Monument Erected to Those Who Died at Mt. Pisgah
?Martha S. Snow's Baptismal Record
MARTHA JANE SNOW EDMISTON
BIOGRAPHY: MARTHA JANE SNOW EDMISTON
BIRTHDATE: 03 Septemb,er 1827 St. Johnsbury, Caledonia, Vermont
DEATH: 05 March 1892, Castle Dale, Emery, Utah
PARENTS: Gardner Snow and& Sarah Sawyer Hastings Snow
PIONEER: 1851
SPOUSE: John Edmiston, Jr.
MARRIED: About 1842 Lima, Hancock, Illinois
DEATH: 13 October ,1890 Castle Dale, Emery, Utah
CHILDREN:
Gardner 19 November 1843 (died age 3)
Sarah Elizabeth 20 December 1845 (died age 31 unmarried)
Jonathan H. 22 February 1848 (died age 18)
Martha Ann 30 July 1849
John, Jr. 23 October 1850
Samuel Card 09 October 1851
Algenoral 22 June 1853
William 25 September 1854
Eliza 01 February 1856
Warren 05 September 1857
George Washington 27 January 1860 (died age 30)
David 29 October 1862 (died age 30)
Mary Margaret 14 May 1864
Charles Henry 01 July 1866
Martha learned good homemaking skills by helping her mother prepare hearty meals, gather greens, herbs, and vegetables. She helped her mother bake and did outside chores. She also learned how to spin yarn, weave, knit, piece quilts, braid rugs, and make hats. She was five years old when her family was converted to the LDS Church and her father was called to be branch president. They left their home and property in June of 1836 and made the long journey to Kirtland, Ohio. After the Temple was build, they were forced to leave and go to Missouri. They settled in Adam-ondi-Ahman. Again they were driven from their home. They located at Morley’s Settlement near Lima, Illinois. In 1842, Martha Jane married John Edmiston. She was called to serve in the Relief Society to help relieve the suffering of the sick and needy families. Again, they were forced to leave their homes and moved to Carterville, Pottawattami, Iowa. They raised crops for several years to help feed the many Saints traveling west. John kept busy with blacksmithing, preparing horses, oxen, and wagons for the trek to Salt Lake Valley. They arrived in 1851.
They moved to Manti, Utah, where they had difficulty with the Indians in the Black Hawk War. In 1870, they were living in Springville. In 1880, they were living in Petty Precinct, Sanpete County. Martha was the mother of fourteen children, nine of which grew to maturity. They were living in Castle Dale when her husband John died and she died there two years later. They sacrificed much for the Gospel of Jesus Christ, shared in many privations of the early settlers, and died in faith of a glorious resurrection.
(This appears to have come from a book “Valiant in the Faith”
PART 3 – A worthy and Numerous Posterity, pages 577 to 584)
MARTHA JANE SNOW AND JOHN EDMISTON
Sally and Gardner were happy to have a daughter to bless their home in St. Johnsbury, on September 3, 1827 – their first daughter to live and grow to maturity. Brothers Jonathan, James, Warren and George, took a special interest in their younger sister throughout her life. Martha Jane was the lovely name chosen for her.
They young girls learned to read, write and cipher in the little school house about the time this delightfully intimate picture was written in St. Johnsbury in 1835, entitled”
HOME FROM SCHOOL
‘Tis five o’clock, the school is done,
The girls and boys are off for home.
The children want their supper quick,
Come Betty, get the pudding stick!
The cows are coming from the vale,
Molly, bring the milking pail
And mild as quick as e’er you can
And strain it in the largest pan;
Now take the bowls and dip it out
And drop the pudding all about.
Now children, you may come and eat,
The pudding’s new, the milk is sweet.
And then undress and go upstairs;
And when you all have said your prayers
Then you may lay you down to sleep
And rest till morning light doth peep.
Martha was a good helper for her mother as they worked at the table near the open hearth preparing hearty meals for Father and boys. She liked to gather wild greens and herbs, and pick vegetables to go along with the fish and game in the big pot over the roaring flames. When they filled the bean pot with beans, salt pork and maple syrup, and cooked them long hours, it was a meal eagerly devoured by the menfolk when they came in from working in the fields. Often soup was left simmering on the fire, and leftover vegetables and meat were added each day. In cold weather soup was frozen, hung in an outdoor shed in a solid block, and when needed, chunks were chopped off and reheated with water. Sally taught Martha to bake bread, biscuits, Johnny cake and apple cakes in the tin oven in the oven front. Savor smells always permeated the kitchen of our Snow home to whet the appetites of the boys, and friends and relatives.
Martha’s daily chores were feeding the chickens, geese, pigs and sheep, milking the cows and making butter and cheese. She collected feathers from the barnyard geese to make pillows and quilts for the family’s bedding. Under Sally’s guidance, Martha learned to spin yarn from the sheep sheared in the spring, and to weave a shawl on the loom. Martha, like all young girls, could knit and make mittens and sox, quilts and braid hats and rugs.
After hearing two young Mormon missionaries, Orson Pratt and Lyman Johnson, preach that the original church of Jesus Christ had been restored, Sally and Gardner had many questions. Through their study of the scriptures and teachings by the missionaries, they were converted and were baptized, becoming members in June and July 1833. Martha went to the meetings each Sabboth day with her family, and joined in the singing and scripture study. She may have been the Martha S. Snow mentioned in Gardner’s little book “Church Record of Names” – “June the 9 1837 Baptize four children: Martha S. Snow; Matilda Scott, Sarah Galord, James W. Calkin.” Martha Jane would have been almost ten in 1837, and living in Ohio at that time.
In June of 1836 her parents left their home and lands and made a long journey to Kirtland, Ohio, where members of the Church were gathered. Wile living in Kirtland, there were many threats and much persecution by nonmembers. Her father and brother George, signed up to go with the Kirtland Camp to Missouri early in July of 1838. Martha was nearly eleven at the time they made their way to Missouri. They settled in Adam-ondi-Ahman, but within a few weeks suffered in the persecutions of the Saints by the mobs, and through mob violence, her baby brother, Gardner, died. In the spring of 1839 they were driven from the state to Illinois, through mob action and the Governor’s exterminating order. They then located at a place called Morley’s Settlement, after the leader, Isaac Morley.
About 1842, at age 15, Martha Jane married John Edmiston. John, the son of John Edmiston and Elizabeth Smith, was born July 23, 1821, in Antis on Juanita River, Huntington County, Pennsylvania. The 1840 Census of Illinois shows a John Edmiston listed in Randolph County, Pennsylvania. A William Edmiaston was in Fulton County. John Edmiston was a blacksmith, and he worked hard and did well in his shop. He joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, October 6, 1842. The first child of Martha and John’s was born November 19, 1843, and named Gardner, after his grandfather.
When the Female Relief Society was organized in 1843 in Lima, Lucy Morley, with her counselors, Sarah H. Snow and Sister Whiting were called to preside. Martha Jane, and her sister-in-law, Eliza Ann were also members. This group of ladies spent many hours sewing items of clothing, making quilts, knitting sweaters and sox, and helping in many ways to relieve the suffering of sick and needy men, women and children. Through their own trials and persecutions in Missouri, they had tender sympathies for those in need, and did all they could to alleviate their suffering.
In 1844 the “Penny Fund” was instituted by Hyrum Smith, of the Temple Committee, and promoted by his wife. He appealed to the women asking them to contribute one cent apiece a week to purchase materials for the Temple. Martha J. Edmiston’s signature is on the paper of those subscribing from Lima, to give “some few cents in money to assist in procuring glass and nails for the Temple.” With her signature is the amount of 25 cents. This small amount was quite a sacrifice for the sisters when their families needed so many necessities. However, they each felt a great anxiety to pay a year’s subscription in advance if at all possible.
The peaceful situation in Hancock County was not to continue. Feelings of jealousy and revenge, then hate, let to fury, and mobs gathered in the outlying communities from Nauvoo and began persecuting the Mormons. On June 18, 1844, the Mormons were given to understand the mobs were going to make a total destruction of the Morley Settlement, that 2,000 volunteers from Missouri would meet them next day at Carthage, and then go against Joseph Smith and demolish the City of Nauvoo. They were determined to get the Prophet at any cost.
On the 20th, an affidavit made by Isaac Morley, Gardner Snow, John Edmiston and Edmund Durfee, all of Hancock County, certified to the truth in a warning letter to the Prophet that the mobs were upon them. They must comply with one of three propositions: take up arms, join with, and go along with them to Nauvoo to arrest one Joseph Smith and others; remove their effects to Nauvoo; or give up their arms to them and remain neutral. In consequence of these threats, the residents were compelled to leave their homes on a very stormy night, cross a dangerous stream swollen by the rain, causing great suffering – and flee to Nauvoo for protection – or the mobs would utterly exterminate them. The next afternoon, June 21st, these affidavits were read before the Prophet and the City Council. Dr. J. M. Bernhisel, John Taylor and Dr. Willard Richards were appointed by the Council to go by express with the story of these outrages to Governor Ford at Carthage.
The Prophet Joseph Smith and his brother Hyrum were murdered six days later in the Carthage jail. The outcast families of Gardner Snow and John Edmiston may have been in Nauvoo when the shot-torn bodies of the martyred Prophet and Patriarch were borne in sad procession. Following the martyrdom, the families were able to return to their homes in Morleys Settlement.
When the 20th quorum Seventy was organized in March 1845, Warren S. Snow was ordained one of the seven presidents. Included as members were: Warren Snow, residing in Nauvoo, John Edmiston, residing in Lima, George Snow, residing in Nauvoo.
In September 1845, the mob again came to the Settlement in their fury – and for eight days and nights fired upon the settlers, and burned 70 to 80 homes, their stacks of grain, shops, and other buildings. The inhabitants were forced out into the cold night, suffering, homeless and destitute.
Reports from the “Nauvoo Neighbor” mentioned “John Edmondson’s house and blacksmith shop burnt,” along with “Father Whiting’s house and chair factory; Edmund Durphy’s torn down; Father Morley’s cooper shop burnt; Thomas King’s house burnt.” “13 Sept. 1845 Mob at Morley Settlement set fire to house of John Edminston.” The mobs went from house to house driving the Mormons out of Morley Settlement, turned their sick ones out, to live or die. John’s tools and iron were taken by the mobsters before they burned his shop. This was a great loss to him in his business of blacksmithing. Men from Nauvoo got their teams and started for the settlements and traveled all night and day to get the families that had been turned outdoors to bring them to Nauvoo.
The men worked hard all winter repairing and building wagons knowing they would have to leave Nauvoo for a place where they would be free from persecution. Teams and men were sent to all parts of the country for iron. In spite of losing his shop and tools because of the mobs, John must have helped get the wagon wheels ironed and on the wagons, shoed the horses and oxen, made nails and did all kinds of repair work, for the departure of the Saints westward.
Sarah Elizabeth, Martha’s second child was born 20 December 1845 at Nauvoo. Grandmother Sarah (Sally) was pleased with the decision to name this little one after her. Six weeks after the birth of their baby, John Edmunston and Martha Jane were endowed 6 Feb. 1846 in the Nauvoo Temple. This was the same day as George and Mary Snow were endowed. John was a Seventy in the Priesthood at that time. This great blessing to them just preceded many of the Saints being driven from Nauvoo early in 1846. Their endowments helped them to have the faith and courage they needed to move to a wilderness toward the Rocky Mountains.
As the company proceeded westward, John and Martha felt the heartbreak of losing their first child, Gardner – who was named after his grandfather. The sisters washed and laid out the little three-year old, trying to comfort the grief stricken parents and grandparents. He was laid down tenderly under the willows, as the warm brown earth was dampened with tears. Then they turned their faces to the prairie, to push toward the goal again. The name of Gardner Edmison is listed on the north side of the monument, under “Names On Monument At Mt. Pisgah, Iowa.”
Martha gave birth on the Iowa plains on Oct. 23, 1848, to a baby boy, who was named Jonathan H., after Martha’s eldest brother who had died in Ohio. He was called “Jock.” Two more babies were born in Cartervill, Pottawattamie County, Iowa: Martha Ann, July 30, 1849; and John Jr., whose birth was October 23, 1850.
On 20 Jan. 1848, John Edminsten signed a petition for a post office, along with a number of other residents, including Gardner, Warren and George Snow, and Isaac Morley. It was addressed to the Postmaster General, and was to be located near the Log Tabernacle in Kanesville, Iowa. This post office established in March 1848 provided postal service to the people in the Great Salt Lake valley for several years.
The 1850 Census of Iowa lists John Edinson, as living in the Pottawattamie District, along with George, James C, Warren and Gardner Snow. The crops they raised helped feed the Saints traveling west for several years. John was kept busy at his blacksmith trade, preparing the horses and wagons for the trek to the Salt Lake valley.
John and Martha – and probably George and Mary Snow – came on to Utah by ox team in 1851, the year following the arrival of Gardner and Sally. One exciting experience with the Indians was written by a granddaughter, Anna Blanch Anderson Johnstun in 1853:
John Edmiston and one companion were appointed to go ahead of the wagon train. Their assignment was Pathfinders or Trail Blazers. Martha Jane drove the team with five small children in the wagon.
John and companion were miles and a few days ahead of the wagon train when they sighted Indians on watch for the wagons that were to travel that way. The men hurriedly rode their horses down a steep revine and were in a daze to know what to do to save all these pioneers traveling in that wagon train in company with their wives and children. Only God could save them from an Indian massacre. With heads bowed and on their knees, the men appealed to our heavenly Father for help. Rising to their feet they crept slowly over the ridge of the revine and could see the Indians milling around trying to find places to hide in order to ambush the oncoming train which, through their cunning and skillful methods, detected the distance, which was not far off.
In a twinkling, as though a voice had spoken, John and his companion gathered a clump of large brush and broken limbs, tied their with their lariats, and after reaching the open level spaces, whipped up their horses to a brisk speed. The object was to stir up such a dust off into the distance and opposite direction. And with their hollering and commotion, they hoped to deceive the Indians into believing a buffalo herd was in the distance.
The Indians at once left their watch on the wagon trail to follow the buffalo herd. As they, in their hideous war paint and scantily clad bodies gained distance, they were convinced they had been tricked. The men realized their lives were not worth much if they were caught, but they continued to lead the Indians in a wild chase farther and farther away from the direction of the wagon train.
Suddenly a miracle did happen! From another direction came the thundering sound of a buffalo stampede which gave the men an opportunity to escape from certain death had not the Indians taken off toward the stampeding buffalo which was certain to have trampled some of the savages under their speeding hooves.
The men reached the wagon train by night. The caravan had traveled faster than usual while crossing this certain area. That night the entire camp knelt and gave thanks to their God that through a miracle, their lives and those of the Pathfinders had been spared from a hostile Indian massacre. Thanks to the prayer and faith of those Pathfinders, John Edmiston and his companion!
Probably soon after their arrival in Utah, a son, Samuel Card Edmiston was born 9 October 1851 in Springville. A daughter, Algenora was born in Manti, 25 September 1854. The next four babies were born in Ephraim: William, 25 September 1854, Eliza, 1 Feb. 1856, Warren 5 September 1857, and George Washington, 27 January 1860. David’s birth 29 October 1862, and Mary Margaret’s, 14 May 1864, were both in Manti. Their last and 14th child, Charles Henry, was born in Springville, July 1, 1866.
The list of Seventies of Sanpete 17 July 1853 included: George Snow, 20th quorum, John Edmiston, 20th Quorum, (J.H, p.2); for 20 Apr. 1856 – 20th Quorum, with Wm. F. Carter, Provo, 1st Pres. John Edmonson and George Snow, both of Sanpete (J.H. p.4); on 1 Jan. 1857 John Edmonson, res. Manti; George Snow, res. Manti. On 5 May 1857 John Edmiston, Ft. Ephraim; George Snow, Manti; Reorganized 17 Mar. 1857.
John Edmiston & Others signed a protest from Manti against govt. sending troops to Utah, 9 Feb. 1858 (J.H. p.1). The Probate Records for Sanpete 6 June 1860 mention John Edmondson, Constable for Fort Ephraim of Sanpete County “and delivers over one affidavit and bonds of a certain John L. Ivie…”
The Black Hawk War was a catastrophe for a number of residents in the loss of lives and property. On June 24, 1866, Black Hawk with about 100 warriors attacked the post at Thistle Valley. General Warren S. Snow led one of the relief parties. The combined forces began a pursuit of the retreating savages. At Soldiers Summit the Indians separated and scattered in all directions. On the 26th a raid on the Spanish Fork pasture was made before daylight, in which 30 Indians stampeded 45 head of horses and cattle. Major William Creer with 15 men started in pursuit. They overtook them and fought them for an hour and a half, when a party from Springville came up and the Indians fled.
But – John (Jock Edmiston of Manti was killed and Albert Dimmick of Spanish Fork received a wound from which he died two days later!
About 3 a.m. June 27 an express arrived at Provo with the tidings, and that the Indians would probably attack Spanish Fork. “An alarm was sounded, the old bell rung, men from all quarters of the town answered the summons, and 50 men from the Provo infantry, in wagons for the occasion, were speedily taken over to Springville, arriving there in the morn’s early dawn, just as the detachment arrived who had been sent to bring in John Edmiston. I shall ever remember it; he had laid in the hot sun the afternoon of his killing, and his body had changed to a very dark color; he was scalped and his right hand was cut off at the wrist by the Indians, showing their revenge for his determined and gallant fight for his life. The reader can imagine our love for the Indian was not very strong after witnessing such a sight.” (M.F. Farnsworth, History of Manti, p.55)
BOYHOOD MEMORIES OF SPRINGVILLE
By S. C. Richardson, Thatcher, Arizona
And the Indians came to Springville,
A raid for horses in the night –
A signal called the minute men
And filled the families with fright.
Next day the trail led up the canyon
Till Dark – then out around a hill –
The trailers were not far behind –
So kept together, watchful, still –
But two behind them took a cross cut –
And from a ridge they saw a light –
Jonathan (Jock) Edmiston said to his companion –
“See there’s our boys – They’ve camped for the night.”
That springy turf gave scarce a
Murmer of the horses lively tramp.
And looking far ahead for Indians
They rode into the Indians’ camp.
The Indians surprised as they were,
Almost let both get away,
But Jock – went down – was scalped;
Then they brought him home next day.
In the meeting house they laid him,
Friends, and comrades, filled the room;
Held services – Then as our flag waved above him,
They marched by drum beats to the Tomb!
(Taken from an “Improvement Era” and copied first by Albert Anderson, Gardena, Calif. Then copied by Blanch Johnstun in 1953.)
John Edmiston, Sr. is mentioned as one of the pioneers who should be remembered for special contributions toward the growth and accomplishment of Manti. John Patten, superintended the construction of a threshing machine which separated the wheat from the chaff. Amasa E. Merriam drew the plans and John Edmiston did the blacksmith work. It was called the Valley Tan. Hinges for doors were made by John Edmundson and others.
John is listed in the Survey record of Manti as owning 20 acres, lot 3, block 27, in the “Biggfield.” John Edmunson was among the first settlers of Ephraim. In 1870 John and Martha Edmiston were living in Springville, Utah County, with children: Sarah 24; John, 19; Eliza, 15; William, 16; Warren, 10; George, 8; David, 7; Mary, 5; Charles, 4. Their daughter, Martha, age 21, and her husband, Lauren Roundy, were living close by.
The 1880 Census shows the Edmistons as living in Petty Precinct, Sanpete County:
Parents b.
36 Edmiston, John 58 Farmer b. Pa. Pa. Pa.
Martha 53 Keeping house b. Vt. N.H. N.H.
William 25 Laborer b. Utah Pa. Pa.
George 20 Laborer b. “ “ “
David 18 Laborer b. “ “ “
Mary 16 b. “ “ “
Charles 13 b. “ “ “
John, Sr., died 13 October 1890 at Castle Dale, Utah. His obituary stated he was the father of 14 children, nine of whom were still living; had 42 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. “The deceased also shared in many privations of the early settlers of this western region and died in faith of a glorious resurrection.” -- Deseret News, Nov. 8, 1890, p.4.
Martha Jane Snow Edmiston died 5 March 1892 at Castle Dale, Emery County.
Sources
Farnsworth, History of Manti.
Sutton, History of Sanpete and Emery Counties.
Ephraim’s First One Hundred Years, p.8.
1880 Census Petty Precinct, (F 218673, p.428).
Martha Jane Snow EdmistonBorn: 3 September 1827, St. Johnsbury, Caledonia, Vermont
Died 5 March 1892, Castle Dale, Emery, Utah
Pioneer: 1851, team and wagon
BIOGRAPHY: Martha Jane Snow Edmiston
BORN: 3 Sep. 1827, St. Johnsbury, Caledonia Vermont
DIED: 5 March 1892, Castle Dale, Emery, Utah
PARENTS: Gardner Snow and Sarah Sawyer Hastings
PIONEER: 1851, team and wagon
SPOUSE: John Edmiston, son John Edmiston, Sr. and Elizabeth Smith
BORN: 23 July 1821 at Antis on Jaunita River, Huntington, Penn.
MARRIED: about 1842, ?Lima, Hancock, Illinois
DIED: 13 Oct 1890, Castle Dale, Emery, Utah
Children of John Edmiston and Martha Jane Snow:
1. Gardner b. 19 Nov. 1843 Morley Sett., Hancock, Ill.
d. (child) Mt. Pisgah, Iowa
2. Sarah Elizabeth b. 20 Dec. 1845 Nauvoo, Hancock, Illinois
d. 1876
unmd
3. Jonathan H. (Jock) b. 22 Feb. 1848 ?Carterville, Pottawat., Iowa
d. 26 June 1866 Spanish Fork Canyon, Utah
unmd (killed by Indians)
4. Martha Ann b. 30 July 1849 Carterville, Pottawat., Iowa
d. 5 Nov. 1888 Springville, Utah, Utah
m. 9 Apr 1868 Lauren Hotchkiss Roundy
5. John, Jr. b. 23 Oct. 1850 Carterville, Pottawat., Iowa
d.
m. Elizabeth Maria Rilly
6. Samuel Card b. 9 Oct. 1851 Springville, Utah, Utah
d.
7. Algenora b. 22 June 1853 Manti, Sanpete, Utah
d. 20 June 1919
m. Squire Stewart
8. William b. 25 Sep. 1854 Ephraim, Sanpete, Utah
d. 22 Apr. 1930 Gannett, Blaine, Idaho
m. 15 Aug 1880 Sarah Forbush
9. Eliza b. 1 Feb. 1856 Ephraim, Sanpete, Utah
d. 23 Sep. 1904
m. 16 Aug 1875 Joseph Benton Harriman
10. Warren b. 5 Sep. 1857 Ephraim, Sanpete, Utah
d. 31 Mar 1923 Wilson, Teton, Wyoming
m. 31 Mar 1878 Lucy Ann Woolf
11. George Washington b.27 Jan. 1860 Ephraim, Sanpete, Utah
d. 27 Jan 1860 Fountain Green, Sanpete, Utah
m.
m. 2 Oct. 1889 Caroline Otteson
12. David b. 29 Oct. 1862 Manti, Sanpete, Utah
d. 18 Feb. 1892
13. Mary Margaret b. 14 May 1864 Manti, Sanpete, Utah
d. 13 Aug. 1909 Price, Carbon, Utah
m. 28 May 1881 Soren Erastus Andersen
14. Charles Henry b. 1 July 1866 Springville, Utah, Utah
d. 8 Sep. 1925 Hill Spring, Alberta, Canada
m. Hannah Delilah Jackson
MARTHA JANE SNOW EDMISTON was born Sept. 3, 1827, in St. Johnsbury, Caledonia, Vermont. Her parents, Gardner and Sarah Sawyer Hastings Snow, were so happy to have a daughter to bless their home, their first daughter to live and grow to maturity. Her four older brothers, Jonathan, James, Warren and George, took a special interest in Martha throughout her life.
Gardner and Sarah had lived in Chesterfield, New Hampshire, until after the births of three sons. They left the old “Snow” homestead in Chesterfield and moved to northern Vermont in 1818 to buy cheaper land to farm. Sarah or Sally as she was called, gave birth to a son George Washington, Eliza, John, and daughter Martha, in St. Johnsbury, Caldeonia County. The babies Eliza and John both died soon after they were born.
Little Martha learned to be a good helper working with her mother, and at the table near the open hearth, preparing hearty meals for Father and brothers. She helped gather greens, herbs and vegetables to go along with the fish and game in the big pot over the roaring flames. Helping her mother make bread, biscuits, Johnny cake and apple cakes in he tin oven in the oven front, was a special joy for her. Girls’ daily chores were feeding the chickens, geese, pigs and sheep, gathering eggs, milking cows and making butter and cheese. Feathers from the barnyard geese were gathered to make pillows and quilts. Under Sally’s guidance, she learned to spin yarn from the sheep sheared in the spring, and to weave a shawl on the loom. Like all young girls, she learned to knit and make mittens and sox, piece quilts and braid hats and rugs.
Martha was about five when the young Mormon missionaries, Orson Pratt and Lyman Johnson came preaching that the original church of Jesus Christ had been restored. She listened as her parents studied the scriptures and teachings of the missionaries. They were converted and baptized and became members of the Church in June and July 1833. Brothers James and Warren were baptized in October and November. Martha enjoyed attending the Sabboth day meetings with her family and joining in the singing and scripture study. Her father was called to be the President of the Branch of about 60 members.
The family felt the spirit of gathering with other Saints and left their home and property in June of 1836 and made the long journey to Kirtland, Ohio. After the Temple was built there were threats and persecution by apostates and nonmembers, and the Saints felt they would have to leave Ohio. Gardner, Sarah and Martha, nearly 11, left with the Kirtland Camp July 5, 1838. A baby brother was born near Dayton, Ohio, then they continued on their journey to Missouri.
They settled in Adam-ondi-Ahman. Here, within a few weeks, they suffered in the persecutions of the Saints by angry mobs. Through mob violence, her six-week old baby brother died and was buried by her father’s own hands “by reason of mob violence being so great.” In the spring of 1838 they were driven from the state to Illinois through actions of the mob and the Governor’s exterminating order. They then located at Morley’s Settlement near Lima, Illinois. Her younger sister, Elizabeth Coolidge Snow, was born in the next year, January 20, 1840.
Martha Jane married John Edmiston about 1842 at about age 16. John, the son of John Edmiston, Sr. and Elizabeth Smith, was born 12 July 1821 in Antis on Juanita River, Huntington County, Pennsylvania. John was a blacksmith and worked hard and did well in his shop. He became a member of the Church October 6, 1842. Their first child was born Nov. 19, 1843, and named Gardner, after his Grandfather Snow.
The Female Relief Society was organized in 1843 at Lima, and Sara H. Snow and Sister Whiting were called as counselors to President Lucy Morley. Martha Jane and her sister-in-law, Eliza Ann were also members. This group of ladies spent many hours sewing items of clothing, making quilts, knitting sweaters and sox, and helping in many ways to relieve the suffering of sick and needy families. They had tender sympathies for those in need because of their own trials and persecutions in Missouri. They did all they could to help those in need.
In 1844 the “Penny Fund: was instituted by Hyrum Smith, of the Temple Committee. He appealed to the women asking them to contribute one cent apiece a week to purchase material for the Nauvoo Temple. Martha J. Edmiston’s signature is on the paper of those subscribing from Lima, to give “some few cents in money to assist in procuring glass and nails for the Temple.” With her signature is the amount of 25 cents. This small amount was quite a sacrifice for the sisters when their families needed so many necessities. However, they each felt a great anxiety to pay a year’s subscription in advance, if at all possible.
The peaceful situation in Hancock County was not to continue. Feelings of jealousy and revenge, then hate, led to fury, and mobs gathered in the outlying communities from Nauvoo and began persecuting the Mormons. On June 18, 1844, they were told the mobs were going to make a total destruction of Morley Settlement, that 2000 volunteers from Missouri would meet them next day at Carthage, then go against Joseph Smith and demolish Nauvoo. They were determined to get the Prophet at any cost.
On the 20th, an affidavit made by Isaac Morley, Gardner Snow, John Edmiston and Edmund Durfee, of Hancock County, certified to the truth in the warning letter to the Prophet that the mobs were upon them. They must comply with one of three propositions. In consequence of these threats, the residents were compelled to leave their homes on a stormy night, cross a dangerous stream swollen by the rain, causing great suffering – and flee to Nauvoo for protection – or the mobs would utterly exterminate them. The affidavits were read before the Prophet and City Counsel the next afternoon, and representatives went to report these outrages to Governor Ford at Carthage.
The Prophet Joseph Smith and his brother Hyrum were murdered six days later in the Carthage jail. The outcast families of Gardner Snow and John Edmiston may have been in Nauvoo when the shot-torn bodies of the martyred Prophet and Patriarch were borne in sad procession. Following the martyrdom, the families returned to their homes in Morley Settlement.
When the 20th Quorum of Seventy was organized in March 1845, two of Martha’s Brothers, Warren and George, and her husband John, of Lima, were members.
In September, the mob again came to the Settlement in their fury! For eight days and nights they fired upon the settlers. They burned 70 to 80 homes, their stacks of grain, shops, etc. The inhabitants were forced out into the cold night, suffering, homeless and destitute. Reports from the “Nauvoo Neighbor” mentioned “John Edmondson’s house and blacksmith shop burnt: along with “Father Whiting’s house and chair factory; Edmund Durphy’s torn down; Father Morley’s cooper shop burnt; Thomas King’s house burnt.” “13 Sept. 1845 Mob at Morley Settlement set fire to house of John Edmiston.” Mobs went from house to house, turning the sick ones out, to live or die, and driving the Mormons out of the Settlement. John’s tools and iron were taken by the mobsters before they burned his shop, which was a great loss to him in his blacksmithing. Men from Nauvoo with their teams traveled all night and day to get the families and bring them to Nauvoo.
The Saints knew they would have to leave for a place where they would be free from persecution. The men worked hard all winter repairing and building wagons. Teams and men were sent to all parts of the country for iron. In spite of losing his shop and tools because of the mobs, John must have helped get wagon wheels ironed and on the wagons, the horses and oxen shoed, made nails and done all kinds of repair work ready for the departure westward.
Martha’s second child, Sarah Elizabeth, named for both of her grandmothers, was born 20 December 1845 in Nauvoo. Six weeks later, John and Martha Jane “Edmunston” were endowed 6 Feb 1846 in the Nauvoo Temple. The same day George and Mary Snow were also endowed,. John was a Seventy in the Priesthood at that time. This great Temple blessing just preceded many of the Saints being driven from Nauvoo early in 1846. Their endowments helped them have the faith and courage they needed to move to the wilderness ahead.
As the company proceeded westward, Martha and John felt the heartbreak of losing little Gardner. The sisters washed and laid out the little three-year old, trying to comfort the grief-stricken parents and grandparents. He was laid down tenderly under the willows, as the earth was dampened with tears. The family then turned their faces to the prairie to push forward again. Gardner Edmison’s name is listed on the north side of the monument under “Names on Monument At Mt. Pisgah, Iowa.”
Martha gave birth on the Iowa plains to a baby boy, Oct. 23, 1848. He was named Jonathan H., after Martha’s eldest brother who had died in Ohio. He was called “Jock.” Two more babies, Martha Ann, and John, Jr., were born in Carterville, Pottawattamie Co., Iowa, July 30, 1849, and October 23, 1850.
John signed a petition for a pot office, along with Gardner, Warren and George Snow, and other residents, to be located near the Log Tabernacle in Kanesville, Iowa. The 1850 Census of Iowa lists John Edinson as living in Pottawattamie District, along with George, James C., Warren and Gardner Snow. For several years, the crops they raised helped fed many Saints traveling west. John kept busy with blacksmithing – preparing horse, oxen and wagons for the trek to the Salt Lake Valley.
John and Martha, and probably George and Mary Snow, and families came on to Utah by ox team in 1851, the year following her parents. A very exciting experience with the Indians has been written:
John and companion were appointed to go ahead of the wagon train. Their assignment was Pathfinders or Trail Blazers. Martha drove the team with four small children in the wagon. John and companion were miles and a few days ahead of the wagon train when they sighted Indians on watch for wagons traveling that way. The men hurriedly rode their horses down a steep revine and were in a daze to know what to do to save all the pioneers traveling in the wagon train with their wives and children. Only God could save them from an Indian massacre. With heads bowed and on their knees, the men appealed to Heavenly Father for help. Rising to their feet they crept slowly over the ridge of the revine and could see the Indians milling around trying to find places to hide in order to ambush the oncoming train which, through their cunning and skillful methods, detected the distance, which was not far off.
In a twinkling, as though a voice had spoken, John and his companion gathered a clump of large brush and broken limbs, tied them with their lariats, and after reaching the open level spaces, whipped up their horses to a brisk speed. The object was to stir up such a dust off into the distance and opposite direction. And with their hollering and commotion, they hoped to deceive the Indians into believing a buffalo herd was in the distance.
The Indians at once left their watch on the wagon trail to follow the buffalo herd. As they, in their hideous war paint and scantily clad bodies gained distance, they were convinced they had been tricked. The men realized their lives were not worth much if they were caught, but they continued to lead the Indians in a wild chase farther and farther away from the direction of the wagon train.
Suddenly a miracle did happen! From another direction came the thundering sound of a buffalo stampede which gave the men an opportunity to escape from certain death had not the Indians taken off toward the stampeding buffalo which was certain to have trampled some of the savages under their speeding hooves.
The men reached the wagon train by night. The caravan had traveled faster than usual while crossing this certain area. That night the entire camp knelt and gave thanks to their God that through a miracle, their lives and those of the Pathfinders had been spared from a hostile Indian massacre. Thanks to the prayer and faith of those Pathfinders, John Edmiston and his companion!
Probably soon after their arrival in Utah, Martha’s son, Samuel Card, was born 9 October 1851 at Springville. A daughter Algenora was born in Manti; the next four babies in Ephraim – William, Eliza, Warren, and George Washington. David and Mary Margaret’s births were in Manti, and her 14th child, Charles Henry was born in Springville in 1866.
John and others signed a protest from Manti against government sending troops to Utah 9 Feb. 1858. John Edmondson was a Constable for Fort Ephraim in 1860. John Edmiston, Sr. was said to be one of the pioneers who made special contributions toward the growth and accomplishment of Manti. He helped in constructing a threshing machine that separated wheat from chaff, made hinges for doors and did other blacksmith work.
The Black Hawk War was a catastrophe for residents in the loss of lives and property. On June 24, 1866, Black Hawk with 100 warriors attached the post at Thistle Valley. General Warren S. Snow (Martha’s brother) led one of the relief parties. The combined forces began a pursuit of the retreating savages. At Soldiers Summit the Indians separated and scattered in all directions. On the 26th a raid on the Spanish Fork pasture was made before daylight, in which 30 Indians stampeded 45 head of horses and cattle. Major William Creer with 15 men started in pursuit. They overtook them and fought them for an hour and a half, when a party from Springville came up and the Indians fled.
But – Martha’s brave son, Jonathan (Jock) Edmiston was killed! And Albert Dimmick his companion of Spanish Fork, received a wound from which he died two days later! When the detachment arrived that had been sent to bring Jock in, they found him scalped and his right hand cut off, showing the Indians’ revenge for his determined and gallant fight for his life. Services were held in the meeting house, and many friends and comrades filled the room.
Stricken with shock and grief, Martha gave birth to her 14th child Charles Henry, the next week, July 1, 1866, at Springville!
The 1870 Census shows Martha and John living in Springville with children, Sarah, 24, John, 19, Eliza, 15, William, 16, Warren, 10, George 8, David, 7, Mary, 5, Charles, 4. Their daughter Martha, age 21, and her husband Lauren Roundy were living near by.
One of Martha’s sons, Warren, as a young man, had a yoke of oxen that he used to haul stone to be used in the building of the Manti Temple.
In 1880 the Edmistons were living in Petty Precinct, Sanpete Co: John age 58, farmer; Martha 53, keeping house; William 25, laborer; George 20, laborer; David 18, laborer; Mary 16; and Charles 13.
Martha and John were parents of 14 children, nine of whom were living, and 42 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, according to the obituary of John, after his death 13 October 1890 at Castle Dale. Martha Jane Snow Edmiston passed away 5 March 1892 at Castle Dale. They had sacrificed much for the Gospel of Jesus Christ, shared in many privations of the early settlers, and died in faith of a glorious resurrection.
Source: Valiant in the Faith – Gardner and Sarah Snow and Their Family, 1990, by Archibald F. and Ella M. Bennett, and Barbara Bennett Roach, pp. 577-602. (DUP Library)
Submitted by Barbara B. Roach, 6276 Oakcrest Circle, Salt Lake City, UT 84121.
All of the above was received from the Daughters of Utah Pioneers:
Submitted by:
Loretta Anderson Preston
660 Aaron Avenue
Springville, UT 84663
Barbara B. Roach
6276 Oakcrest Circle
Salt Lake City, UT 84121.
MARTHA JANE SNOW EDMISTON
BIOGRAPHY: MARTHA JANE SNOW EDMISTON
BIRTHDATE: 03 Sep 1827 St. Johnsbury, Caledonia, Vermont
DEATH: 05 Mar 1892 Castle Dale, Emery, Utah
PARENTS: Gardner Snow & Sarah Sawyer Hastings Snow
PIONEER: 1851
SPOUSE: John Edmiston, Jr.
MARRIED: Abt. 1842 Lima, Hancock, Illinois
DEATH: 13 Oct 1890 Castle Dale, Emery, Utah
CHILDREN:
Gardner 19 Nov 1843 (died age 3)
Sarah Elizabeth 20 Dec 1845 (died age 31 unmarried)
Jonathan H. 22 Feb 1848 (died age 18)
Martha Ann 30 Jul 1849
John, Jr. 23 Oct 1850
Samuel Card 09 Oct 1851
Algenoral 22 Jun 1853
William 25 Sep 1854
Eliza 01 Feb 1856
Warren 05 Sep 1857
George Washington 27 Jan 1860 (died age 30)
David 29 Oct 1862 (died age 30)
Mary Margaret 14 May 1864
Charles Henry 01 Jul 1866
Martha learned good homemaking skills by helping her mother prepare hearty meals, gather greens, herbs, and vegetables. She helped her mother bake and did outside chores. She also learned how to spin yarn, weave, knit, piece quilts, braid rugs, and make hats. She was five years old when her family was converted to the LDS Church and her father was called to be branch president. They left their home and property in June of 1836 and made the long journey to Kirtland, Ohio. After the Temple was build, they were forced to leave and go to Missouri. They settled in Adam-ondi-Ahman. Again they were driven from their home. They located at Morley’s Settlement near Lima, Illinois. In 1842, Martha Jane married John Edmiston. She was called to serve in the Relief Society to help relieve the suffering of the sick and needy families. Again, they were forced to leave their homes and moves to Carterville, Pottawattami, Iowa. They raised crops for several years to help feed the many Saints traveling west. John kept busy with blacksmithing, preparing horses, oxen, and wagons for the trek to Salt Lake Valley. They arrived in 1851.
They moved to Manti, Utah, where they had difficulty with the Indians in the Black Hawk War. In 1870, they were living in Springville. In 1880, they were living in Petty Precinct, Sanpete County. Martha was the mother of fourteen children, nine of which grew to maturity. They were living in Castle Dale when her husband John died and she died there two years later. They sacrificed much for the Gospel of Jesus Christ, shared in many privations of the early settlers, and died in faith of a glorious resurrection.
(This appears to have come from a book “Valiant in the Faith”
PART 3 – A worthy and Numerous Posterity, pages 577 to 584)
MARTHA JANE SNOW AND JOHN EDMISTON
Sally and Gardner were happy to have a daughter to bless their home in St. Johnsbury, on September 3, 1827 – their first daughter to live and grow to maturity. Brothers Jonathan, James, Warren and George, took a special interest in their younger sister throughout her life. Martha Jane was the lovely name chosen for her.
They young girls learned to read, write and cipher in the little school house about the time this delightfully intimate picture was written in St. Johnsbury in 1835, entitled”
HOME FROM SCHOOL
‘Tis five o’clock, the school is done,
The girls and boys are off for home.
The children want their supper quick,
Come Betty, get the pudding stick!
The cows are coming from the vale,
Molly, bring the milking pail
And mild as quick as e’er you can
And strain it in the largest pan;
Now take the bowls and dip it out
And drop the pudding all about.
Now children, you may come and eat,
The pudding’s new, the milk is sweet.
And then undress and go upstairs;
And when you all have said your prayers
Then you may lay you down to sleep
And rest till morning light doth peep.
Martha was a good helper for her mother as they worked at the table near the open hearth preparing hearty meals for Father and boys. She liked to gather wild greens and herbs, and pick vegetables to go along with the fish and game in the big pot over the roaring flames. When they filled the bean pot with beans, salt pork and maple syrup, and cooked them long hours, it was a meal eagerly devoured by the menfolk when they came in from working in the fields. Often soup was left simmering on the fire, and leftover vegetables and meat were added each day. In cold weather soup was frozen, hung in an outdoor shed in a solid block, and when needed, chunks were chopped off and reheated with water. Sally taught Martha to bake bread, biscuits, Johnny cake and apple cakes in the tin oven in the oven front. Savor smells always permeated the kitchen of our Snow home to whet the appetites of the boys, and friends and relatives.
Martha’s daily chores were feeding the chickens, geese, pigs and sheep, milking the cows and making butter and cheese. She collected feathers from the barnyard geese to make pillows and quilts for the family’s bedding. Under Sally’s guidance, Martha learned to spin yarn from the sheep sheared in the spring, and to weave a shawl on the loom. Martha, like all young girls, could knit and make mittens and sox, quilts and braid hats and rugs.
After hearing two young Mormon missionaries, Orson Pratt and Lyman Johnson, preach that the original church of Jesus Christ had been restored, Sally and Gardner had many questions. Through their study of the scriptures and teachings by the missionaries, they were converted and were baptized, becoming members in June and July 1833. Martha went to the meetings each Sabboth day with her family, and joined in the singing and scripture study. She may have been the Martha S. Snow mentioned in Gardner’s little book “Church Record of Names” – “June the 9 1837 Baptize four children: Martha S. Snow; Matilda Scott, Sarah Galord, James W. Calkin.” Martha Jane would have been almost ten in 1837, and living in Ohio at that time.
In June of 1836 her parents left their home and lands and made a long journey to Kirtland, Ohio, where members of the Church were gathered. Wile living in Kirtland, there were many threats and much persecution by nonmembers. Her father and brother George, signed up to go with the Kirtland Camp to Missouri early in July of 1838. Martha was nearly eleven at the time they made their way to Missouri. They settled in Adam-ondi-Ahman, but within a few weeks suffered in the persecutions of the Saints by the mobs, and through mob violence, her baby brother, Gardner, died. In the spring of 1839 they were driven from the state to Illinois, through mob action and the Governor’s exterminating order. They then located at a place called Morley’s Settlement, after the leader, Isaac Morley.
About 1842, at age 15, Martha Jane married John Edmiston. John, the son of John Edmiston and Elizabeth Smith, was born July 23, 1821, in Antis on Juanita River, Huntington County, Pennsylvania. The 1840 Census of Illinois shows a John Edmiston listed in Randolph County, Pennsylvania. A William Edmiaston was in Fulton County. John Edmiston was a blacksmith, and he worked hard and did well in his shop. He joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, October 6, 1842. The first child of Martha and John’s was born November 19, 1843, and named Gardner, after his grandfather.
When the Female Relief Society was organized in 1843 in Lima, Lucy Morley, with her counselors, Sarah H. Snow and Sister Whiting were called to preside. Martha Jane, and her sister-in-law, Eliza Ann were also members. This group of ladies spent many hours sewing items of clothing, making quilts, knitting sweaters and sox, and helping in many ways to relieve the suffering of sick and needy men, women and children. Through their own trials and persecutions in Missouri, they had tender sympathies for those in need, and did all they could to alleviate their suffering.
In 1844 the “Penny Fund” was instituted by Hyrum Smith, of the Temple Committee, and promoted by his wife. He appealed to the women asking them to contribute one cent apiece a week to purchase materials for the Temple. Martha J. Edmiston’s signature is on the paper of those subscribing from Lima, to give “some few cents in money to assist in procuring glass and nails for the Temple.” With her signature is the amount of 25 cents. This small amount was quite a sacrifice for the sisters when their families needed so many necessities. However, they each felt a great anxiety to pay a year’s subscription in advance if at all possible.
The peaceful situation in Hancock County was not to continue. Feelings of jealousy and revenge, then hate, let to fury, and mobs gathered in the outlying communities from Nauvoo and began persecuting the Mormons. On June 18, 1844, the Mormons were given to understand the mobs were going to make a total destruction of the Morley Settlement, that 2,000 volunteers from Missouri would meet them next day at Carthage, and then go against Joseph Smith and demolish the City of Nauvoo. They were determined to get the Prophet at any cost.
On the 20th, an affidavit made by Isaac Morley, Gardner Snow, John Edmiston and Edmund Durfee, all of Hancock County, certified to the truth in a warning letter to the Prophet that the mobs were upon them. They must comply with one of three propositions: take up arms, join with, and go along with them to Nauvoo to arrest one Joseph Smith and others; remove their effects to Nauvoo; or give up their arms to them and remain neutral. In consequence of these threats, the residents were compelled to leave their homes on a very stormy night, cross a dangerous stream swollen by the rain, causing great suffering – and flee to Nauvoo for protection – or the mobs would utterly exterminate them. The next afternoon, June 21st, these affidavits were read before the Prophet and the City Council. Dr. J. M. Bernhisel, John Taylor and Dr. Willard Richards were appointed by the Council to go by express with the story of these outrages to Governor Ford at Carthage.
The Prophet Joseph Smith and his brother Hyrum were murdered six days later in the Carthage jail. The outcast families of Gardner Snow and John Edmiston may have been in Nauvoo when the shot-torn bodies of the martyred Prophet and Patriarch were borne in sad procession. Following the martyrdom, the families were able to return to their homes in Morleys Settlement.
When the 20th quorum Seventy was organized in March 1845, Warren S. Snow was ordained one of the seven presidents. Included as members were: Warren Snow, residing in Nauvoo, John Edmiston, residing in Lima, George Snow, residing in Nauvoo.
In September 1845, the mob again came to the Settlement in their fury – and for eight days and nights fired upon the settlers, and burned 70 to 80 homes, their stacks of grain, shops, and other buildings. The inhabitants were forced out into the cold night, suffering, homeless and destitute.
Reports from the “Nauvoo Neighbor” mentioned “John Edmondson’s house and blacksmith shop burnt,” along with “Father Whiting’s house and chair factory; Edmund Durphy’s torn down; Father Morley’s cooper shop burnt; Thomas King’s house burnt.” “13 Sept. 1845 Mob at Morley Settlement set fire to house of John Edminston.” The mobs went from house to house driving the Mormons out of Morley Settlement, turned their sick ones out, to live or die. John’s tools and iron were taken by the mobsters before they burned his shop. This was a great loss to him in his business of blacksmithing. Men from Nauvoo got their teams and started for the settlements and traveled all night and day to get the families that had been turned outdoors to bring them to Nauvoo.
The men worked hard all winter repairing and building wagons knowing they would have to leave Nauvoo for a place where they would be free from persecution. Teams and men were sent to all parts of the country for iron. In spite of losing his shop and tools because of the mobs, John must have helped get the wagon wheels ironed and on the wagons, shoed the horses and oxen, made nails and did all kinds of repair work, for the departure of the Saints westward.
Sarah Elizabeth, Martha’s second child was born 20 December 1845 at Nauvoo. Grandmother Sarah (Sally) was pleased with the decision to name this little one after her. Six weeks after the birth of their baby, John Edmunston and Martha Jane were endowed 6 Feb. 1846 in the Nauvoo Temple. This was the same day as George and Mary Snow were endowed. John was a Seventy in the Priesthood at that time. This great blessing to them just preceded many of the Saints being driven from Nauvoo early in 1846. Their endowments helped them to have the faith and courage they needed to move to a wilderness toward the Rocky Mountains.
As the company proceeded westward, John and Martha felt the heartbreak of losing their first child, Gardner – who was named after his grandfather. The sisters washed and laid out the little three-year old, trying to comfort the grief stricken parents and grandparents. He was laid down tenderly under the willows, as the warm brown earth was dampened with tears. Then they turned their faces to the prairie, to push toward the goal again. The name of Gardner Edmison is listed on the north side of the monument, under “Names On Monument At Mt. Pisgah, Iowa.”
Martha gave birth on the Iowa plains on Oct. 23, 1848, to a baby boy, who was named Jonathan H., after Martha’s eldest brother who had died in Ohio. He was called “Jock.” Two more babies were born in Cartervill, Pottawattamie County, Iowa: Martha Ann, July 30, 1849; and John Jr., whose birth was October 23, 1850.
On 20 Jan. 1848, John Edminsten signed a petition for a post office, along with a number of other residents, including Gardner, Warren and George Snow, and Isaac Morley. It was addressed to the Postmaster General, and was to be located near the Log Tabernacle in Kanesville, Iowa. This post office established in March 1848 provided postal service to the people in the Great Salt Lake valley for several years.
The 1850 Census of Iowa lists John Edinson, as living in the Pottawattamie District, along with George, James C, Warren and Gardner Snow. The crops they raised helped feed the Saints traveling west for several years. John was kept busy at his blacksmith trade, preparing the horses and wagons for the trek to the Salt Lake valley.
John and Martha – and probably George and Mary Snow – came on to Utah by ox team in 1851, the year following the arrival of Gardner and Sally. One exciting experience with the Indians was written by a granddaughter, Anna Blanch Anderson Johnstun in 1853:
John Edmiston and one companion were appointed to go ahead of the wagon train. Their assignment was Pathfinders or Trail Blazers. Martha Jane drove the team with five small children in the wagon.
John and companion were miles and a few days ahead of the wagon train when they sighted Indians on watch for the wagons that were to travel that way. The men hurriedly rode their horses down a steep revine and were in a daze to know what to do to save all these pioneers traveling in that wagon train in company with their wives and children. Only God could save them from an Indian massacre. With heads bowed and on their knees, the men appealed to our heavenly Father for help. Rising to their feet they crept slowly over the ridge of the revine and could see the Indians milling around trying to find places to hide in order to ambush the oncoming train which, through their cunning and skillful methods, detected the distance, which was not far off.
In a twinkling, as though a voice had spoken, John and his companion gathered a clump of large brush and broken limbs, tied their with their lariats, and after reaching the open level spaces, whipped up their horses to a brisk speed. The object was to stir up such a dust off into the distance and opposite direction. And with their hollering and commotion, they hoped to deceive the Indians into believing a buffalo herd was in the distance.
The Indians at once left their watch on the wagon trail to follow the buffalo herd. As they, in their hideous war paint and scantily clad bodies gained distance, they were convinced they had been tricked. The men realized their lives were not worth much if they were caught, but they continued to lead the Indians in a wild chase farther and farther away from the direction of the wagon train.
Suddenly a miracle did happen! From another direction came the thundering sound of a buffalo stampede which gave the men an opportunity to escape from certain death had not the Indians taken off toward the stampeding buffalo which was certain to have trampled some of the savages under their speeding hooves.
The men reached the wagon train by night. The caravan had traveled faster than usual while crossing this certain area. That night the entire camp knelt and gave thanks to their God that through a miracle, their lives and those of the Pathfinders had been spared from a hostile Indian massacre. Thanks to the prayer and faith of those Pathfinders, John Edmiston and his companion!
Probably soon after their arrival in Utah, a son, Samuel Card Edmiston was born 9 October 1851 in Springville. A daughter, Algenora was born in Manti, 25 September 1854. The next four babies were born in Ephraim: William, 25 September 1854, Eliza, 1 Feb. 1856, Warren 5 September 1857, and George Washington, 27 January 1860. David’s birth 29 October 1862, and Mary Margaret’s, 14 May 1864, were both in Manti. Their last and 14th child, Charles Henry, was born in Springville, July 1, 1866.
The list of Seventies of Sanpete 17 July 1853 included: George Snow, 20th quorum, John Edmiston, 20th Quorum, (J.H, p.2); for 20 Apr. 1856 – 20th Quorum, with Wm. F. Carter, Provo, 1st Pres. John Edmonson and George Snow, both of Sanpete (J.H. p.4); on 1 Jan. 1857 John Edmonson, res. Manti; George Snow, res. Manti. On 5 May 1857 John Edmiston, Ft. Ephraim; George Snow, Manti; Reorganized 17 Mar. 1857.
John Edmiston & Others signed a protest from Manti against govt. sending troops to Utah, 9 Feb. 1858 (J.H. p.1). The Probate Records for Sanpete 6 June 1860 mention John Edmondson, Constable for Fort Ephraim of Sanpete County “and delivers over one affidavit and bonds of a certain John L. Ivie…”
The Black Hawk War was a catastrophe for a number of residents in the loss of lives and property. On June 24, 1866, Black Hawk with about 100 warriors attacked the post at Thistle Valley. General Warren S. Snow led one of the relief parties. The combined forces began a pursuit of the retreating savages. At Soldiers Summit the Indians separated and scattered in all directions. On the 26th a raid on the Spanish Fork pasture was made before daylight, in which 30 Indians stampeded 45 head of horses and cattle. Major William Creer with 15 men started in pursuit. They overtook them and fought them for an hour and a half, when a party from Springville came up and the Indians fled.
But – John (Jock Edmiston of Manti was killed and Albert Dimmick of Spanish Fork received a wound from which he died two days later!
About 3 a.m. June 27 an express arrived at Provo with the tidings, and that the Indians would probably attack Spanish Fork. “An alarm was sounded, the old bell rung, men from all quarters of the town answered the summons, and 50 men from the Provo infantry, in wagons for the occasion, were speedily taken over to Springville, arriving there in the morn’s early dawn, just as the detachment arrived who had been sent to bring in John Edmiston. I shall ever remember it; he had laid in the hot sun the afternoon of his killing, and his body had changed to a very dark color; he was scalped and his right hand was cut off at the wrist by the Indians, showing their revenge for his determined and gallant fight for his life. The reader can imagine our love for the Indian was not very strong after witnessing such a sight.” (M.F. Farnsworth, History of Manti, p.55)
BOYHOOD MEMORIES OF SPRINGVILLE
By S. C. Richardson, Thatcher, Arizona
And the Indians came to Springville,
A raid for horses in the night –
A signal called the minute men
And filled the families with fright.
Next day the trail led up the canyon
Till Dark – then out around a hill –
The trailers were not far behind –
So kept together, watchful, still –
But two behind them took a cross cut –
And from a ridge they saw a light –
Jonathan (Jock) Edmiston said to his companion –
“See there’s our boys – They’ve camped for the night.”
That springy turf gave scarce a
Murmer of the horses lively tramp.
And looking far ahead for Indians
They rode into the Indians’ camp.
The Indians surprised as they were,
Almost let both get away,
But Jock – went down – was scalped;
Then they brought him home next day.
In the meeting house they laid him,
Friends, and comrades, filled the room;
Held services – Then as our flag waved above him,
They marched by drum beats to the Tomb!
(Taken from an “Improvement Era” and copied first by Albert Anderson, Gardena, Calif. Then copied by Blanch Johnstun in 1953.)
John Edmiston, Sr. is mentioned as one of the pioneers who should be remembered for special contributions toward the growth and accomplishment of Manti. John Patten, superintended the construction of a threshing machine which separated the wheat from the chaff. Amasa E. Merriam drew the plans and John Edmiston did the blacksmith work. It was called the Valley Tan. Hinges for doors were made by John Edmundson and others.
Johns is listed in the Survey record of Manti as owning 20 acres, lot 3, block 27, in the “Biggfield.” John Edmunson was among the first settlers of Ephraim. In 1870 John and Martha Edmiston were living in Springville, Utah County, with children: Sarah 24; John, 19; Eliza, 15; William, 16; Warren, 10; George, 8; David, 7; Mary, 5; Charles, 4. Their daughter, Martha, age 21, and her husband, Lauren Roundy, were living close by.
The 1880 Census shows the Edmistons as living in Petty Precinct, Sanpete County:
Parents b.
36 Edmiston, John 58 Farmer b. Pa. Pa. Pa.
Martha 53 Keeping house b. Vt. N.H. N.H.
William 25 Laborer b. Utah Pa. Pa.
George 20 Laborer b. “ “ “
David 18 Laborer b. “ “ “
Mary 16 b. “ “ “
Charles 13 b. “ “ “
John, Sr., died 13 October 1890 at Castle Dale, Utah. His obituary stated he was the father of 14 children, nine of whom were still living; had 42 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. “The deceased also shared in many privations of the early settlers of this western region and died in faith of a glorious resurrection.” -- Deseret News, Nov. 8, 1890, p.4.
Martha Jane Snow Edmiston died 5 March 1892 at Castle Dale, Emery County.
Sources
Farnsworth, History of Manti.
Sutton, History of Sanpete and Emery Counties.
Ephraim’s First One Hundred Years, p.8.
1880 Census Petty Precinct, (F 218673, p.428).
Martha Jane Snow Edmiston
Born: 3 September 1827, St. Johnsbury, Caledonia, Vermont
Died 5 March 1892, Castle Dale, Emery, Utah
Pioneer: 1851, team and wagon
BIOGRAPHY: Martha Jane Snow Edmiston
BORN: 3 Sep. 1827, St. Johnsbury, Caledonia Vermont
DIED: 5 March 1892, Castle Dale, Emery, Utah
PARENTS: Gardner Snow and Sarah Sawyer Hastings
PIONEER: 1851, team and wagon
SPOUSE: John Edmiston, son John Edmiston, Sr. and Elizabeth Smith
BORN: 23 July 1821 at Antis on Jaunita River, Huntington, Penn.
MARRIED: about 1842, ?Lima, Hancock, Illinois
DIED: 13 Oct 1890, Castle Dale, Emery, Utah
Children of John Edmiston and Martha Jane Snow:
1. Gardner b. 19 Nov. 1843 Morley Sett., Hancock, Ill.
d. (child) Mt. Pisgah, Iowa
2. Sarah Elizabeth b. 20 Dec. 1845 Nauvoo, Hancock, Illinois
d. 1876
unmd
3. Jonathan H. (Jock) b. 22 Feb. 1848 ?Carterville, Pottawat., Iowa
d. 26 June 1866 Spanish Fork Canyon, Utah
unmd (killed by Indians)
4. Martha Ann b. 30 July 1849 Carterville, Pottawat., Iowa
d. 5 Nov. 1888 Springville, Utah, Utah
m. 9 Apr 1868 Lauren Hotchkiss Roundy
5. John, Jr. b. 23 Oct. 1850 Carterville, Pottawat., Iowa
d.
m. Elizabeth Maria Rilly
6. Samuel Card b. 9 Oct. 1851 Springville, Utah, Utah
d.
7. Algenora b. 22 June 1853 Manti, Sanpete, Utah
d. 20 June 1919
m. Squire Stewart
8. William b. 25 Sep. 1854 Ephraim, Sanpete, Utah
d. 22 Apr. 1930 Gannett, Blaine, Idaho
m. 15 Aug 1880 Sarah Forbush
9. Eliza b. 1 Feb. 1856 Ephraim, Sanpete, Utah
d. 23 Sep. 1904
m. 16 Aug 1875 Joseph Benton Harriman
10. Warren b. 5 Sep. 1857 Ephraim, Sanpete, Utah
d. 31 Mar 1923 Wilson, Teton, Wyoming
m. 31 Mar 1878 Lucy Ann Woolf
11. George Washington b.27 Jan. 1860 Ephraim, Sanpete, Utah
d. 27 Jan 1860 Fountain Green, Sanpete, Utah
m.
m. 2 Oct. 1889 Caroline Otteson
12. David b. 29 Oct. 1862 Manti, Sanpete, Utah
d. 18 Feb. 1892
13. Mary Margaret b. 14 May 1864 Manti, Sanpete, Utah
d. 13 Aug. 1909 Price, Carbon, Utah
m. 28 May 1881 Soren Erastus Andersen
14. Charles Henry b. 1 July 1866 Springville, Utah, Utah
d. 8 Sep. 1925 Hill Spring, Alberta, Canada
m. Hannah Delilah Jackson
MARTHA JANE SNOW EDMISTON was born Sept. 3, 1827, in St. Johnsbury, Caledonia, Vermont. Her parents, Gardner and Sarah Sawyer Hastings Snow, were so happy to have a daughter to bless their home, their first daughter to live and grow to maturity. Her four older brothers, Jonathan, James, Warren and George, took a special interest in Martha throughout her life.
Gardner and Sarah had lived in Chesterfield, New Hampshire, until after the births of three sons. They left the old “Snow” homestead in Chesterfield and moved to northern Vermont in 1818 to buy cheaper land to farm. Sarah or Sally as she was called, gave birth to a son George Washington, Eliza, John, and daughter Martha, in St. Johnsbury, Caldeonia County. The babies Eliza and John both died soon after they were born.
Little Martha learned to be a good helper working with her mother, and at the table near the open hearth, preparing hearty meals for Father and brothers. She helped gather greens, herbs and vegetables to go along with the fish and game in the big pot over the roaring flames. Helping her mother make bread, biscuits, Johnny cake and apple cakes in he tin oven in the oven front, was a special joy for her. Girls’ daily chores were feeding the chickens, geese, pigs and sheep, gathering eggs, milking cows and making butter and cheese. Feathers from the barnyard geese were gathered to make pillows and quilts. Under Sally’s guidance, she learned to spin yarn from the sheep sheared in the spring, and to weave a shawl on the loom. Like all young girls, she learned to knit and make mittens and sox, piece quilts and braid hats and rugs.
Martha was about five when the young Mormon missionaries, Orson Pratt and Lyman Johnson came preaching that the original church of Jesus Christ had been restored. She listened as her parents studied the scriptures and teachings of the missionaries. They were converted and baptized and became members of the Church in June and July 1833. Brothers James and Warren were baptized in October and November. Martha enjoyed attending the Sabboth day meetings with her family and joining in the singing and scripture study. Her father was called to be the President of the Branch of about 60 members.
The family felt the spirit of gathering with other Saints and left their home and property in June of 1836 and made the long journey to Kirtland, Ohio. After the Temple was built there were threats and persecution by apostates and nonmembers, and the Saints felt they would have to leave Ohio. Gardner, Sarah and Martha, nearly 11, left with the Kirtland Camp July 5, 1838. A baby brother was born near Dayton, Ohio, then they continued on their journey to Missouri.
They settled in Adam-ondi-Ahman. Here, within a few weeks, they suffered in the persecutions of the Saints by angry mobs. Through mob violence, her six-week old baby brother died and was buried by her father’s own hands “by reason of mob violence being so great.” In the spring of 1838 they were driven from the state to Illinois through actions of the mob and the Governor’s exterminating order. They then located at Morley’s Settlement near Lima, Illinois. Her younger sister, Elizabeth Coolidge Snow, was born in the next year, January 20, 1840.
Martha Jane married John Edmiston about 1842 at about age 16. John, the son of John Edmiston, Sr. and Elizabeth Smith, was born 12 July 1821 in Antis on Juanita River, Huntington County, Pennsylvania. John was a blacksmith and worked hard and did well in his shop. He became a member of the Church October 6, 1842. Their first child was born Nov. 19, 1843, and named Gardner, after his Grandfather Snow.
The Female Relief Society was organized in 1843 at Lima, and Sara H. Snow and Sister Whiting were called as counselors to President Lucy Morley. Martha Jane and her sister-in-law, Eliza Ann were also members. This group of ladies spent many hours sewing items of clothing, making quilts, knitting sweaters and sox, and helping in many ways to relieve the suffering of sick and needy families. They had tender sympathies for those in need because of their own trials and persecutions in Missouri. They did all they could to help those in need.
In 1844 the “Penny Fund: was instituted by Hyrum Smith, of the Temple Committee. He appealed to the women asking them to contribute one cent apiece a week to purchase material for the Nauvoo Temple. Martha J. Edmiston’s signature is on the paper of those subscribing from Lima, to give “some few cents in money to assist in procuring glass and nails for the Temple.” With her signature is the amount of 25 cents. This small amount was quite a sacrifice for the sisters when their families needed so many necessities. However, they each felt a great anxiety to pay a year’s subscription in advance, if at all possible.
The peaceful situation in Hancock County was not to continue. Feelings of jealousy and revenge, then hate, led to fury, and mobs gathered in the outlying communities from Nauvoo and began persecuting the Mormons. On June 18, 1844, they were told the mobs were going to make a total destruction of Morley Settlement, that 2000 volunteers from Missouri would meet them next day at Carthage, then go against Joseph Smith and demolish Nauvoo. They were determined to get the Prophet at any cost.
On the 20th, an affidavit made by Isaac Morley, Gardner Snow, John Edmiston and Edmund Durfee, of Hancock County, certified to the truth in the warning letter to the Prophet that the mobs were upon them. They must comply with one of three propositions. In consequence of these threats, the residents were compelled to leave their homes on a stormy night, cross a dangerous stream swollen by the rain, causing great suffering – and flee to Nauvoo for protection – or the mobs would utterly exterminate them. The affidavits were read before the Prophet and City Counsel the next afternoon, and representatives went to report these outrages to Governor Ford at Carthage.
The Prophet Joseph Smith and his brother Hyrum were murdered six days later in the Carthage jail. The outcast families of Gardner Snow and John Edmiston may have been in Nauvoo when the shot-torn bodies of the martyred Prophet and Patriarch were borne in sad procession. Following the martyrdom, the families returned to their homes in Morley Settlement.
When the 20th Quorum of Seventy was organized in March 1845, two of Martha’s Brothers, Warren and George, and her husband John, of Lima, were members.
In September, the mob again came to the Settlement in their fury! For eight days and nights they fired upon the settlers. They burned 70 to 80 homes, their stacks of grain, shops, etc. The inhabitants were forced out into the cold night, suffering, homeless and destitute. Reports from the “Nauvoo Neighbor” mentioned “John Edmondson’s house and blacksmith shop burnt: along with “Father Whiting’s house and chair factory; Edmund Durphy’s torn down; Father Morley’s cooper shop burnt; Thomas King’s house burnt.” “13 Sept. 1845 Mob at Morley Settlement set fire to house of John Edmiston.” Mobs went from house to house, turning the sick ones out, to live or die, and driving the Mormons out of the Settlement. John’s tools and iron were taken by the mobsters before they burned his shop, which was a great loss to him in his blacksmithing. Men from Nauvoo with their teams traveled all night and day to get the families and bring them to Nauvoo.
The Saints knew they would have to leave for a place where they would be free from persecution. The men worked hard all winter repairing and building wagons. Teams and men were sent to all parts of the country for iron. In spite of losing his shop and tools because of the mobs, John must have helped get wagon wheels ironed and on the wagons, the horses and oxen shoed, made nails and done all kinds of repair work ready for the departure westward.
Martha’s second child, Sarah Elizabeth, named for both of her grandmothers, was born 20 December 1845 in Nauvoo. Six weeks later, John and Martha Jane “Edmunston” were endowed 6 Feb 1846 in the Nauvoo Temple. The same day George and Mary Snow were also endowed,. John was a Seventy in the Priesthood at that time. This great Temple blessing just preceded many of the Saints being driven from Nauvoo early in 1846. Their endowments helped them have the faith and courage they needed to move to the wilderness ahead.
As the company proceeded westward, Martha and John felt the heartbreak of losing little Gardner. The sisters washed and laid out the little three-year old, trying to comfort the grief-stricken parents and grandparents. He was laid down tenderly under the willows, as the earth was dampened with tears. The family then turned their faces to the prairie to push forward again. Gardner Edmison’s name is listed on the north side of the monument under “Names on Monument At Mt. Pisgah, Iowa.”
Martha gave birth on the Iowa plains to a baby boy, Oct. 23, 1848. He was named Jonathan H., after Martha’s eldest brother who had died in Ohio. He was called “Jock.” Two more babies, Martha Ann, and John, Jr., were born in Carterville, Pottawattamie Co., Iowa, July 30, 1849, and October 23, 1850.
John signed a petition for a pot office, along with Gardner, Warren and George Snow, and other residents, to be located near the Log Tabernacle in Kanesville, Iowa. The 1850 Census of Iowa lists John Edinson as living in Pottawattamie District, along with George, James C., Warren and Gardner Snow. For several years, the crops they raised helped fed many Saints traveling west. John kept busy with blacksmithing – preparing horse, oxen and wagons for the trek to the Salt Lake Valley.
John and Martha, and probably George and Mary Snow, and families came on to Utah by ox team in 1851, the year following her parents. A very exciting experience with the Indians has been written:
John and companion were appointed to go ahead of the wagon train. Their assignment was Pathfinders or Trail Blazers. Martha drove the team with four small children in the wagon. John and companion were miles and a few days ahead of the wagon train when they sighted Indians on watch for wagons traveling that way. The men hurriedly rode their horses down a steep revine and were in a daze to know what to do to save all the pioneers traveling in the wagon train with their wives and children. Only God could save them from an Indian massacre. With heads bowed and on their knees, the men appealed to Heavenly Father for help. Rising to their feet they crept slowly over the ridge of the revine and could see the Indians milling around trying to find places to hide in order to ambush the oncoming train which, through their cunning and skillful methods, detected the distance, which was not far off.
In a twinkling, as though a voice had spoken, John and his companion gathered a clump of large brush and broken limbs, tied them with their lariats, and after reaching the open level spaces, whipped up their horses to a brisk speed. The object was to stir up such a dust off into the distance and opposite direction. And with their hollering and commotion, they hoped to deceive the Indians into believing a buffalo herd was in the distance.
The Indians at once left their watch on the wagon trail to follow the buffalo herd. As they, in their hideous war paint and scantily clad bodies gained distance, they were convinced they had been tricked. The men realized their lives were not worth much if they were caught, but they continued to lead the Indians in a wild chase farther and farther away from the direction of the wagon train.
Suddenly a miracle did happen! From another direction came the thundering sound of a buffalo stampede which gave the men an opportunity to escape from certain death had not the Indians taken off toward the stampeding buffalo which was certain to have trampled some of the savages under their speeding hooves.
The men reached the wagon train by night. The caravan had traveled faster than usual while crossing this certain area. That night the entire camp knelt and gave thanks to their God that through a miracle, their lives and those of the Pathfinders had been spared from a hostile Indian massacre. Thanks to the prayer and faith of those Pathfinders, John Edmiston and his companion!
Probably soon after their arrival in Utah, Martha’s son, Samuel Card, was born 9 October 1851 at Springville. A daughter Algenora was born in Manti; the next four babies in Ephraim – William, Eliza, Warren, and George Washington. David and Mary Margaret’s births were in Manti, and her 14th child, Charles Henry was born in Springville in 1866.
John and others signed a protest from Manti against government sending troops to Utah 9 Feb. 1858. John Edmondson was a Constable for Fort Ephraim in 1860. John Edmiston, Sr. was said to be one of the pioneers who made special contributions toward the growth and accomplishment of Manti. He helped in constructing a threshing machine that separated wheat from chaff, made hinges for doors and did other blacksmith work.
The Black Hawk War was a catastrophe for residents in the loss of lives and property. On June 24, 1866, Black Hawk with 100 warriors attached the post at Thistle Valley. General Warren S. Snow (Martha’s brother) led one of the relief parties. The combined forces began a pursuit of the retreating savages. At Soldiers Summit the Indians separated and scattered in all directions. On the 26th a raid on the Spanish Fork pasture was made before daylight, in which 30 Indians stampeded 45 head of horses and cattle. Major William Creer with 15 men started in pursuit. They overtook them and fought them for an hour and a half, when a party from Springville came up and the Indians fled.
But – Martha’s brave son, Jonathan (Jock) Edmiston was killed! And Albert Dimmick his companion of Spanish Fork, received a wound from which he died two days later! When the detachment arrived that had been sent to bring Jock in, they found him scalped and his right hand cut off, showing the Indians’ revenge for his determined and gallant fight for his life. Services were held in the meeting house, and many friends and comrades filled the room.
Stricken with shock and grief, Martha gave birth to her 14th child Charles Henry, the next week, July 1, 1866, at Springville!
The 1870 Census shows Martha and John living in Springville with children, Sarah, 24, John, 19, Eliza, 15, William, 16, Warren, 10, George 8, David, 7, Mary, 5, Charles, 4. Their daughter Martha, age 21, and her husband Lauren Roundy were living near by.
One of Martha’s sons, Warren, as a young man, had a yoke of oxen that he used to haul stone to be used in the building of the Manti Temple.
In 1880 the Edmistons were living in Petty Precinct, Sanpete Co: John age 58, farmer; Martha 53, keeping house; William 25, laborer; George 20, laborer; David 18, laborer; Mary 16; and Charles 13.
Martha and John were parents of 14 children, nine of whom were living, and 42 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, according to the obituary of John, after his death 13 October 1890 at Castle Dale. Martha Jane Snow Edmiston passed away 5 March 1892 at Castle Dale. They had sacrificed much for the Gospel of Jesus Christ, shared in many privations of the early settlers, and died in faith of a glorious resurrection.
Source: Valiant in the Faith – Gardner and Sarah Snow and Their Family, 1990, by Archibald F. and Ella M. Bennett, and Barbara Bennett Roach, pp. 577-602. (DUP Library)
Submitted by Barbara B. Roach, 6276 Oakcrest Circle, Salt Lake City, UT 84121.
All of the above was received from the Daughters of Utah Pioneers:
Submitted by:
Loretta Anderson Preston
660 Aaron Avenue
Springville, UT 84663
Barbara B. Roach
6276 Oakcrest Circle
Salt Lake City, UT 84121.
