PIONEER HERITAGE

I was forwarded this email from my dad who got it from my uncle.  He is my dad's little brother.  He talks about some of our families history.

I just love hearing and learning about my families history stories.

I know there are many more.

When I read about my strong and faithful heritage, I can't help but think that this is one good reason why I have such a strong testimony and faith in Jesus Christ and his church.  It is in my genes. 

Date: September 13, 2009 4:22:31 

To: Mac Woolf <mwoolf6@cox.net>

Subject: Pioneer heritage

Dear Family,
In Sunday School today we discussed the Willie and Martin handcart companies and how the mission of the church is still to rescue.  I am sure that you all will remember that our great grandfather Peter Winward was one of the rescuers.  I have never read his journal, I don't know if there is one, but Grandma Martell told me that he did that.  I had looked in several places where there was a listing of those who went to the rescue and did not see his name, but there is a newer book that has a lot of pictures where he is listed.

Of note is that Kathy's grandfather Glen Kempton's mother's name was Sena Peterson.  Her grandfather, Jens O. Peterson and his wife and seven family members, were among those rescued.  A handcart story that you don't often hear told in church is as follows.  Incidentally, all 9 of the Peterson's survived the trip.  Grandpa Jens told of having one of the men in their company, and I am sorry but I don't recall if it was the Willie or Martin company, sat on a rock as they were to move out one morning.  He said, "I can go no further and I will just die here."  Pleading and encouragement could not get the brother to get up and move.  Finally Jens tried to coax him go get up and keep moving.  Words made no difference.  Grandpa Jens said, "Well as long as you are going to stay here, there is something I have been meaning to do for a long time,"  and Grandpa hauled off and slapped the man and then ran to catch up with his family.  The worn our brother was surprised, then mad and chased after Grandpa Peterson.  The brother continued on and when they arrived in SLC, he thanked Grandpa Jens Peterson for saving his life.

Eliza Jenkins, Grandpa James Martell's mother, was also in a handcart company.  I looked to see if I had the journal that Dad gave me, but I think I gave it back.  Eliza was the oldest daughter of Morris and Margaret Jenkins.  Thomas Charles Martell was 35 when he married Eliza when she was 16.  He already had a brick house in Spanish Fork when they were married.  It is of interest to me that Morris Jenkins was upset with the church because of polygamy.  He made Thomas promise that he would never practice polygamy as a condition of letting his daughter marry him.  The Jenkins then left Utah, and the church and moved to the Sacramento area.  Our grandpa James went to California to visit his grandmother.  As I remember, he also served his mission in that area a baptized some of his Jenkins cousins into the church.

Just a little historic ramblings from thoughts I have had after the lesson today.

BW