, Utah. Jemima was age 65 at the time of John's death. When her health began failing, she went to live with her youngest daughter, Elizabeth (Bessie) Hardy in Morgan, Utah. Jemima lived 14 years after John's death, and died the 3rd of January 1907, age 79. She was buried by the side of her husband, John, in the beautiful little valley where they helped build a settlement. The life of a polygamist wife was anything but smooth sailing. Many jealousies and bad feelings, among children and wives, were often a problem. The men' s dedication to church affairs left wives alone much of the time in those days. Information taken from histories compiled and written by Teresa Dawson Olson in 1974 and 1980, a great granddaughter of John and Jemima Cook Toone. Previously printed in "Life Stories" of the Posterity of John Toone and his three wives, Emma Prosser, Hannah Wardell, and Jemima Cook. Records are in conflict (see below) Records indicate John had finished his mission and was returning home from England, as his name is on the passenger list for the ship Horizon that left Liverpool, England, and landed in Boston. Hannah Wardell and Jemima Cook's names were on this list, also. In the book Handcarts to Zion, the names of John Toone, Hannah Wardell, and Jemima Cook are listed as members of the Fifth, or Martin Handcart Company. It was thought that John Toone returned to Utah with Franklin D. Richards, but a letter listing the men who accompanied Richards when he arrived in Salt Lake did not list John Toone. He was listed as being with the Martin Handcart Company. Family histories indicate, however, that he was one of the men sent to rescue the handcart companies that were stranded . • • JV\ HISTORY OF JEMINA COOK TOONE Pioneer of 1856 Written by her Daughter Elizabeth Toone Hardy Born in Devonshire England in 1826, little did she know the hardships she would pass through and the many prominent people she would meet and serve through her profession as a Tailor. When she first heard about the Gospel, she became interested. Her family was very much opposed to her listening to it's teachings or attending their meetings, but she would steal away after they thought her in bed and she would come back to her room unheard or unobserved. She worked for a Tailor and kept a little of her earnings until such time as she would be ready to come to Utah. When the time came and she was ready to leave she withdrew her savings and her months wages, gathered her belongings then informed her family of her intentions. Her father went to the tailor who had employed her, and told him not to pay her the wages due her, but she had already drawn them and they were in her possession. At Winter Quarters she met a man by the name of Murdock. He fell in love with her. He gave her a wallet containing 5,000 and told her his business was such that he could give her anything that she desired if she would marry him and remain in Iowa. She told him she would not marry him or remain there unless he would join the Mormon Church . At a place called Devil ' s Gate in Nebraska, John Toone asked her one night if she intended to cross the river the next morning. She told him she did. The river was very deep, so she sat down to take off her shoes to wade it, but instead Mr. Toone picked her up and carried her across the river in safety. He also pushed her handcart across the plains. This was the beginning of their courtship During the trip across the plains, the weather was very cold at times. When they would go to bed at night, they would awake and find two or three feet of snow over them in the morning. Some of the pioneers were so exhausted. I have heard mother tell that some of them would ask to die, as they felt that they could not go any farther. Some of them did pass away and were buried in the deep snow, as the ground was frozen so hard they could not dig any graves. After arriving in Salt Lake, because of her tailoring skills, she was asked to make many suits for Pres. Brigham Young and many other church leaders. At one time, Brigham Young asked her to make a pair of pants and a coat for a speaker who was going to appear in the Opera House. She told him she would do it for a pound of tea and Ten Dollars. Pres. Young thought it was too high, but they needed them very badly, so she got her tea and the $10.00 and the suit was made. She often made costumes for the players at the Salt Lake Theatre, sometimes she made whole outfits. • They were called to settle in Morgan County and they named their settlement, Croydon, after a town in England She died at the age of 80 and was buried at Croydon, Utah. ,,