Monday, January 18, 2010
I cut bangs this week. It isn't something I've never done before, but it is new for now...
Book of ther month (or quarter or whatever)
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
so I was incharge of picking the first book and have decided on....drum roll please.....Brave New World. Let us know how you liked it and why or why not.
Change #1
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Hey you all this change is good through Monday.
Change something about your hair. If it means dying one strand or cutting it a diffetent way. Wear it like you have never worn it before. For all you boys out there cut it with a different sized razor. Even the smallest change will make the biggest difference.
Elmira Pond Miller (Eddie’s 4th great grandma)
Monday, January 4, 2010
A SHORT JOURNAL OF ELMIRA POND MILLER
[written about 1890]
I was born at Barlow in the state of Ohio, Washington County on the 14th day of February, 1811, the daughter of Thaddeus and Lovisa Miner Pond. They had eleven children of whom I was the eighth. Father never belonged to any church. My mother was a Methodist, also my two sisters and one brother. I was religiously inclined in my young days. I read the New Testament often and had often wished I had lived in the day of Christ and his apostles, and often wondered why the same gifts and blessings were not in any of them. We were told they were no longber needed, that seemed a mystery to me. My desire was so great to prepare for a future state that I made up my mind to unite with the Methodists. That was in the year 1827.
In the year 1829, we moved to Illinois, Adams County. From that time I was never a member of that church. I have often found that I could not believe as they did in some of their doctrine. I didn't believe in shouting or calling out amen by others before a prayer was finished. I believed the Lord was a person as I read in the Testament that Christ said he was the express image of his Father. I had a great anxiety about finding what would satisfy my mind. I was sometimes impressed with the hope a greater light would come and it was my sincere prayer that I would be prepared to see it.
On the 19th of June 1831, I was married to Henry William Miller. He was not religiously inclined but I believed he was the one for me for I loved him at first sight. I began my first housekeeping at Quincy.
On the 25 of September, 1832 a girl was born. We called her name Elizabeth. On the 30th of March, 1834, a second girl was born. We gave her the name Ruth Ann. We were then living eighteen miles form Quincy on the farm. On the 10th day of January, 1837, another girl was born. We called her Lucy. On the 22nd of December, 1838, a son was born. We called him William Henry.
In 1839 I heard the first true gospel sermon that I ever heard in my life delivered by Abel Lamb. I received it with joy. I could not express my gratitude to my Heavenly Father for sparing my life and giving me the opportunity for hearing the same gospel as taught by Christ and his Apostles.
We were then living in Adams County-ten miles from Columbia. Some of the families of the Latter-Day Saints settled near us after they were driven from Missouri. Brother Lamb held meetings at our house. After having a few meetings he gave an invitation for baptism. I was one of the first to offer but he said he didn't like to baptize me as my husband was not there. He said to wait until the next meeting which would be two weeks, and my husband would be ready to go with me. I did not like to wait, but his words came true. The next meeting we were both baptized, about the middle of September 1839.
The gospel was so plain I would not believe that my relatives would reject it, but only three of my sisters believed. One's husband refused to let her be baptized.
Soon after I became a member of the Church the adversary tried to make me believe I had not received the Holy Ghost. I was tried and troubled in my mind for several days. I finally sought the Lord for a witness, and prayed for the gift of tongues. When I arose from my prayer I commenced speaking in tongues. I felt thankful to my Heavenly Father for so precious a gift. Soon after I was tempted to believe it a language. There were so few words in it. I then asked for another language. Not withstanding my wish the Lord gave me another. These through his help I have been enabled to keep until the present-1890.
I feel to bear my testimony through his work. I know it is the true church--the only one the Lord has on earth and whatever I may have to pass through, I never can doubt it. This knowledge is received not only by those appointed to lead but by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, which is a sure guide. I have many testimonies to bear---have seen the sick healed by the laying on of hands and a prayer of faith---have been healed myself, and so have my children. One of my sisters was healed by shaking hands with Hyrum Smith. She had a burning fever. When she took hold of his hands the fever left her, and that was before she was baptized. She soon obeyed and was faithful member until death.
On the 20th of Jan 1841, a son was born. We named him Alma. The next spring we moved to Nauvoo.
Some of the brethren had received the word of the Lord concerning their property. I was very anxious to know what the Lord wished my husband to do with his. Brother Joseph inquired concerning him and several others and was told to take shares in the Nauvoo House. Then my husband gave the committee $4000.00. I was as willing as he was to do so. We had prospered ever since our marriage, and here was a call for some of the means the Lord had given us.
In the fall of 1841, my husband was called up Black River to get lumber for the Temple. He took his fami1ly with him. The company went up the river in a boat. The river froze over and they were obliged to leave the most of their provisions until spring. We went the rest of the way by ox team. The snow was about two feet deep and the men had to walk ahead to break the road. At night they had to shovel off the snow to make out beds. There were fifteen of us, women and children in the sled. Before the spring opened, our provisions gave out. We had only potatoes.
My greatest trial would be to hear my children cry for bread and none to give them. But in that I was happily disappointed. The Lord overruled their minds and appetites that when told we had no bread and no flour to make any they never asked for any. Our youngest, only a year and nine months old could not wait when the flour came to have it baked. He asked for some dough. One of the daughters had never eaten potatoes before--when she came to the table she would look so sorrowful, but not one word of complaint.
I cooked for three of the men and some of the time four for nearly all the time except a short time before we left for home. In 1842 we came to Nauvoo. We came down on a raft. On September 10, 1843, a girl was born, we named her Mary Elmira.
Soon after we moved to Daniel's place, four miles from Carthage. We were there when Joseph and Hyrum were shot. We did not hear of it until the next morning. I could not describe my feeling. It had not entered my mind that our enemies would take the life of our leader. But when Brother Brigham returned and spoke to the Saints it was plainly manifest that the same spirit rested on him that was on Brother Joseph. On 1845 on the 24th day of July, a girl was born. We called her Freelove.
At the time of burning of houses we could see the light of several while they were burning. We heard that they had a night set to come and burn Daniel's house. The men thought it best to make some preparation in case it came. The filled two large chests with clothing and took them out of the house and sent word to them that they were ready for them. They never came.
That fall we moved again to Nauvoo. In 1846 we left with a company to start west. Before we left we had the pleasure of going into the Temple and receiving our endowments. We left a two story brick house and our furniture in it as there was no chance to sell it.
We were three months on the way to the Bluffs called Council Bluffs. On May 9th, 1847, a son was born. We named him Hyrum S.
The next season Daniel and family continued their journey with the company. Brother Brigham counseled my husband to stay and help supply corn for the brethren. It proved to to be a good country for corn and we seemed to be a great help to them as well as ourselves.
On March. 22Nd, 1849, a girl was born. We named her Sarah Jane. We there had the use of a house that was built by a man living among the Indians. By building on another room, it made us quite comfortable while we stayed.
On February 14, 1851, a son was born. We named him David. He died the 24th of March.
On the 2nd of March, 1852, a son was born. We named him Arnold Daniel.
That summer, three months later, we crossed the plains to Utah. We had a hard time making a new home, but we were prospered and soon were in a way to be comfortable again. We were so glad to think we had gone from our enemies. We were in hopes that they would leave us alone, but we were soon to find differently. On the 5th of April, 1855, my husband was called to take a mission to the Cherokee nation. He was gone two and a half years. I found it quite hard to take care of a large family alone, but I did not complain. He was only doing his duty and that was my wish. In 1857 the army was sent from the States to drive us, "So called Mormons", out of the Valley.
We were again tried and tested to see if we could obey counsel. In 1858. we were told to leave our homes and move south. We knew not where, but we cheerfully obeyed our leader and went till told to camp. We stayed about six weeks until peace was restored. When the word was "Return to your homes" we all rejoiced to hear the good news. I fe1t to thank the Lord for all this kindness to me.
In 1862 my husband was told to marry another woman. I was willing for the Gospel's sake to make the sacrifice and give my consent. She had five children, four sons and one daughter.
In 1864 my husband was called to go south and make a settlement. He took his other wife with him. In 1866, myself and family went. We settled in St. George as the other place he settled in was washed out by water.
In 1869 we commenced doing work in the endowment house at Salt Lake City for our dead. This I consider one of the greatest privileges we have---to go forth and do a work for our relatives that they have not had the privileges to do for themselves while in the flesh.
In the year 1877 the temple was completed at St. George and we again commenced work for the dead. From that time until 1885 we did what work we could.
My husbands health has been poor for two years past. We thought best to go north on a visit to see our children in hopes a change of climate would help him, but in that we were disappointed. We left St. George toward the last of May. He lived until the 9th of October [1885].
I have given the births of my children. Will now state their deaths:
1-David, March 24, 1851 at Council Bluffs.
2-Alma, February 10, 1871.
3-Lucy Miller Robinson, April 20, 1879, in Farmington, Davis County, Utah.
4-Freelove Miller Hammond, June 8, 1879, in Prov. Cache county.
5-Mary, January 2, 1882.
6-Sarah Jane, May 22, 1902.
7-Ruth Ann, Dec 31, 1910.
8-Elizabeth, January 2, 1914
9-William. July 2, 1922.
10-Arnold Daniel, September 3, 1924. S.L.C., Utah.
11-Hyrum, December 28, 1933
Elmira Pond died September 3, 1904 at the home of her son William in Syracuse, Utah.
(I received a copy of this journal from Gayle Baxter of Idaho Falls in February 1981. I do not know who has the original or where Gayle received her copy. Patricia King April 5. 1981)
[digitized with minor notes by Douglas B. McKay August 2009]
Oliver Robinson (Eddie’s 3rd Great Grandpa)
As a baby, Oliver had dark hair and inquiring eyes. When he was three years old, his father, Joseph Lee Robinson, joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, having learned of the new church through his brother Ebenezer, who later became editor of the Church paper, T/roes and Seasons, in Nauvoo.
Joseph was a very devout man who readily adopted the teachings of the Book of Mormon and the Doctrine and Covenants, having always been a student of the Bible. He was a powerful man and had the gift of healing in a remarkable degree.
Oliver's mother, Maria Wood, took much longer to accept the gospel. Though her friends and relatives tried hard to persuade her from the "evils" of Mormonism, she was finally converted. She was baptized in 1838 by her husband and became a very devout and consistent Latter-day Saint. She was a woman of very great integrity and honor and, coupled with the strong faithfulness of her husband, Oliver had the foundation of a strong and superior character.
Oliver was seven years old when the family arrived in Nauvoo in August 1841, where his father served as bishop of the Fourth Ward. Oliver was baptized in Nauvoo, Illinois, at the age of eight, by the Prophet Joseph Smith. He was there through the mobbings and persecutions of the Saints in Nauvoo, the martyrdom of Joseph and Hyrum, and the evacuation of their lovely city. Oliver left a fine home to go out into the wilderness with his family. The Robinsons left their beloved Nauvoo, June 10, 1846.
En route to Mt. Pisgah, Susan, Joseph's second wife, made the following comment to Maria, "I do think your son Oliver is one of the dearest boys I have known. He treats everyone with such respect and is so unselfish."
The United States government asked Brigham Young for 500 volunteers for the war with Mexico, and Oliver's father was sent back to Nauvoo on an errand. This left Oliver, the oldest and only thirteen, to care for the family in his absence.
On July 24, 1846, Oliver went rabbit hunting with a Brother Johnson and returned with plenty of meat for a good rabbit stew for the entire Robinson family. They decided to have a picnic, and Oliver helped care for the horses as well as instructing the younger children to get washed. On this occasion the family rejoiced over the return of Joseph from his Nauvoo errand.
Near the Grande River Oliver and his parents were among many who were stricken with severe illness; some died. Contaminated water was believed to be the cause.
Oliver was helpful to Sister Roylance, a battalion woman assigned to the group for which his father was responsible. Sister Roylance was weary, and felt helpless and alone with her children. They were now at Winter Quarters where Joseph continued serving as a bishop.
As they settled in at Winter Quarters, Oliver took on heavy responsibilities, cutting and hauling logs to build cabins, beds, etc., for themselves and others.
A very special treat for Christmas that first year was the potatoes freighted in from St. Joseph, Missouri. They helped alleviate the sickness of many who had suffered from a lack of vegetables.
During the summer of 1847, forty-six battalion members arrived at Winter Quarters, David Roylance among them. There was a time of great rejoicing in the Robinson household upon his arrival. After singing "Though Deepening Trials," young Oliver offered an earnest prayer of thanks, after which the Roylance family, now reunited, departed for their own quarters.
The Amasa Lyman Company headed west during the summer of 1848, and Oliver (then age fifteen) helped drive the wagons and care for the animals on that long, wearisome trek across the broad plains.
At the Sweetwater the company met up with a group of gold seekers. Oliver noted the difference between the gold seekers and the Saints—the former swore, were loud, rough, red-eyed, twitching, and nervous; the latter were calm and quiet.
At the summit, when viewing the Salt Lake Valley for the first time, Joseph recorded in his journal, "There was a feeling of emotion in our bosoms which words could never describe."
They arrived October 19, 1848, and settled in Little North Canyon, about seven or eight miles north of Salt
Lake, where they spent the first winter. Because it was late in the season, there was much to be done and all of it at once. By the time Christmas came, three cabins had been erected, in which all of the Robinson family were housed. Oliver, as usual, was among the willing workers.
July 24, 1849, the Robinsons joined others in commemorating the arrival of the first pioneer group two years previous. They had a program, a parade, a picnic, and marching bands, and all celebrated. The Robinson section of the parade carried a banner which read "Truth Before Gold." Food had been scarce during the previous winter, but a plentiful crop was in and growing nicely, and all had reason to celebrate. Then the crickets came, and the pioneers battled to save the crops; survival was at stake.
The family settled in Farmington, Davis County, Utah, where Oliver's father was again called to be a bishop.
Oliver was a vital and energetic support during all the building, planting, and harvesting that helped get the Robinsons established. In reading Joseph's journal, one can very easily see that the work of the farm at Farmington rested on the shoulders of Oliver and his younger brother, Ebenezer. His father has this to say of them on his return from one of his trips south, where he had been called by the Church brethren. "May 25, 1853, took some wheat to the mill and two of my wives to a wool picking. My sons, Oliver and Ebenezer, went to the mountains for poles. They have worked hard, have sheared my sheep, made fences, and put in considerable crops. They are very good boys."
Oliver Lee Robinson
Oliver was active in the Church at home and on missions. His first mission was to the Salmon River area in 1857. While there, a knuckle on his left hand was shot away by the Indians, and a brother-in-law was killed. He was sent on a mission to the "Muddy" in 1868. After he had been there two years, he returned, planning to take his family back with him, but Brigham Young advised him to leave his family in Farmington and return to the mission. Shortly thereafter, this mission was dissolved.
In 1876, Oliver was called on a mission to the Eastern States. His wife, Lucy, died while he was there. In those days, mail did not often reach the Elders except when they reported at headquarters. It happened that he was away for several weeks, so the daily letters telling of her sickness, death, and burial reached him all at once. It was a terrible blow, as they were very congenial, and he had always depended on her marvelous wisdom and help. He had felt that all was not well at home, but his concern was for their seven-month-old baby.
Oliver was a builder. He could build a whole house from the foundation, including making adobes, doing carpentry, and even doing the painting and papering.
Oliver was musically very talented. Without ever having had a lesson, he could sing any song from the notes. He led the Farmington choir for many years, and also had charge of the ward dances. His genial nature made him a favorite among the young people. He was appointed superintendent of the Farmington Sunday School in 1856 by Bishop Hess, was an assistant superintendent of the Sunday School in 1871, president of the 74th Quorum of Seventy, and an alternate member of the Davis Stake High Council.
In his home life he was a very kind and just man. His children loved and respected him, and his wives adored him.
Oliver Lee Robinson died at the early age of fifty-three, on August 18, 1886, of appendicitis—then called bowel trouble. He was buried at Farmington by the side of the wife he loved so well. His was a good and noble life, spent for others and the kingdom of God.
—Helen R. Grant, a great-granddaughter
Gospel Doctrine
Sunday, January 3, 2010
I read my lesson today and I found a cool site with lots of info. Check it out . This is my favorite quote of the day.
http://www.gospeldoctrine.com/OldTestament/otindex.html
Neal A. Maxwell
Comparing what we are with what we have the power to become should give us great spiritual hope. Think of it this way: There are some very serene, blue lakes on this planet situated in cavities which once were red, belching volcanos. Likewise, there are beautiful, green, tropical mountains formed from ancient, hot extrusions. The parallel transformation of humans is much more remarkable than all of that—much more beautiful and much more everlasting!
So it is, amid the vastness of His creations, God’s personal shaping influence is felt in the details of our lives—not only in the details of the galaxies and molecules but, much more importantly, in the details of our own lives. Somehow God is providing these individual tutorials for us while at the same time He is overseeing cosmic funerals and births, for as one earth passes away so another is born (see Moses 1:38). It is marvelous that He would attend to us so personally in the midst of those cosmic duties. (“Becoming a Disciple,” Ensign, June 1996, 17)
