1890s
The Decade of the 1890's
Letter From Daniel’s Brother, Ira
(Fancy letterhead with picture of Illinois Capital Building)
State of Illinois
37th General Assembly
House of Representatives
Committee on County and Township Org.
Ira Tyler, Chairman
Springfield, Apr. 6, 1891
Dear Brother and Sister,
We are about as well as usual now. I was sick 3 or 4 weeks ago. There was two weeks that I had to be hauled to the State House and back every day that a quorum was wanted to vote for a U.S. Senator and had to have a couch to lie on while there. But after two months voting, the Democrats got their man, Gen. John M. Palmer, after balloting 154 times.
Martha’s health is not very good this winter but she keeps around the house and does the work for us two. We live here this winter. Rented 2 furnished rooms and keep house. We are 4 blocks from the State House. I got a letter from my Son the other day. He said he got a card from you and that you were all well. There is nothing new about Richfield, there are but few there that you know. Henry Tyler, John Quincy, E.M. Cook and Lucinda. Lucinda has the dropsy and rheumatism very bad. But she is around the house most of the time. Martha sends her regards to Ruth and yourself. Write often,
Ira and M.A. Tyler
Letter From Nancy M. Higgins Containing Genealogy
(This letter is very hard to read)
The lineage of Daniel Tyler from Son to Father back to his emigrant ancestor, beginning with himself is:
Daniel, Andrews, Nathaniel, Nathaniel, Ebenezer, Moses, Job.
I, with all my father’s family except Ira and Henry B. Who are not in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and are still living in Richfield, Adams Col, Illinois have been sealed to our parents as children. Father Andrews and mother Elizabeth Comins Tyler have been “adopted” to Patriarch Hyrum Smith, prior to the law of adoption being revealed through Pres. Wilford Woodruff. Hence my father should now be sealed to his father and mother, Nathaniel Tyler Jun. and Abigail Andrews Tyler. Nathaniel Jun. to Nathaniel Sen. and him to Ebenezer Tyler and Mrs. Ebenezer.... and him to Moses and Prudence Blake Tyler and Moses to Job and Mary Tyler. Don’t neglect this when you go to the Temple. Also before he is adopted be baptized and endowed for Nathaniel Tyler Sen. All the others have been baptized and endowed as the record will show.
Job Tyler to be sealed or adopted with his wife Mary to the Prophet Joseph Smith as son and daughter. [This practice, of course, has been changed.]
Ira Tyler, son of Andrews and Elizabeth Comins Tyler, born Semproneous, Cayuga County, New York, March 29, 1822. Died Richfield, Adams Co., Illinois, Jan. 12, 1901. Died out of the Church. Do his Temple work in.... Adopt Ira to his father and mother Andrews and Elizabeth Comins Tyler.
[There may be some pages missing, as the next page seems to begin in the middle of something.]
Next to eldest living. Joseph H. Higgins, born Sept. The 31, 1866, Richfield, Sevier Co., Utah. Married at Colorado June 27, 1887 to Miss Margrate A. Luster, who was born 1874 in Nevada or Utah, don’t know which. Children’s names:
Geanie, born March 17, 1890, Elsinore, Sevier Co., Utah.
Joseph H. Born Aug. 7, 1892, Elsinore, Sevier Co., Utah, died Sept. 9, 1893, Elsinore.
Florence M. born June 2, 1894, Elsinore, Sevier, Utah.
Margrate A. Born Feb. 4, 1896, Elsinore, Sevier Co. Utah.
Eldest living: Nelson W. Higgins, born March 31, 1865, Richfield, Sevier Co., Utah. Married at Monroe, Sevier Co. Utah, Nov. the 17th, 1891. To miss Moriar C. Hansen who was born Overton, Nevada, Dec. The 25th, 1870. Children’s names:
John W., born Sept. 26, 1892, Elsinore, Sevier Co, Utah.
Leanore M. Born Elsinore, Sevier Co., Utah, Feb the 12, 1895.
Written by Nancy M. Higgins.
Letter From L. C. Ladd Concerning Genealogy
West Boxford
July 29, 1891
Mr. Daniel Tyler
Dear Sir,
I feel that I ought long ago to have acknowledged the receipt of two letters from you since I wrote. I delayed at first, hoping to have somewhat of interest to write to you, and these at the receipt of your second, mailed June 26th. I was so busy I found it impossible to write unless late at night when I felt I needed rest. I was particularly pleased with the copy you sent of the character of Rev. Wm. Tyler. I knew only of him that he was a descendent of Samuel, son of Job and Mary -- that he was a graduate of Brown University. But from the general tone of his letters to Miss Mercy W. Tyler, I felt he was a good man. Certainly his children ought to be justly proud that he has left so good a record. His must have been a busy life. I thank you sincerely that you took the pains to copy it for me. I think the world must be the better for his having lived in it for the good influence he must have had. Who can tell where it will stop? You give the names of his children and the date of their birth etc. according to the son who wrote to you and gave the initials E.W. was the 6th child Edmund Whiting b. 1834. His daughter, Annie, attended school at Bradford Academy for 1 or 3 years. I have seen her. She was considered very handsome. I knew her as dau. of Rev. Wm. Tyler of Amherst and certainly never thought I should be looking over some of her father’s letters more than 40 years afterwards.
I think I wrote you that I had a letter from Prof. Wm. L. Tyler. He was cousin to Rev. Wm. He seemed interested and stated that he had a son, Prof. John M. Tyler of Amherst who was very much interested and he thought some day he would do something about publishing a pedigree. I wish he would set about it at once. Rev. Charles M. Tyler of Ithica, N.Y. to whom I wrote, is also interested, although his information was principally gotten from Rev. Wm. I think most of the professional Tylers were descendants of John and Samuel, sons of Job, who went to Mendon from Andover, and you will remember some of them went to Hartford, Penn. I have spent one afternoon searching the old cemeteries in N. Andover. I found the grave of Moses Tyler, the son of Job and Mary. Also nearby the grave of Abigail and her child, wife of Jacob, aged 23. I thought, how little Mr. Moses Tyler thought when living that 164 years after he was buried, one of his descendants would be interested in searching for his grave. I also searched town records but time did not permit me to go through them. But I gained some information about my own relatives. I shall continue my search.
I have this day mailed a letter to Moses C. Tyler, who was born in Andover nearly 90 years ago, living in Salem. I may get something from him, but it is all so uncertain. So many are so indifferent. It is really refreshing to find that some are interested. My Pastor in now traveling Europe and he promised to make some inquiries in England if there was any way of learning about the emigrants who came to America in 1635 to 1640, for most of the early settlers came between 1635 and 1643. I know the name has been spelled different ways. In the history of Boxford, Moses Tyler’s name is spelled Tyler, Tilor, Tiler etc. I feel sure we are of English extraction, taken as a whole. The natural characteristics and the build of the frame are English. We are too matter of fact a people to be of French extraction. So far as I know we do not possess the French ... of manner but are outspoken even to bluntness.
I trust you and Mrs Tyler have somewhat recovered your strength during the warm weather. The summer has been a cool one here, only a few hot days. Most of the nights decidedly like autumn.
May our Heavenly Father keep you in safety and bring your at last unto the desired haven of rest in presence forevermore.
Sincerely your friend, L.C. Ladd
Letter From L. C. Ladd Concerning Tyler Genealogy
West Boxford
Dec. 19, 1891
My Dear Friend,
Your letter of Dec. 6th just received. I know I am in debt to you and have endeavored to write many times. Have had much other writing to do, besides my domestic cares. My sister has lost her husband and I have spent some time with her. My Wood
died very suddenly of heart failure Nov. 6th. He had been feeble for a long time, but about most of the time. The last night of his life he suffered a good deal of pain, but rose the next morning and did most of his barn chores, but was much pressed for breath. He lay down a part of the time, but had been to the barn less than ½ hour when he breathed his last. My sister was gone for the doctor when the end came. She is not a well person and it was a great shock to her, although she knew he had heart trouble, yet was not expecting he would go so soon. He was 70 yrs., 7 months old.
Mrs. Mehitable Tyler Wood died April 8th and had she lived to May 5th would have been 93. Hannah Tyler Spafford died April 21st 90 -- 3. Miss Anna Tyler died April 27th, 79 years, 4 months. Now I will tell you what Rev. William says in regard to the Boston branch of Tylers. He assumed that the Boston Tylers descended from Thomas, a sea captain who came about 1680. Lost at sea, 1703. Royal Tyler, Chief Justice of Vermont, was of this family. He had a brother, Maj. John Steele Tyler, an officer in the Revolution. He went to England during that war on commercial business and fled to France to escape arrest as a rebel. Royal Tyler had 2 sons, General John Steele Tyler and Wm. G. Tyler, who were brokers in Boston in 1845. You will notice he speaks of 2 Majors and Gen. and they are uncle and nephew. Your letter says he was born in Vermont. Now some of the descendants of Quartermaster, Moses (2) went to Vermont and died there. It was John (5) son of Abner (4), born in Boxford March, 1744. Abner (4) was dismissed from the Church in Boxford to Brookfield. The fact that this John died in Vermont, makes me think that Gen. John T. may have been a grandson of John (5), son of Abner (4), but this is only speculation. In my former letter I gave you all I knew of Abner at that time, bur recently one of our Selectmen presented to the Public Library a “History of Brookfield, Mass.” In it I find Abner Tyler and descendants. I will copy for you.
“Abner Tyler born Feb. 15, 1708 in Boxford, son of John (3) Tyler and Annie Messenger of Boston. Married Hannah Stevens of Andover, 1742. Children:
l. Nathan (5) born 1743, died 1759 of smallpox returning from French war.
2. John (5) born 1744 -- the first two born in Boxford.
3. Gideon (5) born at Brookfield, July 8, 1747. Md. Esther Hill.
4. Hannah (5) born Feb., 1749. Md. Thomas Tufls of West Brookfield.
5. Molly (5) born Sep. 1753. Md. Samuel Hamilton, an Englishman, died at Chesterfield, N.H.
6. Moses (5) born March 16, 1756. Died Mar. 8, 1825, aged 69 years.
7. Joshua (5) born Aug. 12, 1758. A physician. Md. Judith Ayers of Brookfield, died at Chesterfield, N. H.
8. Patty (5) born Jan. 13, 1761. Md. John Hubbard of Leicester.
Abner (4) Tyler died Dec. 8, 1777. His wife, Nov. 17, 1789. John (5) son of Abner, md. Rachel Crosby in 1771. Children:
1. Royal (6) born Aug. 30, 1772. Md. Phoebe Doane. Removed to Geneva, N. Y.
2. Eli (6) born Mar. 1774. Physician. Died Potsdam, N.Y.
3. Molly (6) born July 10, 1776. Md. first Micah Grigham of Bakersfield, Vt. Md. 2nd, William Bowdoin of Ware.
4. Sally (6) born Sept. 20, 1775. Md. Silas Ball of North Brookfield.
5. John (6) born Nov. 20, 1780.
6. Abner (6) born Aug. 4, 1785. Md. Deborah Tupper of Vermont. His third and sixth child lived in Vermont and John Tyler died Feb. 17, 1813 while visiting these children in Vermont.
I find by comparing the dates you give of the births of Royal and John L. Tyler, that they do not agree with what is give here, but I do believe they are relatives. ... distinct families; family names go a great way. Moses (5), son of Abner (4) married Rebecca Troivantt. Children:
1. Betsey (6) born April 1780. Md. 1st Abraham Howe, 2nd, Zadoc Hinsdale.
2. David (6) born Aug. 20, 1781.
3. Hannah (6) born Feb. 9, 1783. Died May 24, 1878, aged 95 years.
4. Polly (6) born Feb. 20, 1785. Md. Joseph Dane of West Brookfield.
5. Moses (6) born Apr. 28, 1787. Died Jan 12, 1807.
6. Eli (6) born Mar. 25, 1789. Md Clarissa White.
7. Melinda (6) born 1791. Md. Willys of Hartford, Ct.
8. Polly (6) born 1793. Died Oct. 8, 1796.
9. Fanny (6) born 1795. Died 1800.
10. Warren (6) born Sept. 11, 1797. Died June 1822.
11. Fanny (6) born Mar. 12, 1800. Died Sept. 15, 1805.
David (6) the 2nd son, had a son, Warren (7) who is a physician and surgeon. Has been representative. Was surgeon in 36th Regiment M.V. during Civil War. He mar. Oct. 22, 1848.
I must close where I began as my paper is out. I wish you many happy returns of your birthday. I remembered the day, November 23rd, 75 years old. Mr. Ladd was that last Feb. 22. It is a great pity that the Tylers who are interested in ancestry could not get together and devise means for the publication of a pedigree.
Sincerely,
L.C. Ladd
Letter to Daniel from a Nephew in California
(This letter on official letterhead of Los Angeles County, Cal., his name not printed on it)
Office of the Clerk of Los Angeles County, Cal.
T.H. Ward, Clerk (etc.)
Los Angeles, Cal. Aug. 19, 1892
Dear Uncle,
It has been a long time since I saw you. I was then a small boy. You were on your way to Salt Lake City and stayed at our house at Thomphen, Ills. and visited us. I am living at Los Angeles, Calif. Have a wife and one boy sixteen years old Feb. 1st of this year. We have lost three boys. I presume you know of my parents deaths. Father has been dead about 18 years and Mother about 15. Oren and family live in Ills. Harlow in Nebraska. Lucia and Ever also live in Ills. Ellen lies near me. I met some parties about four years ago that knew you and told me where you were and if this reaches you I can then write more.
Very Respt. your Nephew
F.W. Tyler
Write me at 619 Pasadena Ave.
East Los Angeles, California
The Following a Receipt
No. 409. Beaver City, Utah, Sept. 22nd, 1892
Received of D. Tyler the sum of one dollar and 25 cents. On account of Cemetery Lot.
C.P. Bird
Treasurer Beaver City
Letter From California Nephew
United States Marshal’s Office
Southern District of California
Los Angeles, Cal., Nov. 19, 1892
Dear Uncle,
I received your kind letter some time since and intended to answer at once but immediately after getting your letter, my boy was taken down with rheumatism and I didn’t seem to get the time, but will answer now. I should like very much to know of my ancestors as at present I know very little of them, except my father’s family. I have heard that you have written a book of your life and travels. I should like to read it, as I have no doubt it would be very interesting.
My family are in usual health at present and I hope tis may find you and yours well. You asked if I was the Capt. Tyler from Los Angeles that cousin Edgar spoke to you about. No, but my brothers, Oren, Harlo and myself, also Comins and Samuel of Uncle Joseph’s family were in Co. K - 52 Ills. Samuel was killed at Shilo. Comins was discharged and died after he got home. ... these came out alive but not as well as we would have been had we not been exposed to the hardships of Army life. I haven’t seen either of my brothers for about twelve years but I hear that Oren’s quite poorly. Has filed for a pension but has not got it the last I heard. Government seems to have forgotten the promises it made to us during the war when they needed our services so much. And a soldier that was always to the front and done his duty and had no hospital record to fall back on has a hard time to get a few paltry dollars that are justly his. And if a good paying office is to be given it is oftener to some ex Rebel than to a Union soldier. Especially by the Democrats. And now that they have got the power we shall wait with patience to see if they will do as they said they would.
Well, I will close for this time, hoping to hear from you at your earliest convenience.
I remain Respt. your Nephew,
F. W. Tyler
Letter To Daniel & Ruth From Henry B. Tyler
Richfield, Adams Co., Ill.
January 12, 1893
Dear Sister and Brother,
I take my pen in hand to answer your kind and welcome letter that came to hand some time ago, which did not find me very well. I have been down with rheumatism for two or three weeks etc. Am ... better now. My woman has got the toothache. Prisey’s folks are all well as far as we know. We have not seen them for some time. I hope these few lines will find you and your family all well.
My children are all well as far as I know except ... and she lives in Plainville. The youngest girl, she, we have not seen her for sometime. She ... that the baby was sick with croup -- better when we heard from there. The ... lives here in town. I have nine grandchildren. I have two boys that haven’t married yet. Twenty-two and the other ... [a few lines I just can’t make out]. You wanted to know how m any battles that I was in. Our men charged Chalk Bluff. No charges ... entire force of 60,000 men. Our losses was light and ... was great. The next battle was in barn ... .... The next was captured at Little Rock when saw the next was prayer hand close to several battles that was not ... in bushes and outlaws ... too numerous to mention. We were all the time scouting, guarding trains, outpost duty. [sorry, I can’t read it in detail].
Write and tell me how many battles you was in. Was you in this last War of the Rebellions? I haven’t heard anything from William Tyler for many years and don’t know what has come of the ... girl that lived in Warsaw. Haven’t heard rom them for years. Write to me all about your children and give them my best wishes. And Albine’s children I have been looking for your ... and .... The weather is very cold and very little snow. I will have to ... for this time. My love to you and all good.
By Henry D. Tyler
Genealogy Letter From L.C. Ladd
West Boxford,
April 5th, 1893
My Dear Friend,
When I received your last letter containing the interesting account of how the 30th anniversary of your birth was spent, I hope to write you soon and to be able to give you some further history of some of the Tyler race. But have been unable to do so and can only write a short letter now to let you know that my interest has not flagged in the great work and to say that I was very much interested in the account give. I do not wonder you are broken in health and although hardships and trial have been allotted you, still God has given you more than the allotted term of life. I sympathize with you in your anxiety respecting your companion’s health. My you be spared to each other a longer time and yet the time will come when one will be taken and the other left, though it may be that the separation may be brief.
Mr. Ladd has been feeble through the winter, more so than usual. But since the 21st of Feb. We have been expecting the end at any time. Heart disease with other complications. He is very weak physically and mentally. Previous to his being taken down I had written several letters seeking information, but have had but little response.
I wrote to one of Rev. Wm. Tyler’s sons, who I learned was in Boston, respecting his father’s papers etc. He said the papers had been loaned to Prof. John M. Tyler of Amherst. He is son of Prof. Wm. L. Tyler and he thought if I wished for anything special, I had better write Prof. John. He said he had never gone over the papers himself and did not write so enthusiastically as his father did. When I received his letter I fully determined to see him and the papers also, but I am unable to leave home. But the time may come, when I shall see them. But he assured me that his father never published anything, although he was very desirous to do so. When I wrote Prof. Wm. L. Tyler, he mentioned that his son was very much interested and he thought he might do something about publishing a genealogy.
We have had a very hard, cold winter but the indications now are an earlier spring than usual.
I have received some papers for which please accept thanks. May this find you enjoying a comfortable degree of health and may the good Father sustain and strengthen you for whatever may be before you.
Truly your friend,
L.C. Ladd
Two Cards:
The first is a ticket to the Salt Lake Temple Dedication Services. It is for the afternoon session on Thursday, April 6th, 1893 and is signed by W. Woodruff. There is a picture of the temple on the ticket.
The second is a business card for Karl G. Maeser, D.L.D., General Superintendent, L.D.S. Schools, Provo City, Utah.
A Letter From Daniel Tyler
Regarding the Military Pension Applied For
June 5, 1893
I am the identical person named in pension certificate no. 3254 dated 10 day of June, 1887 and whose name is inscribed on the rolls of the San Francisco, Cal. Agency at the rate of $8.00 per month. That by accident said certificate has been mislaid or lost, that after the most diligent and repeated search I have been unable to find the same and respectfully ask that a duplicate may be forwarded me from the pension office that I may be able to execute my voucher for June payment of my pension.
Signed, Daniel Tyler
Subscribed and sworn to before me this 5th day of June, 1893.
J.A. Nolton, County Clerk
Patriarchal Blessing Given to Ruth by Daniel
(This looks like a copy of a copy of a copy and is not very readable)
Beaver City,
Dec. 23, 1893
A Patriarchal (crossed out) Blessing by Daniel Tyler, Patriarch, upon the head of his wife, Ruth Welton Tyler, daughter of Asa and Clarrissa Welton, born Spafford, Onondaga Co., New York, Feb. 25th, A.D., 1820.
Sister Ruth, my companion, in the house of the Lord Jesus Christ and by virtue of the Holy Patriarchal Priesthood invested in me. I lay my ands upon thy head to bless thee and I ask God the Eternal Father in the name of Jesus Christ, His son, to give unto me through his Spirit such a blessing as thou shalt ... receive. Thou are a descendant of Abraham through the loins of Ephraim, because of the integrity of thy heart ... faithfulness in the Kingdom of God, thou shalt be blessed with the ... by ... and visions by night which will be a continual comfort unto thee. Thy joy shall increase in the Lord from this time henceforth. Thou shalt have the blessings of the heavens and the earth, even a fullness, these ... according to the righteous desires of thy heart. Thou shalt live until thou art satisfied with life. Thy days shall be filled up with usefulness. Thou shalt be a comfort to thy ..., bind up the broken hearted and administer to the wailing, the poor. Thou shalt be blessed with great wisdom in counseling the daughters of Zion who shall seek unto thee for council. Thou shalt be a comfort to thy children and a comfort to thy companion and in connection with him receive all the blessings to which thou art entitled.
In the holy Priesthood no good thing shall be withheld from thee. Thy posterity shall be as innumerable as to sands upon the sea shore or as to .... Thou shalt be exalted to the ... principalities and ... and rule over them n connection with thy husband in worlds without end. I ... and seal upon you all of your former covenants and blessings today unto you. The name of the Lord Jesus Christ .... ... Thou shalt come forth in the morning of the first resurrection .... All of these blessings and more than I can name I seal upon thee and say that thou shalt receive them all if you will continue faithful until the end. And I seal thee up unto Eternal lives in the Name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
(Joh L. Smith, Scribe)
(Since this blessing is recorded In the Daniel Tyler Patriarch Record Book A, page 1, it seems possible that the date was in 1873 when he was first called to be a patriarch rather than in 1893 as the date appeared to be. The copy is poor and I could actually read it either way.)
A Blessing Given to Ruth Tyler
Beaver City & Co., Ut.
January 12th, ...
A Blessing by John Q. Smith, Patriarch, upon the head of Ruth Tyler, daughter of Asa and Clarisa N. Welton, born Spafford, Onondaga Co., N.Y. Feb. 25/20.
Sister Ruth, in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, I place my hands upon your head and seal upon you a blessing that shall comfort thine heart and strengthen thy faith many times in days and years to come. God the Eternal Father understands the integrity of thine heart and he hath answered thy prayers many times when they companion was far from thee. In thy calling as a counselor among thy sex thou shalt be a counselor and a comforter in very deed. Thy toils and thy labors shall bring their reward and thou shalt rejoice with thy companion and children and be crowned a queen among thy people, have power to council and instruct and comfort thy children and thousands of the saints and thou shalt be enabled in thine old age to feed thy thousands for the Lord thy God loveth the and all that thine heart can desire in righteousness shall be given unto thee.
Cease to trouble with regard to the comforts of life, for the day is near to thy door that thy circumstances shall be changed and thy work in company with thy companions shall place thee where thou shalt not want. Therefore, fear not, for thou shalt receive every blessing thy heart can desire, with Eternal lives, with all thy former gifts and blessings, and receive thine inheritance with thy companion in Zion, when the wicked shall be driven out. Do a great work for thy dead friends, meet thy Savior and know him, that he liveth, for I seal these blessings upon thee in the name Of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, Amen. (Blessing recorded in Book A, page 6)
Blessing Given to Ruth
Beaver City & Co.
Utah Ter.
Jan 17, 1894
A blessing by Jonathan Crosly, Patriarch, upon the head of Ruth Welton Tyler, daughter of Asa and Clarisa Welton, born Spafford, Onondage Co., N.Y., Feb. 25, 1820.
Sister Ruth, in the name of Jesus Christ and by the authority of the Patriarchal Priesthood which has been conferred upon me to bless Israel, I pronounce upon you a Father’s Blessing and seal upon you blessings in common with thy husband. For thy heart is right before the Lord and no sin in imputed unto thee. Therefore thy name is written in the Book of Life. Thou hast seen much sorrow and affliction, poverty, and distress. Satan has sought to discourage you because you were beloved of the Lord. The days of thy sorrow are nearly at an end and poverty and mourning shall depart from you and you shalt be comforted and have great joy in the Lord for the mercies and blessings he will bestow upon you.
Thou art of the Tribe of Ephraim and are entitled to all the blessings which belong to the daughters of Zion. Thou shalt have faith and power to triumph over the destroyer, to live as long as thy heart desires, to be a comfort to thy companion and assist him in the great work which is devolving upon him for the salvation of thy dead and to bless and comfort the poor saints in prison. Thy posterity will be numbered and thou shalt have great joy over them. Thou shalt see the redeemer in the flesh. Thy years shall be as the years of thy husband and thou shalt be among those that shall arise to meet the Lord in the air and thy posterity with thee. Thou shalt see the day when thou shalt not lack for the comforts of life for thy table shalt abound with all the good things for the nourishment of the human body. I seal all thy former blessings upon thee which thou has received and I seal thee up unto eternal lives to come forth in the first resurrection and be crowned with thy husband in the Celestial Kingdom. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
(Recorded in Record Book A. Page 7)
Office of the First Presidency of the
Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter-day Saints
Salt Lake City, Utah
Post Office Box B
Jan 2, 1895
Elder Daniel Tyler, Beaver
Dear Brother,
Your favor of the 27th ult. Has just been read to the First Presidency. In reply they desire me to say that the matter of receiving from you the History of the Mormon Battalion was put into the hands of the church attorney, Bro. F. S. Richards, who, since the receipt of your letter, informed the Presidency that he wrote to you asking for the copyright certificate but which has never reached him. You say in your present letter that you mailed that paper but have never heard from it since. Bro. Richards will write you again in regard to this matter.
Presidents Woodruff, Cannon and Smith send their kindest personal regards to you, and wish you the compliments of the season; they also desire you to accept of the enclosed order for $100.00 to help you live perhaps a little more comfortably during the winter.
Your Brother,
Geo. T. Gibbs, sec’y
P.S.
The Presiding Bishop’s Office will instruct your tithing clerk to place this amount to your credit, hence the order is withdrawn. This is done to avoid the mingling of the 1894 accounts with those of 1895.
Letter From Grandson, Daniel,
About Death of Son, Daniel
Huntington, Utah
Sept. 11, 1895
Dear Grandparents,
I have told you several times how Pa was, so you cannot be surprised to learn that he passed away yesterday, a quarter to 4 o’clock P.M. He went very easy. We could hardly tell when he stopped breathing. He did not eat anything for two days before and scarcely spoke. About the last words he was don’t hold me any longer, let me go. There is so many sores on him that it would not be wise to keep him longer than possible. He will be buried two o’clock today. You can send this to Aunt Emily for I can’t write to all at present.
Daniel Tyler
Letter From Nancy Higgins to “Uncle”
Elsinore, June, 1897
Dear Uncle and Cousin,
Your sad letter came duly to hand and I was sorry to hear of your sad loss and know how to sympathize with you. But if we are faithful we shall soon meet where the parting will be no more.
I hope you are all well as this leaves me well today. Where is Uncle Ira and Uncle Henry? Send me their full address, please. I wish I could see you all. I have only one of my children living at home but he is a great comfort to me. The rest of the children are all nearby. They are very kind to me. Our children is a great blessing to us in old age when they try to make our paths easy and we are a comfort to them.
I thought of coming to see you this fall but my son had bad luck. One of his horses got his shoulder broke and died. The other took sick and died. So he has no kind of a team. They was as good a team as any man need wish for. But I hope you will come and see us. Oh how I wish I could have a chat with you and Alice today. It would cheer me up. I am alone today. Uncle, you want the names of my son’s wife and their children. I will make them as plain as I can. I send their family records to you. I hope to hear from you all soon and often. Alice, you have never told me your husband’s name. Please do so and your children’s too.
Kind love to one and all from your niece and cousin,
Nancy M. Higgins
(written on a separate piece of paper):
This is my two eldest children that are living and their families, the best I can get them. Joseph’s wife don’t know where she was born or when. Those that was acquainted with her parents tell her as near as they can and written by Nancy M. Higgins.)
(The family records spoken of are not here. Perhaps they will turn up elsewhere. DB)
Another Letter From Grandson, Daniel Tyler
Huntington, Utah
March 28, 1997
Dear Grandparents,
I will try and write you a few lines to let you know we are all well and hope this finds you the same. There has been lots of snow here this winter, but is nearly gone now. I guess you know we lost our farm, last home, and we haven’t got the means to buy a farm here. As there is several families going to Idaho this spring from here, I guess we will go too. There was two or three up there last summer and give it a good name and they are going to move tis spring. We have sold our house and lot and expect to start the fore part of May. I don’t know where we will settle yet. We will stop at Riverside, and look around and see where we can do the best. That is a little below Blackfoot on Snake River. Old settlers there say it’s the finest of land and a good climate. They raise tomatoes and all kinds of garden stuff. Two feet of snow is the most they have had in twenty years. Well, I don’t know of any more news to write so will stop for this time.
Dan Tyler
Letter From Elzina, Their Daughter-in-law
No date
Dear Father and Mother,
I will try to write a little. We have all been sick, some very bad, but are well now. Hope you both are well and won’t get the lagrip or whatever it is. It goes very hard with the old and babies. There have 23 babies died since last fall. Most every one that took it. Not very many sick now. Hope Alice is well. Father forgot to say how she was in his last letter. Where is John? We haven’t heard from him for a long time. Expect you will think we hadn’t ought to move so far away. We would rather not go so far from you but we are so far now, we can’t go see you very often. We haven’t any farm now, it being mortgaged, and we can’t make a living by renting. There is lots of land going swampy, gets worse every year. We can go with the rest of the folks and take up land with them or where can do the best. We have about fifteen head of stock. All are going to drive dome. We think it is the best thing to do. We can’t live without a farm. The men that are going are good men. Danny is going out freight soon as the road is dry enough. Then [by the] time the grass grows, we want to start. Father, could you send our three youngest children a blessing? They haven’t ever had any -- would like them to have one from you, as we all have only them. Excuse bad spelling and writing. I don’t try very often.
Loved to all,
Elzina
Letter From David Pulsipher
(Would be Elzina’s family)
Concho, Apacha Co., Ariz.
March 23, 1897
Daniel and Ruth Tyler,
My Dear Brother and Sister,
It has been a long time since we heard from you. Didn’t answer our last letter, so after so long a time I thought I would try to write you a few lines. We think of you often but it is hard for me to write and David can’t write at all any more. We was so sorry we could not come and see you when we was back there. We was going to come that way when we went home but it got so cold that we had to get the money there and go on the cars and it cost us 96 dollars and we ... [the left edge of the paper was cut off in copying so sentences are incomplete]. ...has only paid one hundred... from Will Terry. We was ... we was entitled to a free trip to the city the 24th of July next. Then we would get to see you.... Did David’s mother come to S.L. City? In what year, can you tell? I see in the paper a man that was in the Mormon Battalion and his ... come to S.L. City in that year and is going to go free. David says he could not go if he got a pas.... I could go to take care of him. He is quite feeble. They all told us you are so much smarter than he is, you can get around better. Oh how I wish we could go back there on that great day but I think they ought to have them to. Don’t you think so? Please write to us. If you can’t write, tell Alice to write to us. Give our love to her and family. Our love to you all and write soon.
From
David and Lizzie Pulsipher
Letter From Mayna Adair
New Harmony, Utah
Apr. 19, 1897
Daniel Tyler
Beaver City, Utah
Dear Grandpa,
Words are too weak to express the sympathy I feel for you and how I am not capable of writing anything that will comfort you, but want you to know how sorry I feel for you in your sad bereavement. Grandma was fitted for a better world and has gone to take her rightful position there, and my earnest prayer is that we, her children will live that we may be permitted to join here, when it is our time to go. Grandpa, I don’t know what to write only I am so sorry for dear grandpa’s loneliness without her. Extend sympathy in Will’s name as he is not here.
Ever lovingly,
Mayna Adair
Love to Aunt Allis and all.
Genealogy Letter But Don’t Know Who From
Chicago
April 5, 1897
Daniel Tyler, Esq.
Beaver, Utah
Dear Kinsman,
Your kindness at hand. I thank you. The “Reports” are nearly ready and will be sent in a few days.
Am very glad your “health is better.” May it long continue so. We’ve lost three of our five “patriarchs” since the Andover meeting. Don’t want to see any more go away yet awhile.
That’s right, get your genealogy as far along as you can. Can you tell me what places I might expect to get some data of your grandfather’s children -- aside from your own line?
Shall be very glad to get your likeness and will send mine if you wish it.
Letter Concerning the Utah Jubilee
Beaver City, Utah, May 18, 1897
Spencer Clawson Esq.,
Salt Lake City
Chairman, Jubilee Committee,
Dear Brother,
I arrived in Salt Lake Valley on the 16th of October 1846 [should be 1847] in A.J. Lytle’s Company of returning Soldiers of the Mormon Battalion, remained in the “Old Fort” two days, leaving on the 18th to join my family at Council Bluffs, Iowa, where I arrived just two months later, having completed a pioneering journey in round numbers of about five thousand four hundred miles in the short space of one year, five months and two days. Should you think me entitled to recognition under the rules of your noble organization, please enter my name on your list.
Yours Truly,
Daniel Tyler
Letter From Louisa C. Ladd
West Boxford
June 13, 1897
My Dear Friend,
Very glad to hear from you and to receive the remainder of records of your family, but was saddened by the news of the bereavement which has come to you. We know that separations are inevitable but when they come after so many years of wedded life, where two have borne together joy and sorrow and suffering, it seems doubly hard to the aged to be bereft a life long companion. Especially if one has had and laid away several children. But those gone before are so many, the more to welcome you when you may be called across the river.
I am very glad you have a daughter to be with you and help smooth your downward path. It was my privilege as well as pleasure to care for my father. It was also a duty. He was 84 and 3 months when called home, but it was very nearly 50 years after his companion was taken away from him.
Your loved one is gone. You would not recall her to this hard and sinful world where she struggled so many years, but would rather wish it to be as God has seen best, that you may be the one to rejoin her in that better land. May you be strengthened and carried safely through all that may come to you and be able to rely wholly upon Christ who is the “Way and the Truth and Life.”
Your records have been forwarded to Chicago. Mr B. Is anticipating a fine meeting at New Haven, Ct., and wishes you might be able to be present. Two of our aged ones are gone home. There are two twin sisters in Rockland, Maine, 81 years old who are hoping to go to New Haven. While it may be a successful meeting, yet there will be new faces, and some of those met last year will not be there.
I have copied you some lines which I hope will be comforting to you. With many kind wishes, your affectionate friend, Louisa [or Larissa] C. Ladd.
Some Comforting Lines
“We are waiting by the river,
We are watching on the shore,
Only waiting for the boatman,
Soon he’ll come to bear us o’er.
He has called for many a loved one,
We have seen them leave our side;
With our Savior we shall meet them,
When we too have crossed the tide.”
“The loved and lost. Why do we call them lost?
Because we miss them from our onward road?
God’s unseen angel o’er our pathway crossed,
Looked on us all, but loving them the most,
Straightway relieved them from life’s weary load.
“Oh, why should your tears run down,
And your heart be sorely riven
For another gem in the Savior’s crown
And another soul in Heaven.”
“I shall know the loved who have gone before,
And joyfully sweet will that meeting be,
When over the river, the peaceful river,
The angels of death shall carry me.”
Letter From Niece, Nancy Harmon
Joph
July 10, 1897
Dear Uncle,
It is with pleasure that I endeavor to write to you to and notify you that I am now married. I was married on July 9, 1897 to Mr. Samual B. Harmon, of Joph City, Utah and we will start to Sanpete tomorrow morning and we will also give a dance next Monday night.
Well, Uncle, I cannot think of any more news to wright tonight so I will close for tonight, hoping to hear from you soon and also see you soon too. My husband joins me in sending his regards to you all. I remain as every you loving niece Nancy L. Harmon.
Love to you from your niece and neph.
Samuel and Nancy L. Harmon
Utah Semi-Centennial Commemorative
Daniel wrote a letter (see earlier) in which he explained that he was among the earliest of those who arrived in Salt Lake Valley and asking to be included as such in the 50 year celebration. He and other early arrivers were given a souvenir to keep, made of enduring metal. I am uncertain of its size but think it would fit into the palm of the hand. It depicted the temple, a covered wagon, a train, the honey bee, and a picture of a man in the center, possibly Brigham Young.
Daniel Tyler treasured his and passed it down with the instructions that the oldest son of each generation, who he also requested to be named Daniel (and it has been done), should have it, along with his original copy of the Mormon Battalion book, which he wrote. At present it is in a safety deposit box waiting for the youngest Daniel to be old enough to take care of it, since his father Daniel died of a brain tumor.
Letter From Daniel’s Brother, Ira
Richfield, Ills
Oct. 17, 1897
Dear Brother,
We are all able to be around most of the time. I have been confined to the house most of the time for more than a year with eczema in my feet, from the bottom of my feet half way to my knees. Have had a doctor all the time. They are a little better this fall but the Dr. says they cannot be cured so that they will not break out again. They are solid sores. I can walk up to a mile at a time, once a day. I have a horse and buggy and ride around the farm and to the Post Office.
Martha Ann has poor health but manages to do her work mostly. My two sons live on two corners of my farm. One daughter lives where Alvin Huntshorn lived when you was home. The other daughter still lives in southwest Mo. Her husband was a doctor and got thrown from his carriage last April and was instantly killed. They had a store and she still runs the store. Brother Henry still lives in Richfield. He is sick and has been one and a half years. Is some better lately. Is confined to his bed nearly all the time but lacks energy to exercise and I think will never be much better on that account.
I got a card from you soon after Ruth’s death, which I answered and have not heard from you since. You know you must be lonesome. We deeply sympathize with you in your bereavement. I should like to have you write me a long letter stating whether you live alone or some of your children live with you.
We have had a very dry summer and fall. Had scarcely any wheat or oats. Have a good corn crop but has been so dry and hot, has materially injured apples and pears, although the apple crop is fair. I have more apples than my children and I can use. Lucinda Cook and Jo Quincy live here yet. I must close. My arm and shoulder pains me so much I can hardly write.
Write often,
Ifra and M.A. Tyler
Patriarchal Blessing Given by Daniel to the Third Daniel
(This would be his grandson, Daniel, son of Daniel Moroni)
6 Jan., 1898
God bless the lad and make him like Daniel of old. A man full of wisdom and an interpreter of dreams and dark sayings, with power to overcome every enemy. Let him be like unto his grandfather and his father, who from early youth served God with undivided hearts, who never faltered or knowingly yielded to an influence for evil against Israel.
He shall be mine, even as Ephraim and Manasseh were Jacob’s. He shall stand in his lot and represent his father’s house. He shall be a comfort to his parents in their old age. May he have health in his naval and marrow in his bones and run and not be weary ... faint. May he be a mighty counselor in Zion and ... to his father’s house. May no evil genius follow him to afflict or annoy him. May he be strong like unto Sampson, wise like Solomon, and true to his friends like David. May his feet never slip.
Let no serious accident ever befall him. His peace be like a river of pure water from the everlasting mountains. Let all the blessings of Joseph be his except that his branches may not inherit two continents. Let his inheritance be with the house of his fathers, for whom he will do a great work.
In blessing, let him be blessed, and in multiplying, let him be multiplied. Let his wives be like Sarah and his sons like Joseph. Let his homes be like the horns of wild bullocks, to break the ranks of Japeth and push the servants (?) Of Joseph against the enemies of Zion to victory. Let him not fall in battle or be injured in conflict. Let him go forth conquering and to conquer. Let humility be the girdle of his loins, faithfulness the girdle of his (?).
Let the lad be crowned with everlasting lives. Let him live to see Jesus descend with all his saints and reign with him. Let him be sealed with the twelve thousand sons of Joseph. Let his posterity be very numerous with endless increase of his dominion worlds without ends. May he hold communion with God through the revelations of the Holy Spirit and the ministrations of angels. May his children never lack for bread or want for the comforts of life, or lack any good thing.
I seal this blessing in the name of Jesus, amen.
Daniel Tyler, Scribe
Walter S. Talon Recorder
(?) Beaver City, Utah, Jany. 6th, 1898
Genealogy Letter From Louisa C. Ladd,
Written to Daniel’s Daughter
West Boxford, Mass.
Jan. 31st, 1898
My Dear Kinswoman:
Your letter received. Was very glad to hear from you and to know your father was still spared to you, though we know that sooner or later he will be called. That is one of the inevitables we cannot control. Separations must take place! I hope you may be spared to do for him as long as is required. I think it must be so hard for an older person to be left alone, with no one to care for or be interested in their comfort. You father is now 81. Mine was 84. The Tylers have, many of them, lived to a very great age, and yet, many have died young. The earlier ones were such wanderers -- so unsettled -- and so many followed the sea. It makes it very hard to catch them and place them.
I wonder if your father knows when his Uncle Joseph was born and where? He is not recorded here, but a Daniel and Nathaniel are recorded here, wonder what became of them? We have found a Nathaniel who married Rebecca Sherloc and settled in Maine, had a large family and there are numerous of the descendants there today. But no one knows farther back than the grandfather.
The Captain Joseph I spoke of died in Newburyport in 1814 and was 42 years old, so that would give his birth as 1772. He had property in Newburyport and left a will when he died. Had two sons, two daughters. One son was Newburyport, the other was lost at sea returning from Guadalupe. But we do not find who were the parents of Captain Joseph.
I have found on Methuen records of the marriage of
Daniel Cross to Betty Tyler in 1769.
Joseph Cross to Eunice Tyler, 1769.
Nathaniel Tyler to Abagail Andrews, 1770.
Sam Kimball to Polly Tyler, 1788.
Now, I’ve thought some of these girls were sisters to Nathaniel Tyler. Please ask your father if he ever heard his father speak of any relatives by the name of Cross or Pettingill. Maybe some of them went to New York State with his grandfather. You will notice that four of them were married at nearly the same time. Joseph Cross and wife and Sam Kimball and wife have no family recorded in Methuen.
I’m glad you liked the group picture. It is not as clear and distinct as the New Haven one, more massed together. I am not in the picture at all, was waiting in Church when it was taken. The third meeting will be held in Bostom Tremont Temple, Sept. 7, 1898 and I think we’ll get a good full meeting there. Prof. William S. Tyler died November 19, 1897. He was 87 years, 2 months and 17 days old. The Tyler Family Association was formed the day he was 86. Your father is the last of the 5 patriarchs living. There will be others added at the Boston meeting. As far as we know all the other officers are still living.
Yes, I received the papers all right. Does your father read much? If he does, I shall be glad to send him the “Boston Weekly Journal” and he would then get some eastern news, although it’s no better a paper than the “Deseret News.” But all papers are not alike and one likes to have a variety.
Some time ago, I saw the marriage of Joseph N. Tyler in Kokomo, Indiana. Perhaps he might belong to the family of Joseph who went there from New York. Does your father know who his Uncle Joseph married and when, and the names of his children, and the place where his family were when he left them?
Thank you, I should like a copy of the paper with your article in it. Does your father know if Heber C. Kimball of the Latter-day Saints, was a Massachusetts man?
I have been somewhat afflicted with rheumatism for some weeks, but am improving. We have been having some very severe weather, such as you know nothing about (I suppose). You are so much farther south. I hope you have strength to enable you to perform all duties laid upon you.
My love to the father, may he be sustained by the “Everlasting Arms” about him and have patience for the coming of his Lord, for he hath said “I will never leave nor forsake those that trust me.”
With much love to you all,
Your aff. cousin, Louisa C. Ladd
Letter From Daughter, Emily Percinda
Uintah Co.
Aug;. 17, 1898
Dear Dear Father, Sisters, Bros.,
I am still alive and haven’t forgotten you. We have been here 11 days. Before we started I had considerable to do and not able to do much either. Since I got here I have got a dreadful cold in my head and on my lungs. I don’t feel as uneasy about it as I would if several other people didn’t have it (now that is grammatical, isn’t it?). The rest are well that are here. Georgie and family, Ruth and husband, are between here and Price. The men working for cash haying and harvesting. Will and Newt and George thought it best to come on and prepare for winter. George Jo and Rufus hauling hay on shares. Will and Newt working in brick yard for wheat. We are in Ashley Valley, 1.25 miles from Price, 25 miles from Duchesne Post. We came through the Post. I do not know yet what we will do.
Pres. Hatch advised George to wait until Uintah Res. is open and get a home there. We are two days travel from Lucian Valley. They intend to go over and look at that country before cold weather. We can get hay, grain, honey, ... and potatoes for work until cold weather and they hope in that time to get enough to last until spring and then if we don’t go to Lucien Valley, we will rent here next season and be prepared to go to Reservation as soon as it is open. We don’t like this way of having no home but we are not able to buy and will have to do the best we can.
This is the prettiest valley I ever saw excepting Salt Lake. But it is very cold in winter. There are a great many people in this valley, Father, and there is a man here, Cuppie by name. He says he was in the Battalion. He is a Creek Indian. The boys told him their grandfather was with the B. And they told him you name. He said he was well acquainted with you and asked for your address and is going to write to you. Was he there? That name isn’t in the book. Cuppie (not Cappie). I don’t know how he spells it. Maybe it is Coupe. Nat Caldwell lives here and says he knew Caldwell soon as he saw him.
Allie, I must have hurt your feelings in my last letter for you didn’t mention the subject. Did I tell you about the mines about 40 miles east of here? There is a big excitement. Hundreds of men came there last week or several. Rich men from Salt Lake and other places. One other Jackson [looks like]. I think he has a recommend from Murdock as being a gentleman. I heard so it is said to be the best ever found in Utah. I am very willing they should be that near, but don’t want them any nearer. It is on Parens. I would like a little money. I am awful tired of bing poor. John Christian wrote to us once about mines in this same place. Some of you can tell him if you want to. He has befriended us when George brought me home from Beaver. I would like him to know about the mines.
I would like to have been there when you put up the stone to our darling’s grave and help pay for it but both is impossible. Write soon. [The following is written at the top of the first page, upside down and very small.] ... the time’s gone and haven’t answered things yet. Love to Ruthie, Alf, Jeanie, Josie, Fredie, Dan’l, ... Elsie and all, from your loving daughter, sister and aunt. Write soon now. Don’t wait. If father or Allie can’t write, some of you children write. I want to see you all so much. I want you all to pray that I may live through this cold winter and that we may all meet again.
Lovingly, daughter, sister, aunt, E.P.T. Adair
George and children send love to all.
Love to Charlie May and children. Tell them
... died between here and Price.
Another Letter From Emily Percinda
... P.O.
Uintah Co.
Nov. 13, 1898
Dear Father and Sisters and Bro.,
Father and Allie, received your kind, thrice welcome letters over two weeks ago. I haven’t waited by 5 weeks as long as you did to answer. I am out of stamps. Don’t know when I can send this. George and Welton are freighting and I may have to wait until they get home to get stamps. We are as well as usual. I am always ailing. Hope you are all well just now. I am getting over a severe earache. George will get a new wagon on this trip. Allie and ... I do not know what I could do with land had we all known when I was there. But I know most of our children are intending to come here and they would feel bad if we should come thee. Willie went to Harmony about time I wrote you last and I received a letter from Emma that a horse had fell on him and nearly killed him and as soon as he could ride he was coming back here.
I think Mayme [?] will come via railroad later. I think your letter did her good. Oh, I hope they will be happy but I am afraid Willie will make more promises than he will be able to keep and she is very exacting. I shall be sure that no word or act of mine will mar their happiness. I also read a pitiful letter from our Daniel. He was on a wood contract at Delamar and was afraid he would lose his team on first of Nov. He said ... if Pa and they boys will send money to save his team and if Florence won’t come he will come and make a visit and work and pay every cent of it. But his letter was delayed and we didn’t have the money just then and it wouldn’t have reached him in time if we had of had it. It almost broke my heart to write him that we didn’t have it. I wrote him about Willie being in Harmony and sent him a stamped envelope to write Will and one to write us. I am looking for answer now. And I wrote Willie not to come without Dan. Have received no answer yet. Dan said, “Ma, I am working very hard to same my team.” He is not stout or healthy and is just killing himself in that horrid country. If I knew where he is now, I would wish you to write him a comforting letter, but do not know when or where a letter would reach him.
Allie, if Jo could sell land for cows, next summer I would bring Welton and Rufus to come after them. I cannot bear to write or think about it. My children says it looks like we wanted Grandpa to die and George won’t even council with me about it now. This is not meant for you or Jo for we would not like to see our parents home go into the hands of strangers. I would never go to Beaver if it did. It was hard enough to see our dear sister’s place. We don’t own a cow and it is so hard for me to do without milk or butter. We milked a neighbor’s cow 3 weeks while they went to Salt Lake and the boys milked for an old lady and got milk night and morning... but we don’t get any now. And I know our dear father knowing our love for him would be happy knowing that he had helped to make me more comfortable in my feeble old age while it would not shorten his dear life or injure him in any way. If I thought it would cause him the very least pang or thought that we wanted him to die, I would burn this up. I want to see him and all of you so much.
Allie, don’t let Alf... step grandmother wait on Ruthie and have him hire some trusty woman (not girl) to take care of her so when you come home you can rest and not be uneasy. Ruth says, and I wish, we could be there. She nearly goes wild over a baby and still grieves abut her baby. No, her health isn’t good. I think she is afraid she won’t have any more. Father, I goat the medicine on the 6th of July, 1889. I had been troubled with a black diarrhea, I think 2 or 3 years and the coating from my stomach and bowels was all gone. Before I had taken half a bottle I was much better. I think I have taken 14 bottles and I know you were inspired to send it to me for it saved my life. Could I have taken it steady I would have bee more healthy. Now I always recommend it. I had a neighbor on Puhreah that was troubled with severe pain in her stomach for 25 years. Doctors told her it couldn’t be cured. I got her to take prescription and less than one bottle cured her. I had taken several doses out of the bottle and let her have it. After two years the pain hadn’t returned. Her husband said they ought to send a testimonial.
Yesterday, today and tomorrow is our stake conference. I haven’t been but am going out now to try to catch a ride for afternoon meeting. It is 1 o’clock at two. We had Bro’s Nuttale and Maasuer here two weeks ago. We went onto the stand to see Brother Nuttall. He introduced me to Brother Maasuer as Sister Adair, Brother Tyler’s daughter. I said, Brother Maser, I have often seen your picture at my father’s. He said, I have some with me, will bring you one and I went up on the stand next day to bid them goodbye. He recognized me and said, I promised you a picture and I have brought it. Love to all from all. Do write as you get this. No father hasn’t sent Ruth one of his pictures. She would like one and so would the other children. Did father receive Ruth’s and her husband’s picture? She sent it before we left Price. Had my two last teeth pulled since we came here.
Your loving daughter, sister and aunt,
E.P.T. Adair
Receipt from Beaver Business
Beaver City, Utah
June 1st, 1899
Mr. Daniel Tyler
Beaver Furniture and Wall Paper Company
Dealers in Furniture, Wall Paper, Paints, Oil, Glass, Etc.
Feb. 10 To Papering and Painting Room ...................................$5.75
Mar. 10 30 days
Apr. 10 60 days
May 10 90 days
Paid, Beaver, Furniture and Wall Paper Co.
Beaver City, Utah
[receipt doesn’t explain if the $5.75 was the whole cost or just the last payment.]
Receipt From Tyler Family Association
Received from Daniel Tyler of Beaver City, Utah, $5.00 as a Life Membership fee to the “Tyler Family Association,” organized at North Andover, Sept. 2, 1896. Received at West Boxford, Essex Co., Mass., January 16th, 1899 by Mrs. Larissa C. Ladd, formerly treasurer of Association.
Letter From Granddaughter, Mayna
New Harmony
Aug. 15, 1899
Dear Grandpa,
Received the photograph alright. Thank you very much for it. It is a good likeness and it will be such a pleasure to Kenneth to know how his great grandpa looked. We are as well as usual, save the trouble I have been having with my eyes. Trust you are all well. Was very sorry to hear of Aunt Allie’s long illness. Kind regards to all from,
Mayna
Letter From Moses Thatcher Defending Himself
November 20th, 1899
Elder Daniel Tyler
Box 65, Beaver, Utah
Dear Brother Tyler,
Your esteemed communication of the 8th just reached me on the evening of the 11th and was read with interest and pleasure, notwithstanding some of your deductions and applications and conclusions are expressed in the utmost plainness and most open candor. A style in speaking or writing much more satisfactory to me than that of the trained diplomat whose sayings may mean this or that or nothing, as he may be pleased, under various circumstances to interpret them. So in replying I shall continue to write in the same spirit of plainness and candor.
I remember nothing in my former letters warranting the idea as your last seems to imply, that I had expressed any thought that I had been made a subject of “persecution” by my brethren. I have indeed, to the contrary, sought to avoid feelings of that kind. In a former letter, I think I informed you that, “so long as I continued to feel as I then did I should never become an accuser of my brethren.” When referring to what I conceived to be the obligations to ones conscience, I made the simple statement that in the injustice and persecutions to which we had been subjected, none had more earnestly plead the rights of conscience than had Latter Day Saints.
In referring to personal responsibility, I did so illustratively; having no thought that any person would or could assume responsibility for word or act of mine either here or hereafter, because I had long since understood that the crowning sacrifice of the Master’s precious blood and life were given, once for all to establish personal responsibility and individual accountability. Hence I see no reason for changing my views respecting the danger, as I see it, of fixing responsibility upon the person obeying, while removing it from him who commands obedience.
Whatever effect it may have upon others, the thought that I am amenable to an earthly as well as to a heavenly tribunal tends to make me more considerate of what I say, and more careful of what I do. I have sometimes noticed, and doubtless you have, how very lenient some are when requiring obedience of their own, but extremely exacting when requiring the obedience of other men’s sons. But such exhibitions do but confirm the truth of the saying: “blood is thicker than water.” You allude to what you presume to be a modification or change of my views as formerly entertained respecting the use of authority or exercise of dominion over others; a subject touched upon in my former letter and so clearly amplified in Section 120 of the Book of Covenants. You infer that I had given that scripture a personal application, for you say: “but I fail to see its application in your case.”
Now I desire to assure you that I had no thought of such application. Indeed I believe I told you that the reference was make to indicated how the Lord views the disposition of almost all men in respect of the use of authority generally, ascribing it as a chief reason, why many are called but few chosen. You go on to say: “and if id did (see its application to your case), my dear brother, I might add that I had been informed that even our beloved Brother Moses, whom I always held in high esteem and still do hold, not always, when presiding lived any too close to that rule of love and forbearance he now sees the necessity for. I do not claim any personal knowledge on that point but my memory points to an allegation to that effect published in the Deseret News at the Conference heretofore mentioned or soon after. Should it have been the case I am thankful that he sees differently now.”
I may be in error when presuming that you make reference to one of the many public charges made against me; while by permission I was seeking in the mountains restoration of health under promise that my case would not be taken up until a specified time had elapsed in which, the hope was expressed that I would be well enough to explain or answer whatever charges might be brought against me. Specifically I mean that I presume that you refer to the charge substantially to the effect that “I had lost the Spirit by attempting to climb over my file leaders.”
At the time when that condition was said to have been known and had become a subject for discussion or at least of comment, I was, I believe, within easy reach; but was neither called to an accounting nor even informed that my brethren viewed conduct or word of mine in that light. During that time and for years after, I was sustained as an Apostle, one of the Twelve, and as a prophet, seer, and revelator, and supposed I had the confidence, love and prayers of my brethren. They certainly had mine. In line with declarations and affirmations made in holy places four times annually when at home or not sick, so far as I was concerned, it could not have been otherwise. While there were other charges of a serious character made against me it would not, in my opinion, do much good to discuss them at this time. But now that this one is brought forward it may be well to see what reasonable deductions may be drawn from it.
For that purpose let us assume that the charge “as published in the Deseret News” was correct. Whether true or untrue, one point was established beyond dispute, and that was its publication to the world in a newspaper, read by Jews, Gentiles, and Mormons, and that too before I knew any such charge had been made against me, and therefore, before I had a chance to plead either innocent or guilty. Had I been able to show that the charge was founded in misapprehension of the facts, or in prejudice based upon misunderstanding, I had no opportunity to do so.
Well you might say: “have you not since had abundant chance to purge yourself of the charge.” Possibly. But under our ideas of jurisprudence the accused is not required to prove his innocence. And if my memory serves correctly the Prophet Joseph Smith held that “revelation” of ones guilt was not admissible as evidence. But suppose I should have established my guiltlessness and suppose the “News” had subsequently published the facts; is it possible or even probable that every person whose confidence and esteem I cherished and who had read the “charge” would also read the corrections? And if not, would not personal injury result? And what might be the nature of that injury in the minds of those regarding statements published in the Deseret News as you and very many other dear friends would naturally regard them?
Again the period named as the time when “I lost the Spirit by attempting to climb over my file leaders” goes several years beyond the date when my name was dropped from the list of the Twelve Apostles. During all those intervening years without the inspiring, guiding influences of the Spirit, how was it possible for me to meet the requirements and fill the measure of the high and holy calling to which by the vote of the Saints I was semi-annually sustained? And while, perhaps, no intelligent Latter Day Saint would attempt to maintain that such vote would or could constitute a prophet, a seer, or a revelator, to say nothing of maintaining the Apostleship, the indisputable fact that the people would regard him as all these remains. And yet we may know that any man bereft of the holy Spirit cannot really be a living, though he may be a dead oracle. Nor can he be to the Saints in any sense a safe leader or infallible guide. Are we not thus through this illustrative case brought to face the conclusion that if one Apostle, though ambitious to override his brethren, loses the Spirit, another may do so? But you might say: “has not the Lord removed you and delivered the Saints from the danger?” Granting even that the fact still remains that I was not removed for a number of years after my condition became, unknown to me, a matter of comment if not criticism among some of my brethren and fellow laborers. So, at least during that period, the danger was imminent. Your allusion to the apostasy of members of the first Twelve, is but another illustration. In fact, I have heard it asserted that the opinions ofs the First Presidency and Twelve Apostles has lost, through apostasy, more members through apostasy more members, in proportion to numbers than any others.
If I have changed views as to the “disposition of almost all men to exercise unrighteous dominion as soon as they get a little authority as they suppose” and as so fully amplified in the Sec. Of the Book of Covenants alluded to, I am not aware of it. But even if I had verified in my own conduct the word of the Lord on that subject, by the misuse of authority, that would in no degree effect His divine declaration, nor would it detract from its force and meaning. As to whether I have, or have not, exercised authority arbitrarily and harshly, I would not claim to be an unbiased judge; so must leave that to the judgement of those among whom I labored for years. But I think I may safely say that I have never asked for favors under the law either for myself or for any member of my family; having always conformed to the requirements made of the poorest and most obscure in Israel. We have never asked for special renderings of the Law of God nor any easement of penalties under them. We have never believed a crime in one could be a virtue in another. We have, and do still deprecate cash among the Saints and have had no faith in the so called divine right of Kings, but have at the same time believed that the perfect organization of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints carries with it the evidence of its own divine origin.
Not only has it been said that I lost the Spirit for reasons cited; but that I sacrificed the Apostleship to gratify political ambitions. And yet I am told that I made no effort to save a membership. That being true, what had become of “ambitions?” Again after being deposed, I refused the highest political office in the gift of the people -- namely that of the United States Senatorship. “Ambitions should be made of sterner stuff.” On these charges is there not evidently something out of joint?
You seem to think, indeed you assign as a cause for the lack of effort in my behalf my sickness. Which do you think would most tend to the restoration of health -- such labor or being unceremoniously and without one word of explanation dropped from the list of Apostles in General Conference? When that was done so many friends, thinking I was dead, inquired of each other when I had passed away? And no wonder, for I was on the verge of the grave; and on being told what had been done all desire to live, for a time, was taken away. Dear Brother Tyler, I am not referring to these things in a spirit of faultfinding, for I have no such feeling. At the same time I desire to say that I do not think the reason you name is the best that might be given. In fact I cannot believe that to be the reason at all, and yet there may be reasons, of which I know nothing, both good and sufficient. I am not jealous nor envious of efforts made in Brother Robert’s behalf, nor do I complain at the lack of similar efforts in my behalf, but simply cite the fact that I never heard of the “Rule” until within two hours of the moment when I was removed and that it was believed by thousands that I was then dying. To say more about this matter would probably be unwise. Perhaps too much has already been said.
You say: (speaking of our brethren) “Bro. Moses must have judged them wrongfully.” You must be in error, dear Brother Tyler, because he has not presumed to judge them at all! In seeking motives I leave that with you. Certainly I would not intentionally, do or say anything to detract an iota from the confidence and esteem in which you hold the brethren. Some day in time or eternity matters will be cleared up, and all will end well.
And now I am brought to that part of your letter which I deem of vital importance even more so that other parts from which, however, I do not detract. You sum up the situation as you understand it, as follows: “Brother Moses Thatcher had accepted the Holy Apostleship, thence by implication, agreeing to spend his whole time if necessary to the interest of the Church, as most of the time of the Apostles is required and devoted; that he subsequently accepted a political nomination to office of which, if elected, would take him from his Church duties for a serious of years without consulting the authorities of the Church, as to whether his duties as an Apostle could be dispensed with for so long a time, or for any time, and had nothing to do with Church and Stake connection in politics, and that point it seems to me without a manifesto Brother Moses should have submitted to the leaders of the Church before accepting. It does not seem to me that such a plain proposition needs any argument or long time to consider.”
Had your conclusions been based upon the facts, this part of your letter might properly be replied to by a most hearty acquiescence on my part, because I view the obligations of an Apostle, on all such matters, exactly as you have defined yours, and did at the time to which you allude. But, dear Brother Tyler, I had accepted no political nominations whatever; hence your deductions cannot justly apply to me or my case. I had strenuously opposed the use of my name in connection with political office of any kind, first upon the ground that I should not be required to make the unnecessary sacrifice which that would demand; and second the honest conviction that the use of my name in such connection was liable to excite an antagonism which the party of which I was a member could not counteract.
I did not attend the session of the Democratic Convention at Ogden in 1895 which nominated Bro. Roberts for representative to the House in the National Congress. I was not present when that Convention recommended Joseph R. Rawlins and Moses Thatcher to the next State Legislature, if democratic, as its choice of United States Senators. While that Convention was the proper body t nominate a Senator or Senators. To even recommend or endorse a person for that National position was a departure from the prevailing custom and was therefore an innovation, the fruitlessness of which was demonstrated in the fact, that the election following, returned a Republican, not a Democratic State Legislature, which honorable body certainly did not nominate, nor did it elect me.
Lest there might arise misunderstanding -- for political animosity was rampant at the time, I made it my special business to call on the Presidency of the Church only a few days after the adjournment of the Democratic Convention and fully explained to them my ideas, as herein explained, of the duties and obligations of an Apostle, assuring them that I would be unwilling to neglect those of even a deacon in the Church, to say nothing of those of an Apostle, to become a United States Senator or even President of the Republic.
That’s how I felt then. That’s how I feel now. Thus you may understand that my ideas on this matter were plainly stated to the brethren, our leaders at the time. But for some reason unknown to me, they deemed it necessary to “discipline” me in public Priesthood Meeting for the action of the Ogden Democratic Convention; and thereafter as it appeared to me, centered fire on Brother Roberts and myself. Many in the Church and out of it, thought then and think now, that it was done mainly in the interest of the Republican Party, which, it has since transpired, there was a private understanding looking to that partie’s aid in securing Statehood; and not that I had committed any very serious fault. At all events it is generally understood by Democrats throughout Utah if not by many of the other party, that the “discipline” to which Brother Roberts and myself were subjected resulted in Democratic defeat at the polls. The calling and declarations of the ... Convention resulted. Those declarations being in spirit and wording so nearly in line with those of the “Declaration of American Independence,” have not been seriously attacked. At least, as I understand it, that is the democratic view.
In conclusion I am glad to be able to show how perfectly we are in harmony on this last matter. It certainly needed no “manifesto” to convince me of duty in that direction. As you say: “a propisiture so manifest needs no argument.” So many thought: “an organization so dearly defining obligations, required no additional explanation.” The delay in replying was caused by very important business matters demanding attention. Hoping that your health continues fairly good and praying the Lord to bless and preserve you many years; and, once more thanking you for kindness and interest in my behalf, I am your brother in the Gospel,
Moses Thatcher.
[The Following 2 Excerpts From Church History Give Background]
...”the general opinion was for none of the presidency, twelve, or presidents of seventy to take the stump to make political speeches....”
The Democratic Party in Utah favored election of United States senators by direct vote of the people, and in order to approach that method of choosing United States senators as nearly as possible, the party convention of 1895 nominated the men to be elected by the legislature should it be Democratic. Hence Mr. Thatcher went before the people in the campaign as the nominee of his party for United States senator. The other nominee for senator was Joseph L. Rawllins.
Church Action in the Thatcher Case
For failing to join with the general authorities in signing this document, the name of Moses Thatcher was not presented at the April conference, 1896; nor again at the October conference of the same year. Elder Thatcher during this period was in poor health, and therefore no positive action was taken respecting his recalcitrance, except that at the October conference referred to each of his fellow apostles referred to his contumacy, and warned the saints not to be over-sympathetic with him pending a settlement of his case.
Elder Thatcher was finally summoned before the council of the apostles for a settlement of his differences with them and the other general authorities of the church, and not appearing in answer to that summons, he was, on the 19th of November, 1896, “severed from the council of the twelve apostles” and “deprived of his apostleship and other offices in the priesthood.”
Within a year further action was determined upon, going to Mr. Thatcher’s standing as a member of the church. Under date of July 30, 1897, three of the apostles made charges of unchristian-like conduct against him, covering largely these same difficulties arising from politics. The charges were investigated by the Salt Lake stake high council, and were sustained. The decision was that in order to “retain his standing and fellowship in the Church, Moses Thatcher must publish a statement to the satisfaction and approval of the presidency of this stake of Zion fully covering the following points, viz;
“That in taking the position that the authorities of the church, by issuing the declaration of principles on April 6, 1896, acted in violation of pledges previously given and contrary to what they had published in the Deseret News and given to the Salt Lake Times, he was in error and in the dark.
That he now sees there is no conflict between that declaration and their former utterances in reference to political affairs.
That he was mistaken in conveying the idea that the church authorities desired and intended to unite the church and state to exercise undue influence in political affairs.”
These conditions and others enumerated in the decision, but which are mere details and addenda of the above propositions, Moses Thatcher accepted by endorsing the decision, saying:
“Without qualification or mental reservation I accept this decision in full.”
Signed, Moses Thatcher.
This acceptance was accompanied by an explanatory note attached to the decision authorizing publication of it as a settlement of his acceptance of, and compliance with, the decision of the high council. It was so accepted by the presidency of the stake in which the issue was tried.
Letter From Esther E. Wheeler -- Genealogy
Romeo, Michigan
Dec. 5, 1899
My Dear Sir,
Pardon the liberty I take in addressing you.
Ritner Thompson, David Thompson’s son, of Coneseant, Ohio, visited us last week. He informed us that his father received a letter from you inquiring about the relatives in Michigan.
Ritner requested me to reply to your letter. I am pleased to and hope it will be satisfactory to you.
My father, Edmund Thompson, died Feb. 3, 1874 of Bright’s Disease, aged sixty-seven years. My mother, Anna Thompson, has lately passed her eighty-fifth birthday. She resides on the farm they located when the country was new. Situated about seven miles from [bottom line of letter not on this copy]. ...is her Post Office, is southwest.
Warren D., the oldest of Father’s family, resides near Charlevloix, Michigan. His age is sixty-seven. Eliza Ann, the second child, died in infancy, while they were yet in Pennsylvania. Hiram, the second son, was born the year they came here, 1836. He resides with mother. Is married, has no family. My brother, Day Thompson met with an accident that proved fatal in a few hours in 1883. His age was forty-three. Harriet, who is in her fifty-sixth year, resides in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Her husband’s name is Chandler Sessions. They have two daughters. I am four years younger than Harriet, am the youngest of the family. I was named after Father’s sister, Esther. Ritner informed us that she is living. Her home is in La Cross, Wisconsin. I married Hiram S. Wheeler six years ago. He has a family of five children, four of whom reside in Chicago, [bottom line of letter missing from this copy].... Warren’s wife has ... ... [been dead?] some years. He lives alone on his farm, only his youngest son, Berton is at home part of the time.
Warren has three daughters living. He has buried two sons. George was a young man and married, Homer was four years old. George left a wife and two children, Mabel and George. Warren’s daughter, Sarah, married George’s wife’s brother, Oscar Smith. They have two sons, Byron and Lowell. Warren’s second daughter, Mary, married David Hawkins. They are now in Minneapolis, Minnesota -- have buried four daughters, among them a pair of twins. They were Elsie, Nettie, Bell and Estella, who died a few months ago, aged seventeen. They have one living, Ethel. My sister’s two daughters are Stella and Ethel. Warren has also one other daughter, married to James Meggison. They have [bottom line missing]....
... Uncle Warren Thompson is ... ... one of Father’s brother’s living. His address is Clarks Corners, Ashtabula Co., Ohio. As father’s parents died many years before I was born, I have very little knowledge of their brothers and sisters. Your name is familiar to mother, also uncle Drew (Andrews) as she calls him. Will you kindly inform me if I had other great uncles or aunts and the names of my great grandparents. We will all be very much interested in hearing from you, and especially mother. Mother is somewhat lonely. Harriet was home and stayed six weeks last summer. I live half a mile from mother. When it is not slippery, I go home about every other day. I do my housework and when I go home most always walk. It was necessary to have one limb amputated four years ago so I am obliged to use crutches,... [bottom line of letter missing here].
I know but little of the relatives in Pennsylvania. Ritner was on his way to Alace [?] County to dispose of some property and only spent a part of his two days here and at mothers.
Part of a Letter From Polly Young. Date Uncertain
.... Then again, I have such a time to get away from home from mother. I declare, it spoils half of the pleasure in my visit. When I go a day’s distance, I tell her I can easy get home in one day, but to go so far -- I cannot describe it half as it is. She says now for me to get a horse and buggy and enjoy the summer months in going to picnics, church lawn parties etc. I try to show here Orena is here, only the distance of two blocks away, but it is the same old story.
What or where I will do or go, time will have to tell. I cannot as yet. But I feel determined to go west. Remember me to all the relatives and write . I wrote your father about Hiram’s death. I suppose he got my letter.
Love to all,
Polly Young
My mother is the only living member of her father’s family. I hope we will hear from you soon. I do not know how long it is since your letter was received. Rest assured I will reply promptly if permitted.
My husband asks you to favor him with a newspaper from your town. He will return the compliment. He is a great lover of reading and well informed. Resided in Chicago most of his life and naturally finds it somewhat lonely with only one other member in a quiet country home.
I send love from my mother, brother, husband and myself. Please write to mother, whose address is: Anna Thompson, Romeo, Macomb Co., Michigan or to me:
Esther E. Wheeler
Romeo, Macomb Co.,
P.O. Box 263,
Michigan