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BYU-Idaho Special Collections & Archives

Collection Name Tullidge's Quarterly Magazine, of Utah, her founders, her enterprizes, and her civilization, vol 3
Collection Description Tullidge's Quarterly Magazine, of Utah, her founders, her enterprizes, and her civilization, vol 3
Collection Number N/A
Collection Page 1-25, 121-137, 302-311
Source Link Brigham Young University - Idaho
Introduction Wilford Woodruff's address to Seventies given February 15, 1853, as recorded by Wilford in his journal entry for the day, Wilford Woodruff, Journal, January 1847-December 1853, Church History Library, Salt Lake City.
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Transcript View Full Transcript

People

Browse people Wilford Woodruff mentioned in this document.

Name
Count
14 mentions
Scriptural Figure
8 mentions
Scriptural Figure
28 mentions
Scriptural Figure
8 mentions
Scriptural Figure
76 mentions
Scriptural Figure
209 mentions
Scriptural Figure
33 mentions
Scriptural Figure
158 mentions
Scriptural Figure
8 mentions
Scriptural Figure

Robert Aitken
22 Jan 1800 - 11 Jul 1873
James Albon
1 May 1793 - 21 Sep 1870
Mary Ann Eacock Albon
11 Oct 1793 - 4 Feb 1880
Susanna Elizabeth Albon Ware
14 Mar 1820 - 10 Oct 1885
Randolph Alexander
22 Mar 1802 - 12 Mar 1879
56 mentions
1835 Southern Convert
Betsey Hudson Ames
10 Dec 1793 - 23 Nov 1882
Ebenezer Ames
abt. 1775-bef. 1850
15 mentions
Host, Maine Mission
Hezekiah Ames
1790-1858
7 mentions
Maine Mission
Justus Ames
14 Oct 1789 - 5 Jun 1861
61 mentions
Maine Mission
3 mentions
10 mentions
6 mentions
1 mention
Host
Jane Homes Benbow
12 Jan 1792 - 27 Nov 1846
55 mentions
1840 British Convert
John Benbow
1 Apr 1800 - 12 May 1874
172 mentions
1840 British Convert, United Brethren
Thomas Bishop
1816-aft. 1841
6 mentions
1840 British Convert
James Blakesly
18 Jul 1802 - 18 Dec 1866
Lilburn Williams Boggs
14 Dec 1796 - 14 Mar 1860
Benjamin Boydston
13 Sep 1776 - 1 Apr 1851
40 mentions
1835 Southern Convert
Lindsey Anderson Brady
11 Jun 1811 - 26 Jun 1885
17 mentions
1835 Southern Convert
George Brooks
4 Jun 1798 - 17 Feb 1875
15 mentions
1840 British Convert, United Brethren
Daniel Browett
18 Dec 1809 - 27 Jun 1848
65 mentions
1840 British Convert, United Brethren
Charles Brown
abt. 1805-1839
37 mentions
Family, Maine Mission
Henry Brown
7 Mar 1808 - 24 Apr 1852
3 mentions
John Matthias Burk
4 Feb 1793 - 8 Jun 1853
2 mentions
John Camp
abt. 1804-bef. 1876
35 mentions
1835 Southern Convert
George Cannon
3 Dec 1794 - 19 Aug 1844
George Quayle Cannon
11 Jan 1827 - 12 Apr 1901
2243 mentions
Apostle
Ezra Carter (Jr.)
29 Apr 1804 - 11 May 1887
177 mentions
Family
Ezra Carter, b. 1773
18 Mar 1773 - 10 Mar 1868
288 mentions
Family
Ilus Fabyan Carter
8 Nov 1816 - 11 Dec 1888
409 mentions
Family
Joseph Fabyan Carter
11 Dec 1798 - 30 Sep 1873
56 mentions
Family
Abigail Waterman Carver
abt. 1770-abt. 1840
6 mentions
Maine Mission
Ebenezer Waterman Carver
1 Dec 1804 - 8 Jan 1896
37 mentions
Maine Mission
Darwin Chase
25 Feb 1816 - 4 Feb 1863
Benjamin Lynn Clapp
19 Aug 1814 - 21 Oct 1865
141 mentions
1835 Southern Convert
Lewis Clapp
aft. 1759-aft. 1835
23 mentions
1835 Southern Convert
Hiram Clark, b. 1795
22 Sep 1795 - 28 Dec 1853
John William Clark
12 Jan 1826 - 4 Jun 1905
10 mentions
1840 British Convert
William Oglesby Clark
25 Jun 1817 - 7 Nov 1912
William Clayton
17 Jul 1814 - 4 Dec 1879
John Cleveland
21 May 1790 - 24 Nov 1860
Benjamin Coombs
27 Jun 1789 - 10 Jun 1851
18 mentions
Maine Mission
Desire Harding Coombs
30 Jan 1805 - 16 Nov 1895
4 mentions
Maine Mission
Jesse Coombs, b. 1805
20 Jan 1805 - 22 Mar 1876
7 mentions
Maine Mission
William Copeland
abt. 1802 - unk.
Alfred Cordon
28 Feb 1817 - 13 Mar 1871
Oliver Cowdery
3 Oct 1806 - 3 Mar 1850
130 mentions
Apostle
David Crider
28 Mar 1804 - 25 Sep 1877
18 mentions
1835 Southern Convert
Isaac Crockett
aft. 1790-bef. 1851
14 mentions
Host, Maine Mission
Alpheus Cutler
29 Feb 1784 - 10 Jun 1864
William Stuart Douglass
12 Dec 1799 - 16 Jun 1882
54 mentions
Maine Mission
William Draper
24 Apr 1807 - 28 May 1886
Daniel Dunklin
14 Jan 1790 - 25 Jul 1844
Melana Ames Dyer
22 Jul 1816 - 8 Jul 1901
9 mentions
Maine Mission
Horace Sunderlin Eldredge
6 Feb 1816 - 6 Sep 1888
Joseph Fielding
26 Mar 1797 - 19 Dec 1863
6 mentions
Elijah Fordham
12 Apr 1798 - 9 Sep 1879
Lucian R. Foster
12 Nov 1806 - 19 Mar 1876
6 mentions
1840 British Convert
Amasa Frisbie
1770-1821
11 mentions
Family
Elizabeth Woodruff Frisbie
27 Sep 1775 - 9 Feb 1806
16 mentions
Family
Joseph Fry
1769-1843
53 mentions
1835 Southern Convert
Obedience Woodruff Fuller
12 Feb 1755 - 7 Mar 1815
7 mentions
Family
Michel Giraud
1800-bef. 1888
Robert Gomery
1814-aft. 1840
6 mentions
1840 British Convert
John E. Goodson
abt. 1808-abt. 1892
Elizabeth Greenwood
abt. 1742-aft. 1834
Jonathan Harriman Hale
1 Feb 1800 - 4 Sep 1846
151 mentions
Missionary
Olive Boynton Hale
30 Jul 1805 - 8 Sep 1846
7 mentions
Host
Adna Thompson Hart
abt. 1797-1839
49 mentions
Family
Beulah Hart
bef. 1784-aft.1843
22 mentions
Family
13 mentions
William Hender
abt. 1770.-1861
John Hill
1802-bef. 1883
23 mentions
United Brethren
3 mentions
Jonathan Harriman Holmes
11 Mar 1806 - 18 Aug 1880
Milton Holmes
16 Jan 1811 - 30 Apr 1881
218 mentions
Maine Mission
Nathaniel Holmes
15 Aug 1775 - 20 Feb 1849
8 mentions
5 mentions
9 mentions
Historical Figure
Jonathan Hubble
abt. 1786-aft. 1845
17 mentions
Thomas Corey Hume
abt. 1809–unk.
Heman Tilton Hyde
18 Jun 1812 - 26 May 1842
Orson Hyde
8 Jan 1805 - 28 Nov 1878
693 mentions
Apostle
Seth Warren Ingalls
aft. 1790- abt. 1834
Josiah Jackson
abt. 1785-bef. 1838
Sarah Jackson
from 1790-1800-before May 1845
25 mentions
1840 British Convert, United Brethren
William Kay
11 Apr 1810 - 25 Mar 1875
David Wells Kilbourne
12 Apr 1803 - 26 Apr 1876
Heber Chase Kimball
14 Jun 1801 - 22 Jun 1868
1455 mentions
Apostle
Sarah Melissa Granger Kimball
29 Dec 1818 - 1 Dec 1898
Vilate Murray Kimball
1 Jun 1806 - 22 Oct 1867
Thomas Kington
18 May 1794 - 1 Jul 1874
182 mentions
1840 British Convert, United Brethren
Samuel Kirkham
abt. 1797-1843
4 mentions
Historical Figure
48 mentions
1835 Southern Convert
Isaac Laney
1814–1873
3 mentions
Host
Stephen Markham
9 Feb 1800 - 10 Mar 1878
102 mentions
Apostle
Robert Mason
1 Aug 1748 - 5 Feb 1835
3 mentions
Host
Alexander McLeod
abt. 1796-1871
7 mentions
Historical Figure
4 mentions
Host
3 mentions
Host
George Miller
1794- abt. 1856
Benjamin Morgan
abt. August 1845
Elizabeth George Morgan
18 Nov 1787 - 28 Oct 1841
James George Morgan
1820-aft. 1844
16 mentions
1840 British Convert, United Brethren
Jesse Tilton Moses, b. 1848
9 May 1848 - 26 Feb 1928
119 mentions
Family
Julian Moses
11 Apr 1810 - 12 Apr 1892
John Murdock
15 Jul 1792 - 23 Dec 1871
John Needham
abt. 1819 - 1901
Gideon J. Newton
28 Jul 1787 - 17 Feb 1859
45 mentions
Maine Mission
Joseph Bates Noble
14 Jan 1810 - 17 Aug 1900
Edward Ockey
27 Feb 1816 - 14 Aug 1871
John Edward Page
25 Feb 1799 - 14 Oct 1867
123 mentions
Apostle
6 mentions
4 mentions
Warren Farr Parrish
10 Jan 1803 - 3 Jan 1877
186 mentions
Apostle
Edward Partridge
27 Aug 1793 - 27 May 1840
David Wyman Patten
14 Nov 1799 - 25 Oct 1838
140 mentions
Apostle
Hezekiah Peck
19 Jan 1782 - 25 Aug 1850
Martha Long Peck
1788–1858
Ute Perkins
15 Jul 1761 - 11 Mar 1844
Albert Petty
10 Aug 1795 - 19 Jun 1869
77 mentions
1835 Southern Convert
Edward Phillips
2 Apr 1813 - 1 Dec 1896
15 mentions
1840 British Convert, United Brethren
Mary Pitt
1806–aft. 1844
16 mentions
1840 British Convert
William Hill Pitt
16 Aug 1813 - 23 Feb 1873
66 mentions
1840 British Convert, United Brethren
Ann Ockey Powell
19 Apr 1818 - 13 Sep 1844
Orson Pratt
19 Sep 1811 - 3 Oct 1881
1083 mentions
Apostle
Parley Parker Pratt
12 Apr 1807 - 13 May 1857
547 mentions
Apostle
Zerah Pulsipher
24 Jun 1788 - 1 Jan 1872
John Pye
abt. 1792 - 1851
Willard Richards
24 Jun 1804 - 11 Mar 1854
540 mentions
Apostle
Sidney Rigdon
19 Feb 1793 - 14 Jul 1876
Mary Ann Peck Robison
abt. 1817–abt. 1864
Albert Perry Rockwood
9 Jun 1805 - 26 Nov 1879
3 mentions
Host
3 mentions
Shadrach Roundy
11 Jan 0789 - 4 Jul 1872
William Rowley
31 Oct 1784 - 15 Feb 1849
10 mentions
1840 British Convert
Isaac Russell
1807- aft. 1842
Don Carlos Smith, b. 1816
25 Mar 1816 - 7 Aug 1841
Elias Smith, b. 1804
6 Sep 1804 - 24 Jun 1888
George Albert Smith
26 Jun 1817 - 1 Sep 1875
1431 mentions
Apostle, Missionary
Hyrum Smith
9 Feb 1800 - 27 Jun 1844
422 mentions
Apostle
3 mentions
Joseph Smith (Jr.)
23 Dec 1805 - 27 Jun 1844
Joseph Smith (Sr.)
12 Jul 1771 - 14 Sep 1840
William Smith, b. abt 1780
abt. 1780-aft. 1847
7 mentions
1840 British Convert
Abraham Owen Smoot
17 Feb 1815 - 6 Mar 1895
583 mentions
1835 Southern Convert
John Snider
11 Feb 1800 - 19 Dec 1875
Lorenzo Snow
3 Apr 1814 - 10 Oct 1901
693 mentions
Apostle, Family
Joanna Southcott
25 Apr 1750 - 27 Dec 1814
9 mentions
Historical Figure
John Spiers
19 Feb 1822 - 12 Nov 1895
18 mentions
1840 British Convert, United Brethren
Cyrus Starrett
21 Feb 1802 - 31 Dec 1879
31 mentions
Host, Maine Mission
Mary Cooper Stimson Carver
6 Oct 1801 - 19 Jan 1866
8 mentions
Maine Mission
Thomas Tapley
15 Mar 1794 - 20 Dec 1889
8 mentions
Maine Mission
John Taylor, b. 1808
1 Nov 1808 - 25 Jul 1887
1946 mentions
Apostle
Leonora Cannon Taylor
6 Oct 1796 - 9 Dec 1868
Levi Taylor
13 Feb 1802 - 5 Apr 1884
86 mentions
1835 Southern Convert
Clara Newel Thomas
1833–1838
7 mentions
Maine Mission
Daniel Stillwell Thomas
15 Mar 1803 - 27 Jun 1878
59 mentions
1835 Southern Convert
Henry Thomas (Jr.)
abt. 1797-1880
35 mentions
1835 Southern Convert
Henry Thomas, b. 1758
17 Feb 1758 - 6 Jan 1838
13 mentions
1835 Southern Convert
Nathaniel Thomas
abt. 1803-1844
73 mentions
Maine Mission
Mercy Thompson Andrus
23 Jan 1739 - 6 Sep 1822
10 mentions
Family
16 mentions
Family
James Foss Townsend
20 Feb 1808 - 2 Apr 1886
7 mentions
Maine Mission
Frances Kimberley Turley
22 Jun 1800 - 30 Aug 1847
Theodore Turley
10 Apr 1801 - 12 Aug 1871
John Turner
13 Mar 1810 - 12 Jan 1887
4 mentions
Maine Mission
Jesse Turpin
1816-1854
44 mentions
1835 Southern Convert
Seth Utley
7 Oct 1789 - 15 Aug 1866
67 mentions
1835 Southern Convert
George Washington
22 Feb 1732 - 14 Dec 1799
48 mentions
Historical Figure, Eminent Men and Woman
Dwight Webster
13 Apr 1814 - 19 Aug 1868
134 mentions
Family
Eunice Hart Woodruff Webster
19 Jun 1821 - 14 Jun 1853
272 mentions
Family
Samuel Walker West
30 Mar 1804 - 22 Feb 1873
58 mentions
1835 Southern Convert
44 mentions
Family
Lyman Wight
9 May 1796 - 31 Mar 1858
197 mentions
Apostle
14 mentions
Host
Robert Williams
1787–1852
Aphek Woodruff, b. 1779
11 Nov 1779 - 28 May 1861
577 mentions
Family
Appleton Woodruff
24 Mar 1736 - 13 Apr 1807
10 mentions
Family
Asahel Hart Woodruff, b. 1814
11 Apr 1814 - 18 Oct 1838
209 mentions
Family
Azmon Woodruff, b. 1802
29 Nov 1802 - 14 Jan 1889
362 mentions
Family
Azubah Hart Woodruff
31 Jul 1792 - 21 Mar 1851
266 mentions
Family
Bulah Thompson Woodruff
22 Apr 1783 - 11 Jun 1808
76 mentions
Family
Dinah Woodford Woodruff
1 Mar 1754 - 12 Jun 1825
23 mentions
Family
39 mentions
Family
Eldad Woodruff, b. 1773
14 Sep 1773 - 3 Aug 1827
17 mentions
Family
Franklin Woodruff
11 Mar 1815 - 1 Jun 1816
12 mentions
Family
Hannah Day Hart Woodruff
20 Mar 1799 - 26 Dec 1887
62 mentions
Family
John Woodruff
15 Oct 1818 - 17 Sep 1886
25 mentions
Family
Joseph Woodruff, b. 1752
10 Feb 1752 - 31 Jul 1811
7 mentions
Family
Josiah Woodruff, b. 1706
18 Aug 1706 - 8 May 1789
25 mentions
Family
9 mentions
Family
12 mentions
Family
Louisa Alling Woodruff
11 Jun 1785 - 15 Mar 1873
11 mentions
Family
Nancy Case Woodruff
24 Jul 1783 - 17 Apr 1839
9 mentions
Family
Ozem Thompson Woodruff
22 Dec 1804 - 28 Dec 1893
219 mentions
Family
Ozem Woodruff, b. 1787
3 Nov 1787 - 18 Feb 1871
159 mentions
Family
Phebe Whittemore Carter Woodruff
8 Mar 1807 - 10 Nov 1885
1580 mentions
Family
Phebe Woodruff, b. 1758
9 Apr 1758 - 27 Jul 1830
7 mentions
Family
Philo Woodruff
29 Nov 1811 - 25 Nov 1827
21 mentions
Family
Samuel G. Woodruff
3 Dec 1777 - 15 Dec 1869
18 mentions
Family
Sarah Emma Woodruff
14 Jul 1838 - 17 Jul 1840
164 mentions
Family
Sarah Woodford Woodruff
4 Jun 1714 - 28 Nov 1790
19 mentions
Family
Titus Woodruff
30 Apr 1782 - 30 May 1864
38 mentions
Family
Wilford Woodruff (Jr.)
22 Mar 1840 - 9 May 1921
716 mentions
Family
Christopher Wren
20 Oct 1632 - 25 Feb 1723
8 mentions
Historical Figure
Brigham Young
1 Jun 1801 - 29 Aug 1877
3427 mentions
Apostle, Family
Joseph Young
7 Apr 1797 - 16 Jul 1881
Mary Ann Angell Young
8 Jun 1803 - 27 Jun 1882

Places

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Topics

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Quotes

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At an early age my mind was exercised upon religious subjects, although I never made a profession until 1830. I did not then join any church, for the reason that I could not find any denomination whose doctrines, faith or practice, agreed with the gospel of Jesus Christ, or the ordin- ances and gifts which the Apostles taught. Although the ministers of the day taught that the faith, gifts, graces, miracles and ordinances, which the ancient saints en- joyed, were done away and no longer needed, I did not believe it to be true, only as they were done away through the unbelief of the children of men. I be- lieved the same gifts, graces, miracles and power would be manifest in one age of the world as in another, when God had a church upon the earth, and that the church of God would be re-estab- lished upon the earth, and that I should live to see it. These principles were riv- eted upon my mind from the perusal of the Old and New Testament, with fervent prayer that the Lord would show me what was right and wrong, and lead me in the path of salvation, without any regard to the opinions of man: and the whisperings of the Spirit of the Lord for the space of three years, taught me that he was about to set up his church and kingdom upon the earth in the last days.
~ Wilford Woodruff
In 1832, I was inspired to go to Rhode Island; my brother, Asahel, was also directed by the Spirit of God to go to the same place. When we met, we both told our impressions, and it caused us to marvel and wonder, what the Lord wanted of us in Rhode Island; but as we had made preparations to move to the west, we let outward circumstances con- trol us, and Jonah-like, instead of going to Rhode Island, we went to Richland, Oswego County, New York, and there remained until December 29th, 1833, when I heard Elders Zerah Pulsipher and Elijah Cheeny preach. My brother Az- mon and I believed their testimony, en- tertained the elders, and offered ourselves for baptism the first sermon we heard. We read the Book of Mormon, and I re- ceived a testimony that it was true.
~ Wilford Woodruff
The first day of May, 1834, was ap- pointed for the Camp of Zion to start from Kirtland to go up to Missouri for the redemption of their brethren. Only a small portion of the Camp was ready. The Prophet told those who were ready, to go to New Portage and wait for the remainder. I left, in company with about twenty men, with the baggage wagons. At night we pitched our tents. I went to the top of the hill and looked down upon the Camp of Israel. I knelt upon the ground and prayed. I rejoiced and praised the Lord that I had lived to see some of the tents of Israel pitched, and a company gathered by the command- ment of God to go up and help redeem Zion.
~ Wilford Woodruff

The published history of Zion's Camp gives an account of the bones of a man we dug out of a mound. His name was Zelph. The Lord showed the Prophet the history of the man in a vision. The arrow by which he was killed was found among his bones. One of his thigh bones was broken by a stone slung in battle. The bone was put into my wagon, and I carried it to Clay County, Missouri, and buried it in the earth.
~ Wilford Woodruff
The Lord delivered Zion's Camp from their enemies on the 19th of June, 1834, by piling up the waters in Fishing River forty feet in one night, so our enemies could not cross. He also sent a great hail-storm, which broke them up and sent them seeking for shelter.
~ Wilford Woodruff
The Camp of Zion arrived at Brother Burk's, in Clay County, Missouri, on the 24th of June, 1834, and we pitched our tents on the premises. He told some of the brethren of my company that he had a spare room that some of us might occupy if we would clean it. Our com- pany accepted the offer, and, fearing that some other company would get it first, left all other business and went to work, cleaning out the room, and imme- diately spread down our blankets, so as to hold a right to the room. It was but a short time afterwards that our brethren, who were attacked by cholera, were brought in and laid upon our beds. None of us ever used those blankets again, for they were buried with the dead. So we gained nothing but experi- ence by being selfish, and we lost our bedding.
~ Wilford Woodruff
I was but a Teacher, and it is not a Teacher's office to go abroad and preach. I dared not tell any of the authorities of the Church that I wanted to preach, lest they might think I was seeking for an office. I went to the woods where no one could see me, and I prayed to the Lord to open my way so that I could go and preach the gospel. While I was praying, the Spirit of the Lord came upon me, and told me my prayer was heard and that my request should be granted. I felt very happy, and got up and walked out of the woods into the trav- eled road, and there I met a high priest who had lived in the same house with me some six months. He had not said a word to me about preaching the gospel; but now, as soon as I had met him, he said, "the Lord has revealed to me that it is your privi- lege to be ordained, and to go and preach the gospel." I told him I was willing to do what- ever the Lord required of me. I did tell him I had just asked the Lord to let me go and preach.
~ Wilford Woodruff
In those days it was the custom of the Missourians to ask you to eat even if they intended to cut your throat as soon as you got through; so he asked us to take breakfast, and we were very glad of the invitation. He knew we were Mormons; and as soon as we began to eat he began to swear about the Mormons. He had a large platter of bacon and eggs, and plenty of bread on the table, and his swearing did not hinder our eating, for the harder he swore the harder we ate, until we got our stomachs full; then we arose from the table, took our hats, thanked him for our breakfast, and the last we heard of him he was still swear- ing. I trust the Lord will reward him for our breakfast. In the early days of the Church, it was a great treat to an Elder in his travels through the country to find a Mormon; it was so with us. We were hardly in Arkansas when we heard of a family named Akeman. They were in Jackson County in the persecutions. Some of the sons had been tied up there and whipped on their bare backs with hickory switches by the mob. We heard of their living on Petit Jean River, in the Ar- kansas Territory, and we went a long way to visit them. There had recently been heavy rains, and a creek that we had to cross was swollen to a rapid stream of eight rods in width. There was no person living nearer than two miles from the crossing, and no boat. The people living at the last house on the road, some three miles from the crossing, said we would have to tarry till the water fell before we could cross. We did not stop, feeling to trust in God. Just as we arrived at the rolling flood a negro, on a powerful horse, entered [Column 2] the stream on the opposite side and rode through it. On our making our wants known to him, he took us, one at a time, behind him and carried us safely over, and we went on our way rejoicing. We arrived that night within five miles of Mr. Akeman's, and were kindly entertained by a stranger. During the night I had the following dream: I thought an angel came to us, and told us we were commanded of the Lord to follow a certain straight path, which was pointed out to us, let it lead us wherever it might. After we had walked in it awhile we came to the door of a house, which was in the line of a high wall running north and south, so that we could not go around. I opened the door and saw the room was filled with large serpents, and I shuddered at the sight. My companion said he would not go into the room for fear of the serpents. I told him I should try to go through the room though they killed me, for the Lord had commanded it. As I stepped into the room the serpents coiled them- selves up, and raised their heads some two feet from the floor, to spring at me. There was one much larger than the rest in the centre of the room, which raised his head nearly as high as mine and made a spring at me. At that instant I felt as though nothing but the power of God could save me, and I stood still. Just before the serpent reached me he dropped dead at my feet; all the rest dropped dead, swelled up, turned black, burst open, took fire and were consumed before my eyes, and we went through the room unharmed, and thanked God for our deliverance. I awoke in the morning and pondered upon the dream. We took breakfast, and started on our journey on Sunday morning, to visit Mr. Akeman. I re- lated to my companion my dream, and told him we should see something strange. We had great anticipations of meeting Mr. Akeman, supposing him to be a member of the Church. When we ar- rived at his house he received us very coldly, and we soon found that he had apostatized. He brought railing accusa- tions against the Book of Mormon and the authorities of the Church. Word was sent through all the settle- ments on the river for twenty miles that two Mormon preachers were in the place.
~ Wilford Woodruff
A mob was soon raised, and warning sent to us to leave immediately or we would be tarred and feathered, ridden on a rail and hanged. I soon saw where the serpents were. My companion wanted to leave; I told him no, I would stay and see my dream fulfilled. There was an old gentleman and lady, named Hubbel, who had read the Book of Mormon and believed. Father Hub- bel came to see us, and invited us to make our home with him while we stayed in the place. We did so, and labored for him some three weeks with our axes, clearing land, while we were waiting to see the salvation of God. I was commanded of the Lord by the Holy Ghost to go and warn Mr. Ake- man to repent of his wickedness. I did so, and each time he railed against me, and the last time he ordered me out of his house. When I went out he followed me and was very angry. When he came up to me, about eight rods from the house, he fell dead at my feet, turned black and swelled up, as I saw the ser- pents do in my dream. His family, as well as ourselves, felt it was the judgment of God upon him. I preached his funeral sermon. Many of the mob died suddenly. We stayed about two weeks after Akeman's death and preached, baptized Mr. Hubbel and his wife, and then continued on our journey.
~ Wilford Woodruff
On the 24th of March, after traveling some ten miles through mud, I was taken lame with a sharp pain in my knee, I sat down on a log. My companion, who was anxious to get to his home in Kirtland, left me sit- ting in an alligator swamp. I did not see him again for two years. I knelt down in the mud and prayed, and the Lord healed me, and I went on my way rejoicing.
~ Wilford Woodruff
On the 27th of March, I arrived at Memphis, weary and hungry. I went to the best tavern in the place, kept by Mr. Josiah Jackson. I told him I was a stranger and had no money. I asked him if he would keep me over night. He inquired of me what my business was. I told him I was a preacher of the gospel. He laughed and said that I did not look much like a preacher. I did not blame him, as all the preachers he had ever been acquainted with rode on fine horses or in fine car-
~ Wilford Woodruff
On the 16th of November, I preached at Brother Camp's, and baptized three. On the day following, it being Sunday, I preached again at Brother Clapp's, and baptized five. At the close of the meet- ing I mounted my horse to ride to Clark's River, in company with Seth Utley, four other brethren and two sis- ters. The distance was twenty miles. We came to a stream, which was so swollen by rains, that we could not cross without swimming our horses. To swim would not be safe for the females, so we went up the stream to find a ford. In the attempt we were overtaken by a se- vere storm of wind and rain, and lost our way in the darkness, and wandered through creeks and mud. But the Lord does not forsake his Saints in any of their troubles. While we were in the woods suffering under the blast of the storm, groping like the blind for the wall, a bright light suddenly shone around us, and revealed to us our dan- gerous situation on the edge of a gulf. The light continued with us until we found the road; we then went on our way rejoicing, though the darkness re- turned and the rain continued.
~ Wilford Woodruff
A warrant was issued, on the oath of a priest, against D. W. Patten, W. Par- rish and myself. We were accused in the warrant of the great "crime" of testifying that Christ would come in this generation, and that we promised the Holy Ghost to those whom we baptized. Brothers Patten and Parrish were taken on the 19th of June. I, being in another county, escaped being arrested. The brethren were put under two thousand dollars bonds to appear at court. Albert Petty and Seth Utley were their bonds- men. They were tried on the 22nd of June. They pleaded their own cause. Although men came forward and testified they did [Column 2] receive the Holy Ghost after they were baptized, the brethren were condemned; but were finally released by paying the expenses of the mob court. There was one peculiar circumstance connected with this trial by a mob court, which was armed to the teeth. When the trial was through with, the people were not willing to permit more than one to speak. Warren Parrish had said but few words, and they were not willing to let David Patten speak. But he, feeling the injustice of the court, and being filled with the power of God, arose to his feet and delivered a speech of about twenty minutes, holding them spell-bound while he told them of their wickedness and the abominations that they were guilty of, also of the curse of God that awaited them, if they did not repent, for taking up two harmless, in- offensive men for preaching the gospel of Christ. When he had got through his speech the judge said, "You must be armed with secret weapons, or you would not talk in this fearless manner to an armed court." Brother Patten replied; "I have weapons that you know not of, and they are given me of God, for He gives me all the power I have." The judge seemed willing to get rid of them almost upon any terms, and offered to dismiss them if their friends would pay the costs, which the brethren pres- ent freely offered to do. When the two were released, they mounted their horses and rode a mile to Seth Utley's; but, as soon as they had left, the court became ashamed that they had been let go so easily and the whole mob mounted their horses to follow them to Utley's. One of the Saints, seeing the state of affairs, went on before the mob to notify the brethren, so that they had time to ride into the woods near by. They traveled along about three miles to Brother Albert Petty's, and went to bed. The night was dark, and they fell asleep. But Brother Patten was warned in a dream to get up and flee, as the mob would soon be there. They both arose, saddled their animals, and rode into the adjoining county. The house they had just left was soon
~ Wilford Woodruff
We spoke to the people several times during this conference, and at its close we were called upon to administer to a woman who was possessed of the devil. At times she was dumb, and greatly afflicted with the evil spirits that dwelt in her. She believed in Jesus and in us as His servants, and wished us to adminis- ter to her. Four of us laid our hands upon her head and commanded the devil, in the name of Jesus Christ, to depart out of her. It was immediately done, and the woman arose with great joy, and gave thanks and praise unto God; for, according to her faith, she was made whole from that hour. A child, also, that was sick, was healed by the laying on of hands, ac- cording to the word of God.
~ Wilford Woodruff
A Sister Carns here came to us and requested to have the ordinance for the healing of the sick performed for two of her children who were afflicted. One was a suckling child, which was lying at [Column 2] the point of death. I took it in my arms and presented it before the elders, who laid their hands upon it, and it was made whole immediately, and I handed it back to the mother entirely healed. We afterwards laid hands upon the other, when it was also healed. It was done by the power of God, in the name of Jesus Christ, and the parents praised God for His goodness.
~ Wilford Woodruff
On the 28th of March I received a letter from Zion, requesting me to coun- sel the Saints I had baptized to sell their property and gather up to Zion. About this time the Lord was mani- festing himself upon the islands in vari- ous ways, by dreams, visions, healings, signs and wonders. I will relate one peculiar circumstance of this kind that occurred. Mr. Ebenezer Carver had been inves- tigating our doctrines for quite a length of time, and, having a great desire to know the truth of our religion, he walked to the sea shore, wishing that he might have some manifestation in proof of its truth. The passage of Scripture came to his mind that there would be no sign given "but the sign of the prophet Jonas."
~ Wilford Woodruff
On the 23rd of November my wife, Phoebe, was attacked with a severe head- ache, which terminated in brain fever. She grew more and more distressed daily as we continued our journey. It was a terrible ordeal for a woman to travel in a wagon over rough roads, afflicted as she was. At the same time our child was also very sick. The first of December was a trying day to my soul. My wife continued to fail, and in the afternoon, about four o'clock, she appeared to be struck with death. I stopped my team, and it seemed as though she would breath her last lying in the wagon. Two of the sisters sat beside her, to see if they could do anything for her in her last moments. 1 stood upon the ground, in deep af- fliction, and meditated. I cried unto the Lord, and prayed that she might live and not be taken from me. I claimed the promises the Lord had made unto me through the prophets and patriarchs, and soon her spirit revived, and I drove a short distance to a tavern, and got her into a room and worked over her and her babe all night, and prayed to the Lord to preserve her life. In the morning the circumstances were such that I was under the necessity of removing my wife from the inn, as there was so much noise and confusion at the place that she could not endure it. I carried her out to her bed in the wagon and drove two miles, when I alighted at a house and carried my wife and her bed into it, with a determination to tarry there until she recovered her health or or passed away. This was on Sunday morning, December 2nd. After getting my wife and things into the house and wood provided to keep up a fire, I employed my time in taking care of her. It looked as though she had but a short time to live. She called me to her bedside in the evening and said she felt as though a few moments more would end her exist- ence in this life. She manifested great confidence in the cause she had em- braced, and exhorted me to have confi- [Column 2] dence in God, and to keep his com- mandments. To all appearances she was dying. I laid hands upon her and prayed for her, and she soon revived and slept some dur- ing the night. December 3rd found my wife very low. I spent the day in taking care of her, and the following day I returned to Eaton to get some things for her. She seemed to be gradually sinking, and in the evening the spirit apparently left her body, and she was dead. The sisters gathered around her body, weeping, while I stood looking at her in sorrow. The spirit and power of God began to rest upon me until, for the first time during her sickness, faith filled my soul, although she lay before me as one dead. I had some oil that was consecrated for my anointing while in Kirtland. I took it and consecrated it again before the Lord for anointing the sick. I then bowed down before the Lord and prayed for the life of my companion, and I anointed her body with the oil in the name of the Lord. I laid my hands upon her, and in the name of Jesus Christ I rebuked the power of death and the destroyer, and commanded the same to depart from her and the spirit of life to enter her body. Her spirit returned to her body, and from that hour she was made whole; and we all felt to praise the name of God, and to trust in Him and keep His com- mandments. While this operation was going on with me (as my wife related afterwards) her spirit left her body, and she saw it lying upon the bed, and the sisters weep- ing. She looked at them and at me, and upon her babe, and, while gazing upon this scene, two personages came into the room, carrying a coffin, and told her they had come for her body. One of these messengers told her she might have her choice—she might go to rest in the spirit world, or, on one condition she could have the privilege of returning to her tabernacle and continuing her labors upon the earth. The condition was, if she felt that she could stand by her hus- band, and with him pass through all the cares, trials, tribulations and afflictions of life which he would be called upon to pass through for the gospel's sake unto
~ Wilford Woodruff
On May 6th, I met with the Seventies, and we ordained sixty men into the quorums of elders and seventies. Brother Joseph met with the Twelve, bishops and elders, at Bishop Partridge's house; and there were a number with us who were wounded at Haun's Mill. Among them was Isaac Laney, who had been in com- pany with about twenty others, at the mill, when a large armed mob fired among them with rifles and other weapons, and shot down seventeen of the brethren, and wounded more. Brother Laney fled from the scene, but they poured a shower of lead after him, which pierced his body through and through. He showed me eleven bullet holes in his body. There were twenty-seven in his shirt, seven in his pantaloons, and his coat was literally cut to pieces. One ball entered one arm-pit and came out at the other. Another entered his back and came out at the breast. A ball passed through each hip, each leg and each arm. All these shots were received while he was running for life, and, strange as it may appear, though he had also one of his ribs broken, he was able to outrun his enemies, and his life was saved. We can only acknowledge this deliverance to be by the power and mercy of God.
~ Wilford Woodruff
While I was living in this cabin in the old barracks, we experienced a day of God's power with the Prophet Joseph. It was a very sickly time and Joseph had given up his home in Commerce to the sick, and had a tent pitched in his door- yard and was living in that himself. The large number of Saints who had been driven out of Missori, were flock- ing into Commerce; but had no homes to go into, and were living in wagons, in tents, and on the ground. Many, therefore, were sick through the ex- posure they were subjected to. Bro- ther Joseph had waited on the sick, until he was worn out and nearly sick himself. On the morning of the 22nd of July, 1839, he arose reflecting upon the sit- uation of the Saints of God in their persecutions and afflictions, and he called upon the Lord in prayer, and the power of God rested upon him mightily, and as Jesus healed all the sick around Him in His day, so Joseph, the Prophet of God, healed all around on this occa- sion. He healed all in his house and door-yard, then, in company with Sidney Rigdon and several of the Twelve, he went through among the sick lying on the bank of the river, and he com- manded them in a loud voice, in the name of Jesus Christ, to come up and be made whole, and they were all healed. When he healed all that were sick on the east side of the river, they crossed the Mississippi river in a ferry-boat to the west side, to Montrose, where we were. The first house they went into was President Brigham Young's. He was sick on his bed at the time. The Prophet went into his house and healed him, and they all came out together. As they were passing by my door, Brother Joseph said: "Brother Woodruff, fol- low me." These were the only words
~ Wilford Woodruff
As soon as we left Brother Fordham's house, we went into the house of Joseph B. Noble, who was very low and danger- ously sick. When we entered the house, Brother Joseph took him by the hand, and com- manded him, in the name of Jesus Christ, to arise and be made whole. He did arise and was immediately healed. While this was going on, the wicked mob in the place, led by one Kilburn, had become alarmed, and followed us into Brother Noble's house. Before they arrived there, Brother Joseph had called upon Brother Ford- ham to offer prayer. While he was praying, the mob en- tered, with all the evil spirits accom- panying them. As soon as they entered, Brother Fordham, who was praying, fainted and sank to the floor. When Joseph saw the mob in the house, he arose and had the room cleared of both that class of men and their at- tendant devils. Then Brother Fordham immediately revived and finished his prayer. This case of Brother Noble's was the last one of healing upon that day. It was greatest day for the manifestation of the power of God through the gift of
~ Wilford Woodruff
Elder Turley and I went to Manchester. It was the first time I ever visited that city. I here first met with Elder Wm. Clayton. As soon as I had an introduc- tion to him, he informed me that one of the sisters in that place was possessed of the devil, and he asked me to go and cast it out of her, thinking that one of the Twelve Apostles could do anything in this line he might wish to. However, I went with him to the house where the woman lay, in the hands of three men, in a terrible rage, and trying to tear her clothing from her. I also found quite a number of Saints present, and some unbelievers, who had come to see the devil cast out and a miracle wrought. If I had acted upon my own judg- ment I should not have attempted to ad- minister to her with the company pres- ent, but as I was a stranger there, and Brother Clayton presided over the branch, I joined him in administering to the woman. But the unbelief of the wicked present was so great, we could not cast the devil out of her, and she raged worse than ever. I then ordered the room to be cleared, and when the company left the house, except the few attending to her, we laid hands upon her, and I commanded the devil to come out of her, in the name of Jesus Christ. The devil left her, and she was entirely cured and fell asleep. The next day being the Sabbath, she came before a large congregation of peo- ple, and bore testimony to what the Lord had done for her. We had a large assemblage through the day and evening, to whom I preached the gospel. On Monday morning, the devil, not being satisfied with being cast out of the woman, entered into her little child, which was but a few months old.
~ Wilford Woodruff
When I arose in the evening to speak at Brother Benbow's house, a man en- tered the door and informed me that he [Column 2] was a constable, and had been sent by the rector of the parish with a warrant to arrest me. I asked him "For what crime?" He said, "For preaching to the peo- ple." I told him that I, as well as the rec- tor, had a license for preaching the gos- pel to the people, and that if he would take a chair I would wait upon him after meeting. He took my chair and sat beside me. I preached the first principles of the everlasting gospel for an hour and a quarter. The power of God rested upon me, the Spirit filled the house, and the people were convinced. At the close of the meeting I opened a door for baptism, and seven offered themselves. Among the number were four preachers and the constable. The latter arose and said, "Mr. Wood- ruff, I would like to be baptized." I told him I would like to baptize him. I went down to the pool and bap- tized the seven. We then met together and I confirmed thirteen, and broke bread unto the Saints and we all rejoiced together. The constable went to the rector and told him if he wanted Mr. Woodruff taken up for preaching the gospel, he must go himself and serve the writ, for he had heard him preach the only true gospel sermon he had ever listened to in his life. The rector did not know what to make of it, so he sent two clerks of the Church of England as spies, to attend our meet- ing, and find out what we did preach. But they were both pricked in their hearts and received the word of the Lord gladly, and were baptized and con- firmed members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The rector became alarmed and did not dare to send anybody else.
~ Wilford Woodruff
On the 21st day of March I baptized Elder Thomas Kingston. He was super- intendent of both preachers and members of the United Brethren. The first thirty days after my arrival in Herefordshire, I had baptized forty- five preachers and one hundred and sixty members of the United Brethren, who put into my hands one chapel and forty-five houses, which were licensed according to law to preach in. This opened a wide field for labor, and enabled me to bring into the Church, through the blessings of God, over eighteen hundred souls during eight months, including all of the six hundred United Brethren except one person; also including some two hundred preachers of various denominations.
~ Wilford Woodruff
The whole history of this Hereford- shire mission shows the importance of listening to the still small voice ot the Spirit of God and the revelations of the Holy Ghost. The Lord had a people there prepared for the gospel. They were preparing for light and truth, and the Lord sent me to them, and I declared the gospel of life and salvation unto them, and some eighteen hundred souls received it, and many of them have been gathered to Zion in these mountains. Many of them have also been called to officiate in the bishopric, and have done much good in Zion. But in all these things we should ever acknowledge the hand of God, and give Him the honor, praise and glory, forever and ever. Amen.
~ Wilford Woodruff
The prospect in London at that time was the darkest I had ever been in since entering the vineyard, but the Lord was with us and we were not discouraged. Sunday we met with the Saints at Brother Corner's three times, read in the Book of Mormon, gave instruction and broke bread unto them. We had a good time, though there was only about half a dozen present. I felt the spirit bear testimony that there would be a work done in London. I fell asleep, having retired to rest in good season, and slept until midnight, when I awoke and meditated upon the things of God until 3 o'clock in the morn- ing, and while forming a determination to warn the people in London and over- come the power of darkness by the assist- ance of God, a person appeared unto me whom I consider was the prince of dark- ness. He made war upon me and at- tempted to take my life. He caught me by the throat and nearly choked me to death. He wounded me in my forehead and I also wounded him in a number of places in the head. As he was about to over- come me I prayed to the Father in the name of Jesus Christ for help. I then had power over him and he left me, though much wounded. Afterwards three persons dressed in white came to me and prayed with me and I was im- mediately healed of all my wounds and delivered of all my troubles.
~ Wilford Woodruff
I had visited the Rev. James Albon several times and given him an account of the rise and progress of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He believed in our mission and offered me his chapel to preach in, which would seat about a thousand. [Column 2] Sunday morning we accompanied our reverend friend and convert to his chapel and were introduced to the committee, one of whom was a preacher who had traveled much in Russia and other parts of the world. At the close of the meet- ing the Rev. James Albon gave out an appointment for us to preach on the next Sabbath evening. In the afternoon we met with the Saints, confirmed four and had a full house, and in the evening we preached again and a good feeling prevailed. After meeting the Rev. James Albon called upon us at our room and told us that he had given out our appointment to preach in his chapel and had informed his congregation that he was a Latter-day Saint, and should be baptized and join our Church, and that they need not longer consider him a member of their body unless they with him joined the Saints. He told us this made a division among the committee; some were for going with him and some against follow- ing their pastor into the true fold which he had found.
~ Wilford Woodruff
During this Conference meeting we also broke bread with the Saints and con- firmed four. At half-past 6 in the evening, we met again and had the largest con- gregation which had assembled at our preaching place. One came forward for baptism. This was a day which we had long de- sired to see, for we had labored exceed ingly hard to establish a Church in Lon- don and at times it seemed as though we should have to give it up, but by holding on to the work of our Divine Master and claiming the promises of God, we were now to leave an established London Con- ference with a prosperous Church planted in the metropolis, under the care of our beloved Brother Lorenzo Snow.
~ Wilford Woodruff
On Sunday a preacher arose before two or three thousand people in the market house and informed the multitude that he had a fresh letter direct from America, showing the origin of the Book of Mor- mon. So he read the old Spaulding story. When he got through Elder Levi Richards arose and informed the people that instead of its being a new story it had been published for seven years throughout the United States and in England. This caused a great uproar, for while some were for driving the man out of the place for lying, others were crowding around Elders Richards and Ray to hear them preach. The crowd, however, was so excited that they left the ground with hundreds following them. There never was a time when the people were so much stirred up and eager to hear the Latter- day Saints as at the present, and it was expected that we should not get through the city without having crowds around us.
~ Wilford Woodruff
No sooner had the meeting closed than multitudes of the Saints crowded around me and hands were presented me on every side, to bid me farewell. Many called for me to bless them before I de- parted. Others cried out, "Lay hands upon me and heal me before you go." [Column 2] One came with, "Brother Woodruff, I am turned out of doors for my religion; what shall I do?'' Another with, "I am ready to go to Zion, but my wife won't go with me; shall I leave her to gather with the Saints?" A wife in turn says, "My husband beat me and turned me out of doors because I have been baptized. I have money enough to carry me and the children to Zion; will you let me go with- out him?" "Brother Woodruff, my mother is over 80 years of age and has willed me 60 pounds at her death, but will not emigrate with me; must I stay for her to die or leave her now to go with the Saints?" One said, "I have sold my little place and shall have 30 pounds to-morrow, but must go out into the street. I have not enough to carry my family to America; can you help me to a few pounds or tell me what to do?" And an Elder cried out, "How much longer must I preach in England before you will let me go to America?" "Brother Wood- ruff, would you come and preach in Chel- tenham?" "My head is in great pain, would you heal me? " "I want you to consecrate this bottle of oil before you go?" "Will you write to me?" "I have been waiting a long time to get a chance to speak to you; good by, remem- ber me to Mrs. Woodruff, good by! God bless you!'' Thus was I for more than an hour after the close of the meeting assailed with the affectionate outbursts and adieus and a host of perplexities of these Saints who crowded around me as children to their father. Many of the Saints parted from me in tears and many followed me to Turkey Hill where I spent the night and they filled the house until a late hour, begging counsel and instruction of me. One of these was a Baptist minister who had just been baptized into the Church.
~ Wilford Woodruff
On the 6th of April, 1841, the general [Column 2] conference of the British mission was held in Carpenter's Hall, Manchester, at which there were present nine of the quorum of the Twelve, namely: Presi- dent Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball, Orson Hyde, Parley P. Pratt, Orson Pratt, Willard Richards, Wilford Wood- ruff, John Taylor, and George A. Smith. The total members of the British mission at that time was represented as 5,814, and 800 besides had emigrated to America under the shipping arrangements of the Church. At this conference the Twelve blessed and set apart Orson Hyde for his mission to Jerusalem to which he had been called by the Prophet Joseph. This was the first and only time in this dispensation that the Twelve Apostles sat in conference as a quorum in a foreign land.
~ Wilford Woodruff