A groom named Jack W. Morgan!

Garrard Warren Morgan

This picture of Garrard Morgan's youngest son, Garrard Morgan IV, has always intrigued me because of his serious lamb-chop-side-burns. The rest of the hair on his head is trimmed so neatly. He isn't a 4th generation Garrard Morgan as my mother thought because Warren is his middle name. Following some further searching I've found him listed as Jap W. Morgan, Jack W. Morgan, Girard Morgan, and George Morgan.  There may yet be other versions.

In an 1863 letter John Morgan wrote home to his mother during his Civil War service (letter posted here on The Ancestor Files), John mentions each of his brothers and his sister.

"I get letters frequently from Will. Reced one from Lu[ella] last evning also one from Morg [Perhaps Morg Hamilton buried in South Park Cemetery in Greensburg, Indiana]. Kiss Jap for me. [His dog?] I would give a thousand dollars to see. Is Lon [Leonidas] studying any now. Tell him to improve his time above everything else. Let novels and such trash alone. Let him have something solid and something that will give him information to read. Knowledge is more than gold and silver. Poor Jimmie. I am sorry his jaw troubles him yet. He is a good boy and has the go aheaditiveness about him to make a man of himself one that will make his mark."

I’ve always had difficulty hearing people use the word “Jap”.  When I first read it used by great grandfather John Morgan in his Civil War letter home to his mother, I was admittedly less concerned with its use than imagining him wanting his mother to kiss his dog.

"JAP W. MORGAN, station agent and telegraph operator. C. & A. R. R.,  [Chicago and Alton Railway ][1] P.O. Stanford: son of Gerard Morgan, who was born in Nicholas Co., Ky., May 16, 1806 and married Eliza A. Hamilton Jan. 1, 1832. She was born in the same county July 15, 1810. They moved to Decatur Co., Ind., in 1834, and to Coles Co., Ill. April 11, 1857, and to McLean County in 1875. They have six children, viz., William H., John W., Louellie, Leonidas, James, A. and Jap. W., the subject of this sketch; he was born in Decatur Co., Ind., May 5, 1854. In September 1872, went West on a visiting and prospecting tour to California and most of the Territories. Returning to Mattoon Ill., in October 1874, he then made a tour through the Southern States, Texas, and Indian Territory, returning to Bloomington May 5, 1875. He soon commenced studying telegraphy in the employ of the C. & A. R. R. Co. April 18, 1878 he married Miss Emma R. Meagher daughter of Capt., J. C. Meagher, of Cambridge, Ohio. She was born in Kimbolton, Guernsey. Co., Ohio, Aug. 3, 1860 and came to Stanford in June 1872." [2]

Emma R. Meagher's marriage record is available from McLean County Illinois vital records where it is listed alphabetically: MEAGHER, EMMA R married 18 Apr 1878 in MC LEAN COUNTY, ILLINOIS, U. S. A. a groom named JACK W MORGAN.  7,411,742 

"Jap's" Older brother Elder John Morgan traveled to and through Mc Lean County, Illinois in 1875 as a missionary, teaching family and friends in Illinois and on into Indiana the restored Gospel of Jesus Christ. Joseph Standing and John Morgan specifically taught his father and brother James as mentioned here and here. [3] Perhaps Garrard "Jap" Warren Morgan was introduced to his brother's new understanding of the Gospel during this time.

Thanks to descendant Eliza's work Garrard's FamilyTree page has been updated. You can see there that "Jap" later returned to the lands and territories he explored as a young man, living in Texas and Oklahoma. He was buried in Missouri following his 1920 passing when his wife Fannie was left a widow. 

---

[1] http://www.r2parks.net/alton.html

[2]   --The History of McLean County, Illinois: Portraits of Early Settlers and Prominent Men, by W. Le Baron, Jr., 1879, McClean County, Ill., - 1078 pages.
[3] John Hamilton Morgan Journal, Special Collections, Marriott Library, University of Utah.

April 13, 1876, There appears to be a different atmosphere here [Indiana].

A stained glass window from

the new  Indianapolis, Indiana Temple

As an early 1876 missionary John Morgan spent some time with his parents who lived in Illinois. He and his companion, Joseph Standing, traveled from there towards the southern states mission. They worked hard during their stay in Illinois, attempted to hold meetings, and found many doors closed to them. After leaving Illinois the atmosphere changed.

Morgan wrote on April 13, 1876: We are now in Indiana and have been well treated and kindly received by all. There appears to be a different atmosphere here to what there is in Illinois. Am in hopes that we shall be able to do a good work in the neighborhood.

John Morgan’s birthplace of Greensburg, Decatur, Indiana is about fifty-miles from the new Indianapolis, Indiana Temple.

Tunnel Hill, Varnell Station, and Dalton, Georgia. April 2014.

(Continued from here.)

Trip to Georgia and Tennessee concluded here. Entries from John Hamilton Morgan's journal are included.

Tunnell Hill, Whitfield County, Georgia.

September 16, 1878 - Wrote a little, read some and drove over to Varnells station and beyond where I got my boots fixed.

September 17, 1878 - Went to see Mr. Huffaker today. Held a long talk with him on the principles of the Gospel. Meeting tonight, full house and good attention, and I think we are moving something. 

Tunnell Hill, Georgia was abloom with flowers, sunshine and a clear blue sky the morning we visited. The slow moving pace of life there didn't call for guard rails at this train crossing.

Unnamed church at Tunnell Hill

September 18, 1878 -  Wrote and visited among the folks and held meeting on the 20th, stayed all night with Mr. Henry Holstine, P. O. Varnells Station, Georgia. Drove to Tunnell Hill and feel that things are moving up.

Tunnell Hill, Georgia. 

September 22, 1878 - Held meeting at 11 a.m. Good attendance and the spirit of God to lead us; a good impression made.

September 23 - Drove over to the station and visited some.

Varnell Station rail road crossings were the only in the area I saw with crossing arms. Slow paced with numerous churches, I snapped pictures of the few indicators of where we were.

Varnell Station was important in Joseph Standing's missionary service in 1878-9 and is further explained at the Ancestor Files and here on earlier posts.

The following pictures were taken at the Joseph Standing Memorial Park in Dalton, Georgia. Without our kind friend chauffeuring us, we'd have never found it. Notwithstanding the wonderful directions on the Amateur Mormon Historian, which I had with me.

A beautiful sacred spot in the midst of woods and confusing, winding roadways. 

We considered it miraculous we arrived and could visit there.

This memorial park and monument honor the memory of Elder Joseph Standing of Salt Lake City, Utah, a missionary of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormon) who was killed here by a mob July 21, 1879. His companion, Elder Rudger Clawson, who later became President of the Council of the Twelve Apostles of the Church was unharmed.

The cooperation of W. C. Puryear and family who donated the land and were most helpful in other was, made this memorial possible.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints May 1952

The site is presently well cared for and must serve members in the area

 and visitors like us with a beautiful destination and retreat.

A clump of watercress was growing in a tiny drainage stream running across the park.

This old broken marker must be as old as the tragedy itself.

Joseph Standing's body was purportedly taken to the Stover family home near Dalton where it was cared for, and prepared for the journey back to Salt Lake City, Utah and home. This cove housing an old pond and mill may be where the Stovers were living at that time.

The roadway below led us out of the cove and our wonderful Tennessee/Georgia adventure which is concluded here.   

John Morgan was in Salt Lake at the time of Joseph Standing's murder. His 1879 journal pages from mid-April to mid-August are missing, so he is silent on the tragedy. He and his wife had James Standing to their home in Salt Lake City for dinner on January 11, 1881.

Spring 1878 John Morgan returned to Rome, Georgia as Mission President. Joined Joseph Standing.

April 12, 1878. "I feel well in getting back to my old beat."

Continued from here.

After spending the Christmas of 1877 at home in Salt Lake City with family and friends in the 14th Ward, John Morgan returned to Rome, Georgia, the nearby mountains and the people living there. He spent his days at home planning and gathering others and resources to return to the South. He returned to Georgia in the Spring of 1878 as Mission President of the Southern States Mission, a calling he held until January 1888.

On Monday, January 21, 1878 he wrote, "Friday was occupied in calling on President Taylor; in the afternoon distributed a lot of prizes to the school, after which I went to the President's office and from there to the Historian's office, where myself, Bro. Johnson and Bro. Williams were all set apart to go on a mission to the Southern States. Raining and bad weather tonight."

He noted in his February 18-23, 1878 journal entry, "Bro.[Matthias] Cowley was set apart  under my hands, my first effort. ... Bro Cowley  had supper with me."

On the train East John Morgan stopped several weeks with the new emigrants he'd left in Pueblo, Colorado the previous November. It was March 30, 1878 before John Morgan arrived back in Rome, Georgia.   "Took train for Rome where we arrived at 9:30 p.m. and put up at the Rome House."

Mountains around Rome: April 12, "I feel well in getting back to my old beat and I trust that the spirit of God will enlighten our minds so that we may be enabled to do a good work."

April 18, "Learned this a.m. that Jos. Standing had arrived from Utah. Returned from Baileys to Haywood Valley where I met some of the Brethren and stayed all night at Walter Smiths."

April 19, "Joseph came up this morning early and we had quite a meeting and a long talk. Wrote a letter to Brother Barnett and Cowley and one to Mellie." [ Morgan left his wife at home feeling ill. Feb 6, 1878, "At home today. Mellie quite unwell and confined to the bed."]

April 20, "Spent the day at Walter Smiths. Wrote some letters and talked."

April 21, 1878,  "Held meeting at 11 a.m. and quite a good attendance and spoke upon the history of the church. Brother Sabin bearing his testimony and Brother Standing reading for me. Went home with Jno., Barbour. Made arrangements for a meeting with Brother Smith Monday night."

(To be continued.)

Notes: I wasn't able to locate missionaries Johnson or Williams in the "Missionaries called to the Southern States Mission" for this time period among the John Hamilton Morgan papers, Special Collections, Marriott Library, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah. John Morgan Journal Entries are from that collection. Picture is from cousin Geraldine M. 2008 trip to Rome Georgia area.

John Morgan and Joseph Standing 1876 Mission Travels Concluded.

(Continued from here.)

Covington, May 12, 1876 – Plowed during the forenoon, crossed over the River after dinner. Came to Mr. Shelby’s and helped to put down carpet all afternoon for them.

May 13, 1876 – Went up to town today and walked about for some time.

May 14, 1876 – Laid down on the floor during the forenoon, in the afternoon crossed the River and held meeting at Brush College. Mr. Shelby with me.

Covington, Indiana, May 15, 1876 – Assisted to plant some melons this morning. Rode with Mr. Shelby out East several miles after cattle. Secured a Church to preach in and made an effort to get another, but failed.

May 16, 1876 – Went to town this morning to see Joseph [Standing] off. Fasting today. Went fishing this afternoon. 

May 17, 1876 – Came down to the River with Mr. Shelby, crossed over in a canoe and had dinner with Mr. Salts. Rode up to the  Lumter School House with young Jones. Came over to Mr. Crossiklutso. From there to Mr. Johnson’s where I am tonight. A good feeling. Raining some tonight.

Two years later in early 1878 Joseph Standing was again set apart for a mission to the South and assigned to the state of Georgia. In January 1878 John Morgan was called to service as President of the Southern States Mission.

(To be continued.)
John Hamilton Morgan Journal, Special Collections, Marriott Library, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah. http://theancestorfiles.blogspot.com/2010/03/19th-century-presidents-of-southern.html

John Morgan and Joseph Standing Mission Travels continue. May 6 - 10, 1876.

Wabash River at Covington, Indiana from Wikipedia

(Continued from Joseph Standing's letter to the Deseret News, and from these  prior journal entries.)

Covington, May 6, 1876 – Read and slept during part of the day. Went to town in the afternoon; walked about the street, visited the cemetery. Went to the Court house, started a fire and wrote awhile. Rung the Bell and called the people together to meeting. Had a good attendance and a good feeling manifested. Came out to Shelby’s tonight.

Grange Hall, May 7, 1876 – Wrote a letter to the Danville Times. Came over in Shelby’s buggy to this place. Spoke to a very full house who gave close attention.

Mt. Zion, Indiana, May 8, 1876 - Mr. Wright brought us up to the cross roads, where we got out and walked down toward the river. Mr. Singer overtook us and gave me a letter from Mellie. Walked over to Mr. Jones’. Had dinner and walked over to Mr. William’s, from there to Mr. Gamison’s, then to Mr. Wright’s, where I had supper; then down to Mr. Jones’ where we stay tonight.

Mt. Zion, May 9, 1876 – Took a boat this morning and went out on the water and moved the logs off the land that Joseph had plowed. Went to Widow Maginnis’ and stayed all night. Preached at the log school house to a good audience.

Mt. Zion, May 10, 1876 – Went up the Railroad to Mr. Jas. Johnson’s where I spent the greater portion of the day very pleasantly talking and listening to Miss Dora play the piano. Came down in the afternoon to Mr. Gamison’s, at time for the meeting went down to the school house but found it locked up. Two gentlemen called on the Director to get the key but were refused; in the meantime I commenced service in the woods to quite a large audience who gave close attention. There was a strong spirit of mob violence, but the Lord overruled it for our good. After the meeting a man by the name of Cole came up and tried to cause difficulty, but failed. The efforts of the evil one only made us friends.

(To be continued.)

Joseph Standing's May 5, 1876 letter from Covington, Indiana to the "Deseret News."

Wabash Water Trail, Indiana from Wikipedia

(Continued from here.)

Elders Joseph Standing and John Morgan both wrote letters on May 5, 1876. The one Joseph Standing wrote to the Deseret News follows. I didn't find a copy of it published in the Deseret News. I did learn further about Oliver Shelby's interest in these missionaries.

Covington, Ind., May 5, 1876

Editor Deseret News:

Brother Morgan and I have been in the vicinity of the above-named place for the last three weeks. During this time we had held some eighteen meetings to large, attentive audiences, and, with scarcely any exceptions, a good spirit has prevailed.

Covington is nicely situated upon the east bank of the Wabash River. Steamboats, before railroads were built through this section of country, used to very frequently ply up and down the river, making Covington a prominent landing.

The Wabash and Erie Canal, until the past two of three  years, has been in constant use since 1846. It was originally designed to connect Lake Erie with the Ohio River, but this was never accomplished. This canal passes through Covington, which contains about 5,000 inhabitants. Its two finest buildings are the court house and county jail. The former building cost the sum of $8775,000, the latter, $105,000.

This county [Fountain] boasts of a poor house, which is a very capacious building, two stories high, built of brick, Brother Morgan and I visited this place, but we were not very favorably impressed with the arrangements made for the unfortunate creatures who are brought  there, and who are the observed of all observers.

How differently are they treated who have been unfortunate in our country. Our noble mothers and daughters  of Israel come to the rescue of the poor, and assist them with encouraging words and with the necessaries of life, without that great parade of vaunted charity which is so common among the people of the world. According to the condition that present society is in, I suppose that the poor are cared for as well as they could be.

This is a fine timbered country, the land rich and rolling. He farms are not generally so large as those in Illinois, and as a result the country is more thickly settled, the schools better attended and in a better condition.

Unless a “Mormon” Elder has traveled through this country, preaching, he could scarcely realize the vast different there is between the people of Illinois and those of Indiana. Here the people are more kind and hospitable, giving the stranger a warm welcome to their habitations, and seem more willing to let others worship God after the dictates of their own conscience. We are now staying with Mr. Oliver Shelby, whose mother died a member of the Church. He remembered to have heard several of the Elders preach. He testifies that he saw a young Elder, by the name of Robinson, who was sick at his father’s house, cured instantaneously by the anointing of oil and laying on of hands by the Elders.

We have appointments on ahead which will take us until the latter part of next week to fill. To-night we speak at the Court House, where we have spoken once before. The two weekly papers published here kindly inserted notices of the same.

We feel that we have done much good in allaying prejudice, and there are some in this locality who will shortly come to a knowledge of the truth. We know that God has endowed us with a portion of his Holy Spirit, so that we have been enabled to bear a faithful testimony to those with whom we have come in contact.

My intention is to spend a portion of this Summer in Canada, among my relations whom I have never seen. Brother Morgan will remain in this State, where he has several uncles. We shall both preach whenever there is an opportunity. After my visiting I shall rejoin Brother M. We then shall travel South, through Kentucky, into Tennessee, where we propose to stay over Winter.

Yours in the Gospel,

Jos. Standing.

Typed copy of this letter is found in the John Hamilton Morgan Collection, Special Collections, Marriott Library, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah.

John Morgan and Joseph Standing Mission Travels continue. April 29 - May 5, 1876.

Today's only church in Johnsonville, Indiana from Wikipedia

(Continued from here.)

“was treated very kindly by all especially by Mr. Johnson’s folks”

This statement from John Morgan's previous journal entry has become a theme for this area and time and the people he is meeting in and around Johnsonville, Indiana. They became his life-long friends. 

Perrysville, Indiana, April 29, 1876 – Stayed over the forenoon at Mr. Johnson’s during the forenoon and came over to Mr. Crouch’s where I had supper and talked with an ex-minister for quite awhile. Spoke to Mr. Wright’s to a large audience. Received a letter from Mellie. All Well.

Perrysville, Indiana, April 30, 1876 – Came over to Mr. Jones’, had dinner; put on clean shirt and walked down to the Grange Hall. Had supper with a Mr. Wright, spoke to a large house and was earnestly asked to come back again, which we promised to do. Had a good meeting.

Covington, Indiana, May 1, 1876 – Walked across the country to Mr. Shelby’s this morning. Got my box of clothing from Normal, rode around with Mr. Shelby some length of time. Cool and unpleasant.

Covington, Indiana, May 2, 1876 – Remained at Mr. Shelby’s during the day. Read. Talked and slept in the evening. Went down to town to hold meeting and found the Hall locked. Quite cool.

Over the River, May 3, 1876 – Went to town this morning and made arrangements for meeting Friday night. Walked over to Jones’ and secured two school houses to speak in; stayed all night at Mr. Jones’. Do not feel as well as I might.

May 4, 1876 – Walked up to Mr. Salt’s where I had dinner, went to see the School Marm about the School house. Had a pleasant talk; obtained her consent and appointed a meeting. Plowed a round for a man. Came on down to Salt’s who crossed me over the river in a canoe. Came on to Shelby’s and spent the balance of the day in talking with Joe and Shelby. Cool. Wrote a letter to Jimmie.

Covington, Indiana, May 5, 1876 – Wrote a letter to the People’s Paper and some letters to others. Went fishing in the afternoon and got very wet.

(To be continued.)

John Hamilton Morgan Journal, Special Collections, Marriott Library, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah.

John Morgan and Joseph Standing Mission Travels continue April 24-28, 1876.

John Morgan and Joseph Standing Mission Travels Continued from here and here.

Mt. Zion, Indiana, April 24, 1876 – Crossed over the river this morning and had dinner with Mr. Williams. Assisted Mr. Jones to roll some logs together and then went to Mr. Garrison’s. Spoke at Mt. Zion School House to a very full house and a Mr. Samuel Cole after asking numerous questions challenged me to debate and was accepted. Stayed all night at Mr. Garrison’s.

Bunker Hill, April 25, 1876 – Visited at a Mr. Wrights, this morning and had a talk with an old lady 86 years old. Make an appointment to preach at his house Saturday. Came to Mr. Jones’ and had dinner, then to Mr. Wm. Salt’s. Preached at the School house to a good sized audience who gave close attention. Pleasant weather.

Sumter, April 26, 1876 – Went fishing this A.M. with Mr. Salts. Laid down after dinner and slept an hour or two. Came on up to Frank Salts’ and spent the afternoon. Spoke at the school house in the evening to a small (dead) audience, who gave poor attention. The power of the evil one is at work in this locality. Stayed all night with Mr. Salts. Was treated kindly.

Brush College, April 27, 1876 – Joseph layed out last night in a clearing, alongside of a log heap. Started out to find him this morning and after walking some miles found him at the log heap. Walked some distance into the woods. Had prayer and read the first Chapter in the Voice of Warning. Came up to Mr.  [blank space] ploughed during the afternoon for him. Rained at night.

Johnsonville, Indiana, April 28, 1876 – Remained at Mr. [blank space] during the morning. Came over to Mr. Jas. Johnson’s and spent the day talking and listening to Miss Dora play the piano. Spent the day very pleasantly and nice. A lady school teacher visited in the afternoon. Spoke at night to a moderate sized audience at Brush College and had close attention paid; was treated very kindly by all especially by Mr. Johnson’s folks. Found a copy of the “Woman’s Exponent” here that I read with interest.

(To be continued.)

Deseret News. Joseph Standing wrote a friend in Salt Lake, February 1876.

                                                

Elder Joseph Standing also wrote about his missionary service with Elder John Morgan. This newspaper article is of particular interest. Elder Standing stayed with Garrard and Eliza Ann Hamilton Morgan and described attending a Methodist revival meeting with John Morgan's brother, James. John Morgan frequently wrote of receiving letters from his brother James.

John Morgan and Joseph Standing--Missionaries
He Being Dead Yet Speaketh
Waiting for Joseph Standing's Arrival
1876 Missionary Companions
1876 March
1876 April
1876 April 4-8
1876 April 9-13
1876 April 14-18
1876 April 19-23

Deseret News, Salt Lake City,  Utah, 

March 22, 1876

Missionaries in Illinois – Here is how Elder Joseph Standing, a young man of this city, writes from Illinois, Feb. 25^th, to a friend in this city --  “I left St. Louis on the 11^th inst, for Normal, Illinois, where I arrived after seven hours travel. I stopped over night with the parents of Brother John Morgan, who told me he was at a place twelve miles distant, called Money Creek. I joined him next day, finding him in good health and spirits. The same evening we held meetings in a private home.”

“When I have heard the Elders at home tell of their missionary experiences, and the many different stories and misrepresentations that are told of us as a people, I could not realize that they were facts. But since I came to the State of Illinois I can understand things as they are. The past week Brother Morgan and myself held five meetings, four of which were in private houses, the public ones being closed against us, for fear that some unfortunate being might possibly believe in “that horrible doctrine.” We, nevertheless, had very good meetings and bore our testimonies in a manner that the honest in heart could fully understand.  

I had heard tell of the “Mourners  Bench” when at home but never fully understood it til one night at Normal, when in company with     brother Morgan’s brother James, I attended a Methodist revival.  I cannot say I enjoyed the meeting because to me it was something new and strange to see men and women, to the number of thirty or forty, stamping, shouting, and crying at the top of their voices. I have been taught to believe that ‘God’s house is a house of order,’ and any house different than that I do not want. There are great revival meetings being held throughout all this (McClean) county and it needs them, for out of a population of some 50,000 there are 2,700 cases on the dockets for trial.

Some of our whole-souled sectarian friends have expressed a desire for us to leave this vicinity and they think a mob armed with eggs would materially help us on our journey. If the eggs are dished up in the right style I will not object to them.  There is a great deal of prejudice against us and against those whom God has raised up to befriend us,  who have never turned out to listen to our teachings. All kinds of absurd stories are circulated about us by beings who probably had a hand in the expulsion of the Saints from Nauvoo.

“Brother Morgan has done much good here, and the testimony he has born will not soon be forgotten, and jointly, we will be of great help to each other, and by the aid of the Holy Spirit be the means of doing good to our fellow-men. We are traveling toward the Indiana border, and preaching at every opportunity.” 

John Morgan and Joseph Standing Mission Travels continue, April 19-23, 1876.

Wabash River, by Henry Hamilton, 1778. from Wikipedia

(Continued from here.)

Gopher Hill Church, April 19, 1876 - Went to Mr. Dixon’s this morning and secured his consent for the use of the Church. Went to the school house and had a lecture announced. Came back to Mr. Robert Creigh and stopped over night. Spoke at the Church to a moderate sized audience, who many of them went to sleep.

Wabash River, April 20, 1876 – Walked over to the “Log School House,” and secured a stopping place at the Widow Maginnis’. Walked over to Baltimore School House to learn about our appointment for tomorrow night. Spoke to a large audience who paid close attention and listened carefully to what was said. Met a Mr. Edward Lowe who had been to Utah and had a long talk with him. He thinks of returning there this fall. Reading some of the Doctrine & Covenants each day. Are treated well in the neighborhood.

Baltimore, Indiana, April 21, 1876 – Started early to go to Mrs. Gamison’s to get the Razor and Brush, got out of the way and had a long walk. Had dinner a t Mr. Jones’. Came on down to this place where we held meeting tonight. Stayed all night at Mr. Bogess’, an Infidel who treated us kindly. A small audience out to hear us.

Covington, Indiana, April 22, 1876 – Came over to the place this morning and got a letter from Jimmie. Called on the Editors of the paper and read the news. Came out to Mr. Shelby’s. Had dinner and returned to town. Spoke at the Court House to a good sized audience who gave close attention. Stayed all night at Mr. Shelby’s.

Covington Indiana, April 23, 1876 – Raining this morning. Read, talked during the day. Spoke at the Church this afternoon to a small audience owing to the rain storm. Talked till late with Mr. & Mrs. Shelby. Feel we are doing some good in this locality and trust that our words may have their due effect.

The Shelbys of Covington, Indiana 1870 Census.

Older pictures of interest in historic Covington, Indiana picture collection:

Old Court House

Train Depot

Washington Street 1860

View Across the Wabash: Birds Eye view of Covington

Ferry Boat crossing the Wabash

Nebeker Farm

(To be continued.)

John Hamilton Morgan Journal, Special Collections, Marriott Library, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah.

John Morgan and Joseph Standing Mission Travels continue, April 14-18, 1876.

(Continued from here.)

April 14, 1876 [continued in Warren County, Indiana]-  Came down to Mr. Robt. Jones and spent the after part of the day. Stormed considerably during the day. Spoke at Zion School House to a large audience who gave close attention. Was kindly treated by all.

Covington, Indiana, April 15, 1876 - Came over to Covington this morning and got my boots fixed. Looked around town awhile and then came to Mr. O. Shelby’s where we stayed all night. Was well treated and felt more at home than we have for some time.

Note: In 1883 John Morgan and his wife Mellie visited this area and Mr. Shelby. In 1885 John Morgan wrote of meeting Mr. Shelby while traveling in the Southern States Mission. “1885, February 5, Arrived in New Orleans at 2:30 p.m. On the train between Mobile and N.O. met Olivery Shelby, of Ind.” 

Covington, Indiana, April 16, 1876 - Wrote letters and read during a portion of the day. Went to meeting and heard a Methodist sermon that was decidedly thin. Visited the Poor House during the afternoon and saw enough to make a man shudder. How much better for the world to organize on a principle that would enable all to help themselves. I feel thankful for the privilege of knowing at least a portion of the Gospel.

Covington, Indiana, April 17, 1876 - Went up to town this A.M. and called on the Sheriff and obtained the Court House to speak in. Called on the Editors of the papers and asked them to insert a notice of the meeting which they did. Walked about town considerable. Wrote a letter to Mellie and went to a log rolling in the afternoon. Still at Mr. Shelby’s Cool and unpleasant.

State Line City April 18, 1876 - Left Mr. Shelby’s this morning and crossed over the River. Got our washing and changed underclothing. Had dinner at Mr. Robt. Jones. Joseph went up the River to make appointments while I started West. Walked all afternoon, secured two school houses and conditionally secured a church to speak in. Weather warm and beautiful. Stayed all night in Samuel Clemns’. As fine a country about here as I have seen anywhere.

(To be continued.)

John Hamilton Morgan Journal, Special Collections, Marriott Library, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah. Pictures from Wikipedia.

John Morgan and Joseph Standing Mission Travels continue, April 9 – April 13, 1876.

 

Looking across the Wabash River to Fountain County.

Warren County, Indiana

Courthouse, Warren County, Indiana, 1877.

Continued from here.

State Line, Illinois, April 9, 1876 —Visited Mr. Wm. Cunningham this morning. Spent the forenoon of the day very pleasantly in conversation with him and his family. Had dinner with them and returned to Mr. Johnsons’s and bidding them goodby, came on up to Mr. Mort Lindsay’s where we stopped tonight. Spoke at the Price schoolhouse to a very large audience, on the prophecies, who paid close attention to what we had to say.

Johnsonville, Illinois, April 10, 1876 —Came to this point and secured the Brush College to speak in. Stopped at Mr. Jas. Johnson’s and was kindly treated. Miss Dora played on the piano which I appreciated. Spoke to a good audience.

Warren County, Indiana, April 11, 1876 —Raining this morning hard. Remained at Jas. Johnson’s during the forenoon. Came in town to Mr. Wagner’s and stayed all night. Obtained the School House to hold meeting in. Warm and pleasant this afternoon.

Alvin, Illinois, April 12, 1876 —Went over to the Wabash River in the morning and secured another school house to hold meeting in. Came back to Mr. Frank Salt’s where I stayed over night. Spoke at the School house to a fair audience. Looks stormy.

April 13, 1876 —Came over to Mr. Lyon’s and leaving our valises, we started for Covington, distance some seven miles, had a lontg tiresome walk. Received a letter from Mellie and one from Jimmie. Spoke at the Bunker Hill school house to a good sized audience. Came home with a Mr. Wm. Salts, who treated me kindly. This farm is the one that Brother John Murdock was born on and quite a number of Mormon people went from this locality. We are now in Indiana and have been well treated and kindly received by all. There appears to be a different atmosphere here to what there is in Illinois. Am in hopes that we shall be able to do a good work in the neighborhood.

Covington is a city in and the county seat of Fountain County, Indiana.
Jimmie [James] Morgan (1850- ): John Morgan's brother.

(To be continued.)

John Hamilton Morgan Journal, Special Collections, Marriott Library, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah. Pictures from Wikipedia.

January 11, 1881 from John Morgan Journal.

Wikipedia picture of Joseph Standing and Rudger Clawsen

 while serving as missionary companions in Georgia.

From John Hamilton Morgan's journal--written in Salt Lake, January 11, 1881. In the office writing. James Standing [presumably Joseph Standing's father or brother] had dinner with us. Brother McBride called to the S. S. [Southern States] Mission reported himself for duty and would be ready at the appointed time. At night attended a lecture by Rudger Clawsen at the 12^th Ward School house. It was well delivered. Learned that Joseph Smith, H. Smith,  S. S. Smith, C. Cowdery, D. Whitmer, and O. Whitmer were the 1^st members of the church.

John Morgan was in Salt Lake preparing to return to the Southern States Mission and perhaps he was awaiting the February arrival of a child. On the morning of the 11^th [February] at 1:15 Mellie gave birth to our first boy, over which we had much rejoicing.

Rudger Clawson was Joseph Standing’s missionary companion in Varnell, Georgia, and was with him on July 21, 1879 when Standing was murdered by a mob. Clawson afterwards turned to the mob and defied them to “shoot!” They soon dispersed in the face of his defiance and willingness to face them. Elder Clawson returned his slain companion’s body to Salt Lake.

Most of an entire year is missing from the John Morgan journal following Joseph Standing’s death until January 1, 1881, when John Morgan worked from his office on school and mission matters. 

Notes:

James Standing (1815-1886)

James Varley Standing (1848-1925)

Earlier John Morgan and Joseph Standing Missionary posts are here:

He Being Dead Yet Speaketh

Waiting for Joseph Standing's Arrival

1876 Missionary Companions

1876 March

1876 April

1876 April 4-8

Southern States Missionaries: Elam Wells McBride, set apart Jan 22, 1881 – date returned Nov 7, 1882

Grange Hall, Illinois, April 4-8, 1876. Elders Morgan and Standing.

Grange halls can be found all over the United States.

The Grange was a movement or organization

Started by farmers in the late 19^th century.

It started out as a social organization

And later got involved in politics.

On April 4, 1876, after traveling three miles southeast of Bismark (Continued from here) Elders John Morgan and Joseph Standing arrived at Mr. Daniel Johnson’s and he invited them to have breakfast with him. It was an excellent beginning to their day, and to a new location.

“Joseph went back up the R.R. 7 or 8 miles for our mail. Walked 2-1/2 miles to the school house where the Township’s election was going on, obtained the use of the Hall and two school houses to speak in. At the invitation of the crowd I spoke to them some length of time relative to our views.  Was kindly treated. In the afternoon came back to Mr. Johnson’s and stayed all night. Was well treated and enjoyed myself very much. Looks like rain, some."  

The next day Elder Morgan spent at Mr. and Mrs. Stan’s. He wrote a long letter to the (Deseret) News on the school question and other points, talked with several different gentlemen, and had a long talk with his hosts “about an expose of Mormonism they had.”

On April 6 they stayed overnight at State Line City, Illinois, there they “Spoke to a large audience at Pleasant Brown School House who gave close attention and treated us very kindly. Plowed a round or two, the first in many years. Our conference assembled today in Salt Lake City. May the spirit of God be with them and may his blessings be poured out on them.”

Grange Hall, April 7, 1876 – "Came up to Mr. Sol. Starr’s and spent the day. Assisted to pick some potatoes and went to the Grange Hall where I addressed a large audience upon the subject of cooperation and our temporal work. Good attention was paid and a good spirit manifested by those who listened. I spoke two hours almost. Stayed all night with Isaac Johnson. Was kindly treated, but had to endure a terrible storm of poetry that was poured out upon me by the author. The Grange movements here is quite strong and is doing a good work. The people treated us kindly and considerately."

State Line, Illinois, April 8, 1876 - "Came to Esquire Johnson’s and obtained a shelter. Went to State Line City, two miles distant with Mr. Thomas Cox. Called upon Col. A. E. Wall’s father and had a pleasant interview. Walked about town awhile. Came back in Messrs. Cox and Allion’s company and had some considerable conversation with them on our views and ideas. Joseph cleaned up the school room and addressed the crowd. After some length of time, I spoke. The house was crowded full. At Mr. Johnson’s they had a dance and Mr. Johnson and I argued on the scripture until between two and three o’clock."

(To be continued.)

John Hamilton Morgan Journal, Special Collections, Marriott Library, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah. Picture from Wikipedia.

"Sunset clear and promise of better weather." April 1, 1876.

Sunset from atop the Salt Lake Conference Center, May 2009. 

John Morgan and Joseph Standing missionary experiences  Continued from here.

On the 31^st of March, 1876, while Elders John Morgan and Joseph Standing were  in Rossville, Illinois,  John Morgan wrote,  “spent a very pleasant morning talking and looking at flower specimens” with Mr. Gates. He then went, to Mr. Bivans “where I made the day of it, reading and talking. During the afternoon, Mr. B. came home and gave me rather a cool reception. Went to the schoolhouse at about 7 to hold meeting, but found it locked and no one there. Went to a house close by owned by a man by the name of Miller and occupied by [illegible] who refused me shelter on account of my religion though it was nearly 8 at night. He drove me away from his house and refused me shelter from the storm. Went back to Mr. John Bivan’s where I stayed over night. Treated me well. Looks like storm.”

Rossville, Illinois, April 1, 1876— “Went to Rossville this morning to get our mail. Got a postal from Jimmie [John Morgan’s brother James]and waited all day for more mail. Called on Mr. Millegan who has a relative living at Kanosh by the name of Crane. Met Joe at the [post] office and failed to get any letters. A man by the name of Thompson followed us around and tried to create difficulty. Came out to George Miller who received us and treated us kindly. Held meeting at the schoolhouse, a large audience who manifested a good spirit and treated us very kindly. Terribly muddy, the road from Rossville was the worst I ever met with, next to impossible to travel. Sunset clear and promise of better weather. Joseph made several appointments to preach next week south of here and held one meeting.”

Alvin, Illinois, April 2, 1876—“Raining and sleeting this morning; started from Mr. George Miller’s about 11:00 A.M. to come to this place, found the creek up so that we could not cross, had to make along detour to a bridge. Mr. Benedict invited us to dinner. At 3:00 P.M. we started again, waded and walked across the fields to the R.R. feet very wet and boots hurting me severely. Filled our appointment to a good sized congregation considering the condition of the roads and the weather. Some ladies attended. Was invited home by Mr. Jno. Gorrity to stay all night. Kindly treated.”

Bismark, Illinois, April 3, 1876—“Remained at a Swiss Gentleman’s for dinner and then started to come to this place to hold meeting tonight. Arrived at about three. Tried to get a stopping place all over town, but failed to do so until quite late. Went without supper and slept in a boarding house. The man refused to give us breakfast the next morning. Spoke to the hardest crowd of men that I have met with yet, there was a terrible stink in the room that was so strong that we had very little freedom of speech. This will doubtless be a lesson to us to avoid R.R. towns after this and not go about them. We feel to thank God for his testimonies to us so far.”

(To be continued.)

John Hamilton Morgan Journal, Special Curriculum, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah.

John Morgan and Joseph Standing - 1876 Missionary Companions - March.

Pioneer School House 

at This is The Place Pioneer Village, Salt Lake City, Utah

Continued from here:

1876 Springtime Illinois weather was unpredictable. Missionaries John Morgan and Joseph Standing had rain, snow--and more--rain and snow. They continually sought people to teach.  On March 19 at Kirkpatrick, Illinois—John recorded, ”very cold and unpleasant. Freezing and thawing alternately. Walked 23 miles and feel very stiff and sore.“

Elder Morgan named over twenty-two schools and homes where they held meetings during the month; Wilcox School House,  Old log school,  Prairie College School House, Four Corners School House,  Buck Creek School House, Two or three school houses, Hayner School House, Hemi School House, Union School, and a Methodist Church. And he named the countless people he met and talked to.  Mr. Doughtery, Mr. Robert McClure, S. S. Barnes who invited us to stay for dinner, Mrs. Smith who refused us lodging, Mr. Shirley where we now are, Mr. Kirkpatrick and J. E. McDaniels, an Indiana man, are just a few.  

Elder Morgan wrote on March 20^th, “Came on the RR to within four miles of the above place [Hoopston, Illinois]”... The walking on the RR was very wearysome and tired us out very much. Has been storming and snowing terribly and the roads are impassable."

“We are now getting a thickly settled portion of the country that is among the oldest part of the State. We have every reason to feel thankful to God for his care over us and kindness and goodness to us. We trust to be able to open up a good mission in this locality…” 

At Rossville on the 23^rd, “…Tried to obtain a hall to hold meeting in but failed to do so…  Secured the school house to speak in.  Snowing some and muddy.”

March 24, 1876 “Joseph came to me this morning from where [he] stayed and informed me that the Director, Mr. Snyder, had refused the house when he found out that we were Saints. I called to see him and found the Spirit of the Devil rampant. Joseph went North to see the other Director, I went South to secure school houses and got three to speak in. Was well treated. Stayed all night with George Miller.”          

March 24 [25], 1867, Rossville, Illinois. “Came over to Mr. Gates in the morning. Joseph went to town to get our mail. Rained hard all day. Could not hold over meeting on account of the storm. Was sheltered all day at the house of Mr. Jno. Bivens, a Methodist, who treated me kindly and asked me many questions.

March 28, 1876 – Rossville, Illinois. “Woke up this morning and found a terrible storm raging which continued without intermission for the entire day. Walked from Mr. Rop’s to Mr. George Miller’s facing one of the worst storms I ever faced, over the worst roads imaginable. Could not hold meeting owing to the storm. Stayed all night at Mr. Miller’s conversed with the folks until tolerable late in regard to Utah. Cannot think but that God helps us by day and by night…

To be continued.

John Hamilton Morgan Journal, Special Collections, Marriott Library, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah.