New Years Eve in Carlisle, England

We stayed last night and we're staying tonight again in Carlisle, England where Willard Neeley served his mission.  Hannah Atkinson, his future wife, also lived here with her Mother and sisters and were very involved in the missionary work, frequently hosting missionaries and church leaders for meals, holding Mutual at their home, and cleaning the missionaries' laundry.  We'll go by later today where we think the Atkinson's lived in Carlisle.

Thursday, December 28, 1905.

Spent the forenoon at lodge.  In the afternoon, we called on the following homes: Sister Nelson of No 5 Wilson St. Newtown, Mrs. Nelson of No. 7, Mr. and Mrs. Reay of No. 16.  We had a nice gospel conversation at each.  From Newtown, we went to Crummick (sp?) terrace.  Called on Sister Cook.  Had tea there then went to Stanwix and spent the evening a[t] Heaths.

Friday, December 29, 1905.

At 11 o'clock we left the Lodge to go to Warwick to spend the day with Bro. and Sister Porter.  A nice dinner awaited us.  In the evening, a minister called on Sister Porter.  We were introduced to him.  Had a talk with him, but could not get him out on the Gospel.  We were persuaded to stop over night, which we did.  Sister Porter doctored me up for a bad cold I have.  We enjoyed the day very much.

Saturday, December 30, 1905.

We arose, had breakfast, the[n] started for Carlisle.  It was a beautiful morning and we enjoyed the walk fine.  We spent the afternoon visiting and getting the genealogy of those that were baptized.  Also met several trains to see if Pres. Taylor were on them, but he did not some on any we met.  He and Elder Makey came on a late train.  We spent the evening at Atkinson's.  Elder Makey and I stopped at the lodge.


Sunday, December 31, 1905.

In the morning, Pres. Taylor and Elder Rich came to lodge.  We all went to the Hall to hold Sunday School.  Had a nice school.  Pres. Taylor & Elder Mackey spoke very encouragingly of the Sunday School.  We all took tea at Sister Atkinson's.  In the evening, we returned to the Hall to hold meeting.  Elder's McKey and Rich and Pres. Taylor were the speakers.  After meeting, we spent the evening at Sister Atkinson's.  Watched the old year out and the new one in.  It was 1:30 am when we retired.

Monday, January 1, 1906.

I arose very early in order to make out the monthly report to sent it in by Pres. who was going on an early train.  Pres. Taylor & Elder Mackey came to lodge quite early and we went with them to the train.  From there, we went to Sister Atkinson's and spent the morning and part of the afternoon, having New Years dinner there.  In the evening, we went to Sister Taylor's.  She had a house full of friends.  We spent a pleasant evening playing games.

Tuesday, January 2, 1906.

Spent nearly all day at lodge writing.  In the evening, went to Choir practise.

Wednesday, January 3, 1906.

Spent the forenoon studying.  In the afternoon, we went up to Sister Atkinson's and spent a few hours helping them.  In the evening, we went to the hall and prepared for Mutual.  We had a nice Mutual.

Thursday, January 4, 1906.

In the forenoon, we studied and wrote.  In the afternoon, we went tracting.  When finished, called on Sister Pain.  From there, went to Sister Wetherell's.  Had tea and spent a few pleasant hours.  Leaving there, we went to Sister Cook's and spent the remainder of the evening.

Friday, January 5, 1906.

In the afternoon, finished tracting a district, then went to Newtown and made calls on Sister Nelson, Mr. & Mrs. Nelson, and Mrs. Reay.  Had a nice gospel conversation at each home.  We also called on Mrs. Persival and Sister Walker where we spent a pleasant evening, then came home.

Saturday, January 6, 1906.

Studied in the forenoon.  In the afternoon, done our shopping and visited Mrs. Carrothers.  Then went to Sister Lightfoot's for tea.  From there, spent the evening at Sis. Atkinson's.

Sunday, January 7, 1906.

Spent the forenoon at lodge.  In the afternoon, we went to the Hall to hold Sunday School.  There was a good attendance.  It being fast Sunday, by class engaged in testimony bearing.  After Sunday School, we went to Sister Atkinson's for tea.  In the evening, we held our Hall meeting with a good attendance.  Bro. Lightfoot, Elder Rich, and I were the speakers.  After meeting, we held a choir practise.  Then went to Sister Atkinson's for a short time.

Monday, January 8, 1906.

Spent the forenoon at lodge studying.  In the afternoon, went tracing.  While tracting, went into a store.  There met two men after giving them a tract each.  The began asking questions ad a Gospel conversation followed.  I talked for two hours as fast as I could talk.  It was late when I came home.  We, Elder Rich and I went to see Bro. Sanders who was ill.  From there, went to Sister Atkinson's and spent the evening taking supper there.

Tuesday, January 9, 1906.

Spent the forenoon at lodge studying and writing.  In the afternoon, went tracting.  The weather was cold and wet.  In the evening, we called on Brother Sander.  From there we went to Choir Practise.

Baptisms and the Week Before Christmas

Side note: Our family is going to the UK this week to visit the Preston Temple.  We'll attend church in Carlisle next Sunday.


Monday, December 18, 1905.

We decided to hold a baptism on Dec. 23, the Prophet's birthday.  So we will be busy this week working it up.  We visited Sander's and Atkinson's this morning.  Also, spent the afternoon with Atkinson's.  In the evening, we went to Cook's and held our cottage meeting.  There were five young women present, four Saints and one stranger--this being all the congregation we had to preach to.

Tuesday, December 19, 1905.

Today we spent the fore and afternoon tracting.  In the evening, Sister Taylor called and asked us to bury her nephew Thursday.  Told her we would.  Went to Choir Practice.

Wednesday, December 20, 1905.

Done some studying and writing, then went tracting.  I met a nice lady and had a long conversation with her.  She invited me back.  We called at Atkinson's after finishing tracting thence to Lightfoot's for tea.  Returned to lodge, thence to the Hall to hold Mutual.  There were not many present.

Thursday, December 21, 1905.

We did some studying in the forenoon and got ready to attend the funeral of Bertie Anderson, Sister Taylor's nephew.  We conducted the service at the non-conformist Chapel.  I was first speaker.  Elder Rick then spoke.  We led the procession to the grave and after the coffin was lowered, I offered the dedicatory prayer and we lett for home.  I was very wet and misty and I caught cold at the funeral.  We spent the remaining part of the afternoon at Atkinson's helping them in the laundry.  Went to Stanwix to spend the evening at Heath's.

Friday, December 22, 1905.

We went out tracting this morning.  In the afternoon, we spent the time visiting those who were going to be baptized.  We also called on Sister Sanders and Atkinson's.  Spent the evening at Walkers.  Received Mr. Walker's consent to baptise her daughter Doris.

Saturday, December 23, 1905.

The Prophet's Birthday.  After studying a while, we went to Newtown and called on Miss Nelson.  For a time we were fasting, so could not partake of dinner as she wanted us to, but she gave us a cake and two mince pies to bring home with us.  Leaving there, we called on Bro. Cook.  He was not home, his wife was.  From there we called on Bro. Armstrong.  Had a talk with his Wife and she consented to be baptized.  We came to lodge, had supper, then went to Sister Atkinson's to practise some songs for the baptisms.  We got ready and at 8 o'clock went to the baths.  When all the people had come, we started the service.  After singing and prayer, Elder Rich spoke on baptism and its importance to our Salvation.  After which I led seven honest truth seeking souls into the waters of baptism.  There were many strangers and Saints gathered around the pool.  All seemed interested and a fine peaceful spirit prevailed.

Sunday, December 24, 1905.

At 2:30, our Sunday School commenced.  The members who were baptized were confirmed.  We had a nice meeting.  IN the evening, a large number were in attendance.  I spoke on the Life of Christ and Elder Rick on the life and labours of the Prophet Joseph Smith.

Monday, December 25, 1905.

Christmas day. After writing a while, we went to Sister Atkinson's for Christmas dinner and to spend the afternoon and evening.  Had a fine dinner of roast goose and plum pudding.  In the evening, Walkers came.  Also other friends and we played games and sang.  The evening was well spent.  Although I had a bad cold and didn't feel veery well, I enjoyed myself.

Tuesday, December 26, 1905.

Boxing day, another English holiday. We went to the Hall at 11 A.M. to assist in decorating it for the party to be held in the evening.  Leaving there, we went to Sister Taylor's and spent a pleasant afternoon.  At 6 P.M., we were at the Hall to begin our entertainment.  A very large crowd came and we had an enjoyable time playing games.  Also had a nice program and Christmas tree for the children.  Mr. Walker was Santa.  I got a pig in in the polk.  All enjoyed themselves fine.

Wednesday, December 27, 1905.

Spent the forenoon at Lodge.  In the afternoon, we went to Bro. Sander's who was ill and administered to him.  From there, we returned to Sister Atkinson's and had supper spent evening playing games.

Harmonium and the Sick Infant

onday, August 21, 1905.  Carlisle.  Stormy. Rain.

In the morning, we went to Sister Atkinson's to take our laundry.  Returning from there, we spent the remaining part of the day in the Lodge studying and writing.  Sister Atkinson called to get some tracts to take with her on her genealogical tour among her people, leaving the same afternoon went to Penrith.

Tuesday, August 22, 1905.  Carlisle.

I spent the forenoon in study.  The afternoon was spent in tracking.  I met good success.  After tracting, we came home,  had tea, then went to Newtown to visit Mr. and Mrs. Cook. Found them well, except their little infant, 11 weeks old.  It was very ill with inflammation of the bowels and consumption of the lungs.  The Doctor had given it up.  By request of the parents, we held a prayer circle with the family in its behalf, not having any oil to administer with.  It appeared to rest easy afterwards.  The people are very interested in the Gospel.  And while we were there, they asked us if we had an organ in our hall.  When we told them no, they told us they would make us a present of a Harmonium which is similar to an organ.  We tried to offer them pay, but they refused to accept any thing.  So we thanked them for their kind offer.  It was quite late when we came home.

Wednesday, August 23, 1905.  Carlisle.

This morning we arose and had breakfast, then went to Newtown to see how the infant was.  Found it about the same.  We administered to it, then returned home.  After dinner, we went out tracting.  In the evening, we went to Mutual.  Afterwards we came home.

Thursday, August 24, 1905.  Carlisle.

This morning we went up to Newtown to see how the little child [was].  Found it much better, which was very encouraging to the parents.  We again administered to it, then we had a long talk with the parents on the Gospel.  Leaving there, we returned to Carlisle and hired a man to go up and convey the Harmonium down to the hall.

In the afternoon, we went up to Sister Atkinson's.  From there to Bro. and Siter Sanders who were ill.  Leaving there, we went to Upperby to see Bro. and Sister Lightfoot's.  Had tea, then came down to Harraby Green Rd.  Called on Sister Taylor's.  After spending a short evening, came home.

Friday, August 25, 1905.  Carlisle.

The forenoon was spent in study.  In the afternoon, we went tracting.   In the evening, we called on Bro. Armstrong.  He had some friends to see him and we had a long talk with them.  They were interested very much.  After biding them good night, came home.

Saturday, August 26, 1905.  Carlisle.

In the forenoon we studied.  In the evening went visiting, first at Mrs. Grassby's, then Mrs. Walker.  In the evening, held meeting at the Cross.  Went to Atkinson's for laundry, then home.

Sunday, August 27, 1905.  Carlisle.

In the forenoon, we went up to Newtown to see how Mr. Cook's little child was.  Found it very bad.  We administered to it, then came down to the Infirmary to see Bro. Andrew Armstrong.  Found him much better.  Leaving there, we came down to the hall to commence Sunday School.  We had a very large attendance.  The room was nearly full.  After Sunday School, we went to the lodge to tea.  Returned at 6 P.M. for services.  The Hall was packed full.  We had a fine meeting.  A good spirit prevailed.  I was first speaker, subject: Repentance.  Elder Everett then spoke upon Baptism.  After meeting, we went out on the street and held a nice meeting.  After meeting, we went to No. 7 Regent Ter. then home.

Tracting in Carlisle

Wednesday, August 16, 1905.  Carlisle.

In the forenoon we studied our our Mutual lesson and in the afternoon we went tracking.  And in the evening we went to Mutual.  Had a nice mutual.  Stopped and had supper after Mutual at Sister Atkinson's.  Then home and retired.

Thursday, August 17, 1905.  Carlisle.

In the forenoon we went tracting.  I did not put out many tracts as I spent most of the forenoon talking with a Salvation Army lady.  We had it up and down.  I tried to show her the inconsistency of a dead belief but she was a tarter.  Would not accept scripture or reason, but wouldn't have anything else but the blood of Jesus Christ.  After a long talk I bore my testimony to her and left. IN the afternoon we studied and in the evening went to Stanwix to visit a Mr. Heath and family who invited us to see them.  We spent a pleasant evening talking on the Gospel. A nice supper was prepared.  It was late when we came home.

Friday, August 18, 1905.  Carlisle.

In the forenoon studied.  In the afternoon went tracting.  After I had been tracting a short time, it began to rain and I came home.  In the evening, we went to Sister Lightfoot's and Atkinson's, then home.

Saturday, August 19, 1905.  Carlisle.

Spent the forenoon in study.  IN the afternoon, we went visiting some of our investigators.  Called on Mrs. Grassby for a short time, then we went to see Mrs. Walker.  Had a long talk with her and her Husband.  Leaving there we came home.  Had tea, then went out to hold our Street meeting.  I was first speaker.  A large crowd gathered around.  Elder Everett spoke last.  All seemed deeply interested in the speaking.  After meeting, I had a long talk with a lady upon the Book of Mormon.  After leaving the Cross, we went to Sister Atkinson's, had supper, spent the evening, then home.

Sunday, August 20, 1905.  Carlisle.

In the forenoon we made out our reports then had dinner.  After dinner, we called on Bro. Armstrong, then went to the hall to prepare for Sunday School. At 2:30 P.M., school began.  I presided, had a nice school.  After it was out, we went to Sister Atkinson's for tea.  Returned at 6 P.M. to hold our Hall meeting.  There was a large crowd present.  I was first speaker, subject: Holy Ghost.  Elder Everett spoke last, subject: Mission of John the Baptist.  After our Hall meeting, we went out on the street and held meeting at the Cross.  I introduced Elder Everett to the congregation and he spoke, subject: Introdution of the Gospel by John.  After meeting, we went to Sister Atkinson's for supper.

Photos and Stories?

Dear Family members,

If you have photos or stories from Willard Neeley's life or any of his descendants, please send them my way! loren@willardneeley.org

I would like to share them here.

Best,
Loren

We Were Tired Out and Sleepy

Saturday, August 12, 1905. Carlisle.

Pres. Adams and Elder Wooton came down to visit us from Sunderland.  In the forenoon, we stopped in the lodge.  After dinner we took them to see the sights.  Our first journey was to the park.  Went through the park then up to the castle where we spent some time taking in the point of interest.  From there we followed up the green bank of the river for quite a distance.  In the evening, we returned to lodge, had tea, and went out to hold street meetings.  We held the first meeting at King St, then went to the Cross and held one.  After meetings, we went to Sister Atkinson's.  From there, Elder Wooton and I went to Upperby to stop all night at Sister Lightfoot's.

Sunday, August 13, 1905.  Carlisle.

In the forenoon, we studied.  At 2:30 P.M. we went to Sunday School.  Had out class exercises.  After which Elder Woten and Pres. Adams spoke.  We went to Atkinson's for tea, then back to the hall for Services.  Elder Wooton & Pres. Adams occupied the time speaking.  After hall meeting we went on the street and had a good meeting after which we went to Sister Atkinson's for the evening.  Elder Everett and I came home late & retired.

Monday, August 14, 1905.  Carlisle.

In the forenoon, I [did] some writing.  Then Elder Wooton and I went up to the Cumberland Infirmary to see Bro. Andrew Armstrong who is confined there with a bad leg.  From there we hurried out to the Wetherel bridge to join Elder Everett, Pres. Adams, and the Saints who were going on a picnic trip to Wetherel woods.  We all walked together.  Selected a nice green under the trees.  Sat down and had picnic after which we played ball till we were nearly tired out.  We had our pictures taken several times with a Kodak we had, then we went up to visit the old ancient caves where bands of robbers dwelt many years ago.  Returning from the caves, we went down the river a mile and a half to visit Bro. & Sister Porter.  Took supper and at 10:30 P.M. started for home - a walk of five miles.  It was 12 when we arrived home.  We were glad to get home as we were tired out and sleepy.  Pres. Adams and Elder Wooton stopped out over night.

Tuesday, August 15, 1905.  Carlisle.

Pres. Adams and Elder Wooton came in from Wetheral this morning.  We had dinner at the lodge then we went up to Sister Atkinson's.  Stopped a while then to Bro. Sanders.  Then to Sister Taylor.  Took tea.  Leaving there, we bade Pres. Adams and Elder Wooton good bye and we went to call on a Mr. and Mrs. Cook who are interested in the Gospel.  Pres. Adams and Elder Wooton took the evening train for home before we came back from visiting Cook's.  We returned about 10:30 P.M. and retired.