Wilford Woodruff
Born: 1 March 1807
Called to Quorum of the Twelve: 26 April 1839
Called as General Superintendent to the YMMIA: 1880
Became President of the Quorum of the Twelve: 10 October 1880
Sustained as President of the Church: 7 April 1889
Died: 2 September 1898
Called to Quorum of the Twelve: 26 April 1839
Called as General Superintendent to the YMMIA: 1880
Became President of the Quorum of the Twelve: 10 October 1880
Sustained as President of the Church: 7 April 1889
Died: 2 September 1898
Talks About Wilford Woodruff
Apr 1857 - Brigham Young - Counsel to Church, Missionary Conduct
Oct 1875 - Wilford Woodruff - Mission of the Twelve Apostles
Oct 1875 - Wilford Woodruff - Mission of the Twelve Apostles
Biographical Articles
Biographical Encyclopedia, Volume 1
Biographical Encyclopedia, Volume 4
Juvenile Instructor, 15 April 1867, My First Mission
Juvenile Instructor, 1 May 1867, More of My First Mission
Juvenile Instructor, 15 May 1867, A Dream and its Fulfilment
Juvenile Instructor, 1 June 1867, My First Mission Continued
Juvenile Instructor, 15 June 1867, My First Mission Continued
Juvenile Instructor, 15 July 1867, My First Mission
Juvenile Instructor, 15 September 1898, President Wilford Woodruff
Improvement Era, October 1898, Wilford Woodruff
Improvement Era, October 1898, Life Sketch and Engraving of Wilford Woodruff
Young Woman's Journal, October 1898, President Wilford Woodruff
Young Woman's Journal, October 1898, President Woodruff's Letter
Young Woman's Journal, October 1898, President Woodruff's Funeral Requests
Young Woman's Journal, October 1898, His Love and Admiration for the Journal
Improvement Era, January 1900, Experiences in the Life of President Wilford Woodruff
Improvement Era, March 1900, Experiences in the Life of President Wilford Woodruff
Young Woman's Journal, December 1904, President Wilford Woodruff
Young Woman's Journal, September 1915, Story from the Life of President Wilford Woodruff
Young Woman's Journal, October 1915, Missionary Work in England
Young Woman's Journal, December 1915, A Day of God's Power
Young Woman's Journal, January 1916, Incident from the Life of Wilford Woodruff
Young Woman's Journal, February 1916, Incidents from the Life of Wilford Woodruff
Young Woman's Journal, November 1916, From President Wilford Woodruff's History
Young Woman's Journal, December 1916, Instances of Healing in This Generation
Young Woman's Journal, February 1917, The Glorious Youthfulness of a Grand Old Age
Young Woman's Journal, October 1919, President Wilford Woodruff a True Prophet of God
Instructor, March 1931, Wilford Woodruff's Birthday Anniversary
Instructor, December 1938, Wilford Woodruff: The Conciliator
Relief Society Magazine, November 1940, Excerpts From "Wilford Woodruff"
Instructor, July 1941, How My Prayer was Answered
Instructor, November 1947, Wilford Woodruff
Instructor, June 1956, Little Deeds From Big Lives
Instructor, May 1960, In Preparation for Greatness
Relief Society Magazine, August 1963, He Knew the Prophet Joseph Smith - Wilford Woodruff
Improvement Era, February 1970, The Wilford Woodruff Journals
Improvement Era, September 1970, Wilford Woodruff's Mission to Maine
Ensign, July 1993, Wilford Woodruff: A Man of Record
Ensign, January 2006, Wilford Woodruff: Contending for the Faith
Biographical Encyclopedia, Volume 4
Juvenile Instructor, 15 April 1867, My First Mission
Juvenile Instructor, 1 May 1867, More of My First Mission
Juvenile Instructor, 15 May 1867, A Dream and its Fulfilment
Juvenile Instructor, 1 June 1867, My First Mission Continued
Juvenile Instructor, 15 June 1867, My First Mission Continued
Juvenile Instructor, 15 July 1867, My First Mission
Juvenile Instructor, 15 September 1898, President Wilford Woodruff
Improvement Era, October 1898, Wilford Woodruff
Improvement Era, October 1898, Life Sketch and Engraving of Wilford Woodruff
Young Woman's Journal, October 1898, President Wilford Woodruff
Young Woman's Journal, October 1898, President Woodruff's Letter
Young Woman's Journal, October 1898, President Woodruff's Funeral Requests
Young Woman's Journal, October 1898, His Love and Admiration for the Journal
Improvement Era, January 1900, Experiences in the Life of President Wilford Woodruff
Improvement Era, March 1900, Experiences in the Life of President Wilford Woodruff
Young Woman's Journal, December 1904, President Wilford Woodruff
Young Woman's Journal, September 1915, Story from the Life of President Wilford Woodruff
Young Woman's Journal, October 1915, Missionary Work in England
Young Woman's Journal, December 1915, A Day of God's Power
Young Woman's Journal, January 1916, Incident from the Life of Wilford Woodruff
Young Woman's Journal, February 1916, Incidents from the Life of Wilford Woodruff
Young Woman's Journal, November 1916, From President Wilford Woodruff's History
Young Woman's Journal, December 1916, Instances of Healing in This Generation
Young Woman's Journal, February 1917, The Glorious Youthfulness of a Grand Old Age
Young Woman's Journal, October 1919, President Wilford Woodruff a True Prophet of God
Instructor, March 1931, Wilford Woodruff's Birthday Anniversary
Instructor, December 1938, Wilford Woodruff: The Conciliator
Relief Society Magazine, November 1940, Excerpts From "Wilford Woodruff"
Instructor, July 1941, How My Prayer was Answered
Instructor, November 1947, Wilford Woodruff
Instructor, June 1956, Little Deeds From Big Lives
Instructor, May 1960, In Preparation for Greatness
Relief Society Magazine, August 1963, He Knew the Prophet Joseph Smith - Wilford Woodruff
Improvement Era, February 1970, The Wilford Woodruff Journals
Improvement Era, September 1970, Wilford Woodruff's Mission to Maine
Ensign, July 1993, Wilford Woodruff: A Man of Record
Ensign, January 2006, Wilford Woodruff: Contending for the Faith
Jenson, Andrew. "Woodruff, Wilford." Biographical Encyclopedia. Volume 1. pg. 20-26.
WOODRUFF, Wilford, fourth president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, was born March 1, 1807, in Farmington (now Avon). Hartford county, Conn. He, like his predecessors in the Prophetic office of the Church, came of a sturdy, industrious race of men and women. His progenitors were among the early settlers of New England. They figured nobly in the American revolution, and naturally transmitted to posterity a love of liberty and traits which go to make patriots and martyrs. Wilford Woodruff possessed all these admirable Qualities of character, which were crowned with a veneration for God, and strong religious element in his being. This led him in early youth to the consideration of spiritual subjects. He was also very industrious. His father, Aphek Woodruff, was a miller, and Wilford assisted him in running the Farmington grist mills, and, though tender in years, proved himself a man in thought and labor. From 1827 to 1832 he took charge of a flour mill for his aunt. Although religious he did not join any denomination until he was twenty-six years of age, because he found none which harmonized in doctrine and organization with the Church of Christ as described in the New Testament. When only a boy he would ask his Sunday school teacher why there were no Apostles and Prophets in this age, as in olden times. The answer he received only tended to disgust him with sectarianism. It was the same old story, "Apostles and Prophets are all done away with, because no longer needed," and yet with all the learning of modern ministers, they were unable to come to a unity of the faith as taught by the Savior and His Apostles. Under these circumstances Wilford Woodruff could only turn to the Lord in prayer for guidance, and find comfort in reading and believing the prophecies and doctrines of the Holy Bible. In 1832 he felt a strong inspiration to go to Rhode Island. Why, he did not know, and having already arranged to remove with his brother, Azmon Woodruff, to Richland, Oswego county. New York, he did not heed the inspiration to visit Rhode Island, but moved to the State of New York. They purchased a farm and saw mill, settling down to the business of farming and milling. Dec. 29, 1833, over a year from the time they left Connecticut, two "Mormon" Elders, Zera Pulsipher and Elijah Cheeney, came to that section of country preaching that an angel had visited the earth, restored the everlasting gospel, and that Joseph Smith was a Prophet of the Lord. Wilford and Azmon Woodruff, who went to hear them preach, immediately received a testimony of the genuineness of their message, and offered themselves for baptism. Wilford was baptized Dec. 31, 1833, by Zera Pulsipher. Bro. Woodruff now learned that at the time he received the impression to visit Rhode Island there were Elders preaching in that State, and had he gone there, the opportunity to receive the gospel would have been afforded him one year earlier. From the time of his baptism until he departed for a better sphere, Wilford Woodruff proved by a life of devotion to the cause of God that he was grateful for his existence in this age of the world. A branch of the Church was organized in Richland Jan. 2, 1834, and Bro. Woodruff was ordained a Teacher. During this winter Elder Parley P. Pratt and others visited Richland. Elder Pratt became much impressed with Bro. Woodruff, and immediately told him that his duty was to repair to Kirtland, join Zion's Camp, and go with that body to Missouri. He took this counsel, closed his business in Richland, and left for Kirtland, where he arrived April 25, 1834. He was invited to be the guest of the Prophet Joseph Smith, which invitation he accepted, and he had a glorious time in his acquaintance with the Prophet and other leading men of the Church. He started with Zion's Camp for Missouri May 1, 1834, which journey was accomplished with considerable hardship, but throughout all the varied experiences incidental to the journey, Wilford Woodruff was, like Caleb and Joshua, among the number who sustained the Prophet, and never complained nor murmured because of trial and privation. After accomplishing all that could be done as a body, the Prophet advised the young men without families to remain in Missouri. Bro. Woodruff sojourned with Lyman Wight in Clay county, spending the summer quarrying rock, cutting wheat, making brick and doing other kinds of hard manual labor. During this time he was possessed of a strong desire Jo go into the world and preach the gospel, but did not express his desires, lest he should be considered aspiring, this being farthest from his humble unassuming disposition. The Lord, however, knew the honest desire of his heart, and one day, while walking along the road, he was met by one of the leading Elders in that section, who said to him in substance, "Bro. Woodruff, it is the will of the Lord that you should be ordained a Priest and go on a mission." Bro. Woodruff answered, "I am ready." He was ordained a Priest and went on a mission to Arkansas and Tennessee in the fall of 1834. On this mission he was grossly assailed by an apostate named Akeman. who, when Bro. Woodruff was leaving his premises, came towards him in a savage manner as if to do him violence, when the apostate suddenly fell dead at his feet. This event had been shown to Bro. Woodruff in a dream, though he did not understand the full import, until it was fulfilled. He and companion traveled on foot without purse or scrip, and on their journeyings they passed through Jackson county, Missouri, where it was dangerous for a Latter-day Saint to be seen. They were frequently preserved in a providential manner from mobocrats. Bro. Woodruff's first attempt at preaching was at a tavern, one Sunday in December, 1834. He was weary from a long walk through mud and slush, but the people desired to hear him. He enjoyed the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, speaking with freedom and power, testifying to the restoration of the everlasting gospel. In their travels Bro. Woodruff and his companion frequently lost their way and were obliged to wade swamps, and to avoid expenses would travel down some of the rivers in small canoes. Between Little Rock, Ark., and Memphis, Tenn., they became exhausted while crossing an alligator swamp. Bro. Woodruff's companion left him in the swamp suffering with a severe pain in his back. He knelt down in the mud and prayed intently, when the Lord healed him, and he went on his way rejoicing. Being joined by Elder Warren Parrish in April, 1835, they traveled together over seven hundred miles in less than four months, preaching the gospel every day. They baptized twenty in their travels. Elder Parrish also ordained Bro. Woodruff an Elder, placing him in charge of the branches they had organized in Tennessee. Elder Woodruff being left to travel alone, he extended his field of labor, and baptized quite a number, among whom were several of the Campbellite persuasion. In 1835, he traveled 3,248 miles, baptized 43, organized three branches, and held 170 meetings. Subsequently, in the spring of 1836, he traveled respectively with Abraham O. Smoot and Apostle David W. Patten. After performing a faithful two years' mission, accomplishing the conversion and baptism of many souls, Elder Woodruff returned to Kirtland, Ohio, in the fall of 1836. In May of that year he was ordained into the second Quorum of Seventy by Apostle Patten and "Warren Parrish. He also received his blessings in the Kirtland Temple, and attended school. April 13, 1837, he married Phebe W. Carter, of the State of Maine. A few days later he received a remarkable Patriarchal blessing under the hands of Patriarch Joseph Smith, senior, in which much of his future life was plainly foretold. During the troubles of 1837, when many leading men became embittered against the Prophet Joseph Smith, Wilford Woodruff was among the number who did not murmur, and was true to the Prophet of the Lord. In May, 1837, he started on a mission to Fox Islands. En route he preached the gospel to his relatives in Connecticut and baptized a number of them. Together with Jonathan H. Hale he landed on North Fox Island, Aug. 20, 1837, where they immediately commenced preaching the gospel. The first fruits of their labors was Justin Eames, a sea captain, and his wife, who were baptized Sept. 3rd. These were the first to embrace the gospel in this dispensation upon an island of the sea. A Baptist minister by the name of Newton first allowed them to preach in his chapel, but he afterwards opposed them, and was humiliated by seeing the best of his flock leave him and embrace the gospel as taught by these Elders. Two branches of the Church were organized and the two Elders returned to Scarborough, Maine, in October, where Elder "Woodruff had left his wife with her father's family. Elders Woodruff and Hale having parted, the former returned to Fox Islands in November, this time accompanied by his wife. He continued missionary work, baptizing a goodly number until persecution became so intense that he deemed it wisdom to return to Maine. Accompanied by Elder James Townsend, he introduced the gospel in the city of Bangor and other places in the State of Maine. From this labor he returned to Fox Islands. In harmony with counsel from the Prophet Joseph, he advised the Saints to sell their property and accompany him +o the !and of Zion. Early in 1838 he visited Providence, New York; also Boston and his native town, Farmington. Conn. In this place he preached the gospel to and baptized his father, stepmother, sister and other relatives and organized a branch of the Church. Bidding his relatives a loving farewell, he returned to Scarborough, Maine, where his first child, a daughter, was born, July 14, 1838. He again visited Fox Islands to encourage the Saints and prepare them for gathering to Missouri. While laboring in North Vinal Haven. Aug. 9, 1838, he received an official communication from Thos. B. Marsh, president of the Twelve, to the effect that he had been called by revelation, in connection with three other brethren, to bear the Apostleship and occupy a place in the Council of the Twelve. Thus his early dreams of Apostolic days were coming to a living reality, in which Wilford Woodruff himself was to be one of the Apostles. He was requested to come to Far West, Mo., as soon as he could arrange his affairs and prepare himself to preach the gospel in Great Britain, with his associates, the Twelve, the following year. With great promptness he set about preparing the Saints on Fox Islands to gather to Missouri. About one hundred people had embraced the gospel, chiefly through his labors, upon the islands. About fifty of these now prepared to gather with him to Missouri. Bro. Nathaniel Thomas sold his property and had considerable money. To assist his brethren and sisters Bro. Thomas loaned them about $2,000, which was placed in the hands of Elder Woodruff for their benefit. With this he purchased ten new wagons, ten sets of harness and twenty horses. After making these preparations he preceded the emigrating Saints to Scarborough, Maine, to prepare his own family for the journey. The company were counseled by President Woodruff to start by Sept. 1st, but they failed to do so, and did not leave until the early part of October. In consequence of this late start the journey proved a very hard one. Oct. 13, 1838, while crossing the Green Mountains, Elder Woodruff was taken very sick. A little later his wife was stricken down and came nigh to the gates of death. Both, however, were restored to health by the power of the Almighty. Respecting this new experience of migration, of which he did so much in later years. Elder Woodruff wrote the following in his journal: "In the afternoon of Oct. 9th, we took leave of Father Carter and family in Scarborough and started upon our journey of two thousand miles, at this late season of the year, taking my wife with a suckling babe at her breast with me to lead a company of fifty-three souls for their journey from Maine to Illinois, to spend nearly three months in traveling in wagons through rain, mud, snow, and frost." Upon arriving in Rochester, Illinois, Dec. 19, 1838, he learned of the persecutions and unsettled condition of affairs in Missouri and concluded to stop in that place the rest of the winter. In the spring of 1839 he removed his family to Quincy, 111., and from this point accompanied the Twelve to Far West, and was ordained with Elder Geo. A. Smith to the Apostleship April 26, 1839, on the Temple site, by President Brigham Young, assisted by other members of the Twelve. After returning- from Missouri, he moved his family to Montrose, Iowa, where he was severely attacked with chills and fever. While still sick he started Aug. 8, 1839, on his mission to England, leaving his wife also sick, and like all the families of the Twelve, in destitute circumstances, so far as temporal necessities were concerned. To New York he traveled with private conveyance, by stage, on foot and as best he could. In company with Elders John Taylor and Theodore Turley he arrived in Liverpool, England, Jan. 11, 1840, having been five months on the journey. He was assigned to labor in the Staffordshire Potteries, where he was successful. In the following March the spirit of the Lord prompted him to go south. He had plenty to do where he was, but he heard the voice of the spirit and obeyed. He went south to Worcester, where he met Mr. John Benlow, a wealthy farmer, who told him that in that vicinity there Where about six hundred people, including forty-five ministers, who had dissolved themselves from the Wesleyan Methodists for the purpose of independent research after truth. They owned several houses of worship, and styled themselves "The United Brethren." Elder "Woodruff commenced at once to lay before these people the truth as God had revealed it to the Prophet Joseph Smith, bearing witness as an Apostle of the Lord to the ministry of angels, and the complete restoration of the ancient gospel in these last days. The ministry of Elder Woodruff was not attended with the eloquence of speech, nor the well skilled argument which attend the labors of some men, but there was an earnestness in his talk and movement, and an honest straightforward, God-like simplicity in his plain statement of truth, accompanied by the influence of the Holy Spirit, which carried early conviction to the hearts of all who were honestly seeking after truth. Through eight months'- labor, chiefly by Elder "Woodruff in Herefordshire, Worcestershire, and Gloucestershire, eighteen hundred people were brought into the Church. This included the six hundred United Brethren, all but one. Two large conferences were organized. In August, 1840, he accompanied Elders Heber C. Kimball and Geo. A. Smith to London, where they introduced the gospel under very difficult circumstances. The first convert in London was baptized Aug. 31, 1840. Elder "Woodruff remained in London but a short time when he returned to Herefordshire, and Staffordshire strengthening the Saints. From thence he attended conference in Manchester, and labored most of the following winter In London, visiting also several other parts of the country. While in England the adversary made desperate efforts to impede the progress of the Elders in their ministry. At one time evil spirits attacked Apostles Woodruff and Smith, in a literal manner, when, by the exercise of faith and the authority of God by these brethren, these spirits departed. Bro. Woodruff saw them as literally as he could see the physical being of people tabernacled in the flesh. After a very prosperous mission, he returned to America, arriving in New York May 20, 1841; he met his wife at Scarborough, Maine, after two years' absence. A month later they returned to Nauvoo, where they were heartily welcomed home by the Prophet Joseph Smith. Bro. Woodruff became a member of the city council of Nauvoo, and served the interests of that city with energy and efficiency. His time during the winter of 1841-42 was mainly occupied in attending meetings and performing manual labor. In February, 1842, he became the business manager of the "Times and Seasons." In July of the same year he went on a mission to the Eastern States for the purpose of collecting funds to further the building of the Temple and Nauvoo House. He returned to Nauvoo Nov. 4th, and again spent the winter in Nauvoo, and much of the ensuing year. He received his endowments in the Nauvoo Temple under the direction of the Prophet Joseph Smith. He built a brick dwelling for himself and family on a lot given him by the Prophet Joseph. In the spring of 1844, he was called on another mission to the Eastern States. When about to take passage on a steamer from Portland, Maine, to Fox Islands, he learned of the martyrdom of Joseph and Hyrum Smith. He immediately went to Boston and met in council with the Twelve, and with them returned to Nauvoo, where he arrived Aug. 6, 1844, and took part with his brethren of the Twelve in presiding over the affairs of the Church. Wilford Woodruff was a personal witness to the power of God as it rested upon President Brigham Young, on the occasion when the latter was transfigured in the presence of the people, so that he appeared in person, and spoke as with the voice of the Prophet Joseph Smith. Aug. 12, 1844. Apostle Woodruff was called to preside over the British Mission. He left Nauvoo, Aug. 28, 1844. and reached Liverpool Jan. 3, 1845. He presided with ability and much industry over the mission about one year, when he returned to Nauvoo, early in 1846, just in time to participate with the Saints in their great exodus from Illinois. He, with many others, left their homes and property, which they had toiled to procure, under trying ordeals, to the disposition of their enemies, very few receiving more than a nominal price for their hard earned homes. He was active in helping the Saints to migrate, not only looking to the comfort of himself and family, but to the well being of his brethren and sisters on every hand. Early in 1847 he joined the Pioneer company, consisting of 148 souls. After a toilsome journey they entered the valley of the Great Salt Lake, July 24, 1847. President Young was in feeble health when the pioneers entered the valley, and Apostle Woodruff had the honor of conveying him in his carriage into the valley. Later, in 1847, Elder Woodruff returned to Winter Quarters, and was present Dec. 5, 1847, when Brigham Young was chosen President of the Church. In 1848, he was sent on a mission to the Eastern States, from which he returned to the valley in 1850, and in December of that year he was elected a member of the senate of the Provisional State of Deseret. Subsequently he served several terms in the Territorial legislature. In the spring of 1852, he accompanied President Young on an exploring trip to southern Utah, and at the October conference, 1853, he and Ezra T. Benson were called to gather fifty families to strengthen the settlements in Tooele county. When the Horticultural Society was organized in Salt Lake City, Sept. 13, 1855, he was chosen its president. At the semi-annual conference of the Church held in October, 1883, Apostle Woodruff was sustained as Church Historian and general Church recorder; he had been sustained as assistant Church historian since 1856. From the time he was a boy he kept a complete journal of his daily life. Many items of important history would doubtless have been lost, had It not been for the journal of Wilford Woodruff. His long personal experience and the accuracy of his journal assisted him very much as Church historian. When President John Taylor succeeded to the Presidency of the Church, in 1880, Elder Woodruff became the President of the Twelve Apostles, which place he filled with honor, until, subsequent to the decease of President Taylor, he became the President of and Prophet, Seer and Revelator to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1889. During his presidency of the Twelve, President Woodruff spent much of his time in exile, owing to the unholy crusade against the Latter-day Saints. During this time, like John the Revelator, he was favored with visions and revelations of the Holy Spirit. On one occasion the departed Prophet, President Young, appeared to him, as he traveled along a road in Arizona, to attend a conference, and urged upon President Woodruff the necessity for the Saints to more thoroughly secure the companionship of the Holy Spirit and keep it with them. President Woodruff was greatly interested in the salvation of the dead. Combining works with his faith, he secured from New England much genealogical information concerning his dead progenitors, and for their salvation he would work in the Temple whenever possible; his family and friends would assist. He was so thoroughly loved by the Saints and respected for his interest in the salvation of the dead that on one anniversary of his birthday several hundred of the Saints in St. George and vicinity joined him in the St. George Temple and received ordinances in behalf of his deceased relations. About tl)is time one of his choicest and most spiritual-minded sons, Brigham Y. Woodruff, was drowned in Bear river, in Cache valley. President Woodruff, having attached considerable importance to the future of this noble son, was very much grieved because of his death. Although he never murmured at the providences of the Almighty, he inquired of the Lord to know why it should be thus. The Lord revealed to him that as he was doing such an extensive work in the Temples for the dead, his son Brigham was needed in the spirit world to preach the gospel and labor among those relatives there. Many other manifestations of the Spirit were given to President Woodruff from the time he embraced the gospel until the time of his decease. During his administration as President of the Church, dating from April 7, 1889, George Q. Cannon and Joseph F. Smith, acting as counselors, President Woodruff did much to encourage the cause of Church school education, making, as trustee in trust, as liberal appropriations as the Church could afford to sustain the Stake academies and other Church schools. In 1890 President Woodruff issued the manifesto respecting the discontinuance of plural marriages in the United States, and later the political address, which provides that men who are called to spend all their time in the ministry shall not run into politics to the neglect of their spiritual calling without being properly released for that purpose. President Woodruff was for many years, and up to his death, president of the organization instituted by President Young, known as the Young Men's Mutual Improvement Association, throughout the Church. In this capacity he was greatly loved and respected by the young people of the Church. He attended their conferences whenever it was feasible, and constantly bore to them his earnest testimony as an Apostle of the Lord, that Jesus is the Christ and that Joseph Smith was a mighty Prophet of the Lord. President Woodruff's 90th birthday was celebrated March 1, 1897, by a grand gathering of his friends and admirers at the Tabernacle, Salt Lake City. He officiated at the great Pioneer Jubilee celebration, July 20, 1897, when the statue of President Brigham Young was unveiled and the dedicatory prayer was offered by him. In the afternoon, he attended a meeting of the pioneers, which was held in the Tabernacle, and was there presented with the g-old Pioneer badge, which had been designed for the oldest Pioneer present. July 22, 1897, he was honored by being crowned with flowers in the Tabernacle by the children who had marched in the procession to the number of about ten thousand. During the latter years of his life he suffered from insomnia, and occasionally went to the Pacific coast, where upon the sea level he could sleep better and would recruit. It was upon one of these visits to the coast that he became prostrated, and passed peacefully away, Sept. 2, 1898, to his glorious rest. A portion of his family and President Geo. Q. Cannon and others were at his bedside. His remains were brought home for interment. The funeral, which occurred Sept. 9, 1898, in the large Tabernacle, was attended by many thousands of people, who knew and loved President Woodruff as a Prophet of the Lord, a humble, honest, upright man of God. President Wilford Woodruff can be classed among the most industrious men the world has ever produced. He attended as first consideration to the duties of his calling, and then his manual labors in building homes and redeeming the soil from sterility were unexcelled. Every position, whether religious or otherwise, into which he was called, he filled with distinction and credit. No man took greater interest in fruit-raising and farming, as well as in all enterprises looking to the general well-being and self-sustaining powers of the people than Apostle Woodruff. He labored with his hands as well as his head. Much younger men than himself were not his equals in the performance of heavy labor. No class of labor, however laborious or undesirable, which was honorable in the sight of God, would he ever ask any man to do, if he was not willing to do it himself. He cut hay with a scythe; he cradled wheat by hand: he followed the reaper, and bound the golden grain in bundles; he pitched to the rack the bunches of hay and the bundles of grain; he worked upon the threshing machine; he planted, irrigated, gathered and hauled from the farm, potatoes, corn and all other products of his well tilled land; he planted vineyards, orchards, made ditches, watered, and pruned the trees and bushes of his orchard; he made roads, built bridges, hauled wood from the canyon, made adobies and did all forms of manual labor which came in his way. There was not an idle thought in his brain, not a useless nor impure sentiment in his heart, not an idle bone nor a drop of idle blood in his body. He was honest, unassuming, faithful and industrious, and in the days of Joseph he was designated as "Wilford the Faithful." He deserved such a title, and maintained it to the end. His industry was so conspicuous a part of his being that when, at the age of ninety years, one of his grandsons excelled him a very little in hoeing some vegetables in the garden, he said with apparent humiliation: "Well, it is the first time in my life that one of my children has ever outdone me in hoeing." He continued his hard labors upon the farm, whenever at home, until beyond the ripe age of seventy-five years, when the duties and conditions associated with his calling were such as to occupy his entire time and attention. During the fifty-one years of his life in Utah, he performed missions at home and abroad, in America and Europe and filled many positions of honor with credit and distinction. From the year 1834 to the close of 1895 he traveled 172.369 miles, held 7,555 meetings, attended 75 semi-annual conferences and 344 quarterly conferences; preached 3,526 discourses; established 77 preaching places in the missionary field; organized 51 branches of the Church; received 18,977 letters; wrote 11,519 letters; assisted in the confirmation into the Church of 8,952 persons, and in addition to his work in the St. George temple, labored 603 days in the Endowment House in Salt Lake City. He traveled through England, Scotland, Wales, six islands of the sea, and twenty-three States and five Territories of the United States. He frequently testified that two powers had been at work with him all his life, one to destroy him, the other to protect him and enable him to complete his mission in honor upon the earth. During his very eventful life, he met with a number of severe accidents, many of which would have killed an ordinary person. He frequently remarked that he had broken nearly every bone in his body except those of his spine and neck. Because of his remarkable recovery from these disasters, he reached the conclusion that there were two powers seriously affecting his life—one engaged to destroy him, and the other to preserve him. He recognized in the latter the hand of divine Providence, protecting him for a wise purpose. (For further details see "Historical Record," Vol. 5. p. 93; "Tullidge's Quarterly Magazine." Vol. 3, p. 1: "Faith Promoting Series, book 3:" "Sketch by Matthias F. Cowley in "Southern Star," Vol. 2, p. 112, etc.)
WOODRUFF, Wilford, fourth president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, was born March 1, 1807, in Farmington (now Avon). Hartford county, Conn. He, like his predecessors in the Prophetic office of the Church, came of a sturdy, industrious race of men and women. His progenitors were among the early settlers of New England. They figured nobly in the American revolution, and naturally transmitted to posterity a love of liberty and traits which go to make patriots and martyrs. Wilford Woodruff possessed all these admirable Qualities of character, which were crowned with a veneration for God, and strong religious element in his being. This led him in early youth to the consideration of spiritual subjects. He was also very industrious. His father, Aphek Woodruff, was a miller, and Wilford assisted him in running the Farmington grist mills, and, though tender in years, proved himself a man in thought and labor. From 1827 to 1832 he took charge of a flour mill for his aunt. Although religious he did not join any denomination until he was twenty-six years of age, because he found none which harmonized in doctrine and organization with the Church of Christ as described in the New Testament. When only a boy he would ask his Sunday school teacher why there were no Apostles and Prophets in this age, as in olden times. The answer he received only tended to disgust him with sectarianism. It was the same old story, "Apostles and Prophets are all done away with, because no longer needed," and yet with all the learning of modern ministers, they were unable to come to a unity of the faith as taught by the Savior and His Apostles. Under these circumstances Wilford Woodruff could only turn to the Lord in prayer for guidance, and find comfort in reading and believing the prophecies and doctrines of the Holy Bible. In 1832 he felt a strong inspiration to go to Rhode Island. Why, he did not know, and having already arranged to remove with his brother, Azmon Woodruff, to Richland, Oswego county. New York, he did not heed the inspiration to visit Rhode Island, but moved to the State of New York. They purchased a farm and saw mill, settling down to the business of farming and milling. Dec. 29, 1833, over a year from the time they left Connecticut, two "Mormon" Elders, Zera Pulsipher and Elijah Cheeney, came to that section of country preaching that an angel had visited the earth, restored the everlasting gospel, and that Joseph Smith was a Prophet of the Lord. Wilford and Azmon Woodruff, who went to hear them preach, immediately received a testimony of the genuineness of their message, and offered themselves for baptism. Wilford was baptized Dec. 31, 1833, by Zera Pulsipher. Bro. Woodruff now learned that at the time he received the impression to visit Rhode Island there were Elders preaching in that State, and had he gone there, the opportunity to receive the gospel would have been afforded him one year earlier. From the time of his baptism until he departed for a better sphere, Wilford Woodruff proved by a life of devotion to the cause of God that he was grateful for his existence in this age of the world. A branch of the Church was organized in Richland Jan. 2, 1834, and Bro. Woodruff was ordained a Teacher. During this winter Elder Parley P. Pratt and others visited Richland. Elder Pratt became much impressed with Bro. Woodruff, and immediately told him that his duty was to repair to Kirtland, join Zion's Camp, and go with that body to Missouri. He took this counsel, closed his business in Richland, and left for Kirtland, where he arrived April 25, 1834. He was invited to be the guest of the Prophet Joseph Smith, which invitation he accepted, and he had a glorious time in his acquaintance with the Prophet and other leading men of the Church. He started with Zion's Camp for Missouri May 1, 1834, which journey was accomplished with considerable hardship, but throughout all the varied experiences incidental to the journey, Wilford Woodruff was, like Caleb and Joshua, among the number who sustained the Prophet, and never complained nor murmured because of trial and privation. After accomplishing all that could be done as a body, the Prophet advised the young men without families to remain in Missouri. Bro. Woodruff sojourned with Lyman Wight in Clay county, spending the summer quarrying rock, cutting wheat, making brick and doing other kinds of hard manual labor. During this time he was possessed of a strong desire Jo go into the world and preach the gospel, but did not express his desires, lest he should be considered aspiring, this being farthest from his humble unassuming disposition. The Lord, however, knew the honest desire of his heart, and one day, while walking along the road, he was met by one of the leading Elders in that section, who said to him in substance, "Bro. Woodruff, it is the will of the Lord that you should be ordained a Priest and go on a mission." Bro. Woodruff answered, "I am ready." He was ordained a Priest and went on a mission to Arkansas and Tennessee in the fall of 1834. On this mission he was grossly assailed by an apostate named Akeman. who, when Bro. Woodruff was leaving his premises, came towards him in a savage manner as if to do him violence, when the apostate suddenly fell dead at his feet. This event had been shown to Bro. Woodruff in a dream, though he did not understand the full import, until it was fulfilled. He and companion traveled on foot without purse or scrip, and on their journeyings they passed through Jackson county, Missouri, where it was dangerous for a Latter-day Saint to be seen. They were frequently preserved in a providential manner from mobocrats. Bro. Woodruff's first attempt at preaching was at a tavern, one Sunday in December, 1834. He was weary from a long walk through mud and slush, but the people desired to hear him. He enjoyed the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, speaking with freedom and power, testifying to the restoration of the everlasting gospel. In their travels Bro. Woodruff and his companion frequently lost their way and were obliged to wade swamps, and to avoid expenses would travel down some of the rivers in small canoes. Between Little Rock, Ark., and Memphis, Tenn., they became exhausted while crossing an alligator swamp. Bro. Woodruff's companion left him in the swamp suffering with a severe pain in his back. He knelt down in the mud and prayed intently, when the Lord healed him, and he went on his way rejoicing. Being joined by Elder Warren Parrish in April, 1835, they traveled together over seven hundred miles in less than four months, preaching the gospel every day. They baptized twenty in their travels. Elder Parrish also ordained Bro. Woodruff an Elder, placing him in charge of the branches they had organized in Tennessee. Elder Woodruff being left to travel alone, he extended his field of labor, and baptized quite a number, among whom were several of the Campbellite persuasion. In 1835, he traveled 3,248 miles, baptized 43, organized three branches, and held 170 meetings. Subsequently, in the spring of 1836, he traveled respectively with Abraham O. Smoot and Apostle David W. Patten. After performing a faithful two years' mission, accomplishing the conversion and baptism of many souls, Elder Woodruff returned to Kirtland, Ohio, in the fall of 1836. In May of that year he was ordained into the second Quorum of Seventy by Apostle Patten and "Warren Parrish. He also received his blessings in the Kirtland Temple, and attended school. April 13, 1837, he married Phebe W. Carter, of the State of Maine. A few days later he received a remarkable Patriarchal blessing under the hands of Patriarch Joseph Smith, senior, in which much of his future life was plainly foretold. During the troubles of 1837, when many leading men became embittered against the Prophet Joseph Smith, Wilford Woodruff was among the number who did not murmur, and was true to the Prophet of the Lord. In May, 1837, he started on a mission to Fox Islands. En route he preached the gospel to his relatives in Connecticut and baptized a number of them. Together with Jonathan H. Hale he landed on North Fox Island, Aug. 20, 1837, where they immediately commenced preaching the gospel. The first fruits of their labors was Justin Eames, a sea captain, and his wife, who were baptized Sept. 3rd. These were the first to embrace the gospel in this dispensation upon an island of the sea. A Baptist minister by the name of Newton first allowed them to preach in his chapel, but he afterwards opposed them, and was humiliated by seeing the best of his flock leave him and embrace the gospel as taught by these Elders. Two branches of the Church were organized and the two Elders returned to Scarborough, Maine, in October, where Elder "Woodruff had left his wife with her father's family. Elders Woodruff and Hale having parted, the former returned to Fox Islands in November, this time accompanied by his wife. He continued missionary work, baptizing a goodly number until persecution became so intense that he deemed it wisdom to return to Maine. Accompanied by Elder James Townsend, he introduced the gospel in the city of Bangor and other places in the State of Maine. From this labor he returned to Fox Islands. In harmony with counsel from the Prophet Joseph, he advised the Saints to sell their property and accompany him +o the !and of Zion. Early in 1838 he visited Providence, New York; also Boston and his native town, Farmington. Conn. In this place he preached the gospel to and baptized his father, stepmother, sister and other relatives and organized a branch of the Church. Bidding his relatives a loving farewell, he returned to Scarborough, Maine, where his first child, a daughter, was born, July 14, 1838. He again visited Fox Islands to encourage the Saints and prepare them for gathering to Missouri. While laboring in North Vinal Haven. Aug. 9, 1838, he received an official communication from Thos. B. Marsh, president of the Twelve, to the effect that he had been called by revelation, in connection with three other brethren, to bear the Apostleship and occupy a place in the Council of the Twelve. Thus his early dreams of Apostolic days were coming to a living reality, in which Wilford Woodruff himself was to be one of the Apostles. He was requested to come to Far West, Mo., as soon as he could arrange his affairs and prepare himself to preach the gospel in Great Britain, with his associates, the Twelve, the following year. With great promptness he set about preparing the Saints on Fox Islands to gather to Missouri. About one hundred people had embraced the gospel, chiefly through his labors, upon the islands. About fifty of these now prepared to gather with him to Missouri. Bro. Nathaniel Thomas sold his property and had considerable money. To assist his brethren and sisters Bro. Thomas loaned them about $2,000, which was placed in the hands of Elder Woodruff for their benefit. With this he purchased ten new wagons, ten sets of harness and twenty horses. After making these preparations he preceded the emigrating Saints to Scarborough, Maine, to prepare his own family for the journey. The company were counseled by President Woodruff to start by Sept. 1st, but they failed to do so, and did not leave until the early part of October. In consequence of this late start the journey proved a very hard one. Oct. 13, 1838, while crossing the Green Mountains, Elder Woodruff was taken very sick. A little later his wife was stricken down and came nigh to the gates of death. Both, however, were restored to health by the power of the Almighty. Respecting this new experience of migration, of which he did so much in later years. Elder Woodruff wrote the following in his journal: "In the afternoon of Oct. 9th, we took leave of Father Carter and family in Scarborough and started upon our journey of two thousand miles, at this late season of the year, taking my wife with a suckling babe at her breast with me to lead a company of fifty-three souls for their journey from Maine to Illinois, to spend nearly three months in traveling in wagons through rain, mud, snow, and frost." Upon arriving in Rochester, Illinois, Dec. 19, 1838, he learned of the persecutions and unsettled condition of affairs in Missouri and concluded to stop in that place the rest of the winter. In the spring of 1839 he removed his family to Quincy, 111., and from this point accompanied the Twelve to Far West, and was ordained with Elder Geo. A. Smith to the Apostleship April 26, 1839, on the Temple site, by President Brigham Young, assisted by other members of the Twelve. After returning- from Missouri, he moved his family to Montrose, Iowa, where he was severely attacked with chills and fever. While still sick he started Aug. 8, 1839, on his mission to England, leaving his wife also sick, and like all the families of the Twelve, in destitute circumstances, so far as temporal necessities were concerned. To New York he traveled with private conveyance, by stage, on foot and as best he could. In company with Elders John Taylor and Theodore Turley he arrived in Liverpool, England, Jan. 11, 1840, having been five months on the journey. He was assigned to labor in the Staffordshire Potteries, where he was successful. In the following March the spirit of the Lord prompted him to go south. He had plenty to do where he was, but he heard the voice of the spirit and obeyed. He went south to Worcester, where he met Mr. John Benlow, a wealthy farmer, who told him that in that vicinity there Where about six hundred people, including forty-five ministers, who had dissolved themselves from the Wesleyan Methodists for the purpose of independent research after truth. They owned several houses of worship, and styled themselves "The United Brethren." Elder "Woodruff commenced at once to lay before these people the truth as God had revealed it to the Prophet Joseph Smith, bearing witness as an Apostle of the Lord to the ministry of angels, and the complete restoration of the ancient gospel in these last days. The ministry of Elder Woodruff was not attended with the eloquence of speech, nor the well skilled argument which attend the labors of some men, but there was an earnestness in his talk and movement, and an honest straightforward, God-like simplicity in his plain statement of truth, accompanied by the influence of the Holy Spirit, which carried early conviction to the hearts of all who were honestly seeking after truth. Through eight months'- labor, chiefly by Elder "Woodruff in Herefordshire, Worcestershire, and Gloucestershire, eighteen hundred people were brought into the Church. This included the six hundred United Brethren, all but one. Two large conferences were organized. In August, 1840, he accompanied Elders Heber C. Kimball and Geo. A. Smith to London, where they introduced the gospel under very difficult circumstances. The first convert in London was baptized Aug. 31, 1840. Elder "Woodruff remained in London but a short time when he returned to Herefordshire, and Staffordshire strengthening the Saints. From thence he attended conference in Manchester, and labored most of the following winter In London, visiting also several other parts of the country. While in England the adversary made desperate efforts to impede the progress of the Elders in their ministry. At one time evil spirits attacked Apostles Woodruff and Smith, in a literal manner, when, by the exercise of faith and the authority of God by these brethren, these spirits departed. Bro. Woodruff saw them as literally as he could see the physical being of people tabernacled in the flesh. After a very prosperous mission, he returned to America, arriving in New York May 20, 1841; he met his wife at Scarborough, Maine, after two years' absence. A month later they returned to Nauvoo, where they were heartily welcomed home by the Prophet Joseph Smith. Bro. Woodruff became a member of the city council of Nauvoo, and served the interests of that city with energy and efficiency. His time during the winter of 1841-42 was mainly occupied in attending meetings and performing manual labor. In February, 1842, he became the business manager of the "Times and Seasons." In July of the same year he went on a mission to the Eastern States for the purpose of collecting funds to further the building of the Temple and Nauvoo House. He returned to Nauvoo Nov. 4th, and again spent the winter in Nauvoo, and much of the ensuing year. He received his endowments in the Nauvoo Temple under the direction of the Prophet Joseph Smith. He built a brick dwelling for himself and family on a lot given him by the Prophet Joseph. In the spring of 1844, he was called on another mission to the Eastern States. When about to take passage on a steamer from Portland, Maine, to Fox Islands, he learned of the martyrdom of Joseph and Hyrum Smith. He immediately went to Boston and met in council with the Twelve, and with them returned to Nauvoo, where he arrived Aug. 6, 1844, and took part with his brethren of the Twelve in presiding over the affairs of the Church. Wilford Woodruff was a personal witness to the power of God as it rested upon President Brigham Young, on the occasion when the latter was transfigured in the presence of the people, so that he appeared in person, and spoke as with the voice of the Prophet Joseph Smith. Aug. 12, 1844. Apostle Woodruff was called to preside over the British Mission. He left Nauvoo, Aug. 28, 1844. and reached Liverpool Jan. 3, 1845. He presided with ability and much industry over the mission about one year, when he returned to Nauvoo, early in 1846, just in time to participate with the Saints in their great exodus from Illinois. He, with many others, left their homes and property, which they had toiled to procure, under trying ordeals, to the disposition of their enemies, very few receiving more than a nominal price for their hard earned homes. He was active in helping the Saints to migrate, not only looking to the comfort of himself and family, but to the well being of his brethren and sisters on every hand. Early in 1847 he joined the Pioneer company, consisting of 148 souls. After a toilsome journey they entered the valley of the Great Salt Lake, July 24, 1847. President Young was in feeble health when the pioneers entered the valley, and Apostle Woodruff had the honor of conveying him in his carriage into the valley. Later, in 1847, Elder Woodruff returned to Winter Quarters, and was present Dec. 5, 1847, when Brigham Young was chosen President of the Church. In 1848, he was sent on a mission to the Eastern States, from which he returned to the valley in 1850, and in December of that year he was elected a member of the senate of the Provisional State of Deseret. Subsequently he served several terms in the Territorial legislature. In the spring of 1852, he accompanied President Young on an exploring trip to southern Utah, and at the October conference, 1853, he and Ezra T. Benson were called to gather fifty families to strengthen the settlements in Tooele county. When the Horticultural Society was organized in Salt Lake City, Sept. 13, 1855, he was chosen its president. At the semi-annual conference of the Church held in October, 1883, Apostle Woodruff was sustained as Church Historian and general Church recorder; he had been sustained as assistant Church historian since 1856. From the time he was a boy he kept a complete journal of his daily life. Many items of important history would doubtless have been lost, had It not been for the journal of Wilford Woodruff. His long personal experience and the accuracy of his journal assisted him very much as Church historian. When President John Taylor succeeded to the Presidency of the Church, in 1880, Elder Woodruff became the President of the Twelve Apostles, which place he filled with honor, until, subsequent to the decease of President Taylor, he became the President of and Prophet, Seer and Revelator to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1889. During his presidency of the Twelve, President Woodruff spent much of his time in exile, owing to the unholy crusade against the Latter-day Saints. During this time, like John the Revelator, he was favored with visions and revelations of the Holy Spirit. On one occasion the departed Prophet, President Young, appeared to him, as he traveled along a road in Arizona, to attend a conference, and urged upon President Woodruff the necessity for the Saints to more thoroughly secure the companionship of the Holy Spirit and keep it with them. President Woodruff was greatly interested in the salvation of the dead. Combining works with his faith, he secured from New England much genealogical information concerning his dead progenitors, and for their salvation he would work in the Temple whenever possible; his family and friends would assist. He was so thoroughly loved by the Saints and respected for his interest in the salvation of the dead that on one anniversary of his birthday several hundred of the Saints in St. George and vicinity joined him in the St. George Temple and received ordinances in behalf of his deceased relations. About tl)is time one of his choicest and most spiritual-minded sons, Brigham Y. Woodruff, was drowned in Bear river, in Cache valley. President Woodruff, having attached considerable importance to the future of this noble son, was very much grieved because of his death. Although he never murmured at the providences of the Almighty, he inquired of the Lord to know why it should be thus. The Lord revealed to him that as he was doing such an extensive work in the Temples for the dead, his son Brigham was needed in the spirit world to preach the gospel and labor among those relatives there. Many other manifestations of the Spirit were given to President Woodruff from the time he embraced the gospel until the time of his decease. During his administration as President of the Church, dating from April 7, 1889, George Q. Cannon and Joseph F. Smith, acting as counselors, President Woodruff did much to encourage the cause of Church school education, making, as trustee in trust, as liberal appropriations as the Church could afford to sustain the Stake academies and other Church schools. In 1890 President Woodruff issued the manifesto respecting the discontinuance of plural marriages in the United States, and later the political address, which provides that men who are called to spend all their time in the ministry shall not run into politics to the neglect of their spiritual calling without being properly released for that purpose. President Woodruff was for many years, and up to his death, president of the organization instituted by President Young, known as the Young Men's Mutual Improvement Association, throughout the Church. In this capacity he was greatly loved and respected by the young people of the Church. He attended their conferences whenever it was feasible, and constantly bore to them his earnest testimony as an Apostle of the Lord, that Jesus is the Christ and that Joseph Smith was a mighty Prophet of the Lord. President Woodruff's 90th birthday was celebrated March 1, 1897, by a grand gathering of his friends and admirers at the Tabernacle, Salt Lake City. He officiated at the great Pioneer Jubilee celebration, July 20, 1897, when the statue of President Brigham Young was unveiled and the dedicatory prayer was offered by him. In the afternoon, he attended a meeting of the pioneers, which was held in the Tabernacle, and was there presented with the g-old Pioneer badge, which had been designed for the oldest Pioneer present. July 22, 1897, he was honored by being crowned with flowers in the Tabernacle by the children who had marched in the procession to the number of about ten thousand. During the latter years of his life he suffered from insomnia, and occasionally went to the Pacific coast, where upon the sea level he could sleep better and would recruit. It was upon one of these visits to the coast that he became prostrated, and passed peacefully away, Sept. 2, 1898, to his glorious rest. A portion of his family and President Geo. Q. Cannon and others were at his bedside. His remains were brought home for interment. The funeral, which occurred Sept. 9, 1898, in the large Tabernacle, was attended by many thousands of people, who knew and loved President Woodruff as a Prophet of the Lord, a humble, honest, upright man of God. President Wilford Woodruff can be classed among the most industrious men the world has ever produced. He attended as first consideration to the duties of his calling, and then his manual labors in building homes and redeeming the soil from sterility were unexcelled. Every position, whether religious or otherwise, into which he was called, he filled with distinction and credit. No man took greater interest in fruit-raising and farming, as well as in all enterprises looking to the general well-being and self-sustaining powers of the people than Apostle Woodruff. He labored with his hands as well as his head. Much younger men than himself were not his equals in the performance of heavy labor. No class of labor, however laborious or undesirable, which was honorable in the sight of God, would he ever ask any man to do, if he was not willing to do it himself. He cut hay with a scythe; he cradled wheat by hand: he followed the reaper, and bound the golden grain in bundles; he pitched to the rack the bunches of hay and the bundles of grain; he worked upon the threshing machine; he planted, irrigated, gathered and hauled from the farm, potatoes, corn and all other products of his well tilled land; he planted vineyards, orchards, made ditches, watered, and pruned the trees and bushes of his orchard; he made roads, built bridges, hauled wood from the canyon, made adobies and did all forms of manual labor which came in his way. There was not an idle thought in his brain, not a useless nor impure sentiment in his heart, not an idle bone nor a drop of idle blood in his body. He was honest, unassuming, faithful and industrious, and in the days of Joseph he was designated as "Wilford the Faithful." He deserved such a title, and maintained it to the end. His industry was so conspicuous a part of his being that when, at the age of ninety years, one of his grandsons excelled him a very little in hoeing some vegetables in the garden, he said with apparent humiliation: "Well, it is the first time in my life that one of my children has ever outdone me in hoeing." He continued his hard labors upon the farm, whenever at home, until beyond the ripe age of seventy-five years, when the duties and conditions associated with his calling were such as to occupy his entire time and attention. During the fifty-one years of his life in Utah, he performed missions at home and abroad, in America and Europe and filled many positions of honor with credit and distinction. From the year 1834 to the close of 1895 he traveled 172.369 miles, held 7,555 meetings, attended 75 semi-annual conferences and 344 quarterly conferences; preached 3,526 discourses; established 77 preaching places in the missionary field; organized 51 branches of the Church; received 18,977 letters; wrote 11,519 letters; assisted in the confirmation into the Church of 8,952 persons, and in addition to his work in the St. George temple, labored 603 days in the Endowment House in Salt Lake City. He traveled through England, Scotland, Wales, six islands of the sea, and twenty-three States and five Territories of the United States. He frequently testified that two powers had been at work with him all his life, one to destroy him, the other to protect him and enable him to complete his mission in honor upon the earth. During his very eventful life, he met with a number of severe accidents, many of which would have killed an ordinary person. He frequently remarked that he had broken nearly every bone in his body except those of his spine and neck. Because of his remarkable recovery from these disasters, he reached the conclusion that there were two powers seriously affecting his life—one engaged to destroy him, and the other to preserve him. He recognized in the latter the hand of divine Providence, protecting him for a wise purpose. (For further details see "Historical Record," Vol. 5. p. 93; "Tullidge's Quarterly Magazine." Vol. 3, p. 1: "Faith Promoting Series, book 3:" "Sketch by Matthias F. Cowley in "Southern Star," Vol. 2, p. 112, etc.)
Jenson, Andrew. "Woodruff, Wilford." Biographical Encyclopedia. Volume 4. pg. 251, 321, 334, 723.
WOODRUFF, Wilford, general superintendent of Y. M. M. I. A. from 1880 to 1898, died Jan. 2, 1898, in California. (See Biographical Encyclopedia, Vol. 1, p. 20.)
WOODRUFF, Wilford, president of the British Mission from 1845 to 1846, died in California Sept. 2, 1898. (See Bio. Ency., Vol. 1, p. 20.)
WOODRUFF, Wilford, president of the Eastern States Mission from 1848 to 1850. (See Bio. Ency., Vol. 1, p. 20.)
WOODRUFF, Wilford, one of the original pioneers of Utah, at which time he was a member of the Council of the Twelve Apostles, was born March 1, 1807, in Farmington, Hartford Co., Conn., a son of Aphek Woodruff. After his arrival in Great Salt Lake Valley he fostered agriculture and manufactures and established the Deseret Agricultural and Manufacturing Association, which held fairs, awarding prizes for superior merit. Bro. Woodruff died as President of the Church, while visiting friends in San Francisco, California. (See Bio. Ency., Vol. 1, p. 20.)
WOODRUFF, Wilford, general superintendent of Y. M. M. I. A. from 1880 to 1898, died Jan. 2, 1898, in California. (See Biographical Encyclopedia, Vol. 1, p. 20.)
WOODRUFF, Wilford, president of the British Mission from 1845 to 1846, died in California Sept. 2, 1898. (See Bio. Ency., Vol. 1, p. 20.)
WOODRUFF, Wilford, president of the Eastern States Mission from 1848 to 1850. (See Bio. Ency., Vol. 1, p. 20.)
WOODRUFF, Wilford, one of the original pioneers of Utah, at which time he was a member of the Council of the Twelve Apostles, was born March 1, 1807, in Farmington, Hartford Co., Conn., a son of Aphek Woodruff. After his arrival in Great Salt Lake Valley he fostered agriculture and manufactures and established the Deseret Agricultural and Manufacturing Association, which held fairs, awarding prizes for superior merit. Bro. Woodruff died as President of the Church, while visiting friends in San Francisco, California. (See Bio. Ency., Vol. 1, p. 20.)
Woodruff, Wilford. "My First Mission." Juvenile Instructor. 15 April 1867. pg. 59.
My First Mission
I WANT to tell my young friends something about my first mission to preach the gospel of Christ to the world. After Joseph the prophet had led Zion's camp to Missouri, and we had passed through all the trials of that journey, and had buried a number of our brethren, as given in history, the prophet called the camp together, and organized the church in Zion, and gave much good counsel to all. He advised all the young men. who had not families, to stay in Missouri and not return to Kirtland. Not having any family I stopped with Lyman Wight, as did Milton Holmes and Heman Hyde. We spent the summer together laboring hard, cutting wheat, quarrying rock, making brick, and anything else we could find to do.
In the fall I had a desire to go and preach the Gospel. I knew the Gospel which the Lord had revealed to Joseph Smith was true, and of such great value that J wanted to tell it to the people who had not heard it. It was so good and plain, it seemed to me I could make the people believe it. 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, for they might think I was seeking for an office.
I went into 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 (raveled road, and there I met a high priest who had lived in the same house with me some six months, lie had not said a word to me about preaching the gospel; but now, as soon as I met him, he said, ‘‘the Lord has revealed to me that it is your privilege to be ordained and go and preach the gospel.” I told him I was willing to do whatever the Lord required of me. I did not tell him I had just asked the Lord to let me go and preach.
Ina few days a council was called at Lyman Wight’s, and I was ordained a priest and sent on a mission into Arkansas and Tennessee, in company with an elder. This mission was given us by Elder Partridge, who was the first bishop ordained in the Church.
The law of God in us in those days was to go without purse or scrip. Our journey lay through Jackson county from which the Saints had just been driven, and it was dangerous for a “Mormon” to be found in that part of the Slate. We put some Books of Mormon and some clothing into our valises, strapped them on our backs, and started on foot, crossed the ferry into Jackson county and went through it. In some instances the Lord preserved us, as it went, by miracle. from the mob. We dared not go to houses and get food, so we picked and ate raw corn, and slept on the ground, and did any way we could until we got out of the county.
We dared not preach while in that county, and we did but little preaching in the state of Missouri. The first time I attempted to preach was on Sunday, in a tavern, in the early part of December, 1834. It was in a snow storm, and the room was full. As I commenced to speak the landlord opened the door, and the snow blew on the people; and when I inquired the object of having the door open in a snow storm, he informed me he wanted mine light on the subject. I found it was the custom of the country.
How much good I did in that sermon I never knew, and probably never shall know until I meet that congregation in judgement. In the southern portion of Missouri and the northern part of Arkansas, in 1834, there were but few inhabitants. We visited a place called Harmony Mission, on the Osage river; (look on your maps, children, and you will see it is one of the most crooked rivers in the west.) This Mission was kept by a Presbyterian minister and his family. We arrived there on Sunday night at sunset; we had walked all day with nothing to eat. and wore very hungry and tired. Neither the minister nor his wile would give us anything to eat nor let us stay over night, because we were “Mormons,” and the only chance we had was to go twelve miles farther down the river, to an Osage Indian trading home, kept by a Frenchman named Jereu. And this wicked priest, who would not give us n piece of bread, lied to us about the road, and sent us across the swamp, and we wallowed knee deep in mud and water till ten o’clock at night in trying to follow this crooked river. We then left the swamp, and put out into the prairie, to lie in the grass for the night. When we came out of the swamp, we heard an Indian drumming on a tin pail and ringing. In was very dark, but we traveled toward the muse, and when we drew near the Indian camp quite a number of large Indian dogs came out to meet us. They smelt us, but did not bark nor bite. We were soon surrounded by Osage Indians, and kindly received by Mr. Jereu and his wife, who was an Indian. She gave us an excellent supper and a good bed, which we were thankful for after the fatigue of the day. As I laid my head on my pillow I felt to thank God, from the bottom of my heart, fur the exchange of the barbarous treatment of a civilized Presbyterian priest, for the humane, kind and generous treatment of the savage Osage Indians.
Mav God reward them both according to their deserts.
W. W.
My First Mission
I WANT to tell my young friends something about my first mission to preach the gospel of Christ to the world. After Joseph the prophet had led Zion's camp to Missouri, and we had passed through all the trials of that journey, and had buried a number of our brethren, as given in history, the prophet called the camp together, and organized the church in Zion, and gave much good counsel to all. He advised all the young men. who had not families, to stay in Missouri and not return to Kirtland. Not having any family I stopped with Lyman Wight, as did Milton Holmes and Heman Hyde. We spent the summer together laboring hard, cutting wheat, quarrying rock, making brick, and anything else we could find to do.
In the fall I had a desire to go and preach the Gospel. I knew the Gospel which the Lord had revealed to Joseph Smith was true, and of such great value that J wanted to tell it to the people who had not heard it. It was so good and plain, it seemed to me I could make the people believe it. 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, for they might think I was seeking for an office.
I went into 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 (raveled road, and there I met a high priest who had lived in the same house with me some six months, lie had not said a word to me about preaching the gospel; but now, as soon as I met him, he said, ‘‘the Lord has revealed to me that it is your privilege to be ordained and go and preach the gospel.” I told him I was willing to do whatever the Lord required of me. I did not tell him I had just asked the Lord to let me go and preach.
Ina few days a council was called at Lyman Wight’s, and I was ordained a priest and sent on a mission into Arkansas and Tennessee, in company with an elder. This mission was given us by Elder Partridge, who was the first bishop ordained in the Church.
The law of God in us in those days was to go without purse or scrip. Our journey lay through Jackson county from which the Saints had just been driven, and it was dangerous for a “Mormon” to be found in that part of the Slate. We put some Books of Mormon and some clothing into our valises, strapped them on our backs, and started on foot, crossed the ferry into Jackson county and went through it. In some instances the Lord preserved us, as it went, by miracle. from the mob. We dared not go to houses and get food, so we picked and ate raw corn, and slept on the ground, and did any way we could until we got out of the county.
We dared not preach while in that county, and we did but little preaching in the state of Missouri. The first time I attempted to preach was on Sunday, in a tavern, in the early part of December, 1834. It was in a snow storm, and the room was full. As I commenced to speak the landlord opened the door, and the snow blew on the people; and when I inquired the object of having the door open in a snow storm, he informed me he wanted mine light on the subject. I found it was the custom of the country.
How much good I did in that sermon I never knew, and probably never shall know until I meet that congregation in judgement. In the southern portion of Missouri and the northern part of Arkansas, in 1834, there were but few inhabitants. We visited a place called Harmony Mission, on the Osage river; (look on your maps, children, and you will see it is one of the most crooked rivers in the west.) This Mission was kept by a Presbyterian minister and his family. We arrived there on Sunday night at sunset; we had walked all day with nothing to eat. and wore very hungry and tired. Neither the minister nor his wile would give us anything to eat nor let us stay over night, because we were “Mormons,” and the only chance we had was to go twelve miles farther down the river, to an Osage Indian trading home, kept by a Frenchman named Jereu. And this wicked priest, who would not give us n piece of bread, lied to us about the road, and sent us across the swamp, and we wallowed knee deep in mud and water till ten o’clock at night in trying to follow this crooked river. We then left the swamp, and put out into the prairie, to lie in the grass for the night. When we came out of the swamp, we heard an Indian drumming on a tin pail and ringing. In was very dark, but we traveled toward the muse, and when we drew near the Indian camp quite a number of large Indian dogs came out to meet us. They smelt us, but did not bark nor bite. We were soon surrounded by Osage Indians, and kindly received by Mr. Jereu and his wife, who was an Indian. She gave us an excellent supper and a good bed, which we were thankful for after the fatigue of the day. As I laid my head on my pillow I felt to thank God, from the bottom of my heart, fur the exchange of the barbarous treatment of a civilized Presbyterian priest, for the humane, kind and generous treatment of the savage Osage Indians.
Mav God reward them both according to their deserts.
W. W.
Woodruff, Wilford. "More of My First Mission." Juvenile Instructor. 1 May 1867. pg. 69.
More of My First Mission.
THE last number left us at Mr. Jereu's, on Osage river. We arose in the morning, after a good night's rest. I was somewhat lame, from wading in the swamp the night before. We had a good breakfast. Mr. Jereu sent an Indian to see us across the river, and informed us that it was sixty miles to the nearest settlement of either white or red man.
We were too bashful to ask for anything to take with us to eat; so we crossed the river, and started on our day's journey of sixty miles without a morsel of food of any kind. What for? To preach the gospel of Jesus Christ to save this generation. Think of this, children; think of what the Presidency, the Apostles, and the elders of this church have passed through to give you the homes and comforts you now enjoy. Think of this, ye statesman and judges of this American nation; ye who are now seeking to destroy God's people in the wilderness, who have gone hungry and naked and have labored for thirty-seven years to save this nation and generation. Cease your exertions to destroy this people, or God will bring you to judgment and destroy your nation, and cast you into outer darkness where there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, for the Lord God has spoken it. I must pause, I almost forgot I was talking to children. I will return to my narrative.
We started about sunrise and crossed a thirty mile prairie, apparently as level as a house floor, without a shrub or water. We arrived at timber about two o'clock in the afternoon. As we approached the timber a large black bear came out toward us; we were not afraid of him, for we were on the Lord's business, and had not mocked God's prophet as did the forty-two wicked children who said to Elisha “Go up thou bald head,” for which they were torn by bears. Read the story, children.
When the bear got within eight rods of us he sat on his haunches and looked at us a moment, and then ran away; and we went on our way rejoicing. We had to travel in the night, which was cloudy and very dark, so we had great difficulty to keep the road. Soon a large drove of wolves gathered around, and followed us. They came very close, and at times it seemed as though they would cat us up. We had materials for striking a fire, and at ten o'clock, not knowing where we were, and the wolves becoming so bold, we thought it wisdom to make one; so we stopped and made a large fire of oak limbs that lay on the ground, and as our fire began to burn the wolves left us.
As we were about to lie down on the ground,—for we had no blankets—we heard a dog bark. My companion said it was a wolf, I said it was a dog; but soon we heard a cow bell. Then we took each a firebrand and went about a quarter of a mile, and found the house which was sixty miles from where we started that morning: it was an old log cabin about twelve feet square; with no door, but an old blanket hung up in the door way. There was no furniture, but one bedstead, on which lay a woman and several children and several small dogs all lay sleeping, on the bed. The man lay on the bare floor with his feet to the fire place, and all were asleep. I went in and spoke to the man, but did not wake him. I stepped to him, and laid my hand on his shoulder. The moment lie felt the weight of my hand he jumped to his feet, and ran around the room as though he was frightened; but he was quieted when we informed him we were friends. The cause of his fright was, lie had shot a panther a few nights before and he thought its mate had jumped upon him.
He asked us what we wanted; we told him we wished to stop with him all night, and would like something to eat. He informed us we might lie on the floor ns lie did, but that he had not a mouthful for us to cat, as he had to depend on his gun to get breakfast for his family in the morning. So we lay on the bare floor, and slept through a long, rainy night, which was pretty hard after walking sixty miles without anything to eat; that was the hardest day's work of my life. This man's name was Williams. He was in the mob in Jackson county; and after the saints were driven out, he, with many others, went south.
We got up in the morning and walked in the rain twelve miles to the house of a man named Bemon, who was also one of the mob from Jackson county. They were about sitting down to breakfast as we came in. 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 Iris 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 swearing.
I trust the Lord will reward him for our breakfast.
W. W.
More of My First Mission.
THE last number left us at Mr. Jereu's, on Osage river. We arose in the morning, after a good night's rest. I was somewhat lame, from wading in the swamp the night before. We had a good breakfast. Mr. Jereu sent an Indian to see us across the river, and informed us that it was sixty miles to the nearest settlement of either white or red man.
We were too bashful to ask for anything to take with us to eat; so we crossed the river, and started on our day's journey of sixty miles without a morsel of food of any kind. What for? To preach the gospel of Jesus Christ to save this generation. Think of this, children; think of what the Presidency, the Apostles, and the elders of this church have passed through to give you the homes and comforts you now enjoy. Think of this, ye statesman and judges of this American nation; ye who are now seeking to destroy God's people in the wilderness, who have gone hungry and naked and have labored for thirty-seven years to save this nation and generation. Cease your exertions to destroy this people, or God will bring you to judgment and destroy your nation, and cast you into outer darkness where there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, for the Lord God has spoken it. I must pause, I almost forgot I was talking to children. I will return to my narrative.
We started about sunrise and crossed a thirty mile prairie, apparently as level as a house floor, without a shrub or water. We arrived at timber about two o'clock in the afternoon. As we approached the timber a large black bear came out toward us; we were not afraid of him, for we were on the Lord's business, and had not mocked God's prophet as did the forty-two wicked children who said to Elisha “Go up thou bald head,” for which they were torn by bears. Read the story, children.
When the bear got within eight rods of us he sat on his haunches and looked at us a moment, and then ran away; and we went on our way rejoicing. We had to travel in the night, which was cloudy and very dark, so we had great difficulty to keep the road. Soon a large drove of wolves gathered around, and followed us. They came very close, and at times it seemed as though they would cat us up. We had materials for striking a fire, and at ten o'clock, not knowing where we were, and the wolves becoming so bold, we thought it wisdom to make one; so we stopped and made a large fire of oak limbs that lay on the ground, and as our fire began to burn the wolves left us.
As we were about to lie down on the ground,—for we had no blankets—we heard a dog bark. My companion said it was a wolf, I said it was a dog; but soon we heard a cow bell. Then we took each a firebrand and went about a quarter of a mile, and found the house which was sixty miles from where we started that morning: it was an old log cabin about twelve feet square; with no door, but an old blanket hung up in the door way. There was no furniture, but one bedstead, on which lay a woman and several children and several small dogs all lay sleeping, on the bed. The man lay on the bare floor with his feet to the fire place, and all were asleep. I went in and spoke to the man, but did not wake him. I stepped to him, and laid my hand on his shoulder. The moment lie felt the weight of my hand he jumped to his feet, and ran around the room as though he was frightened; but he was quieted when we informed him we were friends. The cause of his fright was, lie had shot a panther a few nights before and he thought its mate had jumped upon him.
He asked us what we wanted; we told him we wished to stop with him all night, and would like something to eat. He informed us we might lie on the floor ns lie did, but that he had not a mouthful for us to cat, as he had to depend on his gun to get breakfast for his family in the morning. So we lay on the bare floor, and slept through a long, rainy night, which was pretty hard after walking sixty miles without anything to eat; that was the hardest day's work of my life. This man's name was Williams. He was in the mob in Jackson county; and after the saints were driven out, he, with many others, went south.
We got up in the morning and walked in the rain twelve miles to the house of a man named Bemon, who was also one of the mob from Jackson county. They were about sitting down to breakfast as we came in. 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 Iris 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 swearing.
I trust the Lord will reward him for our breakfast.
W. W.
Woodruff, Wilford. "A Dream and its Fulfilment." Juvenile Instructor. 15 May 1867. pg. 74-75.
A DREAM AND ITS FULFILMENT.
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. The}’ were in Jackson county in the persecution. Some of the sons had been tied up there and whipped on the bare back with hickory switches by the mob. We heard of their living on Petit Jean river, in the Arkansas 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 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 a while we came to the door of a bouse, 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 themselves up, and raised their heads sonic 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 readied 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 the dream in my mind. We took breakfast, and started on our journey on Sunday morning, to visit Mr. Akeman. I related 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 arrived at his house he received us very coldly, and we soon found that he had apostatized. He brought railing accusations against the Book of Mormon and the authorities of the church.
Word was sent through all the settlements on the river for twenty miles that two “Mormon preachers” were in the place. 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. Mv companion wanted to leave; I told him no, I would stay and sec my dream fulfilled.
There were an old gentleman and lady, named Hubbel, who had read the Book of Mormon and believed. Bather Hubbel 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. Akeman to repent of his wickedness. I did so, and each time he raged against me, and the last lime he ordered me out of his house. When I went out he followed me and was very angry. When he came np to me, about eight rods from the house, lie fell dead at my feet, turned black and swelled up, as I saw the serpents 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 his death and preached, baptized Mr. Hubbel and his wife, and then continued on our journey.
W. W.
A DREAM AND ITS FULFILMENT.
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. The}’ were in Jackson county in the persecution. Some of the sons had been tied up there and whipped on the bare back with hickory switches by the mob. We heard of their living on Petit Jean river, in the Arkansas 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 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 a while we came to the door of a bouse, 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 themselves up, and raised their heads sonic 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 readied 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 the dream in my mind. We took breakfast, and started on our journey on Sunday morning, to visit Mr. Akeman. I related 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 arrived at his house he received us very coldly, and we soon found that he had apostatized. He brought railing accusations against the Book of Mormon and the authorities of the church.
Word was sent through all the settlements on the river for twenty miles that two “Mormon preachers” were in the place. 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. Mv companion wanted to leave; I told him no, I would stay and sec my dream fulfilled.
There were an old gentleman and lady, named Hubbel, who had read the Book of Mormon and believed. Bather Hubbel 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. Akeman to repent of his wickedness. I did so, and each time he raged against me, and the last lime he ordered me out of his house. When I went out he followed me and was very angry. When he came np to me, about eight rods from the house, lie fell dead at my feet, turned black and swelled up, as I saw the serpents 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 his death and preached, baptized Mr. Hubbel and his wife, and then continued on our journey.
W. W.
Woodruff, Wilford. "My First Mission Continued." Juvenile Instructor. 1 June 1867. pg. 82-83.
MY FIRST MISSION CONTINUED.
WE concluded to go down Arkansas river and cross into Tennessee. We could not get passage on the boat, because of low water, so we went on to the bank of the river and went, down a sound cottonwood tree, three feet through, and cut off twelve feet of the butt end; and in two days we dug out a canoe. We made a pair of oars and a rudder, and on the 11th of March, 1835, we launched our canoe, and commenced our voyage down the Arkansas river, without provisions. The first day we sailed twenty-five miles, and stopped at night with a poor family who lived on the bank of the river. These kind folks gave us supper and breakfast, and in the morning, gave us a johnny-cake and piece of pork to take with us on our journey. We traveled about fifty miles that day, and at night stopped in an old, deserted tavern, in a village called Cadron, which was deserted because it was believed to be haunted by evil spirits. We made a fire in the tavern, roasted a piece of our pork, and ate our supper, said our prayers, went into a chamber, and lay down on the bare floor, and were soon asleep.
I dreamed I was at my father’s house in a good leather bed, and I had a good night’s rest. When I awoke the bed vanished, and I found myself on the bare floor and well rested, not having been troubled by evil spirits or anything else.
We thanked the Lord for his goodness to us, ate the remainder of our provisions and continued our journey down the liver to Little Kock, the capital of Arkansas, which then consisted of a few cabins. After visiting the place, we crossed the river and tied up our canoe which had carried us safely one hundred and fifty miles.
We then took the old military road, leading from Little Rock to Memphis, Tennessee. This road lay through swamps, and was covered with mud and water most of the way for one hundred and seventy miles. We walked forty miles in a day through mud and water knee deep.
On the 24th of March, after traveling some ten miles through mud, I was taken lame with a sharp pain in one knee. I sat down on a log. My companion, who was anxious to get to his home in Kirtland, left me sitting in an alligator swamp; I did not see him again for two years. I kneeled down in the mud and prayed, and the Lord healed me, and I went on my way rejoicing. 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 asked me what my business was. I told him I was a preacher of the gospel. He laughed, and said I did not look much like a preacher. I did not blame him, as all the preachers he bad ever been acquainted with rode on fine horses or in fine carriages, clothed in broad-cloth, and had large salaries, and would see this whole world sunk to perdition before they would wade through one hundred and seventy miles of mud to save them.
The landlord wanted a little fun, so he said he would keep me if I would preach. He wanted to see if I could preach. I must confess that by this time I became a little mischievous, and plead with him not to set me to preaching. The more I plead to be excused, the more determined Mr. Jackson was that I should preach. He took my valise, and the landlady got me a good supper.
I sat down in a large hall to eat supper. Before I got dozen men, with the landlord in the centre. There were present some five hundred persons who had come together, not to hear a gospel sermon but to have some fun.
Now, boys, how would you like this position? On your first mission, without a companion or friend, and to be called upon to preach to such a congregation! With me it was one of the most pleasing hours of my life, although I felt as though I should like company. I read a hymn, and asked them to sing. Not a soul would sing a word. I told them I had not the gift of singing; but, with the help of the Lord, I would both pray and preach. I kneeled down to pray, and the men around me dropped on their knees. I prayed to the Lord to give me his spirit and to show me the hearts of the people. I promised the Lord in my prayer I would deliver to that congregation whatever he would give to me. I arose and spoke one hour and a half; and it was one of the best sermons of my life.
The lives of the congregation were opened to the vision of my mind, and I told them of their wicked deeds and the reward they would obtain. The men who surrounded me dropped their heads. Three minutes after I closed I was the only person in the room. Soon I was shown to a bed, in a room adjoining a large room in which were assembled many of the men whom I had been preaching to. I could hear their conversation. One man said he would like to know how that “Mormon” boy knew of their past lives. In a little while they got to disputing about some doctrinal point. One suggested calling me to decide the point. The landlord said, “no; we have had enough for once.” In the morning, I had a good breakfast. The landlord said if I came that way again to stop at his house and stay as long as I might choose.
W. W.
MY FIRST MISSION CONTINUED.
WE concluded to go down Arkansas river and cross into Tennessee. We could not get passage on the boat, because of low water, so we went on to the bank of the river and went, down a sound cottonwood tree, three feet through, and cut off twelve feet of the butt end; and in two days we dug out a canoe. We made a pair of oars and a rudder, and on the 11th of March, 1835, we launched our canoe, and commenced our voyage down the Arkansas river, without provisions. The first day we sailed twenty-five miles, and stopped at night with a poor family who lived on the bank of the river. These kind folks gave us supper and breakfast, and in the morning, gave us a johnny-cake and piece of pork to take with us on our journey. We traveled about fifty miles that day, and at night stopped in an old, deserted tavern, in a village called Cadron, which was deserted because it was believed to be haunted by evil spirits. We made a fire in the tavern, roasted a piece of our pork, and ate our supper, said our prayers, went into a chamber, and lay down on the bare floor, and were soon asleep.
I dreamed I was at my father’s house in a good leather bed, and I had a good night’s rest. When I awoke the bed vanished, and I found myself on the bare floor and well rested, not having been troubled by evil spirits or anything else.
We thanked the Lord for his goodness to us, ate the remainder of our provisions and continued our journey down the liver to Little Kock, the capital of Arkansas, which then consisted of a few cabins. After visiting the place, we crossed the river and tied up our canoe which had carried us safely one hundred and fifty miles.
We then took the old military road, leading from Little Rock to Memphis, Tennessee. This road lay through swamps, and was covered with mud and water most of the way for one hundred and seventy miles. We walked forty miles in a day through mud and water knee deep.
On the 24th of March, after traveling some ten miles through mud, I was taken lame with a sharp pain in one knee. I sat down on a log. My companion, who was anxious to get to his home in Kirtland, left me sitting in an alligator swamp; I did not see him again for two years. I kneeled down in the mud and prayed, and the Lord healed me, and I went on my way rejoicing. 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 asked me what my business was. I told him I was a preacher of the gospel. He laughed, and said I did not look much like a preacher. I did not blame him, as all the preachers he bad ever been acquainted with rode on fine horses or in fine carriages, clothed in broad-cloth, and had large salaries, and would see this whole world sunk to perdition before they would wade through one hundred and seventy miles of mud to save them.
The landlord wanted a little fun, so he said he would keep me if I would preach. He wanted to see if I could preach. I must confess that by this time I became a little mischievous, and plead with him not to set me to preaching. The more I plead to be excused, the more determined Mr. Jackson was that I should preach. He took my valise, and the landlady got me a good supper.
I sat down in a large hall to eat supper. Before I got dozen men, with the landlord in the centre. There were present some five hundred persons who had come together, not to hear a gospel sermon but to have some fun.
Now, boys, how would you like this position? On your first mission, without a companion or friend, and to be called upon to preach to such a congregation! With me it was one of the most pleasing hours of my life, although I felt as though I should like company. I read a hymn, and asked them to sing. Not a soul would sing a word. I told them I had not the gift of singing; but, with the help of the Lord, I would both pray and preach. I kneeled down to pray, and the men around me dropped on their knees. I prayed to the Lord to give me his spirit and to show me the hearts of the people. I promised the Lord in my prayer I would deliver to that congregation whatever he would give to me. I arose and spoke one hour and a half; and it was one of the best sermons of my life.
The lives of the congregation were opened to the vision of my mind, and I told them of their wicked deeds and the reward they would obtain. The men who surrounded me dropped their heads. Three minutes after I closed I was the only person in the room. Soon I was shown to a bed, in a room adjoining a large room in which were assembled many of the men whom I had been preaching to. I could hear their conversation. One man said he would like to know how that “Mormon” boy knew of their past lives. In a little while they got to disputing about some doctrinal point. One suggested calling me to decide the point. The landlord said, “no; we have had enough for once.” In the morning, I had a good breakfast. The landlord said if I came that way again to stop at his house and stay as long as I might choose.
W. W.
Woodruff, Wilford. "My First Mission Continued." Juvenile Instructor. 15 June 1867. pg. 90-91.
MY FIRST MISSION CONTINUED.
AFTER leaving Memphis, I traveled through the country to Benton county, and preached bn the way as I had opportunity. I stopped a night with a Squire Hardman, an Episcopalian. Most of the night was spent by the family in music and dancing. In the morning, at the breakfast table, Mr. Hardman asked me if we believed in music and dancing. I told him we did not really consider them essential to salvation, lie said he did, and therefore should not join our church.
On the 4th of April, 1835, I had the happy privilege of meeting Elder Warren Parish at the house of Brother Frys, he had been preaching in that part of Tennessee, in company with David W. Patten, and had baptized a number and organized several small branches. Brother Patten had returned home, and Brother Parrish was laboring alone. I joined him in the ministry, and we labored together three months and nineteen days, when he was called to Kirtland.
During the time we were together we traveled through several counties in Tennessee for the distance of seven hundred and sixty miles, and preached the gospel daily as we had opportunity. We baptized some twenty persons.
By the counsel of the prophet Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery, Elder Parrish ordained me an elder, and left me to take charge of the branches that had been raised up in that neighborhood.
As soon as I was left alone I extended my circuit and labors. For a season I had large congregations, many seemed to believe and I baptized a number.
On the 15th of August I had an appointment at the house of Brother Taylor, the step father of Abraham O. Smoot. I had to cross Bloody River, which I had to swim in consequence of heavy rains. While crossing, my horse became entangled in a tree top, and almost drowned; but I succeeded in getting him loose. We swam to the shore separately. lie reached the shore first, and waited until I came out. I got into the saddle, and went on my way in good spirits, and had a good meeting. On the 20th of October I baptized three Campbellites, one was a deacon. I then rode twelve miles to Mr. Joseph Greenwood’s, who was eighty years old and had been a soldier under General Washington. His wife, who was ninety-three years old, I found quite smart and busy carding wool. I preached at their house and baptized both of them. On the following day I preached at the house of Benjamin L. Clapp and baptized seven Campbellites and one Baptist.
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 meeting I mounted my horse to ride to Clark’s river, in company with Seth Utly, four other brethren and two sisters; 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 severe storm of wind and rain, and lost our way in the darkness, and wandered through crocks 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 dangerous situation on the edge of a gulf. The light continued with us till we found the road; we then went on our way rejoicing, though the darkness returned and" the rain continued.
We reached brother Henry Thomas’ in safety about nine o’clock at night, having been five hours in the storm and had forded streams many times. None of us felt to complain; but were thankful to God for his preserving care.
On the following day I preached in the Damon Creek and organized a branch called the Damon Creek branch, and ordained Daniel Thomas a teacher. On the 19th of December I again preached at the house of brother Clap]), and baptized five persons, one was a Campbellite preacher. On the following day I preached at the house of brother Henry Thomas, when a mob of about fifty persons collected, headed by a Baptist preacher, who after asking one question, advised the mob to not lay hands on any man on account of his principles. The advice was good and well taken. At the close of the meeting I baptized three persons, one seventy-eight years old.
This brings the year 1835 to a close—the first year of my mission—during which time I had travelled three thousand two hundred and forty-eight miles, held one hundred and seventy meetings, baptized forty-three persons—three of whom were Campbellite preachers—assisted Elder Parrish to baptize twenty more, confirmed thirty-five, organized three branches, ordained two teachers and one deacon, procured thirty subscribers for the Messenger and Advocate, one hundred and seventy-three signers to the petition to the Governor of Missouri for redress of wrongs done to the Saints in Jackson county, had three mobs rise against me—but was not harmed, wrote eighteen letters, received ten, and. finally, closed the labors of the year 1835, by eating johnny cake, butter and honey, at brother A. O. Smoot’s.
W. W.
MY FIRST MISSION CONTINUED.
AFTER leaving Memphis, I traveled through the country to Benton county, and preached bn the way as I had opportunity. I stopped a night with a Squire Hardman, an Episcopalian. Most of the night was spent by the family in music and dancing. In the morning, at the breakfast table, Mr. Hardman asked me if we believed in music and dancing. I told him we did not really consider them essential to salvation, lie said he did, and therefore should not join our church.
On the 4th of April, 1835, I had the happy privilege of meeting Elder Warren Parish at the house of Brother Frys, he had been preaching in that part of Tennessee, in company with David W. Patten, and had baptized a number and organized several small branches. Brother Patten had returned home, and Brother Parrish was laboring alone. I joined him in the ministry, and we labored together three months and nineteen days, when he was called to Kirtland.
During the time we were together we traveled through several counties in Tennessee for the distance of seven hundred and sixty miles, and preached the gospel daily as we had opportunity. We baptized some twenty persons.
By the counsel of the prophet Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery, Elder Parrish ordained me an elder, and left me to take charge of the branches that had been raised up in that neighborhood.
As soon as I was left alone I extended my circuit and labors. For a season I had large congregations, many seemed to believe and I baptized a number.
On the 15th of August I had an appointment at the house of Brother Taylor, the step father of Abraham O. Smoot. I had to cross Bloody River, which I had to swim in consequence of heavy rains. While crossing, my horse became entangled in a tree top, and almost drowned; but I succeeded in getting him loose. We swam to the shore separately. lie reached the shore first, and waited until I came out. I got into the saddle, and went on my way in good spirits, and had a good meeting. On the 20th of October I baptized three Campbellites, one was a deacon. I then rode twelve miles to Mr. Joseph Greenwood’s, who was eighty years old and had been a soldier under General Washington. His wife, who was ninety-three years old, I found quite smart and busy carding wool. I preached at their house and baptized both of them. On the following day I preached at the house of Benjamin L. Clapp and baptized seven Campbellites and one Baptist.
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 meeting I mounted my horse to ride to Clark’s river, in company with Seth Utly, four other brethren and two sisters; 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 severe storm of wind and rain, and lost our way in the darkness, and wandered through crocks 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 dangerous situation on the edge of a gulf. The light continued with us till we found the road; we then went on our way rejoicing, though the darkness returned and" the rain continued.
We reached brother Henry Thomas’ in safety about nine o’clock at night, having been five hours in the storm and had forded streams many times. None of us felt to complain; but were thankful to God for his preserving care.
On the following day I preached in the Damon Creek and organized a branch called the Damon Creek branch, and ordained Daniel Thomas a teacher. On the 19th of December I again preached at the house of brother Clap]), and baptized five persons, one was a Campbellite preacher. On the following day I preached at the house of brother Henry Thomas, when a mob of about fifty persons collected, headed by a Baptist preacher, who after asking one question, advised the mob to not lay hands on any man on account of his principles. The advice was good and well taken. At the close of the meeting I baptized three persons, one seventy-eight years old.
This brings the year 1835 to a close—the first year of my mission—during which time I had travelled three thousand two hundred and forty-eight miles, held one hundred and seventy meetings, baptized forty-three persons—three of whom were Campbellite preachers—assisted Elder Parrish to baptize twenty more, confirmed thirty-five, organized three branches, ordained two teachers and one deacon, procured thirty subscribers for the Messenger and Advocate, one hundred and seventy-three signers to the petition to the Governor of Missouri for redress of wrongs done to the Saints in Jackson county, had three mobs rise against me—but was not harmed, wrote eighteen letters, received ten, and. finally, closed the labors of the year 1835, by eating johnny cake, butter and honey, at brother A. O. Smoot’s.
W. W.
Woodruff, Wilford. "My First Mission." Juvenile Instructor. 15 July 1867. pg. 109.
MY FIRST MISSION.
BEING requested by the editor of the Juvenile Instructor to inform him of my labors in 1836. I will do so. I spent the fore part of January (the weather being very cold) at the house of A. O. Smoot, in Kentucky, studying Kirkham's English Grammar. I continued to travel and preach in Kentucky and Tennessee and baptize all that would believe my testimony.
On the 29th of February we held a conference at the house of Brother Lewis Clapp (father of B. L. Clapp.) There were represented one hundred and three members in that mission. I ordained A. O. Smoot and Benjamin Boydston elders, and Daniel Thomas and Benjamin L. Clapp priests. I also ordained one teacher and two deacons. After conference I took Brothers Smoot and Clapp with me to preach. The former traveled with me constantly till the 21st of April, when we had the privilege of meeting with Elder David W. Patten, who had come direct from Kirtland, and who had been ordained one of the Twelve Apostles. It was a happy meeting. He gave us an account of the endowments at Kirtland, the glorious blessings received, the ministration of angels, the organization of the Twelve Apostles and Seventies, and informed me that 1 was appointed a member of the second quorum of Seventies. All of which was glorious news to me and caused my heart to rejoice.
On the 27th of May we were joined by Elder Warren Parrish, direct from Kirtland. We had a happy time together. We held a conference at Brother Seth Utley's, where were represented all the churches in the South. I was ordained on the 31st of May a member of the second quorum of Seventies under the hands of David W. Patten and Warren Parrish. At the close of the conference we separated for a short time. Elders Patten and Parrish labored in Tennessee, Brother Smoot and myself in Kentucky. On the 9th of June we all met at Damon Creek branch, where Brother Patten baptized two. One was Father Henry Thomas, who had been a revolutionary soldier under General Washington, and father of Daniel and Henry Thomas.
I was invited to hold a meeting at a Baptist meeting house on the 27th of June. On my arrival I met a large congregation; but, on commencing meeting, parson Browning ordered the meeting to be closed. I told the people I bad come ten miles to preach the gospel to them, and was willing to stand in a cart, on a pile of wood, or on a fence, or any other place they would appoint, to have that privilege. One man said he owned the fence and land in front of the meetinghouse, and we might use both, for he did not believe “Mormonism” would hurt cither. So the congregation crossed the road, took down the fence and made seats of it, and I preached to them one hour and a half. At the close Mr. Randolph Alexander bore testimony to the truth of what had been said. He invited me home with him, bought a book of Mormon, and was baptized, and 1 organized a branch in that place.
On the 18th of July brother A. O. Smoot and I arrived at a ferry on the Tennessee river, and, as the ferryman was not at home, the woman kindly gave us permission to use the ferryboat. We led our horses on board, and took the oars to cross the river. Brother Smoot had never used an oar, and I had not for some years, so we made awkward work of it. Soon he broke one oar, and I let another fall overboard, which left us only one broken oar to get to shore with. We narrowly escaped running into a steamboat. We struck shore half a mile below the landing place, tied up the boat, jumped on the bank with our horses, and went on our way with blistered hands, thankful to get off so well.
A warrant was issued, on the oath of some priest, against D. W. Patten, W. Parrish and W. Woodruff. They were accused in the warrant of the great “crime” of testifying that Christ -would come in this generation, and that they promised the Holy Ghost to those whom they baptized. Brothers Patten and Parrish were taken on the 19th of June. Brother Woodruff, 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 bondsmen.
They were tried on the 22nd of June. They plead their own cause. Although men came forward and testified they did receive the Holy Ghost after they were baptized, the brethren were condemned; but were finally released by paying the expenses of the mob court.
On Sunday, the 31st of July, A. O. Smoot and I preached at Mr. David Crider's, Weakley county, Tennessee. After the meeting Mr. Crider was baptized. A mob gathered and threatened us, and poisoned our horses so that the one I rode, belonging to Samuel West, died a few days after. This horse had carried me thousands of miles while preaching the gospel.
I continued to travel with Brothers Smoot, Patten and Parrish in Tennessee and Kentucky, and we baptized all who would receive our testimony.
On the 2nd day of September we held a general conference at the Damon Creek branch, Elder Thomas B. Marsh, president of the Twelve Apostles, presided. All the branches in Tennessee and Kentucky were represented. Brothers Randolph Alexander, Benjamin L. Clapp and Johnson F. Lane were ordained Elders and Lindsay Bradey to the lesser priesthood.
I assisted President Marsh to obtain fifteen hundred dollars from the southern brethren, to enter land in Missouri for the church. The brethren made me a present of fifty dollars, which I sent by President Marsh to enter forty acres of land for me. Elder Smoot and I were released from the southern mission with permission to go to Kirtland.
W. W.
MY FIRST MISSION.
BEING requested by the editor of the Juvenile Instructor to inform him of my labors in 1836. I will do so. I spent the fore part of January (the weather being very cold) at the house of A. O. Smoot, in Kentucky, studying Kirkham's English Grammar. I continued to travel and preach in Kentucky and Tennessee and baptize all that would believe my testimony.
On the 29th of February we held a conference at the house of Brother Lewis Clapp (father of B. L. Clapp.) There were represented one hundred and three members in that mission. I ordained A. O. Smoot and Benjamin Boydston elders, and Daniel Thomas and Benjamin L. Clapp priests. I also ordained one teacher and two deacons. After conference I took Brothers Smoot and Clapp with me to preach. The former traveled with me constantly till the 21st of April, when we had the privilege of meeting with Elder David W. Patten, who had come direct from Kirtland, and who had been ordained one of the Twelve Apostles. It was a happy meeting. He gave us an account of the endowments at Kirtland, the glorious blessings received, the ministration of angels, the organization of the Twelve Apostles and Seventies, and informed me that 1 was appointed a member of the second quorum of Seventies. All of which was glorious news to me and caused my heart to rejoice.
On the 27th of May we were joined by Elder Warren Parrish, direct from Kirtland. We had a happy time together. We held a conference at Brother Seth Utley's, where were represented all the churches in the South. I was ordained on the 31st of May a member of the second quorum of Seventies under the hands of David W. Patten and Warren Parrish. At the close of the conference we separated for a short time. Elders Patten and Parrish labored in Tennessee, Brother Smoot and myself in Kentucky. On the 9th of June we all met at Damon Creek branch, where Brother Patten baptized two. One was Father Henry Thomas, who had been a revolutionary soldier under General Washington, and father of Daniel and Henry Thomas.
I was invited to hold a meeting at a Baptist meeting house on the 27th of June. On my arrival I met a large congregation; but, on commencing meeting, parson Browning ordered the meeting to be closed. I told the people I bad come ten miles to preach the gospel to them, and was willing to stand in a cart, on a pile of wood, or on a fence, or any other place they would appoint, to have that privilege. One man said he owned the fence and land in front of the meetinghouse, and we might use both, for he did not believe “Mormonism” would hurt cither. So the congregation crossed the road, took down the fence and made seats of it, and I preached to them one hour and a half. At the close Mr. Randolph Alexander bore testimony to the truth of what had been said. He invited me home with him, bought a book of Mormon, and was baptized, and 1 organized a branch in that place.
On the 18th of July brother A. O. Smoot and I arrived at a ferry on the Tennessee river, and, as the ferryman was not at home, the woman kindly gave us permission to use the ferryboat. We led our horses on board, and took the oars to cross the river. Brother Smoot had never used an oar, and I had not for some years, so we made awkward work of it. Soon he broke one oar, and I let another fall overboard, which left us only one broken oar to get to shore with. We narrowly escaped running into a steamboat. We struck shore half a mile below the landing place, tied up the boat, jumped on the bank with our horses, and went on our way with blistered hands, thankful to get off so well.
A warrant was issued, on the oath of some priest, against D. W. Patten, W. Parrish and W. Woodruff. They were accused in the warrant of the great “crime” of testifying that Christ -would come in this generation, and that they promised the Holy Ghost to those whom they baptized. Brothers Patten and Parrish were taken on the 19th of June. Brother Woodruff, 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 bondsmen.
They were tried on the 22nd of June. They plead their own cause. Although men came forward and testified they did receive the Holy Ghost after they were baptized, the brethren were condemned; but were finally released by paying the expenses of the mob court.
On Sunday, the 31st of July, A. O. Smoot and I preached at Mr. David Crider's, Weakley county, Tennessee. After the meeting Mr. Crider was baptized. A mob gathered and threatened us, and poisoned our horses so that the one I rode, belonging to Samuel West, died a few days after. This horse had carried me thousands of miles while preaching the gospel.
I continued to travel with Brothers Smoot, Patten and Parrish in Tennessee and Kentucky, and we baptized all who would receive our testimony.
On the 2nd day of September we held a general conference at the Damon Creek branch, Elder Thomas B. Marsh, president of the Twelve Apostles, presided. All the branches in Tennessee and Kentucky were represented. Brothers Randolph Alexander, Benjamin L. Clapp and Johnson F. Lane were ordained Elders and Lindsay Bradey to the lesser priesthood.
I assisted President Marsh to obtain fifteen hundred dollars from the southern brethren, to enter land in Missouri for the church. The brethren made me a present of fifty dollars, which I sent by President Marsh to enter forty acres of land for me. Elder Smoot and I were released from the southern mission with permission to go to Kirtland.
W. W.
"Topics of the Times: President Wilford Woodruff." Juvenile Instructor. 15 September 1898. pg. 637-640.
TOPICS OF THE TIMES.
PRESIDENT WILFORD WOODRUFF.
The life of Wilford Woodruff, our honored president who so recently passed away, has been the chief subject of thought among Latter-day Saints the world over and among sober-minded men of all classes who knew him. It is a life worthy of study and meditation, for it is truly a remarkable one. The student of humanity wonders at the vitality of the body that could sustain so many frightful accidents and live with unceasing vigor through so many hardships to such a length, and he venerates the man who could be so persistent in his labors, so brave in the face of all dangers and so unselfish in his whole course of action.
Wilford Woodruff was born in a village called Farmington, near Hartford, Connecticut, on the first day of March, 1807. He came of a sturdy race, and fortunately, for an ordinary child would never have lived through the accidents he suffered. When three years old he was almost scalded to death; a little later he fell from the beam of a barn striking his face on the ground; then he broke both arms, one after the other. At six years of age, among other things, he broke both bones of his leg, and during the next three years barely escaped death under a load of hay at one time and a wagon-box at another that had tipped over on him, and still later falling from an elm tree fifteen feet to the ground. When twelve he was drowned, but his body was recovered and life restored, and the next year he was almost frozen to death. At fourteen he struck his instep with an ax and split it open, and after he had recovered he was bitten in the hand by a mad dog. When seventeen he dislocated both ankles and broke his left leg in two places, through being thrown from a horse. In later life he had parts of his body frozen by the cold and had his breast-bone and three ribs broken under a falling tree.
But quick recovery followed in most of these cases, and his boyhood was in many ways a happy one. Early in life he came under the influence of Robert Mason, an old man who looked forward to the time when the Gospel should be on the earth again as it was in the days of the Savior. This man taught him to pray and to search seriously into religious matters. He prophesied, too, that President Woodruff should become prominent in the divine work when it was restored to earth.
In 1832 Brother Woodruff moved to New York state, and on the last day of the next year, December 31st, 1833, he was baptized and confirmed a member of the Church. Two days later he was ordained a Teacher. When Zion's Camp was organized he volunteered and went to Kirtland to be mustered in. He lodged for a week at the Prophet Joseph's home, and on the first day of May, 1834, he set out with the few who were ready. They were joined by the Prophet and the others later and all proceeded to Missouri.
Some of the Camp remained in Clay County, Missouri, and Brother Woodruff was among them. He worked hard during the summer, and when fall came he asked the Lord to give him a mission. His prayer was immediately answered; he was ordained a Priest and sent to Arkansas and Tennessee. He was compelled to bear the most severe hardships in his labors, but he showed the same wonderful strength and courage that he always possessed and was most successful in the ministry.
As illustrative of his experiences two of the incidents of this mission might be related Brother Woodruff and his companion after walking all day and spending a considerable part of the night wading through a swamp, were given supper and a bed by a trader and his Indian companions. In the morning the two men arose and after a good breakfast continued their journey. They had no food with them and they knew that it was sixty miles to the next settlement, but they went on. When night came they were in a forest and had lost their way. A pack of wolves gathered about them, but at length they found shelter, but no food, in a miserable hut. They slept on the floor without blankets and in the morning walked twelve miles more before they could get a breakfast.
At another time President Woodruff went one hundred and seventy miles through swamps, where the mud was most of the time uncomfortably deep, and at length reached Memphis, Tennessee. He went to the best tavern, told the keeper he was a preacher of the Gospel and asked for food and lodgings. An agreement was made that Brother Woodruff would preach in return for being taken in, and the gentry of Memphis assembled to have an evening's enjoyment out of the mud-bespattered young man. Brother Woodruff read a hymn, but they would not sing. He said that he had not the gift of singing but would try to pray and preach. He kneeled down and asked the Lord to show the people's hearts to him and to inspire him with the Holy Spirit. He promised to speak what the Lord would put in his mouth. His sermon lasted an hour and a half, and was one of the best of his life. He told the people of their individual sins and what they must suffer for them. They were pricked to the heart, and three minutes after he had dismissed not one of those five hundred persons was left in the room.
In the autumn of 1836 President Woodruff returned to Kirtland. He had been ordained a Seventy and the winter was spent in receiving endowments and in going to school. His endowments were given under the hands of the Prophet Joseph, and he was the last living man to have had that great blessing. In April 1837, President Woodruff married, and a month later set out for the Fox Islands as a missionary. These islands lie in Penobscot bay on the coast of Maine. Their inhabitants at that time numbered about one thousand eight hundred souls, whose occupation was mainly fishing. They were good, honest people and inclined to be religious.
While traveling to his field of labor he passed through his old home in Connecticut, and was kindly received by his relatives. Through his ministration his father's family and many of his old friends were brought into the Church. In his work on the Fox Islands he was very successful and baptized nearly a hundred persons. In the fall of 1838, he set out for Kirtland with those Saints who could gather at that time. The distance was about a thousand miles, and the hardships the company endured were very extreme. President Woodruff's wife, who was with him died on the way, but through his faith she was restored to life. He reached Rochester, Illinois, December 19th, 1838, and remained there until spring.
According to the revelation previously given to Joseph Smith, Wilford Woodruff was ordained an apostle on the 26th day of April, 1839, on the Temple lot at Far West, Jackson County, Missouri. This revelation was fulfilled at the danger of the lives of all who took part in its fulfillment, for the death sentence was passed upon all "Mormons" who entered the state, and the Jackson County mob was especially bitter.
President Woodruff helped settle Nauvoo, but soon left on his mission to England. His wife was sick and he himself was suffering terribly from the chills and fever. On August 8th, 1839, he and John Taylor set out, being the first of the Twelve Apostles to depart. President Taylor was overcome on the way by bilious fever, and Brother Woodruff continued alone. They united again at New York, and sailed from there December 19th, 1839.
President Woodruff's English mission was a most marvelous one. He was led by the Lord to a very fruitful field and brought into the Church one thousand eight hundred persons in eight months. He returned to America in the spring of 1811 and spent several months in the East before going to Nauvoo. During the next year he went on a four-months mission to the eastern states. He was also engaged in missionary work there in 1844 when Joseph and Hyrum were martyred, but of course returned when that sad message was received.
After the Twelve Apostles had been recognized as the head of the Church, President Woodruff took a second mission to England. He presided over the British Saints during this trying time, and his faith and influence reassured the people. He acted also as the senior editor of the Millennial Star. He was released and returned in time to aid the Saints in withdrawing from Nauvoo in 1846, and he was one of the advance guard of the pioneer movement into the vast and barren West.
President Woodruff has been most prominent in establishing the commonwealth that now exists in these valleys. He has served the people as a legislator for many years, as a leader in a number of societies to spread intelligence and encourage industry, and by his example as an independent, untiring laborer.
His work in the Church has been continuous during all these years. When President Young died and Apostle John Taylor took his place at the head of the Church, Wilford Woodruff became the presiding officer of the Twelve Apostles. He remained in his position until appointed President of the Church, April 7th, 1889. His death in San Francisco on the second day of the current month removed him from his ministry here after a life of singular usefulness upon the earth.
Wilford Woodruff was born when the third president of the United States was in office; he passed away, while the twenty-fourth man to hold that position rules. During his life four of the five important wars of this country have been fought. His birth was in a state bordering the Atlantic Ocean, when much of the territory east of the Mississippi river was uninhabited by white men; his death was on the shore of the Pacific, when his country's domain extends from ocean to ocean and embraces the islands of the sea.
During his life the angel that the Revelator saw has flown through the midst of heaven, and he has been a mighty aid in preaching the everlasting Gospel to every nation, kindred, tongue and people. He joined the Church of Jesus Christ when it was made up of a few mercilessly persecuted Saints; he died as President of the Church, when the Saints number hundreds of thousands, when they enjoy peace, prosperity, and liberty, and when prejudice is fast disappearing. Truly his was a complete life and one worthy of study and emulation by all men, but especially by those who loved and honored him as God's prophet here on earth.
The Editor.
TOPICS OF THE TIMES.
PRESIDENT WILFORD WOODRUFF.
The life of Wilford Woodruff, our honored president who so recently passed away, has been the chief subject of thought among Latter-day Saints the world over and among sober-minded men of all classes who knew him. It is a life worthy of study and meditation, for it is truly a remarkable one. The student of humanity wonders at the vitality of the body that could sustain so many frightful accidents and live with unceasing vigor through so many hardships to such a length, and he venerates the man who could be so persistent in his labors, so brave in the face of all dangers and so unselfish in his whole course of action.
Wilford Woodruff was born in a village called Farmington, near Hartford, Connecticut, on the first day of March, 1807. He came of a sturdy race, and fortunately, for an ordinary child would never have lived through the accidents he suffered. When three years old he was almost scalded to death; a little later he fell from the beam of a barn striking his face on the ground; then he broke both arms, one after the other. At six years of age, among other things, he broke both bones of his leg, and during the next three years barely escaped death under a load of hay at one time and a wagon-box at another that had tipped over on him, and still later falling from an elm tree fifteen feet to the ground. When twelve he was drowned, but his body was recovered and life restored, and the next year he was almost frozen to death. At fourteen he struck his instep with an ax and split it open, and after he had recovered he was bitten in the hand by a mad dog. When seventeen he dislocated both ankles and broke his left leg in two places, through being thrown from a horse. In later life he had parts of his body frozen by the cold and had his breast-bone and three ribs broken under a falling tree.
But quick recovery followed in most of these cases, and his boyhood was in many ways a happy one. Early in life he came under the influence of Robert Mason, an old man who looked forward to the time when the Gospel should be on the earth again as it was in the days of the Savior. This man taught him to pray and to search seriously into religious matters. He prophesied, too, that President Woodruff should become prominent in the divine work when it was restored to earth.
In 1832 Brother Woodruff moved to New York state, and on the last day of the next year, December 31st, 1833, he was baptized and confirmed a member of the Church. Two days later he was ordained a Teacher. When Zion's Camp was organized he volunteered and went to Kirtland to be mustered in. He lodged for a week at the Prophet Joseph's home, and on the first day of May, 1834, he set out with the few who were ready. They were joined by the Prophet and the others later and all proceeded to Missouri.
Some of the Camp remained in Clay County, Missouri, and Brother Woodruff was among them. He worked hard during the summer, and when fall came he asked the Lord to give him a mission. His prayer was immediately answered; he was ordained a Priest and sent to Arkansas and Tennessee. He was compelled to bear the most severe hardships in his labors, but he showed the same wonderful strength and courage that he always possessed and was most successful in the ministry.
As illustrative of his experiences two of the incidents of this mission might be related Brother Woodruff and his companion after walking all day and spending a considerable part of the night wading through a swamp, were given supper and a bed by a trader and his Indian companions. In the morning the two men arose and after a good breakfast continued their journey. They had no food with them and they knew that it was sixty miles to the next settlement, but they went on. When night came they were in a forest and had lost their way. A pack of wolves gathered about them, but at length they found shelter, but no food, in a miserable hut. They slept on the floor without blankets and in the morning walked twelve miles more before they could get a breakfast.
At another time President Woodruff went one hundred and seventy miles through swamps, where the mud was most of the time uncomfortably deep, and at length reached Memphis, Tennessee. He went to the best tavern, told the keeper he was a preacher of the Gospel and asked for food and lodgings. An agreement was made that Brother Woodruff would preach in return for being taken in, and the gentry of Memphis assembled to have an evening's enjoyment out of the mud-bespattered young man. Brother Woodruff read a hymn, but they would not sing. He said that he had not the gift of singing but would try to pray and preach. He kneeled down and asked the Lord to show the people's hearts to him and to inspire him with the Holy Spirit. He promised to speak what the Lord would put in his mouth. His sermon lasted an hour and a half, and was one of the best of his life. He told the people of their individual sins and what they must suffer for them. They were pricked to the heart, and three minutes after he had dismissed not one of those five hundred persons was left in the room.
In the autumn of 1836 President Woodruff returned to Kirtland. He had been ordained a Seventy and the winter was spent in receiving endowments and in going to school. His endowments were given under the hands of the Prophet Joseph, and he was the last living man to have had that great blessing. In April 1837, President Woodruff married, and a month later set out for the Fox Islands as a missionary. These islands lie in Penobscot bay on the coast of Maine. Their inhabitants at that time numbered about one thousand eight hundred souls, whose occupation was mainly fishing. They were good, honest people and inclined to be religious.
While traveling to his field of labor he passed through his old home in Connecticut, and was kindly received by his relatives. Through his ministration his father's family and many of his old friends were brought into the Church. In his work on the Fox Islands he was very successful and baptized nearly a hundred persons. In the fall of 1838, he set out for Kirtland with those Saints who could gather at that time. The distance was about a thousand miles, and the hardships the company endured were very extreme. President Woodruff's wife, who was with him died on the way, but through his faith she was restored to life. He reached Rochester, Illinois, December 19th, 1838, and remained there until spring.
According to the revelation previously given to Joseph Smith, Wilford Woodruff was ordained an apostle on the 26th day of April, 1839, on the Temple lot at Far West, Jackson County, Missouri. This revelation was fulfilled at the danger of the lives of all who took part in its fulfillment, for the death sentence was passed upon all "Mormons" who entered the state, and the Jackson County mob was especially bitter.
President Woodruff helped settle Nauvoo, but soon left on his mission to England. His wife was sick and he himself was suffering terribly from the chills and fever. On August 8th, 1839, he and John Taylor set out, being the first of the Twelve Apostles to depart. President Taylor was overcome on the way by bilious fever, and Brother Woodruff continued alone. They united again at New York, and sailed from there December 19th, 1839.
President Woodruff's English mission was a most marvelous one. He was led by the Lord to a very fruitful field and brought into the Church one thousand eight hundred persons in eight months. He returned to America in the spring of 1811 and spent several months in the East before going to Nauvoo. During the next year he went on a four-months mission to the eastern states. He was also engaged in missionary work there in 1844 when Joseph and Hyrum were martyred, but of course returned when that sad message was received.
After the Twelve Apostles had been recognized as the head of the Church, President Woodruff took a second mission to England. He presided over the British Saints during this trying time, and his faith and influence reassured the people. He acted also as the senior editor of the Millennial Star. He was released and returned in time to aid the Saints in withdrawing from Nauvoo in 1846, and he was one of the advance guard of the pioneer movement into the vast and barren West.
President Woodruff has been most prominent in establishing the commonwealth that now exists in these valleys. He has served the people as a legislator for many years, as a leader in a number of societies to spread intelligence and encourage industry, and by his example as an independent, untiring laborer.
His work in the Church has been continuous during all these years. When President Young died and Apostle John Taylor took his place at the head of the Church, Wilford Woodruff became the presiding officer of the Twelve Apostles. He remained in his position until appointed President of the Church, April 7th, 1889. His death in San Francisco on the second day of the current month removed him from his ministry here after a life of singular usefulness upon the earth.
Wilford Woodruff was born when the third president of the United States was in office; he passed away, while the twenty-fourth man to hold that position rules. During his life four of the five important wars of this country have been fought. His birth was in a state bordering the Atlantic Ocean, when much of the territory east of the Mississippi river was uninhabited by white men; his death was on the shore of the Pacific, when his country's domain extends from ocean to ocean and embraces the islands of the sea.
During his life the angel that the Revelator saw has flown through the midst of heaven, and he has been a mighty aid in preaching the everlasting Gospel to every nation, kindred, tongue and people. He joined the Church of Jesus Christ when it was made up of a few mercilessly persecuted Saints; he died as President of the Church, when the Saints number hundreds of thousands, when they enjoy peace, prosperity, and liberty, and when prejudice is fast disappearing. Truly his was a complete life and one worthy of study and emulation by all men, but especially by those who loved and honored him as God's prophet here on earth.
The Editor.
Richards, Franklin D. "Wilford Woodruff." Improvement Era. October 1898. pg. 864-880.
WILFORD WOODRUFF.
BY FRANKLIN D. RICHARDS, THE CHURCH HISTORIAN.
The following sketch of the life and labors of our departed President, Wilford Woodruff, is written in cheerful compliance with his request when giving instructions, several years ago, concerning the disposition of his remains after his departure from this life.
"I wish to say that at my death I wish the Historian of the Church to publish a brief account of my life, labors and travels as an Elder and Apostle in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints."
Wilford Woodruff was born March 1, 1807, at Farmington (now called Avon), Hartford County, Connecticut. He was the son of Aphek and Beulah Thompson Woodruff. His father, his grandfather Eldad Woodruff, and his great grandfather Josiah Woodruff, were men of strong constitutions, and were noted for their arduous manual labors. His great-grandfather was nearly a hundred years old when he died, and was able to work until shortly before his decease. A scion of this hardy stock, Wilford Woodruff was also noted for his activity, industry and physical endurance. Though not a large man, he was able to perform labors that would have prostrated men of ordinary physique. At an early age he assisted his father on the Farmington Mills, and, when 20 years of age, took charge of a flouring mill belonging to his aunt, Helen Wheeler, holding the position of manager for three years, when he was placed in charge of the Collins flouring mill at South Canton, Connecticut, and subsequently of the flouring mill owned by Richard B. Cowles of New Hartford, Connecticut. In the spring of 1832, in company with his brother Azmon Woodruff, he went to Richland, Oswego County, New York, purchased a farm and saw-mill and settled down to business on his own account.
On December 29, 1833, he and his brother Azmon heard the Gospel preached by Elders Zerah Pulsipher and Elijah Cheney. They both believed it at once, entertained the Elders, offered themselves for baptism, read the Book of Mormon, and received a divine testimony of its truth. He was baptized and confirmed by Elder Zerah Pulsipher December 31, 1833.
At a very early age, Wilford Woodruff was imbued with religious sentiments, but never allied himself with any of the various sects. He received much information from Robert Mason, who resided at Simsbury, Connecticut, and was called "The old Prophet Mason." He taught that no man had authority to administer in the things of God without revelation from God ; that the modern religious societies were without that authority; that the time would come when the true Church would be established, with all its gifts and graces and manifestations, and that the same blessings enjoyed in the early Christian Church could be obtained in this age through faith. This led the youthful Wilford to hold aloof from the churches of the day, and to desire and pray for the coming of an Apostle or other inspired man to show the way of life. For three years previous to receiving the everlasting Gospel, he was impressed with the conviction that God was about to set up his Church and Kingdom on earth in the last days and for the last time. Thus he was prepared to receive the truth when it was presented to him by the Elders.
On January 2, 1834, he was ordained a Teacher, and on February 1, being visited by Elder Parley P. Pratt, he was instructed to prepare himself to join the body of the Church at Kirtland. He immediately commenced to settle up his business, started with a wagon and horses, and arrived in Kirtland April 25, 1834. There he met with the Prophet Joseph Smith and many leading Elders, and received much light and knowledge. A week later he went to New Portage, where he joined the company of volunteers which was organized by the Prophet Joseph Smith, and known as Zion's Camp, to go into Missouri for the relief of the suffering Saints in that State. He remained with the Camp through all its travels and trials, until it was dispersed in Clay County, Missouri, when the Prophet Joseph returned to Kirtland and Brother Woodruff remained with Lyman Wight and worked until the ensuing winter. Having a great desire to preach the Gospel, he went one Sunday evening into the woods alone and prayed earnestly that God would open his way and grant him his desire. He received a witness by the Spirit that his prayer would be answered. After walking some distance from the spot, he was met by Elder Elias Higbee, who said to him: "Brother Wilford, the Spirit of the Lord tells me that you should be ordained and go on a mission." Brother Woodruff replied, "I am ready."
At a meeting of the High Council in Lyman Wight's house, November 5, 1834, Brother Woodruff was ordained a Priest by Elder Simeon Carter, and was shortly after sent on a mission to the Southern States. On January 13, 1835, in company with Elder Harry Brown, he crossed the river into Jackson County, where there was much danger from mobs, but which they passed through in safety, traveling on foot and enduring much fatigue. After crossing the Osage River in a canoe, they walked sixty miles in one day without anything to eat. Just before dark, when approaching some timber, a large black bear arose before them on his hind feet, but after a short time, he turned and walked off. They obtained shelter at night in a log cabin, but could get no food as there was none in the house. Walking twelve miles further, a mobocrat named Conner, gave them breakfast, cursing them all the while they ate because they were "Mormons."
They reached Pettyjohn Creek in Arkansas, where Alexander Akeman and family resided, who had been members of the Church in Jackson County, Missouri, but he had apostatized and become very bitter. The brethren stayed in the neighborhood 25 days, though threatened by Akeman and others with death. On February 14, Brother Woodruff, in response to a thrice-given admonition of the Lord, called upon Mr. Akeman and bore testimony to the truth of "Mormonism" and the wickedness of opposing it, when Akeman followed him from the house in a terrible rage, but just as he reached Brother Woodruff he fell dead at his feet, as though struck by lightning, swelled up and turned black. This had a great effect upon the people; several meetings were held and some persons baptized, but Elder Brown insisted upon leaving the place and traveling southward; so they journeyed on to Little Rock, rowing down the Arkansas River 125 miles in a canoe, which they made out of a cottonwood tree, which they cut down and dug out, 4 feet wide and 12 feet long.
From that point they started for Memphis, Tennessee, about 175 miles, wading through mud and water, sometimes forty miles a day, and on March 24, Brother Woodruff was seized in the swamps with rheumatism, and could not travel as fast as his companion desired. The latter determined to return to his family in Kirtland, so left Brother Woodruff sitting on a log in the mud and water, unable to walk, without food and twelve miles from any house on the road. In this condition he kneeled down in the water and besought the Lord to heal him. The Spirit of the Lord came upon him, the pain left him, and he went his way, preaching the Gospel wherever he could find people to listen. He crossed the Mississippi River March 27th, and went to Middle Tennessee. On April 4th, in Benton County, he met with Elder Warren Parrish, with whom he labored over three months, preaching and baptizing, forty persons joining the Church while they labored together. Being called to Kirtland, Warren Parrish ordained Brother Woodruff an Elder on June 28, 1835, and the latter continued his labors in Kentucky and Tennessee and baptized thirty-one after Elder Parrish left.
At a conference held February 26, 1836, at Benjamin L. Clapp's house, in Calloway County, Kentucky, Brother Woodruff ordained Abraham O. Smoot and Benjamin Boydston Elders and B. L. Clapp and Daniel Thomas priests. Brothers Woodruff and Smoot labored in the ministry, and in April, Apostle David W. Patten and his wife returned to Tennessee, and Elder Woodruff labored under his direction, being opposed by mobs, but receiving no injury, and being comforted by great manifestations of the power of God in the healing of the sick. On May 31, he was ordained by David W. Patten a member of the Second Quorum of Seventies. At a conference held at Damon's Creek, Calloway county, Kentucky, where several branches numbering 119 members were represented, Elders Woodruff and Smoot were released from their labors in the South to go to Kirtland and receive their endowments. September 19th Brother Woodruff organized the first company of Saints who emigrated from the Southern States, numbering 22 souls. In company with Abraham O. Smoot and Jesse Turpin, Brother Woodruff started for Kirtland October 20th, arriving November 25. By advice of the Prophet Joseph, he attended school in the Temple and studied Latin and English grammar. January 3, 1837, he was set apart as a member of the First Quorum of Seventies. In the spring of that year, he witnessed manifestations from the Lord in the Kirtland Temple, where the gifts of the Gospel were enjoyed, the spirit of prophecy was poured out, and the prophet was clothed with the power of God.
On April 13, 1837, he married Phebe W. Carter, at the house of the Prophet Joseph Smith, who was to have performed the ceremony but was prevented by a mob who sought his life. Elder Frederick G. Williams officiated in his stead. Next day Brother and Sister Woodruff received their patriarchal blessings under the hands of Joseph Smith, Sen.
On May 5th, he was impressed to go to Fox Islands to preach the gospel. He had never been there, but mentioning the matter to Elders Sidney Rigdon and Heber C. Kimball, they encouraged him to go, and in company with Jonathan H. Hale and Milton Holmes, he left Kirtland May 31st, 1837. Arriving in Canada they attended a conference of ten branches June loth, when Elder Woodruff, with Elder William Draper, ordained seven elders, nine priests, eleven teachers and five deacons. With three other Elders, he laid hands on a woman possessed with an evil spirit, part of the time dumb, the devil was cast out, she was healed and went on her way rejoicing. Many sick persons were also healed under his administration.
He then went to Albany and walked to Farmington, arriving at his father's house July 6th. He was kindly received, and on July 12th, after preaching in a school house at West Avon, he baptized his uncle Ozem Woodruff, his aunt and cousin John. This fulfilled a dream he had when ten years of age. He afterwards preached in the Methodist Church in Farmington, his father and his family being present. On the 21st, he sent his wife by stage to New Rowley, Massachusetts, and started out on the hot, sultry day to walk there himself. He arrived there in two days and a half, having walked 136 miles.
After visiting his wife's relatives in Scarborough, Maine, he and Elder Jonathan H. Hale started for Fox Islands, walking to Portland and going by steamer 85 miles to Owl's Head. Having no means to go farther, they went on a hill and prayed to the Lord to open their way. A sloop came into the harbor, and the captain agreed to take them to North Fox Island, where they landed at 2 a. m., August 20th, and wandered over the rocks and bushes until they found shelter. It being Sunday morning, they applied to the pastor of the only church there for permission to preach. Elder Woodruff delivered the first discourse ever preached by the elders on those Islands. They preached every day and succeeded in baptizing a great number of persons. They visited several of the Islands, and Elder Hale returned to Kirtland, October 9th. Brother Woodruff labored alone during the winter of 1837-38, preaching, baptizing and withstanding mobs. He preached also in a number of towns in Maine, and at Hampden ordained James Townsend an elder.
He returned to Fox Islands, but being warned by the Lord to leave for a season and take a western mission, he left on April 28th for Scarborough and thence to Boston. He preached at a number of places in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New York and New Jersey; then returned to his father's house, where he commenced preaching again, and on July 1, 1838, baptized his father, step-mother, sister Eunice, cousin Seth, Aunt Anna Cosett and a Methodist class-leader named Dwight Webster. This fulfilled the promise of Patriarch Joseph Smith, Sr., that he should bring his father's household into the kingdom of God. After organizing a branch of the church and visiting his wife in Scarborough, he returned to Fox Islands, where on August 9th he learned that he had been appointed to fill a vacancy in the Quorum of the Twelve, and that he was to prepare to take a mission to England in the spring.
He then visited all the Saints on the Islands, and called on them to move with him to Missouri. Brother Nathaniel Thomas promised to furnish means to help all the poor Saints who desired to go. He advised them to start not later than September 1st, but they did not arrive at Scarborough, where Elder Woodruff was visiting, until October 3rd, when they all started to travel from Maine to Missouri, 2,000 miles, with teams through rain, mud, frost and snow. They arrived in Sangamon, Illinois, Dec. 19th, where he labored all winter for the support of his family. On March 17, 1839, having reached Quincy the day before, he had an interview with Elders Brigham Young and John Taylor, and afterwards went to Far West and met with the Twelve on the temple block there, where April 26th, he was ordained one of the Twelve Apostles, Brigham Young being mouth. Returning to Quincy, he met President Joseph Smith May 3rd, who had just escaped from his enemies in Missouri. He was with the Prophet Joseph in July, at the time when he healed so many of the sick who were at the door of death. Being requested to go three miles to heal two small children, and not having time to go, the Prophet gave Brother Woodruff a red silk handkerchief, telling him to go and lay hands on the children, wipe their faces with the handkerchief and they should be healed, but to keep the handkerchief to be ever a league between them. Brother Woodruff did as he was told and the children were healed. This was on July 22nd. He kept the handkerchief all his life.
On August 8th, although sick with chills and fever, his family also being sick and with only four days' provisions on hand, he blessed them and started on his mission to England, President B. Young rowing him across the Mississippi. The Prophet Joseph said to him: "Go ahead in the name of the Lord, and you shall be healed and blessed on your mission." After visiting his father at Farmington, he went to New York, and on December 19th, with Elders John Taylor and Theodore Turley, he sailed for Liverpool, and landed January 20, 1840, in good health and spirits. He was appointed to labor in the Staffordshire Potteries. Calling at Manchester on the way, where there was a branch of 164 members, he administered to a woman possessed of the devil, raging and foaming, taking four men to hold her. The evil spirit was cast out, and she arose and praised the Lord. He spent forty days in the Potteries, preaching, baptizing, confirming and blessing children.
On March 1st, while preaching to a large gathering in Hanley, it was revealed to him that this would be his last sermon in the Potteries for many days. He announced this to the meeting. He had appointments out for a week, but appointed Brother Alfred Cordon to fill them, then went before the Lord and asked him where he should go. The Spirit answered, "Go to the south." He did so, and arriving in Herefordshire, found a society called "United Brethren," numbering about 600 members and fifty preachers. They were prepared for the reception of the Gospel, so that hearing his testimony, they came forward and in thirty days he baptized 160, forty-eight of whom were preachers, including their presiding elder, Thomas Kington. Three clerks of the Church of England were sent by their ministers to see what he was doing, and he baptized them, also a constable who came to arrest him.
Learning that Elder Brigham Young and five others of the Twelve had arrived in England, he went to Preston and attended a conference with them. Returning to Herefordshire, he was accompanied by Elder Brigham Young and was afterwards joined by Elder Willard Richards. Brother Young remained 27 days, then went to Manchester. Brother Woodruff, with his brethren, spent seven months in Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Gloucestershire, and baptized over 1,800 persons, with 200 preachers of various denominations. On August 18th, 1840, he went to London and labored with Elders Heber C. Kimball and George A. Smith, spending a little over five months, where they established a church.
After attending all the general conferences in England, he sailed for New York April 20th, arriving May 20th, 1841. He visited his family at Scarborough, returned to New York, 3rd started for Nauvoo, via the Lakes, but was wrecked on Lake Michigan. He reached Nauvoo in safety October 6th, 1841, where he spent the winter laboring for a living, attending meetings and councils, and on July 7th, 1843, started on a mission with Elders Brigham Young and George A. Smith through the Eastern States, to collect funds for the Temple and Nauvoo House. He was chosen a member of the city council. Being in charge of the business department of the printing office in Nauvoo, he purchased a large supply of materials for the office, and spent the winter in Nauvoo, when he received his endowments, and January 20th, 1844, turned over the business of the Times and Seasons into the hands of Elder John Taylor.
On May 9th, 1844, he parted with the Prophet Joseph Smith, who blessed him and bid him God speed on his mission through the Eastern States. In company with Elders George A. Smith, Jedediah M. Grant and Ezra Thayer, he traveled and preached through Illinois, Indiana and Michigan. He met with the Twelve in Boston, June 27th, and then went to Maine. At Portland, when about to step on board a steamer bound for Fox Islands, he saw an account of the martyrdom of Joseph and Hyrum Smith. The Spirit bore witness to him that it was true. He returned to Boston, and with the members of the Twelve who were there, went to Nauvoo, arriving on the 6th of August.
A council of the Apostles was held on the same day and Wilford Woodruff was appointed to preside over the European mission. He left Nauvoo to go to England on August 28th, but did not arrive until January 3, 1845, when he at once took charge of the affairs of the Church in Europe. After a prosperous mission, Brother Woodruff left Liverpool January 22nd, 1846, to join the body of the Church then arranging to move to the Rocky Mountains. He reached Nauvoo in safety, and preached to the Saints in the Temple, May loth. Leaving Nauvoo with a company of Saints, he stopped at Mount Pisgah, a temporary settlement 172 miles from Nauvoo. Under the counsel of President Brigham Young, a number of volunteers for the Mormon Battalion were enrolled, and Elder Woodruff, with a company went on and joined the camp of the Saints at Council Bluffs. He remained with the Camp of Israel during the winter with the Apostles at Winter Quarters, and labored with his accustomed energy to provide for his family.
When the Pioneers were organized to cross the plains in April, 1847, Wilford Woodruff was appointed captain of the first ten. He arrived with the Pioneers on July 24, 1847, President Brigham Young, who was sick, riding in Brother Woodruff's carriage. He went to work at once planting some potatoes which he had brought with him from the east. July 26th, with President Young and others, he climbed the hills to the point now called Ensign Peak, and went thence to the Warm Springs. He was also with the first company that visited the shores of the Great Salt Lake and proceeded into Tooele Valley, and thence going southward, viewed from a high ridge for the first time Utah Lake. He assisted in laying out Salt Lake City and erecting the Old Fort. He built two rooms of logs, with poles for rafters, willows for roof, and earth for shingles.
On August 26th, 1847, he started with President Brigham Young and five other Apostles in a company of 108 men, with thirty-six wagons and about 100 horses and mules, on a return trip to Winter Quarters, which they reached October 31st, and were received with great joy. Brother Woodruff was present at the council of the Apostles held in Winter Quarters, December 5th, when Brigham Young was chosen President of the church, with Heber C. Kimball and Willard Richards as his Counselors. Also at the conference held in the log tabernacle, on the east side of the Missouri river, when the First Presidency were sustained by vote of the people. In the spring of 1848 he was sent on a mission to the Eastern States, which he faithfully filled, and reached Salt Lake City on his return in 1850. He was elected a member of the Senate of the General Assembly of Deseret, which met December 3rd, 1850. He applied himself to manual labors for the support of his family, and was active in the councils of the Church. In 1852 he went with President Young on an exploring expedition to Southern Utah. In 1853, in company with Elder Orson Pratt, he gathered a number of families to strengthen the settlements in Tooele County. September 13th, 1855, the Horticultural Society was organized in Salt Lake City, and he was chosen its president. His residence was in the Fourteenth Ward, Salt Lake City, but he traveled in company with President Young and the Apostles extensively, assisting in the establishment and location of new settlements, and was engaged in the duties of his Apostleship and also as a member of the Legislative Assembly, a position he occupied for twenty years in the Council and one year in the House. He was also for many years president of the Deseret Agricultural and Manufacturing Society. He officiated in the Endowment House on frequent occasions, and at the General Conference, October 6th, 1856, he was appointed assistant Historian.
He occupied this position until he was appointed Historian and General Recorder of the Church in October, 1875, continuing in that office until April, 1889. He was specially adapted for this position, having kept a daily journal from the beginning of his ministerial career. In this diary he recorded important events in the progress of the church, with choice extracts from the sermons of the Prophet Joseph Smith and other leading lights, which, but for his untiring industry in this direction, would have been lost to posterity. This journal Brother Woodruff compiled with unerring regularity up to within a couple of days of his decease. His diligence, precision and accuracy were most remarkable, particularly in so aged a man.
At the dedication of the St. George temple in the spring of 1877, he was appointed president of that Temple, and during the two years of his presidency 41,398 baptisms for the dead were performed, besides other ordinances for the living and the dead. Brother Woodruff was very diligent in his efforts to obtain his genealogy and was very successful. While in the St. George Temple, it was manifested to him by the Lord that he could enlist the services of his family and friends to assist him in attending to ordinances for his deceased ancestors. By this means 3,188 baptisms were vicariously attended to in their behalf. It was while in the Temple that Elder Woodruff received visitations, three nights in succession, as he repeatedly testified, from the signers of the Declaration of Independence, who solicited his services in their behalf, to which he cheerfully responded, and the work necessary for them was faithfully performed.
During the period of the extreme and unrelenting prosecutions under the anti-polygamy acts of Congress, President Woodruff spent much of the time among the churches in Arizona and Southern Utah. On January 26, 1880, having retired for some days in the mountains fasting and praying, he obtained important revelations from the Lord concerning the work of the Twelve Apostles and events which would happen affecting both the church and the nation. These were submitted to President John Taylor and the Council of the Apostles and were accepted by them as profitable for doctrine, for comfort, for light as to the future and for encouragement in the work of the ministry. He was preserved by the Almighty in his extensive travels and arduous labors, and retained his vigor of mind and body to a most remarkable degree.
At the General Conference in October, 1880, Wilford Woodruff was sustained as President of the Twelve Apostles, succeeding President John Taylor in that position, which he held until April 7, 1889.
As trustee-in-trust for the Church, he was the responsible head of all its business affairs, entailing heavy duties which he discharged with wisdom, honesty and fidelity. He was chairman of the general board of education of the Church and President of the Young Men's Mutual Improvement Associations. In addition to these, he was also from October 5th, 1887, President of Zion's Co-operative Mercantile Institution, and from October 7th, 1887, President of Zion's Savings Bank and Trust Company.
In the midst of his numerous labors and responsibilities, he never failed to attend the regular meetings of the Council of the First Presidency and Apostles, except when he was absent from the city attending to some public duty. Yet he traveled extensively, visiting the Stakes of Zion and assemblies of different kinds. He came from St. George to Salt Lake City, July 26th, 1887, the day after the death of President John Taylor, and from that time bore the weight of leadership in the Church. In May, 1888, he dedicated the Temple in Manti, Sanpete County.
At the General Conference, April 7th, 1889, he was sustained as President of the Church, with George Q. Cannon and Joseph F. Smith as his Counselors. Needing a change from his arduous duties, he took a trip to California April 13th, 1889, returning on the 26th of the same month. October 20th, of the same year, he went to Canada and visited the settlements of the saints in Alberta, returning by way of Vancouver and Portland. He reached home November 16th. In 1890 he took another trip to California, starting September 4th, and returning September 21st.
At the October Conference, 1890, he issued the celebrated Manifesto, in which he announced his intention to obey the laws of Congress in reference to polygamy, which had been pronounced constitutional by the Supreme Court of the United States, and advised all the Latter-Day Saints to do the same. As the man holding the keys of authority in the Church to regulate this matter, he from that time refused to give permission for the solemnization of plural marriages.
In September, 1893, he went to Chicago, when the Tabernacle Choir gained a triumph at the World's Fair, calling by the way at several points, where he was received with distinguished honors. His reception at Independence, Missouri, was one of the most striking of the many evidences of the change in public sentiment toward the Latter-day Saints. It was there that the violent hostilities against the Mormon people occurred in 1833, resulting in the expulsion of the saints from Jackson County, Missouri, and many flagrant outrages, with the destruction of much property. But President Woodruff was welcomed by the civic authorities with the utmost courtesy and respect, as he was wherever he traveled on this trip. At the dedication of the Salt Lake Temple, April 6th, 1893, he predicted that the Lord would soften the hearts of the people and a change would come over them favorable to the preaching of the gospel, so that the elders would be able to labor freely in the mission field. This prophecy has been fulfilled, the change being not only palpable in President Woodruff's travels, but in the experience of the elders in the mission fields throughout the world.
On June 25th, 1895, President Woodruff, with several members of his family, went to Portland, Oregon, for rest and recuperation. At home he was troubled with insomnia, but on the sea-level slept sweetly and enjoyed good health. He proceeded to Tacoma and thence to Vancouver's Island, and finding favorable arrangements, the party went to Fort Wrangell and thence to Juneau and Sitka in Alaska. They visited the Muir Glacier, also the famous Taku Glacier, went to Douglass Island and also inspected the celebrated Treadwell mine. They returned by way of Gardner's Channel and went to view a grand waterfall between 300 and 400 miles from Seattle. While in the north he indulged in his favorite pastime of fishing, in which he was usually very successful. He reached home on July 27th.
From the year 1834 to the close of 1895, Wilford Woodruff traveled 172,369 miles, held 7,555 meetings, attended 75 semi-annual Conferences, and 344 quarterly Conferences; preached 3,526 discourses; established 77 preaching places in the missionary field; organized 51 branches of the church; received 18,977 letters; wrote 11,519 letters; assisted in the confirmation into the church of 8,952 persons, and in addition to his work in the St. George temple, labored 603 days in the Endowment House in Salt Lake City, He traveled through England, Scotland, Wales, six islands of the sea, twenty-three of the United States, and five territories.
During his eventful life. President Woodruff met with a number of severe accidents, many of which would have killed an ordinary person. He frequently remarked that he had broken nearly every bone in his body except those of his spine and his neck. Because of his remarkable recovery from these disasters, he reached the conclusion that there were two powers seriously affecting his life—one engaged to destroy him, and the other to preserve him. He recognized in the latter the hand of divine Providence, protecting him for a wise purpose. The following chapter of accidents which befell him was prepared under his personal direction:
When three years of age he fell into a cauldron of boiling water, and it was nine months before he was considered out of danger. When five years old, he fell from the great beam of a barn, striking on his face; three months later he fell down stairs and broke an arm. Soon after, he broke his other arm. At six years old he was chased by a mad bovine, but he fell into a post-hole and the animal leaped over him. The same year he broke both bones of one of his legs in his father's saw mill. When seven years of age, a load of hay on which he was riding was tipped over upon him, and he was nearly suffocated. When eight years old, a wagon in which he was riding was turned over upon him, but he was not seriously injured. When nine years old, he fell from an elm tree, through the breaking of a dry limb, fifteen feet to the ground, and was supposed to be dead, but he recovered. When twelve years old, he was drowned in Farmington river. Conn., but was brought up by a young man from thirty feet of water. He suffered greatly in his restoration to life. When thirteen years of age, he became benumbed with cold, while walking through the meadows, and went into the sleep of death, becoming insensible, but was found and was restored. When fourteen years old, he split his in-step open with an axe, and was nine months getting well. At fifteen he was bitten in his left hand by a mad dog. At seventeen, he was thrown from an ill-tempered horse over the horse's head on a steep hill amid the rocks; he landed over the rocks on his feet about a rod ahead. It broke his left leg in two places and dislocated both his ankles. In eight weeks he was out of doors on crutches. In 1827, while attempting to clear the ice out of a water-wheel, a full head of water was turned on, his feet slipped into the wheel, but he plunged forward head first into three feet of water and escaped being crushed to death. In 1831 he was again caught in a wheel twenty feet in diameter, but leaped out against a jagged stone wall, and escaped with a few bruises. During the winter of that year he suffered severely from lung fever. In 1833, the day he was baptized, a horse, newly sharpshod, kicked a hat off his head, and ten minutes later he was thrown from a sleigh, without any box, on which he was driving, lighting between the horses, and was dragged with the sleigh on him to the bottom of a hill on a snow path, but escaped unharmed. In 1834 he narrowly escaped death twice from the discharge of fire arms, a rifle ball passing within a few inches of his breast, and a musket, heavily loaded, being snapped with the muzzle pointed at his breast. In April, 1839, in Rochester, Ill., while riding on the forward axle tree of a wagon, he was thrown so that his head and shoulders were dragging. His horses took fright and dragged him about half a mile till they ran into a high fence. He was bruised, but no bones were broken. While going to St. Louis, in July, 1842, he had a severe attack of bilious fever, and on returning to Nauvoo, in August, was confined to his bed for forty days, and appeared to be stricken with death, but he recovered by the manifestation of the power of God. September 12th, 1843, at 5 p.m., he left Boston on the Portland Express. Six miles south of Kennebunk, after dark, the train was wrecked, several cars were smashed to pieces, the engineer was killed, some of the passengers bad bones broken, but he escaped unhurt. October 5th, 1846, when with the camp of the Saints on the west bank of the Missouri river, while cutting some timber, he was crushed by a falling tree, his breast bone and three ribs on the left side were broken, his left arm, hip and thigh were badly bruised, and he was internally injured, yet he rode two and a half miles over a rough road and was then carried to his wagon, when President Brigham Young and his Counselors laid hands upon him and rebuked his pain. He had no physician, was able to walk in twenty days, and in thirty days from the time he was hurt he was able to work again. On the 21st of April, 1856, while helping to move an ox that had died from poison and had been skinned, his arm was inoculated with the virus, and seven days afterward he began to swell, and his whole system appeared to be impregnated with the poison. President Young administered to him and promised him he should recover and live to finish the work appointed to him on earth. He subsequently recovered, although dead flesh had to be removed from his arm with instruments and lunar caustic.
April 6, 1896, President Woodruff, with his Counselors, the Apostles, (with one exception), the Patriarch of the church, the Seven Presidents of Seventies and the Presiding Bishopric, issued the celebrated Declaration of Principles, explaining the discipline of the Church concerning its leading officials.
In 1896 he took another trip to the Pacific Coast, starting August 10th, by Oregon Short Line to Portland. He took steamer from that place to San Francisco, then went by rail to San Diego. He and party took a trip out on the Pacific, where they engaged in fishing for yellowtail, and in about two hours, caught about 600 pounds. Brother Woodruff, with the aid of his wife, succeeded in hauling out one yellowtail weighing 30 pounds. They also went to Catalina Island and fished for groupers, which are found at very great depth of the ocean, and were equally successful in their catch. He reached home September 9th, having during his absence preached at San Francisco and Los Angeles.
President Woodruff's 90th birthday was celebrated March 1st, 1897, by a grand gathering of his friends and admirers at the Tabernacle, Salt Lake City, which was filled completely, and was attended by the Governor and members of the Legislature and many other public officials. Mormons and non- Mormons. President Woodruff made a notable speech on that occasion, speaking with great vigor and clearness. After an appropriate program was rendered, President Woodruff, with his wife, Emma Smith Woodruff, 59 years of age, whose birthday occurred on the same day, was seated in front of the lower stand and held a reception, which lasted over an hour, almost the entire assembly passing by and shaking hands with the venerable President and his wife. Notwithstanding his advanced age, he received a party of his immediate friends at dinner at his residence, the same day, manifesting no signs of fatigue after the ordeal he had passed through.
On July 20, 1897, he officiated at the great Pioneer Jubilee celebration, when the statue of President Brigham Young was unveiled and the dedication prayer by President Woodruff was offered. In the afternoon, he attended a meeting of the Pioneers, which was held in the tabernacle, and was there presented with the gold Pioneer badge, which had been designed for the oldest Pioneer present.
On July 22, he was honored by being crowned with flowers in the Tabernacle by the children who had marched in the procession to the number of about 10,000. They were represented by Ida Taylor Whittaker, grand-daughter of the late President John Taylor, who said: "As one of the descendants of Utah's 1847 pioneers, I crown you the oldest of that noble band present here today, and pray God's you and blessing on all your pioneer companions. "
On July 24th, President Woodruff rode in his carriage in the great pageant at the head of the Pioneers. He received the plaudits of all classes of people, old and young. September 9th of that year he took another trip to Portland, Oregon, and went to San Francisco, returning to Portland and thence home, which he reached September 25th.
On Pioneer's Day, July 24th, 1898, the Old Fort Square was dedicated as a public park, for the benefit of Salt Lake City, and President Woodruff was invited to make a speech on that occasion. He spoke with great force, giving some particulars of those early times.
On Saturday, August 13th, 1898, President Woodruff left Salt Lake City for a visit to San Francisco. At home he suffered from insomnia, but on the sea coast he enjoyed rest and sleep. His health was excellent most of the time during his stay. On Saturday, August 27th, in company with President George Q. Cannon, who was with him in nearly all of his travels from home during the later years of his life, and on whom he relied as his chief assistant in all the affairs of the Church, he attended by invitation a gathering of the Bohemian Club, in honor of an octogenarian, who addressed the company, an event considered remarkable because of his advanced age. President Woodruff in his 92nd year astonished the company by an impromptu speech when called upon which was full of vigor and vivacity. On Sunday, August 28th, he addressed the Saints at their meeting in San Francisco, to their great delight and edification.
On Tuesday he manifested signs of sickness and distress: medical aid was obtained; he was administered to, but gradually began to decline. His system was worn out. Every attention possible was paid to him. His wife Emma, also President Geo. Q. Cannon, Bishop H. B. Clawson, a trained nurse and the best medical experts of the city waited upon him at the luxurious residence of Col. Isaac Trumbo, which had been kindly placed at their disposal, but he gradually declined, and at 6:40 A M., September 2nd, 1898, his spirit passed away without a struggle or a moan. He fell asleep in Christ. He will awaken in the morning of the resurrection day. Like a gentle child in placid slumber, the change came so peacefully that none knew he had gone until his pulse ceased to beat.
The sad news was telegraphed to Salt Lake City As soon as possible the body was prepared for conveyance home and the party returned with the remains, arriving on Sunday morning, September 4th, The coffin, covered with beautiful flowers, was conveyed to the family residence, where it remained until Thursday, September 8th, when services were held in the Tabernacle and the body of the departed President, enclosed in a pine casket, was placed in front of the stand, splendid floral emblems surrounding it, while the pulpits were draped in white and the great organ from which depended white streamers was adorned with the American flag, and a full length portrait in oil of the deceased. Electric lamps shone out with the words "Being dead yet speaketh."
Presidents Joseph F. Smith, Lorenzo Snow and Franklin D. Richards delivered discourses and President George Q. Cannon spoke on the life, character and last moments of President Woodruff to a congregation which entirely filled the building, while crowds congregated on the outside. The funeral cortege was immense; state and civic officials, as well as all the leading church authorities and prominent people of all classes followed the remains to the cemetery, passing between great throngs of spectators, whose presence was a tribute to the worth of the departed. The grave was dedicated by Apostle F. M. Lyman, and the body of the veteran Apostle and devoted servant of God was laid away in order to rest till Christ shall call it forth.
Wilford Woodruff, during his extended life, was the husband of five wives, who bore him thirty-one children. He had one hundred and six grand-children and eleven great-grandchildren. He was a kind husband, an affectionate father, and toiled unceasingly for many years for the support of his numerous family. Just, temperate, honest as the day, he knew no guile, and owed no man anything until obligations crowded upon him in his official capacity. His sterling integrity and undeviating truthfulness, with his frankness and simplicity won the hearts of all who met him, and their common expression was, "There is an honest man." He was waited upon by distinguished people from all parts of the world, who came to Utah as tourists. He treated them all with courtesy and replied to their questions with directness and pleasantness, without affectation and without reserve. Even the bitterest opponents of the Mormon faith and people respected and admired President Wilford Woodruff and recognized his sincerity. God was with him and he prevailed. His name is written in heaven and is enshrined in the hearts of the saints as that of a prophet and teacher, who practiced what he preached and fitted himself by his purity of heart and righteousness of life for that crown which awaits him, and which will glorify his brow in the presence of God and the Lamb forever!
WILFORD WOODRUFF.
BY FRANKLIN D. RICHARDS, THE CHURCH HISTORIAN.
The following sketch of the life and labors of our departed President, Wilford Woodruff, is written in cheerful compliance with his request when giving instructions, several years ago, concerning the disposition of his remains after his departure from this life.
"I wish to say that at my death I wish the Historian of the Church to publish a brief account of my life, labors and travels as an Elder and Apostle in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints."
Wilford Woodruff was born March 1, 1807, at Farmington (now called Avon), Hartford County, Connecticut. He was the son of Aphek and Beulah Thompson Woodruff. His father, his grandfather Eldad Woodruff, and his great grandfather Josiah Woodruff, were men of strong constitutions, and were noted for their arduous manual labors. His great-grandfather was nearly a hundred years old when he died, and was able to work until shortly before his decease. A scion of this hardy stock, Wilford Woodruff was also noted for his activity, industry and physical endurance. Though not a large man, he was able to perform labors that would have prostrated men of ordinary physique. At an early age he assisted his father on the Farmington Mills, and, when 20 years of age, took charge of a flouring mill belonging to his aunt, Helen Wheeler, holding the position of manager for three years, when he was placed in charge of the Collins flouring mill at South Canton, Connecticut, and subsequently of the flouring mill owned by Richard B. Cowles of New Hartford, Connecticut. In the spring of 1832, in company with his brother Azmon Woodruff, he went to Richland, Oswego County, New York, purchased a farm and saw-mill and settled down to business on his own account.
On December 29, 1833, he and his brother Azmon heard the Gospel preached by Elders Zerah Pulsipher and Elijah Cheney. They both believed it at once, entertained the Elders, offered themselves for baptism, read the Book of Mormon, and received a divine testimony of its truth. He was baptized and confirmed by Elder Zerah Pulsipher December 31, 1833.
At a very early age, Wilford Woodruff was imbued with religious sentiments, but never allied himself with any of the various sects. He received much information from Robert Mason, who resided at Simsbury, Connecticut, and was called "The old Prophet Mason." He taught that no man had authority to administer in the things of God without revelation from God ; that the modern religious societies were without that authority; that the time would come when the true Church would be established, with all its gifts and graces and manifestations, and that the same blessings enjoyed in the early Christian Church could be obtained in this age through faith. This led the youthful Wilford to hold aloof from the churches of the day, and to desire and pray for the coming of an Apostle or other inspired man to show the way of life. For three years previous to receiving the everlasting Gospel, he was impressed with the conviction that God was about to set up his Church and Kingdom on earth in the last days and for the last time. Thus he was prepared to receive the truth when it was presented to him by the Elders.
On January 2, 1834, he was ordained a Teacher, and on February 1, being visited by Elder Parley P. Pratt, he was instructed to prepare himself to join the body of the Church at Kirtland. He immediately commenced to settle up his business, started with a wagon and horses, and arrived in Kirtland April 25, 1834. There he met with the Prophet Joseph Smith and many leading Elders, and received much light and knowledge. A week later he went to New Portage, where he joined the company of volunteers which was organized by the Prophet Joseph Smith, and known as Zion's Camp, to go into Missouri for the relief of the suffering Saints in that State. He remained with the Camp through all its travels and trials, until it was dispersed in Clay County, Missouri, when the Prophet Joseph returned to Kirtland and Brother Woodruff remained with Lyman Wight and worked until the ensuing winter. Having a great desire to preach the Gospel, he went one Sunday evening into the woods alone and prayed earnestly that God would open his way and grant him his desire. He received a witness by the Spirit that his prayer would be answered. After walking some distance from the spot, he was met by Elder Elias Higbee, who said to him: "Brother Wilford, the Spirit of the Lord tells me that you should be ordained and go on a mission." Brother Woodruff replied, "I am ready."
At a meeting of the High Council in Lyman Wight's house, November 5, 1834, Brother Woodruff was ordained a Priest by Elder Simeon Carter, and was shortly after sent on a mission to the Southern States. On January 13, 1835, in company with Elder Harry Brown, he crossed the river into Jackson County, where there was much danger from mobs, but which they passed through in safety, traveling on foot and enduring much fatigue. After crossing the Osage River in a canoe, they walked sixty miles in one day without anything to eat. Just before dark, when approaching some timber, a large black bear arose before them on his hind feet, but after a short time, he turned and walked off. They obtained shelter at night in a log cabin, but could get no food as there was none in the house. Walking twelve miles further, a mobocrat named Conner, gave them breakfast, cursing them all the while they ate because they were "Mormons."
They reached Pettyjohn Creek in Arkansas, where Alexander Akeman and family resided, who had been members of the Church in Jackson County, Missouri, but he had apostatized and become very bitter. The brethren stayed in the neighborhood 25 days, though threatened by Akeman and others with death. On February 14, Brother Woodruff, in response to a thrice-given admonition of the Lord, called upon Mr. Akeman and bore testimony to the truth of "Mormonism" and the wickedness of opposing it, when Akeman followed him from the house in a terrible rage, but just as he reached Brother Woodruff he fell dead at his feet, as though struck by lightning, swelled up and turned black. This had a great effect upon the people; several meetings were held and some persons baptized, but Elder Brown insisted upon leaving the place and traveling southward; so they journeyed on to Little Rock, rowing down the Arkansas River 125 miles in a canoe, which they made out of a cottonwood tree, which they cut down and dug out, 4 feet wide and 12 feet long.
From that point they started for Memphis, Tennessee, about 175 miles, wading through mud and water, sometimes forty miles a day, and on March 24, Brother Woodruff was seized in the swamps with rheumatism, and could not travel as fast as his companion desired. The latter determined to return to his family in Kirtland, so left Brother Woodruff sitting on a log in the mud and water, unable to walk, without food and twelve miles from any house on the road. In this condition he kneeled down in the water and besought the Lord to heal him. The Spirit of the Lord came upon him, the pain left him, and he went his way, preaching the Gospel wherever he could find people to listen. He crossed the Mississippi River March 27th, and went to Middle Tennessee. On April 4th, in Benton County, he met with Elder Warren Parrish, with whom he labored over three months, preaching and baptizing, forty persons joining the Church while they labored together. Being called to Kirtland, Warren Parrish ordained Brother Woodruff an Elder on June 28, 1835, and the latter continued his labors in Kentucky and Tennessee and baptized thirty-one after Elder Parrish left.
At a conference held February 26, 1836, at Benjamin L. Clapp's house, in Calloway County, Kentucky, Brother Woodruff ordained Abraham O. Smoot and Benjamin Boydston Elders and B. L. Clapp and Daniel Thomas priests. Brothers Woodruff and Smoot labored in the ministry, and in April, Apostle David W. Patten and his wife returned to Tennessee, and Elder Woodruff labored under his direction, being opposed by mobs, but receiving no injury, and being comforted by great manifestations of the power of God in the healing of the sick. On May 31, he was ordained by David W. Patten a member of the Second Quorum of Seventies. At a conference held at Damon's Creek, Calloway county, Kentucky, where several branches numbering 119 members were represented, Elders Woodruff and Smoot were released from their labors in the South to go to Kirtland and receive their endowments. September 19th Brother Woodruff organized the first company of Saints who emigrated from the Southern States, numbering 22 souls. In company with Abraham O. Smoot and Jesse Turpin, Brother Woodruff started for Kirtland October 20th, arriving November 25. By advice of the Prophet Joseph, he attended school in the Temple and studied Latin and English grammar. January 3, 1837, he was set apart as a member of the First Quorum of Seventies. In the spring of that year, he witnessed manifestations from the Lord in the Kirtland Temple, where the gifts of the Gospel were enjoyed, the spirit of prophecy was poured out, and the prophet was clothed with the power of God.
On April 13, 1837, he married Phebe W. Carter, at the house of the Prophet Joseph Smith, who was to have performed the ceremony but was prevented by a mob who sought his life. Elder Frederick G. Williams officiated in his stead. Next day Brother and Sister Woodruff received their patriarchal blessings under the hands of Joseph Smith, Sen.
On May 5th, he was impressed to go to Fox Islands to preach the gospel. He had never been there, but mentioning the matter to Elders Sidney Rigdon and Heber C. Kimball, they encouraged him to go, and in company with Jonathan H. Hale and Milton Holmes, he left Kirtland May 31st, 1837. Arriving in Canada they attended a conference of ten branches June loth, when Elder Woodruff, with Elder William Draper, ordained seven elders, nine priests, eleven teachers and five deacons. With three other Elders, he laid hands on a woman possessed with an evil spirit, part of the time dumb, the devil was cast out, she was healed and went on her way rejoicing. Many sick persons were also healed under his administration.
He then went to Albany and walked to Farmington, arriving at his father's house July 6th. He was kindly received, and on July 12th, after preaching in a school house at West Avon, he baptized his uncle Ozem Woodruff, his aunt and cousin John. This fulfilled a dream he had when ten years of age. He afterwards preached in the Methodist Church in Farmington, his father and his family being present. On the 21st, he sent his wife by stage to New Rowley, Massachusetts, and started out on the hot, sultry day to walk there himself. He arrived there in two days and a half, having walked 136 miles.
After visiting his wife's relatives in Scarborough, Maine, he and Elder Jonathan H. Hale started for Fox Islands, walking to Portland and going by steamer 85 miles to Owl's Head. Having no means to go farther, they went on a hill and prayed to the Lord to open their way. A sloop came into the harbor, and the captain agreed to take them to North Fox Island, where they landed at 2 a. m., August 20th, and wandered over the rocks and bushes until they found shelter. It being Sunday morning, they applied to the pastor of the only church there for permission to preach. Elder Woodruff delivered the first discourse ever preached by the elders on those Islands. They preached every day and succeeded in baptizing a great number of persons. They visited several of the Islands, and Elder Hale returned to Kirtland, October 9th. Brother Woodruff labored alone during the winter of 1837-38, preaching, baptizing and withstanding mobs. He preached also in a number of towns in Maine, and at Hampden ordained James Townsend an elder.
He returned to Fox Islands, but being warned by the Lord to leave for a season and take a western mission, he left on April 28th for Scarborough and thence to Boston. He preached at a number of places in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New York and New Jersey; then returned to his father's house, where he commenced preaching again, and on July 1, 1838, baptized his father, step-mother, sister Eunice, cousin Seth, Aunt Anna Cosett and a Methodist class-leader named Dwight Webster. This fulfilled the promise of Patriarch Joseph Smith, Sr., that he should bring his father's household into the kingdom of God. After organizing a branch of the church and visiting his wife in Scarborough, he returned to Fox Islands, where on August 9th he learned that he had been appointed to fill a vacancy in the Quorum of the Twelve, and that he was to prepare to take a mission to England in the spring.
He then visited all the Saints on the Islands, and called on them to move with him to Missouri. Brother Nathaniel Thomas promised to furnish means to help all the poor Saints who desired to go. He advised them to start not later than September 1st, but they did not arrive at Scarborough, where Elder Woodruff was visiting, until October 3rd, when they all started to travel from Maine to Missouri, 2,000 miles, with teams through rain, mud, frost and snow. They arrived in Sangamon, Illinois, Dec. 19th, where he labored all winter for the support of his family. On March 17, 1839, having reached Quincy the day before, he had an interview with Elders Brigham Young and John Taylor, and afterwards went to Far West and met with the Twelve on the temple block there, where April 26th, he was ordained one of the Twelve Apostles, Brigham Young being mouth. Returning to Quincy, he met President Joseph Smith May 3rd, who had just escaped from his enemies in Missouri. He was with the Prophet Joseph in July, at the time when he healed so many of the sick who were at the door of death. Being requested to go three miles to heal two small children, and not having time to go, the Prophet gave Brother Woodruff a red silk handkerchief, telling him to go and lay hands on the children, wipe their faces with the handkerchief and they should be healed, but to keep the handkerchief to be ever a league between them. Brother Woodruff did as he was told and the children were healed. This was on July 22nd. He kept the handkerchief all his life.
On August 8th, although sick with chills and fever, his family also being sick and with only four days' provisions on hand, he blessed them and started on his mission to England, President B. Young rowing him across the Mississippi. The Prophet Joseph said to him: "Go ahead in the name of the Lord, and you shall be healed and blessed on your mission." After visiting his father at Farmington, he went to New York, and on December 19th, with Elders John Taylor and Theodore Turley, he sailed for Liverpool, and landed January 20, 1840, in good health and spirits. He was appointed to labor in the Staffordshire Potteries. Calling at Manchester on the way, where there was a branch of 164 members, he administered to a woman possessed of the devil, raging and foaming, taking four men to hold her. The evil spirit was cast out, and she arose and praised the Lord. He spent forty days in the Potteries, preaching, baptizing, confirming and blessing children.
On March 1st, while preaching to a large gathering in Hanley, it was revealed to him that this would be his last sermon in the Potteries for many days. He announced this to the meeting. He had appointments out for a week, but appointed Brother Alfred Cordon to fill them, then went before the Lord and asked him where he should go. The Spirit answered, "Go to the south." He did so, and arriving in Herefordshire, found a society called "United Brethren," numbering about 600 members and fifty preachers. They were prepared for the reception of the Gospel, so that hearing his testimony, they came forward and in thirty days he baptized 160, forty-eight of whom were preachers, including their presiding elder, Thomas Kington. Three clerks of the Church of England were sent by their ministers to see what he was doing, and he baptized them, also a constable who came to arrest him.
Learning that Elder Brigham Young and five others of the Twelve had arrived in England, he went to Preston and attended a conference with them. Returning to Herefordshire, he was accompanied by Elder Brigham Young and was afterwards joined by Elder Willard Richards. Brother Young remained 27 days, then went to Manchester. Brother Woodruff, with his brethren, spent seven months in Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Gloucestershire, and baptized over 1,800 persons, with 200 preachers of various denominations. On August 18th, 1840, he went to London and labored with Elders Heber C. Kimball and George A. Smith, spending a little over five months, where they established a church.
After attending all the general conferences in England, he sailed for New York April 20th, arriving May 20th, 1841. He visited his family at Scarborough, returned to New York, 3rd started for Nauvoo, via the Lakes, but was wrecked on Lake Michigan. He reached Nauvoo in safety October 6th, 1841, where he spent the winter laboring for a living, attending meetings and councils, and on July 7th, 1843, started on a mission with Elders Brigham Young and George A. Smith through the Eastern States, to collect funds for the Temple and Nauvoo House. He was chosen a member of the city council. Being in charge of the business department of the printing office in Nauvoo, he purchased a large supply of materials for the office, and spent the winter in Nauvoo, when he received his endowments, and January 20th, 1844, turned over the business of the Times and Seasons into the hands of Elder John Taylor.
On May 9th, 1844, he parted with the Prophet Joseph Smith, who blessed him and bid him God speed on his mission through the Eastern States. In company with Elders George A. Smith, Jedediah M. Grant and Ezra Thayer, he traveled and preached through Illinois, Indiana and Michigan. He met with the Twelve in Boston, June 27th, and then went to Maine. At Portland, when about to step on board a steamer bound for Fox Islands, he saw an account of the martyrdom of Joseph and Hyrum Smith. The Spirit bore witness to him that it was true. He returned to Boston, and with the members of the Twelve who were there, went to Nauvoo, arriving on the 6th of August.
A council of the Apostles was held on the same day and Wilford Woodruff was appointed to preside over the European mission. He left Nauvoo to go to England on August 28th, but did not arrive until January 3, 1845, when he at once took charge of the affairs of the Church in Europe. After a prosperous mission, Brother Woodruff left Liverpool January 22nd, 1846, to join the body of the Church then arranging to move to the Rocky Mountains. He reached Nauvoo in safety, and preached to the Saints in the Temple, May loth. Leaving Nauvoo with a company of Saints, he stopped at Mount Pisgah, a temporary settlement 172 miles from Nauvoo. Under the counsel of President Brigham Young, a number of volunteers for the Mormon Battalion were enrolled, and Elder Woodruff, with a company went on and joined the camp of the Saints at Council Bluffs. He remained with the Camp of Israel during the winter with the Apostles at Winter Quarters, and labored with his accustomed energy to provide for his family.
When the Pioneers were organized to cross the plains in April, 1847, Wilford Woodruff was appointed captain of the first ten. He arrived with the Pioneers on July 24, 1847, President Brigham Young, who was sick, riding in Brother Woodruff's carriage. He went to work at once planting some potatoes which he had brought with him from the east. July 26th, with President Young and others, he climbed the hills to the point now called Ensign Peak, and went thence to the Warm Springs. He was also with the first company that visited the shores of the Great Salt Lake and proceeded into Tooele Valley, and thence going southward, viewed from a high ridge for the first time Utah Lake. He assisted in laying out Salt Lake City and erecting the Old Fort. He built two rooms of logs, with poles for rafters, willows for roof, and earth for shingles.
On August 26th, 1847, he started with President Brigham Young and five other Apostles in a company of 108 men, with thirty-six wagons and about 100 horses and mules, on a return trip to Winter Quarters, which they reached October 31st, and were received with great joy. Brother Woodruff was present at the council of the Apostles held in Winter Quarters, December 5th, when Brigham Young was chosen President of the church, with Heber C. Kimball and Willard Richards as his Counselors. Also at the conference held in the log tabernacle, on the east side of the Missouri river, when the First Presidency were sustained by vote of the people. In the spring of 1848 he was sent on a mission to the Eastern States, which he faithfully filled, and reached Salt Lake City on his return in 1850. He was elected a member of the Senate of the General Assembly of Deseret, which met December 3rd, 1850. He applied himself to manual labors for the support of his family, and was active in the councils of the Church. In 1852 he went with President Young on an exploring expedition to Southern Utah. In 1853, in company with Elder Orson Pratt, he gathered a number of families to strengthen the settlements in Tooele County. September 13th, 1855, the Horticultural Society was organized in Salt Lake City, and he was chosen its president. His residence was in the Fourteenth Ward, Salt Lake City, but he traveled in company with President Young and the Apostles extensively, assisting in the establishment and location of new settlements, and was engaged in the duties of his Apostleship and also as a member of the Legislative Assembly, a position he occupied for twenty years in the Council and one year in the House. He was also for many years president of the Deseret Agricultural and Manufacturing Society. He officiated in the Endowment House on frequent occasions, and at the General Conference, October 6th, 1856, he was appointed assistant Historian.
He occupied this position until he was appointed Historian and General Recorder of the Church in October, 1875, continuing in that office until April, 1889. He was specially adapted for this position, having kept a daily journal from the beginning of his ministerial career. In this diary he recorded important events in the progress of the church, with choice extracts from the sermons of the Prophet Joseph Smith and other leading lights, which, but for his untiring industry in this direction, would have been lost to posterity. This journal Brother Woodruff compiled with unerring regularity up to within a couple of days of his decease. His diligence, precision and accuracy were most remarkable, particularly in so aged a man.
At the dedication of the St. George temple in the spring of 1877, he was appointed president of that Temple, and during the two years of his presidency 41,398 baptisms for the dead were performed, besides other ordinances for the living and the dead. Brother Woodruff was very diligent in his efforts to obtain his genealogy and was very successful. While in the St. George Temple, it was manifested to him by the Lord that he could enlist the services of his family and friends to assist him in attending to ordinances for his deceased ancestors. By this means 3,188 baptisms were vicariously attended to in their behalf. It was while in the Temple that Elder Woodruff received visitations, three nights in succession, as he repeatedly testified, from the signers of the Declaration of Independence, who solicited his services in their behalf, to which he cheerfully responded, and the work necessary for them was faithfully performed.
During the period of the extreme and unrelenting prosecutions under the anti-polygamy acts of Congress, President Woodruff spent much of the time among the churches in Arizona and Southern Utah. On January 26, 1880, having retired for some days in the mountains fasting and praying, he obtained important revelations from the Lord concerning the work of the Twelve Apostles and events which would happen affecting both the church and the nation. These were submitted to President John Taylor and the Council of the Apostles and were accepted by them as profitable for doctrine, for comfort, for light as to the future and for encouragement in the work of the ministry. He was preserved by the Almighty in his extensive travels and arduous labors, and retained his vigor of mind and body to a most remarkable degree.
At the General Conference in October, 1880, Wilford Woodruff was sustained as President of the Twelve Apostles, succeeding President John Taylor in that position, which he held until April 7, 1889.
As trustee-in-trust for the Church, he was the responsible head of all its business affairs, entailing heavy duties which he discharged with wisdom, honesty and fidelity. He was chairman of the general board of education of the Church and President of the Young Men's Mutual Improvement Associations. In addition to these, he was also from October 5th, 1887, President of Zion's Co-operative Mercantile Institution, and from October 7th, 1887, President of Zion's Savings Bank and Trust Company.
In the midst of his numerous labors and responsibilities, he never failed to attend the regular meetings of the Council of the First Presidency and Apostles, except when he was absent from the city attending to some public duty. Yet he traveled extensively, visiting the Stakes of Zion and assemblies of different kinds. He came from St. George to Salt Lake City, July 26th, 1887, the day after the death of President John Taylor, and from that time bore the weight of leadership in the Church. In May, 1888, he dedicated the Temple in Manti, Sanpete County.
At the General Conference, April 7th, 1889, he was sustained as President of the Church, with George Q. Cannon and Joseph F. Smith as his Counselors. Needing a change from his arduous duties, he took a trip to California April 13th, 1889, returning on the 26th of the same month. October 20th, of the same year, he went to Canada and visited the settlements of the saints in Alberta, returning by way of Vancouver and Portland. He reached home November 16th. In 1890 he took another trip to California, starting September 4th, and returning September 21st.
At the October Conference, 1890, he issued the celebrated Manifesto, in which he announced his intention to obey the laws of Congress in reference to polygamy, which had been pronounced constitutional by the Supreme Court of the United States, and advised all the Latter-Day Saints to do the same. As the man holding the keys of authority in the Church to regulate this matter, he from that time refused to give permission for the solemnization of plural marriages.
In September, 1893, he went to Chicago, when the Tabernacle Choir gained a triumph at the World's Fair, calling by the way at several points, where he was received with distinguished honors. His reception at Independence, Missouri, was one of the most striking of the many evidences of the change in public sentiment toward the Latter-day Saints. It was there that the violent hostilities against the Mormon people occurred in 1833, resulting in the expulsion of the saints from Jackson County, Missouri, and many flagrant outrages, with the destruction of much property. But President Woodruff was welcomed by the civic authorities with the utmost courtesy and respect, as he was wherever he traveled on this trip. At the dedication of the Salt Lake Temple, April 6th, 1893, he predicted that the Lord would soften the hearts of the people and a change would come over them favorable to the preaching of the gospel, so that the elders would be able to labor freely in the mission field. This prophecy has been fulfilled, the change being not only palpable in President Woodruff's travels, but in the experience of the elders in the mission fields throughout the world.
On June 25th, 1895, President Woodruff, with several members of his family, went to Portland, Oregon, for rest and recuperation. At home he was troubled with insomnia, but on the sea-level slept sweetly and enjoyed good health. He proceeded to Tacoma and thence to Vancouver's Island, and finding favorable arrangements, the party went to Fort Wrangell and thence to Juneau and Sitka in Alaska. They visited the Muir Glacier, also the famous Taku Glacier, went to Douglass Island and also inspected the celebrated Treadwell mine. They returned by way of Gardner's Channel and went to view a grand waterfall between 300 and 400 miles from Seattle. While in the north he indulged in his favorite pastime of fishing, in which he was usually very successful. He reached home on July 27th.
From the year 1834 to the close of 1895, Wilford Woodruff traveled 172,369 miles, held 7,555 meetings, attended 75 semi-annual Conferences, and 344 quarterly Conferences; preached 3,526 discourses; established 77 preaching places in the missionary field; organized 51 branches of the church; received 18,977 letters; wrote 11,519 letters; assisted in the confirmation into the church of 8,952 persons, and in addition to his work in the St. George temple, labored 603 days in the Endowment House in Salt Lake City, He traveled through England, Scotland, Wales, six islands of the sea, twenty-three of the United States, and five territories.
During his eventful life. President Woodruff met with a number of severe accidents, many of which would have killed an ordinary person. He frequently remarked that he had broken nearly every bone in his body except those of his spine and his neck. Because of his remarkable recovery from these disasters, he reached the conclusion that there were two powers seriously affecting his life—one engaged to destroy him, and the other to preserve him. He recognized in the latter the hand of divine Providence, protecting him for a wise purpose. The following chapter of accidents which befell him was prepared under his personal direction:
When three years of age he fell into a cauldron of boiling water, and it was nine months before he was considered out of danger. When five years old, he fell from the great beam of a barn, striking on his face; three months later he fell down stairs and broke an arm. Soon after, he broke his other arm. At six years old he was chased by a mad bovine, but he fell into a post-hole and the animal leaped over him. The same year he broke both bones of one of his legs in his father's saw mill. When seven years of age, a load of hay on which he was riding was tipped over upon him, and he was nearly suffocated. When eight years old, a wagon in which he was riding was turned over upon him, but he was not seriously injured. When nine years old, he fell from an elm tree, through the breaking of a dry limb, fifteen feet to the ground, and was supposed to be dead, but he recovered. When twelve years old, he was drowned in Farmington river. Conn., but was brought up by a young man from thirty feet of water. He suffered greatly in his restoration to life. When thirteen years of age, he became benumbed with cold, while walking through the meadows, and went into the sleep of death, becoming insensible, but was found and was restored. When fourteen years old, he split his in-step open with an axe, and was nine months getting well. At fifteen he was bitten in his left hand by a mad dog. At seventeen, he was thrown from an ill-tempered horse over the horse's head on a steep hill amid the rocks; he landed over the rocks on his feet about a rod ahead. It broke his left leg in two places and dislocated both his ankles. In eight weeks he was out of doors on crutches. In 1827, while attempting to clear the ice out of a water-wheel, a full head of water was turned on, his feet slipped into the wheel, but he plunged forward head first into three feet of water and escaped being crushed to death. In 1831 he was again caught in a wheel twenty feet in diameter, but leaped out against a jagged stone wall, and escaped with a few bruises. During the winter of that year he suffered severely from lung fever. In 1833, the day he was baptized, a horse, newly sharpshod, kicked a hat off his head, and ten minutes later he was thrown from a sleigh, without any box, on which he was driving, lighting between the horses, and was dragged with the sleigh on him to the bottom of a hill on a snow path, but escaped unharmed. In 1834 he narrowly escaped death twice from the discharge of fire arms, a rifle ball passing within a few inches of his breast, and a musket, heavily loaded, being snapped with the muzzle pointed at his breast. In April, 1839, in Rochester, Ill., while riding on the forward axle tree of a wagon, he was thrown so that his head and shoulders were dragging. His horses took fright and dragged him about half a mile till they ran into a high fence. He was bruised, but no bones were broken. While going to St. Louis, in July, 1842, he had a severe attack of bilious fever, and on returning to Nauvoo, in August, was confined to his bed for forty days, and appeared to be stricken with death, but he recovered by the manifestation of the power of God. September 12th, 1843, at 5 p.m., he left Boston on the Portland Express. Six miles south of Kennebunk, after dark, the train was wrecked, several cars were smashed to pieces, the engineer was killed, some of the passengers bad bones broken, but he escaped unhurt. October 5th, 1846, when with the camp of the Saints on the west bank of the Missouri river, while cutting some timber, he was crushed by a falling tree, his breast bone and three ribs on the left side were broken, his left arm, hip and thigh were badly bruised, and he was internally injured, yet he rode two and a half miles over a rough road and was then carried to his wagon, when President Brigham Young and his Counselors laid hands upon him and rebuked his pain. He had no physician, was able to walk in twenty days, and in thirty days from the time he was hurt he was able to work again. On the 21st of April, 1856, while helping to move an ox that had died from poison and had been skinned, his arm was inoculated with the virus, and seven days afterward he began to swell, and his whole system appeared to be impregnated with the poison. President Young administered to him and promised him he should recover and live to finish the work appointed to him on earth. He subsequently recovered, although dead flesh had to be removed from his arm with instruments and lunar caustic.
April 6, 1896, President Woodruff, with his Counselors, the Apostles, (with one exception), the Patriarch of the church, the Seven Presidents of Seventies and the Presiding Bishopric, issued the celebrated Declaration of Principles, explaining the discipline of the Church concerning its leading officials.
In 1896 he took another trip to the Pacific Coast, starting August 10th, by Oregon Short Line to Portland. He took steamer from that place to San Francisco, then went by rail to San Diego. He and party took a trip out on the Pacific, where they engaged in fishing for yellowtail, and in about two hours, caught about 600 pounds. Brother Woodruff, with the aid of his wife, succeeded in hauling out one yellowtail weighing 30 pounds. They also went to Catalina Island and fished for groupers, which are found at very great depth of the ocean, and were equally successful in their catch. He reached home September 9th, having during his absence preached at San Francisco and Los Angeles.
President Woodruff's 90th birthday was celebrated March 1st, 1897, by a grand gathering of his friends and admirers at the Tabernacle, Salt Lake City, which was filled completely, and was attended by the Governor and members of the Legislature and many other public officials. Mormons and non- Mormons. President Woodruff made a notable speech on that occasion, speaking with great vigor and clearness. After an appropriate program was rendered, President Woodruff, with his wife, Emma Smith Woodruff, 59 years of age, whose birthday occurred on the same day, was seated in front of the lower stand and held a reception, which lasted over an hour, almost the entire assembly passing by and shaking hands with the venerable President and his wife. Notwithstanding his advanced age, he received a party of his immediate friends at dinner at his residence, the same day, manifesting no signs of fatigue after the ordeal he had passed through.
On July 20, 1897, he officiated at the great Pioneer Jubilee celebration, when the statue of President Brigham Young was unveiled and the dedication prayer by President Woodruff was offered. In the afternoon, he attended a meeting of the Pioneers, which was held in the tabernacle, and was there presented with the gold Pioneer badge, which had been designed for the oldest Pioneer present.
On July 22, he was honored by being crowned with flowers in the Tabernacle by the children who had marched in the procession to the number of about 10,000. They were represented by Ida Taylor Whittaker, grand-daughter of the late President John Taylor, who said: "As one of the descendants of Utah's 1847 pioneers, I crown you the oldest of that noble band present here today, and pray God's you and blessing on all your pioneer companions. "
On July 24th, President Woodruff rode in his carriage in the great pageant at the head of the Pioneers. He received the plaudits of all classes of people, old and young. September 9th of that year he took another trip to Portland, Oregon, and went to San Francisco, returning to Portland and thence home, which he reached September 25th.
On Pioneer's Day, July 24th, 1898, the Old Fort Square was dedicated as a public park, for the benefit of Salt Lake City, and President Woodruff was invited to make a speech on that occasion. He spoke with great force, giving some particulars of those early times.
On Saturday, August 13th, 1898, President Woodruff left Salt Lake City for a visit to San Francisco. At home he suffered from insomnia, but on the sea coast he enjoyed rest and sleep. His health was excellent most of the time during his stay. On Saturday, August 27th, in company with President George Q. Cannon, who was with him in nearly all of his travels from home during the later years of his life, and on whom he relied as his chief assistant in all the affairs of the Church, he attended by invitation a gathering of the Bohemian Club, in honor of an octogenarian, who addressed the company, an event considered remarkable because of his advanced age. President Woodruff in his 92nd year astonished the company by an impromptu speech when called upon which was full of vigor and vivacity. On Sunday, August 28th, he addressed the Saints at their meeting in San Francisco, to their great delight and edification.
On Tuesday he manifested signs of sickness and distress: medical aid was obtained; he was administered to, but gradually began to decline. His system was worn out. Every attention possible was paid to him. His wife Emma, also President Geo. Q. Cannon, Bishop H. B. Clawson, a trained nurse and the best medical experts of the city waited upon him at the luxurious residence of Col. Isaac Trumbo, which had been kindly placed at their disposal, but he gradually declined, and at 6:40 A M., September 2nd, 1898, his spirit passed away without a struggle or a moan. He fell asleep in Christ. He will awaken in the morning of the resurrection day. Like a gentle child in placid slumber, the change came so peacefully that none knew he had gone until his pulse ceased to beat.
The sad news was telegraphed to Salt Lake City As soon as possible the body was prepared for conveyance home and the party returned with the remains, arriving on Sunday morning, September 4th, The coffin, covered with beautiful flowers, was conveyed to the family residence, where it remained until Thursday, September 8th, when services were held in the Tabernacle and the body of the departed President, enclosed in a pine casket, was placed in front of the stand, splendid floral emblems surrounding it, while the pulpits were draped in white and the great organ from which depended white streamers was adorned with the American flag, and a full length portrait in oil of the deceased. Electric lamps shone out with the words "Being dead yet speaketh."
Presidents Joseph F. Smith, Lorenzo Snow and Franklin D. Richards delivered discourses and President George Q. Cannon spoke on the life, character and last moments of President Woodruff to a congregation which entirely filled the building, while crowds congregated on the outside. The funeral cortege was immense; state and civic officials, as well as all the leading church authorities and prominent people of all classes followed the remains to the cemetery, passing between great throngs of spectators, whose presence was a tribute to the worth of the departed. The grave was dedicated by Apostle F. M. Lyman, and the body of the veteran Apostle and devoted servant of God was laid away in order to rest till Christ shall call it forth.
Wilford Woodruff, during his extended life, was the husband of five wives, who bore him thirty-one children. He had one hundred and six grand-children and eleven great-grandchildren. He was a kind husband, an affectionate father, and toiled unceasingly for many years for the support of his numerous family. Just, temperate, honest as the day, he knew no guile, and owed no man anything until obligations crowded upon him in his official capacity. His sterling integrity and undeviating truthfulness, with his frankness and simplicity won the hearts of all who met him, and their common expression was, "There is an honest man." He was waited upon by distinguished people from all parts of the world, who came to Utah as tourists. He treated them all with courtesy and replied to their questions with directness and pleasantness, without affectation and without reserve. Even the bitterest opponents of the Mormon faith and people respected and admired President Wilford Woodruff and recognized his sincerity. God was with him and he prevailed. His name is written in heaven and is enshrined in the hearts of the saints as that of a prophet and teacher, who practiced what he preached and fitted himself by his purity of heart and righteousness of life for that crown which awaits him, and which will glorify his brow in the presence of God and the Lamb forever!
"Life Sketch and Engraving of Wilford Woodruff." Improvement Era. October 1898. pg. 937-939.
LIFE SKETCH AND ENGRAVING OF PRESIDENT WILFORD WOODRUFF.
In his life time President Wilford Woodruff expressed the wish that at his demise there should be published by the Church Historian, a brief account of his life, labors and travels as an elder in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The wish of the departed president has been carried out by his personal friend, fellow apostle and historian of the church, Elder Franklin D. Richards, who is now the president of the quorum of the Twelve Apostles. That sketch together with a fine half tone engraving of the late president, is published in this issue of the Era. The engraving is from one of the latest photographs of the late president, taken by Fox & Symons within a month of his death, and engraved especially for the Era by Manz of Chicago. The likeness is a striking one, and will preserve in the memory of generations to come the fine old face, and benevolent expression of one who for so many years was known in every household of Israel; and who for nearly sixty years was an apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ—a witness for God and Christ.
The Era is proud to publish the official sketch of the life of President Woodruff—proud to present to its readers the fine half tone engraving from his latest photograph. It is fitting that it should be published in the Young Men's Magazine, for he was the General Superintendent of the Young Men's Mutual Improvement Associations throughout the world, and held that position since the 6th of April, 1880 —more than eighteen years. It was an institution in which he was always interested, a work of which he was always proud, and at no time more so than in the later years of his life. It is fitting, therefore, that his life's labors be recorded in the magazine which is the organ of that institution of which he was the honored head.
Following is a tribute of respect to the late Prophet Superintendent, prepared by a committee appointed by the General Board, comprised of Junius F. Wells, Nephi L. Morris and Willard Done:
A TRIBUTE FROM THE YOUNG MEN'S MUTUAL IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATIONS OF ZION.
TO WILFORD WOODRUFF, GENERAL SUPERINTENDENT OF THE ASSOCIATIONS FROM APRIL 6TH, 1880, TO THE TIME OF HIS DEATH, SEPT. 2, 1898.
The young men of Zion feel that from them is due a tribute of love and gratitude to the memory of their revered Superintendent, Wilford "Woodruff, who felt it a privilege to stand at the head of this great organization and who filled the position with honor, in the face of advancing years. He was peculiarly fitted, even in his old age, to lead the Young Men's Mutual Improvement work, because in mind and soul he was always young and full of active zeal, a true exemplar of the activity of youth, as well as the ripe wisdom of age.
The life of every good man preaches a sermon; and of the many truths taught by the life-sermon of Wilford Woodruff we shall name but a few, that seem to us he would most desire should find a lodgement in the hearts of the youth of Israel:
He was a pioneer, not only in the wilderness of rugged nature, but pre-eminently in the more stubborn and intractable wilderness of human nature. A world of humanity, unbelieving and unloving, lay before him, which it was his mission to convert and bring into harmony with God's will. As Elijah drew from heaven rain to moisten the parched earth, so he from heaven's fountain of grace drew down distilling dews of repentance, which softened the hearts of men and made them prolific soil for the seeds of faith and virtue.
He was a missionary, and to carry to the world God's message of love, he traveled more than seven times the circumference of the globe. Courageous, persistent and undaunted, he delivered that message to the world; and though it requited his love with scorn, yet like Paul of old he could say, "Necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me if I preach not the Gospel." And as sheaves gathered by him into his Father's garner, multitudes of Saints on Mount Zion arise and call him blessed.
He was a man of peace; and labored in all the conditions of his life to uproot hate and plant love in its place. And as one who stands where the waters divide, and streams change their courses, he stood and said, "Henceforth Zion shall be in the lead. " As he spake the streams of prejudice turned from his people, and there came a multitude of voices from those laboring in all the nations of the earth, saying: "The tide of prejudice is receding, and we reach the hearts of the people.''
He was a man who lived in closest communion with nature. Simple and natural in all his ways, he endeared himself to all who love nature for herself and the natural in man. He was the friend of humanity, and never separated himself from them, even though he was the associate of princes and leaders of men.
His life, so richly filled with lessons, preaches above all the eloquent sermon of sublime devotion to duty, and Christ-like humility.
His life's epitome is this:
"Greatness and goodness are not means, but ends!
Hath he not always treasures, always friends.
The great, good man? Three treasures, love and light,
And calm thoughts, regular as infant's breath:
And three firm friends, more sure than day and night,
Himself, his Maker, and the angel death!"
LIFE SKETCH AND ENGRAVING OF PRESIDENT WILFORD WOODRUFF.
In his life time President Wilford Woodruff expressed the wish that at his demise there should be published by the Church Historian, a brief account of his life, labors and travels as an elder in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The wish of the departed president has been carried out by his personal friend, fellow apostle and historian of the church, Elder Franklin D. Richards, who is now the president of the quorum of the Twelve Apostles. That sketch together with a fine half tone engraving of the late president, is published in this issue of the Era. The engraving is from one of the latest photographs of the late president, taken by Fox & Symons within a month of his death, and engraved especially for the Era by Manz of Chicago. The likeness is a striking one, and will preserve in the memory of generations to come the fine old face, and benevolent expression of one who for so many years was known in every household of Israel; and who for nearly sixty years was an apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ—a witness for God and Christ.
The Era is proud to publish the official sketch of the life of President Woodruff—proud to present to its readers the fine half tone engraving from his latest photograph. It is fitting that it should be published in the Young Men's Magazine, for he was the General Superintendent of the Young Men's Mutual Improvement Associations throughout the world, and held that position since the 6th of April, 1880 —more than eighteen years. It was an institution in which he was always interested, a work of which he was always proud, and at no time more so than in the later years of his life. It is fitting, therefore, that his life's labors be recorded in the magazine which is the organ of that institution of which he was the honored head.
Following is a tribute of respect to the late Prophet Superintendent, prepared by a committee appointed by the General Board, comprised of Junius F. Wells, Nephi L. Morris and Willard Done:
A TRIBUTE FROM THE YOUNG MEN'S MUTUAL IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATIONS OF ZION.
TO WILFORD WOODRUFF, GENERAL SUPERINTENDENT OF THE ASSOCIATIONS FROM APRIL 6TH, 1880, TO THE TIME OF HIS DEATH, SEPT. 2, 1898.
The young men of Zion feel that from them is due a tribute of love and gratitude to the memory of their revered Superintendent, Wilford "Woodruff, who felt it a privilege to stand at the head of this great organization and who filled the position with honor, in the face of advancing years. He was peculiarly fitted, even in his old age, to lead the Young Men's Mutual Improvement work, because in mind and soul he was always young and full of active zeal, a true exemplar of the activity of youth, as well as the ripe wisdom of age.
The life of every good man preaches a sermon; and of the many truths taught by the life-sermon of Wilford Woodruff we shall name but a few, that seem to us he would most desire should find a lodgement in the hearts of the youth of Israel:
He was a pioneer, not only in the wilderness of rugged nature, but pre-eminently in the more stubborn and intractable wilderness of human nature. A world of humanity, unbelieving and unloving, lay before him, which it was his mission to convert and bring into harmony with God's will. As Elijah drew from heaven rain to moisten the parched earth, so he from heaven's fountain of grace drew down distilling dews of repentance, which softened the hearts of men and made them prolific soil for the seeds of faith and virtue.
He was a missionary, and to carry to the world God's message of love, he traveled more than seven times the circumference of the globe. Courageous, persistent and undaunted, he delivered that message to the world; and though it requited his love with scorn, yet like Paul of old he could say, "Necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me if I preach not the Gospel." And as sheaves gathered by him into his Father's garner, multitudes of Saints on Mount Zion arise and call him blessed.
He was a man of peace; and labored in all the conditions of his life to uproot hate and plant love in its place. And as one who stands where the waters divide, and streams change their courses, he stood and said, "Henceforth Zion shall be in the lead. " As he spake the streams of prejudice turned from his people, and there came a multitude of voices from those laboring in all the nations of the earth, saying: "The tide of prejudice is receding, and we reach the hearts of the people.''
He was a man who lived in closest communion with nature. Simple and natural in all his ways, he endeared himself to all who love nature for herself and the natural in man. He was the friend of humanity, and never separated himself from them, even though he was the associate of princes and leaders of men.
His life, so richly filled with lessons, preaches above all the eloquent sermon of sublime devotion to duty, and Christ-like humility.
His life's epitome is this:
"Greatness and goodness are not means, but ends!
Hath he not always treasures, always friends.
The great, good man? Three treasures, love and light,
And calm thoughts, regular as infant's breath:
And three firm friends, more sure than day and night,
Himself, his Maker, and the angel death!"
Smith, Lucy Woodruff. "President Wilford Woodruff." Young Woman's Journal. October 1898. pg. 434-437.
PRESIDENT WILFORD WOODRUFF. Lucy Woodruff Smith In a grave covered within and without with flowers, with a headboard plainly inscribed, the remains of an honest man, "the noblest work of God,” were laid to rest on Thursday. Sept. 10. 1898, in the Salt Lake City cemetery. During the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and ninety-eight. many great men have passed from this life to the great beyond; but none greater and more beloved by all, than the subject of this sketch. President Wilford Woodruff. In the early dawn on the morning of September 2, 1898, his spirit passed quietly and peacefully back into the presence of his Maker. When the noble spirit entered their presence, great was the joy and rejoicing of that host of apostles, prophets, relatives and friends, who had preceded him. He was the third son of Aphek and Beulah Thompson Woodruff and was born in Farmington—now Avon.—Conn., March 1, 1807. At the age of two years he met with a well nigh fatal accident, the first of a series which he encountered during his life. The remarkable escapes he had from death, read somewhat like the tales of fiction. Two powers, one of good and one of evil, seem to have followed him almost from the day of his birth, but through it all God preserved him as in the hollow of His hand until he had completed his work here on the earth. His chapter of accidents in “Leaves from My Journal” bears witness of this. He remarks that he had had nearly every bone m his body broken, except his neck and back and that he had had them pretty well twisted. At an early age in life his mind was considerably exercised over religious matters, but his ideas were very different from the orthodox teachings of that day. He prayed a great deal to the Lord to be led by His Spirit and be prepared for His Church when it did come. He had a great desire to behold the face of a prophet, which privilege was granted him in the spring of 1834, when in Kirtland he met the Prophet Joseph Smith. After that meeting until the day of his death, he bore a faithful testimony to the divinity of the Prophet's mission. In the winter of 1833 he heard for the first time an Elder of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, who preached in a schoolhouse near which he lived, and his brother Azmon and he were baptized the next day, they being the first two to embrace the new faith in Oswego, New York. So congenial were the influences he became surrounded with that his spiritual nature rapidly developed, and he joyfully accepted a call for a mission. This was the commencement of an entire life of missionary work. In 1837 he met and married Miss Phebe W. Carter. One month after his marriage he left his wife and began his labors on the Fox Islands in company with Nathan Hale. After some time, he was joined by his wife who assisted him in his missionary labors. He was the first one who preached the Gospel in the islands of the sea in this dispensation. His missionary work has been little less than marvelous. He has traveled 175,000 miles to preach the Gospel; baptized 2,000 souls in seventy-five years; held 7,459 meetings, and preached 3,526 sermons. For over sixty-three years he kept a daily journal, recording events of a public as well as those of a private nature, from which much Church history has been obtained in the past and more than likely will be obtained in the future. As a Pioneer of this once barren valley, he assisted largely in subduing the desert and making it what it now is—one of the grandest habitations of man, and has watched this steady growth from a wilderness with the same affection a parent gives to a favorite child. He assisted in the opening of all the Temples in Utah and also the one in Nauvoo, Ill.; and had the privilege of dedicating the Salt Lake Temple and bore testimony of its acceptance by the Lord. The works which he did in these Temples for the dead were of great magnitude; his one great desire being to do all in his power to assist in performing ordinances for those who had died before they had such privileges At the time of his death he had held the Apostleship longer than any man in his dispensation, being ordained April, 1839, and was the only man left who was present at the time the Prophet Joseph Smith delivered the keys of the kingdom to the Apostles. In his possession he had many relics, among which was the seer stone, known as “Gazelem.” which was shown of the Lord to the Prophet Joseph Smith and which he obtained by digging under the pretense of excavating for a well. This remarkable stone was used by the Prophet After his death it came into the possession of Brigham Young, then descended to John Taylor and since the death of President Taylor, it came into the possession of President Woodruff. He also had a sacred relic in the shape of an Indian arrow-head of Hint, referred to in the history of the Prophet Joseph Smith, as having been the cause of the death of the white Lamanite, Zelph, who had fought under the great chief tian, Onandagus. This warrior's name is not mentioned in the Book of Mormon. Among these relics is a red silk handkerchief given him by the Prophet Joseph Smith in the case of an administration for the sick, which the Prophet said would remain a league between them as long as he kept it. To sit and listen to his recital of the history of these relics, and the events of his life, was interesting in the extreme. The impression left upon his hearers was one never to be forgotten; his earnest, simple way carrying with it conviction as to the truth of his utterances. His first home in these valleys was on the Old Fort where, on July 24, 1898, he delivered his last public address in this state. In the course of his remarks he prophesied of the future growth and development of the resources and attractions of the state of Utah. It may be truly said of him that he was a servant of the people, a man of great charity, honesty, integrity. and truth. No one sought his aid in vain. He has entertained at his home his fellow men in all stations of life, receiving the humblest with the same grace and welcome that he gave to the nobles of the earth. In his habits he was simple and in his home life kind and loving. He possessed an iron constitution, and all his life long prided himself on the amount of manual labor he performed. The industry of his forefathers was also a matter of pride with him. This attempt to eulogize his life, his labors, and his character, seems wholly unnecessary, for they are all too well known by those familiar with him to need repeating. He leaves a numerous posterity to build up his name in the earth, having had thirty-two children—twenty of whom survive him—one hundred and three grandchildren and sixteen great-grandchildren. His time and talents have been used for the upbuilding of the Church of Christ; and it was publicly announced by him that he hoped the time would never come when some of his posterity were not in the mission field, a son and two grandsons being then thus engaged. All creeds, classes and beliefs in the community, turned out en masse to do honor to him on the occasion of his funeral. All had to acknowledge that a great and good man had been taken from their midst. Honor to this Pioneer leader! May his memory never grow dim in the minds of his people, but ever shine as bright as did the motto blazing forth above his picture on the great organ on the day of his funeral, then shall we ever remember that he, “Being Dead yet Speaketh” to the living and to generations yet unborn. |
Four Generations.
1. President Wilford Woodruff 2. Wilford Woodruff, Jr. 3. Wilford S. Woodruff 4. Wilford Woodruff |
Gates, Susa Young. "President Woodruff's Letter." Young Woman's Journal. October 1898. pg. 438-441.
PRESIDENT WOODRUFF’S LETTER. Susa Young Gates. With the passing away of President Wilford Woodruff, there goes out from mortality one of the sweetest, staunchest characters, known in the history of the Church. Great men there be, gentle men a few, but one so kind, so simple, so humble, yet withal so firm in the right, so strong in the struggle of life, where is he, now that dear Brother Woodruff has left us? In all the annals of the world, we find no other man whose history recounts such miraculous escapes from death. His life in infancy, youth, and early manhood was often snatched from him, but was invariably returned. All the life-destroying forces in Nature were in league and arrayed against him. In vain the elements raged about him. for the power of evil was limited: “spare his life” was God's command in his case, as well as in the case of Job. When little more than a babe, he fell into a caldron of boiling water, and, although he lay at the point of death nine months, his recovery was complete. Falling from a high beam in a bam, he struck on his face, but was not killed. Soon after he fell down stairs and broke one arm: then again he broke the other arm. He narrowly escaped being gored to death by a mad bovine. At work in his father's saw mill, he broke his leg. The next accidents were having a load of hay tipped on him, almost smothering him, and being tipped out of a wagon. More serious than this, was his fall from the high branches of a tree. With difficulty and much suffering he was restored, after having been drowned under thirty feet of water. At one time he was almost frozen to death. Again, while using an ax it slipped and cleft his instep almost in twain. He was bitten by a mad dog. Being thrown from an ill tempered horse, he had one leg broken and both ankles dislocated. Twice he was caught in water-wheels and extricated himself with serious injuries. Again he was dragged by horses this time under a sleigh. He narrowly escaped being accidentally shot twice. Where many were killed in a railroad wreck once, he came out unharmed. Just before this escape he had a severe attack of billions fever. A falling tree broke his breast bone and three ribs. His system was once impregnated with poison, but through the administrations of his brethren his life was saved. Notwithstanding the intense physical suffering entailed by these numerous and painful accidents, President Woodruff enjoyed vigor of body and mind up to the time of his demise. In 1877, just before Brother Woodruff was seventy years old, he was greatly exercised about his Temple work. He had come into possession of a large printed record of his ancestors, containing many thousands of names. With the ardent desire of a faithful heart, he wished to redeem these dead relatives. What should he do? Always a poor man, working hard to support his large family, alone in St. George, the rest of his family being in Salt Lake county, he looked forward with dismay to the years of unremitting labor for himself and his family which would be necessary to the accomplishment of the work. Indeed, even then, he could not hope to live to see it accomplished. With solemn prayer, he went before the Lord in the newly dedicated Temple of which he was the president and laid the whole matter on the altar. His prayer was answered. He was told that he would be justified in accepting the help and service of all his friends, and that their work in his behalf would be accepted of the Lord. This revelation was received by President Brigham Young as correct doctrine, and accordingly on Brother Woodruff's birthday, March 2nd, 1877, all the workers and many others celebrated the day by giving to the beloved President of the Temple the first “Temple benefit” ever given on earth, so far as we know. Afterwards all repaired to the St. George hall, where a feast was prepared in honor of Brother Woodruff. In one of his characteristic speeches, Brother Woodruff thanked everybody, told the story of his recent revelation, and closed by saying that he had but one wish in his heart and that was that he might never do anything which would cause him apostatize from the Church. President Young followed; after referring in most touching terms to the long and tried friendship between them he solemnly promised that Brother Woodruff should never apostatize from the truth. Think how beautifully the spirit of that promise has been intensified and fulfilled! As we count years Brother Woodruff was then an old man, and yet he has seen twenty-one years of active, useful life since that memorable day in far away St. George. Brother Wood niff was deeply impressed with the near approach of the coming of the Savior. At the funeral of Apostle Abram H. Cannon, President Lorenzo Snow prophesied to the little children of the dead Apostle that the day was not far distant when their father would return to him in his resurrected body. On the way to the cemetery, the three Presidents, Wilford Woodruff, Joseph F. Smith and Lorenzo Snow, who sat in the same carriage, referred to this prophecy, and Bro. Woodruff said that the coming of the Savior was right at our door, and that the people were unconscious of the fact and went about as they did in the days of Noah, marrying and giving in marriage, buying and selling. all forgetful of the coining glorious events. Then President Snow with rare prophetic gift looked out of the carriage at the multitude which thronged the sidewalks, and waving his hand over the sea of faces remarked to his companions: “Yes, there are those right here in this throng who will never taste of death, but will be changed in the twinkling of an eye.” We have been endeavoring to secure some sketches of the lives of the mothers of our Twelve Apostles. All of the Quorum were written to on the subject, and President Woodruff responded with the following brief, pithy and wholly characteristic letter. Very few, especially of the young people, are acquainted with the peculiar chirography of the man who has written more than any man living or dead, in this Church. A student of character will find much to admire and much to study in the subject matter, the style and the penmanship of this writing. That our readers may more easily read the letter we here reproduce it Salt Lake City, May 2, '98. Sister Susa Young Gates: I received your letter of April 27, and in reply will say in answering your question concerning my mother: She died with the spotted fever, in Avon, in A. D. 1808, leaving three sons, I, the youngest, being fourteen months old. So I never knew a mother and cannot give much of an account of her. She was rather short, stocky in build, thick set; was quiet, said but little left the talking as a legacy for her youngest son to carry out in his day and generation. She was spoken very highly of by those who knew her. I baptized her husband, my father, Aphek Woodruff and ordained him a High Priest and Patriarch by order of President Young. I had my mother sealed to my father among the earliest work in the Temple. I had my father brought to Zion, or rather, he drove his team in A. O. Smoot's company, the first that followed the Pioneers, and when he died he was laid with the Saints in our cemetery, I remain, your Brother in the Gospel. Wilford Woodruff. |
"President Woodruff's Funeral Requests." Young Woman's Journal. October 1898. pg. 478.
Pres. Woodruff’s Funeral Requests.
Nothing could more beautifully illustrate the grand simplicity of our late beloved President's character, than his written directions about his funeral. There was to be no mourning nor gloom,—neither in the hearts, nor about the clothing of relatives and friends. How long it takes the Saints to learn some of the simple lessons of the Gospel! If it is to them the Gospel, why should they wear upon face or form the semblance of evil and despair? President Woodruff asked family and friends to wear no black garments for him. Why should we, indeed? Farther on in that brief but glorious “request” comes the quaint, entirely original desire to be present at his own funeral, if permitted by those who preside on the other side. Could an infidel read that sentence and fail to receive the simple, direct testimony of the life in all its force and power beyond the grave? I have never read anything in the poetry and literature of the ages more convincing and fuller of perfect faith and simple beauty of soul than that gentle request. We shall never see a more guileless, innocent, and sturdily beautiful character than has left of for immortality in the soul of President Wilford Woodruff.
Pres. Woodruff’s Funeral Requests.
Nothing could more beautifully illustrate the grand simplicity of our late beloved President's character, than his written directions about his funeral. There was to be no mourning nor gloom,—neither in the hearts, nor about the clothing of relatives and friends. How long it takes the Saints to learn some of the simple lessons of the Gospel! If it is to them the Gospel, why should they wear upon face or form the semblance of evil and despair? President Woodruff asked family and friends to wear no black garments for him. Why should we, indeed? Farther on in that brief but glorious “request” comes the quaint, entirely original desire to be present at his own funeral, if permitted by those who preside on the other side. Could an infidel read that sentence and fail to receive the simple, direct testimony of the life in all its force and power beyond the grave? I have never read anything in the poetry and literature of the ages more convincing and fuller of perfect faith and simple beauty of soul than that gentle request. We shall never see a more guileless, innocent, and sturdily beautiful character than has left of for immortality in the soul of President Wilford Woodruff.
"His Love and Admiration for the Journal." Young Woman's Journal. October 1898. pg. 478.
His Love and Admiration for the Journal
It has not been the policy of this magazine to publish the compliments and praises uttered or written about the Journal itself. But it will not be transgressing this rule to speak of the constant loving support of President Woodruff for the Journal. Not once, but many times has he told the Editor that of all the Church publications he enjoyed this little paper most. He said, too, that sometimes he and his daughter laughingly contended as to who was to read it first. Said he: “I think it a fine magazine, splendid. I read it all through as a rule.”
One day last spring, the Editor was in the office on business and the President accosted her with inquiries as to the financial status of the magazine. Then, without waiting for a reply he drew his purse from his pocket, and handed out $2.00 for his subscription. He would listen to no protest, but insisted that it was well worth the money, and he proposed to pay it. It might be said that the absence of dullness and grandiloquence in the Journal, fitting it to be enjoyed by the youthful and the aged was not a proper compliment. But if we can interest the young and comfort the aged, our mission is well fulfilled.
His Love and Admiration for the Journal
It has not been the policy of this magazine to publish the compliments and praises uttered or written about the Journal itself. But it will not be transgressing this rule to speak of the constant loving support of President Woodruff for the Journal. Not once, but many times has he told the Editor that of all the Church publications he enjoyed this little paper most. He said, too, that sometimes he and his daughter laughingly contended as to who was to read it first. Said he: “I think it a fine magazine, splendid. I read it all through as a rule.”
One day last spring, the Editor was in the office on business and the President accosted her with inquiries as to the financial status of the magazine. Then, without waiting for a reply he drew his purse from his pocket, and handed out $2.00 for his subscription. He would listen to no protest, but insisted that it was well worth the money, and he proposed to pay it. It might be said that the absence of dullness and grandiloquence in the Journal, fitting it to be enjoyed by the youthful and the aged was not a proper compliment. But if we can interest the young and comfort the aged, our mission is well fulfilled.
Woodruff, Abraham O. "Experiences in the Life of President Wilford Woodruff." Improvement Era. January 1900. pg. 161-164.
EXPERIENCES IN THE LIFE OF PRESIDENT WILFORD WOODRUFF.
BY ABRAHAM O. WOODRUFF, OF THE QUORUM OF TWELVE APOSTLES.
FIRST YEAR OF MISSIONARY LABOR-GUIDED BY A LIGHT FROM HEAVEN—SYSTEM OF SUMMARIZING THE YEAR'S WORK.
[The first of a number of short sketches from the busy and crowded life of President Wilford Woodruff, promised in the prospectus for Vol. Ill, is here presented, to be followed by others which have been selected and compiled from his journals, by his son, Apostle A. 0. Woodruff, especially for the Era.—Editors.]
President Wilford Woodruff kept a faithful journal from his boyhood until the last day of his life. In presenting to the readers of the Era this, the first article on this subject, I have chosen his record for the year 1835, his first year in the missionary field. My reason for doing so is that the record for this year is indicative of the life which followed, an evidence that the character of Wilford Woodruff was of an unchangeable nature, and that his love for God and his fellow-men, and his faith in the Gospel of Jesus Christ did not fluctuate.
The first page in this day book reads as follows:
"Home of Brother Wright, Seven miles east of Liberty, Clay Co., Mo., Jan. 13, 1835.
"This is the first mission, or the commencement of my travels to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ, on the 13th day of Jan., 1835. I commenced traveling in company with Harry Brown as my partner. We now intend, if the Lord will, to visit the Southern States. May God grant us wisdom and make us meet for our master's use and assist us to rightly divine the word of truth and render to every man his portion in due season, that our garments may be clean of the blood of this generation."
During this year my father met for the first time the late President Abram 0. Smoot, my grandfather Smith, and many other men who became noted for their usefulness and love of the Gospel. Among the many interesting incidents of this year, the following is recorded under date of Sunday, Nov. 15:
"Preached at Brother Clapp's on the attributes of God, and baptized five persons, then mounted our horses and rode to Clark's River. I was in company with Brother Seth Utley and four other brethren and two sisters. We rode to the creek but could not cross without swimming our horses, and a heavy rain had fallen the night and day before. Night was overtaking us and as it was dangerous for the sisters to attempt swimming their horses, we tried to head the creeks sufficiently to ford them. In the attempt, both the darkness and a heavy storm of wind and rain overtook us, and we lost our way. We had neither fire, light nor road, but were sitting astride our horses in rain and wind, creek, mud, water and tree tops. The sisters had more the appearance of fishermen than travelers. I thought of Paul's perils by water. But the Lord doth not forsake his Saints even in their severest troubles; for while we were in the woods, groping as the blind for the wall, suffering under the blast of wind and rain, suddenly a light shone round about us without either sun, moon or stars, so that we were able to reach a house where we received directions and procured some torches to serve us as lights. We went on our way rejoicing although the rain and wind beat upon us and the darkness returned. We reached Mr. Henry Thomas' house at about 9 o'clock at night, without much harm, after being five hours in the storm, riding, as was judged, twenty miles, and fording creeks and branches twenty or more times without murmuring, either male or female, and felt to thank God for our preservation."
Perhaps it would be of interest, especially to our missionaries, to present herewith a synopsis of my father's labors for 1835. He himself prepared it at the close of the year and from it we may compare the system of preaching the Gospel without purse and scrip in that day, with the system frequently adopted in later years:
"On the night of the last day of December and of the year of our Lord, 1835, I perused my journal and found it to contain the following account of my travels and proceedings in the year 1835, commencing the 13th of January, 1835, making one year, twelve days excepted.
"Traveled three thousand two hundred and forty-eight miles, divided in the following manner: from 13th of January to the 28th of June, traveled one thousand eight hundred and four miles while holding the office of a priest; two hundred and twelve miles in Missouri with Elder H. Brown; six hundred and fifty-six miles in the Arkansas Territory; six hundred and eight with Elder Brown and forty-eight alone; nine hundred and forty in Tennessee; seven hundred and sixty with Elder Warren Parish and one hundred and eighty alone.
"Traveled from the 28th of June to the 31st of December, after holding the office of an elder, in the states of Kentucky and Tennessee, principally alone, one thousand four hundred and forty miles.
"I held one hundred and seventy meetings, divided in the following manner: while a priest, ten with Elder Brown, fifty-six with Elder Parish, and fourteen alone. One hundred while holding the office of an elder, principally alone.
"I baptized forty-three, eight while a priest and thirty-five while an elder; three were Campbellite priests; was an assistant to Elder Brown while baptizing two in Arkansas; also assisted Elder Parish while baptizing eighteen persons in Tennessee and Kentucky.
"I procured twenty-four subscribers for the Messenger and Advocate and two subscribers for the Star.
"I procured seventy-three signers to the petition to the Governor of Missouri for redress of wrongs done The Church by the Jackson County mob, ten in Missouri, fifty-six in Arkansas and seven in Tennessee, while a priest.
"I wrote eighteen letters, eight while a priest, ten while an elder, and received ten.
"I ordained two teachers and one deacon.
"I expelled seven members from The Church, but not while hope remained.
"Held three debates.
"Three companies in the form of mobs gathered together against me; at one time the company consisted of about five hundred men, led by a Baptist priest.
"The before mentioned is the account of my proceedings of the year 1835, which had born its report to heaven of me and all other men, and could it not have borne more welcome news? Ah, it cannot be recalled. The sable shades of night have already spoken the departure of 1835, and the queen of the night is issuing forth in her brilliant light to welcome the dawn of 1836. O God, enable my heart and hands to be clean for a year to come."
EXPERIENCES IN THE LIFE OF PRESIDENT WILFORD WOODRUFF.
BY ABRAHAM O. WOODRUFF, OF THE QUORUM OF TWELVE APOSTLES.
FIRST YEAR OF MISSIONARY LABOR-GUIDED BY A LIGHT FROM HEAVEN—SYSTEM OF SUMMARIZING THE YEAR'S WORK.
[The first of a number of short sketches from the busy and crowded life of President Wilford Woodruff, promised in the prospectus for Vol. Ill, is here presented, to be followed by others which have been selected and compiled from his journals, by his son, Apostle A. 0. Woodruff, especially for the Era.—Editors.]
President Wilford Woodruff kept a faithful journal from his boyhood until the last day of his life. In presenting to the readers of the Era this, the first article on this subject, I have chosen his record for the year 1835, his first year in the missionary field. My reason for doing so is that the record for this year is indicative of the life which followed, an evidence that the character of Wilford Woodruff was of an unchangeable nature, and that his love for God and his fellow-men, and his faith in the Gospel of Jesus Christ did not fluctuate.
The first page in this day book reads as follows:
"Home of Brother Wright, Seven miles east of Liberty, Clay Co., Mo., Jan. 13, 1835.
"This is the first mission, or the commencement of my travels to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ, on the 13th day of Jan., 1835. I commenced traveling in company with Harry Brown as my partner. We now intend, if the Lord will, to visit the Southern States. May God grant us wisdom and make us meet for our master's use and assist us to rightly divine the word of truth and render to every man his portion in due season, that our garments may be clean of the blood of this generation."
During this year my father met for the first time the late President Abram 0. Smoot, my grandfather Smith, and many other men who became noted for their usefulness and love of the Gospel. Among the many interesting incidents of this year, the following is recorded under date of Sunday, Nov. 15:
"Preached at Brother Clapp's on the attributes of God, and baptized five persons, then mounted our horses and rode to Clark's River. I was in company with Brother Seth Utley and four other brethren and two sisters. We rode to the creek but could not cross without swimming our horses, and a heavy rain had fallen the night and day before. Night was overtaking us and as it was dangerous for the sisters to attempt swimming their horses, we tried to head the creeks sufficiently to ford them. In the attempt, both the darkness and a heavy storm of wind and rain overtook us, and we lost our way. We had neither fire, light nor road, but were sitting astride our horses in rain and wind, creek, mud, water and tree tops. The sisters had more the appearance of fishermen than travelers. I thought of Paul's perils by water. But the Lord doth not forsake his Saints even in their severest troubles; for while we were in the woods, groping as the blind for the wall, suffering under the blast of wind and rain, suddenly a light shone round about us without either sun, moon or stars, so that we were able to reach a house where we received directions and procured some torches to serve us as lights. We went on our way rejoicing although the rain and wind beat upon us and the darkness returned. We reached Mr. Henry Thomas' house at about 9 o'clock at night, without much harm, after being five hours in the storm, riding, as was judged, twenty miles, and fording creeks and branches twenty or more times without murmuring, either male or female, and felt to thank God for our preservation."
Perhaps it would be of interest, especially to our missionaries, to present herewith a synopsis of my father's labors for 1835. He himself prepared it at the close of the year and from it we may compare the system of preaching the Gospel without purse and scrip in that day, with the system frequently adopted in later years:
"On the night of the last day of December and of the year of our Lord, 1835, I perused my journal and found it to contain the following account of my travels and proceedings in the year 1835, commencing the 13th of January, 1835, making one year, twelve days excepted.
"Traveled three thousand two hundred and forty-eight miles, divided in the following manner: from 13th of January to the 28th of June, traveled one thousand eight hundred and four miles while holding the office of a priest; two hundred and twelve miles in Missouri with Elder H. Brown; six hundred and fifty-six miles in the Arkansas Territory; six hundred and eight with Elder Brown and forty-eight alone; nine hundred and forty in Tennessee; seven hundred and sixty with Elder Warren Parish and one hundred and eighty alone.
"Traveled from the 28th of June to the 31st of December, after holding the office of an elder, in the states of Kentucky and Tennessee, principally alone, one thousand four hundred and forty miles.
"I held one hundred and seventy meetings, divided in the following manner: while a priest, ten with Elder Brown, fifty-six with Elder Parish, and fourteen alone. One hundred while holding the office of an elder, principally alone.
"I baptized forty-three, eight while a priest and thirty-five while an elder; three were Campbellite priests; was an assistant to Elder Brown while baptizing two in Arkansas; also assisted Elder Parish while baptizing eighteen persons in Tennessee and Kentucky.
"I procured twenty-four subscribers for the Messenger and Advocate and two subscribers for the Star.
"I procured seventy-three signers to the petition to the Governor of Missouri for redress of wrongs done The Church by the Jackson County mob, ten in Missouri, fifty-six in Arkansas and seven in Tennessee, while a priest.
"I wrote eighteen letters, eight while a priest, ten while an elder, and received ten.
"I ordained two teachers and one deacon.
"I expelled seven members from The Church, but not while hope remained.
"Held three debates.
"Three companies in the form of mobs gathered together against me; at one time the company consisted of about five hundred men, led by a Baptist priest.
"The before mentioned is the account of my proceedings of the year 1835, which had born its report to heaven of me and all other men, and could it not have borne more welcome news? Ah, it cannot be recalled. The sable shades of night have already spoken the departure of 1835, and the queen of the night is issuing forth in her brilliant light to welcome the dawn of 1836. O God, enable my heart and hands to be clean for a year to come."
Woodruff, Abraham O. "Experiences in the Life of President Wilford Woodruff." Improvement Era. March 1900. pg. 359-362.
EXPERIENCES IN THE LIFE OF PRESIDENT WILFORD WOODRUFF.
BY ABRAHAM O. WOODRUFF, OF THE QUORUM OF TWELVE APOSTLES.
THE FIRST FRUITS FOR ZION FROM THE SOUTH—IMPRESSIONS OF KIRTLAND.
II.
On the 2nd day of September, 1836, general conference was held at Damon Creek, Calloway County, Kentucky, at which Apostle Thomas B. Marsh, who was then president of the twelve apostles, presided. All the branches of Tennessee and Kentucky were represented. In the records of the Tennessee conference, is a list of names of brethren who contributed to Elder Woodruff, who was to be released from his Southern States mission and was about to leave for Kirtland, the sum of $76.35. This was to supply his necessities. He had assisted President Marsh in obtaining fifteen hundred dollars from the brethren in the south to buy lands in Missouri for The Church: and it was at this time that an additional fifty dollars was given him by the brethren which amount he sent with President Marsh, who was to enter forty acres of land for him in Missouri.
Elder Woodruff left on September 19, for Kirtland. He says:
"It is a day long to be remembered by me and others, in consequence of the interesting scenes transpiring with the Saints of God in the south. Isaiah and other ancient prophets testify to us of the great events of the last days; especially of the literal gathering of Israel. They say the Saints shall gather from the east and from the west, and that the north shall give up and the south keep not back. This interesting day had now arrived when some of the Saints of God in the south began to take their families, their wagons, their oxen, their horses, their tents and their armor and like the children of Israel move toward Zion according to the commands of God."
The company breakfasted at Brother Camp's, then repairing to the bank of a stream, where prayer was offered. President Marsh led a young man into the waters of baptism. Coming up out of the water, the young man was confirmed on the banks of the stream under the hands of Elders Marsh, Patten and Grooves. After that, a touching scene was enacted: "We all stood upon our feet," writes Elder Woodruff, "and received great blessings confirmed upon our heads with uplifted hands, of the three abovenamed brethren. President Marsh being speaker."
Bidding good-by to their friends, they "set their faces as a flint towards Zion." The company consisted of four families with the elders, as follows: Lewis Clapp and family, Albert Petty and family, and Benjamin Clapp and family, with Elders Boydston and Cathcart, the former being chosen leader. Tne company were principally the first fruits of Elder Woodruff's ministry. There were twenty-two in all, six male, and five female members with ten children and a servant. He expresses that solicitude for their welfare that is characteristic of a father for his children—the sentiment that was always uppermost in his heart ever after for the Saints of God. He makes the page of his journal fairly express the elation he felt, while he rode with them the first day's journey to the south fork of Mayfield, at seeing "this company of faithful Saints move forward on their journey in good spirits and with joy." At this place, they camped for the night, and after pitching their tents, he addressed the assembled pilgrims from the tent of Albert Petty.
He says: "I arose to address them, and although the rain descended in torrents, so that we were wet through, yet my soul was vibrated and filled with emotions and feelings of no ordinary nature. I endeavored to lay before them the worth and value of the cause they were engaged in; and that they were the first in fulfilling the prophets who spake of the south keeping not back; and that it would be recorded in the archives of heaven that they were the first fruits of the south who had spread their tents for Zion." He also instructed them in the practical affairs of how to travel and how to behave. As in all subsequent labors among the people of God, he pointed to the spiritual and the temporal in harmonious combination as being the proper course for the Saints to walk in. Elders Boydston, Cathcart and Clapp followed, speaking "in the spirit of God and the feelings of deepest interest." Then they all kneeled in prayer, "and I addressed the throne of grace imploring the mercy of God to rest upon the camp, that they might all reach Zion in peace."
Under date of November 23, 1836, Elder Woodruff gives the following as his impression of Kirtland, its temple and people:
"I took the parting hand with Elder Sherwood. I then set out in company with Elder Smoot, on foot in a hard snow storm for Kirtland. We came in sight of the temple, before we reached the village, this being the first sight I ever had of the house of the Lord. I exclaimed, 'I behold the glory of the Lord and the covering.' We soon entered the village, and spent one of the happiest days of my life in visiting the house of the Lord, 'and the President's and the elders of The Church. I was truly rejoiced again to strike hands with President Joseph Smith, and many other beloved Saints of God who are rolling on his mighty work. I had been separated from them about two and a half years. I was filled with joy with the privilege of again striking hands with Elder Warren Parrish and also in being made acquainted with his companion, Sister Parrish. There is an enjoyment in meeting our brethren and companions in tribulation that the world knows not of, because it flows from a celestial source.
"After spending a short time in conversation with friends, a more important scene was now to open to my view than kings ever saw or princes ever knew, in this generation, which was to visit the temple of the Lord and behold its contents.
"Elder Smoot and myself visited each apartment of the house accompanied by Elder Warren Parrish. I must confess the beauties of the interior are indescribable. When I entered the threshold of the house and entered the lower room, there was a great feeling of solemnity, if not of awe, which immediately overwhelmed me. I felt indeed as if my footsteps were in the temple of the Lord. We then visited the upper rooms, and there viewed four Egyptian mummies: and also the Book of Abraham, written with his own hand. Not only the hieroglyphics, but also many figures that this precious treasure contains are calculated to make a lasting impression upon the mind. Our visit at the temple ended. We next called at the bank and the printing office.
"Two and a half years since, I left Kirtland, with my brethren in their poverty, to go forth to visit our brethren in tribulation in Zion. Then our brethren in Kirtland were poor, and despised. * * * How changed the scene! Now I behold, a cheerfulness beaming from every countenance that indicates prosperity. The noise of the ax and the hammer are heard, and there are walls and dwellings newly erected all around. * * * God is with them, and his temple stands in honor of his kingdom."
EXPERIENCES IN THE LIFE OF PRESIDENT WILFORD WOODRUFF.
BY ABRAHAM O. WOODRUFF, OF THE QUORUM OF TWELVE APOSTLES.
THE FIRST FRUITS FOR ZION FROM THE SOUTH—IMPRESSIONS OF KIRTLAND.
II.
On the 2nd day of September, 1836, general conference was held at Damon Creek, Calloway County, Kentucky, at which Apostle Thomas B. Marsh, who was then president of the twelve apostles, presided. All the branches of Tennessee and Kentucky were represented. In the records of the Tennessee conference, is a list of names of brethren who contributed to Elder Woodruff, who was to be released from his Southern States mission and was about to leave for Kirtland, the sum of $76.35. This was to supply his necessities. He had assisted President Marsh in obtaining fifteen hundred dollars from the brethren in the south to buy lands in Missouri for The Church: and it was at this time that an additional fifty dollars was given him by the brethren which amount he sent with President Marsh, who was to enter forty acres of land for him in Missouri.
Elder Woodruff left on September 19, for Kirtland. He says:
"It is a day long to be remembered by me and others, in consequence of the interesting scenes transpiring with the Saints of God in the south. Isaiah and other ancient prophets testify to us of the great events of the last days; especially of the literal gathering of Israel. They say the Saints shall gather from the east and from the west, and that the north shall give up and the south keep not back. This interesting day had now arrived when some of the Saints of God in the south began to take their families, their wagons, their oxen, their horses, their tents and their armor and like the children of Israel move toward Zion according to the commands of God."
The company breakfasted at Brother Camp's, then repairing to the bank of a stream, where prayer was offered. President Marsh led a young man into the waters of baptism. Coming up out of the water, the young man was confirmed on the banks of the stream under the hands of Elders Marsh, Patten and Grooves. After that, a touching scene was enacted: "We all stood upon our feet," writes Elder Woodruff, "and received great blessings confirmed upon our heads with uplifted hands, of the three abovenamed brethren. President Marsh being speaker."
Bidding good-by to their friends, they "set their faces as a flint towards Zion." The company consisted of four families with the elders, as follows: Lewis Clapp and family, Albert Petty and family, and Benjamin Clapp and family, with Elders Boydston and Cathcart, the former being chosen leader. Tne company were principally the first fruits of Elder Woodruff's ministry. There were twenty-two in all, six male, and five female members with ten children and a servant. He expresses that solicitude for their welfare that is characteristic of a father for his children—the sentiment that was always uppermost in his heart ever after for the Saints of God. He makes the page of his journal fairly express the elation he felt, while he rode with them the first day's journey to the south fork of Mayfield, at seeing "this company of faithful Saints move forward on their journey in good spirits and with joy." At this place, they camped for the night, and after pitching their tents, he addressed the assembled pilgrims from the tent of Albert Petty.
He says: "I arose to address them, and although the rain descended in torrents, so that we were wet through, yet my soul was vibrated and filled with emotions and feelings of no ordinary nature. I endeavored to lay before them the worth and value of the cause they were engaged in; and that they were the first in fulfilling the prophets who spake of the south keeping not back; and that it would be recorded in the archives of heaven that they were the first fruits of the south who had spread their tents for Zion." He also instructed them in the practical affairs of how to travel and how to behave. As in all subsequent labors among the people of God, he pointed to the spiritual and the temporal in harmonious combination as being the proper course for the Saints to walk in. Elders Boydston, Cathcart and Clapp followed, speaking "in the spirit of God and the feelings of deepest interest." Then they all kneeled in prayer, "and I addressed the throne of grace imploring the mercy of God to rest upon the camp, that they might all reach Zion in peace."
Under date of November 23, 1836, Elder Woodruff gives the following as his impression of Kirtland, its temple and people:
"I took the parting hand with Elder Sherwood. I then set out in company with Elder Smoot, on foot in a hard snow storm for Kirtland. We came in sight of the temple, before we reached the village, this being the first sight I ever had of the house of the Lord. I exclaimed, 'I behold the glory of the Lord and the covering.' We soon entered the village, and spent one of the happiest days of my life in visiting the house of the Lord, 'and the President's and the elders of The Church. I was truly rejoiced again to strike hands with President Joseph Smith, and many other beloved Saints of God who are rolling on his mighty work. I had been separated from them about two and a half years. I was filled with joy with the privilege of again striking hands with Elder Warren Parrish and also in being made acquainted with his companion, Sister Parrish. There is an enjoyment in meeting our brethren and companions in tribulation that the world knows not of, because it flows from a celestial source.
"After spending a short time in conversation with friends, a more important scene was now to open to my view than kings ever saw or princes ever knew, in this generation, which was to visit the temple of the Lord and behold its contents.
"Elder Smoot and myself visited each apartment of the house accompanied by Elder Warren Parrish. I must confess the beauties of the interior are indescribable. When I entered the threshold of the house and entered the lower room, there was a great feeling of solemnity, if not of awe, which immediately overwhelmed me. I felt indeed as if my footsteps were in the temple of the Lord. We then visited the upper rooms, and there viewed four Egyptian mummies: and also the Book of Abraham, written with his own hand. Not only the hieroglyphics, but also many figures that this precious treasure contains are calculated to make a lasting impression upon the mind. Our visit at the temple ended. We next called at the bank and the printing office.
"Two and a half years since, I left Kirtland, with my brethren in their poverty, to go forth to visit our brethren in tribulation in Zion. Then our brethren in Kirtland were poor, and despised. * * * How changed the scene! Now I behold, a cheerfulness beaming from every countenance that indicates prosperity. The noise of the ax and the hammer are heard, and there are walls and dwellings newly erected all around. * * * God is with them, and his temple stands in honor of his kingdom."
Woodruff, J. Lloyd. "President Wilford Woodruff." Young Woman's Journal. December 1904. pg. 561-563.
PRESIDENT WILFORD WOODRUFF.
J. Lloyd Woodruff,
The sires of Israel are fast passing away. They who gave their all, withholding nothing, will soon be but a memory. The heroes of Jack- son county and Nauvoo, the pillars who upheld tlie church, when open apostacy and secret treason threatened to disrupt God’s Kingdom, were it possible, will not be seen much longer among us. And in their passing earth loses much that it were well she could retain; while we. as a people, are deprived of the example and advice of some of the strong, noble spirits that God chose from among His sons, when He called Abraham to be one of the rulers over His people.
We, the younger Latter-day Saints have been denied the blessing of trial that made them strong; but we have not been denied the fruits of that trial, the glory of that strength. It would be well for us to pause now and then, in the somewhat care free life we lead, and reflect on the lives of those we honor but oft times forget to emulate.
In the midst of our hurried existence, where luxury and extravagant expenditure have made life a grind for rich and poor alike, let us put on the brakes, and slow down. Forget for the instant the whirl, the bustle, the superlative in everything, and think quietly for a few minutes of the simple life,
Where we live for the pure joy of living.
And days are less burdened with strife,
Where the simpler pleasures have power to please
And nature claims part of our life.
Among the Apostles of the simple life Wil ford Woodruff stands out first and foremost. No greater or more consistent apostle ever advocated any cause, for his sermons were not in words, but in the daily harmonious melody of his being. In very truth his life,
“Glided on like rivers that water the woodlands.
Darkened by shadows of earth, but reflecting an image of heaven.”
My object is not to make this sketch biographical but to bring Wilford Woodruff’s character into stronger relief; that those who were perhaps too young to have much definite personal recollection of him may be brought into closer relationship with some of the traits that made him “a man without an enemy.”
Some one has said “To be simple is to be great,” and I wish to add that the greatness of simplicity is the greatness of God.
Few men have possessed this simplicity to the extent Wilford Woodruff did.
He was entirely without vanity or false pride, and therefore never ill at ease. The noble and great of the earth have called upon him and found him dressed as a farm hand. He has left his plow and sat down among them a king. Do you think they noticed that his shoes were stained by the soil, his brow wet from his exertions in the field? Perhaps they did, but as they looked at their own polished shoes, their diamonds and immaculate linen, do you think they felt themselves superior? No. they each and every one bowed at the shrine of his gentle spirit, and wondered.
This fact alone places him apart as an exceptional man. Many of these people, filled with erroneous ideas concerning us, expected to find in him little better than a fanatical bigot. It is easy for a king, among those who love and honor him, to be acknowledged supreme, even though he appear before them in the rags of a beggar. But for a man, unknown, except as the leader of a ridiculed and despised people, attired in the garb of the humble, to impress entire strangers with the attributes of the truest, gentlest nobility, speaks volumes for his wonderful personality.
He seemed able to appraise things at their proper value and was never blinded or carried away by the glitter and display that so often conceal the spurious. Prosperity was welcomed bv him, as a means to many good ends; but he never measured himself or his friends by a bank account.
Life for him held more than mere gold, and time was too precious to be wasted in the accumulation of wealth. He considered “the lilies of the field” and sought “first the Kingdom of God and its righteousness.” firmly believing that all else would be added in the own due time of the Lord.
The shafts of adversity fell harmless against the perfect armor of his faith. He gave God the glory for, and acknowledged His hand in trial as in blessing. His faith was that of a little child, and he felt that his Heavenly Father was not afar off. but a very near and ever present friend to be counseled with and trusted.
Death appealed to him, not as something terrible, not as a foe to be avoided with dismay. It seemed more a transition from darkness into light, the lifting of that veil which hides from our view all that is best, most pure, most God-like. Excessive grief was not pleasing to him, for it exhibited, to his mind, lack of faith in God. and an imperfect knowledge of His law. He endeavored to teach that our grief should be changed into a firm resolve to live so worthily that our loved ones can welcome us with joy into the presence of our Lord. He feared life rather than death, for life is uncertain and holds for us all the possibility of a fall from grace, while death is but the open door into eternity.
In this connection, he expressed a wish that when he should return home, those whom he loved and left behind would overcome their sorrow in the thought of his joy. He desired that all should be simple and unostentatious; and that white, the emblem of purity, rather than black, the shroud of darkness, should be around him.
His simplicity taught him that all men are born truly free and equal, and that wealth and position carry with them no prerogative to crush the weak and lowly, or trample on the rights of the powerless. He felt that God had blessed him with strength of body and mind that he might be of use to himself and those around him. It worried him to have others wait upon him, and this independence was so inherent that even in hotels he preferred to help himself. Tn all his acts he tried to impress those around him with the idea that there is no degradation in labor, and that the truest, best nobility, comes from honest, self-sustaining toil.
The humane in him was so broad that it covered all God’s creatures, and he would not tolerate cruelty in any form. Horses and dogs were especial favorites with him, and they, with the true instinct of their kind, recognized a friend and protector in him. One morning while sitting in solemn council with his brethren, he noticed that a storm of unwonted fury had suddenly swept over the valley, filling the air with snow and sleet. He interrupted the meeting at once, and excused himself. Going to the telephone he called up his residence and asked his wife to have the chore-boy drive the old black cow into the barn and put a blanket over her. Then he returned to his place, and resumed control of the mighty affairs of the Church of God that were being discussed.
His amusements and sports were consistent and in keeping with his character. He enjoyed the theatre and was fond of music but abhorred the glamour and pretense so often exhibited in our modern society. He loved home and its attendant joys and was never happier than when the children were around him.
For some years prior to his death, his birthday was made the occasion for family reunion. It was a gala day for him and the rest of the children, for he was indeed one of them in spirit; and they clustered about him till he was almost hidden by their bright young faces. They were all eager to do something for "‘grandpa” and great was the preparation made to have something especially pleasing for him.
He was wiry and athletic and endowed with extraordinary vitality. His powers for work seemed almost limitless, and he was proud, in a humorous sort of way, of his strength and activity. He often laughingly said he could do more work in a day than any of his grandsons, and he kept his title clear. But one day, when he was something over eighty, one of them finished up a row of corn in a little better than record time. He looked up surprised and said with rather amusing gravity, "‘My conscience, boys, I must certainly be getting old.”
He was an ardent sportsman and spent many happy days far afield with dog and gun. His keenest enjoyment, however, was with rod and reel, in which sport he had few equals. He seemed to find good humor and contentment, hidden away among the trees, the moss grown rocks, and waving grass; and had the faculty of stalking them successfully and making them his own. The preparation for a fishing trip filled him with almost boyish pleasure and he bubbled over with excitement and delight.
I well remember the preparation for a trip made to Ashley a number of years ago. All was in readiness, the wagons were loaded, the horses prancing and eager for the start, and everybody snugly tucked in. Grandfather had the lines. All at once he jumped to the ground exclaiming, “My conscience! we almost forgot the most important part of the outfit.” He disappeared around the house returning soon with a soap box, filled with soft, black soil. Putting his fingers deep down in the dirt he held up a handful of wriggling angle worms,— “We couldn’t make the trip without these fine, fat fellows. There’s fish enough in this box to feed the proverbial multitude.” Tenderly he placed them under the seat and with a laugh for us and a flourish of his whip they were off.
And thus he was,—a simple man a home-like man, a mighty—aye. one of the mightiest men of God either ancient or modern—lovable, full of sympathy, honorable, faithful, sincere, true. What more need I say of him? You know of his work as a leader in Israel, you know of his place in the hearts of the Saints.
PRESIDENT WILFORD WOODRUFF.
J. Lloyd Woodruff,
The sires of Israel are fast passing away. They who gave their all, withholding nothing, will soon be but a memory. The heroes of Jack- son county and Nauvoo, the pillars who upheld tlie church, when open apostacy and secret treason threatened to disrupt God’s Kingdom, were it possible, will not be seen much longer among us. And in their passing earth loses much that it were well she could retain; while we. as a people, are deprived of the example and advice of some of the strong, noble spirits that God chose from among His sons, when He called Abraham to be one of the rulers over His people.
We, the younger Latter-day Saints have been denied the blessing of trial that made them strong; but we have not been denied the fruits of that trial, the glory of that strength. It would be well for us to pause now and then, in the somewhat care free life we lead, and reflect on the lives of those we honor but oft times forget to emulate.
In the midst of our hurried existence, where luxury and extravagant expenditure have made life a grind for rich and poor alike, let us put on the brakes, and slow down. Forget for the instant the whirl, the bustle, the superlative in everything, and think quietly for a few minutes of the simple life,
Where we live for the pure joy of living.
And days are less burdened with strife,
Where the simpler pleasures have power to please
And nature claims part of our life.
Among the Apostles of the simple life Wil ford Woodruff stands out first and foremost. No greater or more consistent apostle ever advocated any cause, for his sermons were not in words, but in the daily harmonious melody of his being. In very truth his life,
“Glided on like rivers that water the woodlands.
Darkened by shadows of earth, but reflecting an image of heaven.”
My object is not to make this sketch biographical but to bring Wilford Woodruff’s character into stronger relief; that those who were perhaps too young to have much definite personal recollection of him may be brought into closer relationship with some of the traits that made him “a man without an enemy.”
Some one has said “To be simple is to be great,” and I wish to add that the greatness of simplicity is the greatness of God.
Few men have possessed this simplicity to the extent Wilford Woodruff did.
He was entirely without vanity or false pride, and therefore never ill at ease. The noble and great of the earth have called upon him and found him dressed as a farm hand. He has left his plow and sat down among them a king. Do you think they noticed that his shoes were stained by the soil, his brow wet from his exertions in the field? Perhaps they did, but as they looked at their own polished shoes, their diamonds and immaculate linen, do you think they felt themselves superior? No. they each and every one bowed at the shrine of his gentle spirit, and wondered.
This fact alone places him apart as an exceptional man. Many of these people, filled with erroneous ideas concerning us, expected to find in him little better than a fanatical bigot. It is easy for a king, among those who love and honor him, to be acknowledged supreme, even though he appear before them in the rags of a beggar. But for a man, unknown, except as the leader of a ridiculed and despised people, attired in the garb of the humble, to impress entire strangers with the attributes of the truest, gentlest nobility, speaks volumes for his wonderful personality.
He seemed able to appraise things at their proper value and was never blinded or carried away by the glitter and display that so often conceal the spurious. Prosperity was welcomed bv him, as a means to many good ends; but he never measured himself or his friends by a bank account.
Life for him held more than mere gold, and time was too precious to be wasted in the accumulation of wealth. He considered “the lilies of the field” and sought “first the Kingdom of God and its righteousness.” firmly believing that all else would be added in the own due time of the Lord.
The shafts of adversity fell harmless against the perfect armor of his faith. He gave God the glory for, and acknowledged His hand in trial as in blessing. His faith was that of a little child, and he felt that his Heavenly Father was not afar off. but a very near and ever present friend to be counseled with and trusted.
Death appealed to him, not as something terrible, not as a foe to be avoided with dismay. It seemed more a transition from darkness into light, the lifting of that veil which hides from our view all that is best, most pure, most God-like. Excessive grief was not pleasing to him, for it exhibited, to his mind, lack of faith in God. and an imperfect knowledge of His law. He endeavored to teach that our grief should be changed into a firm resolve to live so worthily that our loved ones can welcome us with joy into the presence of our Lord. He feared life rather than death, for life is uncertain and holds for us all the possibility of a fall from grace, while death is but the open door into eternity.
In this connection, he expressed a wish that when he should return home, those whom he loved and left behind would overcome their sorrow in the thought of his joy. He desired that all should be simple and unostentatious; and that white, the emblem of purity, rather than black, the shroud of darkness, should be around him.
His simplicity taught him that all men are born truly free and equal, and that wealth and position carry with them no prerogative to crush the weak and lowly, or trample on the rights of the powerless. He felt that God had blessed him with strength of body and mind that he might be of use to himself and those around him. It worried him to have others wait upon him, and this independence was so inherent that even in hotels he preferred to help himself. Tn all his acts he tried to impress those around him with the idea that there is no degradation in labor, and that the truest, best nobility, comes from honest, self-sustaining toil.
The humane in him was so broad that it covered all God’s creatures, and he would not tolerate cruelty in any form. Horses and dogs were especial favorites with him, and they, with the true instinct of their kind, recognized a friend and protector in him. One morning while sitting in solemn council with his brethren, he noticed that a storm of unwonted fury had suddenly swept over the valley, filling the air with snow and sleet. He interrupted the meeting at once, and excused himself. Going to the telephone he called up his residence and asked his wife to have the chore-boy drive the old black cow into the barn and put a blanket over her. Then he returned to his place, and resumed control of the mighty affairs of the Church of God that were being discussed.
His amusements and sports were consistent and in keeping with his character. He enjoyed the theatre and was fond of music but abhorred the glamour and pretense so often exhibited in our modern society. He loved home and its attendant joys and was never happier than when the children were around him.
For some years prior to his death, his birthday was made the occasion for family reunion. It was a gala day for him and the rest of the children, for he was indeed one of them in spirit; and they clustered about him till he was almost hidden by their bright young faces. They were all eager to do something for "‘grandpa” and great was the preparation made to have something especially pleasing for him.
He was wiry and athletic and endowed with extraordinary vitality. His powers for work seemed almost limitless, and he was proud, in a humorous sort of way, of his strength and activity. He often laughingly said he could do more work in a day than any of his grandsons, and he kept his title clear. But one day, when he was something over eighty, one of them finished up a row of corn in a little better than record time. He looked up surprised and said with rather amusing gravity, "‘My conscience, boys, I must certainly be getting old.”
He was an ardent sportsman and spent many happy days far afield with dog and gun. His keenest enjoyment, however, was with rod and reel, in which sport he had few equals. He seemed to find good humor and contentment, hidden away among the trees, the moss grown rocks, and waving grass; and had the faculty of stalking them successfully and making them his own. The preparation for a fishing trip filled him with almost boyish pleasure and he bubbled over with excitement and delight.
I well remember the preparation for a trip made to Ashley a number of years ago. All was in readiness, the wagons were loaded, the horses prancing and eager for the start, and everybody snugly tucked in. Grandfather had the lines. All at once he jumped to the ground exclaiming, “My conscience! we almost forgot the most important part of the outfit.” He disappeared around the house returning soon with a soap box, filled with soft, black soil. Putting his fingers deep down in the dirt he held up a handful of wriggling angle worms,— “We couldn’t make the trip without these fine, fat fellows. There’s fish enough in this box to feed the proverbial multitude.” Tenderly he placed them under the seat and with a laugh for us and a flourish of his whip they were off.
And thus he was,—a simple man a home-like man, a mighty—aye. one of the mightiest men of God either ancient or modern—lovable, full of sympathy, honorable, faithful, sincere, true. What more need I say of him? You know of his work as a leader in Israel, you know of his place in the hearts of the Saints.
"Missionary Experiences, Story from the Life of Pres. Wilford Woodruff." Young Woman's Journal. September 1915. pg. 590-591.
Story from the Life of Pres. Wilford Woodruff.
I. In the fall (1884) I had a desire to go and preach the Gospel. I knew the Gospel which God had revealed to Joseph Smith was true, and of such great value that I wanted to tell it to the people who had not heard it. It was so good and plain, it seemed to me I could make the people believe it.
I was but a Teacher, and it is not the Teacher’s office to go abroad and preach. I dared not tell any of the Authorities of the Church what I wanted lest they might think I was seeking for an office.
I went into 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 traveled 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 met him, he said, “the Lord has revealed to me that it is your privilege to be ordained, and to go and preach the Gospel.”
I told him I was willing to do whatever the Lord required of me. I did not tell him I had just asked the Lord to let me go and preach.[1]
II. 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 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 carriages, clothed in broadcloth, and had large salaries, and would see this whole world sink to perdition before they would wade through one hundred and seventy miles of mud to save the people.
The landlord wanted a little fun, so he said he would keep me if I would preach. He wanted to see if I could preach.
I must confess that by this time I became a little mischievous, and pleaded with him not to set me preaching.
The more I pleaded to be excused, the more determined Mr. Jackson was that I should preach. He took my valise, and the landlady got me a good supper.
I sat down in a large hall to eat supper. Before I got through, the room began to be filled by some of the rich and fashionable of Memphis, dressed in their broadcloth and silk, while my appearance was such as you can imagine, after traveling through mud as I had been.
When I had finished eating, the table was carried out of the room over the heads of people. I was placed in the corner of the room, with a stand having a Bible, hymn book and a candle on it, hemmed in by a dozen men, with the landlord in the center.
There were present some five hundred persons who had come together not to hear a Gospel sermon, but to have some fun.
I read a hymn, and asked them to sing. Not a soul would sing a word.
I told them I had not the gift of singing; but with the help of the Lord. I would both pray and preach. I knelt down to pray, and the men around me dropped on their knees. I prayed to the Lord to give me His Spirit and to show me the hearts of the people. I promised the Lord in my prayer I would deliver to that congregation whatever He would give to me. I arose and spoke one hour and a half and it was one of the best sermons of my life.
The lives of the congregation were opened to the vision of my mind, and I told them of their wicked deeds and the reward they would obtain. The men who surrounded me dropped their heads. Three minutes after I closed I was the only person in the room.
Soon I was shown to a bed in a room adjoining a large one in which were assembled many of the men whom I had been preaching to. I could hear their conversation.
One man said he would like to know how that “Mormon” boy knew of their past lives.
In a little while they got to disputing about some doctrinal point. One suggested calling me to decide the point. The landlord said, “No; we have had enough for once.”
In the morning I had a good breakfast. The landlord said if I came that way again to stop at his house, and stay as long as I might choose.[2]
[1] “Leaves from My Journal,” p. 8.
[2] “Leaves from My Journal,” p. 16-18.
Story from the Life of Pres. Wilford Woodruff.
I. In the fall (1884) I had a desire to go and preach the Gospel. I knew the Gospel which God had revealed to Joseph Smith was true, and of such great value that I wanted to tell it to the people who had not heard it. It was so good and plain, it seemed to me I could make the people believe it.
I was but a Teacher, and it is not the Teacher’s office to go abroad and preach. I dared not tell any of the Authorities of the Church what I wanted lest they might think I was seeking for an office.
I went into 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 traveled 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 met him, he said, “the Lord has revealed to me that it is your privilege to be ordained, and to go and preach the Gospel.”
I told him I was willing to do whatever the Lord required of me. I did not tell him I had just asked the Lord to let me go and preach.[1]
II. 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 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 carriages, clothed in broadcloth, and had large salaries, and would see this whole world sink to perdition before they would wade through one hundred and seventy miles of mud to save the people.
The landlord wanted a little fun, so he said he would keep me if I would preach. He wanted to see if I could preach.
I must confess that by this time I became a little mischievous, and pleaded with him not to set me preaching.
The more I pleaded to be excused, the more determined Mr. Jackson was that I should preach. He took my valise, and the landlady got me a good supper.
I sat down in a large hall to eat supper. Before I got through, the room began to be filled by some of the rich and fashionable of Memphis, dressed in their broadcloth and silk, while my appearance was such as you can imagine, after traveling through mud as I had been.
When I had finished eating, the table was carried out of the room over the heads of people. I was placed in the corner of the room, with a stand having a Bible, hymn book and a candle on it, hemmed in by a dozen men, with the landlord in the center.
There were present some five hundred persons who had come together not to hear a Gospel sermon, but to have some fun.
I read a hymn, and asked them to sing. Not a soul would sing a word.
I told them I had not the gift of singing; but with the help of the Lord. I would both pray and preach. I knelt down to pray, and the men around me dropped on their knees. I prayed to the Lord to give me His Spirit and to show me the hearts of the people. I promised the Lord in my prayer I would deliver to that congregation whatever He would give to me. I arose and spoke one hour and a half and it was one of the best sermons of my life.
The lives of the congregation were opened to the vision of my mind, and I told them of their wicked deeds and the reward they would obtain. The men who surrounded me dropped their heads. Three minutes after I closed I was the only person in the room.
Soon I was shown to a bed in a room adjoining a large one in which were assembled many of the men whom I had been preaching to. I could hear their conversation.
One man said he would like to know how that “Mormon” boy knew of their past lives.
In a little while they got to disputing about some doctrinal point. One suggested calling me to decide the point. The landlord said, “No; we have had enough for once.”
In the morning I had a good breakfast. The landlord said if I came that way again to stop at his house, and stay as long as I might choose.[2]
[1] “Leaves from My Journal,” p. 8.
[2] “Leaves from My Journal,” p. 16-18.
"Missionary Work in England." Young Woman's Journal. October 1915. pg. 649-650.
Missionary Work in England.
President Wilford Woodruff’s labors in England were marked by wonderful success. Great numbers received his message. Yielding implicit obedience to the promptings of the Holy Spirit, he enjoyed its ministrations in a marked degree. He tells the following:
“I preached twice during the day to a large assembly in the city hall in the town of Hanley. * * * While singing the first hymn, the Spirit of the Lord rested upon me and the voice of God said to me, ‘This is the last meeting you will hold with this people for many days-’ I was astonished at this, as I had many appointments out in that district. * * *
“In the morning I went in secret before the Lord and asked Him what was His will concerning me. The answer I received was that I should go to the south ; for the Lord had a great work for me to perform there. (Following this prompting Brother Woodruff went to the home of Mr. John Benbow of Herefordshire.)
“I rejoiced greatly at the news Mr. Benbow gave me, that there was a company of men and women—over six hundred in number, who had broken off from the Wesleyan Methodists and taken the name of United Brethren. They had forty- five preachers among them. * * * This body of United Brethren were searching for light and truth, but had gone as far as they could, and were calling upon the Lord continually to open the way before them, and send them light and knowledge, that they might know the true way to be saved.
“On Sunday, I preached at John Benbow’s. When I arose to speak * * * a man entered the door and informed me that he 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 people.’ I told him that I, as well as the rector, had a license for preaching 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. For an hour and a quarter I preached the first principles of the everlasting Gospel. 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 the door for baptism and several offered themselves. Among the number were four preachers, and the constable. The latter arose and said, ‘Mr. Woodruff, I would like to be baptized.’ I told him I would like to baptize him. I went down into the pool and baptized the seven.
“I continued to preach and baptize daily. * * * 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.”[1]
[1] Life of Wilford Woodruff, pp. 116- 119.
Missionary Work in England.
President Wilford Woodruff’s labors in England were marked by wonderful success. Great numbers received his message. Yielding implicit obedience to the promptings of the Holy Spirit, he enjoyed its ministrations in a marked degree. He tells the following:
“I preached twice during the day to a large assembly in the city hall in the town of Hanley. * * * While singing the first hymn, the Spirit of the Lord rested upon me and the voice of God said to me, ‘This is the last meeting you will hold with this people for many days-’ I was astonished at this, as I had many appointments out in that district. * * *
“In the morning I went in secret before the Lord and asked Him what was His will concerning me. The answer I received was that I should go to the south ; for the Lord had a great work for me to perform there. (Following this prompting Brother Woodruff went to the home of Mr. John Benbow of Herefordshire.)
“I rejoiced greatly at the news Mr. Benbow gave me, that there was a company of men and women—over six hundred in number, who had broken off from the Wesleyan Methodists and taken the name of United Brethren. They had forty- five preachers among them. * * * This body of United Brethren were searching for light and truth, but had gone as far as they could, and were calling upon the Lord continually to open the way before them, and send them light and knowledge, that they might know the true way to be saved.
“On Sunday, I preached at John Benbow’s. When I arose to speak * * * a man entered the door and informed me that he 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 people.’ I told him that I, as well as the rector, had a license for preaching 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. For an hour and a quarter I preached the first principles of the everlasting Gospel. 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 the door for baptism and several offered themselves. Among the number were four preachers, and the constable. The latter arose and said, ‘Mr. Woodruff, I would like to be baptized.’ I told him I would like to baptize him. I went down into the pool and baptized the seven.
“I continued to preach and baptize daily. * * * 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.”[1]
[1] Life of Wilford Woodruff, pp. 116- 119.
"A Day of God's Power." Young Woman's Journal. December 1915. pg. 778-779.
A Day of God’s Power.
In 1839 the Latter-day Saints began the settlement of Nauvoo, Illinois. They had been driven from the state of Missouri. They were without homes and were living in wagons and tents. Many were sick from exposure and from the unhealthy condition of the lowlands along the banks of the Mississippi. It was at this time that an event took place which is memorable in our Church history.
(1) President Wilford Woodruff writes as follows: “Brother Joseph had waited on the sick until he was worn out and nearly sick himself. On the morning of the 22nd of July he arose, reflecting upon the situation 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 occasion. He healed all in his house and door- yard, then, in company with Sidney Rigdon and several of the Twelve, he went among the sick lying on the bank of the river, and he commanded 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 had 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 Pres. 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, follow me.’ These were the only words spoken by any of the company from the time they left Brother Brigham’s house until we crossed the public square, and entered Brother Fordham’s house. Brother Fordham had been dying for an hour, and we expected each minute would be his last. I felt the power of God that was overwhelming His Prophet.
"‘When we entered the house. Brother Joseph walked up to Broth- tr Fordham and took him by the right hand; in his left hand he held his hat. He saw that Brother Fordham’s eyes were glazed, and that he was speechless and unconscious. After taking hold of his hand, he looked down into the dying man’s face and said, ‘Brother Fordham, do you not know me?’ At first he made no reply but we could all see the effect of the Spirit of God resting upon him. He again said, ‘Elijah, do you not know me?’ With a low whisper, Brother Fordham answered, "Yes!’ The Prophet then said, ‘Have you not faith to be healed ?’ The answer, which was a little plainer than before, was, ‘I am afraid it is too late. If you had come sooner, I think it might have been.’ He had the appearance of a man awakening from sleep. It was the sleep of death. Joseph then said, "Do you not believe that Jesus is the Christ?’ "I do, Brother Joseph,’ was the response. Then the Prophet spoke with a loud voice, as in the majesty of the Godhead, "Elijah, I command you, in the name of Jesus of Nazareth, to arise and be made whole!’ The words of the Prophet were not like the words of man but like the voice of God. It seemed to me that the house shook from its foundation. Elijah Fordham leaped from his bed like a man raised from the dead. A healthy color came to his face, and life was manifest in every act. * * * He called for his clothes and put them on. He asked for a bowl of bread and milk, and ate it; then put on his hat and followed us into the street, to visit others who were sick.”[1]
[1] "Leaves From My Journal,” p. 62-64.
A Day of God’s Power.
In 1839 the Latter-day Saints began the settlement of Nauvoo, Illinois. They had been driven from the state of Missouri. They were without homes and were living in wagons and tents. Many were sick from exposure and from the unhealthy condition of the lowlands along the banks of the Mississippi. It was at this time that an event took place which is memorable in our Church history.
(1) President Wilford Woodruff writes as follows: “Brother Joseph had waited on the sick until he was worn out and nearly sick himself. On the morning of the 22nd of July he arose, reflecting upon the situation 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 occasion. He healed all in his house and door- yard, then, in company with Sidney Rigdon and several of the Twelve, he went among the sick lying on the bank of the river, and he commanded 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 had 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 Pres. 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, follow me.’ These were the only words spoken by any of the company from the time they left Brother Brigham’s house until we crossed the public square, and entered Brother Fordham’s house. Brother Fordham had been dying for an hour, and we expected each minute would be his last. I felt the power of God that was overwhelming His Prophet.
"‘When we entered the house. Brother Joseph walked up to Broth- tr Fordham and took him by the right hand; in his left hand he held his hat. He saw that Brother Fordham’s eyes were glazed, and that he was speechless and unconscious. After taking hold of his hand, he looked down into the dying man’s face and said, ‘Brother Fordham, do you not know me?’ At first he made no reply but we could all see the effect of the Spirit of God resting upon him. He again said, ‘Elijah, do you not know me?’ With a low whisper, Brother Fordham answered, "Yes!’ The Prophet then said, ‘Have you not faith to be healed ?’ The answer, which was a little plainer than before, was, ‘I am afraid it is too late. If you had come sooner, I think it might have been.’ He had the appearance of a man awakening from sleep. It was the sleep of death. Joseph then said, "Do you not believe that Jesus is the Christ?’ "I do, Brother Joseph,’ was the response. Then the Prophet spoke with a loud voice, as in the majesty of the Godhead, "Elijah, I command you, in the name of Jesus of Nazareth, to arise and be made whole!’ The words of the Prophet were not like the words of man but like the voice of God. It seemed to me that the house shook from its foundation. Elijah Fordham leaped from his bed like a man raised from the dead. A healthy color came to his face, and life was manifest in every act. * * * He called for his clothes and put them on. He asked for a bowl of bread and milk, and ate it; then put on his hat and followed us into the street, to visit others who were sick.”[1]
[1] "Leaves From My Journal,” p. 62-64.
"Incident from the Life of Wilford Woodruff." Young Woman's Journal. January 1916. pg. 55.
Incident from the Life of Wilford Woodruff.
“On the 19th of July (1837) * * * I held a meeting in the Methodist meetinghouse in the town of Farmington, (Connecticut). I had a large congregation of citizens with whom I had been acquainted from my youth. My parents, wife, and sister attended the meeting. The congregation seemed satisfied with the doctrines I taught, and requested me to hold another meeting; but I felt anxious to continue my journey, and on the 20th of July I parted from father, stepmother, and sister, and, with my wife, took stage for Hartford. On my arrival there, not having money to pay fare for both of us, I paid my wife’s fare to Rowley, Massachusetts, where there was a branch of the Church presided over by Brother Nathaniel Holmes. * * * I journeyed on foot. The first day I walked fifty-two miles, the second day forty-eight, and the third day thirty-six miles, arriving at Rowley at two o’clock, having made the one hundred and thirty-six miles in a little over two and a half days. On the second day, when within a mile or two of my stopping place, I felt so weary and worn-out that every step was made with painful effort. Just then a gentleman came dashing along in his carriage. As he came up I prayed to the Lord that he would invite me to ride. Instead of doing this he went by with great speed until about ten rods ahead, when his horse, without being spoken to. or reined up. and for some cause unknown to the driver, came to a sudden stop. It appeared as if a barrier, unseen by others, stood in his way. Instantly the gentleman turned and asked me to ride. The invitation I accepted gladly and we sped on our way.”[1]
[1] “Wilford Woodruff”, p. 74
Incident from the Life of Wilford Woodruff.
“On the 19th of July (1837) * * * I held a meeting in the Methodist meetinghouse in the town of Farmington, (Connecticut). I had a large congregation of citizens with whom I had been acquainted from my youth. My parents, wife, and sister attended the meeting. The congregation seemed satisfied with the doctrines I taught, and requested me to hold another meeting; but I felt anxious to continue my journey, and on the 20th of July I parted from father, stepmother, and sister, and, with my wife, took stage for Hartford. On my arrival there, not having money to pay fare for both of us, I paid my wife’s fare to Rowley, Massachusetts, where there was a branch of the Church presided over by Brother Nathaniel Holmes. * * * I journeyed on foot. The first day I walked fifty-two miles, the second day forty-eight, and the third day thirty-six miles, arriving at Rowley at two o’clock, having made the one hundred and thirty-six miles in a little over two and a half days. On the second day, when within a mile or two of my stopping place, I felt so weary and worn-out that every step was made with painful effort. Just then a gentleman came dashing along in his carriage. As he came up I prayed to the Lord that he would invite me to ride. Instead of doing this he went by with great speed until about ten rods ahead, when his horse, without being spoken to. or reined up. and for some cause unknown to the driver, came to a sudden stop. It appeared as if a barrier, unseen by others, stood in his way. Instantly the gentleman turned and asked me to ride. The invitation I accepted gladly and we sped on our way.”[1]
[1] “Wilford Woodruff”, p. 74
"Incidents from the Life of Wilford Woodruff." Young Woman's Journal. February 1916. pg. 116-117.
Incidents from the Life of President Wilford Woodruff.
Perhaps no man in the Church has enjoyed the inspiration of the Holy Spirit to a greater degree than President Woodruff. He was always humble, gentle, and full of faith, and the Lord blessed him wonderfully in this respect.
(1) In 1832, Brother Woodruff happened to read a newspaper article concerning the Latter-day Saints. This was the first he had ever heard of this people, and although the article ridiculed them it gave him a desire to meet them and hear of their doctrines. About this time he was making plans to move to western New York, when a peculiar circumstance happened. He writes: “The spirit that was upon me day and night said, ‘Go to Rhode Island.’ My mind was greatly exercised over the matter for I could not comprehend what it meant. I went to live with my brother Azmon until our departure for New York. After saluting him 1 said, ‘I wonder what the Lord wants of me in Rhode Island! The Spirit of the Lord has rested upon me for two weeks and said, “Go to Rhode Island.” In about an hour after this my brother Asahel arrived on a visit. After shaking hands with him, almost the first words he spoke were: T wonder what the Lord’ wants of me in Rhode Island! The Spirit of the Lord has been upon me for two or three weeks and has told me to go to Rhode Island/ This caused us to marvel exceedingly. We had not seen each other for several months. My brother Azmon thought that as we were ready to go to New York, we had better not go to Rhode Island. To this we consented with great reluctance. I felt sure it was our duty to go there, although at that time it was a mystery.”[1]
Brother Woodruff afterwards learned that if they had obeyed this prompting of the spirit, they would have met the Elders in Rhode Island and would have received the Gospel at least a year earlier than they did.
(2) President Woodruff also relates the following: “In 1848, after my return to Winter Quarters from our pioneer journey,
I was appointed by the Presidency of the Church to take my family and go to Boston to gather up the remnant of the Latter-day Saints and lead them to the valleys of the mountains.
“While on my way east I put my carriage into the yard of one of the brethren in Indiana, and Brother Orson Hyde set his wagon by the side of mine, and not more than two feet from it. Dominicus Carter, of Provo, and my wife and four children were with me. My wife, one child, and I went to bed in the carriage, the rest sleeping in the house.
“I had been in bed but a short time when a voice said to me: ‘Get up, and move your carriage/
“It was not thunder, lightning, or an earthquake, but the still small voice of the Spirit of God—the Holy Ghost. I told my wife I must get tip and move my carriage. She asked: ‘What for?’ I told her I did not know, only the Spirit told me to do it.
“I got up and moved my carriage several rods, and set it by the side of the house. As I was returning the same Spirit said to me, ‘Go and move your mules away from that oak tree/ which was about one hundred yards north of our carriage. I moved them to a young hickory grove and tied them up. I then went to bed.
“In thirty minutes a whirlwind caught the tree to which my mules had been fastened, broke it off near the ground, and carried it one hundred yards, sweeping away two fences in its course, and laid it prostrate through that yard where my carriage stood, and the top limbs hit my carriage as it was.
“In the morning I measured the trunk of the tree which fell where my carriage had stood, and I found it to be five feet in diameter. It came within a foot of Brother Hyde’s wagon, but did not touch it.”[2]
[1] “Life of Wilford Woodruff," (CowIey). p. 30.
[2] “Leaves from My Journal.” p 88.
Incidents from the Life of President Wilford Woodruff.
Perhaps no man in the Church has enjoyed the inspiration of the Holy Spirit to a greater degree than President Woodruff. He was always humble, gentle, and full of faith, and the Lord blessed him wonderfully in this respect.
(1) In 1832, Brother Woodruff happened to read a newspaper article concerning the Latter-day Saints. This was the first he had ever heard of this people, and although the article ridiculed them it gave him a desire to meet them and hear of their doctrines. About this time he was making plans to move to western New York, when a peculiar circumstance happened. He writes: “The spirit that was upon me day and night said, ‘Go to Rhode Island.’ My mind was greatly exercised over the matter for I could not comprehend what it meant. I went to live with my brother Azmon until our departure for New York. After saluting him 1 said, ‘I wonder what the Lord wants of me in Rhode Island! The Spirit of the Lord has rested upon me for two weeks and said, “Go to Rhode Island.” In about an hour after this my brother Asahel arrived on a visit. After shaking hands with him, almost the first words he spoke were: T wonder what the Lord’ wants of me in Rhode Island! The Spirit of the Lord has been upon me for two or three weeks and has told me to go to Rhode Island/ This caused us to marvel exceedingly. We had not seen each other for several months. My brother Azmon thought that as we were ready to go to New York, we had better not go to Rhode Island. To this we consented with great reluctance. I felt sure it was our duty to go there, although at that time it was a mystery.”[1]
Brother Woodruff afterwards learned that if they had obeyed this prompting of the spirit, they would have met the Elders in Rhode Island and would have received the Gospel at least a year earlier than they did.
(2) President Woodruff also relates the following: “In 1848, after my return to Winter Quarters from our pioneer journey,
I was appointed by the Presidency of the Church to take my family and go to Boston to gather up the remnant of the Latter-day Saints and lead them to the valleys of the mountains.
“While on my way east I put my carriage into the yard of one of the brethren in Indiana, and Brother Orson Hyde set his wagon by the side of mine, and not more than two feet from it. Dominicus Carter, of Provo, and my wife and four children were with me. My wife, one child, and I went to bed in the carriage, the rest sleeping in the house.
“I had been in bed but a short time when a voice said to me: ‘Get up, and move your carriage/
“It was not thunder, lightning, or an earthquake, but the still small voice of the Spirit of God—the Holy Ghost. I told my wife I must get tip and move my carriage. She asked: ‘What for?’ I told her I did not know, only the Spirit told me to do it.
“I got up and moved my carriage several rods, and set it by the side of the house. As I was returning the same Spirit said to me, ‘Go and move your mules away from that oak tree/ which was about one hundred yards north of our carriage. I moved them to a young hickory grove and tied them up. I then went to bed.
“In thirty minutes a whirlwind caught the tree to which my mules had been fastened, broke it off near the ground, and carried it one hundred yards, sweeping away two fences in its course, and laid it prostrate through that yard where my carriage stood, and the top limbs hit my carriage as it was.
“In the morning I measured the trunk of the tree which fell where my carriage had stood, and I found it to be five feet in diameter. It came within a foot of Brother Hyde’s wagon, but did not touch it.”[2]
[1] “Life of Wilford Woodruff," (CowIey). p. 30.
[2] “Leaves from My Journal.” p 88.
"From President Wilford Woodruff's History." Young Woman's Journal. November 1916. pg. 705-706.
From President Wilford Woodruff’s History.
All the older members of the Church will remember the “raid” of about thirty years ago, when the authorities and many of the members of the Church were in hiding for fear of arrest and imprisonment. The following gives sufficient proof that the Lord is just as ready to save as He was anciently:
“On the 5th of February, 1886, a circumstance transpired, by which President Woodruff and Apostle Erastus Snow escaped arrest. President Woodruff thought the circumstance worthy of a place in history. Ea.lv in the morning of that day he and Erastus Snow went to the Historian’s office in pursuance of an appointment to meet a number of the brethren there. Before he had been long in the building it was surrounded by deputy marshals. He and Elders Snow and Richards had been watching the officers from the windows as they searched the Gar- do House. They had also observed the “raid” made upon the President’s office and the Tithing office. When the marshals, however, came to the Historian’s office, President Woodruff offered a silent, fervent prayer in his heart that the Lord would blind his enemies. He then, in company with Andrew Jenson, went into the street in the midst of nearly twenty officers. They were apparently dazed as he walked before them and he attracted no attention. He crossed the street to the President’s office, passed through the east gate, entered a buggy with Seymour B. Young, and was driven to the home of Elder Young’s mother. In the evening he made his way to his home in Farmers Ward, then took his departure for a year of exile from his family and associates in office.”[1]
[1] Wilford Woodruff, p. 559.
From President Wilford Woodruff’s History.
All the older members of the Church will remember the “raid” of about thirty years ago, when the authorities and many of the members of the Church were in hiding for fear of arrest and imprisonment. The following gives sufficient proof that the Lord is just as ready to save as He was anciently:
“On the 5th of February, 1886, a circumstance transpired, by which President Woodruff and Apostle Erastus Snow escaped arrest. President Woodruff thought the circumstance worthy of a place in history. Ea.lv in the morning of that day he and Erastus Snow went to the Historian’s office in pursuance of an appointment to meet a number of the brethren there. Before he had been long in the building it was surrounded by deputy marshals. He and Elders Snow and Richards had been watching the officers from the windows as they searched the Gar- do House. They had also observed the “raid” made upon the President’s office and the Tithing office. When the marshals, however, came to the Historian’s office, President Woodruff offered a silent, fervent prayer in his heart that the Lord would blind his enemies. He then, in company with Andrew Jenson, went into the street in the midst of nearly twenty officers. They were apparently dazed as he walked before them and he attracted no attention. He crossed the street to the President’s office, passed through the east gate, entered a buggy with Seymour B. Young, and was driven to the home of Elder Young’s mother. In the evening he made his way to his home in Farmers Ward, then took his departure for a year of exile from his family and associates in office.”[1]
[1] Wilford Woodruff, p. 559.
"Instances of Healing in This Generation." Young Woman's Journal. December 1916. pg. 774-775.
Instances of Healing in This Generation.
The history of our Church is replete with instances of miraculous healings through the laying on of hands and the faith and prayers of the Saints. It is not too much to say that every family in good fellowship could relate some circumstance in their own experience where the gift of healing has been made manifest.
President Woodruff wrote in his journal as follows: “A Sister Turtle was very low with yellow fever. Some of Job’s comforters had called upon her and reproached her for being a Latter-day Saint, and had asked her why she did not get her elders to heal her. While under this strain and reproach she cried out, ‘O, that the Lord would send Brother Woodruff here!’ It was only a few moments before she received a note from me saying that I was coming to see her. When I came, we laid hands upon her and she was healed, and I returned home praising God. The following day, Sunday, Mr. Smith Turtle and his wife, who had been healed the day before, were present in our meeting.”[1]
[1] “Wilford Woodruff’s History,” p. 333.
Instances of Healing in This Generation.
The history of our Church is replete with instances of miraculous healings through the laying on of hands and the faith and prayers of the Saints. It is not too much to say that every family in good fellowship could relate some circumstance in their own experience where the gift of healing has been made manifest.
President Woodruff wrote in his journal as follows: “A Sister Turtle was very low with yellow fever. Some of Job’s comforters had called upon her and reproached her for being a Latter-day Saint, and had asked her why she did not get her elders to heal her. While under this strain and reproach she cried out, ‘O, that the Lord would send Brother Woodruff here!’ It was only a few moments before she received a note from me saying that I was coming to see her. When I came, we laid hands upon her and she was healed, and I returned home praising God. The following day, Sunday, Mr. Smith Turtle and his wife, who had been healed the day before, were present in our meeting.”[1]
[1] “Wilford Woodruff’s History,” p. 333.
Talmage, May Booth. "The Glorious Youthfulness of a Grand Old Age." Young Woman's Journal. February 1917. pg. 76-77.
PRESIDENT WILFORD WOODRUFF.
Three score and ten! How different the point of view to the youth looking into the future wondering if he will ever be permitted to reach that venerable age, and to a man who like President Wilford Woodruff looks back to that period through twenty added years—years filled to the brim with activity and achievement. He was just past seventy when, immediately after the dedication of the St. George Temple, he was appointed President thereof. For two years he labored with marked diligence and success in this position. He then was made President of the Quorum of Twelve, and after nine years efficient service in this capacity he was called to preside over the Church. As President of the Church, Trustee in Trust, General President of the Y. M. M. I. A. and in numerous business positions he served for nine other years with honor and fidelity. At the age of eighty-six he officiated at the dedicatory services of the Salt Lake Temple and offered that marvelous prayer which thrills one yet to read. The same year he visited the World’s Fair in Chicago and returned by way of Independence, Mo., from which State the Saints were driven just sixty years before. Two years later he made the wonderful journey to Alaska. His ninetieth birthday was celebrated in the great Tabernacle and at the close of the proceedings our venerable leader shook hands with the vast concourse of friends who thronged the building. A few months later he officiated at the unveiling of the Brigham Young monument, and the same day attended a reception at which he was crowned with flowers and received a gold badge designed for the oldest pioneer present. In his ninety-second year he passed to his reward full of years and wisdom.
PRESIDENT WILFORD WOODRUFF.
Three score and ten! How different the point of view to the youth looking into the future wondering if he will ever be permitted to reach that venerable age, and to a man who like President Wilford Woodruff looks back to that period through twenty added years—years filled to the brim with activity and achievement. He was just past seventy when, immediately after the dedication of the St. George Temple, he was appointed President thereof. For two years he labored with marked diligence and success in this position. He then was made President of the Quorum of Twelve, and after nine years efficient service in this capacity he was called to preside over the Church. As President of the Church, Trustee in Trust, General President of the Y. M. M. I. A. and in numerous business positions he served for nine other years with honor and fidelity. At the age of eighty-six he officiated at the dedicatory services of the Salt Lake Temple and offered that marvelous prayer which thrills one yet to read. The same year he visited the World’s Fair in Chicago and returned by way of Independence, Mo., from which State the Saints were driven just sixty years before. Two years later he made the wonderful journey to Alaska. His ninetieth birthday was celebrated in the great Tabernacle and at the close of the proceedings our venerable leader shook hands with the vast concourse of friends who thronged the building. A few months later he officiated at the unveiling of the Brigham Young monument, and the same day attended a reception at which he was crowned with flowers and received a gold badge designed for the oldest pioneer present. In his ninety-second year he passed to his reward full of years and wisdom.
Grant, Heber J. "President Wilford Woodruff a True Prophet of God." Young Woman's Journal. October 1919. pg. 540-541.
President Wilford Woodruff a True Prophet of God.
From Address of President Heber J. Grant at General Conference, June, 1919.
I can bear witness that Wilford Woodruff was in very deed a servant of the living God and a true Prophet of God. Wilford Woodruff, a humble man, converted and baptized hundreds of people in a few months in Herefordshire, England. In eight months, as I now remember it, he baptized between fifteen hundred and two thousand souls. I believe that no other man who ever walked the face of the earth was a greater converter of souls to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He was a man of the most wonderful and marvelous humility; a man who had never been engaged in any great business affairs; a man who had devoted himself to farming, who had been engaged in raising fruits and cultivating the soil; a humble man, of whom I had heard many people say that he lacked the ability to preside over the Church of Christ. But I want to bear witness to you that, under the inspiration of the Lord, and because of the humility of the man, because of his godlike life and because God loved him, he was blessed upon more than one occasion with wisdom that was superior to all the wisdom of the bright financial minds in the Church.
President Woodruff announced that the Lord would like the great business of manufacturing sugar established in our midst, and a committee was appointed from the directorate of two of the largest Church institutions, two of the most substantial in all Israel, to look into the matter. They investigated the advisability of establishing the beet sugar industry in this State and unanimously reported adversely. President Woodruff was not satisfied. Another committee was appointed. I was on the first committee and he appointed me on the second committee. I begged to be excused, because I had already formed my opinion, had already signed my name to a report, but he would not listen to my request to be excused. We went into the matter again, thoroughly and carefully, and the second committee reported adversely. President Woodruff said: “Never mind the report. The inspiration to me is to establish the sugar industry.”
I was called upon a mission, and a letter was given to me in connection with other members of the Council of the Apostles, and we were sent out to ask men to subscribe for stock in the Utah Sugar Company. I took individual letters to different men asking them to subscribe. I delivered a letter to the late David Eccles, than whom I never met a clearer-headed business man in my life, and I have met men who draw their hundred thousand dollars and more every year in salary. He had a comprehensive grasp on business affairs which to me was superior to that of any man I ever met. David smiled when the letter was presented to him, signed by President Woodruff and his counselors, asking him to invest five thousand dollars, or seven thousand five hundred dollars. He said: “Well, I would like to get off at the lowest figure. You can put me down for five thousand dollars.” Then he added: "I hope they will buy lumber from me, so I may make a profit on a part of the five thousand dollars; and after I get the stock, if you can find someone who would like to buy it for twenty-five hundred dollars, I will be much obliged to you if you will come and get the stock.” Years later, when he put hundreds of thousands of dollars into the sugar business, I don’t know whether or not he felt to give credit to that humble man, Wilford Woodruff, for the inspiration of the Lord, whereby this great industry was established.
But for the inspiration of the Lord to Wilford Woodruff I doubt if we would have any sugar business in this state or in Idaho, today, that would amount to very much. T am inclined to think that the Great Western or some other company would have established the business in Utah and Idaho, and that the people of these states would simply have been working for them instead of owning the majority of the stock in our great inter-mountain factories.
After we had let the contract for the building of the sugar factory at ‘hi, the panic of 1891 came on.
There was a provision in the contract that before the machinery was shipped by the Dyer Company, if we would pay a forfeit of fifty thousand dollars the contract could be cancelled. I had been sent to New York, Chicago, Boston, Philadelphia, San Francisco and other places, by the Presidency, to try to raise the money necessary to build this factory, but it looked like an impossibility to get the money. It was the opinion of business men and others that we should pay the fifty thousand dollars forfeit and abandon the enterprise; but when the recommendation was presented, Wilford Woodruff’s answer was this: “From the day I received a knowledge of the divinity of the gospel of Jesus Christ revealed through the Prophet Joseph Smith, from the day that I went out as a humble priest to proclaim that gospel, although it looked like death in front of me, if the path of duty that the gospel required me to tread called me to face death, I have never turned to the right nor turned to the left; and now the inspiration of the Lord to me is to build this factory. Every time I think of abandoning it, there is darkness; and every time I think of building it, there is light. We will build the factory if it bursts the Church.”
We did built it and it did not burst the Church (laughter); and it and subsequent factories have made for our people and for the Church millions of dollars.
President Wilford Woodruff a True Prophet of God.
From Address of President Heber J. Grant at General Conference, June, 1919.
I can bear witness that Wilford Woodruff was in very deed a servant of the living God and a true Prophet of God. Wilford Woodruff, a humble man, converted and baptized hundreds of people in a few months in Herefordshire, England. In eight months, as I now remember it, he baptized between fifteen hundred and two thousand souls. I believe that no other man who ever walked the face of the earth was a greater converter of souls to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He was a man of the most wonderful and marvelous humility; a man who had never been engaged in any great business affairs; a man who had devoted himself to farming, who had been engaged in raising fruits and cultivating the soil; a humble man, of whom I had heard many people say that he lacked the ability to preside over the Church of Christ. But I want to bear witness to you that, under the inspiration of the Lord, and because of the humility of the man, because of his godlike life and because God loved him, he was blessed upon more than one occasion with wisdom that was superior to all the wisdom of the bright financial minds in the Church.
President Woodruff announced that the Lord would like the great business of manufacturing sugar established in our midst, and a committee was appointed from the directorate of two of the largest Church institutions, two of the most substantial in all Israel, to look into the matter. They investigated the advisability of establishing the beet sugar industry in this State and unanimously reported adversely. President Woodruff was not satisfied. Another committee was appointed. I was on the first committee and he appointed me on the second committee. I begged to be excused, because I had already formed my opinion, had already signed my name to a report, but he would not listen to my request to be excused. We went into the matter again, thoroughly and carefully, and the second committee reported adversely. President Woodruff said: “Never mind the report. The inspiration to me is to establish the sugar industry.”
I was called upon a mission, and a letter was given to me in connection with other members of the Council of the Apostles, and we were sent out to ask men to subscribe for stock in the Utah Sugar Company. I took individual letters to different men asking them to subscribe. I delivered a letter to the late David Eccles, than whom I never met a clearer-headed business man in my life, and I have met men who draw their hundred thousand dollars and more every year in salary. He had a comprehensive grasp on business affairs which to me was superior to that of any man I ever met. David smiled when the letter was presented to him, signed by President Woodruff and his counselors, asking him to invest five thousand dollars, or seven thousand five hundred dollars. He said: “Well, I would like to get off at the lowest figure. You can put me down for five thousand dollars.” Then he added: "I hope they will buy lumber from me, so I may make a profit on a part of the five thousand dollars; and after I get the stock, if you can find someone who would like to buy it for twenty-five hundred dollars, I will be much obliged to you if you will come and get the stock.” Years later, when he put hundreds of thousands of dollars into the sugar business, I don’t know whether or not he felt to give credit to that humble man, Wilford Woodruff, for the inspiration of the Lord, whereby this great industry was established.
But for the inspiration of the Lord to Wilford Woodruff I doubt if we would have any sugar business in this state or in Idaho, today, that would amount to very much. T am inclined to think that the Great Western or some other company would have established the business in Utah and Idaho, and that the people of these states would simply have been working for them instead of owning the majority of the stock in our great inter-mountain factories.
After we had let the contract for the building of the sugar factory at ‘hi, the panic of 1891 came on.
There was a provision in the contract that before the machinery was shipped by the Dyer Company, if we would pay a forfeit of fifty thousand dollars the contract could be cancelled. I had been sent to New York, Chicago, Boston, Philadelphia, San Francisco and other places, by the Presidency, to try to raise the money necessary to build this factory, but it looked like an impossibility to get the money. It was the opinion of business men and others that we should pay the fifty thousand dollars forfeit and abandon the enterprise; but when the recommendation was presented, Wilford Woodruff’s answer was this: “From the day I received a knowledge of the divinity of the gospel of Jesus Christ revealed through the Prophet Joseph Smith, from the day that I went out as a humble priest to proclaim that gospel, although it looked like death in front of me, if the path of duty that the gospel required me to tread called me to face death, I have never turned to the right nor turned to the left; and now the inspiration of the Lord to me is to build this factory. Every time I think of abandoning it, there is darkness; and every time I think of building it, there is light. We will build the factory if it bursts the Church.”
We did built it and it did not burst the Church (laughter); and it and subsequent factories have made for our people and for the Church millions of dollars.
Richards, Lula Greene. "Wilford Woodruff's Birthday Anniversary." Instructor. March 1931. pg. 131-132.
President Wilford Woodruff's Birthday Anniversary
By Lula Greene Richards
Honor to those whose courage bright Shines but for justice, truth and right. The births, of the second, third and fourth Presidents of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints had the distinctive similarity of each occurring on the first day of one of the twelve months of the year. Recollecting this small matter may be a help in calling to loving remembrance the anniversaries of the births of these three great and good men who were chosen of the Lord in their days to be prophets and leaders in His Church.
President Brigham Young, the second leader of the Church, was born June 1st, 1801; the birth of President John Taylor, the third leader, occurred November 1st, 1808; and that of Wilford Woodruff, the fourth president, on March 1st, 1807.
Another pleasant and memory aiding distinction regarding the chronology of the first four presidents of the Latter-day Church is that by their birthdays is represented the . four seasons of the year, Winter, Spring, Summer and Autumn. Joseph Smith the Prophet, December 23, 1805; Wilford Woodruff, March 1st; Brigham Young, June 1st; John Taylor, November 1st.
March 1st, of this year, 1931, brings the one hundred and twenty-fourth anniversary of the birth of President Woodruff. He was twenty-three years old when the Church was organized in 1830. The message of the Gospel restored to earth did not reach him until three years after the Church was organized, but he was prepared to receive the truth as soon as it was presented to him, and was made a member of the Church by being baptized into it as soon as possible.
Brother Woodruff was by nature very spiritually inclined. In his journal he tells of an acquaintance he had as a boy with a visionary and prophetic man known among his neighbors as "Father Robert Mason," ,and called by some a prophet. The wise and scriptural teachings of that man had a marked influence on Wilford in preparing his mind for the quick reception of the true Gospel of Christ when first he heard some of the followers of Joseph Smith tell of its restoration to earth in these latter-days. Father Mason told the boy the time was near at hand when God would again establish His (Church and Kingdom on the earth with all the gifts and blessings enjoyed by His people anciently. The man said he himself would live to see it but not to partake of its blessings in this life; but that Wilford would enter into the work of the Lord and take a conspicuous part in it. And that prophecy was literally fulfilled, the latter part of which is a well known fact to members of the Church.
In contemplating the life of Wilford Woodruff it may be logically presumed that few heroic characters have ever passed a long period of years on this earth to whom more personal accidents with providential rescues from impending death have occurred than to him in his life of ninety-one years and six months. In his extraordinary life journal, a few years previous to its close, after recording what he called "A 'Chapter of Accidents" :he wrote, "A summary of what is here given may be briefly stated thus : I have broken both legs, one of them in two places ; both arms, both ankles, my breast bone and three ribs ; I have been scalded, frozen and drowned ; I have been in two water-wheels while turning under a full head ; I have passed through a score of other hair-breadth escapes. The repeated deliverance from all these remarkable dangers I ascribe to the mercies of my Heavenly Father. I have not now a lame limb about me notwithstanding it all."
Calling to remembrance testimonies such as the above should be a stimulus to us who remain here in this life, and help us to bear in mind how good a thing it is for mortals to live as near to our Heavenly Father as possible, as such men as Wilford Woodruff always do; seeking continuously the companionship of the Holy Spirit, humbly following its dictates, thus feeling justified in rejoicing in the blessed assurance of its unerring guidance and merciful protection.
Reading the histories of the founders and leaders of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints makes us acquainted with and places us mentally and spiritually in contact with some of the noblest and choicest characters which God has ever placed upon this earth to assist in its redemption from the power of the adversary of righteousness.
And when once we imbibe the spirit of such records we find them far more interesting and soul-inspiring than the most enchanting books of romance ever written.
Our Pioneers! Ye brave and true.
Your children must remember you
Who first built forts, then cities where
This desert land lay bleak and bare.
You planted gardens, orchards, fields,
And brought forth all industry yields
For life and vigor, strength and health --
You founded this great commonwealth.
You plowed the ' irrigation ditch,
Brought streams from mountains to enrich
And bless the ground, make bright flowers bloom
And fill the air with sweet perfume.
You built homes, school-rooms, chapels too,
With greater, higher hopes in view --
God's Temples reared by His command,
Wherein His faithful Saints may stand.
And serve and worship in His day
Of power—of Truth's unquestioned sway.
O noble Mormon Pioneers --
How great and grand your work appears!
God will His promises fulfil --
Your children must remember still
Your sacrifices, pains and tears
Which brought them tranquil days and years.
They must not turn from truth's high theme
For most effulgent worldly gleam.
But your straight, even paths pursue --
Thus loyal prove to God and you.
President Wilford Woodruff's Birthday Anniversary
By Lula Greene Richards
Honor to those whose courage bright Shines but for justice, truth and right. The births, of the second, third and fourth Presidents of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints had the distinctive similarity of each occurring on the first day of one of the twelve months of the year. Recollecting this small matter may be a help in calling to loving remembrance the anniversaries of the births of these three great and good men who were chosen of the Lord in their days to be prophets and leaders in His Church.
President Brigham Young, the second leader of the Church, was born June 1st, 1801; the birth of President John Taylor, the third leader, occurred November 1st, 1808; and that of Wilford Woodruff, the fourth president, on March 1st, 1807.
Another pleasant and memory aiding distinction regarding the chronology of the first four presidents of the Latter-day Church is that by their birthdays is represented the . four seasons of the year, Winter, Spring, Summer and Autumn. Joseph Smith the Prophet, December 23, 1805; Wilford Woodruff, March 1st; Brigham Young, June 1st; John Taylor, November 1st.
March 1st, of this year, 1931, brings the one hundred and twenty-fourth anniversary of the birth of President Woodruff. He was twenty-three years old when the Church was organized in 1830. The message of the Gospel restored to earth did not reach him until three years after the Church was organized, but he was prepared to receive the truth as soon as it was presented to him, and was made a member of the Church by being baptized into it as soon as possible.
Brother Woodruff was by nature very spiritually inclined. In his journal he tells of an acquaintance he had as a boy with a visionary and prophetic man known among his neighbors as "Father Robert Mason," ,and called by some a prophet. The wise and scriptural teachings of that man had a marked influence on Wilford in preparing his mind for the quick reception of the true Gospel of Christ when first he heard some of the followers of Joseph Smith tell of its restoration to earth in these latter-days. Father Mason told the boy the time was near at hand when God would again establish His (Church and Kingdom on the earth with all the gifts and blessings enjoyed by His people anciently. The man said he himself would live to see it but not to partake of its blessings in this life; but that Wilford would enter into the work of the Lord and take a conspicuous part in it. And that prophecy was literally fulfilled, the latter part of which is a well known fact to members of the Church.
In contemplating the life of Wilford Woodruff it may be logically presumed that few heroic characters have ever passed a long period of years on this earth to whom more personal accidents with providential rescues from impending death have occurred than to him in his life of ninety-one years and six months. In his extraordinary life journal, a few years previous to its close, after recording what he called "A 'Chapter of Accidents" :he wrote, "A summary of what is here given may be briefly stated thus : I have broken both legs, one of them in two places ; both arms, both ankles, my breast bone and three ribs ; I have been scalded, frozen and drowned ; I have been in two water-wheels while turning under a full head ; I have passed through a score of other hair-breadth escapes. The repeated deliverance from all these remarkable dangers I ascribe to the mercies of my Heavenly Father. I have not now a lame limb about me notwithstanding it all."
Calling to remembrance testimonies such as the above should be a stimulus to us who remain here in this life, and help us to bear in mind how good a thing it is for mortals to live as near to our Heavenly Father as possible, as such men as Wilford Woodruff always do; seeking continuously the companionship of the Holy Spirit, humbly following its dictates, thus feeling justified in rejoicing in the blessed assurance of its unerring guidance and merciful protection.
Reading the histories of the founders and leaders of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints makes us acquainted with and places us mentally and spiritually in contact with some of the noblest and choicest characters which God has ever placed upon this earth to assist in its redemption from the power of the adversary of righteousness.
And when once we imbibe the spirit of such records we find them far more interesting and soul-inspiring than the most enchanting books of romance ever written.
Our Pioneers! Ye brave and true.
Your children must remember you
Who first built forts, then cities where
This desert land lay bleak and bare.
You planted gardens, orchards, fields,
And brought forth all industry yields
For life and vigor, strength and health --
You founded this great commonwealth.
You plowed the ' irrigation ditch,
Brought streams from mountains to enrich
And bless the ground, make bright flowers bloom
And fill the air with sweet perfume.
You built homes, school-rooms, chapels too,
With greater, higher hopes in view --
God's Temples reared by His command,
Wherein His faithful Saints may stand.
And serve and worship in His day
Of power—of Truth's unquestioned sway.
O noble Mormon Pioneers --
How great and grand your work appears!
God will His promises fulfil --
Your children must remember still
Your sacrifices, pains and tears
Which brought them tranquil days and years.
They must not turn from truth's high theme
For most effulgent worldly gleam.
But your straight, even paths pursue --
Thus loyal prove to God and you.
Ballard, Melvin J. "Wilford Woodruff: The Conciliator." Instructor. December 1938. pg. 572-573.
WILFORD WOODRUFF: THE CONCILIATOR By Elder Melvin J. Ballard, of the Council of the Twelve A tribute paid at the Conference of the Deseret Sunday School Union, October 8, 1938 Wilford Woodruff, fourth president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, was born March 1, 1897 [1807], in Farmington, Hartford County, Connecticut. He came of New England stock, many of whom figured nobly in the American Revolution. From his boyhood to the last years of his life he showed intense energy in everything he undertook. He was of a very religious nature, and yet did not affiliate with any church until he was about twenty-six years of age. At this time two Mormon missionaries came into his section of country preaching the restored Gospel. Wilford Woodruff was immediately converted and was baptized on December 31, 1833. He was now seized with a strong desire to become a missionary, and in due time he was appointed by the Church to begin his labors. After prosecuting them in the New England country he was anxious to reach Kirtland. the headquarters of the Church, at which place he arrived on April 25, 1 834, when he had the thrilling experience of meeting the Prophet for the first time. The Prophet was evidently as much impressed with Wilford Woodruff as was Wilford Woodruff with Joseph Smith. They became the closest of friends. Immediately upon arriving in Kirtland Brother Woodruff joined Zion's Camp in the effort to restore the exiled saints to their homes in Missouri. Following this pilgrimage he was ordained a priest and started on a mission to Arkansas and other Southern states. Here he endured the great hardships and severe trials of that early missionary day, and yet was eminently successful. No missionary has enjoyed more of the inspiration of the Lord than, did Wilford Woodruff. On one occasion he was invited to stay at a hotel, provided he would preach. He did not look much like a preacher, spattered with mud, his clothes stained and wet, but Wilford agreed. The hotel was packed with people who came out of curiosity. The inspiration of the Almighty was upon Brother Woodruff to such an extent that he not only preached the Gospel, but told the people about their lives in such a way that he later overheard the conversation of some of them and they could not understand how this young man could tell them about their own lives when he had never seen them before. On April 26, 1839, he was ordained to the apostleship at Far West, Missouri, where the brethren were fulfilling the prediction of the prophet that on that date the Twelve were to start from Far West to begin their foreign missionary labors. His growth in the Church was rapid; he had only been baptized six years when he was elevated to the high position of an Apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ. But his zeal and sacrifice had won him this distinction. Shortly after his ordination, in company with Elders Heber C. Kimball, George A. Smith, John Taylor and others, he started on that great foreign missionary expedition which brought them to Liverpool, England, on January 11, 1840. By divine inspiration he was led from place to place and found groups of people already awaiting his coming. In eight months' time he was given the joyous privilege of bringing 1800 souls into the Church. In the spring of 1844 he started on another mission to the Fox Islands and the New England country. It was while he was on this mission that he learned of the tragic death of the Prophet and his brother Hyrum, and with his associates he returned to Nauvoo where he went through those trying days of readjustment and was a witness that the mantle of Joseph had fallen upon President Brigham Young. Shortly after the death of the Prophet, August 12, 1844, he was called to go back to the British Mission to preside over it. He labored industriously for over a year; then he returned to Nauvoo in the early spring of 1846 in time to join the departing saints for the west. He was one of the pioneer company of 1847, and it was in his carriage that President Brigham Young rode as he came into the Salt Lake Valley and, looking over it, declared this to be the resting place for the Saints. In 1848 he went east again on another mission where he labored for two years, returning in 1850. These missionary labors clearly mark Wilford Woodruff as one of the great outstanding missionaries of not only this but all ages. In those early days he was known as "Wilford the faithful." His life in Utah was a busy one. He was a member of the Legislature and of agricultural societies, promoting the material as well as the spiritual welfare of the new commonwealth. He, more than anyone else, was responsible for the establishment of the sugar beet industry in the west. In 1880 he became the President of the Council of the Twelve, which position he occupied until the death of President Taylor, when Wilford Woodruff became the President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He came to the presidency in a time of trouble. Many brethren were in exile, prisons were filled with those who had been prosecuted for adhering to the revelations of the Lord in maintaining the practice of plural marriage. Much of his own time while President of the Church was spent in exile. The last time I saw him was when I was set apart under his hands with Brother B. H. Roberts and Brother George D. Pyper to open mission work in the large cities of the United States, forty-two years ago this summer. I remember then and on other occasions President Woodruff telling of his anxiety over the condition of the Church and that he had earnestly sought the Lord to know what to do for the deliverance of the people so oppressed. On these occasions he said that the Lord manifested unto him the perils and dangers that would come if we persisted in our maintenance of the practice of plural marriage, and how the Church would be driven again and not only our property confiscated but our citizenship taken. A scene that was heart-rending was portrayed before him and the Lord told Wilford Woodruff that He would not require this of His people. The Lord reminded him of a commandment that He had given to build a temple and that the people had been unable to carry forward that commandment in Missouri, how the Lord had also released the people because their enemies had come upon them and prevented them, and that the Lord had accepted the sacrifice of the Latter-day Saints and would no longer require the practice of plural marriage at their hands. This did not involve the righteousness of the principle, but it suspended its practice. The action taken by the Church, accepting the counsels and the revelation of Wilford Woodruff, brought a new day to the Church. Soon the old days of persecution departed, peace came, and Wilford Woodruff has ever since been called Wilford the Conciliator. He was gifted with a fluent flow of speech, spoke rapidly and under divine inspiration. No one could listen to him without being impressed that he was a man of God. He was a victim of many accidents for Satan had conspired to destroy him, but through the providences of the Almighty he escaped them all and lived to the ripe age of ninety-one, possessed of marvelous powers even to the very last. He was a humble, honest, upright man — a Prophet of God. |
MELVIN J. BALLARD
WILFORD WOODRUFF
|
Cowley, Matthias F. "Excerpts From "Wilford Woodruff"." Relief Society Magazine. November 1940. pg. 780.
EXCERPTS FROM "WILFORD WOODRUFF"
By Matthias F. Cowley
Selected by Marianne C. Sharp
(March, 1844, on leaving for a mission to the Eastern States)
"This was the last mission the Prophet ever gave to the Twelve Apostles in this dispensation. He wished none of us to remain by him except Willard Richards. Apostle John Taylor was later required to remain and take charge of the printings and publications. The Prophet then turned to me and said: 'Brother Woodruff, I want you to go, and if you do not you will die.' His words rested with mighty weight upon me when he spoke, and I have often thought since, in contemplation of the awful tragedy of his and Hyrum's martyrdom, how truly his words would have been verified had I remained. ... I took the parting hand of Hyrum and Joseph at their own dwellings. Joseph stood in the entry of his door when I took his hand to bid him farewell. ... As he took me by the hand, he said, 'Brother Woodruff, you are about to start upon your mission.' I answered, 'Yes.' He looked me steadily in the eye for a time without speaking a word; he looked as though he would penetrate my very soul, and at the same time seemed unspeakably sorrowful, as if weighed down by a foreboding of something dreadful. He finally spoke in a mournful voice, 'God bless you. Brother Woodruff; go in peace.' . . . Sad were the last months of the Prophet's life." (Page 205)
"The Lord will not permit me or any other man to lead this people astray. If an Apostle does not magnify his calling, the Lord will remove him and not permit him to lead away the people." (Page 418)
"Twenty-two years ago today, I drove the team which brought President Brigham Young from Emigration Canyon into this city. He lay upon a bed, sick in my carriage. As soon as his eyes rested upon the beautiful yet desert scene of the valley before us, he said: 'This is the place; for the Lord has shown it to me in a vision.'" (Page 460)
"There is one subject I wish to speak upon, and that is the keeping of a journal with respect to the dealings of God with us . . . but when the Prophet Joseph organized the Quorum of the Twelve, he counseled them to keep a history of their lives, and gave his reasons why they should do so. I have had this spirit and calling upon me since I first entered this Church. I made a record from the first sermon I heard, and from that day until now I have kept a daily journal. Whenever I heard Joseph Smith preach, teach, or prophesy, I always felt it my duty to write it; I felt uneasy and could not eat, drink, or sleep until I did write; and my mind has been so exercised upon this subject that when I heard Joseph Smith teach and had no pencil or paper, I would go home and sit down and write the whole sermon, almost word for word and sentence by sentence, as it was delivered, and when I had written it, it was taken from me; I remembered it no more. This was the gift of God to me." (Page 477)
1869—"Look at him (Joseph F. Smith) , children, for he resembles the Prophet Joseph more than any man living. He will become the President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I want you, every one of you, to remember what I have told you this morning." (Page 536)
Joseph F. Smith became President of the Church in 1901. "Bishop Hunter said on several occasions that I would outlive President Taylor and become President of the Church. On these occasions, I rebuked the Bishop and asked him not to prophesy of me such a thing. Each time he answered, 'Nevertheless it is true, and will come to pass.' " (Page 560)
1897—"Live near to God; pray while young; learn to pray; learn to cultivate the Holy Spirit of God; link it to you and it will become a spirit of revelation unto you, inasmuch as you nourish it. I feel thankful myself that I have lived to see this day. I declare unto you that there are many in the flesh who will remain so until the coming of the Son of Man." (Page 603)
EXCERPTS FROM "WILFORD WOODRUFF"
By Matthias F. Cowley
Selected by Marianne C. Sharp
(March, 1844, on leaving for a mission to the Eastern States)
"This was the last mission the Prophet ever gave to the Twelve Apostles in this dispensation. He wished none of us to remain by him except Willard Richards. Apostle John Taylor was later required to remain and take charge of the printings and publications. The Prophet then turned to me and said: 'Brother Woodruff, I want you to go, and if you do not you will die.' His words rested with mighty weight upon me when he spoke, and I have often thought since, in contemplation of the awful tragedy of his and Hyrum's martyrdom, how truly his words would have been verified had I remained. ... I took the parting hand of Hyrum and Joseph at their own dwellings. Joseph stood in the entry of his door when I took his hand to bid him farewell. ... As he took me by the hand, he said, 'Brother Woodruff, you are about to start upon your mission.' I answered, 'Yes.' He looked me steadily in the eye for a time without speaking a word; he looked as though he would penetrate my very soul, and at the same time seemed unspeakably sorrowful, as if weighed down by a foreboding of something dreadful. He finally spoke in a mournful voice, 'God bless you. Brother Woodruff; go in peace.' . . . Sad were the last months of the Prophet's life." (Page 205)
"The Lord will not permit me or any other man to lead this people astray. If an Apostle does not magnify his calling, the Lord will remove him and not permit him to lead away the people." (Page 418)
"Twenty-two years ago today, I drove the team which brought President Brigham Young from Emigration Canyon into this city. He lay upon a bed, sick in my carriage. As soon as his eyes rested upon the beautiful yet desert scene of the valley before us, he said: 'This is the place; for the Lord has shown it to me in a vision.'" (Page 460)
"There is one subject I wish to speak upon, and that is the keeping of a journal with respect to the dealings of God with us . . . but when the Prophet Joseph organized the Quorum of the Twelve, he counseled them to keep a history of their lives, and gave his reasons why they should do so. I have had this spirit and calling upon me since I first entered this Church. I made a record from the first sermon I heard, and from that day until now I have kept a daily journal. Whenever I heard Joseph Smith preach, teach, or prophesy, I always felt it my duty to write it; I felt uneasy and could not eat, drink, or sleep until I did write; and my mind has been so exercised upon this subject that when I heard Joseph Smith teach and had no pencil or paper, I would go home and sit down and write the whole sermon, almost word for word and sentence by sentence, as it was delivered, and when I had written it, it was taken from me; I remembered it no more. This was the gift of God to me." (Page 477)
1869—"Look at him (Joseph F. Smith) , children, for he resembles the Prophet Joseph more than any man living. He will become the President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I want you, every one of you, to remember what I have told you this morning." (Page 536)
Joseph F. Smith became President of the Church in 1901. "Bishop Hunter said on several occasions that I would outlive President Taylor and become President of the Church. On these occasions, I rebuked the Bishop and asked him not to prophesy of me such a thing. Each time he answered, 'Nevertheless it is true, and will come to pass.' " (Page 560)
1897—"Live near to God; pray while young; learn to pray; learn to cultivate the Holy Spirit of God; link it to you and it will become a spirit of revelation unto you, inasmuch as you nourish it. I feel thankful myself that I have lived to see this day. I declare unto you that there are many in the flesh who will remain so until the coming of the Son of Man." (Page 603)
Woodruff, Wilford. "How My Prayer was Answered." Instructor. July 1941. pg. 353.
HOW MY PRAYER WAS ANSWERED
(Read in connection with First Intermediate, Gospel Message, or Primary Department.)
In the fall [of 1 834] I had a desire to go and preach the Gospel. I knew the Gospel which the Lord had revealed to Joseph Smith was true, and of such great value that I wanted to tell it to the people who had not heard it. It was so good and plain, it seemed to me I could make the people believe it. 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, for they might think I was seeking for an office.
I went into 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 ray request should be granted. I felt very happy, and got up and walked out of the woods into the traveled 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 met him, he said, "The Lord has revealed to me that it is your privilege to be ordained and go and preach the gospel." I told him I was willing to do whatever the Lord required of me, I did not tell him I had just asked the Lord to let me go and preach.
In a few days a council was called at Lyman Wight's, and I was ordained a priest and sent on a mission into Arkansas and Tennessee, in company with an elder. This mission was given us by Elder [Edward] Partridge, who was the first bishop ordained in the Church. — Wilford Woodruff.
HOW MY PRAYER WAS ANSWERED
(Read in connection with First Intermediate, Gospel Message, or Primary Department.)
In the fall [of 1 834] I had a desire to go and preach the Gospel. I knew the Gospel which the Lord had revealed to Joseph Smith was true, and of such great value that I wanted to tell it to the people who had not heard it. It was so good and plain, it seemed to me I could make the people believe it. 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, for they might think I was seeking for an office.
I went into 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 ray request should be granted. I felt very happy, and got up and walked out of the woods into the traveled 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 met him, he said, "The Lord has revealed to me that it is your privilege to be ordained and go and preach the gospel." I told him I was willing to do whatever the Lord required of me, I did not tell him I had just asked the Lord to let me go and preach.
In a few days a council was called at Lyman Wight's, and I was ordained a priest and sent on a mission into Arkansas and Tennessee, in company with an elder. This mission was given us by Elder [Edward] Partridge, who was the first bishop ordained in the Church. — Wilford Woodruff.
"Wilford Woodruff." Instructor. November 1947. pg. 506, 532.
Wilford Woodruff
This month we honor on our cover Wilford Woodruff—missionary, pioneer and fourth president of our Church.
Wilford Woodruff was born March 1, 1807 in Farmington, Connecticut. He worked at farming and milling in his youth, and he and his brother, Azmon, bought a farm in Richland, New York; it was there that he first heard the gospel.
Two missionaries, Zera Pulsipher and Elijah Cheney, came to his door one day in December of 1833 and said that they would speak at the schoolhouse that evening. Wilford and his brother attended. The spirit of the Lord seemed to come upon them and following the preaching of the two elders they both arose and testified that they felt the work was true. Two days later they were baptized.
Wilford went to Kirtland, met the Prophet Joseph and joined the Zion's Camp march to Missouri. From there he went on his first mission—which proved a difficult one though he did make a number of converts. His second mission, begun soon after his marriage in 1837, was spent largely in the Fox Islands; here he was very successful. He left this mission when he was called to return to Missouri to fill a vacancy in the Quorum of the Twelve. His ordination to the apostleship took place at the conference on the temple site at Far West; from there he was to leave with other apostles for a mission to England. His remarkable experiences in that mission make a thrilling story. Hundreds of people were baptized by him, among them the six hundred "United Brethren" who had broken away from the Methodist Church and were searching for further truth.[1]
In 1844 he was called to preside over the European Mission. His work on this mission was of a different nature, as he was directing others rather than making individual contacts himself. From there he returned to Nauvoo to find the Saints fleeing. He joined them in Council Bluffs and made the journey to the Salt Lake Valley with the first company of Pioneers in 1847.
In Utah Elder Woodruff was energetic in its upbuilding. He established a farm in Salt Lake Valley and later built homes in Provo and Randolph. In the fall of 1853, together with Ezra T. Benson, he gathered a group of families to settle in Tooele County. He made many trips through the settlements in Southern Utah with others of the General Authorities. He served in the territorial legislature; acted as
assistant Church historian and later as Church historian, and then in April 1889, following the death of President John Taylor, he became president of the Church.
During his years as president many notable events occurred. Acting upon inspiration he issued the "Manifesto" in 1890 which proclaimed the discontinuing of plural marriage. The Salt Lake Temple, begun forty years earlier by Brigham Young, was completed and dedicated in 1893. Prejudice against the Church began to die down somewhat and the bill providing for Utah's statehood was passed in 1896. The following year he participated in the 50th anniversary of the founding of Salt Lake City.
Wilford Woodruff all his life had listened to and obeyed the promptings of the Spirit; his journals record many illustrations of this. He had sustained many severe physical injuries and always acknowledged his rapid recoveries as blessings from the Lord. He died quietly in San Francisco at the age of ninety-one.
—L.C.
[1] Read this story in Missionary Experiences, compiled by Preston Nibley.
Wilford Woodruff
This month we honor on our cover Wilford Woodruff—missionary, pioneer and fourth president of our Church.
Wilford Woodruff was born March 1, 1807 in Farmington, Connecticut. He worked at farming and milling in his youth, and he and his brother, Azmon, bought a farm in Richland, New York; it was there that he first heard the gospel.
Two missionaries, Zera Pulsipher and Elijah Cheney, came to his door one day in December of 1833 and said that they would speak at the schoolhouse that evening. Wilford and his brother attended. The spirit of the Lord seemed to come upon them and following the preaching of the two elders they both arose and testified that they felt the work was true. Two days later they were baptized.
Wilford went to Kirtland, met the Prophet Joseph and joined the Zion's Camp march to Missouri. From there he went on his first mission—which proved a difficult one though he did make a number of converts. His second mission, begun soon after his marriage in 1837, was spent largely in the Fox Islands; here he was very successful. He left this mission when he was called to return to Missouri to fill a vacancy in the Quorum of the Twelve. His ordination to the apostleship took place at the conference on the temple site at Far West; from there he was to leave with other apostles for a mission to England. His remarkable experiences in that mission make a thrilling story. Hundreds of people were baptized by him, among them the six hundred "United Brethren" who had broken away from the Methodist Church and were searching for further truth.[1]
In 1844 he was called to preside over the European Mission. His work on this mission was of a different nature, as he was directing others rather than making individual contacts himself. From there he returned to Nauvoo to find the Saints fleeing. He joined them in Council Bluffs and made the journey to the Salt Lake Valley with the first company of Pioneers in 1847.
In Utah Elder Woodruff was energetic in its upbuilding. He established a farm in Salt Lake Valley and later built homes in Provo and Randolph. In the fall of 1853, together with Ezra T. Benson, he gathered a group of families to settle in Tooele County. He made many trips through the settlements in Southern Utah with others of the General Authorities. He served in the territorial legislature; acted as
assistant Church historian and later as Church historian, and then in April 1889, following the death of President John Taylor, he became president of the Church.
During his years as president many notable events occurred. Acting upon inspiration he issued the "Manifesto" in 1890 which proclaimed the discontinuing of plural marriage. The Salt Lake Temple, begun forty years earlier by Brigham Young, was completed and dedicated in 1893. Prejudice against the Church began to die down somewhat and the bill providing for Utah's statehood was passed in 1896. The following year he participated in the 50th anniversary of the founding of Salt Lake City.
Wilford Woodruff all his life had listened to and obeyed the promptings of the Spirit; his journals record many illustrations of this. He had sustained many severe physical injuries and always acknowledged his rapid recoveries as blessings from the Lord. He died quietly in San Francisco at the age of ninety-one.
—L.C.
[1] Read this story in Missionary Experiences, compiled by Preston Nibley.
"Little Deeds from Big Lives - He Heeded the Spirit." Instructor. June 1956. pg. 170.
Little Deeds from Big Lives
He Heeded the Spirit
UPON assignment from President Brigham Young, Wilford Woodruff and his family at one time journeyed to Boston. On his way he had the following experience:
"We came one evening to one of the brethren's houses in Indiana. Several of us were there. Orson Hyde had a team as well as myself. We drove into a long yard. I set my carriage within six inches of his. I tied my animals to an oak tree on the side of where we camped. I went to bed in my carriage.
"As I laid down, the Spirit of the Lord told me to get up and move my carriage. The same spirit told me to go and move my animals away from that tree. I did that.
"I had not been in bed twenty minutes when there came a whirlwind and took the oak tree which had stood there, perhaps fifty years, split it right through the trunk and it swept through both of those fences where my carriage had stood. It never touched Brother Hyde's carriage but it would have crushed me and my family if I had not listened to the voice of the spirit."
—From Faith Promoting Stories, by Preston Nibley.
Little Deeds from Big Lives
He Heeded the Spirit
UPON assignment from President Brigham Young, Wilford Woodruff and his family at one time journeyed to Boston. On his way he had the following experience:
"We came one evening to one of the brethren's houses in Indiana. Several of us were there. Orson Hyde had a team as well as myself. We drove into a long yard. I set my carriage within six inches of his. I tied my animals to an oak tree on the side of where we camped. I went to bed in my carriage.
"As I laid down, the Spirit of the Lord told me to get up and move my carriage. The same spirit told me to go and move my animals away from that tree. I did that.
"I had not been in bed twenty minutes when there came a whirlwind and took the oak tree which had stood there, perhaps fifty years, split it right through the trunk and it swept through both of those fences where my carriage had stood. It never touched Brother Hyde's carriage but it would have crushed me and my family if I had not listened to the voice of the spirit."
—From Faith Promoting Stories, by Preston Nibley.
Anderson, Arthur S. "In Preparation for Greatness - Wilford Woodruff." Instructor. May 1960. pg. 150.
In Preparation for Greatness[1] by Arthur S. Anderson WILFORD WOODRUFF Wilford Woodruff had traveled all day through the swamplands of Tennessee when he arrived tired, muddy and hungry, in Memphis on the evening of Mar. 27, 1835. Since he was traveling without money, he asked an innkeeper, Mr. Josiah Jackson, for food and a bed for the night. Finding that his rather unkempt guest professed to be a "preacher," Mr. Jackson decided to have a little fun. He provided dinner for the young missionary and then hurried out to assemble the townspeople for a meeting. When Wilford Woodruff had finished his dinner, he was placed in the corner of a large room and given a Bible and a hymnbook. Before him was an assembly of 500 finely-dressed people who had been promised an evening of fun. Twelve men hemmed the missionary in the corner, with the landlord sitting in the center. In the face of all these obstacles, the courageous Wilford Woodruff prayed aloud and then delivered such a forceful and sincere sermon that he was able to speak for more than an hour. When the sermon was finished, the men surrounding the missionary had their heads bowed in shame. The audience slipped away quietly into the night. The next morning the innkeeper fed his preaching boarder a hearty breakfast and invited him to return again and stay as long as he might choose. This courageous man, Wilford Woodruff, sought every opportunity to preach the Gospel, regardless of the obstacles. In April, 1889, he became president of the Church.[2] [1] (For Course 6, lesson of July 10, "Wilford and lesson of July 24, "Joseph F. Smith"; Woodruff," lesson of July 17, "Lorenzo Snow," and for Course 25, lesson of May 8, "The True Spirit of a Missionary.") [2] Nibley, Preston, Three Mormon Classics, 1944; Stevens & Wallis, Inc., Salt Lake City, Utah; pages 18-20; see also Cowley, Matthias F., Wilford Woodruff, History of His Life and Labors, 1909; The Deseret News, Salt Lake City, Utah; page 564. |
Wilford Woodruff was born in Farmington, Connecticut,
Mar. 1, 1807. Twenty-six years later on Dee, 31, 1833, he was baptized into the Church. Brigham Young ordained him a member of the Council of the Twelve on Apr. 26, 1839, in Far West, Missouri, He was a member of the first company of Pioneers who came into Salt Lake Valley. When John Taylor was sustained as President of the Church, Wilford Woodruff became President of the Twelve. On Apr. 7, 1889, he was sustained the fourth president of the Church, He died Sept. 8, 1898, in San Francisco. |
Nibley, Preston. "He Knew the Prophet Joseph Smith - Wilford Woodruff." Relief Society Magazine. August 1963. pg. 568-569.
He Knew the Prophet Joseph Smith
Part III — President Wilford Woodruff
Preston Nibley Assistant Church Historian
WILFORD WOODRUFF, the fourth President of the Church, was born at Farmington, Connecticut, March 1, 1807.
In his youth he assisted his father in farming and in the operation of a flour mill. When he was twenty-three years of age he joined with his brother in purchasing a 140 acre farm at Richland, New York.
Two Latter-day Saint elders visited Richland in 1833 and held meetings. Wilford heard the gospel and was baptized. In 1834 he went to Kirtland, Ohio, where he met the Prophet Joseph Smith. He then joined Zion's Camp in the march to Missouri.
In 1839 he was made a member of the quorum of Twelve Apostles and sent on a mission to England. In 1847, after the death of the Prophet Joseph, he followed Brigham Young and the saints in the march to Salt Lake Valley.
Following the death of President Young, in August 1877, John Taylor became the President of the Church, and Wilford Woodruff the President of the Twelve Apostles. When John Taylor died in 1887, Wilford Woodruff succeeded him as President of the Church. He died in August 1898 at the age of ninety-one.
Following are a few excerpts from his sermons:
''The first time I ever saw Joseph Smith was in April 1834. I met him in the streets of Kirtland [Ohio]. He invited me to his house. I stopped with him while preparing to go to Zion in Zion's camp.
"On Sunday he called a priesthood meeting. They all gathered in a little cabin. There I first heard Joseph Smith speak publicly, also Hyrum Smith, Oliver Cowdery, Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball, Parley and Orson Pratt and William E. McLellin. The Prophet called upon the elders to bear testimony of the gospel of Christ and they arose one after another and bore a short testimony (MS. 54:605).
''It has been my faith and belief, from the time that I was made acquainted with the gospel, that no greater prophet than Joseph Smith ever lived on the face of the earth, save Jesus Christ. He was raised to stand at the head of this great dispensation — the greatest of all dispensations God has ever given to man (JD 21:317).
''Joseph Smith was what he professed to be, a prophet of God, a seer and revelator. He laid the foundation of this church and kingdom, and lived long enough to deliver the keys of the kingdom to the elders of Israel, unto the twelve apostles. He spent the last winter of his life, some three or four months, with the quorum of the twelve, teaching them. It was not merely a few hours ministering to them the ordinances of the gospel, but he spent day after day, week after week and month after month, teaching them and a few others the things of the kingdom of God (Ibid., 13:164).
“Those who have been acquainted with the Prophet Joseph, who laid the foundation of this church and kingdom, who was an instrument in the hand of God in bringing to light the gospel in this last dispensation, know well that every feeling of his soul, every sentiment of his mind and every act of his life, proved that he was determined to maintain the principle of truth, even to the sacrificing of his life. His soul swelled wide as eternity for the welfare of the human family. He began entirely alone, as far as the influence of the children of men was concerned, upon the earth, to endeavor to establish a religion and order of things diverse from anything then existing among men, a religion that was unpopular and contrary to the feelings and views and traditions of the whole human family (Ibid. 2:192).
''There is another instance that occurs to my mind. A certain man took a stand against Joseph and endeavored to bring persecution upon him. Joseph went to his God and laid the matter before him, asking to be delivered out of the hands and power of that wicked man. Joseph was a prophet, a seer, a revelator. He was acquainted with God; he knew the voice of the spirit when it spoke to him" (Ibid., 24:55-6).
He Knew the Prophet Joseph Smith
Part III — President Wilford Woodruff
Preston Nibley Assistant Church Historian
WILFORD WOODRUFF, the fourth President of the Church, was born at Farmington, Connecticut, March 1, 1807.
In his youth he assisted his father in farming and in the operation of a flour mill. When he was twenty-three years of age he joined with his brother in purchasing a 140 acre farm at Richland, New York.
Two Latter-day Saint elders visited Richland in 1833 and held meetings. Wilford heard the gospel and was baptized. In 1834 he went to Kirtland, Ohio, where he met the Prophet Joseph Smith. He then joined Zion's Camp in the march to Missouri.
In 1839 he was made a member of the quorum of Twelve Apostles and sent on a mission to England. In 1847, after the death of the Prophet Joseph, he followed Brigham Young and the saints in the march to Salt Lake Valley.
Following the death of President Young, in August 1877, John Taylor became the President of the Church, and Wilford Woodruff the President of the Twelve Apostles. When John Taylor died in 1887, Wilford Woodruff succeeded him as President of the Church. He died in August 1898 at the age of ninety-one.
Following are a few excerpts from his sermons:
''The first time I ever saw Joseph Smith was in April 1834. I met him in the streets of Kirtland [Ohio]. He invited me to his house. I stopped with him while preparing to go to Zion in Zion's camp.
"On Sunday he called a priesthood meeting. They all gathered in a little cabin. There I first heard Joseph Smith speak publicly, also Hyrum Smith, Oliver Cowdery, Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball, Parley and Orson Pratt and William E. McLellin. The Prophet called upon the elders to bear testimony of the gospel of Christ and they arose one after another and bore a short testimony (MS. 54:605).
''It has been my faith and belief, from the time that I was made acquainted with the gospel, that no greater prophet than Joseph Smith ever lived on the face of the earth, save Jesus Christ. He was raised to stand at the head of this great dispensation — the greatest of all dispensations God has ever given to man (JD 21:317).
''Joseph Smith was what he professed to be, a prophet of God, a seer and revelator. He laid the foundation of this church and kingdom, and lived long enough to deliver the keys of the kingdom to the elders of Israel, unto the twelve apostles. He spent the last winter of his life, some three or four months, with the quorum of the twelve, teaching them. It was not merely a few hours ministering to them the ordinances of the gospel, but he spent day after day, week after week and month after month, teaching them and a few others the things of the kingdom of God (Ibid., 13:164).
“Those who have been acquainted with the Prophet Joseph, who laid the foundation of this church and kingdom, who was an instrument in the hand of God in bringing to light the gospel in this last dispensation, know well that every feeling of his soul, every sentiment of his mind and every act of his life, proved that he was determined to maintain the principle of truth, even to the sacrificing of his life. His soul swelled wide as eternity for the welfare of the human family. He began entirely alone, as far as the influence of the children of men was concerned, upon the earth, to endeavor to establish a religion and order of things diverse from anything then existing among men, a religion that was unpopular and contrary to the feelings and views and traditions of the whole human family (Ibid. 2:192).
''There is another instance that occurs to my mind. A certain man took a stand against Joseph and endeavored to bring persecution upon him. Joseph went to his God and laid the matter before him, asking to be delivered out of the hands and power of that wicked man. Joseph was a prophet, a seer, a revelator. He was acquainted with God; he knew the voice of the spirit when it spoke to him" (Ibid., 24:55-6).
Zobell, Albert L., Jr. "The Wilford Woodruff Journals." Improvement Era. February 1970. pg. 32-33.
Lest We Forget The Wilford Woodruff Journals By Albert L. Zobell, Jr. Research Editor As one contemplates the restoration of the gospel— the incomparable revelations from on high, the counsel and the sermons of the early leaders of the Church, all of which have become a way of life for the Latter-day Saints—one ponders how marvelously it has been preserved and recorded. Much of it came amid a backdrop of events that were tempered with oppression and fed by hatreds born of the misunderstanding of those who shared that American frontier. In a reminiscent mood, Elder Wilford Woodruff of the Council of the Twelve addressed Saints of the Southern Utah Mission, assembled at St. George, on the Sabbath afternoon of June 10, 1877. There he recalled that whenever he had heard the Prophet Joseph Smith deliver a sermon or a prophecy, or give a revelation, he had written it in his personal journal. He believed that he had a special gift from God, because even when he did not have a pencil and paper with him, he could, after hearing the Prophet, go home and write the Prophet's words almost verbatim; but after he had completed the writing, the sermon would pass from his mind, as though he had never heard it. At the time he did these things in the early days of the Church, he apparently did not understand that this habit of recording the words of the Prophet Joseph Smith was a calling directly from God. But as he saw the subsequent history of the Church unfold, wherein many of the records were lost, sometimes through the apostasy of those charged with the responsibility of keeping them, he discovered the importance of his journals. Where the Church did not have historical records, the Wilford Woodruff journals proved very serviceable as a substitute. Elder Woodruff related that he had stood in the congregation as the Prophet Joseph Smith had eulogized King Follett, all the time recording the sermon. Elder Follett had died in an accident at Nauvoo on March 9, 1844, and his funeral had been held the following day. Then on Sunday, April 7, 1844, during the general conference, the Prophet took occasion to address about twenty thousand Saints in what has become known as the "King Follet Discourse." The open-air meeting began at "quarter past three p.m." The footnote on page 302 of the Documentary History of the Church, Volume 6, says: "This was not a stenographic report, but a carefully and skillfully prepared one made by these men [Willard Richards, Wilford Woodruff, Thomas Bullock, and William Clayton] who were trained in reporting and taking notes. Evidently, there are some imperfections in the report and some thoughts expressed by the Prophet which were not fully rounded out and made complete. . . ." The sermon, as it was there written, fills 16 pages of the Documentary History of the Church. "The difference between President Brigham Young and myself," Elder Woodruff told the members at St. George, was that, in substance, President Young remembered the sayings of the Prophet Joseph in a most wonderful manner, while he, Elder Woodruff, had written the sayings of the Prophet. Elder Woodruff was called as a member of the Council of the Twelve in April 1839. He was President of the Council of the Twelve at the passing of President John Taylor in July 1887 and became President of the Church April 7, 1889. He kept an accurate journal of his activities in the Church beginning in 1833. On August 31, 1898, he recorded in his journal, in one of its last entries, that he wrote three letters from San Francisco, California. Two days later, President George Q. Cannon, his first counselor, penned in the journal that President Woodruff had passed away peacefully at 6:40 a.m., September 2, 1898. |
Cannon, Donald Q. "Wilford Woodruff's Mission to Maine." Improvement Era. September 1970. pg. 82-86.
Wilford Woodruff’s Mission to Maine By Donald Q. Cannon Donald Q. Cannon, bishop of the Portland (Maine) Ward, is assistant professor of history at the University of Maine. "Send forth the elders of my church unto the nations which are afar off; unto the islands of the sea; send forth unto foreign lands; call upon all nations, first upon the Gentiles, and then upon the Jews." (D&C 133:8.) As he departed for his first mission to the Fox Islands, off the coast of Maine, Wilford Woodruff was aware that he was the first elder in this dispensation to preach the gospel on the islands of the sea. Describing his arrival on North Fox Island, he recorded this statement in his journal: "This was the first time that I, or any other Elder of Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints had (to my knowledge) attempted to preach the fulness of the gospel and the Book of Mormon to the inhabitants of any island of the sea.[1] Later, as he and his companion performed the first baptisms on the Fox Islands, he wrote in his journal that these were the first baptisms performed in this dispensation on an island of the sea by those possessing the proper authority.[2] One day he and his companion, Elder Jonathan H. Hale, climbed to the summit of a high granite cliff on South Fox Island for prayer and supplication. While thus engaged in offering prayers of thanksgiving to the Lord, Elder Woodruff realized that he and his companion were fulfilling the prophecy of the ancient prophet Jeremiah, who foretold that God would send forth hunters and fishers to gather Israel. (Jer. 16:16.) As he wrote in his journal: "We were, indeed, upon an island of the sea, standing upon a rock where we could survey the gallant ships, and also the islands which were as full of rocks, ledges, and caves as any part of the earth. And what had brought us here? To search out the blood of Ephraim, the honest and meek of the earth, and gather them from these islands, rocks, holes and caves of the earth unto Zion . . . and we rejoiced that we were upon the islands of the sea searching out the blood of Israel."[3] The importance of this mission is reflected in the strong desire Elder Woodruff had to leave his home and undertake the mission. Although newly married, he felt compelled to leave his wife in Kirtland, Ohio, and to journey to the Fox Islands, situated east of the Maine coast, a region with which he was not familiar. As he said, "I made my feelings known to the Apostles, and they advised me to go."[4] Just one month and one day after he married Phoebe Whitmore Carter, he departed for his mission, leaving Kirtland in the company of Elder Jonathan H. Hale. En route to Maine, they traveled through Canada, New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire. While in New York, they met briefly with Elders Heber C. Kimball and Orson Hyde of the Council of the Twelve, who had been called on a mission to England. Elder Woodruff took the opportunity to visit with several members of his family, including his father, Aphek Woodruff, in Connecticut. While there they were joined by Phoebe Woodruff, who then accompanied the two elders as far as the home of her father, Ezra Carter, in Scarborough, Maine.[5] After a ten-day visit, Elder Woodruff bade his wife and her family farewell, and he and Elder Hale continued on their journey to the Fox Islands. After walking ten miles to Portland, they took a steamer to Owl's Head, where they boarded a sloop that carried them to North Fox Island. Elder Woodruff was deeply impressed with the rugged beauty of the Maine coast, especially Penobscot Bay and the Fox Islands. He carefully recorded his observations of the natural beauty, as well as other significant features of the islands: "North Fox Island is nine miles long by two miles in width, and has a population of eight hundred. They have a post office, one store, a Baptist church and a meetinghouse, four schoolhouses, and a tide grist mill. . . . The products are wheat, barley, oats, potatoes, and grass. The principal timber consists of fir, spruce, hemlock and birch. Raspberries and gooseberries grow in great abundance, and some upland cranberries are raised. The principal stock are sheep. "South Fox Island comes as near being without definite form as any spot on earth I ever saw. ... It is about ten miles in length and five in width, and is a mass of rocks, formed into shelves, hills and valleys, and cut up into necks and points to make room for the coves and harbors that run into the island. The population is one thousand. The inhabitants get their living entirely by fishing. . . . Upon this island there are two stores, three tide mills, six schoolhouses, and a small branch of the Methodist Church presided over by a Priest. What timber there is upon this island, such as pine, fir spruce, hemlock, and birch, and likewise whortleberries, raspberries and gooseberries, grow mostly out of the cracks in the rocks."[6] The two Mormon elders arrived on North Fox Island at two o'clock on Sunday morning, August 20, 1837. Groping through the darkness, they stumbled over rocks and trees until they came upon a house. When they knocked on the door, a woman came to the window and asked who they were. Elder Woodruff informed her that they were two strangers who needed lodging for the night. Being unafraid, she unlocked the door and gave them a bed and breakfast. When asked what she charged, she answered that they were her guests and did not need to pay her.[7] Having learned that there was a Baptist meetinghouse on the island, they walked the five miles to the building. When a deacon came to greet them, they asked him to tell the minister that they were two servants of God and had a message to deliver to the people. Much to their surprise the minister invited them to join him at the pulpit, and after he had delivered his sermon, he asked Elder Woodruff what he desired. In this manner a special meeting was arranged for five o'clock in the evening.[8] Being curious about the two strangers, most of the congregation returned to hear their message at the appointed hour. Elder Woodruff arose and spoke for one hour, using Galatians 1:8-9 as his text. He spoke with power and conviction and told those assembled that the Lord had raised up a prophet and organized his Church anew, as in the days of Christ. Elder Hale followed Brother Woodruff at the pulpit and gave his testimony concerning Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon. At the conclusion of the meeting they announced that they would preach the next four evenings in each of the four schoolhouses, beginning with schoolhouse number one.[9] During a visit at the home of Mr. Newton, the Baptist minister, they left him a copy of the Doctrine and Covenants. As Elder Woodruff wrote: "He read it, and the spirit of God bore testimony to him of its truth."[10] Having received a testimony by the Spirit, he reflected upon the matter for several days, studying and pondering late into the evening. Finally, in contradiction to the dictates of the Spirit, he decided to reject the message and launch a campaign against the Mormon missionaries.[11] Although faced with vigorous opposition by the minister, Elders Woodruff and Hale began to baptize the members of the Baptist congregation. The first members of that congregation, and, indeed, the first inhabitants of an island of the sea to be baptized in this dispensation, were Justin Eames (Ames), a sea captain, and his wife. Elder Hale baptized them on September 3, 1837, thus disproving the false predictions of certain apostate members in Kirtland who had sought to discourage Brother Hale from going on his mission by telling him he would never baptize anyone.[12] Growing ever more alarmed, Mr. Newton invited the Methodist minister from South Fox Island, Mr. Douglass, to join him in combatting Mormonism. Thus, two professional clergymen who had been at odds for years allied themselves against Wilford Woodruff and his companion. They arranged a conference for as many members of their congregations as possible. During the conference meetings they denounced Joseph Smith as a false prophet and sought to destroy the faith of recent converts to the new religion. Undaunted, Elder Woodruff attended the meetings, took careful notes, and then invited the congregation and the two ministers to attend his meetings, where he convincingly refuted the false teachings of Mr. Newton and Mr. Douglass.[13] The elders continued their missionary work and preached with such zeal and conviction that many faithful souls entered the waters of baptism. Through their selfless enterprise and the influence of the Spirit a miracle was being worked. As Elder Woodruff sought to describe this phenomenon, he wrote that "the excitement became great on both islands."[14] More than a hundred persons had joined the Church on these two small islands off the coast of Maine. By the latter part of September, the work had progressed to the point that a branch of the Church could be organized on each of the islands. Thus, the first formal organization of the Church on an island of the sea occurred—and within the state of Maine. As one historian wrote: "About this time, Mormonism was preached here, and it is said held sway for several years, during which time a number of the hitherto prevailing faith were converted to its ranks."[15] On October 2, 1837, after organizing branches of the Church on both islands, Elders Woodruff and Hale bade the Saints farewell and returned to Scarborough. There, Elder Hale, who felt it his duty to return to his family and home in Kirtland, parted company with Elder Woodruff. Elder Jonathan H. Hale's mission had ended, but Elder Woodruff's mission to Maine had only begun.[16] After spending a few Weeks with family and friends in Scarborough, Wilford Woodruff, accompanied by his wife, set out for a second mission to the Fox Islands. This time, rather than arriving a stranger, he was greeted by throngs of happy Church members, eager to have him continue his missionary labors. On Sunday, November 5, 1837, he spoke to a large congregation of members and friends and baptized several persons who had received a testimony of the gospel.[17] One baptism conducted during December took place under circumstances that clearly demonstrated the great faith of the candidate for baptism. Elder Woodruff and Isaac Crockett spent a full hour clearing huge blocks of ice from the water in the cove where they planned to perform the baptismal ceremony. When the tide came in, the two men descended into the frigid waters of the North Atlantic and Isaac Crockett was baptized. Six days later Elder Woodruff baptized two more people at the same spot, and he held another baptism there on the following day. The residents of the Fox Islands demonstrated great faith in their desire to be baptized under such adverse conditions.[18] Elder and Sister Woodruff crossed the narrow waterway between the two islands many times as they continued to preach and baptize. The work was moving forward, but obstacles did confront them. During one meeting held in a schoolhouse, those who opposed the work of the Woodruffs began firing a gun, hoping to intimidate the missionary couple. Despite the crack of gunfire, Elder Woodruff continued to preach, and following the services he baptized two people. On other occasions the opposition fired warning shots and posted notices demanding the departure of the Woodruffs. Undaunted, the faithful couple continued their missionary labors. The Church continued to grow and no harm came to them.[19] Wilford Woodruff felt inspired to preach to some of the inhabitants on the mainland, and so, in company with his wife, he journeyed to Bangor, Maine, via Searsmont, Camden, and Belfast, holding meetings at each place. Following a meeting in Searsmont on February 21, 1838, they emerged from the schoolhouse to find the sky aflame from horizon to horizon. He later wrote, "It had the appearance of fire, blood and smoke, and at times, resembled contending armies."[20] They were observing one of the glorious spectacles of winter in the northern latitudes, the northern lights. On March 1, 1838, his thirty-first birthday, Elder Woodruff and his wife arrived in Bangor, where he contacted some of the leading men of the city. These contacts enabled him to use the city hall for a series of meetings. Although those present showed considerable interest in his message, Elder Woodruff felt that he should return to the Fox Islands.[21] Upon returning to the islands he received a letter from Kirtland, requesting him to counsel the members to sell their property and gather to Zion. In compliance with these instructions, he assembled the Saints on both islands and admonished them to dispose of their property and prepare to accompany him to join the main body of the Church in Zion. Having labored diligently to convert the residents of the islands, he now worked with equal zeal in preparing them for the exodus to the West. Many of the faithful members sold what they had and followed him.[22] Thus ended one of the most successful missionary enterprises of the early history of the Church. Of the success of Wilford Woodruff, Brigham H. Roberts has written: "Elder Woodruff met with great success in his labors in this island and soon had a flourishing branch organized."[23] The islands where Wilford Woodruff had labored and whence these new members of the Church came had been discovered more than two centuries earlier by Martin Pring, an English explorer. On April 10, 1603, Pring and his party explored the Penobscot Bay region and discovered the two islands that he named the Fox Islands, after the silver-gray foxes that inhabited them. Although several Indian battles occurred on the islands during the early eighteenth century, no permanent settlement took place until about 1765. Some prominent names among the earlier settlers were Winslow, Carver, Kent, Newbury, Carr, Banks, Robbins, Thomas, Waterman, Ames (Eames), Lindsay, Cooper, Beverage, Heath, Mc- Mullen, Bowen, Brown, Luce, Dyer, Crabtree, Alexander, Webster, and Young. Most of these settlers came from Massachusetts. Among the reasons for settling on the islands were the absence of large, dangerous animals, the ready availability of timber for fuel, and the abundance of fish of all kinds in adjacent Penobscot Bay. North and South Fox Islands were incorporated as the town of Vinalhaven in 1789. In 1848, a decade after Wilford Woodruffs mission, North Fox Island separated from Vinalhaven and became North Haven, the south island retaining the name Vinalhaven. North Fox Island seemed to be ahead in ecclesiastical matters. A church was organized there by the Baptists in 1804 and a meetinghouse erected in 1808. On South Fox Island the first religious denomination to organize and build a meetinghouse was the Methodist Church. According to extant records, the Methodists became active on the islands later than the Baptists, although the date is unknown. Up until 1837, when Mormonism became the dominant religion, the religious sentiments of the Fox Islanders were fairly evenly divided between the Baptists and the Methodists. Today the Fox Islands, now known as North Haven and Vinalhaven, have a different appearance than they did in Wilford Woodruffs time. There are more buildings, the roads have been paved, electric utility poles and wires clutter the landscape, the roar of diesel-driven lobster boats is heard, and occasionally a modern jetliner streaks overhead. Vinalhaven has a larger year-round population, while North Haven boasts a heavier summer population, composed of tourists, travelers, pensioners, and others. The two islands, like sisters with the same family background, are similar in appearance but vastly different in character and personality. North Haven seems more traditional, rustic, and quiet, while Vinalhaven is more commercialized —essentially a center for commercial fishing. While Vinalhaven's residents are essentially fishermen, North Haven's summer population includes some of the prominent and wealthy in American society. Behind this facade of apparent change, however, North Haven (North Fox Island) and Vinalhaven (South Fox Island) remain basically the same as they were when Elders Woodruff and Hale preached the restored gospel there more than 130 years ago. Contemporary descriptions of the islands bear remarkable resemblance to the description rendered by Wilford Woodruff in his journal. Walking over the trails where Wilford Woodruff walked, observing the Baptist meetinghouse where he preached, sampling the wild raspberries that he enjoyed, gazing at the rugged, pristine beauty of the Penobscot Bay islands, the Camden hills, and the blue-green waters of Penobscot Bay, one senses a closeness to Wilford Woodruff and his mission. In the minds and hearts of the older islanders, Wilford Woodruff is, indeed, still present. Many of the elderly residents of the islands vividly remember tales of the Mormon missionaries and their activities on the Fox Islands. They recall how the Mormon elders converted many of the islanders and eventually how they left to go "abroad" to join with the Mormons on the mainland. Escorting one around the islands, they point out the schoolhouses where Elders Woodruff and Hale preached, and the homes of such people as Samuel Thomas, who left the island to join the Mormons in the West. Just as the mission of Wilford Woodruff remains in the memory of today's residents of North Haven and Vinalhaven, the same spirit of missionary work is present in the Penobscot Bay region and in<other parts of Maine. Across the bay in Rockland is a flourishing branch of the Church. Through dedicated efforts, the members of this branch have purchased a building site that commands an excellent view of beautiful Penobscot Bay. In Jonesport, "down east" from Rockland, the missionaries are reaping a rich harvest in this quaint fishing village, where the Congregational Church recently gave its meetinghouse to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In other parts of the Maine Stake fulltime missionaries, stake missionaries, and members are continuing the missionary labors begun in 1837 by Wilford Woodruff. [1] Wilford Woodruff, Wilford Woodruff: History of His Life and Labors as Recorded in His Daily Journals, ed. Matthias F. Cowley (Salt Lake City: Deseret News Press, 1909, and Bookcraft, 1964), p. 77. Hereafter cited as Woodruff Journals. [2] Ibid., pp. 79-80. [3] Ibid., p. 78. [4] Wilford Woodruff, "Autobiography of Wilford Woodruff," Tullidge's Quarterly Magazine, Vol. 3 (1885), p. 11. [5] Woodruff Journals, pp. 71-74. [6] Wilford Woodruff, Wilford Woodruff's Journal, typescript copy (Portland, Maine, Historical Society), p. 1. Hereafter cited as Typescript Journal. [7] Woodruff Journals, p. 76. [8] Ibid., pp. 76-77. [9] Typescript Journal, p. 2. [10] Woodruff Journals, p. 77. [11] Ibid., pp. 77-78. [12] Ibid., p. 78. [13] Ibid. [14] Ibid., p. 79. [15] Owen P. Lyons, A Brief Historical Sketch of the Town of Vinalhaven From Its Earliest Known Settlement (Rockland, Maine: Free Press Office, 1889), pp. 59-60. During Elder Woodruff's mission, both North and South FoxIslands were part of the town of Vinalhaven. [16] Woodruff Journals, pp. 80-81. [17] Ibid., p. 82. [18] Typescript Journal, p. 5. [19] Woodruff Journals, pp. 83-84. [20] Ibid., p. 85. [21] Ibid., p. 86. [22] Ibid., pp. 87-89. [23] B. H. Roberts, (ed. ), [Documentary] History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Salt Lake City: Deseret News Press, 1932), Vol. 2, p. 507. Roberts refers to the town Vinalhaven as one island rather than separating his description into North and South Fox Islands. |
Illustrated by Merrill Gogan
North Haven village, North Haven island
A sailboat against a North Haven setting
Small islands dot eastern coast of North Haven
Baptist chapel where W. Woodruff preached
Schoolhouse where Elder Woodruff preached
Rockland harbor in Penobscot Bay
Schoolhouse used by Wilford Woodruff
"Early residents still vividly remember tales of the Mormon
Elder who converted many islanders" |