Tucker Family Research

Friday, January 29, 2010

James Tucker History (1836-1925)

by Louise Spackman Manning

The following is taken from the Deseret News, Saturday, 25 June 1921, Section 4, page 7:

MORGAN, Utah. June 20.--

A James Tucker home-coming and family reunion was held in the Morgan County High School building, South Morgan, Utah, June 9, 1921. The family and invited guests assembled in the auditorium at 11 A. M. where the following program was given: The oldest son James H. Tucker presided. Singing by congregation, led by Patriarch James Rawle, prayer Fred J. Muir, singing congregation. Gibson A. Condie gave a sketch of the lives of the parents, James Tucker and Betsy Lerwill Tucker. Piano selection Leota Smith, Father James Tucker feelingly expressed his gratitude and joy in meeting all his children and so many of his grandchildren and friends on this occasion. With feelings of pride he referred to his two sons, their wives and his ten daughters, their husbands and children. He thought he had a rare family he said, twelve children, all living, 74 grandchildren and 41 great grandchildren, living today. Seven of his descendants have filled foreign missions; all are highly respected as far as he knew. No immoral conduct, divorces or scandals had stained their good names.

He referred to the work he had performed for the living, and for the dead, he having served in many civil and ecclesiastical positions. Reading, Lonct Gorder, Address "Why Latter-day Saints Gather," Charles Kingston, violin solo, Elizabeth Clark, vocal solo Ephraim Polter, reading Theo Tucker, Maori song Richard Kingston, address "Benefits of Family Reunions" Willis A. Smith, piano solo M. Nelson, song “Sunshine in the Soul,” congregation, remarks, Stake President Daniel Heiner, Benediction, John J. Simmons.

Adjournment was taken to the spacious dining room, where 76 adults and 33 children were seated around four tables, when Bishop Alonzo Francis pronounced the blessing upon the feast. Toasts, after dinner speeches and songs followed in due order. In the evening a dance in the gymnasium was held, to which many friends gathered and joined in the activities.

The following day seven auto loads of people visited the famous Lake Como resort, indulging in swimming and partaking of picnic, after which a meeting in the grove, where Father James Tucker again addressed his children. He exhorted them to be faithful in serving the Lord that they might enjoy the privilege of each other's companionship through eternity.

The children jointly provided a suitable present for their father's 85th birthday.

Autobiography

James Tucker, son of John and Susan Blackmore Tucker, was born at Eastdown Parish, Devonshire, England, July 22, 1836. The story of his long and busy life as told by himself is as follows, in part:

"My schooling was very limited, only about four months. Most of my early life was passed in my father's tailor shop, where under his instruction I learned the tailoring art. When 14 years old I was bound by contract to my uncle John Blackmore for five years to learn the cordwainel* trade. After two years my uncle died, and I served under Robert Conbear two years. Then for one shilling per day I served under John Prediux. When about 19 years old I went to Exeter the capital of Devonshire, for further instruction for one year. Returning the residence of my father at Kentisbury at the age of 20, I started business for myself as a cordwainer, or shoemaker.

This continued three years. About the age of 23 I became acquainted with Mormon elders, who visited that locality, teaching the everlasting gospel. Study of the scriptures and earnest prayer brought me a testimony that what they taught was true. I was baptized in October 1859, and thus became a member of the L.D.S. Church. The unpopularity of the Mormon doctrine caused some of my patrons and friends to forsake me. The spirit of gathering to Zion rested upon me and in March I860 I made preparation to emigrate.

Previous to this I had formed a very friendly acquaintance with Betsy Lerwill, who also had joined the church. She and I in company with our esteemed friend Richard Fry, his wife, Ann, and about 500 others, sailed on the ship "Underwriter" March 29 and landed after about five weeks in New York.

From there we journeyed by boat and railroad to the outfitting post at Florence, Nebraska. Here about five weeks were consumed in making preparations to continue the journey across the great plains to the valleys beyond the Rocky Mountains.

Married in 1860

In the month of June 1860 I and Betsy Lerwill were married by Elder J. D, Ross, Richard Fry and I purchased two yoke of oxen, two cows and a wagon. About thirty wagons made up the train which started in June from Florence, Nebraska, and arrived in Salt Lake City September 11, 1860.

Brother Fry and I now divided our interests, he going to Weber Valley (Morgan) while I secured a house and lot in the Tenth Ward, Salt Lake City, and resumed my former occupation as a shoemaker, working for other parties.

In the spring of 1862 we also moved to Morgan, purchased a farm and like good pioneers started to make a living in a new place, with very few tools to work with. Followed general farming and raising of livestock. When the Morgan Z.C.M.I. was established, again took up my trade of shoemaking, having charge for years of that part of the business.

In 1888 the firm of Tucker and Tonks opened up a real shoe store, which was quite successful notwithstanding robbers several times depleted the stock.

In 1892 the latter part of August I was afflicted with typhoid fever; also three other members were attacked, Lucy, Rose and Nettie.

In April 1894 I rented my business and responded to a call to perform a mission to England. I received a very honorable release and returning home found my business in much worse shape than I left it. After working years paying off debts and suffering loss from thieves I finally sold all my store, also all my interests in the Morgan Z. C. M. I.

I served in various positions, such as water master many years, for thanks, school trustee 12 years, member of city council, city treasurer, county treasurer, two terms, and county commissioner, two terms.

But in positions in the Church I have also done a little. For many years I was secretary of the 35th Quorum of Seventy; one of its first presidents as long as I was connected with it. After being ordained a high priest I served in the presidency of that quorum. I was genealogical representative for Morgan stake many years, I have labored in the temple for years, have had many baptisms and 8000 ordinances performed for the dead. Both for my kindred and my wife's people.

Tribute To Wife

Much more could be added but something should here be said concerning my wife, who as a faithful helpmate assisted me in many of our accomplishments and endured the privations incident to the pioneers.

In the year 1863, after our second child was born, she was very sick and for 13 weeks lay confined to her bed. At one time her spirit left her body for 36 hours and during this time I heard her sing twice. The burial clothes were being prepared, but she was restored through faith, and lived and bore ten more children. She was a faithful Latter-day Saint, a devoted wife and a wonderful mother. Largely through her faith and works we succeeded in raising all twelve of our children to maturity.

She taught all her ten daughters real domestic science and the art of home making. Their success as wives and mothers has been the result of her instructions, I hope they will cherish her memory and emulate her many virtues.

The names of our 12 children are: Mrs. Charles Kingston of Ogden, Utah; Mrs., Fred J, Muir of Grays Lake, Idaho; Mrs., John J, Simmons of Oakley, Idaho; James Henry Tucker of Morgan, Utah; Mrs., Gibson A, Condie of Carey, Idaho; Mrs. Edward Jones of Penrose, Wyoming; Mrs., George Spackman of Farmington, Utah; Mrs. James Clark of Carlin, Nevada; Mrs. Charles Van Orden of Idaho Falls, Idaho; Mrs, Willis A. Smith of Rexburg; Mrs., Norman Gorder of Milton, Utah; Mr., Lerwill Tucker of Morgan, Utah. I have 84 grandchildren, 74 now living; and 41 great grandchildren.

Autobiography of James Tucker (1836-1925)

Written at age 87 (1924)

My parents names were John Tucker and Susan Blackmore. My father was born at High Brey, Devonshire, England in 1812; my grandfather, James Tucker, was born at Goodleigh, Devonshire, England, November 7, 1767*

I was born in the Parrish of Eastdown, Devonshire, England, July 22, 1836. My wife, Betsy Lerwill Tucker, was born at Kentisbury, Devonshire, England, July 20, 1838. Her father, William Lerwill, was born at Eastdown, Devonshire, England, August 18, 1806; her mother, Mary Rawle Lerwill, was born at Kentis¬bury, Devonshire, England, April 14, 1812.

Up to the date of August, 1859, I had investigated eight different forms of worship, all claiming to be the correct plan of salvation and instituted by Jesus Christ; this was proof to me that their teachings did not agree with Divine Record, and the teachings of Jesus Christ. After listening to two discourses delivered by Mormon Missionaries, explaining the scriptures and doctrine of Jesus Christ, I was filled with a desire to make further investigation and to gain positive proof for myself. I petitioned my Heavenly Father, and in that prayer, I quoted James, 1st chapter, verse 5, and I received my answer* At the end of thirty days I was baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. In April, I860, the year following, myself and companion and two other persons emigrated to America on the ship named Under Writer. We were five weeks crossing the great Atlantic, landing at New York. From there we travelled by boat and railroad to Florence, Nebraska, or the "Outfitting Place" as it was here we made preparations to continue our travels across the plains to Utah.

Our company consisted of Richard Fry and wife, Ann Rawle Fry, and myself and wife, Betsy Lerwill Tucker. We purchased a wagon and two yoke of oxen, and two cows. The oxen names were Buck and Sam, Tip and Tyler.

Our entire company consisted of thirty wagons, and our captain was J. D. Ross. Our journey from Florence, Neb. to Utah took eleven weeks. The distance travelled each day varied from twelve to twenty miles. The health of the company was good. Every one was congenial and sociable; the entire trip was remarkable. We arrived in Salt Lake in September. I think it was the 11th of the month.

My wife and I resided in Salt Lake until the spring of 1862, when we moved to Morgan, Morgan County, Utah. I purchased a farm consisting of forty acres and commenced to till the soil and learned to raise the things upon which to exist.

Our first home was built of cottonwood logs, the roof of the house was of lumber covered with dirt. Our lights were made with a button and a rag set in a saucer of fat.

In the fall of 1864 after giving birth to our second child, my wife was afflicted with a severe sickness, and her spirit left her body for 36 hours, but through the power of the Priesthood she was restored to her health and strength. She was the most of 12 children, ten girls and two boys. All are living at this date. I have 76 living grandchildren and 11 that have passed to the Great Beyond; also 45 great grandchildren.

We purchased a lot in Morgan City and built a brick house upon it. It was one of the first brick homes to be built. The brick were manufactured by Charles Turner and Co. Nails were 40£ per pound, and the price of everything else was high.

My first plow cost $21. 00, and was made from the tires of Uncle Sam's wagons that were burned at the South Pass at the time Johnson's Army was sent to punish the Latter Day Saints, but all these things proved a benefit to the Saints, and the establishment of the things proclaimed by the Prophet Joseph Smith.

Our lot and farm was in an uncultivated condition, but when properly cultivated produced everything to our satisfaction. In 1869, we were visited by grasshoppers in such vast numbers that the sun was hidden from our view. In many instances entire crops were destroyed by them. One season, we obtained only one kettle of potatoes, our entire crop being destroyed, and only 300 bushels of grain were raised in the whole valley. In 1870, a general fast day for the entire Stake was called to petition our Heavenly Father for assistance. Our prayers were answered and we were given help in many ways, but do we remember it today?

When I first came to Salt Lake City, I worked at my trade which was a cord-winder or maker of shoes. In the first 6 months, I did not receive one dollar in cash, nor store goods, but was paid in produce and other things that were manufactured; but we were entirely satisfied with our conditions. My wife with many others were compelled to gather wild fruit, and also to make our garments from the wool of the sheep. Our first herd of sheep was five in number, but we increased them until we had sufficient for our use.

I helped construct the first brick school house at Morgan, and have assisted in building all those since,

I was distributor of water for irrigation purposes for 12 years and the only compensation received was “thank you.” I was also school trustee for twelve years with but little remuneration. Brother Richard Fry and myself plowed the first irrigation ditches in Morgan City, the same are used today. I was County Commissioner for one term, and County Treasurer two and one-half terms, and have worked in many other public positions.

I was ordained a Priest in 1859; ordained an Elder by J. V, Long in the Endowment House in I860; ordained a Seventy in the fall of 1861 by Elder Phipin. I was selected as scribe for the members of the Seventies, and when the 35th Quorum was organized was ordained one of the seven Presidents. I continued to act as secretary for the quorum until released by council on account of advanced age. I was then ordained a High Priest and was appointed scribe for the quorum. I was then selected to act as Genealogical Representative for the Morgan Stake and filled that position with satisfaction for four years. After the death of President William Hemming of the High Priest Quorum, Olaf B. Anderson was chosen President and I as one of the Councilors, which position I occupied for some time. I was released from this position on account of the extensive work I was doing at the Temple,

I have continued to labor for the benefit of the sons and daughters who have passed from this mortal existence into the Life Immortal to await the Resurrection Day, I have labored continuously for a long time and have gathered a great many thousand names and have performed duties for six lines of relatives.

I am 87 years of age. Yours in the Gospel of Jesus Christ, James Tucker,

And I also desire to add to my previous record, the following testimony that of the truthful evidence of the power of the priesthood and of Father and the Son, Jesus Christ, which has been restored in this day and generation in which we now live. I desire to repeat the following time and condition that of my wife at the time when her spirit separated from her body for the space of thirty-six hours, and during that period of time she did sing twice and she declares that she was reluctant to return and enter her body of flesh and continue her mission. It was predicted by the elders that she would not pass from this life, neither did she. This was a testimony of the power of the priesthood of the Eternal Father given unto the sons and daughters in the flesh which we may obtain through obedience to the Eternal Laws of the Father.

Many times has the power of the Priesthood been made known unto all present in the healing of the sick members of my family. I will refer to one instance when I was afflicted with appendicitis. The pain was so severe as to cause drops of perspiration from my body continuously. At that time the elders were called for the purpose of petitioning the Father and the performance of the ordinance of administration in my behalf. The Elders called were Robert Hogg and Richard B, Fry. The scaling of the anointment was by Brother Robert Hogg and in the name of Jesus Christ he rebuked the pain and said that it should leave my body, and it was affirmed and the pain ceased from that moment unto the present time of writing. This must be attributed to the power of the priesthood after the order of the Son of God. There are personal witnesses now who can testify to the truthfulness of this statement. Many other times has the power of God, the Eternal Father, been made manifest in and through the power of the priesthood conferred upon the sons of God in the flesh.

There will be one other testimony I wish to relate. The Prophet Joseph Smith proclaimed that some individuals were fore-ordained for some attainments previous to our earthly tabernacle in the flesh and bone, and also has President Wilford Woodruff made the same statement. In April, 1894, on the morning previous to my departure for a mission to Great Britain, Patriarch Evan Richards came from Round Valley to Morgan at an early hour in the morning for the sole purpose of giving me a blessing, this was uncalled for by myself or any member of my family, and he predicted that I should go in peace and return in safety, and I would labor in the Temples for the salvation of the dead, and that I would receive direct communication from the spirit world, and I desire to affirm that to be true as the sun gives light through the clouds and that darkness does follow it.

In conclusion I desire to add to the foregoing record, that in the year 1861, I continued to work at my former trade, that of cord winder. I arranged and placed together some of the equipment for theatrical performances, such as boots and fancy slippers made from sheep skins, also the yellow and red leather placed before the entrance at the home of Henry Bowering,

Our entertainment consisted of dancing mostly. The Quadrille being the most popular dance. After our dances commenced at 4 o'clock in the afternoon,

I also desire to add that I have been interested in gathering genealogy of my forefathers. In 1889, I visited my aged mother, Susan Blackmore Tucker, and since that time have worked along this line. Having gathered information of my relatives back to the year 1511, and I am still continuing this work. We have obtained over 9000 names. 8000 of which have been officiated for, and recorded in the Temples of the Lord.