On July 24, 1997, the L.D.S. Church marked the sesquecentenniel of the arrival of the Mormon pioneers to the valley of the Great Salt Lake. The story of these remarkable people is worthy of note. Never before in the history of the United States had an entire people been persecuted to the extent the Mormons had been. Driven from Ohio, Missouri and Illinois suffering unspeakable atrocities, deprived of justice, freedom of religion, and due process of law, the Mormon pioneers chose to leave the United States and go to Mexico where they settled in the valley of the Great Salt Lake. Within a year due to the Mexican War, they were back into the United States' jurisdiction as this area changed hands and became U.S. territorty.
The desire to gather to Zion swelled within each convert to Mormonism. England especially had been a fertile field for Mormon missionaries during the late 1830's and 1840's. Many of the poor of England joined themselves with the Church and looked to Zion with the hope of emigration. One of these families was the Blackham family of Heaton Norris, Stockport, Cheshire, England. Joining the Church in the late 1840's (all except the father of the family, Samuel Blackham), the Blackhams elected to emigrate during the early and mid 1850's.
The first to come to Zion were John and James in 1853. Most assuredly their letters of a safe arrival in Zion were read with eager anticipation back in England and a decision was made by Martha to leave husband and the country of her birth and venture with her three remaining children, Samuel, Sarah and Thomas in the spring of 1856 with the aid of the Church to America.
It is reported by the family, but documentation is scant, that Samuel, the father of this remarkable family elected to avoid Church membership and was not willing to leave England with his family. Family tradition says he wanted "The Pub" more than Mormonism and parted with his family in 1856. No record of divorce has been found.
Little did this tiny family know that one of the greatest adventures in the history of the West awaited them on the snow-driven plains of Wyoming. They were to be a part of a tragic expedition of handcart pioneers to be caught desolate and unprepared for the snows of Wyoming. Approximately 135-150 of their band were to lose their lives on the plains and were buried in shallow graves--- food for wolves and coyotes. The Lord was to preserve Martha Robinson Blackham and all three of her children during this remarkable experience. She would be one who would live to tell the tale.
To consider this remarkable experience brings tears to the eyes of descendants who reflect upon the faith, hardships and deprivations which Martha and her children endured--- all for the gospel's sake. It is a story that needs to be remembered and retold to all generations of Blackham descendants. They have an ancestor who weathered the worst (quite literally) and remained true and faithful. This is a story of a stalwart woman full of faith and determinination. We can all gain from her experience and dedication. Each of us can be proud of our heritage and resolve quietly that all that was suffered for us was not in vain. It is with pride I dedicate this history to Martha Robinson Blackham.
Martha Robinson was born 22 March 1807 in Heaton Norris Township, Lancashire, England. She was the 4th child of 10 children born to James and Elizabeth (Perry) Robinson. Martha had 6 sisters and 3 brothers.
Martha Blackham lived in an industrial area of England. Many worked in the cotton factories which spun cloth. These were hard times in England and poverty and want were common.
Heaton Norris is a town about 6 miles from Manchester and lies on the on the Mersey River in the county of Lancaster. Heaton Norris is a suburb to Stockport and was connected to Stockport by 6 bridges and one footbridge. The town had large cotton factories, iron foundries, machine works, rope walks, and saw mills.
The two chapelries in Heaton Norris were Christchurch and St. Thomas both constituted in 1854 just two years before Martha Robinson Blackham left for America.
Stockport, was located in Cheshire county and anciently was a site of Roman occupation which included a Saxon Castle and afterwards a Norman Castle on a spot named Castle Hill. In 1851 there were 20 churches of the Church of England, 12 independent churches, 5 Baptists, 1 Quaker church, 2 of Unitarians, 21 Wesleyan churches, 4 Methodists, 3 Wesleyan-Methodist combined churches, 8 Primitive Methodist churches, 2 Roman Catholic, and 2 Latter-day Saint churches with 150 members listed.
Another interesting fact about Stockport was that there were 22 public schools in Stockport and 141 private schools in 1851. The population in Stockport was 14,830 in 1801; 30,589 in 1851; 78,897 in 1901 and 141,650 in 1951.
The LDS Church printout of Tiviot Dale Chapel, Wesleyan Methodist, Heaton Norris, Lancashire, England, lists these births or christenings 1793-1837 of Robinsons:
James* and Elizabeth Robinson Family
William, born Jun 1807, chr. 10 Jul 1807
Mary Ann, born 25 Apr 1812, chr. 5 Jun 1812
Sarah, born 28 Jul 1815, chr. 13 Sep 1815
Elizabeth, born 29 Jun 1817, chr. 17 Aug 1817
John, born 31 Dec 1818, chr. 1 May 1818
James, born 4 Dec 1819, chr. 1 May 1820
John, born 7 Sep 1821, chr. 24 Oct 1821
*I believe this may be the brother to Martha (Robinson) BLACKHAM. Also listed in this record is a John Robinson and his wife Betty, Thomas Robinson, and his wife Mary, and a George Robinson and his wife, Ann. These are probably Martha's brothers. This record also lists a Josh. Robinson and his wife, Mary. I do not know if he is a relative.
In 1829 Martha, now 22 years old, married Samuel Blackham, of Staffordshire. Samuel was also 22 years old. He was the 3rd son of 9 children and he had 4 brothers and 4 sisters.
The census of 1841 of Stockport in Lancashire County lists other family members such as the father-in-law of Martha Robinson Blackham--- Samuel Blackham, age 75, (65 more likely) occupation agricultural laborer; wife Loucia age 60; dau. Mary age 15, a weaver. Both Samuel and Lucy were listed as not born in the county, but Mary born in the county.
Also listed in this county census is Samuel Blackham 30, a smith, not born in this county; Martha 30, she was born in the county as well as all of the children; John 14; James 12; William 10; Samuel 8; Elizabeth 5; Sarah 2. The family was recorded as living on Ince Street. This would of course be our Samuel, Martha and their family.
Census information is subject to much misinformation, even though it is better than no information at all. According to this census, Martha would have been born in 1811, not 1807. Also listed in this census is John as age 14, placing his birth in 1827 and thus probably placing the marriage of his parents about 1826, not 1829 as given in the Ancestral File of the Church. Until actual records are found of Martha's birth and marriage, we go by dates in the family record.
The early life of Martha and Samuel Blackham was likely typical of the times and by 1842 they had 7 children, 5 boys and 2 daughters. The first missionaries to England arrived in the late 1830's and found good success among the poor and humble of the industrial districts. The promise of a better life in America was appealing to many and the message of the gospel was eagerly accepted by thousands during those early years. A desire to "gather to Zion" was prevalent and many made plans to immigrate to America.
In 1847, Martha Blackham heard the message of the restored gospel and decided to be baptized. She was the first of the family baptized. Her husband Samuel was not baptized. Husband Samuel did not immigrate to America with the family, nor did he accompany them to Utah. An investigation of English Church records needs to be made to locate a possible death. I believe he died sometime prior to 1889 as this was the year that baptism was completed for him by proxy in Utah.
Samuel and Martha have not been located on the 1851 Census of Heaton Norris, Lancashire Co., England, perhaps they moved or were in neighboring Cheshire County at this time.
The father of Samuel however, also named Samuel, was located in Heaton Norris in the 1851 Census living with his son-in-law James Dawson and his daughter Mary (Blackham) Dawson: Samuel Blackham, a widower, age 75, agricultural laborer, born in Sedgeley, Staffordshire, England; James Dawson, son in law, married age 27; a cotton weaver, born in Cheshire, Altrincham; Mary, daughter of Samuel, married age 25, cotton weaver born in Stockport; Lucy Dawson, grand daughter to Samuel, age 2 born in Stockport; William, grandson to Samuel, age 3 days, born in Stockport.
According to LDS baptismal records of the Ashton-Under-Lyne Branch of the Manchester, England Conference:
Martha was baptized on 21 May 1847, (age 40)
James on 22 Oct 1848 (age 18)
John on 28 April 1849 (age 22)
Samuel on 15 Sep 1849 (age 14)
Sarah on 23 May 1852 (age 11)
Thomas on 8 Jul 1852 (age 10).
Martha Robinson Blackham, dau. of James Robinson and Eliz. Parry Robinson, was born. Heaton Norris, Stockport, Lancashire England on 22 Mar 1807, baptized by John Lee on 23 May 1848 and confirmed on 26 May 1848 by John Albiston Junr., Emigrated April 1856. Because this record was made at the time she became a member of the Church, and because she probably was the person who gave the information to the branch clerk, I believe her birth was indeed on 22 Mar 1807 and that the census information was in error. It is likely that a young child gave the census information of 1841, or perhaps a neighbor gave the census information to the census taker.
James Blackham, son of Samuel Blackham and Martha Robinson Blackham, born Heaton Norris, Stockport Parish, Lancashire England on 4 April 1830. He was baptized 22 Oct 1848 by John Lee and was confirmed 25 Oct 1848, by John Lee. He emigrated 12 Feb 1853.
John Blackham, son of Samuel Blackham and Martha Robinson Blackham, was born Heaton Norris, Stockport Parish, Lancashire England on 14 Nov 1827. He was baptized 28 April 1848 by T.J. Schofield and confirmed 29 April 1848, by John Albiston Junr. He emigrated Mar 1855.
Samuel Blackham, son of Samuel Blackham and Martha Robinson Blackham, was born Heaton Norris, Stockport Parish, Lancashire England on 28 Sep 1835. He was baptized 28 Jan 1850 by T.J. Schofield and confirmed 3 Feb 1850 by T.J. Schofield, He emigrated April 1856.
Thomas Blackham, son of Samuel Blackham and Martha Robinson Blackham, was born Heaton Norris, Stockport Parish, Lancashire England on 13 Mar 1842. He was baptized 8 Jul 1852 by John Blackham and confirmed 20 Jul 1852 by George Lindley. He emigrated April 1856.
Sarah Blackham, dau. of Samuel Blackham and Martha Robinson Blackham was born Heaton Norris, Manchester, Lancashire, England on 24 Jun 1839. She was baptized 6 Dec 1852 by C. H. Wheelock,and confirmed 7 Dec 1852 by C. H. Wheelock. He emigrated April 1856.
The first of the Blackham family to emigrate to Utah from England was son, James Blackham. In 1853 he crossed the plains in Capt. Cyrus H. Wheelock's Company. This company was outfitted in Keokuk, Iowa and departed on 3 June. It crossed the Missouri River on 11 July. This included a California company . About 400 people left the outfitting post with 52 wagons. They arrived in the Salt Lake Valley on 6 October 1853.
James reportedly met Harriet Tucker on his trip across the plains and they were subsequently married in Salt Lake. After arriving in Utah the family moved to Fillmore where they lived for a few years then moved to Nephi and later Moroni where he spent the rest of his life.
On 12 April 1861, James was granted a certificate of citizenship in Manti and listed as witnesses were John Blackham (his brother) and Charles Kemp (his brother-in-law). Both of those men were listed as citizens of the United States at the time James became a citizen.
John Blackham, also a son of Martha and Samuel, emigrated to Zion in 1855 with his wife Susanna, daughter of John and Elizabeth (Buckley) Lees. The Lees family also emigrated at this time. John Blackham (wife Susanna and two children) crossed the plains in 1855 by wagon train in the 8th Company, with Capt. Milo Andrus. They were outfitted at Mormon Grove, Kansas on 4 August 1855. This was a Perpetual Emigration Fund train. The P.E.F. as it was known, was set up by the Church to fund emigration of the poor. 461 people were outfitted at Mormon Grove and they arrived in the valley on 24 Oct 1855.
Mother Elizabeth Buckley was baptized on 18 April 1848 (age 45). Father, John Lees was baptized on 16 June 1848 (age 47). Susanna was baptized on 18 Jul 1848 (age 17). Joseph and John followed with baptism on 22 August 1848 (ages 19 and 15 respectively) James was baptized on 20 September 1849, just 3 days short of his 15th birthday George and Josiah followed on 8 July 1852 (ages 12 and 11 respectively).
Betty Buckley Lees, dau. of John Buckley and Mary Hurst Buckley, was born in Dukinfield village, Dukinfield Parish, Cheshire County, England on May 7, 1803 (not March). She was baptized by John Albiston 18 Apr 1848, and confirmed 23 April 1848, by John Albiston Senr. She emigrated 12 Feb 1853.
John Lees, son of Joseph Lees, and Shusanna (sic) Garside Lees, was born in Hurst, Ashton, Lancashire, England 25 Feb 1801,and was baptized in Ashton, Lancashire, England by John Albiston on 16 Jun 1848, and confirmed 21 Jun 1848, by John Albiston. He emigrated 12 Feb 1853.
Susanna Lees Blackham, dau. of John Lees, and Betty Buckley Lees, was born in Ashton, Ashton, Lancashire, England on 11 Dec 1829, and baptized in Ashton, Lancashire, England by P. Blinkton 18 Jul 1848, and confirmed 22 Jul 1848 by John Albiston Senr. She emigrated Mar 1853.
Joseph Lees, son of John Lees and Betty Buckley Lees, was born in Ashton village, Ashton, Lancashire, England on 23 Mar 1829. He was baptized by John Lee 22 Aug 1848 and confirmed 24 Aug 1848 by John Albiston Senr. He emigrated Mar 1855.
John Lees Jr., son of John Lees and Betty Buckley Lees, was born in Ashton village, Ashton, Lancashire, England on 9 Mar 1833. He was baptized by John Lee on 22 Aug 1848 and confirmed 24 Aug 1848 by T.J. Schofield. He emigrated Mar 1855.
This short story has been passed down through the family, author unknown: Elizabeth Buckley was born 7 Mar 1803 in Dukinfield, Cheshire, England. She was the daughter of John Buckley and Mary Hurst. She married John Lees, Sr., 4 Apr 1825. After joining the Church in England, she, with her husband and certain members of her family joined the group of Mormon immigrants and departed for Zion in April 1855. She traveled in the with John and Susannah (Lees) Blackham in Milo Andrus' Company.
On account of stormy weather it took them three months to cross the Atlantic Ocean. The trip from Missouri to Utah was strenuous and many times Elizabeth, along with the others went hungry.
As they neared the mountains it was difficult for her to make the pace that others did and she often lagged behind. One such time this experience occurred: At the foot of a steep hill her spirits were very low and she stopped to rest for a time. She was on the verge of despair and thought she could never reach the top. The party was well in advance before she was missed. Members returned in search of her. They found her just as she reached the summit, with two elderly men with white beards. One had a hold of each arm, helping her. Just as she arrived at the top, the two men said, "it was easier going up than it was to go down." Later in camp, it was decided that the two men were two of the three Nephites.
Arriving in the valley of Salt Lake City finally, they made their home on the corner of Fourth North and Fifth West, acrossthe street from their son, John Lees, Jr. Elizabeth was the mother of eight children. On 5 Jun 1870 she died, still a resident of Salt Lake City.
In October of 1855 the First Presidency issued a call for handcart immigration: "Let all things be done in order, and let all the Saints, who can, gather up for Zion, and come while the way is open before them; let the poor also come, whether they receive help or not from the Fund [Perpetual Emigrating Fund]; let them come on foot, with handcarts or wheelbarrows; let them gird up their loins and walk through and nothing shall hinder or stay them.
"... If any apostatize in consequence of this regulation, so much the better, for it is far better that such deny the faith before they start, than to do so for a more trifling cause after they get here; and if they have not faith enough to undertake this job, and accomplish it too, they have not faith sufficient to endure with the Saints in Zion, the celestial law which leads to exaltation and eternal lives."
Martha, Samuel, Sarah and Thomas Blackham sailed on the ship, Horizon leaving Liverpool, England 25 May 1856, arrived in Boston on 20 Jun 1856. They were poor Saints and were funded for this voyage by the Perpetual Emigration Fund. This ship carried 515 adults, 108 children and 16 infants who came by way of the P.E.F. Counting other passengers, this ship brought 856 persons to America on this voyage. The Horizon was a large ship for the time, having 3 masts, 3 decks, and a square stern and figurehead. It weighed 1775 tons and was 220' X 42' X 21' in dimensions. The captain was the highly respected Captain Reed.
One event of interest on this voyage was reported by Aaron Jackson: "On the way across the Atlantic, there was a near panic on board one day when the sailors were working on the sails and an officer gave the order, 'hoist higher'. An excitable passenger thought the man had yelled, 'fire', and the passengers got panicky."
Since Martha Robinson Blackham did not keep a journal on this voyage, or at least, one has not been located, we will use the journal of Samuel Openshaw who made the voyage and also the trip with the Martin Handcart Company. Quotes which follow till so noted are sourced as the previous footnote.
"The saints were well organized for the voyage. They were divided into nine wards, with nine cooks and ten men at watch... On the 25th of May 1856, the Horizon left the Liverpool docks and sailed down the Mersey River into the Irish Sea.
"The ship traveled westward, passing Hollyhead, Wales and turning south into St. George's Channel. On May 29th, the Horizon passed by Cork, Ireland. The records state that the captain was kind and the crew considerate. Many of the passengers suffered their first bouts with seasickness as the ship sailed on into the Atlantic... On the 28th of May Samuel Openshaw wrote that 'there was a strong breeze, headwinds and heavy seas were against them.
"Sleeping conditions were particularly uncomfortable. Built of heavy timbers, the beds were arranged in two levels, each divided by a high board in the middle.
"Boards on the sides also helped to insure the sleeper's safety. Four people were assigned to each level, usually sleeping in shifts of two. To temper the hardness of the bed, the passengers covered them with fiber covers, quilts and other personal items.
"Cold and foggy weather prevailed for most of the journey, but the Horizon made good speed, outstripping other vessels.
"The Saints kept busy during the four weeks they were at sea, besides keeping watch and cooking, there were other tasks at hand. The sick, who needed nursing, and the children that had to be tended occupied the time of many. The others rolled out bolts of canvas, making tents and wagon covers for the long, land journey that lay ahead. Meetings were held on the main deck. Here the passengers gathered to sing and dance, worship and pray, or say goodbye to a loved one being lowered into a watery grave.
"Towards the end of the voyage, the weather cleared, buoying up the spirits of the Horizon's passengers. Captain Reed, ever mindful of the saints, must have felt satisfaction in knowing he had safely delivered yet another group of the pious minded Mormons.
"On Jun 28th, 1856, the ship anchored in Boston Harbor. Samuel Openshaw wrote, 'truly it was beautiful as we entered the Bay of Boston, to behold the rise and decline of hills beyond hills covered with green grass, cattle grazing, beautiful houses, rocks rising out of the water as if to resist the force of the waves. It was sublime for us to gaze upon it. Our hearts were cheered to behold our destined port.'
"On June 29th, the ship was taken to quarantine, where in the midst of a hot, summer morning, ... they passed the doctor's inspections. Arrangements for the rail portion of the journey were made. Their luggage, except for bedding, was put on the wharf and transferred to the Worcester train depot before dark.
"Two days later, July 2nd 1856, ... the rest of the company began their journey west. They boarded the western railway just before noon and traveled through a large extensive woodland country, a distance of 200 miles... the train stopped at one o'clock A.M. at a place called Greenbush, near the Albany River.
"On the third of July the group took their luggage from the train and placed them on horse driven carts... 'the carts and all crossed the river in steamboats to Albany, from whence we started for Buffalo. At one o'clock P.M., a distance of 350 miles, passed through a most delightful country--- fruit trees and vines all alongside of the railway, but the fruit was not ripe except for the raspberries and currants. They gave a most agreeable smell. Here and there a house and then a group of houses, but not those miserable huts which are built in the midst of a howling wilderness, which one might imagine are in the back settlements of America, but beautiful houses, as if they had a taste for finery.'
"The fourth of July was a beautiful and hot day as they passed through Rochester and arrived in Buffalo before noon. The group then took their bundles to another train and set out for Cleveland. 'It is a very healthy place, streets very wide, and the telegraphic wires running to every part of the city... Being the fourth of July, the city (had) flags on the houses and across the streets, also shooting and fireworks.
"The company arrived in Cleveland about six o'clock A.M., only ten minutes after the rest of the company had arrived. Three hours later the group boarded a train bound for Toledo, where they changed trains again and began a twenty-four hour trip to Chicago.
"The group had slept 'as best we could' during those long, noisy nights on the moving train, so the night they spent in Chicago came as a welcome and restful relief.
"5 a.m. July the 7th, the train began a two day journey to Rock Island. Arriving at 9 P.M. the following evening, they 'stayed all night in the carriages close by the Mississippi.
"July 10. Beautiful day. Crossed the Mississippi to Davenport, from whence we started for Iowa City.
"Iowa City was a terminus of the railroad, and the point of departure for thousands of Mormons who had been making the journey to Zion during the past nine years. In a campground approximately three miles outside the town... (They) spent the next twenty-one days resting and preparing for the long trek that lay ahead."
"July 26. Sunday. We moved none today. We had a meeting in the afternoon, partook of the sacrament and heard addresses from the Captains of Hundreds.
"July 27. We made another short move across the river (creek).
"July 28. We still remained here; perhaps on account of some of the cattle being lost.
"July 29. Still on this place; about three miles from the City of Iowa.
"July 30. We made a hunt for the cattle (eight), over the prairies, but found none.
"July 31. We made another hunt for the cattle, but could not find them. We started at 12 o'clock with our handcarts and traveled about seven miles, pitched our tents at seven o'clock P.M.
John Watkins records in his journal the insults and taunts received by the group as they traveled through Iowa: "While traveling through the state of Iowa with six hundred emigrants and with the dust of harvest weather upon us and the sun's rays pouring down on our heads, we were tantalized by the people who came out of their homes saying, 'That is a hard way to serve the Lord!' Young hoodlums would go ahead of the company to the next river or creek to ridicule our wives and daughters who had to raise their dresses out of the water to wade the streams, as there were few bridges in those days.
There were several reasons for the late arrival. There were many in England wanting passage to Zion. It was difficult that year to obtain passage on ships sailing to the northern American ports. Unexpected delays awaited the Saints in Iowa City and Florence, which were to prove tragic.
Part of the problem at Iowa City was that three other handcart companies had already been outfitted that year, and now, late in the season, a large group needed outfitting. Counting the "Thornton" Saints, 1620 persons needed handcarts or ox trains.
The supervisor at Iowa City, Chauncey Webb put every available man to work making handcarts and all women making tents. The result was that the Martin Handcart Company did not leave Iowa City until July 28th and this 20 day delay would have greatly helped speed the journey.
President of the Fifth Company was Edward Martin, a native Englishman born in Preston, England. He was returning from a British mission. Each company was divided in groups of 100. To each 100 there were given 5 round tents, 20 handcarts, one Chicago Wagon, drawn by 3 yoke of oxen. Each person was allowed 17 pounds of clothing and bedding.
Samuel Openshaw continues his account to Florence: "August 1. At ten o'clock A.M. made another start. The roads were sandy. At seven o'clock P.M., pitched our tents on the top of a sandy hill from when we could look as far as the eye could carry, but the water was not good.
"August 2. Orders were given to start at seven o'clock this morning but a thunderstorm came which delayed us until 12 o'clock. We traveled until eight o'clock when we pitched our tents in the midst of a wood called Bullrun. We kindled a great fire and set round to warm ourselves as the night air is cold, and then began to talk about out our friends in the old country and compared their situation with ours.
"August 3. Sunday. On account of the unhealthiness of the place, we made a start today and traveled about seven miles. When we had traveled about a quarter of a mile we beheld a ball of fire brighter than the sun before us in the air and came within about three yards of the ground and then drew out in the form of a spear and vanished out of our sight. We pitched our tents two miles from Marengo.
"August 4. Still beautiful, and hot day. We did not move until four o'clock P.M. Traveled about seven miles and pitched our tent in the midst of a wood.
"August 5. We started about eight this morning, but the road through the wood was full of the stumps of trees. We had not got out of the wood before we ran our handcart against a stump and broke the wheel off. We took our luggage and placed them upon the ox teams. We then tied our cart up with ropes and overtook the rest about two o'clock there they were camped for dinner. We got a new axletree on, and traveled about two miles farther where we camped for the night.
"August 6. We were told we should start at seven o'clock this morning but a thunderstorm delayed us until 12 o'clock... We traveled about ten miles, part by light of the moon, pitched our tents about ten o'clock among the prairie grass.
"August 7. We started about seven o'clock this morning and traveled through beautiful country where we could stand and gaze upon the prairies as far as the eye could carry, even until the prairies themselves seemed to meet the sky on all sides, without being able to see a house. Thought how many thousands of people are there in England who have scarce room to breathe and not enough to eat. Yet, all this good land lying dormant, except for the prairie grass to grow and decay, which if men would spread themselves and obey the commandments of God to replenish the earth, instead of thronging together in the cities and towns and causing the air to be tainted with stinks and giving rise to disease, what a blessing it would be for people. We traveled about 15 miles and pitched our tent about two o'clock P.M.
"August 8. We traveled about 18 miles up hill and down. In fact it has been so all the way. We started at seven o'clock this morning, passed through the town of Newton, which contains 1200 inhabitants, traveled about two miles farther and pitched our tents at 8 o'clock in a valley by the side of a wood through which a creek runs.
"August 9. We started out about 10 o'clock and traveled through woods and across creeks. We stopped for dinner about two o'clock at the edge of a wood where we found plenty of ripe grapes. We started again at three o'clock. We had not gone far before a thunderstorm came upon us and we got a little drenched in the rain. We pitched our tents about six o'clock close by a creek.
"August 10. Sunday. We traveled none today. We washed ourselves in the River Skark which is a beautiful water running as clear as crystal upon a sandy bottom which appeared like the waters of Silon. We held a meeting in the afternoon, and partook of the sacrament. Elder Tyler addressed us.
"August 11. A brother and a child were buried this morning, which delayed the camp until half past 10 o'clock. We had to wait until the coffin was made. We traveled about 14 miles and pitched our tents about four o'clock.
"August 12. We should have started at seven o'clock this morning, but two of the mules ran away. We found them and started at 9 o'clock and arrived at camp ground twenty minutes to six and camped upon the prairie grass not far from the wood, but the water was not so fluent.
"August 13. We were delayed again at nine o'clock on account of the mule teams having to turn back a little for some flour. We traveled about twenty miles and arrived at camp ground about six o'clock. We passed through Fort Des Moines which is quite a new settled place. Lots of brick buildings which form a new stylish town.
"August 14. We started about eight o'clock this morning and crossed over the North Coon with our handcarts in the water which is about knee deep. Close by is the town of Adel which is the county of Edeby. We found Robert Thirkman... He was ... cut off from the Church. We took him along with us and crossed over another river, which is also about knee deep. The women and children crossed over the river on a small bridge. We camped close by the river about five o'clock.
"August 15. A child was buried this morning. The coffin had to be made which delayed us until about eight o'clock. We traveled about 13 miles and pitched our tents about half-past twelve o'clock which gave us a chance to wash a little. James Ferguson, McAllister and Dan Jones came up with their carriage and stayed all night with us.
"August 16. We started about seven o'clock and traveled about four hours before we saw a house or any water to drink. We took but little water with us and all of it was finished up long before we got to any house. The day being hot we felt the want of water. We traveled about 17 miles and pitched our tents about two o'clock.
"August 17. Sunday. We started about seven o'clock this morning and traveled all day without seeing a house or even a tree except a few at a distance. Nothing but prairie grass to be seen. We traveled about 18 miles and pitched our tents about two o'clock. As soon as we had put our tents up a thunderstorm came... We camped at Morrison Grove.
"August 18. We started from Morrison Grove at eight o'clock and traveled until eleven when we stopped for two hours for dinner; started again; traveled 21 miles and pitched our tents at six close by the Misslebetley River.
"August 19. We started at twenty minutes to eight o'clock, passed through Indian Town, which at the time the Saints were driven from Nauvoo they passed through this place. It was settled with Indians and was an Indian village. We passed over the Indian River; we stopped three hours for dinner, started again and traveled 21 miles. Camped at seven o'clock at Jordan Creek.
"August 20. We started at eight o'clock from the Jordan Creek, passed through Russing Botany and over the Silver Creek, stopped one hour for dinner at Mud Creek. We started again at one o'clock, traveled 21 miles and pitched our tents at five o'clock at Keg Creek.
"August 21. We started at eight o'clock from Keg Creek, traveled 9 miles and stopped for dinner at the big Mosquito Creek upon the same spot of town where the Saints were who were driven from Nauvoo in the depth of winter without food or house or anything to shelter them from the inclemency of the weather, when the Americans demanded from the Saints five hundred men to enlist in the American cause for the Mexican War. It is from Council Bluffs about three miles. We started again at one o'clock, passed through Council Bluffs; traveled 7 miles and camped about seven o'clock where we found a beautiful spring.
"August 22. We started at eight o'clock and traveled about 4 miles when we arrived at the Missouri River where we were ferried across to Florence. We went to the top of a hill where we could view the country all around the Missouri River to a great distance. Every place we came through we were admired by the people very much. Some looked upon us as if we were deceived; others who were old apostates came with all the subtlety of the devil, and tried to turn the Saints to the right hand or to the left, but thanks be to God, but few or none adhered to their advice."
The road 277 miles across Iowa was a fairly good road, but it was hot and dusty. Here the company was delayed making repairs. A local Council Bluffs newspaper recorded that "all were healthy, cheerful, and contented". The food allowance at this stage of the trip included 1/2 lb. of beef per day, one 1 lb. of flour and the usual quantities of molasses, sugar, etc.
At Florence there was a large discussion as to the practicality of attempting the remainder of the trip due to the lateness of the season, or to make Winter Quarters and attempt the trip next spring. The emigrants knew nothing of the climate, country or dangers of the trip from Florence to Salt Lake--- all they knew was that they were eager to go to "Zion".
Levi Savage, declared that "they could not cross the mountains with a mixed company of aged people, women, and little children, so late in the season without much suffering, sickness, and death. He therefore advised going into winter quarters without delay. Savage was voted down."
Franklin D. Richards had just been released from his European Mission and he caught up with the Martin Handcart Company at Florence and assisted the Saints as they made final preparations to assault the plains and mountains. All were confident they could make the valley before the severe winter storms. This was a fatal miscalculation. We would suppose that Martha, Samuel, Sarah and Thomas Blackham agreed with the rest that the valley could be obtained before winter.
The Martin Company left on August 27 from Cutler's park camp, which was two and one-half miles west of Florence. For two weeks they traveled up the Platte River with no unusual difficulties. On October 8th they arrived at Fort Laramie and rested for a short time. Their provisions had become very scant and many went into the Fort and sold valuables in return for provisions.
Of this period, Samuel Openshaw writes:
"August 23. Rested here.
"August 24. Sunday. A cow was killed today, and was divided among us--- one half pound each. A meeting at eleven o'clock and four o'clock. Elder Whitlock and others addressed us.
"August 25. About one P.M. we moved about three miles and passed over the spot of land where so many Saints died and were buried, after being driven from Nauvoo in the depth of winter--- men, women and children--- and driven on these plains to die from starvation. Their bodies are now moldering in the dust while their spirits are gone to await the day of recompense and reward. Camped in sight of the Missouri River.
"August 26. We moved none today.
"August 27. Another cow was killed today and we had our dinner of it. About three o'clock we started and traveled about six miles; camped at five o'clock at the Little Paprio.
"August 28. We started at eight o'clock; stopped at the Big Paprio for dinner, a distance of three miles. Started again at one o'clock. Traveled today 15 miles; six o' clock camped at the Elk Horn.
"August 29. Began to ferry at eight o'clock across the Elk Horn, and had all ferried across about twelve o'clock--- 132 handcarts, 180 head of cattle, 8 wagons. We had our dinner and started about two o'clock; traveled three miles, mostly through a sandy road, arrived at the Raw Hide Creek where we camped for the night.
"August 30. Started about eight o'clock and traveled until about one o'clock when we camped for the day upon the banks of the Platte River.
Crossing the Platte River on August 31st, the journey west continued. 'We started today about seven o'clock and left the river a little on our left, but being nigh to the banks of the river, the road was very sandy, which made it hard pulling. We camped again about two o'clock upon the banks of the Platte River.
"September 1. Started about seven o'clock. The road was not so sandy as yesterday. Traveled until one o'clock when we stopped for dinner at the Shell Creek. Started again at two o'clock and traveled until seven; the sun had set below the horizon, therefore, we were obliged to stop on the prairies before we got to the river. There is not wood on the prairies, only at rivers and creeks, and with nothing cooked were obliged to lie down without supper. Traveled about 20 miles; we were a little tired.
"September 2. We started about half-past five o'clock this morning; traveled about four miles when we arrived again at the Platte River; stopped to breakfast about two hours, started again at ten o'clock for the Loup Fork Ferry, where we arrived; about thirty in one part where ferried across the Platte today.
"September 3. We commenced to ferry this morning about seven o'clock and finished about sunset.
"September 4. We started about eight o'clock and traveled about 9 miles; stopped for dinner again, and traveled 14 miles today; camped at four o'clock, killed a cow and it was divided.
"September 5. We were notified to start at seven o'clock this morning, but a thunderstorm came which delayed us until half-past two o'clock. In the meantime another cow was killed and divided among us--- one-half pound each. We started and traveled until five o'clock; camped again at the Platte River. We put our tents up and then a rainstorm came upon us.
"September 6. Started about eight o'clock this morning. We met a large party of Indians--- men, women and children with all their horses and mules all loaded with skins going to Missouri to trade with the whites. They are the first party of Indians that we have seen. Stopped about twelve o'clock for dinner. We then went to the top of the hill and camped for the day.
"September 7. Started about half past eight o'clock... We camped again near the Platte. About five o'clock Franklin D. Richards, D. Spencer Wheelock and others came up with their carriages. We found a good spring here. On this day according to the diary of Aaron Jackson the group learned that A.W. Babitt had been killed by Indians.
"September 8. We started about eight o'clock this morning; traveled until one o'clock; stopped for dinner one hour, started again and traveled until ten o'clock at night on account of not being able to find water or wood. Traveled 24 miles and found some water in holes that had been dug in the sand.
"September 9. We started this morning about eight o'clock and traveled through a very hard, sandy, uphill and down road; halted for dinner about two o'clock, but there was no water, just an old mud pit; started again at six o'clock. It thundered and lightened awfully, and rained at a distance, but as if to give everyone their share it rolled over and gave us a good soaking. Rolled on until it died away in the distance. We were all most worried with mosquitos. Traveled until eleven o'clock when we camped at the Prairie Creek, which is very good water. We have traveled two days without water except mud water and that only twice.
"September 10. Started about nine o'clock from the Prairie Creek. We went about 3 miles and then crossed it, traveled until one o'clock when we stopped for dinner one hour, traveled until six o'clock and camped again at the Prairie where we found a little wood which is the first wood that we have seen since Monday morning; we had to cook with buffalo chips.
"September 11. We started about nine o'clock again this morning, traveled until one o'clock, stopped for dinner, started again and traveled until six, camped again at the Prairie Creek.
"September 12. Started about eight o'clock, traveled about 4 miles when we came to the Wood River which we crossed on a small bridge; continued down the side of it, stopped for dinner at twelve o'clock. For ought we knew but a cripple, a young man who walked with crutches, had been left behind. We sent four men back to search for him, which caused us to move none today. About sunset they brought him into the camp.
"September 13. Started about half-past eight o'clock this morning, traveled until one o'clock when we stopped for dinner nearly opposite Fort Kearney where the soldiers are stationed, started again and traveled until five o'clock when we camped at the Platte River. A man fell down dead. The Indians are very hostile about here. They have attacked some of the immigrants who have passed through this season and rumor says that some have been murdered, but they have kept out of our way for we have seen none since the sixth, not even so much as one.
"September 14. We started about nine o'clock and traveled until twelve noon when we stopped for dinner, started again and traveled until five o'clock when we camped for the night.
"September 15. Started at eight o'clock and traveled until two o'clock when we stopped for dinner at Buffalo Creek, started again and traveled until seven o'clock; saw several droves of buffalo, but could not get nearer to them than three or four miles. Camped at Buffalo Creek.
"September 16. Started at half past eight o'clock. The weather is extremely hot which makes it hard traveling. Stopped at one o'clock, but moved no further today. It would truly be an amusing and interesting scene if the people of the old country could have a bird's eye view of us in camp; to see everyone busy--- some fetching water, others gathering buffalo chips, some cooking and so forth upon these wild prairies where the air is not tainted and so forth with the smoke of cities or factories, but is quiet here. One may see a creek at a distance and start and travel one hour towards it, yet seems no nearer than you did when you started.
"September 17. An old sister died this morning, which delayed us until ten o'clock. When we started out it was a very hard, sandy road and the wind was extremely cold, as if we had come into a different climate all at once. Stopped for dinner at one o'clock, started again and traveled until six o'clock when we camped for the night.
"September 18. Started at seven o'clock this morning, traveled until one o'clock when we stopped for dinner at the Platte River. Old Sister Gregry from Chew Moore died and was buried on the banks of the Platte River. Started again and traveled over the sandy bluffs and camped again at the Platte River.
"September 19. Started at eight o'clock and traveled until twelve when we stopped for dinner, started again at one o'clock and still continued to travel over the sandy bluffs which is hard pulling. We camped again at the Platte River.
"September 20. Measly rain.
"September 21. Small measly rain which delayed us until two o'clock. In the meantime another cow was killed... traveled until seven o'clock when we camped, but being not nigh to any wood and buffalo chips being wet, we were unable to cook.
"September 23... it is, I think, the hardest day we have had on account of deep sands.
"September 24... Saw blood-stained garments of Thomas Margett's wife and child who had been murdered by the Indians. They are committing depredations behind and before. In fact they made an open attack in daylight upon Fort Kearney. On the twenty-second of August, the soldiers killed a great number of them, which stirred them up against the white man, but they keep out of our way. Camped at the Platte.
"September 25. Saw several Indians on horseback...
"October 3. Passed Chimney Rock where is a rock that rises in the form of a monument or chimney and can be seen at a distance. We continued our journey as quick as we possibly could. The cold is increasing upon us..." Thus ends our account of Samuel Openshaw.
Nora Bishop Ingersol who traveled with this handcart company relates an interesting experience: "I will never forget one day when we saw three thousand Sious Warriors dressed in their war paint, going east to fight the Pawnees. I remember how they jabbered and laughed at each other and how frithened we were. But they gave us the road and made signs to us that they were our friends; they would not hurt us as we were mostly squaws and papooses and it would not be a brave act to try to kill us.
"We were forbidden by our leaders to kill buffalo because it made the Indians angry, so we used to hire the Indians to kill for us. I remember the first one I saw killed. An Indian was after a young buffalo cow. Where she would try to turn he would shoot an arrow into the side of her head to keep her headed straight for our camp. When he got her to the road he shot an arrow just back of her shoulder and it was buried to the feathers of the arrow. She rolled over dead. The Indian was given about five cents worth of tobacco. So we plodded along day after day until we reached the Wyoming line."
Luckily for the Saints, Franklin D. Richards purchased 100 buffalo robes for the use of the handcart pioneers. He had gone on to Salt Lake with a promise to send back provisions and meet the Saints at South Pass. The pioneers found the necessity of going on shortened rations that they might hold out and not be reduced to starvation.
When the company passed through Deer Creek (present Glenrock, Wyoming), baggage was reduced from 17 to 10 lbs. per adult and down to 5 lbs. for children. At this point they were still 400 miles away from Salt Lake.
At Fort Laramie people were placed on 3 ounces of flour a day. This was for those at least 10 years old. Those under had to be cared for by those above 10. An interesting story is told by one of the immigrants: "Nicholus' mother had died when she was 8 years of age and among the precious baggage was an old copper tub that had belonged to her. It was condemned to be thrown away. When the company was ready to start, Nicholus was no where to be found. A search was started and there the little girl was found in the copper tub and refused to be comforted, and absolutely refused to leave the beloved keepsake there. So the father of the motherless girl tied it on the back of his handcart and brought it to Utah."
Margaret Dalglish Cowan was also part of this expedition. Her granddaughter related: "Many stories of privation and hardship our grandmothers have told. Many lay by the wayside in the last, long sleep and closed their eyes for the last time on the dreary waste ahead. My grandmother told of how she had seen a young girl, weary and tired with the long journey, die while holding a cracker to her mouth. Many little children were laid by the wayside, as also many of the older ones."
Word reached Brigham Young on October 4th of the desperate nature of the Saints on the plains. He stood in General Conference and said: "I will now give this people the subject and text for the Elders who may speak to-day and during the conference... It is this. On the 5th day of October, 1856, many of our brethren and sisters are on the plains with handcarts, and probably many are now seven hundred miles from this place, and they must be brought here, we must send assistance to them.... That is my religion; that is the dictation of the Holy Ghost that I possess. It is to save the people.... I shall call upon the Bishops this day. I shall not wait until tomorrow, nor until the next day, for 60 good mule teams and 12 or 15 wagons. I do not want to send oxen. I want good horses and mules. They are in this territory, and we must have them. Also 12 tons of flour and 40 good teamsters, besides those that drive the teams... I will tell you all that your faith, religion, and profession of religion, will never save one soul of you in the Celestial Kingdom of our God, unless you carry out just such principles as I am now teaching you. Go and bring in those people now on the plains... Otherwise your faith will be in vain. The preaching you have heard will be in vain to you, and you will sink to Hell, unless you attend to the things we tell you."
By the 19th of October, out on the plains, the oxen were beginning to show signs of real weakness. Here they reached the last crossing of the North Platte River near Red Buttes which is a little west of present day Casper, Wyoming. It was at this point that the two wagon trains bringing up the rear caught up with the Martin Company and helped them cross the river. No sooner had they crossed then a fierce winter storm with piercing north wind hit.
The crossing of the North Platte was extremely difficult on the pioneers particularly the young women who forded the waste-deep stream which put them into shock. Some of the women were carried across on the backs of various male members of the party. It is likely that Samuel, age 21, carried his mother, Martha across this stream, although this information is lacking. Some of the women however, tied up their skirts and waded through the stream. Upon reaching the other side a tremendous storm of snow, hail, and fierce winds hit the company. The company proceeded a little further and then camped for the evening. That night 13 pioneers died from exposure. The ground was frozen and graves could not be dug. The dead were stacked in a pile and covered with snow.
The snow continued for 3 more days and graves were dug at evening in anticipation for those who died during the night. About 12 miles from the last crossing of the North Platte, the company came to a standstill due to heavy snows. Deaths came frequently now and the dead were found lying side-by-side, holding hands, or sitting by the fire, or while eating crusts of bread or when singing hymns.
On the 28th of October, Joseph A. Young, son of Brigham, Dan Jones, and Abel Garr rode into camp. They found 56 of the Martin Company had died since crossing the North Platte some 9 days before. Dan Jones records: "A condition of distress here met my eyes that I never saw before or since. The train was strung out for three or four miles. There were old men pulling and tugging their carts, sometimes loaded with a sick wife or children--- women pulling along sick husbands-- little children six to eight years old struggling through the mud and snow. As night came on the mud would freeze on their clothes and feet. There were two of us, and hundreds needing help. What could we do? We gathered on to some of the most helpless with our riatas tied to the carts, and helped as many as we could into camp on Avenue Hill. This was a bitter, cold night and we had no fuel except very small sage brush. Several died that night. Next morning, Brother Young having come up, we three started for our camp near Devil's Gate."
Finally on 31 October 1856 the rescue party met the Martin Handcart Company at Greasewood Creek, 16 miles east of Devil's Gate. On November 1st there was a foot to eighteen inches of snow on the ground and only two spades in camp. The emigrants had to use frying pans to clear sites to erect tents and then found the ground was frozen making it impossible to drive in tent pegs.
The next day a dispatch was sent to Brigham Young expressing the urgency and desperate nature of the situation. Captain Grant of the relief party said: "... children crying, their limbs stiffened by the cold, their feet bleeding and some of them bare to snow and frost. The sight is almost too much for the stoutest of us.."
Back at Devil's Gate, Captain Martin decided that the handcart company with help from the rescue team, should make its way loaded with the sick, along the Sweetwater River and stop in a depression which is known today as Martin's Cove, about two and one-half miles from Devil's Gate.
The handcarts moved on November 3rd and reached the river which was filled with floating ice. Pioneers collapsed and wept. "Three eighteen-year-old boys belonging to the relief party, came to the rescue; and to the astonishment of all who saw, carried nearly every member of that ill-fated handcart company across the snow-bound stream. The strain was so terrible, and the exposure to great, that in later years all the boys died from the effects of it. When Brigham young heard of this heroic act, he wept like a child, and later declared publicly, 'That act alone will ensure C. Allen Huntington, George W. Grant, and David P. Kimball an everlasting salvation in the Celestial Kingdom of God, worlds without end."
There is no doubt that Martha Blackham and probably her three children were carried across that river by those three teenagers. The exhausted Saints finally reached the wagons encamped in the cove where they found shelter as the temperature dipped to -11 degrees Fahrenheit on November 6th. It was decided then that freight from the two rear wagon trains should be stored at Devil's Gate Fort and Dan Jones and a delegation of men were chosen to stay the winter and guard it. With the now empty wagons, they soon reached Martin's Cove and the wagons were packed with emigrants and their meager belongings. The handcarts were left behind even though some of the stronger persons now had to walk. There were still 325 miles to walk to Salt Lake. Emigrants continued to die, toes, fingers and feet were frozen.
The great Mormon scout, Ephraim Hanks rode into the Martin Company camp from the west bearing buffalo meat and described the sight he beheld: "I... handed out meat as they called for it; but finally I told them to help themselves. Five minutes later both my horses had been released of their extra burden--- the meat was all gone, and the next few hours found the people in camp busily engaged in cooking and eating it, with thankful hearts... Many of the immigrants whose extremities were frozen, lost their limbs, either whole or in part. Many such I washed with water and castile soap, until the frozen parts would fall off, after which I would sever the shreds of flesh from the remaining portions of the limbs with my scissors. Some of the emigrants lost toes, others fingers, and again others whole hands and feet"
Another dispatch was sent West to South Pass and four relief wagons hurried eastward. On November 12th they reached the Martin Company near Three Crossings on the Sweetwater. By the 16th they were at Rocky Ridge, where the Willie Company had lost 15 people in one day, they met 10 relief wagons. Safely in wagons they pushed on to Fort Bridger by the 23rd of November. (The Willie Company had reached Salt Lake on November 6th.) By the 25th they reached Evanston and 5 days later rolled into Salt Lake.
Sunday, November 30th saw the faithful Saints assembled in the Tabernacle, with President Young presiding. President Young cancelled the afternoon meeting and sent the members home to prepare for the Martin Company. "Youk now that AI would give more for a dish of pudding and milk, or a baked potato and salt, were I in the situation of those persons who have just come in, than I would for all your prayers, though you were to stay here all the afternoon and pray. Prayer is good, but when baked potatoes and pudding and milk are needed, prayer will not supply their place on this occasion.."
The total loss of life for the Willie Company was about 62 individuals and the Martin Company lost between 135 and 150 individuals. This was the worst disaster in the history of the Western migration. Our Martha Blackham and her three children, Samuel, 21, Sarah 16, and Thomas 13 survived this remarkable ordeal.
"The Saints were taken to Sugarhouse Ward. President Brigham Young had asked the Church members to take the new converts into their homes and care for them until they could find places of their own; but not all could be placed here, so requests for succor went out to the surrounding communities.
"Martha and her children were sent to Nephi, Juab county. When she reached this place a fort had been built for protection against the Indians. The wall around the fort covered an area of four blocks and inside were small homes, in one of which the family lived during the winter. Others shared their meager supplies of food with them. After a short time Martha and her family were sent to Sanpete county where they settled in Moroni, and when Martha first saw the green pastures in the valley she was reminded of her beloved home in England. Martha worked hard to supply the needs of her family and also devoted much time to her Church duties. She was an avid reader. When in later years her eyesight became so weakened that she could not live alone, she moved to the home of her daughter Sarah and family. There she died in 1888 was was buried in the family plot in Moroni."
Martha first shows up in the records of the Territory of Utah on the 1860 Census as living in Ft. Ephraim, Sanpete, Utah Territory. It is believed this is a mistake and the family was actually in Moroni and not Ft. Ephraim. The record states: Martha Blackem 52, servant born in England; Thos, 18, laborer; Living next door: John Blackhem 33; Susanna 30; Elizth 8; Martha 6; Wm 3; Jno 10/12. Living next to Martha on the other side: Charles Kemp 27; Sarah 20; Charles 9/12. Located just a few homes away in this 1860 Census of Moroni, Utah Territory page 49, dwelling 408, family 372: James Blackim, 31; Harriet 32; Sarah A. 5; Syrus W. 2.
Samuel Blackham, evidently went back East once his mother was safely established in Utah. He then married and came back to Utah at age 27. He immigrated from the states, with wife Mary Ann (20) and infant Alfred S. in 1862. They were members of Capt. Isaac A. Canfield's ox team company, which arrived in Great Salt Lake City on 16 Oct 1862. This company was outfitted in Florence, Neb and left about 30 Jul 1862. This was an Indiana Co. with about 120 people in it. Samuel soon settled in Moroni with his family.
The census of 6 June 1870, Moroni, Sanpete, Utah Territory dwelling 22, family 21: John Blackham age 42, Susannah 39, Elizabeth 18, Martha 16, (all born in England); William 14, John Jr. 12, Josiah 10, Samuel 8, Alma 7/12, (all born in Utah). Next door, Eliza. Blackham age 30 bn. Denmark, John age 5, Hannah B. age 4, born Utah Territiory.
In the 1870 Census, Martha, age 64 is living with Thomas. age 25 dwelling 32, family 31 in Moroni., while James, age 39 and Harriett, age 40 are living in Moroni dwelling 110, family 92 with their children: Sarah A., 14, Cyrus W. 12, Hyrum 9, Willard 7, James R. age 5.
Samuel and his wife, Mary A. are living in Kaysville in Davis Co. in this 3 Aug.,1870 census. Samuel is listed as 34 and Mary A. 28, both born in England. Samuel a son age 9, born in Pa, Mary age 7 born in Utah as are Elizabeth 5, Benjamin 4, and Rosilla 2.
The census of 1880 lists John as age 52 in Moroni with wife, Susannah 49, Martha 26, William 23, John 20, Josiah 18, Samuel 16, Alma 13, Betsey 11 living in dwelling 82, family 84.
Living next door is Charles Kemp 50, Sarah 37, Charles 20, Jesse 16, Seth 14, May 12, Sarah 11, Olive 9, Elizabeth 6, Hannah 4 and Maud 11/12.
Thomas is listed dwelling 116, family 118 age 37, wife Mary Ann, age 34, Mary E. age 14, Charlotte 10, Samuel 8, Thomas 3, and Mary Ann 1.
James, age 50, is in dwelling 136 family 138 in Moroni age 50, Harriett 51, Hyrum 19, Willard 17, James 14.
"I wish to say to the people who have come across the plains in handcarts, that I feel to bless you, and you may be sure you have my best feelings all the time. The Lord prompted the handcart companies all the time, and in the midst of their affliction to prepare for and start upon their journey, and they have had faith and power for the day, and on the morrow it seemed they certainly would have to stop, but when tomorrow came they had faith and power to perform the journey of that day, and so they have been prompted day by day. God is at the helm. President Brigham Young"
After I had researched this history I wrote the following in my journal:
"For the last few weeks I have felt a strong desire to research my mother's Blackham line and never even suspected I would find a lost child. I was not even looking for a lost child. I wanted to find something for Martha Blackham's history that I am writing. She is my mom's 2nd great grandmother.
Martha Blackham and three children, came with the Martin Handcart Company in 1856, and were caught in the October and November snows upon the Plains of Laramie in Wyoming. I felt I needed to write a story of this fine woman and that desire to write her history led to a marvelous discovery.
Mom had said not to worry about the Blackham line as "all the temple work is done" on that line. Putting other genealogy aside I ordered some films to our local Family History Center in Afton, Wyoming to help me write this history.
I then worked on the Blackham family in Stockport, Heaton Norris, Lancashire, England when the films arrived. I located my 4th great grandfather, Samuel Blackham and his wife Lucy Evans on the 1841 Census living with daughter, Mary, age 15. I also found Samuel Blackham, his son (who is my 3rd great grandfather) and Martha Robinson (my 3rd great grandmother) with their family. I then looked through the 1851 Census and could not locate this same family in 1851.
When I finished this I was disappointed that I could not find Martha and Samuel on the 1851 Census. I had a very strong feeling like I ought to look again, but it had been a very hard week for me and I was exhausted. I could not keep my eyes open at the reader so I went home and came back inthe morning and looked through the whole film again and still did not find them. I then was about to quit and had the thought go through my mind to give up. I shrugged off this thought to quit and turned one more page and there was Samuel Blackham, (4th gg father) living with his son-in-law James Dawson and Mary (Blackham) Dawson with two children of the Dawson's. I don't know how I missed them before.
I then checked on the IGI and the Ancestral File and could only find the one child-- William Dawson. His sister, Lucy, age 2 was not on either IGI or AF. This means I have found a grand daughter of Samuel Blackham, not here-to-fore identified--- and she does not have her temple work completed.
As I sat alone in the library that morning in Afton with no one else in the library, I felt a rush and a very warm feeling come over me as I experienced this. The warmth and the peace almost overcame me and I felt that Lucy Dawson was standing there in the library with me. She was located right behind me while I was sitting at the reader. The thoughts flooded through my mind, "Thank you!" I have no doubt in my mind that Lucy has been a forgotten child and had I not followed the prompting to write a history of Martha Robinson Blackham, I never would have stumbled onto Lucy."