First Few Days in Carlisle

Here are Willard’s entries from the first few days that he was in Carlisle.  His new mission companion would eventually return to Utah and eventually become a relatively well known artist.  See the link below for Joseph Everett.

Sunday, May 7, 1905 - Carlisle - nice day
Arrived here last evening from Chester le St. to take up labor here, Elder Joseph Everett being my companion. Today being Sunday, we arose at 7 A.M. Prepared to attend some baptisms that were to be held at the baths. Elder Choules officiated in baptizing three souls into the fold. After leaving the baths we came to the lodge at #2 Aglionby St. At 2:30 we went to Sunday School at the Hall, 47 Scotch Street after which we went to Sister Atkinson’s for dinner. Then in the evening at 6 P.M. held services in the Hall the saints and friends being present. After services we went down to the Cross and held a street meeting. There were quite a few people came to hear us. A man jumped on Elder Choules about polygamy but we evaded a discussion on the street. Leaving the crowd who had gathered to hear the discussion we went to the lodge. It was quite late when we retired. Those who were baptized were confirmed in Sunday School. I confirmed Andrew Eland Armstrong. Monday, May 8, 1905 - Carlisle - fine day
We arose quite early. Went to visit some of the Saints after which Elder Everett and I started billing the District meeting that was to be held the following Sunday. We quit tracking quite early in the afternoon and with a number of the saints took the trains out to Wetherel then walked a mile or so to the home of Bro. Porter. Held a singing practice and a cottage meeting afterward. We had supper before leaving for Carlisle. Our journey to Carlisle was five miles which was accomplished by walking. It was 11:30 when we got to lodge and were tired enough to sleep good. 

Tuesday, May 9, 1905 - Carlisle - Fine day
It was about 9 o’clock when Elder Everett and I arose this morning. We made speedy preparations to begin our tracking which continued the remainder of the day. We had quite a number  of conversations. Our being with a minister (Church of England) we had it up and down for a short time. After which we shook hands and parted. We spent the evening in the lodge writing. Retired late.

Their Missionary Lodge

Journal Entry Page 1

Journal Entry Page 2

Farewell Chester-le-Street and Pelton Branch. Hello Carlisle.

Willard’s first six months of his mission were spent in Chster-le-Street and the Pelton Branch.  After serving there, he was transferred to Carlisle where he would serve the remainder of his 2 year mission.  On his first day in Carlisle, he met his future mother-in-law and future wife, Hannah Atkinson.

Below are his journal entries during this transition time of his mission:

Thursday, May 4, 2905 - Nice day

On coming downstairs this morning, found a letter from Pres. Adams releasing me from my labors in Pelton and appointing me to labor in Carlisle with Elder Everett.  I was given two days to get ready … and to visit the Saints and my friends.  Elder McFarlane and I sat out to do the visiting as I had no time to lose and Saints were very scatter[ed].  We visited the people at Newfield, West Pelton, and Grange Villa.  In the evening attended Mutual at the Store Hall where I preached my farewell sermon.  I regreted leaving my friends and work in Pelton, having become attached to it.  But I suppose the people were glad to get rid of me.  After Mutual we went to Jordans and took supper then home. 

Friday May 5, 1905 - Beautiful day 

We spent the whole day investing and bidding the Saints goodbye.  We first went to Waldridge Fell.  Called on Bro. Green. Had dinner then through the fields to Sacriston.  Spent the afternoon at Bro. White’s.  Took tea while there.  Bro. White took my photo.  Leaving Sacristan we went by Edmondsly to Grange Villa.  Called on Sister Smith and Bro. Wiseman.  From there we returned to Chester le St. Visited Bro. and Sister Lindsley.  From there we came to lodge.  Elder Walter G. Paul who had been appointed to labor in my place was awaiting our return after talking together a while we retired. 

Saturday May 6, 1905 - Chester le & Carlisle - nice day 

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 for Carlisle.  The train followed up the Tyne Valley for fifty miles.  The scenery was beautiful.  Arrived at Carlisle at 4:30.  Was met at the station by Elder Choules and Everett.  Elder Choules was released to go home and I was to take his place.  I [saw] that my trunk was taken to the lodge 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 on Market place.  We had a nice meeting.  I was called on to preach.  It being my first time on the street, I felt shaky.  Elder Choules next spoke.  There was a good crowd present.  After meeting, we went and listen to a Gospel Hall Evangelist preach.  After he finished, we went up and asked him some questions.  A long conversation followed.  The people crowed 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 Choules 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 Choules there.

Continued in Volume 2

Carlisle Cross and Market where Willard Preached

Sister Atkinson and her four daughters

Tea Time in England

As I’ve read Willard’s journal entries, almost every day he speaks of stopping in “for tea” at someone’s home.  All along, I assumed that indeed they were having English tea, however I read this journal entry from March 22, 1905:

We remained at lodge and studied till 2 P.M. today.  Then went to No. 5 Ivenho Terrace, Chester le St. to meet a minister who had desired to meet us.  Our conversation lasted three and a half hours.  We were able to meet his arguments.  He invited us to stop to tea which we did.  He thought it strange for us to take water instead of tea, but we explained the Word of Wisdom to him, which he could not but acknowledge was a benefit to any class of people.  We left his home after tea with an invitation to return and visit some future time.  We went to lodge and fot our books and tracts and then to Waldridge to hold a cottage meeting.  There were quite a number present.  I presided and was the first speaker occupying 30 min. on the First Principles.  Elder McFarlane then spoke 40 min. on the Personality of God.  We enjoyed a good Spirit and were _____ by meeting together.  After meeting, supper was prepared. When we had partaken of it we went home.

5 Ivanhoe Terrace in Chester-le-Street, England

Journal entry from 22 March 1905

“Our Prayers Were Answered”

Our family has been praying for severals weeks for the safe arrival of triplet nieces to be born to my sister-in-law Wendy and my brother, Chris. This morning we received word that today the babies would be born. We knelt together, with several of our children offering prayers for the safety and strengthening of Wendy, Chris, and their babies. Later we received word that the babies were born—Anna, Eliza, and Catherine. We are very grateful for their arrival and feel this is an answer to our prayers.

Willard also felt his prayer was answered many years ago in his journal entry from Tuesday, February 21, 1905 on a cloudy day in England:

This forenoon and part of the afternoon we spent at the lodge. We had appointed tonight a meeting at the home of a Mr. Thompson at Waldridge Fell. We felt our weakness in holding a meeting at the home of a stranger, but before leaving lodge we knelt in prayer, asking our Father in Heaven to bless us that our meeting might be a success. We arrived at Bro. Green’s in the evening. Took tea there then went to he home of Mr. Thompson. His house was crowded with people who had come to hear us—there being 15 strangers and 10 Saints. Elder McFarlane spoke 35 min. on the Personality of God and the Restoration of the Gospel. I then spoke for 40 min. on Belief Alone insufficient and Baptism Essential to Salvation. Redeemer of Israel, Come O Thou King of Kings, and We Thanks Thee Oh God for a Prophet were the songs. An excellent Spirit prevailed and our prayers were answered, because all present were impressed with the service. After the meeting we returned to Chester le [home].

Passing through Kansas City, Independence, St. Louis, and Chicago in 1904

Our family is going on a trip through Independence, Missouri; Nauvoo, Illinois, Chicago, Illinois; and St. Louis, Missouri soon.  I remembered that Willard had passed through some of these cities on his way to England and thought I would share his thoughts from these cities here today.

Here are his entries:

Oct. 21/1904 Kansas City.  Beautiful day.Slept fine last night.  Arose refreshed and able to stand the unceasing, tiresome rumble.  When we retired last night, we were 4,000 feet above sea level, but on rising this morning were only 800 above.  Quite a disention [descent] in one night.  We are now speeding through the cornfields of Kansas, 90 miles wet of Kansas City.  Conductor has just announced Topeka 7:50 am.  It was 10:15 am when we reached Kansas City.  Changing from the U.P.R.R. to Chicago and Alton Continental on toward St. Louis.It was 11 am when we passed through Independence, Jackson County,t Missouri.  Our thoughts ran back to the time when our parents and grandparents had passed through the trying ordeals of persecution they had to pass through for the sake of the true Gospel of Christ.  Onward we went singing the hymns of Zion and thanking our Father in Heaven for the privilege of going out in defense of true and everlasting Gospel.  It was 6:20 pm when we arrived at St. Louis.  We took lodgings at the Tyler apartments.  After having supper we took the Olive St. car to a point where the general view of the illuminated Fair grounds could be seen.  It was a grant sight.  After returning we all knelt in prayer and retired to rest. 

Oct. 22/1904 St. Louis Fine day. Clear but cool.After arising and taking breakfast we prepared to spend the day at the Worlds Fair.  Took the Olive St. car to the main entrance.  After entering we found our way to the Utah building.  Meeting there quite a number of people from Utah.  After registering as visitors we went to take in other points of interest, first going to the Fisheries—seeing there nearly every description of fish in the world.  From there to the Institution of Art, some of the finest works of art was displayed from every nation in the world.  From there we went to the Mechanical Arts building and Agricultural and many other notable institutions where the best of the world’s productions were exhibited.  We also went to Boreo war exposition where two great battles were fought between the English and Boer.  It was a fine representation.  Many other points of interest were enjoyed.  In the evening we went through what is called the Pike, where much confusion was experienced on either side. Walking through was ten cent shows and other attractions to drain the last nickel from a person.  At night, we went to the Conservatory of Music to witness the display of fine works which took place in front of that building at 8 pm.  It was 9:30 pm when we left the Fair Grounds to return to the Hotel.  Today was a day well spent.  One never to be forgotten. 

Oct. 23/1904 St Louis.  Fine day.After having breakfast, we gathered our things together.  Went to the depot.  Took the Chicago and Alton for Chicago.  It was 10:30 am we passed through Springfield, Ill. at 1:20 pm we are running at the rate of seventy miles an hour as our train is a special.  At 6 pm we pulled in the wonderful city of Chicago.  What a confusion and turmoil. We soon found a conveyance to the Grace Hotel where we registered and deposited our baggage and found a place to dine.  After supper, Elders Wootton, Zobell and I rook a stroll around the town.  We enjoyed the walk fine.  Afterwards returned to the hotel and retired to rest. 

Oct. 24/1904 Chicago, Ill.  CloudyWe arose in the morning.  Took breakfast, then went to the La Salle depot.  Checked our trunks to Boston and at 10:30 went on board the train. (Nickel Plate R.R.) enroute to Boston at 3 pm.  We passed through Fort Wayne, Ind. and at 8:30 in the evening arrived at Cleveland, Ohio.  After leaving Cleveland, pursued our house along the shore of Lake Erie. About 9 o’clock the conductor came in the car and turned the lights down and all in the car were soon lost in slumber.

1904 St. Louis World's Fair

St. Louis Street Car Lines - West is to the top of the map

Remember the Worth of Souls

In Willard’s journals, he doesn’t speak much of his own thoughts and feelings.  They’re more of a narrative of his activities—had dinner, visited a family, wrote letters, went to church, went to the dentist, walked a certain number of miles, etc.  Nevertheless, his narrative provides a glimpse into what his days were like and some entries help remind us why he lived in England for two years.

Here’s his entry from Monday, January 23, 1905:

I spent the forenoon visiting the candidates for baptism and giving them instructions as to how they should prepare, what trains they should take and so on.  I first called at Lindsley’s.  Then to Waldridge Fell [called] on Greens. Took dinner with them. From there went to Grange Villa.  Called of [on] Lilly Theobald’s sister.  Got her consent to Lilly’s baptism.  Also got Lilly’s genealogy.  I called on Sister Collins and a Mr. Strong.  Then went to Sister Smith’s. Bro James Fitches was ill and through request I administered to him.  After taking tea a[t] Smith’s, I went to Newfield.  Found the Jordan’s getting ready to go to Newcastle.  A little later and we all gathered at the Pelton station and took the train to Newcastle.  Arriving there we met Elder Cottrell who had gone in the morning to get things ready.  After waiting a short time other members came on the Durham train.  When all had arrived we took a train to the Snow St. [Street] Baths where the service was conducted.  Elder Cottrell led twelve honest souls into the waters of Baptism.  The confirmations took place at the pool side with the following Elders officiating: Cottrell, Davis, Godfrey, McFarlane, Lowe, and myself.  The persons baptized were Mr. and Mrs. Lindsley and their daughter Rebecca of Chester le St., Mr. and Mrs. Green of Waldridge Fell, Mrs. Jan Jordan, her two sons George & Stephen of Newfield, Sarah Chapman her daughter Elizabeth Studham and her son George Bennett of Crashed, and Lilly Theobald of Grange Villa.  After the baptisms we all returned to the Central Station.  After waiting an hour took the Pelton train for home.

Willard's Journal Entry

Map of where he was this day - Waldridge Fell toward the bottom of the map and Newcastle on the top.

List of those baptized this day

Saints and Missionaries

On New Years Eve, my family, my brother Lance, and two of his children visited my Dad (Martin) and Carol in Oklahoma. We had fun at the park and stayed up late playing games to ring in the New Year.

Carol is very active in family history and genealogy research. Over the years she has shared morsels of her learning, experience, and information with us—for which I am very grateful!  17 years ago today, on January 14, 1999, my Grandma Smemoe (Doris Mary Neeley Smemoe) passed away. Since her passing, Carol has carefully kept Grandma’s records and pictures.  Over the last couple years, she has shared more of these with us.  During our recent New Year's Eve visit, I was able to scan several of these pictures.  One picture was a very nice picture of Mary Atkinson (Thompson) with her four daughters. Of course, one of her daughters, Hannah--or Nan for short, would eventually marry our (my great) grandfather Willard after his mission. Another picture was of the Atkinson mother and and daughters on an outing with the missionaries, including Willard. Willard kept a journal entry of almost every day of his mission, so I was glad to read a little more about this day, captured in this picture.

Here’s his journal entry from that day on Monday, July 30, 1906:

Mon. July 30/06 Carlisle Fine

After a short talk with Sister Walker we went to lodge and remained till dinner after which a picnic party was arranged to  Wetherell [also spelled Wetheral] Woods.  We all set off about 2 o’clock to walk out the 4 mile winding road that would bring us to the place.  After arriving, selected a place under the trees where we ate the repast [meal]. Then we played ball and jumped till we were tired.  Also went in the Wetherell church [see pictures below] to see the Howard monument [picture below]. Toward evening we went down the river Eden a mile to Bro. Porter’s where we spent a short time singing.  Sister Porter prepared supper for us, after which Elders Wooton, Jones, and the Saints started back to Carlisle. Pres. Taylor, Elder Owen, and I remained over night.

Mary (Thompson) Atkinson with her four daughters 

Mary (dark dress) with daughters Maud (bottom) and (top left to right) Hannah (nickname Nan), Eleanor (nickname  Nell), and Elizabeth (nickname Lilly)

The Atkinson's with the missionaries.  Hannah is on the front lower left, and I believe it is Willard in the back row on the right

Journal Entry from July 30, 1906

View of Wetheral with the parish church on the left and the river Eden in the middle

Wetheral Church Parish

Howard monument (of his wife with child who both passed away shortly after child's birth) in the Wetheral Church Parish