Mary Amick was born the 18th of October 1803 in Loudoun County, Virginia. She was the daughter of John Amick and Anna Maria Brill. Her life, though not long in duration, was of great significance in the history of the Mower family. She was of German heritage, as was her husband, Henry Mower Sr. In fact, she and her husband were second cousins as both were great grandchildren of Johann Michael Maurer, the first Maurer immigrant of this family to America in 1738.
We know that Mary Amick grew up in Bedford County, Pennsylvania. We learn that she was born in Virginia when Mary applied at the Nauvoo Temple to receive her endowment on the 7th of January 1846. We also have other evidence that the early children of John and Anna Maria (Brill) Amick were born in Virginia. The census of 1900 taken in West Providence, Bedford County, Pennsylvania lists information about Sarah E., daughter of David Amick (Mary's brother). Sarah's father is listed as born in Virginia. If David was born in Virginia, then it is likely Mary's record listing her birth in Loudoun County, Virginia is accurate. This means John Amick had ties in Virginia and might mean Amick relatives were still living in Virginia when David was born.
The mother of Mary Amick was Anna Maria Brill, daughter of Christopher Brill and Anna Margareta Maurer making her a granddaughter of Martin Brill and also a granddaughter of Johann Michael Maurer. Evidence is strong that Martin Brill hailed from the Marburg, Germany area. Johann Michael Maurer hailed from Goggenbach, Jagst, Wuerttemberg, Germany.
We have documentation proving Anna Maria Brill Christopher Brill found in Guernsey County, Ohio in a land deed found in FHL # 0893755 pp 348 + 349. A James Fouracre land deed made in 1835 in Guernsey Co. Ohio lists the married names of Christopher Brill's daughters. A careful examination of his family group sheet when compared to the deed will show that Anna Maria Brill was known as "Mary" and was married to John Amick. This is also found in Guernsey Co. Ohio Deed Records, Volume J, pp 348-349
Anna Maria Brill was christened on 4 Dec 1774. This baptism was sponsored by John Fluck and Magdalena Schick and is found in the Nockamixon Lutheran Church Records, Bucks County, Penns;ylvania and is recorded on microfilmed Church records FHL # 940,444.
In the will of her father, Christopher Brill, (as found in FHL 894,954 pp 15-17) Anna Maria Brill's name as the daughter of Christopher Brill is Mary. Also in the Will of John Amick her name is listed as Mary as found in FHL #331,358 pp 298-299.
Following the death of John Amick, Anna Maria (Mary) is listed in the 1850 Census of Monroe Twp. Bedford, Penn taken 30 Oct 1850 age 76 living with Juliann Amick age 21 and Lydia Amick age 1/12. She had just recently had a birthday turning age 76. She was still alive when the 1860 Census of Monroe Twp., Bedford Co., Pa lists her living with Margaret Truax age 88. Home #126, family # 127 FHL #805072 PG. 392
Where did the Amick family originate? The answer is two fold: we know and we don't know. We know the Amick family is German in origin. We know that John Amick lived in Virginia prior to coming to Pennsylvania to reside. We suspect, but do not know as of this writing (1997) if he stems from the West Virginia branch of the family, the North Carolina branch of the family or the York County, Pennsylvania branch of the family. Undoubtedly, this family originated in Germany, but branches of the family went different directions upon arrival in the new world. It is very difficult tracing a John Amick as this name is very common among Amick families.
There were other Amick families in Bedford, Pennsylvania however and we do have the origins of Peter Amick identified. Before we investigate John's family let us briefly mention we have learned that Peter Amick came from the York County, Pennsylvania Amick family. (See the history of Peter Amick.)
I would like to include in the history of Mary Amick, what we do know about her father, as this sheds light upon her. A study of census record ages for this individual leades one to conclude that he must have been born in 1770 to correspond to the ages shown on multiple census listings.
1800 Census of Bedford Co. Pa, lists John EMICH: 1 male under 10, 2 females under 10, 1 male 26-45, 1 female 26-45. (Means John was born from 1755-1774.)
1810 Census of Bedford, Bedford Co., Pa for John EMICH, 3 males under 10, 1 male 26-45, 2 females under 10, 2 females 10-16, 1 female 26-45. (Means John was born from 1765-1774 figuring the latest age possible of the 1800 Census)
1820 Census shows 1 son under 10, 1 son 10-16, 1 son 16-18, 2 sons 16-26, 1 dau under 10, 2 dau 10-16, him 45 and over, and wife, 45 and over. (Means John was born before 1775.)
1830 Census for Providence Twp., Bedford Co., lists John Amick head of household of 6: 1 male 15-20, 1 male 50-60, 1 female under 5, 1 female 15-20, 1 female 20-30, 1 female 50-60. (Means John was born 1770-1780)
1840 Census for West Providence Twp. lists John as a head of a household of 3: 1 male 70-80, 1 female 10-15, 1 female 60-70. (Means John was born 1765-1770)
Based on the evidence I would say he was born between 1765 and 1770. His death date is located in FHL #331357 Bedford County Wills and Probate Index.
John Amick first appears on the tax records of Bedford, Pennsylvania in 1798 listed as a blacksmith. His father-in-law, Christopher Brill also appears on the tax records for the first time the same year. A Joseph Eamick appears a year earlier, and has probate as Joseph Ehmik in April 1802. How this Joseph fits into the family is not known, but John Amick names a son, Joseph. It might be Joseph is the father of John Amick, or an Uncle, or no relative at all, but probably is a relative.
John Amick was living in Bedford, Pennsylvania in 1800 and appears on the census of that year: John EMICH: 1 male under 10 years of age (John Jr.) , 2 females under 10 years of age (unidentified--- or they could be Mary and Susannah), 1 male 26-45 (this would be John) , 1 female 26-45 (this would be Anna Maria (Brill) Amick. If the two unidentified daughters turn out to be Mary and Susannah, then of course, Mary was not born in 1803. It could be these were daughters who died in youth. More evidence will have to come forth. Some evidence of the birth dates of the children of John Amick is based upon Salt Lake Temple Records--baptisms for the dead done in 1897 by Henry Mower Jr. It must be remembered that he was writing these dates about 100 years after they were born in some instances, and were approximations.
In the early 1800's John Amick requested to purchase from the state 213 acres in Bedford Co. bordering on the property of John Shaffer, Wm Andrews, Wm. Cornell, John Hann--- lying on both sides of Brush Creek. This is found in FHL film #1028688. John Amick is recorded as purchasing other land also in FHL #1028688 Pennsylvania Warrant Book Bedford A. #234 John Amick of Providence Twp. applied to purchase 50 acres of land adjoining John Shaffer, David Schlotter, Benjamin Shaw and Henry Mowry for 5 pounds money.
In 1806 Michael Emick (Amick), a likely relative, appeared on the tax records of Bedford. He became a relative of the Mower family upon his marriage to Mary Mower, daughter of Andrew Mower (who was a son of Johann Michael Maurer, the immigrant) about 1798. This puts Michael Amick about the age to be the brother of John Amick.
John Amick appears in the 1810 Census of Bedford, Bedford Co., Pa listed as John EMICH. In his home are listed 3 males under 10 (John Jr., Joseph, and Samuel), 1 male 26-45 (John Sr.), 2 females under 10 (Peggy and ?), 2 females 10-16 (Mary and Susannah), 1 female 26-45 (Anna Maria (Brill) Amick. This adds some confusion, here again to the members of this family.
It appears there were two daughters born before 1800 and at least two born between 1800 and 1810. If Mary and Susannah were born prior to 1800, and Peggy in 1805, we still have one to identify. If Mary and Susannah were born 1800-1810 and Peggy in 1805, the census would have listed three daughters 1800-1810. Obviously we don't have the dates right for someone's birthday.
John Amick is listed in the 1820 census which shows 1 son under 10 (David), 1 son 10-16 (might be Philip), 1 son 16-18 (Samuel), 2 sons 16-26 (John Jr. and Joseph), 1 dau under 10 (Elizabeth or Catherine), 2 dau 10-16 (Peggy and ?, perhaps Susannah?), him and wife.
The 1830 census for Providence Twp., Bedford Co., lists John Amick head of household of 6: 1 male 15-20 (David), 1 male 50-60 (John Sr.), 1 female under 5, 1 female 15-20, 1 female 20-30, 1 female 50-60 (Anna Maria (Brill) Amick). I assume he had a daughter and granddaughter living in the home with him at the time of that census.
During the 1830's in Providence Twp., Bedford Co. we find these Amick residents: 1831--Michael Amich, John Amich, Samuel Amich. 1832--Michael Amich, John Amich, Samuel Amich. 1833--Michael Amich, John Amich, Samuel Amich. 1837--Michael Amick, John Amick, Samuel Amick, David Amick, John Amick. 1838--Michael Amick with 2 horses and 3 cows, John Amick, Samuel Amick. 1839--Michael Amick, John Amick, Samuel Amick. 1840--Michael Amick, John Amick.
The 1840 Census for West Providence Twp. lists John as a head of a household of 3: 1 male 70-80, 1 female 10-15, 1 female 60-70. Perhaps a granddaughter was living in the home with Grandma and Grandpa Amick.
I, John Amick of Monroe township being of sound mind and memory thanks be to God, do make and publish this my last will and testament hereby revoking and making void all former wills by me at any time heretofore made and First I direct that my body be decently interred in the burying ground of the Clear Ridge Meeting House in the said township according to the rules and ceremonies of the said Church and that my funeral be conducted in a manner corresponding with my estate and situation in life. And as to such worldly estate as it hath pleased God to entrust me with I dispose of the same as follows:
First I direct that all my debts and funeral expenses be paid as soon after my decease as possible out of the first money that comes in the hands of the executors from any portion of any estate real or personal. Also I direct that all my real and personal estate to my beloved wife, Mary, as long as she shall live and after her death that my son David is to have all my real and personal property after his mother's death, it is my will that my son David is to pay my sons John and Joseph fifty dollars a piece, their legacy out of my real and personal estate. It is my will that my son David is to give my daughter, Elizabeth Kimberland twenty five dollars, it is my will that my son David is to give my daughter Catherine Conner to her children twenty five dollars equally divided with them, it is my will that my son David is to give my daughter Margaret Truax, her two children Jacob and Marian twenty five dollars to be equally divided with them, it is my will that my son David is to give my daughter Susannah Shafer one dollar, it is my will that my son David is to give my daughter Mary Mowery one dollar, it is my will that my son David is to give my son Samuel six dollars, it is my will that my son David is to pay the ab ove legacies within three years after mine and my wife's death.
It is my will that my son John Amick and John Martin Esq. Exec of this my last will and testament. Signed 21 day of May 1843. John Amick his mark X
We can learn some interesting things about the make up of John Amick's family as it stood on 21 May 1843. We know through this will that daughter Mary, who had just joined the Mormon Church was basically disinherited. Why Susannah was disinherited I do not know as she did not join with the Mormons.
John Amick died in 1844 and was buried in Clear Ridge Cemetery in Bedford County, Pennsylvania. Some records exist of the probate procedings which followed.
The Orphan Court Docket lists John Amick March 1847 Pg. 268 It states that John Amick's estate was posted by a Mr. McCormack. "To the honorable judges of the orphans court of Bedford County at March adjourned court 1847. The petition of William McCormack respectfully sheweth that John Amick of Monroe Township lately died having first made his last will and testament since proven, and appointed John Martin and John Amick his executors. That your petitioner had a debt against the testator and obtained judgment therefor as the executors which they refuse to pay or to appropriate the apts. of the estate to the payment thereof. Your petitioner there prays the court to issue process against them to show cause why the bond of testator should not be sold to pay said debt and judgment; pg. 269 Ordered to appear in court. Sheriff served on John Martin and John Amick June 1847."
FHL #331338 Records in Nov 1853 a citation awarded to Frederick Souderbaugh of W. Providence, a creditor of the estate. Executors have neglected to exhibit and file just account of the estate; pg. 39 Came into court.. Martin... produced a certified copy of the account of his administration on the estate... by which it appears there remains a balance of one dollar 89 1/2 cents with interest from 24 Nov 1854. due to accountant.
Mary Amick met Henry Mower Sr., also a Bedford, resident and they were married on 4 Nov 1817. Mary and Henry appear in the 1820 census with a daughter under the age of 10, which would have been Mahala. Their first daughter, Catherine, probably named after Henry's mother, Catherine Geissinger, died as an infant.
The 1830 Census of Colerain Twp., Bedford Co., Pa lists Henry Mower as head of household of 7: 1 male under 5 (John), 1 male 5-10 (Henry), 1 female under 5 (Susan), (Catherine born in 1818 had died, and Leah who was born in 1822 had died in 1829), 1 female 10-15 (Mahala), 1 female 30-40 (Mary), and 1 female 50-60 (her parents had their own home--this might have been Catherine Geissinger, Henry's mother, whose husband, Michael had died in 1829).
Henry and Mary (Amick) Mower joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1836 and by 1840 they had moved to Illinois. They are found in the 1840 Census of Sangamon County, Illinois, (FHL #7644 page 18): Henry MOWER with 1 male under 5 (George); 1 male 5-10 (Ezra); 1 male 10-15 (John); 1 male 15-20 (Henry Jr.); 1 male 40-50 (Henry Sr.); 1 female 10-15 (Susan); 1 female 50-60. (Catherine Geissinger Mower?).
Henry Mower Sr. was called on a mission to Indiana in 1842, and leaving his family in Illinois, he proceeded to respond to a call to serve. This would have been difficult for Mary to care for her family alone. She had just given birth to Hanna in 1841. Those living in the home at this time would have been: Henry Jr., age 18, John, age 16, Susan, age 13, Ezra, age 10, George age 7, and Hanna age 1. Mary's daughter Mahala married in Bedford County, Pennsylvania to George Shaw and was herself living in Bedford, a mother of one daughter, Matilda Shaw, born in 1841.
Henry had a successful mission in Indiana and while on that mission wrote a letter home to the Prophet Joseph Smith to report the success of his mission to Indiana:
Letter from Henry Mower to the Prophet Joseph Smith: Clinton County, Indiana March 9, 1843.
"Dear Brother--- I embrace an opportunity now offered to inform you of the progress of truth in this region. I left Nauvoo on the twenty-third of September last, to go to the eastern states, to preach the everlasting gospel, in company with another elder. On our journey we preached frequently to large congregations, many of whom in consequence of false reports, appeared enraged against us as a people; but when the truth penetrated their hearts, they saw that they had been imposed upon by falsehoods and misrepresentations, and entertained very different feelings towards us. Their enmity was turned to respect, and they treated us with the greatest kindness. The Lord has indeed opened out our way, and although we have had much to contend with, both from priests and people, we have lacked no good thing, for the Lord God has been our friend. When we arrived at Clinton, Boon County, we were fully satisfied that it was our duty to stop and preach. We had, at first some difficulty to get a place to preach in but after speaking two or three times, there was more calls than we could attend to. We have continued preaching in this and an adjoining county, and combatting with priests, (who seem to be the most determined opposers to the truth) until now. We have baptized thirty-two, and the prospect is still good. There are many enquiring after truth, and earnestly desirous to know the way of salvation, while many of the priests are running from place to place, and crying delusion! delusion! and we have understood by many of the citizens that their great text is 'the Mormons' and 'Joe Smith'; but while they have made lies their refuge, and under falsehood hid themselves, their misrepresentations only have a tendency to drive the honest in heart to enquire into the truth, and to make the saints rejoice while they see Satan overshoot himself. They have been endeavoring lately to make their hearers believe that we are more dangerous than their own mother, the Roman Catholic Church; They call her the mother of Harlots, if indeed she is, they are her offsprings and they all have descended from her. It does not speak much for her relationship; we must be in a bad predicament, if we are worse than them, for they are the acknowledged daughters of the old lady, who is described as being the mother of harlots. In the midst of all their strife and confusion however, the work of the Lord is still progressing; the 'little stone cut out of the mountains without hands' is rolling forth, truth is gaining ground and priestcraft is trembling and my prayer is that the God of truth may roll forth his mighty work, till the honest in heart shall be gathered out of all nations, and the ends of the earth see the salvation of God. I remains yours in the new and everlasting covenant,"
E. H. MOWER (Elder Henry Mower)
Reference: Journal History of the Church found in the Church Historian's Office, LDS Church Office Building:
Sometime late in 1843 Henry rejoined Mary in Illinois, but found himself called on a mission in the spring of 1844 to go to Pennsylvania on a mission to proclaim the candadacy of Joseph Smith for President of the United States. Henry left his family again and traveled to Pennsylvania where he was serving a mission when Joseph was murdered by an angry mob with painted faces on 27 Jun 1844 at Carthage jail.
Henry returned to Illinois and in Nauvoo on 8 October 1844 he was ordained a High Priest. This information comes from the Membership of the Church of Jesus Christ of L.D.S. 1830-1848. #6031596 Microfiche #59 lists many references for Henry Sr. and children. Mentions: High-Priest-Date/Place: October 8, 1844; Nauvoo, Hancock, IL, USA. Officiator: H.C. Kimball and Taylor. Reference: Nauvoo Temple Endowment Register 1845-1846. Early Church File.
Henry and Mary lived in the Nauvoo area until completion of the Nauvoo Temple and on 7 January 1846, Mary received her endowment in the temple and on the 31st of January, she and Henry were sealed for time and all eternity as husband and wife in the Nauvoo Temple.
The Saints were expelled from Nauvoo in February 1846 and spent the winter in Iowa without adequate clothing or shelter. In the spring the saints headed west across Iowa. From the journal of Brigham Young 5 July 1846: Brigham Young mentions passing that day the camps of James Allred, John Wolf, Wm. Mitchell, Lewis Nealy, Down, Mower, Hale. That day they counted 242 wagons.
The Mower family crossed Iowa safely and settled for the winter at Council Bluffs, Iowa known as winter quarters. This was a time of tragedy for the saints and many members of the Church died. Among those was Mary Amick Mower, age 43. Where she is buried is not recorded.The date of her death is also not recorded. Searches have been made in the Mormon Pioneer Cemetery in Council Bluffs, but no record exists. The first 200 entries of the cemetery book, containing Mormon burials were torn from the cemetery register by anti-Mormon persons.
Upon her death in 1846, this was the status of the family of Henry Mower Sr.
Mahala Mower Shaw was 27 and had 3 children and was living in Bedford County, Pennsylvania.
Henry Mower Jr. was 22 and was married to wife, Susan Strong and they had 1 son, William Henry Mower.
Still living in the family was John Mower, 20 and single. Susan Mower was just 6 months away from turning 17 and 1 year away from marriage to Simeon Cragun. Ezra was 13. George was 10. Hannah was 5.
On February 5th 1847, Henry Mower Sr., age 48 took a second wife, Lucretia Hupper, age 28. Lucretia became a mother of 4 children at home (not counting John who was 20). She and Henry were to have 6 children in the next 10 years.
On 20 Jan 1848 a petition signed by the Brethren for a Post Office to be established in the vicinity of the log Tabernacle, which is situated on the Government Purchase in Pottawattomie, Iowa. Signed by Brigham Young and 7 pages of other brethren. Included in the signatures was the signature of Henry Mower.
The 1850 Census of Pottowatomie, Iowa FHL #442963 Page 74 dwelling 159, family 159. Henry Mower age 50 bn. MD; Lucretia age 31 bn. Maine; Ezra age 16 bn. Pa; Geo. age 14, bn. Pa; Henrietta 9, bn. Illinois; Orson age 10 mos. bn. Iowa. Census taken 9 September 1850.
Henry Mower (Sr.) is listed as an immigrant to Utah. FHL #298441. Reference J.H. 31 December 1851, supplement pg. 11 He is listed as coming from the Missouri River to Great Salt Lake City under the direction of the Church officials but not in the companies listed. Henry came to Utah in 1851. He served as president of the high priests quorum. He was a member of the city council of Springville. (Pioneers and Prominent Men of Utah, page 1048)
1860 Census of Springville, Utah FHL # 805314 page 291-292, dwelling 2596 family 2036. Henry had a household of 8, a real wealth of $350, and a personal wealth of $600. Hy Mower age 62, farmer, bn Maryland; Lucretia age 41, bn Maine; Elmira age 19, bn. Maine; Orson age 10, bn Iowa; Oscar age 8, bn UT; Eliza age 6, bn Ut; Delila age 1 bn Ut; Hy age 1 bn Ut.
There is a write-up in the Deseret News, Dated 15 March 1862. Henry Mower Sr. inventor of a hand driven washing machine that can do the labor of a day's wash in one hour. This machine can be built at a cost of $10.
Census of 1870 Springville, Utah Territory page 327 dwelling 45, family 48: Almira Mower age 30 bn. England; Lever (Levi) 11; Almira 8; Joseph 6; Michael 4; Andrew 2. All born in UT. (No Henry was listed, but he was still alive)
Henry Mower obituary of Wednesday 17 Apr 1878 of Deseret News: "Died at his residence in Springville, Utah Co., Utah Territory, of Brights disease of the kidney on the 4th day of April A.D. 1878. Henry Mower had been confined to his bed for 10 months. Deceased was born in Frederick, Maryland, U.S. on the 18th day of December 1796. Moved to Penn. at an early age. Embraced the gospel in 1837; gathered to Nauvoo in 1841; emigrated to Utah in 1851. Presided over High Priests Quorum in Springville for many years; died in full faith of the Gospel. He has left a wife, 10 sons, 6 daughters and 50 grandchildren to morn his loss. He was interred at Springville on the 6th of April A.D. 1878. Twenty-two vehilcles followed him to the grave. Having devoted the greater part of his life to promulgating the principals of the everlasting gospel, he died in peace and full assurance of a glorious resurrection aged 81 years, 3 months and 16 days.
The heritage passed down to the Mower Family from Mary Amick is typical of many histories of the members of the pioneering Mormons who experienced the Nauvoo, Illinois persecutions and moved west with the saints. Mary Amick died as a result of her devotion to her faith. As the Mormon pioneers moved west exhibiting "faith in every footstep", her story is just one of many which ended in tragedy on the trail west--- yet a tragedy it is not. Her posterity continued the journey, arrived in a wild and untamed land and made a settlement which today is a thriving part of America. Her descendants have in large part remained affiliated with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Many have followed the footsteps of Henry Mower Sr. and have fill missions for the Church. Many descendants today are raising Christian families which are a "healing balm" in a world desperately needing stability and a good dose of the faith that Mary Amick exhibited.