Life and Times of Mary Jane Shadden Walker

Eldon H. Walker, Compiler

Life and Times of Mary Jane Shadden Walker

Born July 26, 1831 S Sing Sing, New York Died September 3, 1916 S Lewisville, Idaho

Wife of William Holmes Walker

Her memory and her many sterling qualities will long live in the minds of those who knew her

Compiled by

Eldon H. Walker, a great-grandson

i Copyright © 2002 by Eldon H. Walker. All rights reserved Printed in the United States of America

Any reprint of any portion of this book without the written consent of the author is prohibited.

ii Table of Contents

Ancestry...... iv

Preface...... vii

Early Life...... 1

Nauvoo...... 2

The Exodus ...... 3

Life at Winter Quarters and Council Bluffs...... 4

Crossing the Plains ...... 5

Utah...... 6

Move to Idaho...... 10

Tribute to Mary Jane by Veda Walker Green...... 14

Death of Olive and Mary Jane...... 16

Supplemental Information...... 19

Bibliography...... 24

Index ...... 27

iii Ancestry

Mary Jane Shadden married William Holmes Walker born 1831 Sing Sing, New York born 1820 Peacham, Vermont died 1916 Lewisville, Idaho died 1908 Lewisville, Idaho ———————————————— | | | Welby Holmes Walker married Sarah Hegsted born 1864 Salt Lake City, Utah born 1865 Huntsville, Utah died 1947 Idaho Falls, Idaho died 1947 Rigby, Idaho —————————————— | | | Oral Holmes Walker born 1896 Lewisville, Idaho died 1945 Portland, Oregon

married

Beatrice Mortensen born 1902 Mt. Pleasant, Utah died 1995, Idaho Falls, Idaho | | Eldon Holmes Walker born 1932 Lewisville, Idaho

married

Dorothy Wallace Born 1932 Idaho Falls, Idaho

iv Mary Jane Shadden Walker

v vi PREFACE

Mary Jane Shadden Walker left no autobiography. However, several short biographical sketches were written about her by members of the family. The most comprehensive sources were written by Veda Walker Green and included in Veda’s autobiography, Insomnia, later published as Veda Jane. Another short history was written by Veda and is on file at the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers Museum, Salt Lake City, Utah.

This life story was compiled using these sketches, with additional information located in other sources such as newspapers, church and census records, and sketches about her husband and children. Some of the stories were just that — stories that may or may not have happened.

Mary Jane was a stalwart member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She knew many of the early prophets and apostles, and even knew the Prophet Joseph Smith. Her life presented many challenges. She lost her father when she was very small. Her mother remarried and joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The family followed the Mormons to Nauvoo, Illinois, where Mary Jane lost her stepfather. Her mother migrated west, taking her three children, but lost her life in the exodus from Nauvoo, leaving Mary Jane to care for two younger siblings. Her half-brother succumbed to scurvy in Winter Quarters, Nebraska. Her half- sister Catherine came into the Great Salt Lake Valley in 1848. Mary Jane crossed the plains in a private wagon company in 1849. She had to work her way across the plains, being employed by the William Pickett family. She took care of their twins and did other chores. Her history is one of perseverance and patience.

Hopefully the Life and Times of Mary Jane will help you become acquainted with her life. We can be proud to claim her as a progenitor.

I have been as accurate as possible with the materials and my conclusions. I give thanks to all who have helped in any way - lending encouragement, correcting, and proofreading this manuscript. Especially do I want to express my appreciation to Hilary Hendricks for her effort in editing this manuscript. Her help was invaluable.

Eldon H. Walker 4218 Ben View Drive West Valley City, Utah 84120 email: [email protected]

vii viii Life and Times of

MARY JANE SHADDEN WALKER

Early Life was baptized in 1837. Fanny wished to tell her mother of her baptism and to share the Mary Jane Shadden, an early convert to The gospel with her. Her mother met her at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints door and told Fanny she was crazy for and early pioneer to Utah, was born in New joining the Mormon Church. York State in Westchester County. Known later as the town of Ossining1 near the Mother’s Second Marriage village of Sing Sing, it is located north of New York City. Sing Sing was once part of Sometime during 1835 or 1836 Fanny was the manor of Philipsburg2 and was well asked by Stephen Van Velsor to be his wife. known for the New York State prison built They were married in Westchester County, there in 1825. Situated upon ground which New York. Both were active members in gradually rises from the Hudson River to the the Church and belonged to the Sing Sing height of 180 feet, Sing Sing affords a fine Branch. Parley P. Pratt recorded in his view of Tappan Bay and the opposite shore journal, "In 1837 a branch of the Church of the Hudson. was established in Sing Sing." Stephen was instrumental in helping establish the branch. Mary Jane was born in these lovely The president of the Sing Sing branch was surroundings July 26, 1831.3 She was the Abraham Washburn, who played an only child born to Simeon and Fanny Cronk important role in the life of the Van Velsors Shadden who were married about 1829. in later years. However, shortly after Fanny became pregnant, they separated. Little is known Parley P. Pratt also recorded in his journal about their life together, but family tradition "November 22, 1839: New York: a General relates that about 1832 Simeon died of an Conference was held in this city on accident in a New York shipyard. Tuesday and Wednesday of this week. Present were: Priests: A. Everett, Birge and As a result of the separation, Fanny went to Vanvelver [sic], a member of the Church work as a seamstress. When her baby, Mary from Sing Sing." No record of the Sing Jane, was born, they lived with an elderly Sing Branch has been found. The branch lady. This lady allowed Fanny to use her president, Abraham Washburn, left New sewing machine, and when she was called York for Nauvoo in 1841, and there is no away to work in a client’s home, the record of who assumed the leadership. landlady cared for Mary Jane. Neither Fanny’s nor Steven’s baptismal date has been found. Mother’s Conversion to the Church On December 18, 1837 Catherine Van Fanny had listened to Parley P. Pratt, one of Velsor was born at the family home in the Latter-day Saint (Mormon) missionaries, Sing Sing. There was a six-year and was interested in what he taught. She difference between her and her half sister, Mary Jane. A half brother, Robert, was born in 1839, also in Sing Sing, but he rate, little money down, and long-term only lived until 1840. On January 20, financing. This is probably the method 1841, another son, Henry G., was born. Steven used to purchase the land. Prior to his birth the family had moved to New Rochelle, a village in the southern part of Westchester County. A portion of this village and the lands surrounding it were occupied by elegant villas and country residences of people doing business in New York. Here the Van Velsors lived for the next three years.

Move To Nauvoo

In 1844 Steven and Fanny decided it was time for them to join the "Saints" in Nauvoo, Illinois, then the headquarters of the Church. According to the history of Catherine, Stephen, Fanny, and their three children Stephen built a beautiful home. It was left New York, probably via the Erie Canal probably a log home, built like the and railroad. When they reached the majority of the homes in Nauvoo at that Mississippi River they embarked on the time. Mary Jane and her mother grew steamship Maid of Iowa.4 They arrived in flowers in the garden surrounding their Nauvoo May 20,1844, with only the few home. belongings which they brought with them—mostly clothing. Mary Jane felt sad An 1844 tax list of Nauvoo lists the Van to leave her childhood memories, of lovely Velsor family residing in the Nauvoo dolls and buggy, bed, dishes, and story Third Ward. Steven was a member of the books. Twenty-second Quorum of Seventies.

Life in Nauvoo On June 27, 1844, the Prophet and leader of the Church was martyred by mobs at Some time after their arrival, Stephen Carthage, Illinois. Fanny and Mary Jane purchased four acres of land. It is lot were in the garden gathering flowers number 28, which is now bordered by when the bodies of the Prophet Joseph Mulholland, Green, Ripley and Warsaw Smith and his brother Hyrum were Streets. brought back from Carthage in two light spring wagons. Only a short time earlier The four-acre lot was part of the Wells Fanny and Mary Jane had called goodbye addition, in the area known as Upper to the Prophet and his brother as they left Nauvoo or the Bluff. Stephen probably by horseback to go to Carthage. Now bought this property from Daniel H. Wells. they were gone forever. Mary Jane and Mr. Wells had purchased 80 acres which Fanny wept bitterly. he subdivided into city lots. His terms to the buyers included a very low interest 2 The Van Velsors had met the Prophet and migration to the West began in the cold of his brother Hyrum on several occasions. winter in February 1846. Now they visited the Mansion House to pay their last respects. In later years, Mary No exodus date can be found for the Van Jane would talk about the Prophet, his life, Velsor family; however they were and the influence he had on others. probably still in Nauvoo during the “Mormon War.” They heard the gunfire There is only one recorded experience of and the cannons between the Nauvoo Mary Jane which occurred in her youth. troops and the mob. She had the misfortune of being thrown from a spring wagon and broke her leg. Since Fanny could not sell her property, As it healed it was shorter than the other the family had little equipment and few leg, but she never complained. She even provisions to take with them when they learned to step-dance and attended many were driven from their home. Mary Jane dances during her lifetime. now 16 years old, never forgot how sad she felt to leave Nauvoo. During the years of 1844 and 1845 the Van Velsors enjoyed being with people of their Across the Mississippi River from own faith and associating with Church Nauvoo, the bluffs rose abruptly, almost leaders. We do not know what type of from the water's edge, and were covered work Stephen did to support his family, with a fine growth of timber. Nestled at but he must have done quite well, since the foot “of one of the highest of these Mary Jane did not complain about going bluffs, and immediately on the bank of the without food or clothes during her youth. river, was [the] little village of Montrose, Iowa.” In this village Fanny sought Death of Step-father refuge for her family.

Tragedy struck the Van Velsor home in The Exodus 1845 upon the death of their father, Stephen. According to one of this The Saints who left Nauvoo early in the histories, he was a very kind man and a exodus faired better than those who thorough Latter-day Saint. The newspaper waited to be forced out. They were the Nauvoo Neighbor carried a list of those poor, the sick, and the elderly of which that died during the week of September 8, numbered about six hundred.5 The mob and his name was included. He probably wanted everyone out. The government of died of malaria that had plagued the area. Illinois and the militia allowed the mob to Fanny was once again left alone, this time ferry this group across the Mississippi with a larger family. To support her River during September 1846 and dump children she may have returned to her them on the opposite bank, in Montrose, work as a seamstress. Iowa. One record indicated that the night of September 15 was very cold and rainy. By this time Nauvoo was in turmoil. The Much death and suffering occurred. A mobs and the Illinois government wanted member of the Quincy, Illinois, all the Mormons out of the state and did all committee had been in Nauvoo and could they could to drive them out. The Mormon not find his way back to his group. He described the night as “a hard night; it had 3 rained and turned quite cool. None of us it was not enough to alleviate the had blankets, and some of us were without suffering of the Saints. On three or four cloaks or overcoats.” Across the river occasions, flocks of quail traveled through members of the Church were in similar the camp, providing food for a short time. circumstances. Saints praised the Lord, remembering these incidents as “The Miracle of the Death of Mother Quail.”

Fanny was failing in health and knew she When Brigham Young, in Winter was going to die. She huddled with her Quarters, Nebraska, heard about the children in an old log house, probably part condition of these refugees, he sent a of an abandoned Iowa fort. Her final rescue party immediately. Their purpose instructions to Mary Jane were not to leave was to bring the poor group back to the house during the storm, and if Winter Quarters. However, the rescue anything happened they were to go and tell party did not have sufficient food, the Smith family. We are not sure which clothing or transportation for all the Smith family but could have been Mercy people. The Van Velsors, fortunately, Fielding Smith as she was also in this must have been in the first group to be group. taken to Winter Quarters.

Mary Jane described this incident in her Life at Winter Quarters and Council own words: "I was alone with my mother Bluffs when she died. It was a stormy dark night. I was sixteen years old. My little sister Winter Quarters was "a pleasantly situated was nine; my brother was five. I had to town on a high bench and inclined plane, care for them, and could not leave them to giving a fair and pretty view for a great get help. That night the wind blew and the distance around." Yet conditions in this rain came down in torrents, leaking location proved less than favorable. The through the roof of the old log house. In streams which flowed into the settlement all of the trials I've had to stand in my life collected sewage and deposited it in the this was the hardest. I thought that night marshes. The shortage of food, especially would never pass. As soon as it was fresh vegetables, brought scurvy6 into the daylight I took my brother and sister in my camp. Saints began to call Winter arms and went for help. When our Quarters “Misery Bottoms.” condition was learned, there were many kind friends that came to our aid, doing all When in 1846 Mary Jane, Catherine, and in their power to comfort us. I found this Henry arrived at Winter Quarters, each to be the saddest and most trying time of was taken in by a different family. Mary my life." Jane worked very hard in a number of homes and went late at night to see her The children were taken into the Smith brother and sister. Catherine went to live home. in the Washburn home. Brother Washburn had been the branch president They were without food or clothing. The of the Sing Sing Branch in New York. town of Quincy, Illinois, assisted the The Washburns were very kind to Mormons by sending some aid. However, Catherine. 4 The family that took Stephen mistreated route of the pioneers of 1847. Mary Jane him. When Mary Jane visited him she told of some interesting experiences while found each time he was getting weaker crossing the plains, always emphasizing and crying more. “They would not let me her gratitude rather than her trials. take him away,” she remembered. She felt Unfortunately, most of her stories were very bad that she was unable to care for not recorded. She related the following him while he was suffering. When he died incidents of the trek. she was relieved and she commented, “he died and went to join our mother and “One morning I ran to the stream to get father and I was so thankful for now, I was water to prepare breakfast. As I dipped sure they were all happy together.” the bucket into the water, I heard a thump across the stream and there was a Henry died of scurvy November 17, 1847, tomahawk stuck in the bank. I looked and was buried at Camp of Israel cemetery over my shoulder and there was an Indian. in Cutler's Park, a small settlement just He had evidently aimed to hit me between North of Winter Quarters. the shoulders but my leaning down had spoiled his aim. I quickly stepped into the The treaty with the Indians that allowed stream and ran with the current screaming the Mormons to stay in Winter Quarters for help. I felt sure he would rescue his expired in 1848. So the Saints abandoned tomahawk which gave me a start and I their camp and moved east across the escaped unharmed. Missouri River to Council Bluffs, Iowa (Kanesville then). Here Mary Jane lived “Another time I was washing out clothes until she crossed the plains. in the creek when a shadow fell across the water. I looked up into the face of a huge Crossing the Plains man. He reached to take me in his arms, the look on his face enough to scare any Mary Jane traveled west in 1849, under the girl to death. I ducked low and ran as fast care of the William Pickett family, in as I could, calling for help. I could hear exchange for tending the family’s twins, him gaining on me, so I grabbed up a pole William and Don Carlos, and helping with and faced him. He looked into my eyes other chores. William Pickett was a and said, ‘Don’t come any nearer or I’ll member of the Church, but later persecuted strike you down.’ He laughed and said, the Saints. His wife, Agnes Smith Pickett, ‘You beautiful little demon, I believe you had been in poor health since crossing a would. I have never seen anyone so lovely river in winter as she fled from Missouri in all my life. It seems a shame to spoil mobs. Mary Jane also assisted two older such a beautiful picture, one I shall keep Pickett girls, Agnes and Donna Josephine,7 in my mind as long as I live.’ Then he ages thirteen and eight, who traveled in the advanced with outstretched arms. I struck Pickett wagon. “I had to wash their one blow, dropped the pole and ran into clothes in a wooden tub and use a camp. Mr. Pickett went out and found washboard every day while crossing the him rubbing his head. He grinned and plains,” she recalled. said: ‘I guess I am all wrong about these Mormon girls. I am very sorry and Although the Picketts traveled in an someday I will apologize to that young independent company, they followed the lady.’” 5 Many years later in Salt Lake he did just North and 400 West. Sealed on the same that. He described Mary as tall, slender as day was William's first wife, Olive Hovey a willow, with a wealth of raven hair, eyes Farr. He had previously married her in black as coal, very small, well-clad feet, Nauvoo. In the journal kept by William and hands any lady might well be proud of, Holmes Walker, he recorded his marriage with long slender fingers. to Mary Jane: "April 28th, 1850, I married Mary Jane Shadding [sic] for my Mary Jane had a special talent for turning second wife. Next day I went to bad situations into good ones, and many Farmington, Davis County, to build and times laughed at a circumstance that was open a farm." Mary Jane’s first home was not supposed to be funny. She never a covered wagon. William, Olive and showed regret over any of these Mary Jane made their home in Salt Lake experiences. City. They resided in the Sixteenth Ward. Arrival in Salt Lake City It must have been something to see We have no record of when the Picketts William and Mary Jane together. She was arrived in Salt Lake. They were light and happy, full of life, and her black proceeding to California and wanted Mary eyes and hair made a nice contrast to his Jane to go with them, but at the counsel of fair complexion and blue eyes. He was a Brigham Young she decided to stay in Salt handsome man, large and sedate, every Lake. She was taken into the home of inch a gentleman and always immaculate. Heber C. Kimball, where she was hired to take care of the Kimball children and do William and Olive tried very hard to quiet general house work. Mary Jane remarked, Mary Jane, as they considered it “It seemed like there was always a baby in unladylike to have too much spirit. the Kimball Family who needed help.” William Holmes Walker recorded in his journal: “In the spring of 1851, I returned Marriage to Salt Lake City (from Farmington) and built an adobe house two stories high, 14 One of the plural wives of Heber C. by 38, with a cellar under the whole. It Kimball was Lucy Walker Smith Kimball, was built of rock. I had it enclosed the a sister to William Holmes Walker. When same year.” This house also had the first William came to see his sister, he may panel doors in Utah. have become acquainted with Mary Jane. Possibly Lucy and Heber had something to Here Mary Jane and Olive lived together, do with their marriage. According to Mary developing a close friendship that lasted Jane, she had many offers of marriage, but their lifetime. They were always decided to take the proposal from William congenial. They ate at the same table, H. Walker after Olive Farr, his first wife, went to church, and did many things had given her consent. together. They even lived together when they moved to Lewisville. Their marriage was performed by Heber C. Kimball, April 28, 1850, at 5:00 p.m. at the home of William Walker, which was located on the southeast corner of 100 6 Children To help support themselves they rented part of their house, keeping one room to Mary Jane bore her first child, Theodocia live in themselves. They later rented the Fanny, March 8, 1851; then a son, whole house and moved the family into a Simeon, July 6, 1852. They were both warm and quite comfortable dugout. Life blessed on September 15, 1852 in the Salt could have been very hard for these young Lake City Sixteenth ward by William Derr. women had they not had a testimony that the elders of the Church are endowed with Mary Jane received her endowment on the divine right to preach the gospel. September 1, 1852 in the President’s Office. Mary Jane went to work as a house keeper and wet nurse, breast feeding babies for Mission Call of Husband their mothers. There were ample job opportunities in Salt Lake and she was In August 1852, William had been paid well for her services. Not all could working on a road and building bridges in pay, so she fed some infants in order to preparation for his new saw mill in Little save their lives. She also was nursing Cottonwood Canyon. Recorded in his Simeon, and when their only cow became journal for August 27, he states: "I started poisoned, she nursed Theodocia as well. to Salt Lake City to get men for the purpose of helping raise it (the saw mill). Mary Jane often went into the homes of Before I arrived at the city I learned that I those holding high positions in the Church had been appointed to go on a mission to and sewed, cooked, or cared for their sick, Cape of Good Hope, South Africa.” A relying on medicines she made from surprise to all! roots, bark, and herbs. She also participated in spiritual healing In just fifteen days William sold the administrations, as did many female unfinished saw mill, made arrangements Church members of her time. Everyone for his family’s care, and packed for his loved and respected her. Many times the journey. Mary Jane rushed about making man of the house slipped her a little sugar, preparations and planning how they would flour, or dainty to show his appreciation manage their affairs while he was away. for her kindness to his family. She was She and Olive felt their part was to send known as Aunt Mary to those she served. him forth cheerfully and prayerfully and to be self-supporting while he was gone Olive, who was childless, cared for the children while she was working. William left without purse or scrip, leaving behind two wives and two small children. Mary Jane learned the Indian language In his journal he recorded, "For their and went among them, winning their love support and care I left them in the hands of and respect for what she was to them, a a man by the name of Hill, who proved not ‘friend.’ to be a good man. He did not manage the affairs very well and consequently my Life in Provo family had to work very hard for their support.” William returned from his mission, September 1, 1857. He had spent five 7 years away from his family. With his Mary Jane usually remained in Salt Lake return, life became easier for them, and he City. The other wives resided in other could see the sacrifices they had made. areas of Utah, such as St. George and Oak They had given their all. City.

In 1858 the government of the United Life in Ogden States sent Johnston’s Army to Utah to investigate claims of Mormon In the spring of 1859, William attempted a “insurrection.” As the regiment business venture which involved Mary approached Salt Lake City, Brigham Jane and their son Simeon. William Young ordered everyone in northern Utah moved them “up on the Weber (River) to flee south. William and Mary Jane, who north of the city (Ogden).” William were expecting another baby, traveled by brought six cows with him and took a few covered wagon to Provo and settled on the others on shares, the owner and William Provo River bottoms. While in these dividing the milk. Later Mary Jane and primitive conditions, their third child was Simeon were joined by Linda Brown, aunt born, May 21, 1858. He was named Don to Olive, and William’s wife, Louisa. The Carlos after Don Carlos Smith, brother to four of them manufactured 1,000 pounds the Prophet Joseph Smith. Because Olive of butter and cheese to sell, all by use of a could not bear children, Mary Jane gave hand churn. We do not know how long her Don Carlos to raise. Olive loved him as this venture lasted or why they if he were her biological son. discontinued it. But we do know that Mary Jane was in the Salt Lake City Return to Salt Lake City census of 1862. She had moved back to Salt Lake into a new, half-finished home. Johnson's Army settled in Fairfield, Utah, that summer, and the Saints returned to While Mary Jane was in Ogden, William their homes. Mary Jane and William sold the house in Salt Lake City. In settled in their home in the Salt Lake City another location he built a cellar, 18 x 40 Sixteenth Ward. Here they raised their feet, and put in a foundation, 29 x 40 feet. family and enjoyed activity in the Church. He also hauled rock to the site and in Mary Jane bore six more children: William 1861 hired Nicholas Paul to build rock Adelbert, November 5, 1859; Winslow walls for the home. Farr (named after Olive’s father), October 10,1861; Welby Holmes, January 8,1864; With the home finished to this point, Edwin, July 7, 1865; and Olive May, April William received a mission call to go to 13, 1871. All of these children were given Dixie to grow cotton. He managed to their names and blessings in the Sixteenth enclose three small rooms by the time Ward. Mary Jane returned from Ogden to be with him before he left. With the consent of Olive, William married two other wives: Olive Louisa Floods in Salt Lake City Bingham on August 30 1858, and Harriet Paul on April 24, 1865. The sealing of The Book of Remembrance of the these couples took place in the Endowment Sixteenth Ward tells about the flood in House. While William traveled often, Salt Lake: “In the spring of 1862, City 8 Creek became unusually high. Gravel and were finished with white stucco, panel soil carried in the flood caused banks of doors, and good tongue-and-groove the creek to cave in. The current brought flooring. The shingles were the best grade down the debris and deposited them on the of white shingles, brought by team and lowlands of Salt Lake City, especially in wagon from Weber Canyon. the Sixteenth Ward area. The lower part of North Temple street was thus covered William paid $5,500.00 for the property. with gravel to the depth of one to five feet. Much of it had to be cleared. The lower fields had willows, birches, and “For six weeks the people worked night cottonwoods. The bench portion had and day to save their property. Some left scrub oak, squaw brush, wild roses, and their houses and sought shelter on higher sage brush. ground. This calamity, though resulting in considerable loss of property, was the He obtained orchard stock from the East means of making a good gravel road.” and planted three orchards. Included in the orchards were early and late pears and As Salt Lake continued to grow, the area winter pears, several varieties of early and where Mary Jane was raising her children late peaches, and various kinds of apples. started to become an industrial area. In The families also grew vegetables, 1869, the Utah Central Railway Company melons, squash, strawberries, red rhubarb, (now Union Pacific) began building gooseberries, red and white currants, and machine shops and a station on the block black and red raspberries. where their depot stands today. The railroad was completed to Salt Lake in He turned his attention to farming. In 1870. In 1872 gas works were located on 1873 he bought new machinery and taught the block immediately west of the depot, his sons to operate them. Some of his and coal yards were also opened. sons became very successful farmers, especially later when they went to Idaho. The Sixteenth Ward Square was a favorite camping ground for emigrants for many He also brought some cattle he had been years. The whole block was often covered raising in Dixie, and bought some with tents and wagons. This block is now purebred Durhams. He paid a high price occupied by West High School. for a Red Durham sire and a splendid stallion. Life in Cottonwood To make sewing easier for the women, he William decided the city was no place to purchased three Singer sewing machines, raise boys. He purchased the Winslow one for each family. Farr property in Holladay and moved three of his families there in December of 1872. William felt that education was important The farm was located on Big Cottonwood to him and his family. By 1875 there had Creek, nine miles south-east of Temple been no preparation made for a school in Square. the Holladay area. Upon completion of three homes for his families, he, "fitted up He divided the property into thirds and a room in his house as a school." He built three adobe two-story houses. They hired Mrs. Martha Moses as teacher, 9 paying her by the month, and sent fifteen stove required large quantities of fuel - of his children to school. Soon the sage brush from surrounding knolls and neighbors wanted their children to attend. cedar from the Buttes. In 1876 William was elected senior school trustee for the district. During his term of Life in Lewisville office a new school district was formed and a schoolhouse was erected, for which Mary Jane was an immaculate house he took the contract, advancing means for keeper. Her brass kettles were always the materials. He also made the desks and polished. Everything was in its place. In other furniture, did the painting and the spring she tacked mosquito netting varnishing, and provided a large bell for over the windows. The walls of the house, the cupola of the building. He then had the the fences, the hen houses, and all school grounds fenced, leveled, sown to outbuildings were frequently given a fresh grass, and planted with shade trees. It was coat of whitewash. in this school his children received what education they obtained. Mary Jane was Illnesses were treated with home probably relieved to have some of her remedies. The remedy for the flu was a children out of the house and attending “hot toddy,” which consisted of bromo school. quinine antibillious and the toddy. The sick person was put to bed, given the Move to Idaho toddy to drink. This caused him to sweat, driving the cold out of his system. During this time the marshals moved into Utah to arrest and jail the men who were Mary Jane loved to work in the soil and practicing plural marriage. William went her garden spot produced many to Idaho to escape the marshals. Later he vegetables for the family. She also loved brought his wives to be with him. animals and raised some for food. Veda Walker Green, a granddaughter who was On 14 April 1889 Mary Jane moved to raised by Mary Jane, states in her Lewisville, Idaho, settling on a small autobiography: “As my grandparents and parcel of land in town. William had built a parents were pioneers . . . we were taught log home consisting of one room. The thrift and taught never to waste anything. house was at 141 West Harrison. “Grandma and I would gather pigweed Mary Jane said she would only consent to greens, mushrooms, and dandelions which live under a dirt roof in one place—her we picked for greens. Wild currents, grave. Thus the Walkers was the first service berries, choke cherries, and other home north of Idaho Falls (then called wild berries were picked and either dried Eagle Rock) to have shingles. The for future use or made into preserves shingles took three weeks to arrive from using honey or molasses. We used Salt Lake on pack mules owned by Welby cornmeal, beans and lots of cabbage. We Walker. raised chickens for their eggs and meat, and used very little other meat. We It was a cold old house, as members of the cooked a cheap cut of meat until it was Oral Holmes Walker family can attest, tender and tasty. Other meat consisted of having lived there for many years. The wild games from the canyons—blue 10 grouse, willow grouse, prairie chicken, and with butter and slid into a hot oven, sage chickens. At higher elevations were emerging delicious beyond description. deer, elk, bear and moose, and of course For dessert she made a delicious spice cottontail rabbits. Fish were caught in cake. traps and eaten fresh, salted or dried for future use. Quilting

“Yeast was made from raw potatoes and a "Mary Jane worked hundreds of starter was passed around to other patchwork quilts. Every stitch done households. We gathered sage brush and neatly by hand, with every corner meeting drift wood to use for fuel, for lighting we exactly, as each block was cut carefully burned a small lamp to save coal oil, and from a stiff paper pattern. To keep her sometimes even used tallow candles. pattern true and right she balanced shades of dark and light, this represented the type “When neighbors left for a few days or of life she lived, a true Latter-day Saint. weeks we milked their cows and churned Every scrap of material, new and nicely enough butter to last us a long time--kept it pressed, was smoothed in a box or basket in brine, it kept perfectly. kept just for that purpose. Mary Jane taught me (Veda Walker Green) to sew “Other things used to help the household quilts, and I remember when I was seven I economy were: cattail fluff to stuff started a set of blocks which were four pillows, straw or corn husks for mattress small squares about two inches square, filling. Straw or corn husks were also used one light and one dark. Many times they under the rag carpets for floors. Soap was were sewed over and over again, picked made by soaking wood ashes to get lye and apart until they met with grandmother's then boiled with every scrap of fat. For a approval. It took years to make forty scented bath, mint or lavender was blocks, and after I had finished them, gathered from ditch banks and added to the Mary Jane set it together, quilted it bath. This was also used in dresser drawers carefully and bound it with bias red to make the clothes smell good. calico. Grandma sat in her rocking chair, her face aglow with joy, not guilt, with "Other domestic tasks were performed by certain quilt pieces around her. Mary Jane with a smile and without complaining. She was warm hearted, “As she grew older she loved to have honest, industrious, cheerful, and had a books read to her, and I read every book wonderful sense of humor. She rose at in Lewisville to her, whether they were five-thirty to start the kitchen fire. On good or bad. Monday she rose at four to do the family wash. She sang as she worked. She often “Mary Jane dressed simple. Her dress sat in the waning light of day, in a corner was usually black bombazine8 covered by of her home for a long time, her knitting in a black apron, bordered with a worked her lap. The ball of colored yarn grew design, and her tiny cape on her shoulders rapidly smaller as the needles clicked in with a black silk kerchief over her head.” her expert hands. Her baking day made the house smell of warm bread, kneaded In her small house she had the post office, and shaped into plump loaves swabbed sold dry goods, served meals to travelers, 11 furnished beds for strangers, sewed, creativity, Mary Jane met the needs of this mended, cooked, cared for children and family, along with her own, without any invalids and then let them hold school income. there. Many times, years later she had as many as six or eight elderly ladies stay on Welby had only been out a short while indefinitely. They all enjoyed being with when he was beset by health problems. her. They sang old songs, talked of their The water infected the unhealed sore in past, and enjoyed their favorite foods, his head. He sought medical advice and prepared by Mary Jane. received the diagnosis of brain fever. Welby was sent home to die. Now Mary Welby Holmes Walker Jane not only had four grandchildren to look after, but also an ailing son. Mary In January of 1894, Welby Holmes Jane was a good nurse, and Welby soon Walker, son of Mary Jane, lost his wife, recovered. Diadamia, in childbirth. This left Welby with four small children, ages four to eight On October 10, 1895 Welby married years. Mary Jane was in Holladay, Utah, Sarah Hegsted Taylor in the Salt Lake when the death occurred, and the Temple for time only. Sarah had lost her neighbors looked after the children until husband in a logging accident and was left she could get back to Lewisville. During with three small boys and a farm. Welby the next two years, Welby looked after his and Sarah then took Theo, Roy, and Lyle children with the help of Mary Jane. to live with them, while Veda continued to live with Mary Jane for nearly twenty In the Spring of 1895 Welby was installing years. a hand pump in a water well when the pump fell, hitting him on the head, Early Post Office in Lewisville resulting in a large cut. Some time after the accident, Welby received a mission call In the early days of Lewisville, the post to serve in the Northern States Mission. office was in Eagle Rock (now Idaho Falls). About 1886, some of the leading Mary Jane must have spent some time in citizens of Lewisville applied for a post getting things ready for his farewell. On office, which was granted. William A. May 29, 1895, as recorded in the Walker, son of Mary Jane and William Lewisville Ward Records, "A grand Holmes, was appointed postmaster and picknic [sic] party and a dance was given his sister, Olive May, served as his in honor of and for the benefit of Elder assistant. Anyone going to Eagle Rock Welby H. Walker, who was about to start could pick up the mail. They then on a mission to the United States delivered it to the postmaster at the (Michigan). It was a sumptuous feast and general store. If any mail was unclaimed nearly everybody was there. The dance at by Sunday it was taken to the night was a great success and produced a meetinghouse, where it was delivered to good round sum for the missionary." the owner.

While Welby was gone, his children - Anti-Mormon bitterness increased until Theo, Roy, Veda and Lyle—moved in with they were forced to move the post office. their grandmother. Through thrift and It was moved to Mary Jane's home. 12 Olive May became Lewisville's first “Mary Jane took care of the sick in postmistress. Lewisville. When people had serious illness, they would come to Mary Jane. Addition to Home She never once refused to go to the sick, where she placed her hands on their heads About 1900, Olive was so lonely without and rebuke the disease, and if it be the Mary Jane she moved to Lewisville to live will of the Lord, they were to be made with her. Disturbed by the noise of well, they were. Many times the patient children and grandchildren coming in and was supposed to be nearly dead, but they out, she had a house built against the side survived and was better after she blessed of Mary Jane’s room, with just a hall them. In her patriarchal blessing, she was dividing the two homes. Veda could given a promise that she would have the provide health care for both women, which gift of healing.” she did for the rest of their lives. Visitors Olive was very happy in her little new home, where she could be close to Mary Visitors in the Walker household Jane’s entire family. Mary Jane and Veda throughout the years included Olive, Ann prepared meals, washed and ironed the Warner, Mrs. Brian, Lott Hix, Lorin Farr, clothes, and kept the houses clean and in and General Authorities from The Church order. of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, including Joseph F. Smith and George A. Energetic Mary Jane Smith.

“Mary Jane was never idle. She ran an The conversation was usually about the eating house, and even put strangers up for lives of the Prophet Joseph Smith, his the night. She was helpful to all of her mother, Lucy, and his wife, Emma. children, their spouses, and their families. Conversations about Church leaders were She was especially devoted to her always conducted with reverence and youngest daughter, Ollie. Mary Jane would love. walk the mile to her place in all kinds of weather and did everything for When Mary Jane visited Salt Lake City her—washing, ironing, mending, she sometimes stayed in the home of scrubbing, tending the baby, milking cows, President Joseph F. Smith, a personal caring for the chickens, putting up fruit, friend. Veda said of one visit, "They and making home-made carpets. One of referred to Mary Jane as Aunt Mary, these handcrafted carpets was given to because she took care of them when they Veda when she and her husband, Luman, had babies and had any sickness." moved to their home on the Berry Farm. Mary Jane's generosity was also shown as Veda stated that Mary Jane did not attend she gave Veda and Luman enough church, but made sure Veda went. Church linoleum to cover the floor, some bedding, records do not list Mary Jane as a a table and chairs, a stove and many other participant in Relief Society meetings, or things. among those who bore testimony in fast meetings.

13 Entertainment serve and clean up after the meal while the others visited. Welby and Sarah, who In Lewisville the Fourth of July was THE lived close by, brought pans and kettles of EVENT—an early morning salute at day more food, but they did not stay to eat. break, then the parade starting at 9:00. The parade consisted of Indians, handcarts, Just as the meal was finished, Theodocia pioneers, flags, and floats commemorating Davis and her two small children, Olly early Church history. It was followed by a and Frank, arrived from Nevada. All were children’s dance. All kinds of food were happy to see Aunt Harriet served. Sports included spirited ball games between rival communities, foot William made the statement, “I am proud races, and horse races. The concluding and happy to have such a congenial and event was a big dance held in the evening. fine-looking part of my family seated together for dinner.” He offered the During the year theatrical productions prayer and everyone enjoyed themselves. were performed by traveling troupes. William was sincere, polite, and very formal. He shook hands all around and Dinner with William and his Four thanked them for coming. Wives One visitor told Mary Jane, “You are still Three of the wives of William Holmes the best cook ever—you can make even Walker lived in Idaho: Olive, Mary Jane, things I don’t like taste good.” and Louisa. Harriet, the fourth wife, lived in Utah. Deciding to pay a visit to her Such was the hospitality of Mary Jane to three children who lived in Idaho, Harriet all family members. stayed with Mary Jane because she had the most room. Harriet was not very well, so This event took place prior to 1897, when Mary Jane arranged for Harriet’s children Harriet died. to come visit her. Tribute to Mary Jane by Veda In honor of Harriet, Mary Jane prepared a Walker Green feast for all the visitors, whom she seated at the table as follows: At the head sat Veda Walker Green, in her book Insomnia William; on his right, Olive (in her usual paid tribute to Mary Jane Shadden place); on his left, the guest of honor, Walker: "Knowing what I know of you Harriet. Next to Harriet sat her son Lorin now, I should like to think some essence and wife Sara, then Russell and Eliza of your wit and valor and spice still linger Harris, then Charles and Emma Walker. on in the lives of my children, having the Seated on the opposite side were William’s power to compel their devotion. I should wife Louisa, her mother “Grandma like them to feel the magnetic force which Bingham,” and oldest son, Erastus. Next moved you to action throughout your life. came the widow of William’s brother Edwin, who had remarried and was staying "No one could have written a fitting with Mary Jane until they could find a epitaph for your headstone, but I like to place to live, then Aunt Ann Warner and believe some of your favorite sayings are Mary Jane. Ann Warner helped Mary Jane appropriate, like this one you told so 14 often, 'You will learn to make a virtue of “To you, children were more than amusing necessity,’ or, 'Who knows most speaks puppets to be dressed and coddled and least.' admonished after the manner of that era. Youth was a necessity to your nature and "I have grown up with your possessions all that is why after having reared a large about me as well as your favorite axioms family of your own, you cared for your ringing in my ears. The old high son's family when they were left mahogany bureau that matched your high- motherless and then kept one as your own. top bed, the washstand with its large white For to you to live without a child in the bowl and pitcher with a hand-painted house was a tragedy. I never quite could splasher made of white oilcloth with understand how I could have been so pockets for comb and brush. I have your lucky as to be reared in such a home. I silver knives and forks which were only was always so proud of your wit and used on special occasions, as were the wisdom, charm and intelligence. Besides heavy glass goblets. Then there was the being an indulgent and devoted solid gold pin and earrings that you gave grandmother you were a woman of me to keep always. Perhaps it seems remarkable character, gentle but firm. strange that these intimate keepsakes You could think clearly and even reason should survive when I have seen much of out each problem which each day brought. suffering and of life, but they are all very You were never one to escape into dear to me and expand under the unreality when issues must be faced. Your stimulating spell of your imaginary high spirits and ambition that were as presence. much a part of you as shrewdness and prudence always came to your rescue. “I can recall your calm dignity of expression at all times, for yours was a "You always knew how to kindle what lay strong face, square of chin and broad of beneath an exterior so different from your brow. Your thick black hair was smoothly own, for you brought the best out of those parted after the prevailing fashion, but it around you while they lacked the was your eyes, particularly large and shrewdness of your judgment, the beautiful, keen, full-lipped, and intent whiplash of your wit, their enthusiasm, above well-defined cheek bones, a warmth and idealism fused with the dominant mouth, humorous, sensitive and sterner stuff of which you were made. I inscrutable. One could tell anything to the shall try to write down only what possessor of such a mouth and never know happened, but my thoughts at best can what response might be forthcoming, never be your thoughts, but I shall do my except that it would most certainly be wise best. I shall not claim to be unprejudiced and shrewd and worth hearing. Fragments though I shall try to tell the truth as I of your wit and sagacity have survived like know perhaps you will never know what I chips of flint among those who knew you think of you, dear, but others will. best. A phrase, a quick comment, still vivid with personal pungency, a half- "In loving tribute I named my daughter, forgotten jest, some humorous anecdote. Mary, just for you, and now she has Your children and their children love them. named her daughter, Mary Jane, for you. We cherish your memory.

15 "Your namesake, Mary, was presented to your place just as you have always been. you as you lay on your death bed . . . you We have been so happy together, now had to be sure her hair and eyes were dark hold me very close.' And she died right in brown. Then you said, “My black shawl is my arms.” She passed away in her home, to be hers. My solid gold pin and ear rings September 3, 1916, being more than 86 are yours, Veda. Then they are to belong years of age, and is buried in the to Mary Veda, and if she ever has a Lewisville Cemetery beside William daughter it is to go to her. So Mary named Holmes and his other three wives. her daughter Grandma's full name, Mary Jane, to keep her name always alive. I In Insomnia Veda wrote: "Grandma had hope and pray that Mary Jane will do the gone to Heaven, and of course—for she same and name her daughter Mary Jane was the best person that ever lived. But and hand down the keepsakes and keep where is Heaven, and how can you go alive always the memory of my there? In one way Grandma didn't seem Grandmother.” to have gone away at all. It almost seems as if she would answer my call. She In her preface Veda brought out some seems so near always. It is lonely not to other interesting facts. "I stayed with Mary have her to talk things over with and read Jane for almost twenty years—wonderful to. No one in the world understood but years of love and devotion. I am indebted Grandma. She was loved by all who to her for all I have ever accomplished. knew her, and was considered a wonderful She taught me by her life of the principles grand old lady; she was always cheerful, of life and salvation, the importance of even during her last illness. She was prayer in our everyday life, to love God always willing to make people happy who and to love our neighbors, and to be kind came in contact with her. She was a keen to everyone we ever meet, never to observer. She loved animals, especially complain or criticize because maybe we livestock, and could pick them out could do no better. She encouraged me to (strayed animals) when all others were at do everything I was ever asked to do in the a loss to identify them." Church. The result of this was that many times I was holding several positions at the Mary Jane's house was willed to Veda, same time.” probably because of their closeness and for the help that Veda had been to her. Death of Olive and Mary Jane After owning the house for one year, Veda sold it for $450.00. In later years Olive suffered a stroke, which affected her speech and her ability Mary Jane's obituary in the Rigby Star for to care for herself. She died in 1915. September 7, 1916 reads: “Passed to her final reward. During the last year of Mary Jane's life, Veda and Luman moved close by so Veda “Mrs. Mary J. Walker of Lewisville, died could take care of her. Toward the last a at her residence on Sunday Morning due nurse was hired. Veda was with her when to old age, being 86 years old. death came. Veda stated: "I had her in my arms and kissed her just as I had done as a “She is survived by the following little girl. She said `I am so glad you are in children: Mrs. Walter Davis, of Ross 16 Fork (near Fort Hall), Don C. of traits of character of Sister Walker and Lewisville, Mrs. Olive Goody of also of her family. Lewisville, William A. and Winslow of Rexburg. “‘Prest’ Mark Austin of the Fremont Stake spoke of the obedience of the “Mrs. Walker was born at Sing Sing, pioneers to their prophet. Solo - I Need Wester [sic] County, New York, Jul 26th Thee Every Hour was sung by Charles E. 1830. She emigrated to Nauvoo, Illinois, Dinwoody. ‘Prest’ John W. Hart spoke of with her mother and a number of Latter- the faithfulness of the pioneers of which day Saints who were at that day emigrating Sister Walker was one and how they were to Missouri and Illinois. Later when the led to the valleys of the Western Mormons began to move Westward she Mountains. APOSTLE George Albert came and arrived with some of the earliest Smith spoke of the faithful work of Sister pioneers in 1849. Walker. Spoke upon the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the divinity “She married William H. Walker, 28th of the Book of Mormon and the work of April 1850. After residing in Utah for the Prophet Joseph Smith. Closing forty-two years they moved to Idaho, in remarks were by Bp. Peter B. Green. 1891, (actually 1889) with a number of Closing song: When First the Glorious other pioneers who have settled in and Light of Truth. Benediction Patriarch around Lewisville. James J. Chandler.

“The principal speakers at the funeral services were: Elder G. Albert Smith of Salt Lake City, Bishops Jardine and Kinghorn, President Hart of Rigby Stake and President Austin of Fremont Stake.

“The funeral was largely attended by relatives and friends who gathered to pay their respects to the memory of the grand old lady and pioneer.”

Funeral services were recorded in the Lewisville Ward records as follows: “Funeral Services were held Sept 6, 1916 over the remains of Sister Mary Walker who passed away on Sept 3, of — Bishop Peter B. Green conducting, Choir sang, Come Come Ye Saints, Prayer ‘Prest’ Josiah Call. Duet: O My Father, by Maud Hunter and Henry Maynard. Bp. R. F. Jardine spoke of the jovial good disposition of Sister Walker. Brother David Kinghorn spoke of the many good

17 Headstone of Mary Jane Walker in the Lewisville Cemetery

18 SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

William Pickett Catherine Van Velsor Smith

William Pickett, with whom Mary Jane After the death of her mother and her came to Utah, had suffered persecution in arrival in Winter Quarters, Catherine Van Nauvoo because he assisted the Saints. In Velsor probably stayed with the Abraham the Summer of 1845, a group of Saints left Washburn family. Abraham was from Nauvoo to harvest a field of grain. While Mount Pleasant, New York, the township engaged in their work, they were name for Sing Sing. He and his family surrounded by a mob. “They were resided in New York, Nauvoo and Winter deprived of their arms, stripped of their Quarters before emigrating to Utah. They clothing, and cruelly beaten with hickory were members of the Sing Sing branch of goads. Among those arrested for attacking The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day this party of harvesters was Major Saints, and were acquainted with the Van McCalla, and in his possession was found Velsor family. In Nauvoo the Washburns a gun taken from the party. The gun was and Van Velsors were members of the recognized by several persons, among same branch. The Washburn family, along whom was William Pickett, not a with Catharine, arrived in Utah October 19, "Mormon," and it was he who took the 1848. They were in Captain Musser’s gun from McCalla. For this action by division of the Willard Richards Company. Pickett, McCalla and his friends made out a charge of "stealing" and obtained The family moved to Manti November 21, warrants for the arrest of Pickett. . . . 1849. Catharine lived here at least until Pickett, it would seem, incurred the hatred 1851 and then returned to Salt Lake City. of the mob by his bold resistance to their Catherine married Jesse Smith in 1855 and plans, and they desired to get him into settled in Farmington, Utah, where she their power. He was never arrested. It was raised a large family. She died in under the pretext that they were going to Farmington in 1925. serve a warrant for his arrest that sparked the mob finally driving the Saints from Unverified Experience Nauvoo. William Pickett and his family left Nauvoo for St. Louis and then moved Mary Jane has an interesting experience to Council Bluffs. He was elected sheriff listed in one of her stories that cannot be in Council Bluffs. The family emigrated verified. I felt I should include the to Utah in 1849. Agnes Pickett and experience and explain why it seems children settled in Ogden while William unlikely. She related it as follows: left for California. He came back and got “I was taking a walk when I saw some his family settling in Los Angeles and San emigrants camped on the bank of the creek Bernardino, where he persecuted the known as City Creek, so I thought I would saints.” It was a good thing Mary Jane walk over and see if there was anyone I followed the counsel of Brigham Young knew from the East. There I found my not to go with them. little Sister Catherine. She was now 12 years old [it would be 1848]. It was like a fairy dream. 19 “The two girls saw each other, they “Sister Mary I place my hands upon thy head laughed and cried for joy, and hugged to pronounce and seal a blessing upon thee as each other. They were all that was left of a the spirit may invite and I say unto thee be firm once happy family. Catherine was the only in thy mind of good faith and of good cheer for relative Mary Jane had in Utah, although thou are of the House of Israel and the Lord hath heard thy petitions. He hath seen thy she had uncles and aunts on her mother's trials, is pleased with thine integrity and thou side living in New York. Catherine and shalt verily receive thy reward. Thou are of the Mary Jane enjoyed being together and lineage of Ephriam and entitled the blessings often they were seen walking arm in arm of the new and everlasting Covenant with the around the camps.” gifts and privileges promised to the mothers in Israel among whom thou art remembered. Let I wonder whether this meeting could have thy faith fail not for better days await thee. taken place because of the time factor. Thou shalt be strengthen in body and mind. Catherine came into the valley in 1848. The angel who hath watched over thee in the Mary Jane came into the valley in 1849. If past and preserved thy life will not forsake Catherine arrived first, why was Mary thee, but will whisper peace and consolation in thine ear, warn thee of danger, give thee Jane looking for her to come from the counsel in time of need, and power over evil East? Was there no communication in that and unclean spirits that health and peace may day regarding who was coming into the reign in thy habitation, thou shalt council valley and where they were settling? wisely among thy sex and thy name shall be in Indications were that there was much the memory of the saints and be handed down communication, by the missionaries with thy posterity in honorable remembrance coming and going. If the story was true, from generation to generation. Thou shalt then Catherine would have had to come in have joy in thy daily avocation and shall not a wagon train from Manti to Salt Lake, as lack for the comforts of life. Thou shalt she was already living in Manti. I cannot administer to the afflicted, and cause the make sense of this tale. fatherless to rejoice. Thou shalt became a saviour among thy kindred. Be of good cheer for thy last days shall be thy best days. This As far as not having relatives from Mary with thy former blessings I seal upon thy head Jane’s father’s side in New York, I feel in the name of Jesus Christ, and I seal thee up this is wrong, as Simeon Shadden was unto eternal life to come forth in the morning born in New York and there were of the first resurrection even so. Amen.” Shaddens residing in Mount Pleasant Township. (One life story says Simeon Shadden was from France, making this statement true. However, later research indicates they might be Scottish.)

Patriarchal Blessing

No. 224. Big Cottonwood Ward, Salt Lake County, UT. April Sixteenth, 1878. A blessing given by John Smith, Patriarch upon the head of Mary Jane Walker, daughter of Simon and Fanny Shadding, born in Sing Sing, Westchester Co., State of New York, July 26th, 1831

20 The William Holmes and Mary Jane Shadden Walker Family

First Row: Theodocia, Simeon, Don Carlos Second Row: William, Winslow, Welby, Olive

21 Notes from Salt Lake City Sixteenth Ward Records:

Don Carloss, b. 21 May 1855, Utah Co., Utah, S of William H. Walker and Marry Jane Shadding, bapt. Oct 1, 1868 by John Cottam. Blessed 24 Aug 1858.

Edwin B. 7 Jul 1865, Salt Lake City, Utah son of William H. Walker and Mary Jane Shadding, blessed 11 Nov 1865, d. 8 Jan 1867

Mary Jane b. 26 Jul 1830, Sing Sing, (Ossining), N.Y. dau of Simon Shadding and Fany Cronk, bapt by John Walker Jan 1852. Rebap 9 Mar 1857 by J. D. Mc Allister

Olive May b. 13 Apr 1871, Salt Lake City, Utah dau of William H. Walker and Mary Jane Shadding, Blessed 30 Apr 1871.

Simeon b. 6 Jul 1852, Salt Lake City, Utah son William H. Walker and Mary Jane Shadding, bapt. 6 Jun 1861 by William Derr, Blessed 15 Sep 1852

Theodocia Francis b. 8 Mar 1851, Salt Lake City, Utah dau of William H. Walker and Mary Jane Shadding, bapt 6 Jun 1861 by William Derr, blessed 15 Sep 1852

Welby Holmes Walker b. 8 Jan 1864, Salt Lake City, Utah son of William H. Walker and Mary Jane Shadding, bapt by John Cottam, blessed 9 May 1864.

William Adelbert, b. 5 Nov 1859, Salt Lake City, Utah son of William H. Walker and Mary Jane Shadding, bapt 1 Oct 1868 by John Cottam, blessed 18 Mar 1860.

William Holmes Walker b. 28 Aug 1820, Peacham, Vermont, son of John Walker and Lydia Holmes, bapt 1835 by Abraham Parmer. Blessed 19 May 1845.

Winslow Farr b. 10-11 Oct 1861, Salt Lake City, Utah son of William H. Walker and Mary Jane Shadding, bapt by Chris Hansen, Blessed 23 Jan 1862.

22 End Notes

1. Ossining was formed from Mt. Pleasant in 1845. Therefore, when Mary Jane was born she was in Mt. Pleasant not Ossining.

2. Philipsburg Manor was owned by Frederic Philipse. He was sympathetic to the British during the Revolutionary Ward. After the war he was forced to relinquish his land. Today a replica of the Philipsburg Manor has been recreated in Tarrytown.

3. Mary Jane’s birth date is taken from her patriarchal blessing and from the Temple Index Bureau. Since she was the informant this information should be correct.

4. The Maid of Iowa was built in 1842 by Dan Jones and Levi Moffit. This side wheeler carried passengers up and down the Mississippi River.

5 For a more detailed account of the rescue of the poor see the book, The Pioneer Camp of the Saints.

6. Scurvy was described by Horace K. Whitney: This disease would start with dark streaks in the ends of the fingers and toes, which increased and spread until their limbs were almost black, causing such intense agony that death would be a welcome relief from the suffering.

7. Donna Josephine Smith later changed her name to Ina Coolbrith, and became the poet laureate of California

8. Bombazine is a twilled or corded cloth made of silk and wool or of cotton and wool, often dyed black.

23 Bibliography

Andrus, Hyrum and Richard E. Bennett, Mormon Manuscripts to 1846, Provo, Utah, Brigham Young University, 1977

Bagley, Will, The Pioneer Camp of the Saints, Logan, Utah, Utah State University Press, 1997

Biographical Sketch of Catherine Van Velson Smith, Unpublished manuscript, Brigham Young University Library, Provo, Utah

Biographical Sketch of Jesse Smith, Unpublished manuscript, Brigham Young University Library, Provo, Utah

Black, Susan Easton, Membership of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1830-1848, 50 vols. Provo, Utah religious Studies Center, Brigham Young University, 1984

Bryson, Conrey, Winter Quarters, Salt Lake City, Deseret Book, 1986.

Census: Utah 1850 U. S. Federal, U. S. National Archives and Records Administration, Microform Family History Library, Salt Lake City

Census: Utah 1860 U. S. Federal, U. S. National Archives and Records Administration, Microform Family History Library, Salt Lake City

Census: Utah 1870 U. S. Federal, U. S. National Archives and Records Administration, Microform Family History Library, Salt Lake City

Census: Utah 1880 U. S. Federal, U. S. National Archives and Records Administration, Microform Family History Library, Salt Lake City, Utah

Census: Idaho 1900 U. S. Federal, U. S. National Archives and Records Administration, Microform Family History Library, Salt Lake City

Census: Idaho 1910 U. S. Federal, U. S. National Archives and Records Administration, Microform Family History Library, Salt Lake City

Church News, Deseret News, Salt Lake City

Early Church Information File, LDS Church Family History Library, Salt Lake City

French, J. H. Gazetteer of the State of New York,,Port Washington, L. I., N. Y., Ira J. Friedman, Inc. 1969

Green, Veda Jane Walker, A Brief Sketch of the Life of Mary Jane Shadding (Shadden) Van Velsor Walker, Unpublished Manuscript, Daughters of Utah Pioneers Museum, Salt Lake City, 1938.

24 ----Insomnia, Unpublished Manuscript, In possession of Zelta Walker Hendricks, 313 Los Altos, Pocatello, Idaho

Harker, Elizabeth, History of Fanny Cronk Walker, Unpublished Manuscript, 1954. Copy in possession of Eldon H. Walker 4218 Ben View Drive, West Valley City, Utah

International Genealogical Index, LDS Church Family History Library, Salt Lake City

Journal History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints,1830 - LDS Church Archives, Salt Lake City

Lewisville, Idaho, Ward Records, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Microform, Family History Library, Salt Lake City

Lindstrom, Joyce, Lewisville Centennial, 1882-1982, Rexburg, Idaho, 1982

Merrill, Leola D. Green, Veda Jane, n.p. n.d.,

Nauvoo Restoration Index, MS, Nauvoo Restoration, LDS Church Archives, Salt Lake City

Obituary, Mary Jane Shadden Walker, Rigby (Idaho) Star, Microform, Ricks College Library, Rexburg, Idaho

Patriarchal Blessing, MS LDS Church Archives, Salt Lake City,

Piepgrass, Elizabeth Jane Walker, The Life Incidents and Travels of Elder William Holmes Walker, Privately Published 1943.

Pratt, Parley P., Autobiography of Parley Parker Pratt edited by Parley P. Pratt Jr., Salt Lake City Deseret Book Company, 1972

Rhodehamel, Josephine DeWitt, Ina Coolbrith - Librarian and Laureate of California, Provo, Utah, Brigham Young University Press, 1973

Roberts, Brigham H., A Comprehensive History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 6 Vols. Salt Lake City: Deseret News, 1930,

Sealing records Endowment House, LDS Church Family History Library, Salt Lake City,

Seventies Quorum, unpublished manuscripts, Nauvoo, Illinois, Seventies Building

Sixteenth Ward Book of Remembrance Committee, Book of Remembrance, Sixteenth Ward, Riverside Stake, Salt Lake City 1945

Sixteenth Ward Records, Salt Lake City, Utah, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Microform Family History Library, Salt Lake City

Sonne, Conway B. Saints on the Seas., University of Utah Press, Salt Lake City, 1983.

Temple Records Index Bureau, LDS Church Family History Library, Salt Lake City 25 Utah Immigration Card Index 1847-1868, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Family History Library, Salt Lake City,

Walker, Rodney, Family group sheet - William H. Walker

Walker Sarah M., A brief Sketch of the Life of Mary Jane Shadden Walker, Unpublished document, 1935. Copy in possession of Eldon H. Walker, 4218 Ben View Drive, West Valley City, Utah

Wiggins, Marvin, Mormons and their Neighbors, Provo, Utah, Brigham Young University Library, 1984

Wilcox, David F., Quincy and Adams County, The Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago, 1919

26 INDEX

Austin, (President) Mark 17 Kimball, Heber C. 6 Van Velsor, Henry G. 2, 5 Kimball, Lucy Walker Smith 6 Van Velsor, Robert 2 Brian. Mrs. 13 Kinghorn, (Bishop) David 17 Van Velsor, Stephen 1, 2, 3, Bingham, (Grandma) 14 Van Velver, 1 Bingham, (Walker) Olive Maynard, Henry 17 Louisa 8 Mc Calla, (Major) 19 Walker, Charles 14 Birge, (Priest) 1 Mc Allister, J. D. 21 Walker, Diadamia, 12 Brown, Linda 8 Moses, Martha )Mrs.) 10 Walker, Don Carlos, 8, 17, Musser, (Captain) 19 21 Call, Josiah 17 Walker, Edwin, 8, 14, 21 Chandler, James J. 17 Parmer (Palmer), Abraham 22 Walker, Emma 14 Cottam, John 21 Paul, )Walker) Harriet 8 Walker, Erastus 14 Cronk, Fanny 21 Paul, Nicholas 9 Walker, Harriet 14, 15 Pickett, Agnes 5 Walker, John 22 Davis, Frank 14 Pickett, Agnes Smith 5, 19 Walker, Lorin 14 Davis, Olly 14 Pickett, Don Carlos 5 Walker, Louisa 14 Davis, (Walker) Theo 14 Pickett, Donna Josephine 5 Walker, Lyle 12 Davis, Mrs. Walter 17 Pickett, William Jr. 5 Walker, Mary Jane Derr, William 7, 21 Pickett, William 5, 19 (Shadden) 1 thru 22 Dinwoody, Charles E. 17 Pratt, Parley P. 1 Walker, Olive H. (Farr) 7, 8, 13, 14, 16 Everett, A. 1 Richards, Willard 19 Walker, Olive May or Ollie, 8, 13, 21 Farr, Lorin 13 Shadden, Fanny 1, 20 Walker, Oral Holmes 10 Farr, (Walker) Olive H. 5 Shadden, Simeon 1, 20, 21 Walker, Roy 12 Farr, Winslow 9 Smith, Don Carlos 8 Walker, Sara 14 Smith, Emma 13 Walker, Simeon 7, 8, 21 Goody, Mrs. Olive (Walker) Smith, George Albert (Apostle) Walker, Theo 12 17 13, 17 Walker, Theodocia Fanny 7, Green, Luman 13, 16 Smith, Jesse 19 20 Green, Mary Jane 16 Smith, John 20 Walker, Veda (See Green) Mary Veda 16 Smith, Joseph (Prophet) 2, 8, Walker, Welby Holmes 8, Peter B. 17 13, 17 10, 12, 14, 21, Veda, (Walker) 11, 12, Smith, Joseph F. (President) Walker, William Adelbert 8, 13 , 14, 15, 16, 17 13, 14 13, 17, 21, 22 Smith, Hyrum 3 Walker William Holmes 6, Hansen, Chris 22 Smith, Lucy 13 7, 8, 9, 10, 14, 16, 17, 21, 22 Harris, Russell 14 Smith, Mercy Fielding 4 Walker, Winslow Farr 8, 17, Harris, Eliza Walker 14 Smith, Mr. 6 21, 22 Hart, (President) John W. 17 Warner, Ann 13, 14 Hill, Mr. 7 Taylor, Sarah Hegsted Washburn, Abraham 1, 5, 19 Hix, Lott, 13 (Walker) 12, 14 Wells, Daniel H. 2 Holmes, Lydia 22 Hunter, Maud 17 Van Velsor, Catherine (Smith) Young, Brigham 4, 6, 8, 19 2, 5, 19, 20 Jardine, (Bishop) R. F. 17 Van Velsor, Fanny 2, 3, 4

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