STORY OF THE JOURNEY OF JAMES STEVENSON AND FAMILY
FROM ENGLAND ACROSS THE ATLANTIC OCEAN
TO AMERICA, AND THEIR TRIP ACROSS THE PLAINS
TO UTAH IN 1855

Where was Thou, when I laid the foundations of the earth - - - When the morning stars sang together and all the sons of God shouted for joy?"

All the sons and daughters of God were there receiving training and passing thru experiences which would fit and prepare them for promotion into this earthly school. We, each, learned what our Father's plans were and we made an effort to prepare ourselves to carry out those plans. As we learned and progressed through our own choice and efforts, we classified ourselves as did all the hosts in heaven.

"And unto one He gave five talents, to another two, and to another one, to every one according to his own ability." Those who made wise choice and worthy effort progressed farther than others and added to their ability, their talents, their power to do and serve. "And they who kept their first estate shall be added upon, and they who keep their second estate shall have glory added upon their heads for ever and ever."

Finally we had all classified ourselves and were ready for promotion to earth life, and each was allotted our time and place. Certainly the talents we developed there were sent with us when we came here, and also our power to choose and discern, and our reward was - - - the kind of parents we were sent to. We who had striven honorably and nobly were given honorable, noble parents here, and allowed to enter the grade or class of associates we had chosen there.

The fact that our parents were honorable here is a proof to us that we were honorable there. It shows to us how imperative it is for us to be even more honorable here; that we keep our second estate and prove to our Father in Heaven that we are worthy of and equal to His trust - - - and that we must uphold the honor of our parents and their lineage and pass it on to others.

One hundred forty-five years ago our common ancestor was given the great privilege of mortality - - - of coming to earth to fill a mission - - - of learning what earthlife means, and learning the lessons taught here - - - of having the privilege of growing and progressing - - - of learning to use a mortal body and train it in the ways of eternal progression. He came willingly and gladly, yet with a strange feeling of awe and uncertainty lest he should fail in this supreme test. He had kept his first estate, let us see if he kept his second estate and was worth to "have glory added upon his head forever and forever."

James Stevenson, a tailor by trade, was born 26 July 1811 in Loughborough, Leicester County, England, son of John Stephenson (Stevenson) and Esther Dexter. His wife Martha Charles was born 29 January 1815 at Normanton, Nottingham County, England, daughter of John Charles and Martha Forman who were genteel stock and very proud. James and Martha were married in the Loughborough Parish Church (15 June 1834). By so doing she incurred the displeasure and ill will of her family who considered themselves too well bred to marry tradespeople. Martha did disgrace herself and family by marrying one so much beneath her station in life. But she was a high spirited, self-witted girl and felt that she was justified in what she had done.

In 1849 while she and James were living in Leicester, England, her people were again humiliated to learn that Martha and James had joined that low unpopular sect, the Mormons; and that their two oldest children, Sarah Ann and John Charles had also joined them the year before. From that time on their home was always open to Elders and they were always made welcome. James was a first class tailor and his family was well provided for.

Early in 1855 the family prepared to make their voyage to Zion, at this time their family consisted of Sarah Ann - 19, John Charles - 15, Lucy - 11, Agnes - 10, Emma Jane - 8, Esther - 7.

The story of their voyage was thus told by Albert Collard, a boy passenger:

"On February 27, 1855 we set sail for Philadelphia in the sailing vessel Martha Cedens, having on board 430 Latter-Day-Saint emigrants under the Presidency of John S. Fullmer. The ship had crossed the ocean 27 times and was so old and rickety the Captain refused to sail with her anymore after this voyage.

The ship sprang a leak many times on the voyage which kept the carpenter busy most of the time. They had many bad storms and terrible winds all the way over. One happened about a week after they left Liverpool. It began about 8 o'clock after most of the passengers had gone to bed. All others were ordered below and the hatch closed down. The storm lasted until morning. The scene of terror and confusion is indescribable. Men prayed in fear and dread, women and children screamed in terror, while loose dishes and untied luggage clattered together as they slid from side to side of the ship as she lurched and tossed from trough to crest of the foaming, scathing waves.

But then the next day was clear and beautiful and the sun shone bright and warm. All passengers were ordered on deck. "We arranged ourselves in family groups, leaving a passageway for sailors to pass from one deck to another. As we sat on the floor of the upper deck, the sun shining in all its splendor on all our wet clothes, the sea smooth as glass, we all rejoiced in the goodness of the Lord by singing his praises.

While we were thus praising the Lord, the Captain came out of his cabin at the rear of the ship. Standing looking over the body of Saints as they breathlessly sat with all eyes turned upon him, he said, "My good people, you must worship a God who thinks a great deal of you or you all would have been at the bottom of the sea this morning."

"The ship dipped water all night, and the sailors stood knee deep in water pumping for their lives, while the old ship went with the storm."

As it was winter, and the sea very rough at all times, it was seldom the people were allowed on deck because the great waves would dash over. Several times the top sails blew off into the ocean and the sailors had to cut the ropes and let them go.

There was a great deal of seasickness, especially among the women folk, and many were in their beds all the way across. There was also other sickness and two deaths occurred. Before each death we could see sharks following in our wake. After the death or burial, the sharks would leave the vessel and not appear again until just before the next one. The dead were buried by sewing them up in a blanket (or burlap), if their family could not afford a blanket. Tying a weight to their feet and sliding adults down a board, feat first into the sea. Babes were wrapped the same, and thrown into the sea by the second mate. At one time there were great whales following us for several days.

There were very few pleasures on ship board, but when the weather was warm and the sea calm, the Captain allowed the children on deck, and he would help them turn the rope while they played jump the rope.

The Saints held meetings in which they sang the songs of Zion, bore their testimonies and rejoiced everyday in the gospel and in the fact that they were one day nearer the "Land of Zion." It seemed they all prayed for good weather, and when the Lord favored them they were truly thankful and would get out in the sunshine and watch the sailors work to get the old ship along.

The ship was a double decker, with five masts as well as other arms for sails. The cook shop was in the center of the lower deck where our food was cooked by a man named William B. Seaton. William M. Season was the steward or officer to distribute the provisions. The Captain's cabin was in the back of the ship with the first mate's, second mates's and the sailors' cabins in front. There were a few second class cabins in the back, under the tip deck. Down under this deck and the cabins was one large room they called the steerage, where the Mormons lived. Around this room was two rows of bunks - one above the other - for sleeping. Along each side were pillars, or posts to which our luggage was tied for our use on the voyage. Cooking pans (all tin) were stored in empty bunks or corners of the room, and when the old ship rolled and tossed (and she never forgot to) the pans went scooting over the room. Sometimes she would rock so badly the passengers would be thrown from their bunks and went rolling over the floor. During the worst storms they were tied in their beds.

"Happy the day when we landed in Philadelphia, 23 April 1855, and knew that we had a solid foundation." We could now inform our relatives and friends that we were alive and safe - - for we had been driven so far out of our course that we had not been seen by any vessel going either way, and had been given up for lost on both sides of the Atlantic.

IN ZION OR AMERICA

After their arrival in Philadelphia the family located there and James continued his tailoring, and Martha took pleasure and satisfaction in keeping an open house for the apostles and missionaries who passed thru that city going to and from their missions. Elder Parley P. Pratt, an apostle, called to see them one night after dark. He told them a mob was after him and discussed troubles with them, then said he must hurry on for fear the mob would overtake him. As he shook hands with Martha she asked him, "Brother Parley, when will you come to see us again?" Shaking his finger at her he replied, "Sister Stevenson, in the millennium." That was his last visit. Soon after the news came that the mob had murdered him.

The family remained in Philadelphia from 23 April 1855 until the summer of 1857, when they prepared to cross the plains in Captain Hoffine's company. James had wanted to come with one of the handcart companies but Martha said no, there was no hurry, and she didn't want to leave her home to bleach on the plains.

We traveled about 2 miles an hour in a long train of wagons, starting usually long before the sun had risen. Our oxen were thin and hollow from scarce food and scant water. As the long rolling to and fro in the August heat and dust, we saw in the clear distance faint promise of a stream of water, outlined against the blue by a thin line of trees and bushes. But is was surely water, and a cry of joy rang out and each one passed the cry along until the hindmost ones had received the cheering news. A thrill of hope and joy ran thru each heart and eye in the dusty train. Even the weary oxen seemed to sense the thrill and quickened their lagging steps. On reaching the scrubby trees many sprang toward the stream with cups eager to offer others a drink. The oxen drank long and thirstily, and ere all thirsts were satisfied many minutes were consumed. A hurried search gave no promise of wild berries, and the hunters reported few signs of wild animals. All those not busy had thrown themselves down on the grassy bank for a short rest in the cooling shade. The returning scouts reported no other stream for miles ahead. Night was falling softly over the plain, so the captain ordered the train to pitch camp. Wagons were arranged in a circle with the tongue of each resting on the back of the one if front to form a corral in which to secure the cattle and oxen from marauding Indians and straying away. Bonfires were started on which to prepare the evening meal. After supper was over, the evening tasks finished, and everything prepared to ensure an early start next morning, cheering and encouraging one another, the parents sat in small groups relating passed experiences, and telling of the goodness of God to them. Children romped and played at will, too young to realize the hardships of the weary trek. Young boys and girls wandered about leisurely or chatted and joked together. At the usual time we were all called together for a short evening service, singing, prayer of Thanksgiving for the day's progress and blessings and a plea for future necessities. Some bore testimonies of special blessings from God. Finally all joined in there favorite song which meant so much to the wary, worn-out, or disheartened travelers:

On thru each verse with earnest childlike faith and sincerity; and each soul experiencing emotions suited to its own peculiar needs and faith. Then came the fervent and solemn benediction that seemed to bring to each weary soul, the thing it most needed to carry on; Faith, hope, determination, encouragement, charity, healing - - - one to each, or all to one; as each one craved or needed. After which, all retired to their own wagon and soon the camp was silent as the prairie and all were asleep except the faithful guards, who protected them and the lines of corral thru watches of the night.

Just before peep of day the camp was astir preparing a hurried breakfast, watering animals and yoking oxen, arranging bedding and dishes and such minor preparations for the day's journey. Everything done in system and order.

After breakfast, at the given signal, each wagon moved into line in its proper place; for a very high state of discipline and strict order of march was maintained. Every 10 of our wagons was under the care of a captain. This captain of 10 obeyed a captain of 50; who in turn, obeyed his captain of 100. All these were responsible and determined men, approved of by the people for their courage, discretion, and experience.

One day, while the company was camped for noon, we saw an immense cloud of dust moving across the prairie toward our camp. As it came nearer we heard a roar or rumble similar to a continuous thunder. Then, to our horror we came to realize that it was a great herd of buffalo stampeding right toward us. Stunned with fear and terror the women held their breath and silently called on God for help and protection; men jumped to secure the cattle and oxen to prevent their joining the herd while all waited breathlessly for the outcome. Just before the great bellowing herd reached the camp, for some unseen reason, it turned and passed us by unharmed, and each benumbed heart breathed a prayer to God for our miraculous deliverance.

One night, after the train had made camp, a band of Indians rode up. They tried to barter for food and those things which were most precious to those desert marchers. When they failed in this attempt, they became angry and tried to stampede our cattle and oxen by circling the camp and screaming their terrible war cries. For days we watched in fear lest they should return; and the captain doubled the night watch and put all the cattle inside the circle. He had long before trained the company in closing up to meet an attack and also the skillful securing of the cattle upon the halt. But we saw no more of the Indians. The perfect organization and order of march was substantial protection to Mormon emigrants which other less compact companies did not have.

One other difficulty we had to meet was fording the larger streams where there were no ferries. Always there was danger of quicksand. All who were able had to wade across and many times we came out of almost ice cold water with our clothes wet to the neck and had to walk on while the sun dried them. It was a terrible experience for those who were delicate, and many times some were almost overcome in the stream. One day, my sister, Lucy, fainted in the stream and was nearly drowned. After that the captain was a great deal more considerate of the women and children.

We passed part of Johnston's Army on its way to Utah which caused great anxiety among the Saints, not knowing what kind of treatment to expect from them. They did not molest us, however, and the first part of September we were relieved and overjoyed to meet Colonel Robert T. Burton with a small company of cavalry from Salt Lake City sent out by Governor Brigham Young to protect the emigrant trains then on the way to the valley and make observations respecting the number and equipment of the army.