Missionaries From My Family

MISSIONS FOR THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS

Brad Gessell, Virginia Richmond, July 2007 – July 2009

(Brad, I need a picture!)

September 19, 2008 - Today was M.T. baptism. We have been working with him ever since I got into the branch. While we were taking pictures, his mother came up to us and said that she wanted all of us to hear it. She didn't agree with his decision, but she was supportive of him in whatever he did. She wasn't happy about it, but she loved him. It was pretty intense.

I was asked to perform the baptism, and it went really well. Apparently right after the baptism, his mom looked over at a friend and said, "I guess my prayers weren't answered." A sister missionary talked to her forever afterwards to help her understand things. The problem seems to be that she doesn't really want to understand. The support of the branch is incredible. There were a lot of people there.

Bryce Gessell, Chile Rancagua, July 2005 – July 2007

Bryce (l) with Cristofer and Mirzhi's family

March 26, 2006 - Today was probably the most completely spiritual day of the entire mission. In the morning we went to church with 7 investigators, and I felt the Spirit very strong there. The chapel is like a haven, a place of defense out here. I love going and partaking of that spirit and the sacrament; in comparison with the sector, it's like entering into a different world, which in many ways it is. It is the thing I look forward to most out of the week| It is better than pday, just for feeling the Spirit. After church we ate and went right back to the chapel to get ready for the baptism. We had refreshments ready to go, we had everything set up, the font filling with cold water because we couldn't get it working right at first, and everything was good to go. To my delight a ton of people showed up, but we delayed the start of it for almost 45 minutes waiting for other people. Everyone finally showed up at the end, and the program went incredibly well. The talks, the special musical number, everything went perfectly--and then the baptism. The room was jam packed full of people and it was amazing. As he did the baptism and as I walked to meet them in the bathroom afterwards, the Spirit was so strong that it was almost a tangible force within me, as if a grasp of the air would have allowed me to touch it. Rarely before have I felt it so strongly. I said congratulations to him and we ended the meeting, and the people started to file out. It was a perfect baptism--everything went well, the Spirit was amazing, and a son of God entered into a covenant with his Father to take the path that leads to the celestial kingdom. His testimony was amazing--"I want God to take control of my life, and the life of my family." For one moment, here on this earth, we had achieved perfection. It was the most spiritual experience that I have had on my mission and one that will be impossible to forget. 

Henry Hudson Webb, Swiss – German, October 17, 1928 – February 11, 1931

Elder Webb (on the left)

Elder Webb

(Pictures and journal entries are all taken from The Mission Journals of Henry Hudson Webb October 17, 1928 to February 11, 1931, transcribed and translated by his great-granddaughter Dani Tew (Germany, Munich-Austria Mission 2003-2004), published by Blurb.)

February 19, 1929 – Saw opera "Veline."  Wonderful scenery but very ordinary singers.  Having trouble with myself about tracting but I am resolved that I am going to like to tract before my Mission is completed.  Poor month. 

July 30, 1930 – Just received a letter from Mother enclosing $10 for my birthday.  The love of a mother is the nearest to that of God on this earth.  Received a package from Mother containing cake, nuts, dates and candy.  The three Brethren have just left – Bro. Tate to Hannover, Bro. Nordquist to Bremen and Bro. Mathis to Zurich.  Went to sleep this afternoon and missed the train, however Bro Menssen came here.  Three were baptized.  A crowd of perhaps 50 to 60 curious on-lookers witnessed the ordinance.  Beautiful evening.  The lights on the other shore of the Rhein and of the boars were reflected in the water.  A half moon in the heavens.

November 6, 1930 – Today was the Cologne District Conference.  It was very successful.  The total present was 750.  A fine spirit was felt.  In the evening meeting the lecturer Brauer spoke about us.  He had visited us and he praised us the city, the architecture very much.  A nice impression for the friends.  President Tadje was very excited about the entire conference.  Spoke with the same students.  Funny.  People want to hear something very secretive very deep regarding religion and our simple explanations often disappoint them.

Thomas Ray Burt, British Isles Mission, April 1905 - July 1907 

Elder Burt, in the Missionary Department Registers 1860-1959
(Vol. C, pg 214, entry #169) (LeGrand Richards is #177)

Registry, page 2

 

Elder Burt

Belfast Conference - British Isles Mission 1905
Elder Burt, back row, far left
Pres. Grant, middle row, third from left

The following is from Heber J. Grant's European Mission, 1903-1906, pp. 266-267, originally published in Journal of Mormon History 14 (1988): 16-33:

The new mission president refused to stand on ceremony or allow his age or high office to distance him from his subordinates.  Perhaps as a result, a bond quickly grew between the impressionable missionaries and their leader.  New elders usually first met him at the Holly Road meeting room, where one recalled that his instructions were "brief, inspiring, loveable, and full of the spirit of  the Lord."  Rather than exhortation or pulpit pounding, Grant's style was democratic.  He typically would ask each novice to join in a covenant with him to do their best and serve their mutual God.  During the missionaries' later experience, he was equally open, sharing both the problems of the mission and details of his own personal or business life.  Much of his talk to missionaries was fatherly counsel…  "We were . . .[told] to avoid wine and women like we would the gates of hell," recalled future General Authority LeGrand Richards. 

Charles Cottrell, Jr., Great Britain, June 1890 – May 1892

1891 Doncaster Census showing Elder Cottrell as a Boarder at
91 Nelson Street, occupation: Latter-Day Saint Elder - Preacher

Charles Cottrell, Jr.

(The journal entries are from a journal that Charles Cottrell Jr. left.  Handwritten in small (maybe 4"x8") black books.  Marilyn Taylor (Mom's cousin) had it in her possession and had made copies of all the pages.  Mom had a copy of part of the journal and I was able to obtain the rest and finish the transcription that Marilyn had started.  It was a wonderful experience for me.  I loved it when he often spoke of writing very long (one a 16-page) letters to "M" (his future wife).)

July 23, 1890 – Today we commenced a labor that was entirely new to me.  The new labor was distributing tracts.  Bro. Lovett and I distributed 300.  I was not long in finding out we were objects of curiosity to many people.  We took tea with Brother Tyas.  After tea we went with him to his garden.  From here he sent is home laden with a basket of vegetables. 

November 1, 1890 – The forepart was spent about the usual way.  Mr.  Wright and I spent the afternoon putting the finishing touches in the room.  In the evening I went and spent the evening playing chickens with him.  Our game was attended with rather disastrous results.  Mrs.  Wright went into the town and left us in charge of the oven in which was a fake, but we became so absorbed in our game the cake was not even thought of.  The result was it was burned to a crisp.  The discovery was soon made when the good lady returned.  It took all my pleading powers to gain forgiveness and after humiliating ourselves to the fullest extent we were pardoned.  After supper I returned to 91.

October 11, 1891 – Was spent in attending to our sacred duties.  This being my last Sunday in Doncaster I had several invitations to tea.  I accepted one to take tea at Mr. Wright's.  We had a very nice tea after which we all went to meeting.  It had been announced I would deliver my farewell address that night, by Brother Kirkham in the afternoon, consequently the room was crowded. After opening exercises Bro. Kirkham arose and stated I would address the meeting which I did for one hour.  After meeting we again went to Wrights took supper and returned home about 11:00.  

FOOD TRADITIONS

I love food that I love.  Even thinking about it  – good ol' comfort food that I'm familiar with.  Rarely does a new recipe taste as good as a tried and true, many-times-cooked dish.  And it's fun to think about where they started.  Sundays growing up – roast and gravy and potatoes - don't forget the peas.  I'd love for someone now to cut up a banana and place the slices on a piece of iceberg lettuce, especially on a hot summer's day, just like Mom did.  Meatloaf and baked potatoes?  I cringed when Mom said that's what we were having for dinner, but not anymore.  A "Burt"-sized piece of chocolate cake.  The days following Thanksgiving with turkey smothered in cranberry sauce on a roll sprinkled with salt.

It's fun to think about where some of these most familiar and looked-forward-to foods came from.  

FUDGE

Mom remembers that at the "cousins' parties," if her Aunt Wynona (Grandma Webb's sister-in-law) was there, so was the fudge. 

Wynona, Grandma Cottrell, Mickie, Maida, (the Aunts)
Maida Jean (Mom) (being held), Marilyn, Bobbie, Colleen (cousins)

Great-Aunt Wynona Cottrell

Then, through Mom, we became the recipient of chocolate heaven.  Now, happily for us, Patti is the designated fudge maker.   

Patti's well-used fudge recipe

APPLESAUCE COOKIES

Along with carrot cookies and orange frosting, I remember having applesauce cookies.  So when I got married, I started making applesauce cookies and have never stopped. When the kids came along, I doubled the batch.  I'm now having to force myself to make just a single batch for me and Scott, we don't need over 60 cookies at one time; we want them, but we don't need them.  I wish I knew how many thousands of applesauce cookies I have made over the years...

Mom said she got the recipe from our across-the-street neighbor Donna Meadows.  THANK YOU, DONNA!  When Scott and I moved back into the home on Antimony in 1985, Donna and Lee became good friends, and through all those years of living there, I probably didn't realize that is where the recipe came from to thank her for it.  

APPLESAUCE COOKIES

1/2 c shortening
1 cup sugar
1 egg
1 cup applesauce
3 cups flour
1 t cloves
1 t cinnamon
1-1/2 t baking soda
1 t vanilla
1/4 t salt
chocolate chips (1/2 package)
Cream shortening and sugar.  Add egg and vanilla.  Sift all dry ingredients.  Add alternately with applesauce. Add chocolate chips.  Bake at 350 for 12-15 minutes.  Makes about 30 cookies.

Applesauce Cookies

MANICOTTI

Around 1995, we had a ward Relief Society social.  Cleo Ricks (Karen Travis' mother) brought a manicotti dish and I got her recipe.  I started making it and it has become a favorite of mine and the kids, and now even Addy!  

Karen Travis holding Brock, 1991
(For all of the time we all spent with the Travis' I could find
very few pictures. I loved this one.)

MANICOTTI

1 large carton cottage cheese

8 oz mozzarella, grated

2 eggs

parsley flakes, salt pepper

Mix ingredients.  With narrow spoon, fill uncooked manicotti shells.  Place in 9x13 pan with space between shells.  Mix 1 cup water with 32 oz. jar spaghetti sauce, pour over shells covering completely. Bake, covered tightly with foil, at 375 for 45-60 minutes. 

Do you know where your favorite foods come from?

Mountain Sheep - Part II

Deseret News, Tuesday, May 9, 1900

Jury Quickly Finds Man Not Guilty of Attempt to Kill

            Testimony in the Olsen case was concluded this morning in the United States Court and was submitted to the jury this afternoon. 

            The first witness called for the defense this morning was Mexican Pete, who testified that the Indian provoked the quarrel; that before Olsen had said a word, Mountain Sheep had called him a son of a b---.  The witness was asked if he understood English, and he answered that he understood a few words and that “son of a b—“ was the first English he had learned.

The Daily Tribune, Salt Lake City,  Utah, Wednesday May 9, 1900

            Charles Carter testified that he had employed Olsen, and knew him to possess a good character, and that the Indian Mountain Sheep sustained a very bad reputation. 

            Harry Grey – a boy who had herded sheep along with Olsen, testified that Mountain Sheep had threatened him, and that he had heard of general threats made by Mountain Sheep against all the sheepherders, and he had communicated them to Olsen.

            Mr. Bryan had known Olsen about seven years, and had known him to sustain a good reputation.

            The prosecution, by way of rebuttal, recalled Mountain Sheep, who denied having called Olsen a son of a b--.

            Major Myton the Indian agent, was also recalled, who testified that Mountain Sheep was generally recognized at the agency as a good Indian; that an agreement had been entered into between the agent and the sheepherders that the latter were not to pasture their sheep around the water that the Indians used for household purposes.  The witness also stated that he would take the testimony of the Indians before that of most white men from that country.

            Henry Harris, the interpreter, had known Mountain Sheep since 1888, and he had known him to be a peaceful and honest man.

            Captain Guilfoyle was recalled, and testified that in a conversation with the Mexican, soon after the latter’s arrival at the post hospital, the Mexican stated that Olsen had been the aggressor in the trouble with the Indian, having struck the latter with a tent pole immediately after dismounting from his horse.  The witness admitted, however, that he elicited the story from the Mexican with great difficulty the latter being under the influence of opiates to relieve him from the pain he was in from his shattered arm.

            The prosecution then rested, and Assistant Attorney Cherrington opened the argument for the prosecution.  He was followed by Judge Burton, District Attorney Whittemore and Attorney S.A. King made their arguments in the afternoon, and the case was then given to in the hands of the jury.

OLSEN ACQUITTED

            Then Later – The jury came into court shortly before 4 o’clock, after three-quarters of an hour’s deliberation, returning a verdict of not guilty, Olsen’s discharged was immediately ordered.

James Olsen

MOUNTAIN SHEEP - Part I

This is a story of Scott’s great-grandmother Annie Martha Olsen Andersen’s brother James Martin Olsen.  It was given to me, along with the pictures of James, by RoJean Rowley, mayor of Duchesne, who is a descendant of James Martin Olsen.

Partial Family Tree of Doris - showing relation to James Martin Olsen

 Salt Lake Herald, January 7, 1900

Olsen Shot an Indian

            Olsen is the man who shot Mountain Sheep, the Utah Indian, November 5, on the Uintah reservation.  As the Indian was too tough to die Olsen was saved from the charge of murder.  As it is he is now held for assault with intent to murder.

Janet Suddreth, Scott’s aunt, remembers being told that while being transported to the trial, James Olsen was hid in a barrel of mail on the postal wagon making its way to Price, Utah.  He feared for his life from the Indians who were on the lookout for him.

James Martin Olsen b. 24 Jan 1877, Spring City, Sanpete County, Utah

Deseret Evening News, May 8, 1900:

JAMES OLSEN ON TRIAL

Charged with Shooting “Mountain Sheep,” a Ute Indian

Claim of Self Defense

            The trial of James Olsen for an assault with a deadly weapon upon the Indian, Mountain Sheep, was begun in the United States Court this morning.  Considerable time was consumed in impaneling the following jury:  Charles Tulgen, A.H. Adkinson, Spencer Clawson, Joseph Morrell, W.O. Creer, J.K. Gillespie, Charles W. Symons, Cyrue Page, Daniel L. Lee, Walter J. Burton, John R. Twelves, Jeremiah Willey.

Deseret Evening News, Tuesday, May 8, 1900

            Assistant District Attorney Cherrington stated the case to the jury, for the prosecution setting forth that on the 8^th of November 1899, the defendant assaulted Mountain Sheep with a pistol.  The alleged facts being that Olsen, who was in charge of a herd of sheep, pitched his camp near a spring of water on the premises occupied by Mountain Sheep, and that the latter used the water from that spring for drinking and other household purposes, and that Olsen’s sheep were befouling the water.  Mountain Sheep rode up to where Olsen and a Mexican who was herding sheep for Olsen were camping and asked them to move below his house, that the water might not be contaminated.  Olsen positively refused to move.  Mountain Sheep said Olsen would have to move, and a quarrel arose.  Olsen picked up a tent pole and struck at the Indian but his horse, which shied, and threw the latter to the ground.  The Indian then advanced towards Olsen, telling him at the same time that he must move away from the spring.  Olsen then took his revolver out and fired at the Indian, the ball taking effect in the cheek.  Mountain Sheep then seized an ax that was lying on the ground and made for Olsen, when the latter fired again striking the Indian in the right breast, who then fell to the ground.  The Mexican in the meantime had tried to suppress the quarrel.  While lying on the ground the Indian crawled to the pistol, that Olsen had dropped in the scuffle with the Mexican and fired at Olsen, but the ball struck the Mexican in the wrist, whereupon Olsen rushed upon the Indian with a tent pole and dealt him three blows over the head. 

            Attorney S.A. King then made the statement of the case for the defense, on which he associated with Burton.  King stated that Olsen was a resident of Emery County, but had lived in Uintah County, where he was employed by Mr. Reeder as foreman over his sheep: that he had a permit to take the sheep on the reservation and was moving them there when the controversy arose with the Indian.

            Olsen pitched his camp, maintained Mr. King, at least four miles from the home of Mountain Sheep, when one day the latter came up to the camp where Olsen and the Mexican were, and began cursing and ordered Olsen off the premises.  Olsen refused to go, and the Indian struck at him with a whip and endeavored to make his horse charge over Olsen, and the latter took up a tent pole and prodded the horse to keep him from pawing him down.  Mountain Sheep then dismounted and advanced toward Olsen, who moved away, at the same time asking the Indian to quiet down, as he did not care to have any trouble.  The Indian picked up an ax and made for Olsen, who then shot his assailant in the cheek.  The Indian then knocked the pistol out of Olsen’s hand with the ax.  And Olsen grabbed a tent pole and struck Mountain Sheep over the head several times.  The Indian fell to the ground, and, seeing the pistol lying a few feet away, crawled to it and fired at Olsen, but struck the Mexican in the arm.  The Indian was again on his feet when Olsen knocked him down with the pole, and put the pistol in his pocket.

            Mountain Sheep was the first witness called, whose testimony was taken through Mr. Harris, a half-breed, and one of the most intelligent and reliable interpreters in the country.  A ripple of laughter went over the courtroom when the Indian, on having Olsen placed before him, said that he had never seen him, and that he had never had a quarrel with any man.  A discouraged look spread over the faces of the two district attorneys, but a bright idea struck one of them, and he asked the Indian if he had a wound.  The Indian then bared his breast and disclosed a scar, and finally, by permitting him to go at it, in his own way, he told his story, which was practically the same as the statement made by Attorney Cherrington.

            The old Indian is being examined by the defense this afternoon.  The case will probably be closed today.  

            And many thanks to our sponsor …

Deseret Evening News, May 8, 1900

To be continued ...

COMING SOON!