Hannah

As I learned more about Willard Neeley, and that he served a mission to England, I always wondered if he had met Hannah Atkinson, his future wife while there.  Willard served his mission in northern England from 1904 to 1906.  Some of the cities he served in include: Chester-le-Street, Pelton, Carlisle, and Penrith.

Hannah was born in England.  She, along with her mother and three sisters, immigrated to the United States in September 1906, just a few months before Willard would return from his mission.

Willard and Hannah Atkinson were married in September 1910 in Salt Lake City, Utah.

As I’ve been reading Willard’s journals, I can see that he definitely knew the Atkinson family for much of his mission.  They even sent a postcard to him (and his companion) as they were leaving England for the United States.

The first six months of Willard’s mission, he served in Chester-le-Street and Pelton which are in northeastern England.  Then, on May 6, 1905, he was transferred to Carlisle in northwestern England.

Below is his journal entry from that day:

Sat. May 6, 1905 - Chester-le & Carlisle nice day [referring to the weather]I spent most of the morning packing my trunk.  Had it sent by advance luggage. Elders McFarlane and Paul accompanied me to the station.  I left on the 1:19 train for Newcastle, waited in Newcastle an hour, then took the 2:55 [train] for Carlisle.  The train followed up the Tyne [river] valley for fifty miles.  The scenery was beautiful.  Arrived at Carlisle at 4:30.  Was met at the station by Elder Charles and Everett.  Elder Charles was released to go home and I was to take his place.  I seen [saw] that my trunk was taken to the lodge [or apartment] by a porter.  Then we three went to the lodge and had tea.  In the evening we went out on the street to hold a meeting.  It was held on the Cross or Marketplace.  We had a nice meeting.  I was called on to preach.  It being my first time on the street, I felt shaky. Elder Charles next spoke.  There was a good crowd present.  After meeting we went and listened to a Gospel Hall Evangelist preach.  After he finished we went up and asked him some questions.  A long conversation followed.  The people crowded around in hundreds.  They were very bitter towards us and we received many sneers.  I have cause to remember the first real opposition on the street and I could see I must brace up my shoulders for the future work on the street.  Elders Charles and Everett held their own with the opposing through it.  Was very late when we left the Cross, we went to a family of Saints to call on them.  They run a laundry—the lady (Sister Atkinson) and her four daughters.  We took supper there then Elder Everett and I returned to lodge leaving Elder Charles there.