Monday, September 12, 2022

A Banner is Unfurled Vol IX

 

A Banner is Unfurled Volume 4

 

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Book Series: A Banner is Unfurled
Title:             Abide With Me
Author:         Marcie Gallacher & Kerri Robinson
Publisher:     Covenant
Publishing date: 2010
Pages:           233
Number of Chapters: 17

 

This Volume spans less than one year Jan 1838-Nov 1838

 

*Chapter Notes at end of book*

 

Acknowledgements

The authors thank family and friends for their support as they have labored over this project. It is only one short paragraph.

 

Family Chart/The Children

 

1.     Joel Hills Johnson born 1802 (married Annie, 1826) 4 living children-Sixtus, Sariah, Nephi and Susan or “Susie” in memory of everyone’s favorite aunt born in Volume 3

2.     Nancy b. 1803-died 1836 see Volume 3

3.     Seth b. 1805-died 1835 see Volume 3

4.     Delcena born 1806 (married Lyman Sherman, 1829) 5 living children-Alvira, Mary, Albey, Seth, Daniel

5.     Julianne born 1808 (married Almon Babbitt, 1834) one baby boy named David born 1835 but he got sick and died just after he turned one in 1836 see last volume

6.     David b. 1810-died 1833 see Volume 2

7.     Almera born 1812 (married Samuel Prescott, 1836 see last volume)

8.     Susan b. 1814-died 1836 see Volume 3

9.     Joseph b. 1817

10.  Benjamin b. 1818

11.  Mary b. 1820

12.  George b. 1823

13.  William b. 1824

14.  Esther b. 1827

15.  Amos b. 1829

Chapter 1  

Two short stanzas by Joel about trials sent by God for our good

January 1838

 

     Delcena Sherman has come to check on her abandoned house in Kirtland. Picking up where the last book left off, her husband Lyman left town under pretense of serving a mission for the church while investigations were being made over the arson fire that completely destroyed the church printing office after enemies of the church took control of it. The Prophet Joseph was also forced to leave town and go into hiding. No one except herself and her younger brother Benjamin (age 19), know her husband was the one who started the fire to protect the church.

   

       George (age 14) is also here with her in the wagon. The two brothers get out and go inside the home which has obviously been vandalized, the front door off its hinges. Delcena follows them. Furniture is gone and the place is a mess. Her brothers are glad she has been staying at Mother’s these last few weeks. Their visit is interrupted by two men Delcena noticed coming up the street. One is Luke Johnson, former apostle who will be rebaptized later and go with the saints to Utah but right now his loyalty to the church is questionable. He is of no relation to the Johnson family in our story. He is looking for Delcena’s husband, Lyman. Chapter notes say this meeting is fictional. As sheriff, he has a warrant for Lyman’s arrest. Delcena gathers her courage and lies for the first time in her life. She does not know where her husband is (hiding in the cellar of a member’s home in another town. This family was known for harboring many prominent leaders back in those days as a safe house). The two men do not press the issue and leave. Luke, however, adds loudly that after their lunch break, they plan to go arrest Don Carlos Smith, brother of the prophet.

    

        Knowing Luke was giving them a warning they get back in the wagon and hurry over to the house where Don Carlos and his wife, who is due to have their first baby any day now, have been preparing for this very event and are ready to leave town. They will go to Far West, Missouri with others who have already left. Delcena hopes to join them, as soon as it is safe for her husband to take them and make the journey. Then maybe the saints can live in peace.

 

       Almon Babbitt is in Canada serving a mission which includes organizing the new converts for the journey to Missouri. His wife, Julianne, is staying with a friend in Toronto where the change of scenery after the death of their small child in the last book has been good for her. He will journey back to Far West to purchase land then return to Canada and lead these saints, who have very little means, to live on this purchased land near Zion/Far West, Missouri.

 

Chapter 2

Four lines by Joel describing a tearful farewell

April 1838

 

     Julia Johnson is now 58 years old. Joseph is 20 and everyone is worried about how the church will move everyone to Missouri when it has become so dangerous to stay any longer. That’s why her heart thumps hard when she is awakened from sleep by a soft knock at the door. It is Lyman. He had to outrun some mean Mormon hating men from the town where he was hiding out but he made it safe and is back. Julia directs him upstairs where Delcena is sleeping and goes back to bed.

 

            With the Sherman’s move to Missouri to join the rest of the saints now official, Ezekiel Johnson brings Almera over two days later so she can say goodbye to her sister. Julia is glad to see them both. She was hoping Almera might stay the night but Almera’s mean nonmember jerk of a husband, Sam, won’t let her see her family as often as she wants anymore. He lied about letting her live her religion when they got married and pretty much forbids her from having anything to do with “those Mormons.” Though Delcena is a grown woman with five children, Father Zeke calls her “princess” as they hug goodbye. Esther (age 11) shows her father the apron she made herself. Baby Amos born in the first book is now age 9 with blond hair and dark eyes. He will return with his father and older sister for a visit. All three are happy and excited for the extended stay of the youngest baby brother and child but Ezekiel’s melancholy over not getting to spend as much time with his beloved children and grandchildren, all clamoring for his attention right now, are making him crave a drink.

           

Traveling hundreds of miles across three states to Zion is not easy. The Sherman family made friends with another family (*chapter notes* say the authors found this story about life on the trail to Far West and Zion written by another man named Shurtliff in his autobiography and figured the Sherman family were probably there too). All the children play together when the two families are forced to stop due to wagons getting mired down in wet bogs, practically invisible in the prairie grass (just like in a Little House book!). Delcena and Sister Shurtliff nurse their babies but Delcena’s new friend is quiet and doesn’t have much to say for herself. They do the best they can tending their fussy children with no food or clean diapers for the babies as they wait in a large patch of burned grass for the two men-far off in the distance-using the horses and teams to pull their family wagons out of the mud and wet. This takes all afternoon. Rain threatens to fall and lightning flashes but they stay dry. Later that evening after eating a cold dinner as they have nothing to make fires with, a prairie fire breaks out on the horizon and as it comes close enough to their camp on the burned grass it turns out to be a blessing from God as the two men can dry their wet clothes and everyone can warm themselves (too bad marshmallows and hot dogs haven’t been invented yet!) it is almost festive. Everyone sleeps well, the next morning is glorious and they can get on their way again to Zion.

 

Chapter 3

Four lines by Joel a short prayer to God for grace to get through a hard time

May 1838

 

            The oldest Johnson brother, Joel and his wife Annie and their four children still reside in Kirtland but they hope to leave soon with the next company. A knock at the door reveals Julianne and Almon, both back from Canada. The children squeal with excitement at their favorite aunt and uncle and everyone sits back down to breakfast. Juli and Almon will go over to Mother Johnson’s house next and everyone will be getting ready soon for the move west.

 

            Learning from her mother that Sam won’t let their beloved sister and daughter come to Kirtland to see her family, especially when Juli and Almon will be leaving tomorrow morning for Missouri and the two sisters will probably never see each other again, Juli goes to her sister. Almera is milking the cow and weeping when Juli darkens the doorway and they embrace tightly. Almera is filled with hope. She fears she made the biggest mistake of her life marrying Sam and would give anything to be joining the rest of the church in the big migration.

 

            We were introduced to the Huntington family in the last book. Benjamin and Joe made friends with daughter Zina (it looks like Ben is crushing on her too!) and her brother William. Joe teases Ben about his interest in the young lady. He himself will keep his options open by associating with as many girls as he can. They are on their way to the camp this morning outside Kirtland where Almon is preparing to lead his company of Canadian saints to Zion and they’ve come to say goodbye.

 

 

Chapter 4

Poem by Joel about Zion

May 1838

 

            Delcena is happy to be in Far West, they arrived two weeks ago. She has a cabin of her own and they are comfortably settled. Brother Joseph is here too and Lyman has just left to go speak with him. Delcena knows something has been troubling him, probably his rash decision to burn down the printing office back in Kirtland but she is very content. She is especially happy because she and Lyman are going to have another child but she hasn’t told him that yet.

 

            The prophet and Lyman are interrupted before he can confess what he did but Brother Joseph reassures Lyman whatever sin or offense he might be feeling guilty of he should talk to the Lord because as far as Joseph is concerned, the salvation of Lyman Sherman is made sure and he has nothing to worry about. Now, he needs to go comfort a family that just lost a fourteen year old son (the father of this family Apostle Thomas B. Marsh will later leave the church but repent and come to Utah only to die in obscurity). Emma tells Lyman she will come call on Delcena very soon as their two little boys are good friends.

 

            It is now July 4, 1838 and everyone attends the cornerstone lying ceremony for the future Far West temple and Sydney Rigdon gives his now famous speech standing beneath the grand flagpole constructed just yesterday and erected this morning from which the stars and stripes now wave. Sidney boldly declares the people of this church are not going to take it anymore!

 

The very next day a storm rolls in and a great lightning strike completely takes out the flagpole. It is a sign from God who is not pleased with some of the men murmuring about going to war to avenge the saints getting evicted from their homes in Independence. Little do they know their troubles are just beginning.

 

            In the first novel, young Ezekiel Johnson was gifted a fine gun by a family member. He still has that gun and now that everyone in the Johnson clan are leaving: Julia and all the children, including Benjamin and Joseph. Joel, his wife Annie and their little family. Ezekiel has come to say goodbye to everyone. He gives his gun “Betsy” to Benjamin who is honored and promises to take good care of it. One day, he will return it to the Patriarch of this family, its rightful owner. Zeke just nods and excuses himself to find his estranged wife, Julia, who weeps along with her other younger children as they say farewell to father and husband. Almera is here too and she sobs as mother and daughter clasp each other. It is nighttime in this very large camp and company of saints. They will all leave early tomorrow morning for Far West and Zion.

 

Chapter 5

Another poem by Joel about prayer

July 9, 1838

 

            Annie’s little two year old is not feeling well and her wails let everyone around them in the camp know it. There is a single, childless sister in the camp who has never married and was disowned by her family because she was the only one to join the church so she is truly traveling solo through life. She is twenty-six years old, tall with blue eyes, big feet and way past her expiration date! (*Chapter notes* do not mention if this woman was a real person or not. We will find out in the next book. Makes this reader wonder what singles wards might have been like in these early days of the church and what profound revelations the Lord might have given Joseph Smith concerning what the church should do with saints like Susan!)

 

Susan makes herself useful helping Annie set up a camp bed and holding the baby while Annie thinks to herself if it is better to be married with children that could be taken from you at any time than to be like Susan-who may never have children at all though her eyes reflect her yearning. The entire company was forced to come to a halt when wagons broke down and Joel’s oxen became sickly. A young child in the company is also very sick like Annie’s and may die.

 

            Benjamin is grateful his health has improved, unlike the two oxen under his care. He had feared he would have to stay behind in Kirtland due to his persistent cough and feeling weak but he is feeling much better now and took the job of driving the company livestock on the trail. He will follow oldest brother Joel’s instructions to sell the two oxen if they don’t recover. One does and he brings back ten dollars for the sale of the other. He finds younger sister Mary crying because the little baby in camp did die. She throws her arms around the cow that lived while Ben and Joe smirk and tease her for being so sentimental.

 

Chapter 6

Two stanzas by Joel-a prayer to Heavenly Father for aid

July 1838

 

            Now six months pregnant, Delcena takes a bag of caraway seeds dipped in honey and gives it to her fussy toddler to chew on (except honey really shouldn’t be given to children at that age but what did the pioneers know about infant botulism and bacteria) as she’s really in no condition to lift a small child. Just as she’s wondering where her other little one, Albey, has disappeared to there’s a knock at the door. It’s Brother Joseph with Albey and his own little Joseph Jr. returning her son safely from his playdate. Delcena thanks him.

 

            Lyman attends his first meeting of a group of LDS men calling themselves Danites who have pledged to keep everybody safe, even if it means resorting to violence against the ever-escalating threat of mob attacks to drive them all out. Their leader, Sampson Avard, insists these meetings are all approved by Joseph and since Sampson is also a prominent leader in the church that means he also speaks for Joseph (and God) but Lyman isn’t so sure. As a presidency of the Seventy this doesn’t feel right. He expresses his concerns to Sampson and is allowed to be excused from the rest of the meeting without officially registering his membership like all the other men here have done though he has been urged by Sampson to become a member to improve their image. They use signs and secret words and make solemn oaths to pledge their loyalty to this group which any reader of the Book of Mormon will recognize as wrong.

 

Lyman talks to Almon about this meeting later and Almon agrees Lyman did the right thing. As for himself, Almon is not going to live with the group of Canadian saints on the only available land they could find which is many miles north of Far West almost to the Iowa boarder. Almon has already moved his wife into a small comfortable cabin of her own right here in Far West. Lyman warns Almon Joseph may not approve of Almon settling the people he led to Zion outside the actual “Lord approved” boundaries of Zion. Almon says if it comes to that he will ride up there and relocate his people right away.

 

Chapter 7

One stanza by Joel about teaching by the spirit

July 28, 1838

 

            Back with the Kirtland Camp still on the trail to Far West, this is an actual true missionary story that really happened to our Benjamin Johnson who went to a nearby town near their camp to look for work in exchange for food and possibly money that he could share with friends and family back in camp. He did find some work and is now on his way back to camp. It is late afternoon and he is threadbare, no shoes, sweaty and dirty walking down the main street of this small Ohio village when he is stopped by some folks sitting outside their residences and businesses. One older man asks him if he is a Mormon. Hoping he’s not about to be set upon and beaten, Benjamin timidly answers his question in the affirmative and corrects the man’s misassumptions about the character of Joseph Smith and next thing he knows the sun has set behind him and he is still standing there in the middle of the dirt street, hours later, telling all the people, some of whom have their windows open and are leaning out to hear him better, the story of the restored gospel and answering their questions, bearing his testimony. Some of the women listening have tears in their eyes. Realizing he needs to be on his way (he still has a long 11 mile walk ahead of him) Ben closes his testimony in the name of Jesus Christ and leaves town, relieved nobody attacked him. As he walks, Ben also marvels to himself. Who was that young man back there? Where did he find the courage to speak in front such a large crowd of spectators? Seth would be very proud.

 

            Next day is Sunday and as the camp gathers to worship in a small grove that a nearby farmer agreed to let them use for their meeting, some wagons and buggies pull up. A few of the new investigators Benjamin met and preached to yesterday have come wishing to learn more and to find out who the young man (an angel?) was who came through their town yesterday. Benjamin, now washed and dressed in his Sunday best looking very different than he did yesterday, keeps quiet and is both too modest and too mortified to speak up and declare himself as the traveling missionary who may have planted some gospel seeds.

 

            Julia and Annie are glad to have Susan Bryant helping them with the evening chores. She has become almost like an aunt to the little ones and they all comment on the different personalities of the children and grandchildren who drive them all a little crazy with their antics but they’ll keep them. Susan declares she is very glad to be on board with such a crew as the Johnson clan. Later than night, Julia lies awake, unable to sleep, her mind awhirl with anxious thoughts for the other grown children not with her. Are Julianne and Almon settled safely in Far West, are they all right? Will Almera, left all alone back in Kirtland with no family support, continue to be strong?

(She will, the authors found two LDS families who stayed in Kirtland and decided one of the those sisters could have befriended Almera who, with her Papa’s help, overrides Sam and attends a social with these women in this story. Religion had nothing to do with it. Even Ezekiel pointed out to Sam some of his best and most loyal customers have always been Mormons so he should allow his wife to get out and mingle with these other women. Rebecca Winters is her name and she was a real person.)

 

Chapter 8

Four lines by Joel about Zion

August 1838

 

            There is to be a meeting here in Far West to discuss some of the issues with all the influx of new move-ins to the area. Julianne and Almon hold hands as they disembark from their wagon once they arrive in town at the new schoolhouse where the meeting will be held. Almon, ever the dandy, is dressed in his finest outfit including cravat, and Juli curled her hair with rags overnight so she would look her best too. Delcena and Lyman Sherman are here and the two couples greet each other warmly. Brother Joseph takes Almon aside and from where she sits looking outside the window, it doesn’t look like Almon is taking Brother Joseph’s mild rebuking well. He enters and sits next to his wife assuring her he’s fine. Just as Lyman warned him, the Canadian saints will need to be moved to within Zion’s official boundaries. It doesn’t help that two different speakers at this meeting remind the congregation of this fact. Never mind other settlements, like the one at Haun’s Mill, also fall under this jurisdiction, Almon feels like everybody is against him today. Can’t he do anything right?

 

            This same day, a group of LDS saints (all men) went to the county seat to exercise their right as citizens of this country, to do their civic duty and vote. But violence broke out as the local Missourians did not take kindly to “less than” citizens coming in to upset the political balance of the state. The latest report says two LDS men were killed (this will later be found false) and everyone is very anxious and worried. Brother Joseph and a large group of brethren which includes Lyman, Sidney Rigdon, Hyrum and Sampson Avard will all go with Almon to visit the settlements that need to relocate. They leave the very next day on horseback.

(Gerald Lund’s Work and the Glory series Vol 4 “Thy Gold to Refine” also includes a fictional character witnessing the big fight that broke out when the men came to vote and were refused. See Vol 4, chapter 6)

 

            The party stops at the home of one Justice of the Peace, Adam Black, to peacefully request he sign a paper stating that the people called Mormons and those who already live here be allowed to coexist without harm coming to either people. It is a vague request but granted. Unfortunately, this man will sign another paper stating the complete opposite occurred: the Mormon leaders threatened him with physical violence if he did not sign their paper. Lyman witnesses Sidney Rigdon exiting the home of Mr. Black waving the signed paper triumphantly. Little good it did.

 

Chapter 9

Two stanzas by Joel “The Lord bless you”

Cincinnati Ohio, August 1838

 

            Julia and her two sons, Joseph and Benjamin are here in Cincinnati because Julia has a brother and sister who live in this area whom she hasn’t seen in almost thirty years and she has missed them terribly. She also fears they might be estranged from her because of her new religion. She wrote them about it but they never responded. What if she is not welcome in her siblings’ homes?

 

            Nothing could be farther from the truth. Aunt Nancy bursts into tears of joy when she answers the door to see her older sister standing there; looking so much like their dearly departed mother she feared she was seeing a ghost. They are welcomed into her boardinghouse. A widow of ten years with grown children like her sister, Nancy also harbors a great secret. This boardinghouse that she runs also serves as a stop on the Underground Railroad. Nancy’s large, black manservant, Elias, will take Joe and Ben over to the hog butchering district later so they can buy meat to take back to the Kirtland Camp. This was part of their reason for coming.

 

They get a good price for thirty hams (when the owner learned he was doing business with the nephews of a respectable woman in the city whom many know and admire, he agreed to Joe’s price) and it is dark by the time they return to the house. Since the boardinghouse is full, the two young men will sleep in the cellar, which conceals the secret room used to hide the “shipments” coming in. None are here tonight so the empty beds are a welcome relief to Joe and Ben after so many weeks of camping out on hard ground. Elias welcomes them to “Sweet Nancy’s Palace” and confides he has a wife and child hoping to escape their slave master down south so they can all be together as a free family. The slave state of Kentucky is just across the river making this city a hotbed of contention between abolitionists and slave holders looking for their runaways.

           

Julia lies awake upstairs in the other bed in Nancy’s room. The room is dark and Julia assumes her younger sister fell asleep but Nancy clicks her tongue, a childhood signal that the other was still awake and wanted to talk. The entire afternoon and evening was spent visiting and catching up yet Nancy is curious why Julia never mentioned her husband. Julia tells her she and Ezekiel have separated. Seth’s tragic death broke both their hearts and her husband’s alcoholism only added fuel to the fire along with her new faith.

            It was never any secret in the family that Julia was the most spiritual-that God was Julia’s friend. Nancy is a devout Christian as well but she could never join her sister’s church. She feels her work is here, helping the runaway slaves to freedom. Julia respects that. Joel is out of town. Julia will miss visiting him tomorrow in this same area but her sister-in-law, Joel’s wife Rhoda, is very happy to see them and Julia and her boys stay a second night with her and leave the following day.

(*Chapter Notes* The details of this quick trip south so Julia could see her siblings is sketchy. The authors have no evidence that Nancy Hills Taft was involved in the Underground Railroad or that she even ran a boardinghouse but census records from this time list Nancy as head of household along with a number of males too old to be children so the authors created this situation for her and it makes sense if her husband did indeed die. Julia makes no mention of seeing her brother when this visit was made, only her sister-in-law and nephews so for storytelling purpose, they had Uncle Joel be out of town. See also Vol 1 Ch 4 of this series when Joel and younger brother David passed through the Cincinnati area. The authors had them visit Uncle Joel so this is not the first time in the story that Johnsons have visited their nonmember relatives. Even Almon traveling alone to inquire what education he needed in order to take the bar in Ohio stayed with Uncle Joel in Vol 2 Ch 6 and did some missionary work which the authors created as a fictional event. It is referred to in this chapter between Ben and his cousin Frank, Rhoda’s son.)

Chapter 10

Six lines by Joel about God watching out for us

August 1838

 

            Almon’s group from Canada consisted of twenty-two families. All good people. He leads Joseph, Hyrum and Sidney to the home of Brother John Snider where they are warmly welcomed in and served a late dinner. Joseph counsels John to move this settlement closer south to Far West. John will follow the prophet’s council and is glad Brother Joseph will repeat this same message tomorrow at Sunday worship services. As Brother Rigdon begins expressing his thoughts on the law of sacrifice, Almon zones out, he happens to glance up to see one of John’s little boys still awake peeking down on them from the loft . He holds up a checker set with raised eyebrows. Almon winks and nods ever so slightly. Brother Joseph bursts out laughing interrupting Sidney’s discourse. A lively game is just what this party needs and it’s not every day a prophet graces your home. The boy is invited to come down. (Chapter Notes do not mention this humorous scene, only Anson Call’s record mentions the prophet and his party coming to their settlement on Sunday to preside at the service held in his home and council them all to move so this probably never took place at the Snider home-but it is fun to read.)

              

            Another Danite meeting is held at the schoolhouse. While chapter notes say there is no record of Lyman Sherman being at this particular meeting the authors decided to have him there so he could observe Brigham Young’s brother, Lorenzo Young, standing up to defend the church and openly challenge Sampson Avard if this meeting really does have the approval of Brother Joseph and the rest of the First Presidency. Lorenzo gets very passionate about this and the two almost come to blows but the meeting is adjourned. Lyman goes with Lorenzo to tell Brigham what just happened.

 

            Almon rides backwards on his horse, telescope in hand to better see if they are being followed by men who may want to do them harm. It is nighttime, Sunday, and they are returning back to Far West but a group of men hearing the Mormon leader was in the area are gathered in a nearby wood to make an ambush. Like George Washington urging the colonists to have courage and fight, Joseph cries out to his brethren to spur their horses and they all ride furiously for many miles, outrunning the enemy, until they come to safety.

 

            Next morning, Brigham Young, Sampson Avard and other men were riding out from the city boundaries of Far West to find Joseph and warn him that a local Sherriff has a warrant for his arrest. They are surprised to meet them on the road. All are troubled by the news but also thankful they made it back to Far West without incident. Joseph asks Almon, straight out for some legal advice. Almon tells him to go home and see his family for in the eyes of the law, Joseph is innocent until proven guilty and everyone here knows he has done nothing wrong. Sampson disagrees. If their prophet and leader is hauled off to jail, then all is lost and chaos will erupt in the church. They must fight for justice! The last thing Joseph wants is to start a war. They will all return to Far West and wait and see what happens.

 

Chapter 11

Two stanzas by Joel

September 1838

 

            Many people in the Kirtland Camp are sick. Newly returned from his visit to Cincinnati, Ben nurses one man, a father who already lost his wife. They are camped near Springfield, Illinois and some are talking of renting a few homes in the area and staying here for a season or two until things are settled. Julia is one of them but Ben feels he needs to continue on to Far West so he might be of assistance to the prophet. Joe will stay to look after their mother and younger siblings but all will miss Benjamin.

 

            Back in the Kirtland area, Sam is having a good day today talking and working pleasantly with Brother Winters as they cut and rake hay while Rebecca Winters and Almera work in another area in the same field. Rebecca has a letter from Julianne which she slips to her friend. Both are well aware Sam would not be happy if he saw it. Sam strikes up a song while driving the horses back home. It is an old American folk song about Jenny Jenkins who won’t wear certain colors but Sam changes the name to “Mrs. Prescott” so it applies to his own wife. (You can find it on YouTube or Google it to hear the tune) Almera smiles but after singing the verse that accuses the woman in the song of not being true, Sam abruptly stops singing. He takes her hand and squeezes it, hard. Almera is no longer smiling.

 

For the first time in this series POV switches to Sam who awakens to find his wife gone, sitting in the front room reading the traitorous letter by candlelight. He grumbles to himself because he was nice to her the entire way home in the wagon and all evening long giving her every opportunity to confess her sin hiding the letter. Oh, he saw Rebecca slip it to her all right! She is a wicked, unfaithful wife going against his wishes. He is not happy and they argue. He grabs the letter and reads it growing more and more furious as it mentions him and his negativity towards their religion. This issue is being blown way out of proportion but try explaining that to an emotional abuser.

 

Julia is all settled in her temporary Springfield home and she is caring for a woman, Mary Cook Hale, whose husband died a week ago. Now, like her husband, Mary is also succumbing to illness. They leave behind a ten year old daughter, Mary Ann, their only child. Julia promised to care for the girl but is torn between waking her now so she might say goodbye to her mother or letting her sleep. Sister Hale indicates she wants to see her daughter one last time. Julia wraps her arms around the sobbing child as she and her mother exchange I love you’s. It is a heartbreaking scene. Just then, 18 yr old Mary with her long blonde braid and brown eyes full of empathy enters the room and embraces the girl promising her she will always have a place with this family and have lots of brothers and sisters to look out for her. (This really happened. Mary Ann will grow up and marry Benjamin as a second wife see *Chapter Notes*)

 

Gerald Lund in Work and the Glory Vol 6 “Praise to the Man” Chapter 15 had his fictional characters encounter a tall, rail-thin, young lawyer, native of Illinois by the name of Mr. Lincoln who practiced law. Here, Joseph Johnson also encounters a tall, long legged stranger answering to the name of “Abe,” sitting and discussing politics with other men in the local General Store of Springfield. Joseph likes the owner who has generously let the Mormons have food and supplies on credit. Joseph needs to ask him for more cornmeal as the family has nothing to eat and some quinine for all the sick currently staying in their temporary home in town. The owner is glad Joe Johnson came in. A woman is looking for someone to teach a winter term of school and the pay is good, all were hoping Joseph Johnson might take the position as he comes highly recommended by the Mormons. Joseph can’t believe it-the answer to his prayers! He’ll take the job and gladly. (*Chapter Notes* say while Joseph’s being in the same room with our future 16th President of the US here is fictional, the store owner was a real man who boarded Abraham Lincoln who was still a bachelor. Men did gather around his stove evenings and discuss politics and it is very probable the Johnsons crossed paths with him. Gerald Lund has nothing to say about his fictional characters Benjamin and Nathan Steed’s, encounter with Mr. Lincoln which he places in 1842 and in a different location in Springfield.)

 

Chapter 12

Short poem by Joel beseeching God to keep him until he can meet with family at home again

October 1838

 

            Benjamin is not the only one still traveling to Far West while some stayed behind. The Kirtland Camp is large and spread out over many miles. Everyone is worried how vulnerable they are to attack now that they’ve crossed into Missouri. A local met them and warned them a mob had already formed and was threatening their destination but they needn’t worry long. The Prophet himself has ridden out to meet them and that makes Benjamin feel better along with the rest of the camp.

 

            Three nights later, Delcena is relieved her little brother has joined the family, safe and healthy. He is now in the place called Adam-ondi-Ahman looking over the land both for a place of his own and to help the saints settle there as part of the establishment of Zion-Brother Joseph’s orders. Benjamin hopes to begin courting Zina Huntington so this assignment by the Prophet is not an inconvenience either! Lyman comes in with a sleepy Albey who kisses his Mama and as Lyman lays him down and tucks him in, he sings a different version of Hymn #25 in our hymnal “Now We’ll Sing With One Accord” (I had to look this up in my copy of Our Latter-day Hymns as the authors do not give us any info on this song in the chapter notes. Back in this day when their beloved Prophet was still alive, the words by W.W. Phelps were not only different but in present tense and have since been altered. Lyman starts out singing When the world in darkness lay, Lo, Joseph sought a better way…have not sung this hymn much and as a choir singer and musician had to go sit at my piano and play it to refresh my memory!)

Once Albey is asleep, Lyman returns to the front room. Trouble is brewing he tells his wife, for Joseph is planning to ride to the area of di-Ahman tomorrow and he will probably go too as Joseph wants as many able bodied men to accompany him as can be spared from Far West. Turns out Joseph does not require him to go and while this faithful man is a little disappointed he will stay behind to watch out for Emma and his own family for which Joseph is grateful.

 

            Now that he’s picked out his own lot, Ben is having second thoughts. While the plot of land is on a bluff that overlooks the valley-a lovely view-the soil is really too rocky to grow anything. He shows the area to Zina who declares it beautiful, never mind all the rocks. She sings a new hymn for him (THIS one I know! Hymn #49) about “Adam-ondi-Ahman” and later Joseph takes a small group which includes Benjamin up to this same overlook to show them a few rock mounds and declare this was the same spot where Father Adam first offered sacrifices to the Lord as commanded after being driven out of Eden and this was also where Adam blessed all his posterity. Talk about prime real estate! Any doubts Benjamin had about acquiring this unwanted plot of land are gone. Joseph also insists that young Ben share his room at the home of one of the saints instead of sleeping outside in the cold and snow with the rest. (This is all true) Brother Joseph explains to Ben that when their beloved older brother David died, Joseph made a promise to himself to watch out for young Joseph and Benjamin Johnson but especially Ben since he has always been more tender hearted and spiritually in tune than Joe. It is a great honor and while the prophet may not have had this exact conversation with Benjamin Johnson it is very true that, until the martyrdom, the Smith and Johnson families were good friends and looked out for each other. There is also the true story of the snowball fight the prophet initiated to cheer up the camp of men who had to sleep outside with no shelter and woke up covered in snow and freezing. Brother Joseph took down Sidney Rigdon and they wrestled resulting in Joseph’s pants getting torn! Benjamin laughs along with the other men at the sight.

 

Chapter 13

Short stanza by Joel

October 1838

 

            The situation in di-Ahman has become a real catch-22 for the saints. The town and the surrounding area have been literally hemmed in on all sides by mobs who want them to leave but have also threatened to shoot anyone who tries. Understandably panicked and fearing their lives, saints from the northern areas of the state have flocked to the town of Adam-ondi-Ahman forced to sleep out in the open with no shelter or food or fires. Some of the women have given birth. Benjamin is horrified when he finds the young wife of the prophet’s brother, Don Carlos, who reports what the mobs have been doing. Burning, looting, forcing many helpless, unprotected women and children, like herself, her two-year-old and newborn child to flee for their lives. Her husband, Don Carlos is currently away serving a short mission in another state for the church. All the men know they must do all they can to defend the saints. Some will ride to get their families and bring them here before the coming battle which is now inevitable. This will not be like Jackson County, Independence.

 

            Benjamin gets a front row seat to all the action in this chapter which begins with a squadron of men to which Benjamin has been assigned led by Brother Cornelius Lott. They have heard of a nearby home in which weapons to use against the saints have been stored and if they find this true, they are to evict the women and children, “mercifully” allow them to remove whatever items they can from the house then burn it to the ground.

 

They find a cache of rifles and ammo hidden in the nearby cornfield. The two women, their husbands, and three young children, the oldest about six, are escorted from the house. One woman is very much pregnant. All are sobbing and crying while the men look like their hearts are failing them. Moved with compassion, Benjamin insists the woman with child be given one of the horses they confiscated from the barn before it is torched and when the men exit the house carrying household goods intended for the refugees back at di-Ahman, Benjamin again insists these women be allowed to take some of the clothing as it is very cold today. The little boy, reassured his papa will not be harmed, clings to his father’s waist on his mount before they ride away and tells Benjamin where some honey is hidden over by the barn in a pumpkin-a beehive. Being very hungry, Benjamin finds the treat but since they must move on, he regrets not getting his fill. The house and barn are burned. Next day, they also find a herd of cattle, forty head, a welcome addition to the starving camp of saints in di-Ahman where they are gladly welcomed back. (All of this is true and the authors used Benjamin Johnson’s own journal in which he recorded in detail these experiences riding with the vigilantes.

 

Chapter 14

Two stanzas by Joel

October 1838

 

            Julianne wakes Sunday morning to find Almon laboring on the unfinished house; he is outside sawing lumber to make a fake floor to cover the cellar. He intends to hide their food and other valuable items down there then move their trundle bed to cover the entrance so when the mob comes, they will hopefully find just an empty, scantily furnished house with nothing to steal. He will not be attending Sabbath meetings today; he has no other day on which to complete this project.

 

            Delcena’s baby is also coming today and Julianne is here to help although her heart is breaking with her own longing for another child to replace the one she and Almon lost in the last book. It is a girl, just as Delcena’s mother’s intuition told her. They will name her Susan Julia after the beloved sister they lost and the child’s noble and valiant grandmother. Lyman sings a Sabbath hymn to his new daughter (the rest of the Sherman children are staying at the Smith’s with Emma) while Julianne slips quietly out the door to return to her own childless house.

 

            Three days later the new hiding place in the house is ready and Julianne helped Almon move all their things down there. Tomorrow he will leave to help the newly formed militia defend the saints while Juli will stay with the Shermans. They are about to retire to bed as it is very late when someone pounds at the door. It is Brother Robert Thompson who is gathering men to come help rescue three innocent LDS men, one just a young boy, kidnapped by the enemy who is threatening to kill them if the Mormons don’t surrender and end this conflict which isn’t going to happen. Julianne begs her “darling boy” to be careful as he joins Brother Thompson and he leaves.

 

            While there is no record of this, the authors chose to have Almon be part of the Battle of Crooked River and relied heavily on Brigham Young’s brother, Lorenzo Young’s account and involvement in the battle letting Almon experience most of the action in his place. Like the battle cries of Captain Moroni’s army “God and Liberty” is the cry these men give as they charge in the early morning light, their silhouettes making them easy targets for enemy fire. Lives are lost on both sides and Almon is attacked by a large Missouri man welding a sword. Almon fights back but just as he is about to be driven off the side of a river bank, the water ten feet below, a blow knocks his attacker off balance and he is forced to jump into the water as Almon sidesteps to avoid collision. His savior is a young man Almon immediately recognizes, Arthur Millican. Almon stays by his side until all the wounded men are brought safe in a wagon to the home of a member in Far West. The Missourians fled so, in a way, the Mormons did win this skirmish but those who know their church history also know the terrible price still to come. Julianne finds Almon here and is also glad that young Arthur will make a full recovery after being shot in both legs near the thighs. Almon held him while the surgeon, Sampson Avard, still a good man despite leading the Danite group of which he is no longer the leader perform the crude operation to remove the bullets. Lucy Smith, the prophet’s younger sister is Arthur’s (sort of) girlfriend and she is helping to nurse him. They will marry later in Nauvoo. Juli is shaken by everything that has happened but remains strong for Almon.

 

Chapter 15

Short poem by Joel about leaving your darling behind and saying goodbye

October 1838

 

            Everyone should have a father like Lyman Sherman. He needs to leave to join the rest of the men on guard duty in the public square here in Far West. Albey and Mary argue when Albey asks to go help fight and carry a spear like the others. His sister scoffs at him and Albey hits her while oldest Alvira sobs but instead of punishing the children, Lyman chokes back emotion, gently refuses Albey’s request, hushes the girl’s tears and tells them all to keep the faith and remember Jesus will always help them. He hugs them all wondering if this night is the last time he’ll see his family.

 

            The next day is Halloween but remember nobody really celebrated it back then like we do now in the 21st century. Tension is high for all. Nobody knows what is going to happen as the entire town is basically under siege. The prophet has agreed to surrender himself. Almon physically carries Arthur on his back to his own home to hide him in the cellar where he’ll be safe as all who were involved in the skirmishes of the last few days have warrants out for their arrest by the state militia. Julianne begs Almon to stay safe and not to worry about her. He needs to flee along with the other men, to stay alive, to keep the faith that one day they will be reunited again. She will go over to her sister’s and stay with her and the children.

 

Thursday, November 1, 1838

Lyman points his rifle at the advancing enemy who stop just out of range in the standoff-Mormon men versus the much larger group of Missourians. They surrender as a messenger arrives proclaiming the news: Joseph wants all his people to surrender peacefully. Lyman and the other men are marched back to the Far West town square and kept there under guard while the men are given free rein to enter the homes and take whatever spoils of war they want. Lyman prays with all his heart for God to send angels to protect his family. When men burst through the door, Delcena and Julianne remain calm and while one man is ready to ravish Julianne another man tells him to leave the women alone and they are spared but all food and livestock are commandeered. A report comes in that Alexander Doniphan refused, point blank, to shoot Joseph Smith as ordered and he was taken away instead, unharmed.

 

Next day Lyman is free to return to his family but he only has time to swallow a few bites of food, not that they have much, as he is anxious to get over to the Smith’s and check on Emma. Delcena insists on going over there too. Julianne will stay with the children. The Shermans witness the tearful goodbyes between Joseph and his children, just as the Lord will remind the Prophet next year in March when D&C 122 is given that he may be required to pass through even worse things than this Liberty Jail experience now, even when his own six year old son clings to him crying “O my father, what are they going to do to you? Why can’t you stay with us?” That all of this is for experience and for his good.

The authors have no family records of what the Sherman and Babbitt families experienced during this significant time in church history so, for purposes of the story, they used the records and writing of other Saints like in the last chapter and let them experience the same ordeals.

 

Chapter 16

Short poem by Joel about God being our guide

November 1838

             

            Almon wakes up covered in snow, camped out in the open all night with the other men who escaped from Far West. All agree while not very comfortable, this Godsend probably saved their lives as any men searching for them did not succeed. Their tracks are now covered in the fresh snow. Almon decides to set out on his own, he will travel southwest to Ft. Levenworth Kansas where he has a bachelor brother, John, who lives there and already wrote to Almon inviting him to come where there is work and pay for all-even free negroes and Mormons are welcome. The men wish him well and Almon departs wishing he was taking at least some of the meager rations they have but understands his fellow brothers need it more.

 

            Meanwhile, Benjamin is still up in Adam-ondi-Ahman. He is standing guard in the middle of the night when a wagon approaches, it is an LDS family fleeing Far West and they report to Ben they did see Lyman Sherman and he was alive and well but all the saints will have to leave in the next few months. They have been warned if they even attempt to do any spring planting next year, they will all be exterminated and driven out so everyone is now taking what they can and fleeing the area. They also tell Ben what Joseph told the saints, not to fight but to do exactly what this family is doing.

 

            Next day, men from Far West arrive. They forced a man to show them the way to this settlement and since Benjamin’s name is known as one who rode against local Missourians and participated in burning a house, he is taken to a place designated for interrogation and questioned harshly. Ben was also forced, along with all the other men in the settlement to turn over his weapons so he no longer has the rifle his Papa gave him. (Chapter notes say this is all true and that Ben wrote in his autobiography that the gun he gave up was not his so it could have been his father’s. Another person wrote of the impressive weapon that it was the best and finest rifle of any of the Mormons, inlaid with gold and silver in the stock and barrel)

 

Praying for strength and wisdom as the commander tries to get him to betray those he rode with, Ben feels more alert despite lack of sleep and a good meal. He is able to answer their questions without endangering anyone, nevertheless, since Ben is the only one they were able to apprehend, he will be taken into custody. He is sent outside to sleep on the cold, hard ground in the open and endures what is probably one of the worst nights of his life (this is all true). A changing of the guard in the middle of the night includes a large, truly evil man brandishing a corn cutter which he openly boasts he used to slaughter one Mormon man and he threatens to do the same to Benjamin who can only lie huddled on the ground, terrified for his life, retching what little food remains in his stomach as the man swears and waves the corn cutter mere centimeters from Ben’s head and body. The guard is finally changed and when the dawn comes, Ben didn’t get much sleep. An old negro slave/cook for this camp sneaks Ben a few scraps of food, promising to bring more when he can.

 

            Delcena and Julianne freeze when a knock comes at the door, the special knock they agreed with Lyman that if he were to come to the Babbitt’s with a stranger, to hide Arthur in the cellar right away. They do so and open the door. Julianne does a double take for the brother of Almon, whom she has never met, looks very much like her husband. John Babbitt brings a letter from him which he promised to put into no one else’s hands but Julianne. She reads it aloud: Almon writes in code (to “Johnny” obviously his brother) where he is now, where he is traveling to and where he will be staying when he arrives. Please forward all of this to his wife. It is signed, “Manny.” Juli is very relieved as they all sit down to supper. John is, of course, welcome to join them and he takes his spoon and begins eating before grace is said. He and Lyman will travel to where Almon is since Lyman needs to flee before he is arrested by the anti-Mormons.

 

            In Springfield, Mother Johnson nurses George who is very ill with fever (Chapter Notes say the family all came down with Typhoid fever during this time) she ends up getting sick too and so does Joe who takes a few sick days from teaching the school to recover. They have read the reports in the local paper about the Mormon conflict in Missouri and they are all very worried for Benjamin. They pray both separately and together as a family for his health and safety.

 

Chapter 17

Short four line stanza by Joel about hope in God

No date

 

            In Adam-ondi-Ahman it is very cold and snowy as Benjamin continues to be a prisoner of the Missourians. This is also a true story and has been recounted in two other places including an Improvement Era article when a Missourian walked up to Benjamin Johnson, pointed his gun right at him, almost point blank, and ordered him to give up Mormonism or he would be shot right then and there. Ben refused. The gun misfired. Baffled, the man pointed and tried again but, again, the gun did not go off. He tried a THIRD time and got knocked to the ground as the gun literally exploded in his hands. One observer commented maybe killing this kid wasn’t such a good idea. Certain he was about to meet the siblings awaiting him on the other side, Benjamin wonders what kind of plan God must still have in store for him as it is obviously not his time to go. The wounded man is carried away to a tent so a doctor can treat his burns and wounds. Benjamin sleeps on the bed of branches his captors allowed him to make so he wouldn’t have to sleep on hard ground. He doesn’t get much sleep that night.

 

Robert Wilson is the commander but he does not feel as much animosity towards this people as the bloodthirsty men serving under him. He is doing all he can to prevent a massacre. This young man, Benjamin, has been their prisoner for six days now and he refuses to betray his people. Wilson is very impressed at his character.

 

Outside, Benjamin has a visitor from town, William Huntington, but his visit does little to cheer Ben up as Will was sent by the men now in hiding to find out if Ben has given them names and if they will be the next victims to be held prisoner, like Ben, which is all they care about. Ben bursts into tears. Of COURSE he hasn’t betrayed his brothers in the gospel! He tells Will to relay that message. As for him, he will prepare himself for death for he obviously has nothing to live for if those he once counted as friends don’t even have his back. Will is sympathetic. He will tell the others what Ben told him.

 

That night, Ben has a comforting dream. He hears a voice as if from a guardian angel reciting the Savior’s words in D&C 6:36 and later the next morning, William returns to report his sister, Zina, after hearing his story went out and talked to everyone in town inviting all to come to a prayer meeting for softening of hearts and the release of their friend and brother in the gospel who is all alone. Many came, the house was full and they prayed all night for him. Ben embraces Will and tells him he felt those prayers! Later that same day, Ben is called one last time into the tent of Robert Wilson who offers Ben the chance of a lifetime. He is so impressed by his integrity, if Ben would give up his religion he would be honored to adopt him as a ward or a son as he is a very rich and prominent man (Wilson will go on to become a lawyer and senator of Missouri) and he can help Ben do the same. Ben thanks him but he has a family who loves him and is probably very worried about him. He will stay with his people and travel to Illinois as his mother and sisters probably think him dead by now and he can’t do that to them. Wilson understands and Ben is free to go. They salute each other.

 

In Far West, a blunt knock at the door could mean trouble for Julianne and Delcena. A friend would know the special code knock. Is it an enemy come to do them harm? Julianne grips the pistol the men left her and asks who it is.

Ben.

The door flies open and “Benja” is literally sucked into the house by the welcome he receives. Both women are crying and Ben is so exhausted from walking all the way from Adam-ondi-Ahman south, a distance of almost 40 miles, he can hardly stand up straight. The other children, including sister Mary and Delcena’s children help feed him and ask him a hundred questions. Ben has gone from Hell to Heaven surrounded by his family’s love and being cared for like this makes Ben want to cry. Their friend Arthur also listens as Ben recounts his ordeal at the hands of wicked men and how God spared him, softening the heart of General Wilson. All agree that it was only by the hand of God this story has a happy ending.

 

THE END





Friday, February 28, 2020

A Banner is Unfurled Vol III






Book Series: A Banner is Unfurled
Title:              Glory From On High
Author:         Marcie Gallacher & Kerri Robinson
Publisher:     Covenant
Publishing date: 2008
Pages:           278
Number of Chapters: 18
This volume spans about three years-1834-Jan 1837

*Chapter Notes at end of book*

In memory of the faithful saints in Kirtland, Ohio; and dedicated to our siblings, Joel, Jon, and Tammy, whose love and support mean so much

Introduction (summary)

The authors wrestled with just how much they should sugarcoat for the reader. This period was not an easy time for both the Johnson family and the saints as they struggled and made many personal sacrifices to build the temple. The Johnson family suffered some devastating hardships and losses but a statement made by the Prophet about balancing the sorrows while embracing the joys decided them. They would tell the story, leaving nothing out, and show how their incredible ancestors kept the faith despite the depressing trials and challenges. Julia Johnson, the rock solid matriarch of the family is also praised as the records of her children continuously describe her beauty, kindness, unwavering faith and love for her posterity. 

Family Chart/The Children


1. Joel Hills Johnson born 1802 (married Annie, 1826)  3 living children-Sixtus, Sariah, Nephi
2. Nancy b. 1803
3. Seth b. 1805
4. Delcena born 1806 (married Lyman Sherman, 1829) 3 living children Alvira (her twin brother died shortly after their births) Mary and Albey
5. Julianne b. 1808
6. David b. 1810 died 1833
7. Almera b. 1812
8. Susan b. 1814
9. Joseph b. 1817
10. Benjamin b. 1818
11. Mary b. 1820
12. George b. 1823
13. William b. 1824
14. Esther b. 1827
15. Amos b. 1829


Chapter 1

Three short stanzas by Joel H Johnson about a smile and all its value to humanity
September 1834

    Benjamin Johnson is sixteen years old and learning the saddle making trade living with a man in Kirtland who owns a saddle shop. However, business is not good and since everyone is very poor, Ben may be looking for another place. He stops by the house for breakfast where the family welcomes him warmly making room for him at the table. Father Johnson is conspicuously absent choosing to sleep and work late in the carpentry shop in nearby Mentor where he rents a bench and has a room at the local tavern where anti-Mormonism is high.
    
   Seth is 29 now and he walks with Ben outside to the wagon to admire the fine horse collar that Ben only helped to make and needs to deliver to the customer. He is discouraged his apprenticeship could end any day. It is also hardest on him with his parents' separation. Seth counsels him not to give up hope. Seth is also taking a new job teaching school in another town. He has also been warned by the Willoughby school board not to preach any Mormonism in his class or risk being fired. Seth is agreeable to these terms but already added his own warning to the school board that he will not hesitate to share his religion outside schoolroom hours with anyone who asks.

November 3, 1834 
      Today is Julianne and Almon's wedding day! Juli is 26 (but looks 18 with her short stature and upturned nose) and looking lovely with her shining brown eyes and hair as Almera (age 22) twists part of her brunette ringlets up to be held in place with a fine gold comb-a gift from Almon for their wedding day. Juli was a little concerned at the cost of the comb but Almon has secured them a small log cabin and provisions for the winter and will soon be earning money as a lawyer, now that he has finished his studies. The bride also wears a woolen navy dress, embroidered with pretty designs by Susan and white lace at the collar. Nancy enters the bedroom where Mother Johnson and the sisters are helping Juli get ready. The miracle of Nancy being able to walk again is mentioned in narration (see the end of the last book). Downstairs, green-eyed Almon (now 21 after three years of courting Juli) eagerly awaits his bride along with Juli's brothers and Father Johnson to escort them to the courthouse where they will be married.

Chapter 2
A few lines by Joel
Late November 1834
    
    Narration tells us (as Ezekiel Johnson observes Philastus Hurlbut entering the shop to inquire if Ezekiel can repair a broken table) Philastus Hulbert's luck has not been good since he was excommunicated in the last book and subsequently lost everything in attempt to publish a book to bring down Joseph Smith. He got married (Ezekiel pities the poor woman) and is living in another town as he is not welcome in either Kirtland or Mentor.
    
    Lyman Sherman comes home where his wife has a good supper set on the table but...they also have a visitor-Cousin Philastus and his timid new wife. At Ezekiel's suggestion, Philastus brought her here, to his cousin's house, to quell her fears that the Mormons are going to murder them in their beds one night thanks to her husband's poor choices. As this is clearly not the case, Philastus says goodbye and they do not stay for supper. Philastus will take his wife somewhere far away where they can build a new life together. It's for the best.
   
    Ben is working alone in the saddle shop one evening when Brother Joseph enters for help with a broken stirrup which Ben is happy to repair at no cost. Joseph has heard Seth is preaching on Sundays in his schoolhouse and is glad for it helps build the kingdom of God in that area and lower animosity towards the church. Ben is also glad. He tells the Prophet he will pass this message along to his older brother who regrets he can't help work on the temple. Ben has plans to see his brother this Sunday.
    
     Sam Prescott, Father Johnson's fellow carpenter at the shop, has been eyeing the lovely Almera since he was first introduced to her when she came to see her Papa at work (see the last book). Ezekiel is impressed with this man: he is tall, strong, hardworking, blue eyed with dark blonde hair. Sam would make a fine catch for his daughter. But Almera won't marry anyone who isn't a member of the church and Sam has made it clear he has no desire to join. Ezekiel brings up the subject at the dinner table where Julia and the rest of the family observe this exchange. Almera repeats her desire to not marry outside the faith-she would not make the same mistakes as her parents. Ezekiel frowns, reminding his daughter he could force her to marry the man if he wished. Nevertheless, he will respect her wishes.

January 1835
    It is Sunday and Julia will ride with Ben and Joe to visit Seth in Willoughby where Susan and Esther are staying with him to cook and keep house. Seth has not been fully recovered since returning from Zion's Camp where he was also a victim of the cholera outbreak. His face is red and feverish but he preaches and bears a strong testimony of the restored gospel to the large group of investigators in the schoolroom. After the meeting, three people are baptized. Light snow is falling as Seth performs the ordinances just outside in a nearby creek and Julia is waiting with a warm quilt to wrap around her tall, rail thin son who is more concerned the family not worry about his dragging illness (but even the reader can sense the foreshadowing). 

   Seth is not the only one suffering from winter illnesses, many students are out. Esther will return with her mother and Susan will substitute for Seth in the schoolroom. She is strong and Julia (and the reader) loves her for it. Since the wedding, Susan has tried very hard not to mind that Almon ended up with Julianne. She declares to her mother that perhaps she was sent to the family for this very reason-to help their beloved older brother and be the one to hold the family together during this time of trial.
   
    To Ben's consternation Joe and Esther strike up a "Non-Sabbath" song called "Sarasponda" (you can find it on YouTube a very old American children's folksong probably of Dutch origin with nonsense lyrics "Sara-spon-da...ret-set-set" meant to mimic the sound of a spinning wheel) they humor him and start singing something else as Joe drives the wagon home. Ben is grumpy for good reason: his favorite older brother is not well and may die, their father won't allow any of the younger children, including him, to be baptized and he is depressed and frustrated about life. Julia is also worried for if their son Seth is taken from them, it will be a very heavy blow to the family and may only drive her husband Ezekiel further away.

Chapter 3
a few lines by Joel about trials and heaven sending blessings to help ease the suffering
February 1835

   Susan serves Seth oatmeal sweetened with honey for breakfast but her brother is weak and frail. He returns to bed, despite being fully dressed, for a nap before they journey home. It is bitter cold outside. Susan cleans the dishes, then sweeps and cleans the hearthstone of the fireplace where she cooked the oatmeal. The wagon outside is mostly packed. 

A knock at the door reveals none other than the prophet himself (According to *chapter notes* this is not true but the authors decided to take some fictional license here) who desires to talk to Seth about a vision, a dream he had the night before in which he saw the heavenly mansions awaiting those who died as a result of Zion's Camp march. He weeps at the revelation for if he were to be worthy to receive such a blessing, he tells Seth, it would be enough! (These words and tears shed while relaying them are accurate but given at a meeting back in Kirtland specifically for those who participated in the march so most likely Almon and Lyman were there.)

   Knowing he is dying, Seth turns down Brother Joseph's offer that if he has faith to be healed he would live but Seth is tired and just wants to move on. Joseph respects that.
    
   One week later, Seth is home but has been bedridden since he arrived. Sensing the end is near, the family is gathering around his bed to say goodbye and Ben is devastated-torn between anger and fear. Mother Johnson and her daughters have all been cheerfully taking their turns tending to Seth: reading, singing to him, doing all they can to make him comfortable while Father Johnson has been avoiding the entire issue by staying in Mentor, drinking at the tavern every night and not coming home. Ben envies his father. Wielding the ax, he goes with Almera to the creek to fetch water where something snaps inside him. He hacks violently at the ice as if possessed while Almera sobs begging him to stop until he finally collapses next to her. Brother and sister cry on each other's shoulders. Seth's impending death is ripping the entire family apart. What did they do to incur God's wrath on their family?
    
   At the next Sabbath meeting, the prophet announces there will be quorums of Seventy called, just like in the Bible, to help build the kingdom. Almon is also depressed by Seth's worsening condition. If anyone deserves to be called to the Seventy, it would be Seth. Looking around at the family-his own wife is pregnant with their first child-Almon resolves to be the best he can be. As the next oldest men in the family, Joseph and Benjamin Johnson need the support and example of their older in-laws (Almon and Lyman). The family is counting on him!
     
    Seth calls each member of the family to his deathbed so (like Father Lehi) he can speak to each of his siblings one-on-one and give them blessings and counsel. It is Joe's turn. Seth admonishes him to use his gifts and talents to bless others. That is all the Lord requires of him. Joe thinks of how much he loves and admires his American Indian friends, perhaps he will be a great missionary among them one day.
   
    Ben's turn. Seth relates a vision he had (this is true according to the family records) an angel came to him saying if he had faith to be healed there was a work here on earth for him to do but if Seth chose to pass on there was an equally greater work awaiting him on the other side of the veil to teach his ancestors the restored gospel. Seth will do that. He admonishes Ben to always stay strong in the faith. Ben weeps and promises. Outside in the hallway he and Joe embrace. It will take both of them to replace Seth.
   
   February 19, 1835 Seth died in his sleep this afternoon and Ezekiel never got to say goodbye. Julia had sent Joel to Mentor to fetch him but it is past midnight by the time he stumbles into the kitchen where Julia had been sitting in her rocking chair, alone, for the older children retired to bed while her younger ones were taken to married children's homes to spend the night so Julia could have this much needed time to mourn by herself and deal with the grief. She feels the Lord's comforting spirit but it is still hard. So, when Ezekiel finally enters with Joel and learns Seth's body is lying in state in the front parlor he begins ranting and yelling (for he is intoxicated as usual) at this cursed religion that keeps taking the lives of their children. It takes the older daughters plus Joel and Almon to get him to bed to sleep it off. Almera is sitting by her father's bed when he awakens next morning. She has some sobering news. Julia's heart has been broken beyond repair. While Father Johnson did not physically strike her, his words wounded her thus that something must change.
    
    Hearing this decides Ezekiel. He will officially move out and find a permanent living residence or a room in Mentor. Almera will live with him to cook and keep house and tuck him into bed when he stumbles home drunk, as Seth used to do. He tells Julia of his decision, on condition she must agree to visiting rights with the children so he can continue to see them for he loves them too. And if she ever finds herself needing financial assistance, he will not hesitate to give her whatever money he can spare, though it will be difficult paying rent on his own place as well as the child support to Julia. Julia says nothing, just nods her agreement at all her estranged husband's requests. This marriage is over and while Julia is not bitter or angry, it is still hard.

Chapter 4
Two stanzas by Joseph Johnson mourning the death of two beloved brothers
February 28, 1835

     Frying doughnuts in hot lard for breakfast back in those days could be dangerous for a mother who had little ones underfoot. Delcena comforts her screaming four-year-old who had climbed up on a chair to see better and accidentally burned her finger. She will be okay but her three year old is about to get into the cream which Delcena plans to serve with the meal while her five year old is already primping in front a mirror, brushing her hair and not being much of a babysitter. Mom sighs, it is going to be one of those days. Her husband, Lyman, enters the room dressed and ready for the day in his Sunday best. He is 30 years old and today he will be set apart as one of the newly called seventy.
     
     Almon is also at this setting apart meeting. Joseph blesses Lyman to be a "Son of Thunder" just like the two apostles of old. Lyman feels the thrill of the spirit as he is ordained to be one of the leaders of the Seventy-a General Authority.
     
     The family had to wait ten days for the ground to thaw just to bury Seth's body. Many attend the funeral and Joel reads a poem dedicated to his younger brother. Almon attends another meeting, head bowed in sober reflection as others are called up to be set apart and ordained to the Seventy. Then, Brother Joseph calls his name. Filled with joy, thinking of his two best friends and mentors, Seth and David smiling down on him from heaven, Almon walks up to the stand where Joseph embraces him. His blessing is filled with many wonderful promises: a missionary to many lands and isles, long life, angels to watch over and guard him.

Chapter 5
"A Family Prayer" by Joel Johnson

     There is no date to start off this chapter. Benjamin Johnson has been helping a man named Brother Davis set up his gunsmith shop in two rooms of the large Johnson home, partitioned off the main floor of the house which Julia is renting to him. In return for his "apprenticeship" Ben has been allowed to pick out a gun of his very own and assist in assembling it. His two younger brothers Will and George ages 11 and 12 tag along to watch. As Ben is testing the finely crafted weapon against his shoulder, Brother Brigham Young enters. Rumors of a mob attacking the workers at the temple site, unarmed, means they need guns except Brother Davis has none to spare. After a few agonizing minutes (What would Seth do?) Ben hands over his own gun. Brother Brigham thanks him and leaves.
   
     To her dismay and horror, Almera is on her way to the carpentry shop to take her father his lunch when she witnesses Parley P. Pratt's sermon  interrupted by a mob/marching band blaring music and followed by armed men. Giving them no heed, Parley continues to bear his testimony over the din. A silent signal is given, the band stops playing and Almera screams as the mob rushes Brother Pratt, pelting him with rotten eggs and other refuse. 

    Suddenly hands are gripping her shoulders from behind. It is Sam Prescott, hushing her impatiently, forcefully leading her away from the scene. This is no place for a lady. But Sam's actions were hardly chivalrous, once they reach the safety of the carpentry shop, he bursts out laughing at that fool preacher getting what he deserved. Almera's father is not here in the shop, he went to warn Brigham Young about the threat to Parley and Sam thinks her father is a fool for doing so. Almera is not amused, she slams the tin lunch pail on the bench and is about to storm out when Sam is barring the door with a weak apology. He impulsively kisses her. Almera finds herself responding.
    
    That night, Almera serves her father his dinner-a pork stew topped with biscuits. She blesses it, and they eat together. They've just finished their last bites when a knock at the door reveals Mary, Joe and Ben here to relieve her. They brought apples and popcorn for a treat. Fourteen year old Mary will stay for the next few days to keep house for Papa with Joe while Ben will escort his sister back to the house in Kirtland where her sewing skills are in high demand to help the family earn extra money.
   
    It doesn't take many days before Mary is scolding her Papa for his drinking as he has come home intoxicated again and she can't stand it! Doesn't he realize what he's doing to himself? Ezekiel bristles. It's that darn Mormon religion that takes his best children from him that's to blame, not his bad habits. He slams the front door in his exit. Mary buries her face in her arms on the table and sobs. Joe goes outside to talk to his father who is standing on the porch looking at the sunset. Perhaps Mary is too young to handle such a task as living with an old drunk like himself. He advises his son to send for Almera right away.

Chapter 6
"Youth's Prayer" by Joel Johnson
March 8, 1835

     Benjamin Johnson feels so depressed and weary. He has been standing in the back of the room, observing as, one by one, the remaining men (200 total) who helped work on the temple come forward to receive a special priesthood blessing from the prophet and his brother, Hyrum. This has been going on for nine hours and took two days. Ben is happy for his oldest brother, Joel, whose blessing is full of many wonderful promises with his sacrifice recorded in heaven, but he also feels like crying. There can be no blessing for him for he has not worked on the temple like the others, but OH! How his spirit is crying out for one! Joseph concludes the last blessing then pauses asking his brother, "Is there not one more to be blessed? Go check." 

    Hyrum comes up the aisle with the intention of checking outside where men are gathered, chatting. He sees Ben and stops, inquiring if he did not also help with the temple? Ben admits he DID contribute a gun. That's enough for Hyrum. Arm around the young man's shoulders, Ben weeps openly as Brother Joseph lays his hands on his head and Ben will never forget this testimony strengthening experience that Heavenly Father is aware of ALL his children and he is never forgotten by the Lord. (This is a true story)
    
     It is now April and Julia is getting ready for a special gathering at the Sherman's where Father Smith will give many of the Sherman and Johnson family members their Patriarchal blessings. Nancy will stay home to care for youngest sister Esther who has a slight cold and mild fever. Both don't mind. Esther can get her blessing later and Nancy reminds her mother she already received a sufficient blessing when she was healed.
     
    Julia listens to Lyman and his sister and mother's blessings. Then her children (the ones who are present) are blessed starting with Delcena, then Almera who is promised she will be blessed through the priesthood of Melchizedek. Julia wonders if this means Almera's future husband will be a worthy priesthood holder. Susan is blessed to speak in tongues in praise of God. Mary is blessed that her name shall be sealed in heaven. Though Benjamin Franklin Johnson is younger by one year than his older brother, Joseph, Father Smith insists he is the next to be blessed. He is told that he is to receive the blessings and mission of his brother Seth, to go forth and be baptized and at last be crowned in the celestial kingdom. Julia and Ben both weep openly as they embrace tenderly after the blessing. (So, THAT'S what Seth meant when he shared that angelic revelation he received-that another would do the work for him here on earth if he chose to move on and that's exactly what happened!). 

   Joseph Johnson is promised "the Lord will give thee thy father" whatever that means. Julia wants to believe it means her beloved prodigal husband WILL come back to them and perhaps even embrace their faith.
   
    Despite the gathering storm clouds, the wind and distant thunder, today (mid-April) is to be Ben and Joe's baptism. Julia worries but her two boys are determined. They remind their mother her own baptism took place secretly in the middle of a freezing January night. They fear their father swooping down to stop this. They simply can't wait another day. Both are dressed in their Sunday best and ready to do this.
    
    Almera is determined to walk all the way from Mentor to Kirtland if she has to in order to make it to the baptism today. She got up early and has been walking for over an hour when a wagon pulls up alongside her. It is Sam. Her father did not spend the entire night at the tavern but came home only to find a dark empty house and no hot breakfast waiting for him. Concerned, he sent Sam to find his daughter. Sam will drop her off at the river for the baptism and drive her home in time to serve her Papa's supper afterwards. All he seems interested in is kissing her. Lyman performs the baptism and Almera is dropped off just in time as the men step into the cold water.
    
    Ezekiel is working on his next order when Sam enters the shop to inform him he found his daughter who wished to go to Kirtland to visit her mother. Despite his promise not to tattle on her to her father, Sam declares a promise to a woman is meaningless and, as a friend and a fellow man, he feels Father Johnson should know the REAL reason his daughter snuck out this morning...(what a jerk!) But when Ezekiel returns home, he finds both boys and Almera sitting at the table where Almera dishes up a hot supper for all. After a very quiet meal, his sons inform him what they did today. Their father scowls. Seth and David wasted their lives chasing religion but what's done is done. Zeke turns and leaves for the tavern to drown his disappointment the only way he knows how while his sorrowful children watch him leave.

Chapter 7
Two short stanzas by Joel
May 1835

     Julianne is teaching her two younger sisters, Mary and Esther, how to make cheese while Susan, Nancy and Mother Johnson are hard at work making palm leaf hats and stock ties to sell for the extra money they need. Very pregnant, Julianne struggles with nausea-this is a very stinky chore! They strain the mixture through the cheesecloth, saving the whey and putting the curds into the cheesepress. Flies swarm around them. Clapping a hand over her mouth, Juli has to excuse herself to run outside to the yard to be sick. 

    Susan follows her with an unfinished hat and sits with her as she drinks some water and rests while the baby kicks. Uncharacteristic Susan asks Juli outright what it's like to be married to Almon? Juli chuckles for her husband has an opinion about everything and everyone from the Prophet to the Pope. He is driven by his ambition both to be the best lawyer and the best missionary. He is often gone for days and weeks at a time and Juli is both lonely and busy with all the work that still needs to be done in running a 19th century household. But he both loves and respects her. Susan smiles and continues to sew, reminding her sister that is all that matters. Susan confides to Juli her single status no longer bothers her anymore. She feels peace and that God's plan for her, her family, for everyone, is moving forward. Juli wishes she could feel the same peace.
     
    Delcena and her husband welcome a couple and their young son who have just moved to the area and need a place to stay so they will rent one of the rooms in their house. The two women quickly form a friendship and she brings a letter from Julianne who traveled with Almon to the area where they came from, Niagara (yes THAT area with the famous falls). They were just passing through but Julianne sang and Almon prayed and bore testimony and after the meeting two people requested baptism. Delci reads the letter and learns Almon offended one his fellow missionaries critiquing him on his preaching. He also had no qualms about ordering a bottle of wine at the hotel with their dinner. He is earnest and forthright and many don't appreciate it but Juli continues to love him, despite his flaws. The baby isn't due until September and she plans to be back in time for its birth.
   
    In July 1835 some Egyptian mummies have arrived in Kirtland. The relics were purchased for $2,400. At the end of this month, over in the Johnson's old neighborhood, Almon wanted to make a quick stop to tell their old non-Mormon friends in that area of Nancy's miraculous healing but the baby decided to come early. Almon is the only one to assist. They will name the baby David. 
     A very humble Almon buries his face in his wife's shoulder and sobs.

Chapter 8
Another poem by Joel

    There is no date for this chapter as Sam pulls up to the Johnson home in Kirtland so Almera can enjoy a Sunday visit with her family, Almera nearly squeals seeing her sisters sitting on the porch along with Julianne. She is here and she has a new baby! Sam kisses her passionately in front of the family and drives off, not interested in visiting with her family. He just wants her. But her sisters have a copy of Joseph's latest counsel to members of the church regarding marriage outside the faith (this will not be in the D&C just Times and Seasons) and they do not approve of Sam Prescott. 

    Feeling like she's in the middle of an intervention, Almera tries to convince her sisters that her new boyfriend respects her religion. If they were to marry, she and Sam's marriage wouldn't be like their estranged parents. With two married sisters, it is nice having a man of her own, never mind there might be other fish in the sea and holding this precious newborn only reminds Almera how much she longs to experience this for herself. Her other sisters excuse themselves to help mother with supper so Susan (the peacemaker) and Almera can read the words of the prophet together and discuss them. 

     Later, Almera speaks to her mother privately in her room so she can ask Julia, straight out, if she ever regretted marrying their less-religious father and how Julia feels about this new "doctrine" about women being subject to their husbands and the counsel about marrying outside the church. Julia regrets nothing about her marriage but she strongly advises her daughter to marry a worthy priesthood holder. Almera scoffs and exits the room. If she doesn't marry Sam, she may never marry at all and that would be a fate worse than death.
     
    It is now August 1835 and Almon can't believe this is happening to him. Thanks to his know-it-all attitude and substandard behavior on his last mission he is being brought before a disciplinary council. Good thing Almon is a talented debater for he can defend himself without anyone to vouch for his character. He promises never to break the Word of Wisdom again and he will resolve to be more Christlike in his critique of other's teaching methods. He has been taught an important lesson today. The men accept this, shake his hand, no hard feelings and Almon is free to go. At home, Juli is just relieved he wasn't excommunicated. He will be returning to Pomfret with the other Elders so he can share the gospel with their old neighbors but Juli will be staying home with the new baby.

Chapter 9
Three stanzas by Joel about leaving to serve a mission for God
September 1835

   Ben wants very much to travel with Almon and the other men to Pomfret and help preach the gospel to old friends and neighbors but he lacks the money to pay his share of the travel costs. No one has any money and even Ezekiel refused to help out when Ben's own brothers asked in his behalf. Feeling desperate, Ben goes to the home of Brother Joseph where Emma welcomes him warmly and directs him Joseph's private study room where Ben pours out his heart about his circumstances and the strong desire he feels to go back East to convince old friends and acquaintances of the restored gospel and of priesthood blessings-like the one that healed his sister. Joseph retrieves a purse, counts out the amount needed and presents it to the humble young boy saying it is right that he should go. He puts his hands on Ben's head and blesses him. Ben's anxiety turns to joy. (this is a true story)
    
    Unfortunately, Ben and Almon's labors in Ben's hometown (an area several miles southwest of Palmyra, New York-Pomfret-just below Lake Erie while Palmyra is just below Lake Ontario near present day Rochester) do not produce any results. Those who once claimed they would join and believe Mormonism if Nancy were healed brush off Ben's testimony of the miracle and doors are slammed shut. Old friends and acquaintances are happy to see Ben, of course, hear all about the Johnson family and are willing to feed and board the two missionaries but have no interest in hearing their testimonies of the restored gospel. After just a few days, knocking on doors, holding meetings with very sparse attendance and zero baptisms in any of the small villages in the area, Ben is ready to give up and go home. Almon takes all the rejection in stride, as usual, making jokes and doing his best to cheer Ben up as good missionary companions are wont to do.
   
     Ben visits one of his brother Joe's old friends who reports that special girl Ben knew Joe secretly would've married had she been more open to Mormonism went and married another of the local boys just last summer. Joe had even written her a letter and sent it with his brother. This friend promises Ben to pass it along to the new bride but when Ben gets home, Joe is very quiet after Ben reports the marriage.
    
    Ben also went knocking at the very fine, frame house of Almera's old beau, the son of the minister who dumped Almera once he learned she was a believer in Joe Smith and his religion. Looks like he went and married a local girl, a small, plain, quiet girl already in the family way who answers the door. Her eyes fill with tears when Ben tells her of Nancy's miraculous healing. She remembers Nancy who helped Seth teach school before the accident. Nancy had taught her some of her first lessons and she always remembered the Johnson girl's kindness and intelligence. It is obvious this young woman would accept the gospel had she not been so intimidated by her preacher husband who is away this week on church business. Ben feels like the biggest failure, his first missionary experience and he didn't touch anyone. When Nancy hears the story she reminds her little brother what the reader also wanted to shout to Ben-he DID touch someone with his testimony. A seed was planted (this was all fictional but made for good storytelling. It could've happened!).

Chapter 10
George Washington Johnson was also talented in writing verse, he wrote this very short one dedicated to the Prophet Joseph Smith
December 12, 1835

     Almon stops by the Johnson house to pick up Ben for a lively evening of friendly debate being held at the home of the prophet's brother, William. As a prospective lawyer, Almon is in his element while Ben already feels uncomfortable despite Almon's reassurance he won't be expected to join in tonight's debate. The Prophet is there along with many prominent members of the twelve and other church leaders. Don Carlos and Lyman are there too. Tonight's topic, as chosen by William, is "Was it necessary for God to reveal Himself to men for their happiness?" Since more are ready to defend than argue against, Almon joins the opposing team with a rather mischievous gleam in his eye. His argument of logic and reason is impressive as he points out men were born with intelligence and thanks to human kindness and decency-every man has always been perfectly capable of making his own happiness with or without a higher power to influence him. He quotes Thomas Paine before closing his argument and there is light applause. But before the other side can defend the statements, someone informs the Prophet a sick sister is requesting a blessing. Brother Joseph moves the meeting be adjourned until next Wednesday when the concluding arguments and ultimately the deciding vote (Brother Joseph's) will be given.
There are no women allowed at these meetings by the way.
     
    The next meeting does not end well. After the prophet ends the arguments by giving a thrilling speech/testimony of the absolute necessity for God to reveal Himself to men, William begins shouting that this debate school has turned into a rather pathetic testimony meeting! Joseph and Hyrum attempt to quell the contention, even suggesting such meetings no longer be held. William roars that this is HIS house and he'll not be disrespected like this. With that he physically attacks his own brother, the prophet, and chaos erupts but it is quickly dispersed as Joseph is helped out the door by Brother Brigham and another of the brethren. Almon walks Ben home shaking his head that Brother Joseph brought the attack on himself by getting angry while Ben is very troubled at this side of Almon who once told him "Mormon boys stick together" and that he would always be there for Ben to look up to.

     Ben confides to Nancy, who waited up for him. He is very disappointed in Almon for standing up for ideas and beliefs he has always preached against. He openly criticized the prophet tonight. Nancy helps him understand that our own peace and testimony of God is all that really matters. She suggests they say a prayer to invite the spirit back into their hearts. Ben thanks his older sister and goes upstairs to bed. Nancy takes a candle and also retires but Susan is coughing and still awake. She assures Nancy she is not dying-YET-but she feels the dreaded consumption coming on, she recognizes Seth's symptoms but the spirit has promised her she would live to help finish sewing the veil for the temple. The sisters hold each other and weep gently-each receiving strength from the other.
    
     As a result of Almon's insensitive remark of "the one side knocking the other down in order to prove their point" he is again being brought before a high council and both Lyman and Ben have been asked to testify as character witnesses in Almon's defense. Both are very troubled. Lyman goes to the prophet for counsel and advice and this is when D&C 108 was given, a revelation just for Lyman! It is only 8 verses long but it is printed here in its entirety.
 
December 28, 1835
     The day of the council. All have the chance to speak either for or against the character of Brother Almon W Babbitt. Ben only testifies that both William and Brother Joseph were mad and angry but William was more violently angry-like a bull. Lyman points out all men, including Brother Babbitt sometimes say things they don't mean. Almon himself gives another short speech, humbly admitting his faults and that, once again, he's learned his lesson and will try to be a better example of a member of the Seventy from now on. This is good enough for the council. If Almon will publicly repeat what he just said, bearing his testimony that he does sustain and honor Joseph as God's prophet, all will be forgiven and forgotten. Almon accepts and jokes about it later to Ben as they are walking home. He tried to out-debate a prophet, nearly beat him in a battle of intelligent argument but since Brother Joseph IS the prophet of course he had to be the winner. Almon admits he got what he deserved but everyone knows who REALLY won! Ben isn't so sure.

Chapter 11
A few lines by Joel H. Johnson
January 11, 1836

     The temple is nearly complete. The entire outside is finished. Thanks to the donations of china and some river sand all mixed in with the plaster, the exterior walls sparkle in the winter sun. Ezekiel, Almera, and Joel have all stopped to admire it on their way to Mentor.

     Several nights later, Delcena Sherman is awakened by the return of her husband, Lyman. It is 2am and he has been away all day attending meetings in the temple which will be dedicated in just a few days. He smells very clean with a faint odor of cinnamon oil. He has been washed and anointed and received his endowment. He is fairly glowing from the spiritual high.

      Delcena begs him to share some of the experience with her-she has been home washing diapers and chasing after fussy children all day-please! Rolling onto his back in bed, Lyman tucks her in the crook of his arm and stares up at the ceiling. Joseph saw his brother Alvin in the Celestial Kingdom (see D&C 137) as the Lord revealed the doctrine for the work of the dead to go forth in temples all over the earth starting with this one here in Kirtland. Lyman received great blessings from his brethren today when they laid hands on him. Many spoke in tongues and testified as all took their turns in receiving their endowment. Soon he will pronounce these same washings, anointing and blessings on other members of the Seventy, including Almon. Delcena thinks to herself how her sister will feel as she does, unable to share fully in their husbands’ work in the ministry and building the kingdom while they must stay home and keep house.

      No date is given but the day is warm, promising spring is just around the corner as Julia enters the carpentry shop in Mentor for some “co-parenting” time with her estranged husband. They walk outside and chat about the children. Susan is not well-coughing, not eating, going to bed early every night and not engaging in her usual activities, almost melancholy-yet she refuses to see a doctor. She is such a quiet and independent thing, Julia won’t force her but her mother’s instinct tells her this treasured daughter will not be with them much longer. Zeke scoffs, he’ll speak to his solemn, black eyed girl.

      As they enter the shop again there is laughter from Sam Prescott, William, George and Joseph who is standing in front of them with a hand outstretched like a famous orator reading from a piece of paper. Almera is the only one NOT laughing, she looks ready to murder her little brothers and her boyfriend for making fun of such a special, sacred act as showing affection to a girl with a kiss, “The Art of Kissing” is the name of the article Joseph is reading aloud in exaggeration. Even Julia is shocked by the loose terms used to describe the pleasure a man derives from kissing a young maiden.

      In the sleigh driving home, Julia counsels Joe that his love of dances and parties and consorting with questionable friends is not the proper way to honor the two dead older brothers he misses so terribly. They all miss Seth and David but should rely on God and the Savior to comfort them. Joe sighs knowing Mother is right yet all know that Susan will most likely be the next to go…

      But Nancy, taking her turn in Mentor to cook and keep house for Papa, may actually be the next go. In a short scene of foreshadowing, she awakens one morning, coughing like Susan has been doing but feels well enough to saddle one of the horses and urges her alarmed Papa to come riding with her. He reluctantly agrees and Nancy declares this the best morning of her entire life. She will remember this day always. Zeke tells her she must marry and give him some gray-eyed children to take riding. Nancy just smiles for she is almost 33 years old now, no young man will ever want her even now that she is no longer lame and crippled.

 Chapter 12

George Washington Johnson wrote a long poem entitled, “The Old Kirtland Temple”

February 22, 1836

    Mother Julia, Delcena, Julianne, Almera and Susan are all here this morning at the temple to complete the final interior design work of curtains and veils to separate the large auditorium when needed. Annie is here too, thrilled to have a day off from homemaking duties. Nancy is in Mentor with Father Johnson but will come later. Susan is thrilled when one of the sisters in charge requests her help in overseeing and directing a small group of sisters in completing one of the veils as her sewing skills and talents are well known in Kirtland.

    Late that afternoon, Nancy and Ezekiel arrive. Zeke had not been too thrilled in bringing his daughter to work on the Mormon temple but seeing how determined she was he gave in. Outside, Joseph Smith runs up to greet his old friend and neighbor and talks him into coming inside for a personal tour of the temple, since Father Johnson wanted to see his others daughters anyway, he agrees. It is as if he has entered a heavenly realm as his daughters rush over to greet him: Julianne shows off her sleeping baby David who is learning to crawl, Susan stands up from the group of women she was instructing to embrace her Papa, something she hasn’t done since she was a little girl! She is happier than he has seen her in a long time and Zeke cannot understand why. His daughter radiates a divine calling of feminine leadership, as if her very purpose on earth was right here, directing a group of women in the art of needlework and finding joy.

     Joseph catches up to the Patriarch and takes him upstairs where a smaller auditorium mirrors the grand one below. He shows him the attic partitioned off into five classrooms where he bears testimony that it was here God showed him the wonders and glory of heaven where he KNOWS Father Johnson’s two sons have gone. Ezekiel just shakes his head. He doesn’t believe in heaven anymore.

 March 16, 1836  

   The funeral for Susan Johnson is held in the Kirtland schoolhouse where this bright daughter of God helped teach. Before she died, she called each of her siblings to her deathbed to bear testimony to them of the gospel and reassure them she was going to a better place.

     Sidney Rigdon preaches the eulogy: Her good works would testify of her life and she is surely now walking in heaven with loved ones. Father Johnson holds a weeping Esther in his lap, his children hold each other and cry while on the very opposite end of the row Mother Julia holds Amos in her lap rubbing Joe’s back as he sits hunched over in tears. Ezekiel finds no comfort in Brother Rigdon’s words. Even meeting the watery blue eyes of Joseph Smith, grieving with the rest of the family as he presides up on the stand are no help. He can’t wait for this to be over so he can go to the tavern for a drink to ease the burning in his throat.

 March 27, 1836

     Today is the day of the dedication of the Kirtland Temple! Julianne is singing in the choir. Mother Julia is only too happy to relieve a distressed Almon of the baby who quickly falls asleep in her arms as Sidney Rigdon preaches a long address. Her other children sit quietly and participate in the dedication services. It is a thrilling day. Nancy, Almera and Mary are weeping for joy while Joseph and Benjamin also discreetly wipe tears as they listen to the Prophet give the dedicatory prayer. As the choir sings “The Spirit of God” Mother Julia knows she can hear the departed voices of Susan, David and Seth among the singers and is comforted.

    That evening, Joel Johnson, Lyman Sherman and Almon Babbit attend the Priesthood Session of the dedicatory service where great things are witnessed such as the speaking and prophesying in tongues, the sound of a great rushing wind and the Prophet Joseph proclaiming that the room is filled with angels from the other side of the veil! Several blocks away in the Johnson Home two of their wives-Julianne and Delcena hear the unusual sound coming from the temple and go outside to behold the entire building glowing under the power of God.

 (*Chapter Notes* at the end of the book say that Father Johnson’s visit to the temple that day in February was inserted for storytelling purposes. While it is likely the Johnson daughters were there helping, no official records exist but Joseph Smith did record in his journal attending the funeral of Susan Johnson and sharing his grief with this special family.

 Chapter 13

Short poem by Joel Johnson

June 1836

     Lyman Sherman and Joel Johnson’s wives are each expecting new babies with delivery dates very close to each other. The joke between the two families is whichever baby cousin is born first will get the honor of being named Seth or Susan, for obvious reasons. This is shared with Brother Joseph who has come to the Sherman residence to see the Tracy family off to Far West, Missouri. This family has been staying with the Shermans and while the two families have gotten along well with each other, Lyman and Delcena look forward to having their own house to themselves again. Joseph is here to give Brother Tracy some money he owed him which is an answer to prayers as nobody has any money to spare right now. Since there is a meeting both men need to be getting to at the temple, Lyman walks with Brother Joseph.

     The church is heavily in debt. The beautiful new House of the Lord was not cheap to build and Brother Joseph fears for the Tracy family as talk coming from that area of Missouri is not good with locals complaining about these odd Mormons who don’t share the same political views as they do.

      Almon is preaching a missionary sermon to a group of investigators at the schoolhouse one evening and he wants Lyman and Benjamin there for moral support. Almon uses Lyman’s spectacles as part of an object lesson in how the gospel both magnifies our sins and imperfections so we might better come unto Christ but also helps us see everything more clearly. Ben is asked to give the closing prayer. Four people come up afterwards to request Mormon Elders come to their homes to teach them more for many in the room tonight remembered Seth’s example and leadership in the community as a fine teacher and speaker of religion. Ben feels proud to have his name associated with his deceased brother’s.

      While no date is given here in this chapter, *Notes* in the back of the book state that according to family records, Lyman and Delcena were the first to have a baby, a boy they named Seth Sherman born on the last day of June, 1836. As far as the fictional account goes, narration says, after Lyman returned from assisting Almon by attending his missionary meeting (which DID happen, we just don’t know the date or the details of what Almon actually preached) he joined his sleeping wife in bed only to be awakened in the pre-dawn hours with her in labor.

     Lyman fetches his mother-in-law and Julianne from Almon’s to come assist with the birth, Almera also comes, but later that day when he enters the house after taking everyone home he finds his wife sobbing in her bed with the baby fussing. Her mother and sisters relayed the sad news that Nancy is dying, that she knows this and is ready to go but Delcena isn’t ready to give her up yet. Part of her grief is knowing her older sister will never have the opportunity to marry or have children in this life despite her miraculous healing and that’s just sad. Lyman holds and comforts his wife as best he can.

 Chapter 14

Many lines by Joseph Johnson about two lovely sisters, laid in a grave

September 1836

    Alone in her father’s small house in Mentor, Almera paces the floor. It is nighttime and a late summer storm is raging outside. Almera is greatly troubled by the deaths of her other siblings, two older and Susan was the next sister born after herself. All three died as single adults without any spouses or posterity to remember them by. Nancy is next. Will that be HER fate as well? She wants to be married! She is so tired of death. She wants to live! Might as well settle for Sam Prescott.

     Speak of the devil; here he is now knocking at the door with her inebriated father in tow. He drops him on his bed and is marching out the door when Almera stops him by declaring her love for him. He looks at her in disbelief for they have dated and broken up many times over these last few years he was about to give up but he says nothing as Almera bursts into fresh tears and goes into the other room to cover her Pa with a quilt. Suddenly, Sam’s arms are around her. He lifts her up like a new bride and carries her over the threshold out into the night into the warm rain where they kiss passionately. He takes her back inside to place her gently on the sofa and strokes her head and face and shoulders and arms, promising to speak to her Mormon Prophet, Brother Joseph, to ask if he might marry them since he has no religious affiliation. Almera thanks him. He kisses her hard again on the mouth.

      When Julia hears the news of the engagement and that Brother Joseph has agreed to marry them, she worries her daughter is chasing something that won’t end up making her happy but Almera looks happier than anyone has seen her since before Susan’s death. She even laughs as she relates how she asked SAM to marry HER. Sixteen year old Mary can’t wait to help plan the wedding. Almera runs upstairs to tell Nancy.

      Almera and Sam Prescott are married on October 16, 1836. Eight years ago the family had been celebrating Delcena’s wedding to Lyman and Julia had just given birth to Amos. Benjamin and Joe help Nancy to her old reclining chair in the front room so she might also witness the ceremony. She coughs and is very weak but is happy for her sister. The entire audience seated in the front room of the house are either Johnsons or next of kin. Sam has absolutely nobody here to share his day of joy, Ezekiel can relate as he didn’t have anyone representing his side of the family either when he took Julia to wife another lifetime ago.

     Joseph marries them but he does not include the traditional phrase “For as long as you both shall live” or even “till death do you part” just asks if they will be faithful to each other during their lives? Both whisper softly, “yes.” And so they are married.

      Later, Father Johnson, assisted by Joe, helps Nancy back upstairs to her bed where he sits with her as she struggles to breathe. As always, Nancy is a saint of patience and acceptance. Brother Joseph has followed them upstairs and Zeke observes as this prophet of God places his hands on Nancy’s head to give her a final blessing, both releasing her from this life and promising that she SHALL be a wife and mother, a Queen, having joy therein. Joseph exits and Ezekiel continues to keep vigil by his daughter’s side. She will pass away on October 30. Age 33. Laid to rest in the orchard near the bodies of her other siblings behind the house.

     Joseph is forming a Kirtland Safety Society and those of us who read “Work and the Glory Vol 3” knows how THAT turned out! Disastrous. Almon is right to counsel the Johnson family men to have nothing to do with this foolish endeavor, meaning no disrespect to the Prophet, of course but a bank without any real currency or cold hard cash of any kind-even Spanish coins are still acceptable out here on the American Frontier-is NOT going to work. There are laws, Almon reminds them, and if anyone knows more about the laws of this land and the penalties for printing worthless bank notes-it’s HIM, the aspiring lawyer. This dinner conversation is not going very well.

      To make matters worse, little baby David, who just took his first steps a few days ago, has been battling illness for some time. That night, Almon and Juli awake to the baby’s almost animal-like coughing and wheezing. Almon takes the child and rides hard to Doctor Fredrick G. Williams but Baby David died during the journey, the doctor is very sorry. His wife takes the child’s body with the promise to dress it for burial to spare Juli who nearly collapses in her grief when Almon returns empty-handed. He supports her, reassuring, they WILL survive this!

 *Chapter Notes* There are actually ZERO family records celebrating a marriage for Almera. They had to search Kirtland town records to find a marriage solemnized by Joseph Smith Jr of one Almira Johnson who married Samuel Prescott. A family letter Mother Julia wrote to her sister around this time mentions Almera and Julianne both married respectable men but that’s it! No names or details of either marriage are given. How nice it would be if Joseph Smith’s blessing to Nancy had actually occurred but the authors give no explanation for why they included it in their fictitious story.

Chapter 15

To help comfort his grieving sister, Joel wrote this poem “On the Death of Her Child”

January 1837

     Julianne has, indeed, been like a shadow of her old self, unable to get past her devastating grief of losing her baby David. She has been spending a lot of time at Mother Johnson’s house where little sister, Mary, has been her constant companion with her cheerful and positive demeanor which is a comfort but Juli just can’t shake her depression.

     Callers at the house this winter morning are a new family in town, the Huntingtons, who have become good friends with the Johnson family. Sister Huntington also lost babies. Mother Julia also knows exactly what Julianne is going through. Both women sit next to Juli and offer words of strength and comfort. Juli sobs in her mother’s arms.

     Sam informs his new wife all is not well with Joe Smith and this new bank. His enemies are telling everyone not to support it and the church’s debts are causing contention among prominent members. He shows her a couple of newspaper articles which Almera reads but she won’t doubt her faith. Sam kisses her and she responds, she has no choice; her husband’s temper can change as fast as the raw winter winds blowing outside and it would not be good to get on his bad side.

 February 19, 1837  

   Lyman attends another meeting in the temple, sitting up on the stand as President of the Seventy. His wife and family are seated in the congregation. Only six weeks ago he had sung in tongues in this very room, (*Chapter Notes* say this is true according to the daily journals kept by Wilford Woodruff) now the church is divided against itself with many openly criticizing Joseph, questioning his authority as God’s chosen prophet thanks to the failure of the bank. But Joseph takes the pulpit and preaches a strong and powerful sermon that revives Lyman and all in attendance.

    Well, almost everyone! The prophet’s strongest critic, a former friend and scribe, Warren Parrish catches up to Almon and Benjamin both solemnly walking home from the meeting. Warren is getting names of all who would join their group in impeaching the prophet. Almon coldly informs him they want nothing to do with it. They are Team Joseph.

 Chapter 16

A poem by Joel Johnson about the Lord showing mercy to his people

March 1837

     Money is power. When Ezekiel answers his door early one morning to find Joseph Smith come to call on him, he reminds him of that fact. Joseph nods solemnly. He is on his way to a hearing; one of his old friends is taking him to court accusing him of wrongful speculation with the bank funds. He was hoping Ezekiel might have some advice, especially since he hears things in the tavern that might be of use to him. While he did not come to ask for financial aid, Ezekiel pulls some coins out of the cookie jar and insists Joseph take them which he does. His blue eyes meet Zeke’s gray ones as he thanks him humbly with a “God bless you.”

     Susan and Nancy were the best seamstresses and needlework artists in the family. With their deaths, Mother Julia no longer has a business to bring in extra income. She also has no need for the large house she currently resides in. Joe shows her property outside of Kirtland with a smaller house and enough land to put in crops which Joe will set aside his studies (he would still be a medical doctor) to do for his mother and younger siblings until they are all grown and moved out.

     The remaining children still living at home: Joe, Ben, Mary, George, William, Esther and Amos all sit at the table with their mother discussing the new circumstances and the upcoming move. Mary tosses her long, dark blonde braid, and declares SHE can work in the fields to help provide food as well as any boy but her two older brothers remind her they aren’t THAT poor, not yet! They will begin spring plowing and planting right away so the family can eat next winter.

 May 29, 1837

    A meeting to determine Brother Joseph’s status as prophet of the church quickly collapses. Lyman observes the entire thing while Joseph sat helplessly on the stand as one after another of his old friends, now his enemies; each declared their lack of confidence in sustaining a new prophet. This isn’t right and everyone knows it. The meeting is adjourned and all go home.

 June 19, 1837

    Benjamin Johnson and William Huntington have become good friends over these last six months. They are cutting hay out in a field, within sight of the Huntington’s fine two story white frame house when another enemy of Joseph approaches them, warning them to join their side. Brother Joseph is currently lying at death’s door in his sickbed, a sign from God that he is no longer a prophet. Many, including William’s father, are gathered at the temple right now in fasting and prayer for his health and for the future of the church. William’s sister, Zina, exits the house carrying a tray with a snack for the boys and the contention between the two boys and this enemy of the church dissipates. Later that day, Lyman will bring the news that Brother Joseph has made a full recovery and everything is going to be alright.

 *Chapter Notes* at back of the book say personal writings of several sources agree that Lyman Sherman was Joseph Smith’s “right-hand man” and that many years later, when little baby Susan grew up and got married, Heber C. Kimball came to her wedding and after asking her if she was Lyman’s daughter informed her of her father’s high regard among his brethren in the church, especially Brother Joseph to whom he was called “his right-hand man.”

 Chapter 17

Poem by Joel Johnson that despite enemies wishing him ill, God is always there!

July 26, 1837

    Almon did what he promised he would do, take Julianne to Canada on his mission, despite some of the brethren’s counsel that men should not take their wives along on such trips. Yet, his wife was so melancholy, a change of scenery appears to have helped. Almon has traveled back to Kirtland for a quick visit and runs into Brigham Young on his way there who shares the latest news. Nobody in Kirtland has been excommunicated; everyone is mostly back on friendly terms with Brother Joseph. Almon is weary, he warns Brigham to tell Joseph he has enemies and his life may still be in danger.

     Almon’s warning proves prophetic come August 1837 (This scene is also in “Work and the Glory Vol. 3”) during Sunday meeting in the temple. Conducted by Father Smith, all presiding First Presidency are out of town, including Joseph while Brigham Young and Hyrum Smith are both away on missions. Suddenly, Warren Parish and other dissenters enter the room armed with knives and other weapons here to break up the meeting.                                                                                                   Chaos erupts.                                                                                                                                         Julia and Delcena and all the children are crying. Panicked people are jumping out windows. Joe and Benjamin assist the children and their mother in doing the same. Nobody is killed and local police have also arrived on the scene to restore some order. Almon was also involved and took a black eye for his passionate efforts to defend the peace.

    Next day, word of the “Mormon Riot” is all over the area so, of course, Ezekiel is here to find out for himself if his family is all right. He’d also like to take Amos back with him to visit. He and Almera enjoy his company. Julia goes into the house to fetch her son, glad her husband is not upset or yelling “Told you so!” about this fool religion. After losing four children to death, both have softened considerably when it comes to trials and challenges.

     Fall has arrived and the church is now going after any young men and boys whose behavior may be too “worldly” especially when it comes to attending dances and socials where strong drinks are served. Joe is fond of going to these as he is so popular, outgoing and friendly yet he is also tenderhearted enough to feel nervous as he stands before the entire church one Sunday in the temple at their main meeting to “confess.” He already had to stand before a high council and give the same speech he is about to recite now…His mother and all his siblings, including Almera who rarely attends meetings anymore since she married a “gentile” are all giving him encouraging looks. Mary just winks at him. Joseph admits his behavior in drinking at these parties and socials was wrong and he will do his best to set a better example and conduct himself as a member of the church should. He bears testimony that Joseph Smith is a prophet and sits down. Brother Joseph then asks the congregation if they accept Brother Johnson’s confession and every hand goes up. Joe is very relieved!

     Contention against the prophet arises again late one night as everyone sleeps, including Lyman and his wife who is nursing their new baby whom they named Daniel. A drunk wanders up and down their street shouting that Joseph is a fallen prophet and everyone needs to repent. Lyman is about to go outside to confront the man when Brigham Young steps out of his own house with a whip threatening to use it if this older man (recently disfellowshipped) does not cease and desist. He backs down and Brigham and Lyman share their concerns about the possibility of a war breaking out among the Saints. This issue continues to be a tinderbox, ready to explode. By December, just three days before Christmas, it becomes necessary for Brigham Young to leave his wife, Mary Ann, and their children and go into hiding for a time-thanks to his lion-like defense of the prophet.

 *Chapter Notes* say according to Benjamin’s journal, HE was the only one implemented for going to dances and needing to confess of which he wrote a letter, humbly denying attendance at any such dances, that he only wanted to be a latter-day saint and if they found reason to excommunicate him, he would take the earliest opportunity allowed to be rebaptized. There is no mention anywhere that Joe ever had to confess but the authors decided to create it here. There are also no family records or writings if they really were present at the “riot” in the temple but it is probably likely they were in attendance on that dark day in August, 1837.

 Chapter 18

Poem by Joel Johnson about being faithful to God with all our souls

January 1837 (they mean 1838!)

     Almera’s marriage to Sam is already falling apart. Despite his promise when they got engaged he has since reneged in allowing her to attend meetings in the temple and will no longer come with her to visit her mother or family claiming he can’t stomach their overly pious religious beliefs. He barely tolerates her own visits to see her family.

     Lying in bed with him one night, Almera reminds him of all these broken promises. He snaps that if she would rather join the OTHER Mormon Church, the one not currently being led by a fool who calls himself a prophet who has no common sense when it comes to running a bank that lost so many people in the community their money, then maybe he would allow her to live her religion. Oh, and by the way, those enemies of Joseph Smith have Lyman Sherman’s number, he’s next on their hit list so he will also be forbidding his wife to associate with her sister and her family from now on. Almera informs him she would never give up her faith in the Lord’s prophet and His true church and she will warn her brother-in-law if she has to. Sam just snorts, and, after he makes love to her, both return to their separate sides of the bed.

   Next day, Almera waits until her husband has left for the carpentry shop before leaving the house and walking to Kirtland, (which takes about half an hour) to warn her sister’s family. Delcie is very glad to see her. Someone threw a burning torch into their cellar last night but Lyman put out the fire before it could do any harm. He is gone right now and she is so nervous whenever she is left alone with just the children. As a nursing mother, she doesn’t think anyone will do them any real harm but just in case, Ben is coming over tonight to stay with her. Lyman won’t leave the prophet’s side and while Delcie supports her husband in everything this is still very hard.

    They will likely be moving to Missouri soon with all the other faithful members of the church. Almera starts to weep for she doesn’t want to be left here all alone if her family leaves the area to follow Joseph. She admits her husband is not supportive. Delcie makes her promise if Sam is ever unkind to her, she is to send word to any of them and they will come rescue her.

     Lyman has been given charge by the Prophet before he leaves town for the safety of his own life, to keep watch over the small printing press and six hundred copies of the Book of Mormon freshly printed and awaiting distribution-all currently being housed in a small building on the outskirts of Kirtland. Lyman goes there that night, ready to burn the building down if he needs to but first he would get all those precious copies of the Book of Mormon out of there. Too late when enemies of the church enter the room plotting to burn this building and all those copies of the Book to the ground while Lyman takes cover in the back of the room and nobody knows he’s there. They leave and he makes the terrible decision to set fire to the building. Benjamin arrives with the wagon to carry the precious copies away but Lyman tells him to go to Delcena and keep watch over his family, never mind about saving the books or even the building with this printing press. Lyman sobs as he torches the place and the flames attract the attention of everyone in the area.

     Even later that night, safe back at his home, Delcena knows what they must do. She and Ben will pack up the house and she will move in with Julia. Lyman will leave town, under pretense of serving a mission. When all of this confusion over who is to blame for setting fire to the church’s printing office is over, he can return and take them all away to Missouri.

      The final scene of this book is between Ezekiel and Julia, Zeke arrives at the house to see everyone (Delcena and her children are here too) and is directed downstairs to the root cellar where Julia is taking stock of all food storage before the move. He and Julia have a sort of reconciliation as she weeps over all they’ve been through and he takes her in his arms and holds her tenderly for several minutes and sheds a few tears of his own. He takes all blame but Julia knows she is partly to blame too. He will keep an eye on Almera and the graves of their four adult children. They will probably not see each other again for a long time and too much water has passed under the bridge for them to ever be together again as husband and wife. After her husband leaves, Julia remains kneeling on the floor of the root cellar, sobbing as her heart breaks all over again. Her grandson, Albey, (Delcena’s child) enters the room looking for her and she hugs him reassuring him everything is all right. God is still watching over all, she has her posterity, and Julia takes great comfort in that.

 

THE END