A SHORT SKETCH

of the

I now give

IN PAMPHLET FORM

As it is my intent from this to bring them to a more perfect understanding, by a geneological-historical act of those two noble families of patriot blood, of whom I am a true representative: and in and through them have descended the acts of nobility in character and deeds, that should not be forgotten by the coming generation of man.

I have of my own free will and by the aid of my friends endeavored to bring to light the almost hidden treasures of true patriotic sentiment that prompted my ancestors to action in religious views for freedom of thought and belief, to worship God according to the dictates of their own consciences, and all mankind having been by birth endowed thus, is why they fled from their native homes (England) and sought America, hoping to find an asylum to shelter them in these their thoughts and conscientious views. These two honorable families, of whom I wish to represent in my unlearned condition, are those of John Hancock, President of the Continental Congress in 1776, and his ancestors and family progenitors from 1640 to the present date, and of their patriot credits.

Samuel Adams, from the year 1296 to the present date, with their true sentiment, deeds and integrity in their lives carried.

Those two men,Thomas Guage, royal governor of Mass., and commander in chief of his majesties powers in those parts, issued his proclamation, offering pardon to all rebels, if they would return to their allegiances, excepting Samuel Adams and John Hancock. These two recreants, Gov. Guage discribes as men whose offences are of too flagratious a nature to admit of any other consideration, than that of condign punishment.

These two families as they were in sentiment in 1776 with their lives, their fortunes and their sacred honors pledged together, have remained in marriage vows, and sacred ties of unity, maintaining the same patriotic principals of honor to God, their countries laws, and fellowmen to this day, and have been frontiersmen in opening the way and planting the staff of liberty from Boston Bay to the Bay of California, San Francisco, Puget Sound and in fact every state and territory on the American soil.

Chapter 2nd of Hancocks history:-John Hancock, born Braintree, Mass., 1671, graduated at Harvard College, 1689, settled in Lexington; his wife is Mrs. Elizabeth Clark, daughter of Reverend Thomas Clark and Mary his wife, of Chelmsford. Mr. Clark was born in Boston, 1652, graduated at Harvard College, 1670, settled in Chelmsford 1677, died December 7th, 1704. His wife Mary died December 2nd, 1700, and Mr. Clark married Mrs. Elizabeth Whiting Billerica.

Mr. Hancock resided in that part of the town called Boston now, for in the church records kept by the Reverend Mr. Hancock, we find this entry. Oct. 16th, 1698, I was received into full fellowship and communion with the Church of Christ in this place (Lexington) by virtue of a letter of dismission from the Church of Christ mentioned. He was ordained at Lexington, Nov. 2nd, 1698, he died Dec. 5th, 1762 in the 81st year of his age, and in the 55th year of his ministry, his wife, February 13th, 1760. I have had occasion to speak of Bishop Hancock, as he was familiarly called, in all the relations of life and have done it, saw fully that it is entirely unnecessary to add any thing more in this place. His remains rest in a tomb in Lexington, with those of his wife and son Ebenezer, together with those of his successors, Reverend John Clark and his family.

John Hancock, son of John, born June 1st, 1702, be married Mrs. Mary H. Thaxter.

Thomas, born July 13th, 1703, married Mrs.. Lydia Henchman.

Elizabeth, born Febuary 5th, 1705, married reverend Jonathan Bowman of Dorchester. She was baptised the day of her birth.

Ebenezer, born December 7th 1710, and was graduated at Harvard College in 1728, was settled a collegian with his father Jan. 2nd, 1734, and died Jan 28th, 1740, without issue. He was highly esteemed by the people of the parish.

Lucy, born April 20th, 1713, married the Reverend Nicholas Bowes.

It is a singular fact that Lucy Hancock, the daughter of a clergyman, married a clergyman, and his daughter Lucy, became the wife of a clergyman, Reverend Jonas Clark, of Lexington, and that from them clergyman have proceeded as streams from a pure fountain. Samuel Hancock married Dorothy. He probably came to Lexington about the time of his brothers settlement there, as his son John was baptized here in Sept. 1699, he was admitted to the Church of Christ in Lexington, April 10th, 1715, and died in Cambridge, March 18th, 1776, aged 77 years.

Mary, born April 19th, 1702, married James Thompson.

Solomon, baptised June 18th, 1704; Samuel baptised July 21, 1706, died June 14th, 1716; Hannah, baptised Febuary 27th, 1709; Sarah, baptised Febuary 17th, 1721.

John Hancock, graduated at Harvard College 1719, and was ordained at Braintree, Nov. 2, 1728, and died May 7th, 1744. His wife was Mary H., widow of Samuel Thaxter of Braintree, he was a divine of more than ordinary ability, and though he died young had arisen to distinction in his profession, and soon gave weight to the character and celebrity of the name.

John, born January 23d, 1737, married Dorothy Quincy; son of John and Mary H. Thaxter Hancock.

Ebenezer, born Nov. 26th, 1741, and married Eliza Powell.

Mary, born ..... .. .. ..... married Richard Perkins and died 1779.

Thomas W., married Lydia Henchman, he was a merchant in Boston, Mass. was eminently successful and accumulated a fortune. He died 1764 without issue and gave the great mass of his property to John, his nephew, a son of his brother John of Braintree, Mass. He built a house in Lexington, for his honored father about 1735, which afterward became the property residence of James Clark, his fathers successors. The house is now standing and is reserved for its age and associations.

John Hancock, married at Fairfield, Conn. Sept. 4th, 1775, Dorothy Quincy, daughter of Edmund Quincy of Boston. The relation which John Hancock, sustained to the town of Lexington, the birth place of his father and the residence of some of his near relations and esteemed friends, the place where he had spent some seven years of his boyhood, and where he was boarding temporarily at the opening of the revolutionary drama will justify us in going a little beyond our ordinary course, and noticing somewhat in detail of charachter and services of this revolutionary patriot. John Hancock, was left an orphan by the death of his father, when he was but 7 years of age. Hi education was entrusted to the care of his relations, and he spent the greatest portion of his boyhood with his grandfather in Lexington. He was graduated at Harvard College in 1754. He entered the store or counting room of his Uncle Thomas, as a clerk where he acquired a knowledge of business, and learned the importance of commerce to the colony. He made such proficiency in business, that in 1760 he was sent abroad to look after the affairs of the house, and was in England, and present at the funeral of George the II, and at the corination of George the III, pageants not uncongenial to his taste.

Soon after his return to this country, and about the time that the oppressions following of the British ministry began to develop itself, he came in possession of the princely fortune left him by his uncle Thomas. It is well known that great efforts were made by the Royalists to engage him on the side of the mother country; standing, as he did, almost at the head of the merchants of Boston, it was a great object to enlist him in the royal cause.

The safety of his large property, the flattering affairs of promotion and place in high rank, would naturally have their influences on a young man of Hancock's taste and temperment, coming at once into possession of such an estate, and it was at one time supposed that he was inclined to join the royal party. But happily for him and for America, there were other influences which were brought to bear upon him. That stern and inflexible patriot, Samuel Adams, who in a manner held the fortune of the colony in his hand, contributed in no small degree to the wise choice which Hancock made. There was another influence, more silent, but more contracting, which contributed to the formation of his character.

Reverend James Clark, of Lexington, his old college acquaintance, had married a cousin of Hancock's (Lucy Hancock), Mr. Clark was then residing in the house erected by Thomas Hancock of Boston, for a residence of his venerable father. In this mansion young Hancock had spent a portion of his early life, in these circumstances would naturally draw him to Lexington, and it is well known that there was a feeling between him and Mr. Clark, whose devotion to the interest of the colony was well know and acknowledged.

The dignity of character, the urbanity of manners and the commanding talents of a patriotic priest, must have impressed the mind of the pliant and generous young merchant, and those who know the character and talents and patriotic delineations to the cause of liberty by Mr. Clark, will not doubt that his influence upon his nephew must have been great and controlling, and all in the right direction. Under such influences John Hancock chose the better part and devoted himself and his all to his country. Having made his choice, no man in the community was more decided and no man had more at stake.

With his large property in the town of Boston at the mercy of the enemy, he declared himself perfectly willing, if it was thought best for the public good, to lay his property in ashes. At a caucus meeting of the north end of Boston, an association of patriots of which he was a member, the question arose, which is the best method of expelling the British regulars from Boston it being under discussion. He exclaimed: Burn Boston, and make John Hancock a beggar if the public good require it! In a letter to him by George Washington, dated Dec. 22, 1775, informing him that congress had authorized him (Washington) to attack the British in the town of Boston if he thought it expedient, Hancock employs this patriotic language: I heartily wish it, though personally I may be the greatest sufferer.

No one can doubt the patriotism of John Hancock. He came in dread contact with royal authority and was ever found true and reliable. The manner in which he was treated by the crown officers shows that they regarded him hopelessly lost to their cause. He was selected a representative from Boston, and also a member of their council, but was rejected and spurned by the Royals prerogatives (the Crown). In 1767 Governor Bernard sent him a leiutenants commission; he tore it in pieces in presence of the citizens. He was captain of the cadets, the cadenogo body guard, and was removed by Guage: he also received several personal inducements from the British troops stationed at Boston before the breaking out of hostilities to join with them. In 1780, John Hancock was elected a member of the convention which framed the State Constitution, and was the first Governor of Massachusetts, after its first adoption, to which office he was several times re-elected. Eleven years as a man and a public servant, he was noted for his benevolence and hospitality, spending his money freely to entertain distinguished guests or to relieve the distresses of the poor and unfortunate. Governor Hancock was elected delegate to the state convention, on the adoption of the Federal Constitution, and was made president of that body for a time. It was exceedingly doubtful whether the constitution would be ratified or rejected.

Hancock favored the scheme of adopting it, and at the same time proposing certain amendments to obviate the objections which had been made to it. This plan was adopted and the constitution was ratified by a small majority, it was thought at the time that without his influences it would have been lost. On taking the question he said. I should have considered it one of the most distinguished misfortunes of my life, to be deprived of giving my aid and support to a system which if amended, as I feel assured it will be according to your proposal, cannot fail to give the people of the united colony a greater degree of political freedom and eventually as much natural dignity as falls to the lot of any nation on earth. The question, now before you is such as no nation on earth without the limits of America, has ever had the privilege of deciding. Thus, are we in a manner indebted to John Hancock for the blessed constitution under which we live and which has fully verified his predictions. The public mind has been somewhat divided in its estimate of the talents of John Hancock and of the importance of his public services in point of ability, he held a highly respectable rank.

His talents were of a popular character, though he had not the far-reaching sagacity of Samuel Adams, or the logical acumen of Joseph Halley or John Adams, or the active, stirring energy of Warren. Yet he filled a place among the patriots of that day which no other man could fill, and exerted an influence highly beneficial to the great cause of freedom, operating in commercial circles, where the motive of interest strongly tended to the royal cause. He may have been vain, but vanity can be pardoned when it comes justly, boasts of making so great a sacrifice for the benefit of coming generations and so forth. The fact that he was compelled with Samuel Adams, in the proclamation of Guage, immediately after the battle of Lexington, and as prescribed as beyond the pale of executive clemency, shows the light in which he was received by the minions of power. In 1774, John Hancock was selected as the orator to deliver the address on the anniversary of Boston massacre, and the bold independent manner in which he spoke of the right of the people, gave great offense to the friends of Parliament. John Adams, who was present, says of this performance, the composition, the pronunciation, the action, all exceeded the expectations of every body. They exceeded even mine very considerable.

In the same year, John Hancock was elected to represent the town of Boston, at a general court, which was called at Salem, and although he (Guage), subsequently to the election, issued a proclamation excusing their attendance, many of the representatives assembled, and after waiting one day they organized themselves into a convention and elected John Hancock chairman, and when the same body resolved themselves into a provincial congress, they organized by choosing John Hancock president and adjourned to concord. During the session measures were adopted, looking directly to open resistance and no one of that band of patriots was more firm and decided than he who presided over their deliberations. He was elected chairman of the committee of safety, and also of the committee to take into consideration the state of the province. The two most important committees. During the same congress he was chosen a delegate to the Continental Congress, which met at Philadelphia May 10th, 1775. Having taken a seat in that august body, he found that his fame had proceeded him, for on the third of the session he was chosen unanimously to succeed Peyton Randolph as president.

He was president of Congress in 1776, and when the Declaration of Independence was first circulated among the members of the body it bore the name of John Hancock alone, as president of the Congress. He being the first to affix his name to an instrument which would have proved a death warrant to the signers if the cause of the colonies had not succeeded, and it is said that the bold and striking clear characters of his signature served to inspire confidence and confirm the doubtful. He resigned his station as president in Oct. 1777, owing to his ill health. He may have been ambitious, but his ambition was of a public character. He desired promotion that he might further a good cause. He sought a place that he might dispense his liberal fortune, and show the hospitalities and even the graces and refinements of life were not of necessities confined to princes, and that those who wore soft raiment are not always in kings houses. Whatever blemishes of character a fastidious criticism may discover in John Hancock, we are satisfied that but few men in this or any other country can point to acts more noble and to sacrifices more disinterested than those which appear in his character, and few men ever gave greater evidence of active devotion to their countries will face, and when we say that in point of talent and influence, he fell below Samuel Adams, we only say of him what would be true to say of any other man of that day. For in reference to talents in the broadest sense of that term, Samuel Adams had no equal. Others may have been more learned or may have excelled him in some particular, but in his knowledge of the science of human government, and of the great principals of national liberty, in his knowledge of men, and the springs of action in the human heart, he certainly had no superior, and when we consider that this knowledge was even under the control of that lofty patriotism, that unconquerable fidelity to principal, that calm and indomitable will for which he was always distinguished, we can truly say of him that he was the founder of civil liberty in Massachusetts, in New England and America. The author of the life of Samuel Adams, has shown that he was second to no man among us, and his memory will be cherished as long as civil liberty has an enlightened devotion.

John Hancock, resided in Boston, in what was then regarded as a princely mansion on Beacon street, fronting upon, and overlooking the commons. The house stood till 1863, when it was taken down. An effort has been made to purchase the property and preserve the mansion for the residence of the successive good of the commonwealth, that they might show their respect for the illustruous patriot who first graced and adorned it, and that his interested patriotism might warm the breast of those who might be called to fill the high office first filled and adorned by John Hancock. Mr. Hancock always cherished a fond recollection of Lexington, as the birth place of his father, the residence of his grandfather, and the place where he spent the playful portion of his life. He also reserved it as the place where he took council of Reverend Jonas Clark, on matters of awful moment and the place where under his own directions the patriot men of Lexington stood firmly before the invaders of their rights. This attachment to Lexington, he manifested by gifts to the church and society. We have said before that John Hancock married Sept. 4th, 1775, Dorothy Quincy of Boston, daughter of Edmund Quincy. He died Oct. 8th, 1793, aged 56 years. She married July 28th, 1796, James Scott, the master of a London packet, formerly in the employ of her first husband. She out lived captain Scott many years and retained her faculties to the last. She was a lady of superior education and accomplishments, and was gifted with wonderful power of conversation. She was one of the first persons sought by Lafeyette when he visited this country in 1824. Those who witnessed this hearty interview speaks of it with admiration. The once youthful chivalry and the unrivaled bell met as if only a summer had passed since they had enjoyed social interview in the perils of the Revolutionary war. She died Feb. 3rd, 1830, aged 83 years.

Their children, Lydia, born and died in Philadelphia in 1776. John George Washington, born 1778 and was killed at Milton, when skating on the ice, Jan. 27th, 1787. Thus the family of John Hancock became extinct.

The parentage of John Hancock, of Springfield, Mass. John Hancock was married Nov. 19th, 1713, to Mrs. Annie Webb. Their childrens names are as follows:

1.-Mary, born Feb. 22nd, 1816 /.

2.-John, born May 26th, 1717.

3.-Annie, born July 14th, 1719.

4.-Abel, born Jan. 19th, 1821 /.

5.-Abner, born Aug 9th, 1722.

6.-Johnathan, born Aug. 4th, 1724.

7.-Mabel, born Feb. 2nd, 1726.

8.-Thomas, born May 10th, 1727, our great grandfather.

9.-Jabez, born July 29th, 1728.

10.William, born Oct. 26th, 1729.

11.-Experience, born Nov. 2nd, 1730.

12.-Daniel, born

13.-Abigail, born Jan. 12th, 1734.

14.-Mercy, born Aug. 25th, 1735.

Mabel, seventh child, married January 12th, 1749, to George Cooley and after his death to Capt. Joseph Ferry, Nov. 27th, 1797 and died Nov. 10th, 1806, in Springfield, Massachusetts.

Abagail, was married October 18th, 1752, to Jabez Cooley.

Mercy, was married Sept. 18th 1771. Annie the mother, died July 6th, 1771.

Abel Hancock, fourth child of John and Annie Webb Hancock, of Springfield, Mass., was married March 13th, 1848 to Ebenezer Parsons. Their children are:

1.-Eunice Hancock, born Oct. 21st, 1749.

2.-Abel Hancock, born Sept 11th, 1751.

3.-Sarah Hancock, born July 23rd, 1755.

Sarah Hancock, third child, daughter of Abel and Eunice Parsons Hancock, married Martin Warriner, Oct. 5th, 1780. Their children are:

1.-Percy Warriner, born May 3rd, 1760.

2.-Naomi Warriner, born Oct. 10th, 1764. Abel their grandfather died Nov. 29th, 1801.

Johnathan Hancock, of Springfield, son of John and Anna Webb Hancock, married to Lucind Thompson, March 1st, 1755. Their children are:

1.-Rayland Hancock, born March 22nd, 1757.

2.-Ruth Hancock, born April 24th, 1759.

3.-Naomi Hancock, born Oct. 14th, 1764.

4.-Lewis Hancock, born May 9th, 1767.

5.-Johnathan Hancock, born July 27th, 1769.

Thomas Hancock, of Longmeadow Mass., son of John and Anna Webb Hancock, was born in Longmeadow, Mass., May 10th, 1727. He was the eighth child, he was married Nov. 16th 1749 to Jemima Wright, daughter of Benjamin and Mary Wright, of Chicapee, Mass. Their children are:

1.-Jemima Hancock, born May 24th, 1750.

2.-Diademia Hancock, born March 2nd, 1755.

3.-Annie Hancock, born Jan. 14th, 1756.

4.-Elijah Hancock, born June 24th, 1758.

5.-Johnathan Hancock, born Feb. 19th, 1761.

6.-Thomas Hancock, born Nov. 21st, 1763, our grandfather.

7.-Sarah Hancock, born June 4th, 1768.

8.-Eunice Hancock, born March 26th, 1772.

Jemima, first child, daughter of Thomas and Jemima Wright Hancock, was married to a man by the name of Johnathan Wright, (Abbott's mother).

Diademia Hancock, was married to a man by the name of Nathaniel Warriner, of Wilburham.

Anne Hancock, died in the Revolutionary war with small pox.

Johnathan Hancock, died at home with inflamatory rheumatics, after serving in the war of the Revolution. Thomas, the father being reduced, was a pauper of the town of Long-meadow for several years, and died March 4th, 1804.

Thomas Hancock, sixth child and remaining son of Thomas and Jemima Wright Hancock, married Amy Ward, daughter of Jacob Ward, of Lexington, Mass. He with his mother Jemima and family removed into the state of New York.

Chapter of Samuel Adams and John Hancock of '76. John Adams, second President of the United States, was born in the town of Braintree, Mass, Oct. 19th, 1735. He was a great grand son of the Henry Adams who emigrated from Great Britain in the year 1640, and founded in America a family made famous by many illustrious deeds and names. Eight sons of the elder Adams' settled around Massachusetts Bay, the grandfather of the president of that part of Braintree, afterwards called Quincy.

Samuel Adams in 1775, Thomas Guage, royal governor of Mass., and commander in chief of his majesties forces in these parts issued his proclamation, offering pardon to all rebels if they would return to their allegiances, excepting Samuel Adams and John Hancock. These two recreants, Governor Guage describes as men whose offences are of too flagracious a nature to admit of any other consideration than that of condine punishment. Here is one of those instances, where in the course of human events the ring-leader in what a human government calls the greatest of crimes, came at length to be regarded as among the chief benefactors of mankind. In this proclamation, however, Governor Guage included two men quite alike in character.

John Hancock was a popular and a showy man, during his long careers in public services and president of the Continental Congress, placed that magnificent signature of his at the head of the Declaration of Independence. His name will not soon be forgotten; both these men were afterwards governors of Mass., Hancock for eleven years and Adams for three, but in strength of intellect, integrity of private and public character in extent of services, Hancock could not bear comparison with Adams. It is one of the curious accidents of human history, that in the early years of the present century, the name Samuel Adams seemed to be in a great measure retired from public observation and former recognition. This fact is due perhaps to the coming forth of other men of his family name who filled such conspicuous positions as for a time, to eclipse this stern old organizer of the Revolution.

John Adams, second cousin of Samuel, was made president of the United States in 1797, and his illustrious son, John Quincy Adams, was elected to the same high office in 1825. Samuel Adams died 1803, Oct 2nd. He was born on Purchase Street Boston, on the 16th of Sept 1722. His father was also Samuel Adams, they were descendants of Henry Adams of Braintree, who came to these shores in early years, bringing with him a large family of eight sons. John Adams was of the fifth generation, these family generations. I have their record back to 1296, they have been honored as royal patriot and patriarchal examples holding office as divines. Family connections in the next history of Cyrus Adams, brother of John, son of Asiel, of Holly, Vermont. Once again has the death knell sounded in our ears, and one who was steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, has gone to an abundant enterance, into that beautiful home where a loving heavenly father, will ever more permit him in eternal youth to dwell with the wife, who so many years ago, bowed to the mandates, passing away.

Cyrus Adams, was born in the county of Holly, State of Vermont, in the year 1801, and died Sept. 13th 1885. When he was 5 years of age he came with his parents to this state, and they settled on the farm now occupied by Adelbert Whiteman, who married Elmira, youngest daughter of the deceased. There he passed the remainder of his childhood and youthful days, an obedient trustworthy son. In course of time he was married to Jane Darrance, but still remained in the father's home which afterwards became his home, and where he for many years kindly and devotedly cared for an insane father and an invalid mother. His wife bore him seven children, five of whom survived him. Two grand children and one adopted daughter, have also been tenderly reared in his home. Uncle Cyrus, as he was familiarly called by old and young, was a man of eccentric habits, but his goodness of heart and deep earnest piety was marked by all who knew him, he did good not because he loved to be seen of men, or because he ever wished to be rewarded.

If there was ever an opportunity to bestow a good gift in such a way that the recipient could only guess who the donor was, that opportunity was his. The needy never came to him in vain, and many a poor man's heart has been made glad and his burden lightened by the promptings of his great and generous heart. It has been my good fortune to be personally acquainted with this venerable man since my childhood, and as I go back in memory and think over the days and nights spent in his home, there comes to memory pleasant recollections of the good old man who has so peacefully and quietly passed away. He was devotedly attached to his family and to his home, and oh! what loved associations cluster themselves around the memory of that home, even now, after all these years of absence from it. The memory of its restful, quiet influence comes to me like a messenger of peace and whispers to me of a home where there was no discordant element, a home where all who come within its hallowed precinct were made so welcome, both by himself and his family, that they could feel that it was their home too, and like unto the home at Shunen, the weary passer by might ever turn in thither and eat bread, and there was always the little chamber where he might rest, and never fear that any unkind word or look would jar discordently on his weariness. It was a home whose light cast beautiful shadows, under which we might rest with a feeling akin to that with which we rest under the shadow of the almighy, and to day I thank God from my inmost soul that there ever was such a home among us.

I remember too, the Christian love towards others and how he followed his Savior, in that he loved his neighbor as himself, and bitter words that breather out cruelty never escaped his lips. In his dealings with fellowmen he was more than just, he was generous beyond what we could expect of humanity. His families examples were always worthy of imitation. There was never a night nor morning while he could sit up and hold a book but the chapter was read and the fervent prayer offered. A man of few words his prayers where always brief, but they were such prayers as God honors, for they were expressions of almost unlimited faith, and in them the most attentive listener could never detect a vein of selfishness.

About twelve years ago, he thought it best to leave the work of the farm to younger hands. Accordingly he purchased a house and lot at Pine corner, and removed to that place, leaving Mr. Whitman on the farm. There he lived as ever before at peace with all mankind. He has been remarkably strong and well until the past summer when he went into a decided decline. His symptoms becoming alarming, a physician was called for him the first time in his long life. Every needful attention was shown him and every plan for his comfort which the hearts of loving children, grandchildren and all could device was executed, but all this would not avail. It was his time to die, His children desired that his body should be brought back to the old home for the last sad rites, and it seemed a fitting thing to do. There the Reverend B. W. Hamilton preached a very appropriate sermon from the 23rd psalms, 4th verse. Then the tenantless body of Uncle Cyrus was tenderly borne to its last resting place, where it rests with those who have part in the first resurrection, for the dead who die in Christ shall rise first.

Cyrus Adams, was the second son of Asael and Rebecca Millington. Adam's (Sarah Herrick), first wife, being dead, he being half brother to Alta Adams Hancock.

Asael Adams, father to Cyrus, was the second son of his father Asael.

Chester Adams, first son.

Asael Adams, second son.

Lovel Adams, third son.

Polly Adams, first daughter.

Sally Adams, second daughter.

Cynthia Adams, third daughter.

The family of Isael Adams, son of Chester and Elizabeth Sutherland Adams. He having six sisters, whose names and marriages are as follows:

1.- Jane, married Edward Foster.

2.- Elinor, married Aaron Putney.

3.- Eliza, married Timothy Mills.

4.- Lydia, married James Christy.

5.- Madam Mosell, married Salsbury.

6.- Bertina, married Simson Simons.

Isaac Adams, son of Chester and Elizabeth Sutherland Adams, was born in the state of Mass., 1788. Betsey Adams, daughter of Asael and Sarah Herrick Adams, was born in Paulett, Vermont, 1786. They were cousins and married in the state of New York. Their children are as follows:

1.- Phebe, born Ontario Co., New York, June 7th, 1811.

2.- Susan, born Ontario Co., New York, May 2nd, 1813, and died at the age of 2 years.

3.- Andrew Sutherland, born Middlesex Ontario Co., state of New York, May 7th, 1815. His wife's name was Abigail, born in Ohio and died there.

4.- John Wesley, born in Ontario Co., state of New York, March 20th, 1807. His wife was Jane Clark.

5.- Alta Adams, was born in Caanan, Wain Co., Ohio, Jan 4th, 1821. She married Andrey Zoovers, son of Henry and Margaret Zoovers. He died in Branch Co., Michigan, April 30, 1874.

6.- Eliza Adams, born in Caanan, Wain County, Ohio, June 7th, 1823. She married Percy Bowers, in Coldwater, Michigan

7.- Jane Adams, born Caanan, Wain Co., Ohio, May 13th 1825. She married Johnston Ferguson, of Coldwater Michigan.

n 8.- Chester Adams, born in Caanan, Wain Co., Ohio, Jan 13th, 1827. His wife is Mary Staley.

9.- Lydia Adams, was born in Caanan, Wain County, Ohio, Sept. 1st, 1829. Was married to Ira Owens of Hancock Co., Ill., in 1844. They went to Coldwater, Michigan, where she died leaving some family.

10.- Lavina Adams, tenth child of Isaac and Betsy Adams, was born in Caanan, Wain Co., Ohio, Aug. 31st, 1832. She married Benona Sinclair, Coldwater, Michigan, and their children's names are as follows:

1.- Lorenzo Sinclair.

2.- Isaac Sinclair.

3.- Laura Sinclair.

4.- Martha Sinclair.

5.- Phebe Sinclair.

6.- Mary Sinclair.

Isaac Adams and Betsy Adams Adams, the grand parents dying in Coldwater, Michigan.

Phebe, the oldest child and daughter in the family, was born in Ontaria County, state of New York, June 7th, 1811. She became the wife of Solomon Hancock, at the age of 26 years, and after the death of Alta Adams Hancock who was his mother's sister, daughter of Asael and Sarah Herrick Adams. Alta having died in Clay County, Mo., January 18th, 1835, while Solomon was on a mission in the eastern states. She leaving four children without home only through the kindness of friends. Soloman filling his mission in the east and being in the land of the Adamses, thongh proper to marry and bring his orphans a mother, which proved a proper move and suitable to the condition. Her goodness, kindness and motherly care was more than could be expected of any woman under the circumstances. She tenderly reared the four, aged from 7 to 15 years, through the perils of mob persecution through Missouri and Illinois, and to Utah, and has reared five children, one daughter and four sons, all examplary christians.

1.- Isaac A Hancock, born in Caldwell Co., Mo., August 14th, 1837.

2.- Alta born in Adams County, Ill., June 18th, 1840.

3.- Solomon, born in Hancock County, Ill., June 3d, 1842

4.- Elijah, born in Hancock Co., Ill., April 13th, 1844.

5.- Jacob, born in Hancock Co., Ill., December 28th, 1845.

Phebe Adams Hancock, is yet in good health, and her own housekeeper, and lives in the city of Payson, Utah, in the same lot where she resided for thirty years, earning her own living. She is 80 years of age, her ambition and endurance to do good is not to be surpassed. She is beloved by all who knew her. Her family mostly lives near her. I will now leave the Adams family and trace the Hancock family, commencing at 1776.

Thomas Hancock, of Longmeadow, Mass., who died 1804, was a pauper in the town of Longmeadow, for several years. This loss was caused by not having trade with the mother country, at the commencing of the Revolutionary war drama. He having invested heavily in the trade of gingshang, a root of a Parenial Sweet, famous for its medical properties, growing spontaneous in the eastern states and was dug, dried and shipped to the mother country, making a profitable business in times of peace.

Jemima Wright Hancock, who went with Thomas, her son, to York state, died August 1809. Thomas, the son, whose wife was Amy Ward Hancock, moving to Bloomfield, York state, with his family, namely:

1.- Thomas, born Old Springfield, Mass., 1786.

2.- Elijah, born Old Springfield, Mass., 1788.

3.- Clarissa, born in Old Springfield, Mass., 1790.

4.- Solomon, born Old Springfield, Mass., Aug 14th, 1793.

5.- Alvah, born Old Springfield, Mass., April 19th, 1796.

6.- Joseph, born Old Springfield, Mass., March 17th, 1800.

7.- Levi, born Old Springfield, Mass., April 7th, 1803.

8.- Sarah, born in the town of Bristol, Ontario County-N. Y., June 1805

9.- Amy, born Bristol, Ontario Co., N.Y., Sept. 8th, 1807, and died at the same place Sept. 9th, 1809.

Thus we find the family of Thomas and Amy Ward Hancock, in the town of Bristol, Ontario co., N. Y., until about 1815, when they came to Chagrin, Ohio, and settled for a time, making homes in the western march of civilization, not neglecting the sacred bible chapter nor hymns of praise with melody, as they were all good singers and poets.

A few words on the Ward family, as given by the memory of Sarah Hancock, eighth child of Thomas and Mary Ward Hancock: My mother was a daughter of General Jacob Ward, spoken of at Lexington, in the history of the revolutionary war of 1776. She had four sisters and three brothers, and could only give their names and whom they married.

1.- Arrenia, married Ebenezer Brown, he dying she married Time Brown.

2.- Hannah, married a man by the name of Peas.

3.- Anna, married a Mr. Persons.

4.- Amy, married Thomas Hancock.

5.- Abbie, married Jedediah Butter.

The boys names are: Jacob Ward, John Ward and Benjamin Ward.

I have written this little history of the Ward family, hoping some reader of this will give me further knowledge of them.

Family record of Solomon, third son and fourth child of Thomas and Amy Ward Hancock, was born Old Springfield, Mass., Aug. 14th, 1793.

Alta, daughter of Asael and Sarah Herrick Adams, was born in Paulett, Vermont, May 17th, 1795. They were married March 12th, 1815. Their children are:

1.-Lucina, born March 25th, 1817 died June 4th, 1818.

2.-Rufus, born April 12th, 1819, died April 12th, 1819.

3.-Eliza, Born May 7th, 1820.

4.-Joseph, born Euclid, Ohio, May 7th, 1820.

5.-Charles Brent, born in Columbia Ohio, Dec 23, 1823.

6.-George Washington, born Columbia, Ohio, March 8th, 1826.

7.-Asael, born in Columbia, Ohio, March 19th, 1828, and died in Illinois, Nov. 1832.

8.-Cyrus, born in Chagrin, Ohio, March 22nd, 1830, and died in Illinois, Nov. 1832.

9.-Nephi, born Chagrin, Ohio, March 3rd, 1832, and died in Ohio.

10.-Ameren, born in Van Buren, Co., state of Missouri, December 29th, 1833, and died in Clay County, Missouri, 1834.

And Alta, the mother died in Clay County, Missouri, January 18th, 1835, and was buried by her child. Missouri persecutions were hard to be endured by the Latter-day Saints. Thus four children from ten were left to the mercy of their friends until relieved by another good mother of the Adams family (Phebe).

THOMAS HANCOCK, from 1776 until 1844.

Thomas was not old enough for to join the army at the commencing of the war, he having two brothers in the service who lost their lives there. He went to join about the close of the war. General Washington being posted in the matter, said, no, you stay with your parents, this is the last battle, its now death or victory, you lost two brothers and one will not make much difference now.

His height was 5 feet 9 inches, black eyes and hair, much noted for his strength, activity, courage and durability. He was a Bible reader and follower of the same, choosing patriotic society, cultivating the spirit of liberty, free trade and sailors rights. Many an hour I've given an attentive ear to the tales of war and of the wild woods, and since reading the History of the United States, I find what he said was true and without fault or boast. He joined the Church of Jesus Christ in 1830, being well acquainted with the Prophet Joseph Smith, when a boy, and when the Book of Mormon was printed aud read he found relics of bones in mounds of earth that were sufficient proof for him. the Bible and Book of Mormon both treated on the same subjects of heavenly truths and he joined at once and all of his family.

He came to Clay County, Missouri, and thence to Caldwell, from there to Illinois, and with patience endured the mob persecutions, still waving the flag of liberty and singing such songs as true patriots used to sing.

He died in Hancock County, Illinois, near its southern line, and northern line of Adams County. These counties taking their names from those of his family and associates.

Lines written by Erastus H. Rud, on the death of Father Thomas Hancock, who died in Hancock Co., Ill., October 1st 1844.

Gone, to the world of spirits gone,

He's left this vale of tears,

The cabin and the garding spot

In which he's past the remnant out

Of eighty troubled years.

Gone, fair thee well, we loved thee dear,

No more we'll hear thy voice,

Our Sabbath meeting to mourn

We look for Father, Father's gone

To meet with us no more.

Gone where the wicked never come,

The weary are at rest,

Pain, sickness, sorrow all is o'er

He's paid the debt and can no more,

He reigns amongst the blest.

A short sketch of the life of Solomon Hancock, the third son and fourth child of Thomas and Amy Ward Hancock, who was born in old Springville, Mass., August 14th 1793.

He says, our parents being reduced, we became suitable subjects for the western frontiers, preparing the way for coming civilization and coming generations of man, many times seeking game of the woods, such as Deer, Elk, Moose and Black Bear and smaller games and the fish, all of which were plenty and a little bread and beans with prudent care, made a living.

Thus were we in York State and Vermont deprived of schooling, saw that our education was but limited. He says my first schooling, I done the house-work and walked six miles to school and back every day. We were well pleased with Vermont and the following verses were sent to our friends.

Song of Rutland Vermont.

Come all ye laboring men who toil below.

Upon your scanty soils you plow and sow.

Upon your hired lands let out by cruel hands,

'Twill make you greater men t up and go.

For who will be a slave that should be free.

Here you good lands may have just come and see,

The soil is deep and good in Rutland's pleasant woods,

Where you can raise your food and happy be.

Here cows give milk to eat; by nature fed

The land affords good wheat and corn for bread.

Here stands the sugar tree to sweeten all the land,

We have them at our hand, be not afraid.

Here's roots of every kind to preserve our lives,

The best of anodine in price costly,

The balsam of the tree supplies our surgery,

No safer can you be in any land.

Here runs pure pearling streams that never fail

To spread the richest cream or the pleasant vale,

As rich as Eden soil, before that sin did spoil,

Or man was doomed to toil to get his bread.

Here grows the lofty pines which make a show

As straight as gunters line their bodies grow,

Their lofty tops they rear nigh to the highest sphere,

Where winged tribes repair and sweetly sing.

The chestnut and the beech and butnut tree,

They strive to grow as long and high as they,

But falling much below they make a pleasant show,

The pines more lofty grow and crown the woods.

Here salmon trout do glide so neat and fine,

That you may be supplied with sane or line,

They are as good as fish to make a dainty dish

As any one could wish to feed upon.

The pigeon, goose and duck they fill our beds,

The beaver, mink and fox they crown our heads.

The harmless moose and deer and food and clothes to wear

Nature can do no more for any land.

My parents read the Bible and explained the reading to their children, taught us to pray to keep the Sabbath holy to the Lord and to be attentive to meetings, I joined the Methodist, and having inherited a good talent for vocal music became their favorite singer in camp meetings, which were frequent in those days. And at these meetings became acquainted with Mrs. Alta Adams, whose talents, as mine were, for vocal music and a christians love, having been taught by her parents, and she became my wife as my family record shows, and when in Ohio in 1830, I joined the Church of Jesus Christ and went at once to advocating that cause being a full believer and preacher of the same.

Once I was a Methodist, Glory Hallelujah,

Then I thought that they were best, Glory Hallelujah.

But when I read by Bible right, Glory Hallelujah,

I found myself a Mormonite, Glory Hallelujah.

My first missions were in Ohio and vicinity converting and baptising many. In 1831 I took a mission in company with Simmon Carter to Missouri, preaching and baptising by the way and that too without purse and script, relying for sustenance on the promises by the Savior to his disciples. Our journey lay through Ohio, Indiana and Illinois. We came to the Mississippi River at a place then called Commerce, it then was inhabited by the Pattiwatumna Indians. They had corn planted on the bottom lands and the squaws were hoeing it with their hoes. There was but one house there then, it was built of stone and occupied by a French trader.

This was on the 4th of July, 1831, their being no convenient way to cross the river, we traveled down on the east side passing Warsaw, then a small town on the bank of the river. Thence to Quincy in Adams County there was but one house there, that was Mr. John Woods, and it was built of hewn logs. We crossed the river at a ferry called Marion city, ten miles below Quincy. Thence wending our way with but a trail through, skirted with but little timber, broad praries and but then a few settlers, on the way are cabins to be found. Through much fatigue and hunger we reached Jackson County, Missouri, finding some of our brethren missionaries sent as we were, but in different directions, to meet there for council and a conference, this location being pointed out for a gathering place for the church then, by Joseph Smith, the prophet.

After conference all took different routes for their homes in the east, preaching, baptising, confirming and ordaining as was needed and wisdom taught. Arriving home at Chagrin, Ohio, late in the fall of 1731, still preaching and laboring for his family support, 1832 found us on the way to and in Jackson County, Missouri, settled on the Big Blue, six miles west of Independence. While traveling by water our steamboat ran into a sandbar, and could not get out, the river falling fast, it was thought best to go to land and finish our journey to Jackson County by land with ox teams, we having brought wagons with us. The steamboats name was Donguan. The boat hands and passengers were dying fast with the cholera. By the aid of a flat boat we reached the shore and camped a distance from the river, at an old uninhabited cabin, the water was not good; the surrounding country was cyprus swamps.

Our little company was of three families. Samuel Shepherd and family eight; Daniel Stanton and family eight; Soloman Hancock and family nine. All were very sick nearly unto death, but my mother Alta and myself C. B. H., two of my brothers dying, Asael and Cyrus nearly at the same time and were buried in the same grave, one in a trough, the others coffin some boards added to it in a rude way. I at the age of a little over 8 years, having nearly all to do and the graves to dig, the ground was of clay, I had to chop with an ax and handle the dirt with a fire shovel, my ambition and strength in this time of need was used to a considerable of a success. Mrs. Shepard died and one child and was buried by some men who lived not far off. Only for pity sake dare they venture near, we got oxen and started out getting better by the way, reaching our intended homes in safety. The County of Jackson well timbered with fruits, such as plumes, grapes of many varieties and nuts of many kinds grew spontaneous, game and honey plenty. Our wagon was traded for land and in the spring of 1883 we built a house and planted a field of corn and gardening. All grew well and matured in plenty. The hostilities of the older settlers were aroused, because of the Mormon communities exceeding industry, buying lands and patriarchally inherited them. In July our printing office and store was destroyed in Independence, Mo, and in the fall after our crops were ripened and cared for, we were ordered out of the county by the military mob.

November, from 10th to 13th, we were fleeing from the county in many ways and in small companies, seeking shelter and friends. The falling stars on Nov. 13th, 1833, at this time of exit had considerable to do in laying or quieting the mob spirit, and preparing friends for those who were driven from their homes and property.

A song, The Mobbers of Missouri.

Come gentle men and ladies too

Who love your countries glory,

Hark, if you've nothing else to do

While I relate a story.

But mark what's done, like days of old

By mortals in their fury,

For 'tis not often you behold

Such mobbers as Missouri.

Oh, Missouri, the mobbers of Missouri,

The mobbers of Missouri.

A hundred years behind this age

If you'll allow for lieing,

There stood upon our nations page

A savage set of beings,

Who always sought for blood and strife

Despising judge or jury,

And coward like the well armed staff

As mobbers of Missouri.

Oh Missouri, the mobbers of Missouri,

The mobbers of Missouri.

It was ten thousand pounds at hand

They robbed from the printer,

And drove the church of from their lands

To perish in the winter,

An lo the reverend J. M. Coy,

Was one among this legion.

We came with gun for to destroy,

Because of pure religion.

Oh Missouri, the mobbers of Missouri,

The mobbers of Missouri.

Some few at first to try their faith,

They scourged with tar and feathers;

And after shipped almost to death

Not asking whys or whethers.

They tore down houses, pillaged goods,

And seemed all power defying

While women fled into the woods,

With children round them crying.

Oh Missouri, the mobbers of Missouri,

The mobbers of Missouri.

But once to show our fathers blood,

And prove their valor ample;

The Mormons in their defence stood,

And gave the mob a sample

And when so near, we heard them swear,

We thought it time to still them;

And 'twould have made a soldier stare,

To see the Mormons quell them.

Oh Missouri, the mobbers of Missouri,

The mobbers of Missouri.

Go spread the news from sea to sea,

Let truth to all be given,

In eighteen hundred thirty-three

The church of Christ was driven,

Away from houses homes and land

In this a land of freedom,

Because a worthless mob commands,

As priests and lawyers lead them.

Oh Missouri, the mobbers of Missouri,

The mobbers of Missouri.

On the night of the 12th of November, 1831, a mob headed by one Mr. Wilson, came to the house of one David Bennett, near the Big Blue river, and found him at home; they took his gun and broke it and beat him nearly to death, two of Wilsons' men got on the house and commenced to throw the roof off. A boy of 15 years of age being near, gave one of them a shot in the leg with a shot gun, which brought them down, one saying I am shot, just then a few of our men came to the scene and taking Bennett away to care for him. The mob taking flight ran on to their camp a distance of three miles. Bennett not being able to move, we did not leave until after the 13th, then taking a by way to the south made our way out of the county into Van Buren.

Three days we were a traveling across burnt praries, children being destitute of shoes, their feet bled much, many rode on our oxen, as the open wagons were stacked with bedding and bundles so there was no room to ride. We endured much hunger and cold for three days, and just at night and as a cold storm came we found a large cave in the rocks, which afforded a convenient shelter with plenty of wood for fire, three racoons well boiled and some parched corn made a supper for about thirty-five persons. The snow fell about one foot deep that night. The next day being Sunday, an ox was killed for meat, some corn was found near in a field and we ate and rested. Our people held meetings as usual. The sun came out warm. Some men came horse-back and gave us invitations to come to their settlement and stay as long as we would, they would furnish us houses to live in and provisions, and no mob should disturb us while with them. We accepted their offer following their directions and found an abundant feast prepared for us and houses as they said. We stayed until the spring of 1834. Father made two trips back to our home to get some things we had left in the house, and corn.

The house had been robbed by some apostate Mormons by the name of Akeman, he is spoken of in Wilford Woodruff's journal. All past well through the winter. April 1834 found us in Clay Co., Missouri, near the three fishing rivers, so we saw the high waters and Zion's camp and many of the sick, and the graves of those that died. Father starting on his eastern mission in the fall of 1834, and as I have written of his absence and mothers death, I need not say more now, only we went to the city of Far west in 1836, and bought land, build a house and farmed, helping to build the city of Far west. 1837 we celebrated the 4th of July. For this occasion, The Patriotic Song for the 4th of July, was composed in patriotic sentiment as experienced by Thomas and Amy Ward Hancock. They were put in verse by Levi W. Hancock and sung by Solomon, while standing on the corner stone of the intended meeting house. A fiery speech was made by Sidney Rigdon, which much inflamed the old inhabitants, and the lightning struck the liberty pole

Come lovers of freedom to gather

And hear what we now have to say,

For surely we ought to remember

The cause which produced this great day.

Oh, may we remember while singing;

The pains and distresses once borne,

By those who have fought for our freedom

And oftimes for friends called to mourn.

The lives and the fortunes to gather,

And honors most sacred and dear,

Were solemnly all pledged together

By our honored forefathers there,

Concluding 'twas great and was noble

And in their belief was so brave,

They affixed their lives for their freedom

When called for their country to save.

And then should a pardon be offered

To all who would willingly yield,

Excepting John Hancock and Adams,

The fate of those men had been sealed.

But thank God for brave Patrick Henry,

And many men with him who dared

To come out with heart-rending speeches,

Against what those lords had declared.

The tories were all crying treason,

Against all who called for their rights;

They never would listen to reason

But call on their forces to fight,

To deal with their foes, on no never

To fight with their enemies no,

But for some pretended offenses

Across the Atlantic must go.

But God armed our fathers with power,

And Washington came to our aid,

In wisdom conduct he the battle

And soon made the tories afraid.

He reared up the standard of freedom

He called for the brave volunteers,

Who all quickly gathered around him

Against the proud enemy steered.

Hark, hear how the great battle rages,

Behold him undauntedly stand,

For great causes of here after ages,

He pleads with his sword in his hand.

Behold the great lord came bending,

Lord North from his chair soon fell down;

And tories and tyrants lay fainting,

Before this great man of renown.

Then great love soon filled their bosoms

And joy beamed upon every face;

Where remained the true seed of freedom

All willingly gave God the praise.

They told the sad tale to their children,

And told them the same to hand down

To their children's children forever,

Until the great trumpet shall sound.

Exhalt then the standard of freedom,

And ever let freedom remain,

Be firm and determined forever

Your freedom and rights to maintain;

Remember the God of your fathers

Your sons and your daughters give ear,

And with you 'twill be well hereafter,

And nothing you'll have then to fear.

Go celebrate this day of freedom

Be sure and don't let it be lost,

Remember the toils of your fathers

And also the blood it has cost.

Yes daughters you too love your freedom,

You too love your country most dear;

You love well your own independence

Your forefathers gained for you here.

Farewell you our venerable fathers,

You who have stood many a year;

You like the aged oak have all fallen

Excepting a few here and there,

Whose looks plainly show they're soon going

To dust from whence all of us came;

To rest in the mansions of glory,

Beyond all your trials and pain.

Hostile feelings were aroused, and the citizens began to be menaced by the old mob spirit of Jackson county. Our people began to concentrate for self protection, and the mob began to draw near and as unlawful intruders, and the Crooked River battle was fought in 1838. While our people were gathering up, one Mr. Simson Avord, came in as a stranger. He wished to join with us in time of trouble. He seemed to be learned and claimed to be a doctor. He found favor with many for a time, when the Smith's with others were in the hands of our enemies and imprisoned, he drew up an article for to organize a band called the Danite Band, and got some signers. He claimed it was Joseph Smith's counsel, and if they did not return this Danite Band could assist the church in times of trouble. Soon after the surrender of Far West, Mr. Avord was sought after by the mob party. He run to keep out of the way, and the mob came to his house while he was up stairs. They took him as a prisoner to Plattsburg, twelve miles west of the city of Far West. He told of a document written on the Danite question and Smith had ordered it and he had left it under a rafter in the loft where they found him.

An officer was sent to the house and found it as he, Avord, had said. This document was taken to Richmond jail and used as testimony against the prisoners, Avord never returned. We learned that Avord was adjudged guilty of killing a woman in Philadelphia, and was making his escape of justice. The Church history is quite plain on persecution, and I will only touch lightly on our families experience as they journeyed with their fellow brethren. The spring of 1839, we were in Illinois on rented land in Adams County. In 1841 we had land bought of government and settled in Hancock County, where for a time we had peace and plenty, by the labor of our hands in fencing, clearing and tilling the soil, our barn being well filled.

Some considerable chance for schooling, by building our own school-house and furnishing the teacher. Singing was cultivated. The beautiful city of Nauvoo was laid out in lots and swamp land drained, when in 1831, it was inhabited by Indians, and the beautiful prairie lands for miles was brought into cultivation, and at harvest times the farmer was hurried with his scythe and sickle in haste to secure his bountiful crop. Here was the beautiful temple built, mansions and fine dwellings, orchards and groves. The broad Mississippi River on the west of over a mile wide, making some four miles of a semi-circle on the west-half of the city, a beautiful scene to look upon from boats while plying up and down the great river of America. How often we met in our general assemblies and common meetings in prayers of humility, and songs and hymns of sacred praise. And the patriot military militia drills as prescribed by the laws of our common country, in battalion brigade and legion form, with a general to direct this, was general Joseph Smith, who was martyred in carthage jail with his brother Hyrum for claiming freedom of thought as guaranteed by the true patriot laws of our country as framed adopted, fought for, bled and wounded, and was in and by many of his family relations.

His mind for the welfare of the church in its early history up to 1844, reached to the valley of the mountains, and he truly saw with the prophetic eye as the ancients did the church, gathered to the tops of the mountains the valley of Ephraim, although he personally never was here, but on June 22nd, he crossed the Mississippi river to its west banks with his brother Hyrum, thinking to go west to the mountains to locate for his people. He called upon Joseph Hancock, to go with him as a hunter, he being a man experienced in the wild woods and a frontiers man, expert in capturing game of many kinds in this country, and fish of the waters, saw that he had received the name of Nimrod, the hunter. Joseph Hancock, (of which much can be said of and will be hereafter in my family record), is the son of Thomas and Amy Ward Hancock. He was born in March 17th, 1800; he is 7 years younger than his brother Solomon, these two brothers being more conspicuous in their time in the family.

Joseph Hancock, being in boyhood a playmate with Joseph Smith, having much experience in the green mountains of Vermont, Joseph Smith had the confidence in him that he would intrust his life with him in perilous times sooner than any other. Joseph Smith sought his company for the west at this time, and they were ready to start at once, on the morning of the 23rd of June. Some of Joseph Smith's friends came and persuaded him to go back to Nauvoo, he said I then go as a lamb to the slaughter and requested Hyrum to stay and take charge of the church, Hyrum said Joseph if you die I will die with you, they went back. Joseph Hancock has passed though the troubles of frontiers in Mormondom, was in Zion's camp, was in Missouri and Illinois troubles, came to the mountain as pioneer 1847, saw the valley first from a high peak of the mountains east of Salt Lake, returned to the east and while making the trip, filled some forty thousand pounds of game for the camp. He since has visited Oregon, California from north to south, and the Pacific shores, and eight times crossed the mountains from sea to sea. He is yet living in the city of Payson, Utah County, Utah Territory, with my brother George Hancock. He is over 91 years old. More anon, and take from the book on first page.

As composed and sung by Solomon Hancock, on the martyrdom of Joseph and Hyrum Smith, at Carthage jail, Hancock County, Illinois, June 27th, 1844.

Joseph and Hyrum both are gone,

For them my heart don't cease to mourn;

To think how they both were in jail,

And a mob should fall on them and kill.

The Governor having his honor pledged,

And thus he made his stasements,

That he would see them safely through

Till they returned back to Nauvoo.

He then disbanded all his troops,

And said go home and tend your crops,

Except a few to guard the jail

To see that their be no assail.

And then the Governor disappeared.

The mob then cheered to volunteer,

Now's the time for what we mean to do

While the squad man's gone down to Nauvoo.

They painted yellow, black and red,

And by Colonel Williams led,

For this he oft in oaths to show

That he would cause their blood to flow.

Soon as they came to the jail door,

The bullets from their guns did pour,

Which brought poor Hyrum to the floor

A laying weltering in his gore.

Hyrum cried out, I'm a dead man,

Joseph said, oh brother Hyrum,

And then he to the window flew

As if determined to go through.

The mob were gathered thick around,

They shot him ere he reached the ground,

And now his testament in force

Though it his precious life has cost.

His spirit has gone home to God,

To plead the merits of his word,

Saying to the father and the son,

My work on earth's completely done.

THE HANCOCK HOMESTEAD

Hancock County, November 20th, 1845. On the night of Nov 20th, as some boys were a sleeping in our barn, it being well filled with unthreshed wheat, oats, corn and hay. Horses in the stable and cows in the yard, it being well nigh covered with dry rubbish where feeding was done. About 11 o'clock the boys were awakened by the noise of fire, smoke and light, they saw the fire running to the barn, as the wind blew lightly that way, my brother George informed father at the house, he came to the scene in his night clothes, they raked the straw from the barn, Took the horses from the stable and let the cows out of the yard, they ran from the bars when out as scared.

Father went to see what was there, a man stepped from behind a tree and fired a gun at him, the shot taking no effect, a shrill whistle was heard and some sixteen men arose that were secreted behind the log fence, with which the yard was built and shot at the boys in the yard, the bullets lodging in the barn and fence on the opposite side, no one being hit but an elderly man by the name of Edmund Durphy. A bullet striking him in the hollow of the neck, cutting but one thread in a woolen necktie that was around his neck and he fell dead at once. Father said for the boys to get their guns and defend themselves. The mob fled, setting some fires as they went back from whence they came, I followed some distance, the moon shining bright, I could plainly see their tracks in the road as they came and went back towards Lyma, a town some five miles off from whence they came. Durphy's remains were guarded awaiting a coroners inquest until late in the morning, when his son-in-law Mr. DAvid Garner, took the responsibility to care for the body and remove it too Nauvoo to his family. Durphy and some of his boys had been gathering their corn and digging their potatoes, and securing them at our place, so that they could be got for winter, his house and wheat being previously burned by mob violence, in Morley settlement in 1845.

The young men that were present, were Joseph Hancock, Daniel B. Rawson, James Woodland, Alvy Alger, Erastus H. Rudd, George W. Hancock, Gilbert Hunt and Charles B. Hancock. The day after the night of the attach my father sent me to hunt for some officers and soldiers, that Major Warren sent to guard us and the people, (whose houses were burned), so that they could gather their crops and dispose of their property prior to leaving the United States for the west in the spring of 1846. These officers had boarded with us some ten days and said they would go and visit some friends they had and be back soon. I started before day, and went towards Lyma, and learned where they went. In going their I met a man by the name of Snyder, I knew he was of the mob party and meeting him in a narrow road in a heavy timber, I was afraid of him and watched him closely. I came to the house and knocked at the door and no answer, I started to go away, and saw a woman's face through the window, she said the men went to Lyma last night to a party and would be back to breakfast.

That morning I waited some two hours, they came, I told them what had happened, they told me to go home and they would be there soon. I then went back home and father sent be to Carthage to Major Warren with the report. I was very much abused by the troops before I could get to Major Warren and General Demming, I done my errand, they informed me that they would be there to arrest the men that we thought was in the mob party if I would show them where they lived, I went home, Major Warren came, we got fourteen out of sixteen that had been threatening us for no other purpose, only we had made our homes welcome to those of our brethren who had their homes burnt, to deposit their gathered crops until they could haul them away. When all was got that could be found I was sent home. The next morning the prisoners were brought to our house to see if any could be recognized, we did not get near enough in the light, the night of the attack to know any of them. Father asked them many questions as regarding his character, as they were acquainted, well in the neighborhood for some four years saying, if any of you know of anything wrong with me as an honest man or as a true patriot to our countries laws, the laws of God, good morals in the neighborhood society or anything wrong with me, please state it to these soldiers, officers and prisoners, and I will not be offended. The answer was Mr. Hancock, we know nothing against you nor your family. One Mr. Bragg, who had once belonged to the Mormon church and of many years acquaintance, was asked do you know this Mr. Hancock? He said yes, from boy hood. Can you give any testimony against Mr. Hancock or family in your long acquaintance? No, was the reply, he's been honorable and a friend to the needy and all mankind, Mr. Bragg was released. The fourteen were taken to Carthage, charged with the killing of Edmund Durhpy. Court was called, prisoners arraigned and proof that the fourteen, and two that made their escape by taking a steamboat at Warsaw, were the sixteen men that loaded their guns on Lyma, the evening of Durphy's death, taking their liquor and went to Hancock's correll, setting the fire and shooting amongst the boys and men as they were putting out the fire, and that they returned to Lyma again the way they went. Because Durphy was killed and Hancock threatened, the prisoners were discharged. The Prosecuting Attorney exclaimed, justice cannot be done in Hancock County, Ill.

When hostilities commenced in October by the mob burning houses in Morley Settlement, Isaac Morley, the president of the branch, with his family, took flight under cover of night, and in a by-way for fear of molestation by their neighbors. The presidency of the branch, resting on Solomon Hancock, with Horace S. Rawson and Moses Clawson as councilors. They knowing of the bitter feeling that existed between the two parties, used every endeavor to conciliate for peace. This was accomplished for a time, but the fleeing party returning for their crops and goods, went beyond their just bounds and again aroused the mob spirit of property burning and the torch was again applied more severe. Our immediate neighbors, what was called the White Oak or Hancock settlement, having taken counsel from the presidency of the church of Nauvoo, resolved that they would live in peace with all mankind, and never give an offence to any one unlawfully, where there could be any excuse or pretext for retaliation. This was done in our ward in a public meeting, and confirmed by repairing to the waters brink, there making covenants before their friends and the Lord that they would not take, touch nor use in any way that which they had not faithfully earned or merited. Then they were immersed in the waters as rebaptised and a renewal of covenant and reconfirmed. While here on the waters edge the question arose, who shall officiate in administering the Ordinance of Baptism, as the president Solomon Hancock, was the first to be baptised, it was decided that Charles B. Hancock should do the work of which I did not decline because I was called.

My dear readers, I only write to show you that the most humbled and child-like receives the blessed promises given by the Savior to his followers. For truly in this case of the two settlements, one was laid in ashes, and the other two settlements, one was laid in ashes, and the other scarcely touched both being left to the mercy of the burners torch. Again were the burners on the war-path, in great rage with no one to oppose them as they passed through Morley settlement, sparing nothing that was easily set on fire being well guarded by riflemen in the front and rear. Father and council decided to send an express to Brigham Young at Navvoo, of the success of the important work now on hand, I being selected, went in haste and delivered my message finding Brigham Young and Willard Richards, in an upper room of a large brick building, Brigham, after reading my express letter, asked me a few questions about the affair, then went to dancing following the walls around, to me again then said, go home and tell your folks to come away, and tell the mob to burn all of the bed bugs they may wish and we'll not hinder them. Brother Richards wrote a few lines and they were pinned in my pocket, Brigham helped me on the horse and cut a switch for me and said, don't let the grass grow under his feet, I soon made the twenty-five miles and fouud our men and the mob only a guns shot apart, the mob burning and our men impatiently looking on, father was holding our men until the express came. Teams from Nauvoo, some over a hundred came and took all of the families and carried them away. The mob burned up to the line and quit of their own free will, disturbing nothing further.

We stayed some five weeks at Nauvoo, and the burners commenced to burn property in other localities. The sheriff, Mr. Bockentosh, took Mr. Rockwell as teamster, and went to them and ordered the burning to cease. They ordered him to leave or he would be shot. Rockwell drove the carriage in haste some two miles, pursued by the burning party who were on good horses, and coming to a short turn in the road said, Bock, hold the horses and I'll stop them. He sprang out of the carriage and with a well aimed rifle and a single shot brought their Captain, Mr. Frank Worl from his horse a dead man. This Mr. Worl was a captain at Carthage, with the mob at the death of Joseph and Hyrum Smith. This, however, did not stop the burning of property, and the sheriff called out the militia from Nauvoo, and organizing them into two companies, giving the command of one to Solomon Hancock and the other to George Miller.

When we arrived at the head waters of Bear Creek, and well nigh where some houses were in flames, father was sent around on the opposite side to rout the burners and Miller to head them off and to capture them. They were easily put to flight, Miller being discovered they took through cornfield and thence across a prairie some two miles to the west towards Warsaw a mob depot. They were pursued by Miller's men, the best horses in the land. Some young men overtaking the fleeing party ordered a surrender, the order not being obeyed three were left dead on the ground. These men were as Indians blacked and striped red, disguised in their clothing, so they hardly had the appearance of whitemen. This move stopped the burning of property and a compromise made that the Mormons might sell their farms and leave the state in the spring of 1846.

We went back to our place to remain nntil the 1st day of April, making a home for those who come to gather their crops and sell what they could of their possessions. And what's been previously written on our family record and history, is but a small part, and on the 1st of April 1846, we took the last look at our hard earned home with not one twentieth part of its cost, turning our faces westward, making our road through the wilds of Iowa, building bridges and boats to cross the unfordable streams, and when we came to the mighty Missouri River and had builded a flat boat and crossing the river in July 16th, 1846, we had as a people a call for five hundred of our little strength to go as volunteers to the Mexican War for one years service, I being first one asked if I would go for one, I said yes, my name was thus written by Brigham Young. Thus I left my honored father in his decliniug years with a family of seven, he the only help with no home but the covered wagon. It was a duty call for a general good that prompted me with my brother George and five hundred others to hastily change our minds from a westerly pioneering, and step into the military rank as soldiers and turn our course to the south to the seat of war in Mexico. Thus as I left my father for the first time it was the last, for he died on Dec. 2nd, 1847, at the age of 54 years, and was buried in Pottiwatumna Co., Iowa, near Kansville, by his mother Amy Ward Hancock, his daughter Eliza H. Rudd, and one child of Joseph Hancock's and Thomas Hancock his brother. Composed by Erastus H. Rudd, on the death of Solomon Hancock.

Thou are gone to the grave we'll no longer behold thee,

'Till mortals shall put on their clothing of glory,

Then, then thou will come thy kingdom to save,

Oh, then thou will rise from thy cold prison grave;

Oh, then thou will rise from thy cold prison grave.

Thou art gone like a star from the banner of heaven,

Thou loved the saints and with them was driven,

'Till worn and distressed, thy system should not

Evade the destroyer, thou art not forgot,

Evade the destroyer, thou art not forgot.

A brief sketch of the life and incidents of and in the life of Charles B., son of Solomon and Alta Adams Hancock.

I was born December 23d, 1823, in Columbus, Ohio, my early days were of more comfort than after years. I was baptised by being sprinkled by a Methodist preacher dipping his fingers in a white bowl of water. I had some chance for school and sunday schools, and learned quite fast and at the age of 7 years-old read in any common reading book. I had confidence in my fathers word, and thought I could do any thing he told me to do, and he did not need tell me but once. And when the heavy storms beat upon our dwelling I could comfort the older one by saying, father had made it stout and it would not fall. My first school teacher was Eliza Jane Churchill, afterwards the mother of Eliza Webb, of Utah.

I will touch but lightly on my life, as it is inter-woven with the church, and my fathers and grand-fathers history up to their deaths and starting with my brother George in the Mormon battalion July 16th, I was sick when I enlisted being overdone in hardships in earlier years through Missouri and Illinois and pioneering up to this date. The first night after the line of march was ordered, I was laid in a wagon with one Boley, to die. Boley died and was buried in my blanket, I revived and kept on, though could not walk but little for several weeks, I several times was offered an honorable discharge if I would go back, I declined. I heard the sayings of Brigham Young concerning this battalion and I wanted to see it out and its honorable discharge. I did not have an appetite for my allowance until we had traveled over eleven hundred miles and got in to the mountains at Santa Fee, and as Tyler has given a good history of this battalion I will only say that he is correct. After we had got into the mountains, I was called to the front often as a pioneer. It being congenial to my taste, was on my guard the time of Smith's death. Endured the severe cold storm and heard the bull bellow and the wolves howl, and had a word or two in a song composed on the scene of December 8th.

THE HOWLING WOLVES

When our army had camped beside the green grave,

Where the pure water ran from the mountain above,

When our hunters returned from chasing the bulls

We then listened to the howls of the loathsome roving wolves.

When the guards were all stationed to their points around,

On the tope of the hills where the wild bull is found;

The wind blowed high and approached us so cold,

As we listened to the howls of the loathsome roving wolves.

There the groans of the dying was heard in the camp,

And the cold chilling frost was seen on the tents,

Then the thoughts of our hearts can never be told

As we listened to the howls of the loathsome roving wolves.

Then we dug a deep grave, and buried him there,

All alone by the grove, not a mark to tell where,

We plied brush and wood and burnt over his grave,

As a cheat for the red man and lonesome howling wolves.

We arose in the morning and a soon as 'twas day,

The fifers and drummers had played reveille,

Soon the mules were brought up, our baggage to pull,

We then bid good bye to the lonesome howling wolves.

Two more days brought us to the St. Padero River, where the wild cattle fought us. They were not used to men on foot, nor teams and wagons, ours being the first to make a road through their country. They fought us killing three mules, and three men wounded, and as the scene has been well portrayed in Tyler's history of the Mormon battalion. I need not say only this, is the scene as Brigham Young said, you will have no fighting to do only with wild beasts and Indians. The first bull that come was a silver grey and made for Amos, Cox and myself, as we were a driving pack mules neither gun being loaded nor time to load, the mules sprang ahead, we were exposed and no shelter for protection. At a flash of thought I stood still sideways to the coming monster in hideous bellow and bound, thinking if he dove at me I would jump and made him miss me. My partner ran and soon was thrown into the air having a deep gore in the thigh, this same animal pitched into a wagon wheel stopping the team, then turning to the lead mules killed the near one, while the off one was pushed over the near one with heels up. I was left alone to drive five mules, being three times accosted by them, (the bulls) but no harm done. On we went through the Tuskon Fort and the heavy desert to the Pimos village, down the Rio Ghelia, crossed the Colorado and a hundred miles of sandy desert, without almost food and water, arriving in sight of the Great Pacific Sea on the 27th of January 1847. Thus as we had sung of the great Pacific, over a year ago while in Nauvoo, we now, a few of that number, could look upon its waters and say, here we are but where are our father's, mothers, sisters, brothers, wives and friends, whom we left on the banks of the Missouri, without shelter, and they under threats of being massacred by the same power that we were now serving under, with a Tom Benton in Congress, and a Fremont already with a disciplined force in the capital of California seeking our destruction by his U. S. authority and with the natives of the country. Read Tyler history and the history of Los Angeles in 1847.

We learned from one Mr. Workman, of Spadery, Cal., that Colonel Freemont, urged the Spaniards to fight. General Kerney, who was in advance of the coming Mormon army, and to kill the Mormons too, for they would kill and eat them as the Mormons were Cannibals, these sayings were substantiated by Mr. Williams, Workman and Rowland, of California. They give Levi Hancock the substance and he put them in verse, and they gave hlm a good horse, saddle, bridle and lariat for it. So we plainly see and know that our battles were fought on all sides of us and in front, so that there was not a bullet shot at one of us while in the service. I will give as I copyed from the history of Los Angeles, County, California.

Headquarters Sinidad, A. E, Los Angeles, Cal., January 11th, 1847. The Commander in Chief congratulates the officers and men of the Southern Division of the United in California, on the brilliant victories obtained by them over the enemy on the 8th and 9th instance, and in once more taking possession of Sinidad, Los Angeles, he takes the earliest moment to commend their gallantry and good conduct, both in the battles fought on the 8th and 9th on the banks of the St. Gabriel and the plains of the Mesa. The steady courage of the troops in forcing their passage across the Rio St. Gabriel, where the officers and men were a like employed in dragging the guns through the water against the gawling fire of the enemy without exchanging a shot, and the gallant charge up the banks against the enemies cavalry, has perhaps never been surpassed, and the cool determination with which in the battle of the 9th, they repulsed the charge of cavalry made by the enemy at the same time on their front and rear, has extorted the admirations of the enemy, and deserves the thanks of their commander.

R. F. Stockton, Governor and Commander in Chief of the Territory of California. The Mexican force under Flores, failing to make any impression upon or stay the Americans advance, retreated to San Pasqual, some five miles north-east of Los Angeles. On the evening of the 11th, General east of Los Angeles. On the evening of the 11th, General Flores, with forty or fifty men left the place for Sanord, going by way of San Cargonio Pass, and Colorado River. General Andros Pico, thereupon succeeded Flores in command of the Mexican forces. The day following Commodore Stockton's departure from San Diago, on his way to Los Angeles, he sent dispatches to Freemont, commanding him to meet him (Stockton) on the plains south of the latter city. It has been freely charged by Captain Wilson and others, that Freemont wilfully neglected to obey these instructions, and by taking circuitious routes through the mountains purposely wasted time and thus avoided junction with Stockton and a consequent participation in the engagement which he well knew must proceed the re-occupation of Los Angeles. However, this may be certainly true. Freemont did not reach the mission of San Farnando, until January 11th, one day after Stockton's triumphant entry into the principal city. Freemont had with him at this time, a native of California. Jos Jessus Pico, who had been captured as a spy and condemned by court martial to be shot. Freemont, however remitted his sentence, and this man acting apparently under instructions, came at midnight on January the 11th, and advised the Mexican leaders to treat with Freemont at San Fernando, rather than with Commodore Stockton at Los Angeles. The result was a meeting on the following morning near the Cohiunga Pass, between Freemont and the Mexican leaders and articles of capitulation were then and there agreed upon by which the usual consequences of broken paroles and all such small matters were waved and a general pacification provided for. The treaty was signed by Major P. B. Reading, Captain Lewis McClain and William H. Russell on behalf of the Americans, and by Los Antonio Carillo, and Augustin Olyerd, for the Californians. It was approved January 13th, 1847, by John C. Freemont, as Military Commander of California and by Andros Pico, commanding of Squadroon and Chief of national forces in California, copys were duly exchanged and the war in California ended. According to the history, Freemont marched his forces to the mission of San Gabriel, making no report to Stockton. Thus causing indignation in the breast of Commodore Stockton and General Stephens Kerney, themselves opposed in interest, which led to Freemont's subsequent court martial and disgrace.

The treaty he had signed was honored by Stockton, and became the basis of a general pacification. Soon after this, Commodore Stockton repaired to San Diago, leaving General Kerney in possession of Los Angeles, as Governor of California with a mere body guard of about twenty soldiers under Major Emery Freemont, at St. Gabriel still refused to acknowledge Kerney as Governor. After some days and receiving no answer from Freemout, and fearing foul play to his person from that quarter, General Kerney started to San Diago, and by his special request some of his California friends accompanied him part of the way. At San Louis, the latter was joined by Peter St. George Cook, with his Mormon battalion, and shortly after dispatches came from Washington confirming Kerney's authority as Governor. Freemont now succumbed to the enevitable and March 1st, 1847, Kerney became Governor of the Territory of California. Freemont was arrested by the Mormon battalion and escorted to the city of Washington, and by court martial disgracefully reduced from service. California having suffered much by war and gelliar or marauding Indians preying upon the inhabitance and their property, called for protection by those whom they had surrendered to, and the influence that Freemont had used against the Mormons was fast being destroyed by his own and soldiers conduct. These Indians generally beat the Spaniards in battle. Colonel Cook, on learning of their need of help and his duty to them and to California, ordered one, Samuel Thompson, to go and whip them, saying, take your men. Thomson said I want twenty men, take enough said Cook. That's enough said Thompson, but I want to pick my men. The men were picked but one, who volunteered. The line of march was taken up at the setting of the sun, after being on duty all day, we traveled all night, getting on trail of the Indians who made their raids in the night time, and took shelter in the mountains and rugged rocks in the daytime. We halted about 8 o'clock in the morning taking a little refreshments, and then pursued the Indians hoping to surprise them, which was done successfully. Thompson's theory for Indians warfare being correct, this band of robbers were all left corpses without the loss of a man; two were wounded.

Some Spaniards followed up for the purpose of plunder and scalps, which brought bounty money by the laws of California prior to the American rule being adopted. The Spaniard seemed jubilant in butchering and scalping, after the Indian bodies were helpless, this was not tolerated by our Captain nor men, it being enough to take life to save life, and stop the Indian raids in California. This had a desired effect. It filled the order of Cook. It killed the Spaniards prejudices against the battalion, and fulfilled Brigham's sayings, in that we'd have battles with wild beasts and Indians, but no bullets should be fired at us. The Utah's who had been making raids in California headed by their War Chief, Jim Walker and his braves, came and encamped at Los Angeles as few days while we were there, making a successful raid, and their way out by way of the Cahoun or Cajon Pass, which was only accessable for loose animals, because of its steepness and narrow trail, this being some sixty miles from Los Angeles. We guarded this pass some three weeks, thinking these Indians would come back for a new supply. I learned of a Spaniard that these Indians were in dread of all other tribes in the mountains and Mexican, Arizonia and California, and their homes were far in the mountains where there was big water, much fish, and a big water of salt and a little water of salt, and they were a roving tribe, plundering where they went, and the Californian's had offered a thousand dollars for their chiefs scalp. This Spaniard said he had been there on a trading tour, and there was a trail leading from Santa Fee north by these lakes to Oregon, and another from the east by these lakes to oregon. I wanted to get him to pilot us to the states, when out time was out in July, as soldier. He said we could not go until late in the fall, the sand was so hot, the mules could not go now. I had some experience in irrigating land while working on the ranch of Colonel Williams.

Our time of enlistment expiring on the 16th of July, we took eight days to get ready to a start northward in search of our friends that we'd left on the Missouri River. We after learned our starting day was the day the pioneers got into the valley, the 24th of July, 1847. Through much hardship, hunting new trails by way of Sacramento, where the gold was discovered, and then following the emigrant road to Salt Lake, finding all as the Spaniard had told be to be true about the lakes and Indians. My brother George whom had been with me up to this date in all our suffering, was a true and faithful friend. We here thought I had better stay and raise a crop, and he take the best mules and go down to the states, and bring on our father and family. He taking leave about the 10th of October with others, suffered much with cold and hunger, reaching home in the month of December, finding father had died ten days previous. I remained in Utah eaking out an existence for two years before plenty was realized, the first year 1848, the crickets took nearly all of the crops,and in 1849, I had been persuaded to let the church farm have my land and then work on the farm for two seasons, this council I listened to. This season we raised about five thousand bushels of grain, harvested it by hand, I swung the cradle the season through, poorly fed for the want of bread until after harvest. Then took a trip out east to the Sweet Water, over four hundred miles, late in the season, to help the late travellers into the valley. December brought our return.

This winter, in 1841, I logged in the canyon for the farm. I worked on the farm another summer and we raised about seven thousand bushels, and after the wheat and hay and other crops were cared for, our foreman, Cornelius P. Lott, dying, we were called up for a settlement, and adjudged $20 a month for our labor, and take flour at $10 per hundred for pay. I then rented five acres of wheat land, and put one days work of harrowing on it and the harvesting about eight days altogether and realized sixty bushels for my share. My next study was where shall I go for a home, I thought of coming to Ogden, but finding my name for the settlement in Iron County, in company with George A. Smith and others in December 1850. I could not get out without backing out. This I did not do, but started in mid winter leaving my wife and mother with five children.

On arriving at Payson, Utah, on the 23rd of December, 1850. It being my birthday making me 27 years old. I found my company had preceeded me three days and orders left for none to follow without enough to protect themselves against the Indians. I came to a halt and went to building a house. There were then about ten men starting in here for a settlement, under the direction of James Pace, as President, we were all poor with but little means. We saw the necessity of building a fort to guard against the hostiles, whose soil we had settled upon, and without the best of care we were likely to arouse their indignation to bloodshed. These Indians were those that I saw in California as described by the Spaniard, with Jim Walker as War Chief and Aropine, his brother, as Piece Chief. And the lakes were Utah, Salt Lake and Little Salt Lake. In Parowan Utah, the trail came down the Spanish Fork Canyon and on the east side of Utah and Big Salt Lake, taking its coarse to Oregon by Malad River, meaning sick river in French. The easter trail was used as a trapper's trail as early as 1836 for men. French traders and trappers by the name of Borier, left St. Louis, Mo., and passed through Caldwell County, came to the mountains and wintered horses on the island in Salt Lake as early as 836, (the Church Island.) Again while we were in Ill, 1840, we lived near a man by the name of James Crank, who had a large farm, he used to rent it and take his wife and children on pack animals and goods to trade and make his way over the plains through Missouri westward to Oregon via Snake River to Oregon and trading by the way, buying furs and hides of the Indians, staying over winter there and returning the next summer to his farm in Ill. He had two trips in this way while we were there. I've heard him fell of the masses of buffalo and game he saw while traveling and the heavy forest of timber in Oregon. These trails have been used for over a hundred years, and I've heard the oldest Indian in 1850 tell about killing buffalo on the point of the mountain between Salt Lake and Utah Lake, but the deep snow one winter killed them all of and could see their heads and bones all over the land now. These Indians were Utahs, their head quarters and council grounds is now called Payson, Utah.

I spent the winter in hard labor and went to Ogden for my wife in March, found her yet ill having a son born January 1st, 1851, returning to Payson I tried to raise a crop but the scarcity of water prevented. There was not enough water for ten acres of land the first season, it being a dry one, I exerted myself in building dams and ditches to raise the water in ponds from deep chasms and utilizing the high waters of spring and high lands to soak away at will, thus the low lands began to produce hay and grain and it was then thought that forty families might be made comfortable in living there.

The people began to scatter out on large farms and the forting was abandoned, and the Indian hostilites aroused. War began on the 16th of July 1853 by one Alexander Keel being killed while on guard. The night before I went to their camp and was held for two hours not knowing what my fate would be as it was under discussion by the war chief and the pine chief, I was finally released if I would make a trip to Salt Lake City and back to try and make peace on Indian terms. One hundred and fifty miles could not be made with a single team unfed, and Keel was the victim by Indian Treachery on the 17th.

This war lasted three years with the loss of many lives and all towns and cities in the territory being obliged to fort up and keep a strict guard over the stock, fields and people.

Payson was the seat of war, I having risen in military rank as colonel and also have documents authorizing me to contract peace with the natives on any terms, and I would be backed up by the Governor of Utah. I finaly made peace in the fall of 1855 at a great risk of life and property, saw that peace was proclaimed by Indians and whites throughout the mountain country but I never could get one cent from the Govenor as agreed on.

Grasshoppers were severe on us and the Hand Cart suffering with us was a great sacrifice. The approaching of Johnson's Army in 1857, and the Indian hostilities were greatly kindled in Payson by one Dr. Hurt, who held the agency there under the direction of the Govenor of Utah. He bought stock, goods and grain, called in the Utes, arming them to oppose the mormons and defend the approaching army. I had again a heavy risk of life and property, being nigh unto battle by Indians and being betrayed by my own party, but luckily the agent took flight through the mountains to the army and had the pleasure of wintering out with them at Bridger. I having held the office of bishop in Payson for several years, became quite conspicuous among my enemies, who through jealousy, opposed by ordination and ever after until they left as Josephites. They styled me as an epsidixsit, they were such as John D. Lee chose for his friends, I have had to order them home at unusual hours when they were marshalled to attack an emigrant train encamped in my jurisdiction. The emigrant company was part of those when joined by others and on the way to California, when used up by John D. Lee and Company in 1857.

In 1855 I was ordered to go in search of some Indians who were committing depredations, I took twelve men and searched in the mountains all day without success, my men left for home, I finding an Indian track made after a recent shower of rain, and it being near night, I thought their camp not far off. I followed the track and found the camp, it being just dark I repared to our own camp, it being 10 miles away, and made the report to my officers privately, they wanted to surprise them at the break of day that morning. I led the way and accomplished the design, then the command was out of my care. The Indians came out and begged for quarters, I went among them and said, we don't want to fight you, we want you to go home with us and live in peace and quit your stealing and work as we do, they said they would, I laid my gun on the ground and many laid their's on mine, and all bid fair for a general conciliation for peace. Tobacco being rubbed for smoking. Our main commander, being off his post, came rushing up excitingly called for the Indians to all surrender at once or the penalty of death would be inflicted. Every Indian sprang gor his gun and fire was ordered while I was among the Indians, a bullet grazing my head leaving my head bare, I thought it best to lay low and let both parties shoot over me. Soon all was silent, the Indians had ran into the cane and brush, having the entire advantage. I advised the commander to go home and be ashamed of what was done. We went home.

In 1848 Col. Thomas Cane, having entered Utah, via southern California, and staying over night with me was introduced as Dr. Osgood, I could hardly recognize him until told he was Col. Walkingstaff. I then remembered him coming with Colonel Allen, to the tent I'd pitched on the banks of the Missouri River, bringing documents from the Government calling for a battalion of men for the Mexican war in 1846. His business now, as then, was to conciliate for peace between the Mormons and the Government, whose soldiers were already in our vicinity on a vigil and formed errand. I went to Salt Lake, and was seated in a corner at a grand council of Brigham Youngs'. The question was being argued, would it not be better to leave Salt Lake City and the northern settlements in ashes, and all the green trees cut down, rather than for that army to occupy them, which is now their design to do, not much was said further. President Young, then asked if there was any one in the room that would go south and plant fruit seeds, that we might have young trees in case the old ones were cut down, no answer came. I then arose and said, how will I do to plant peach stones. He said come here, I went to the center, he went out of the room and came back with a sack of peach stones, saying, go to Payson and plant some of them, and send men into the deserts to find locations and plant more, and in different places, saying, I've sent for George Bean and he has not come, you take this mission to move the people south of Salt Lake Valley. I started home with my peach stones, and met George Bean, on the mountain between the two valleys. I told him what was said and done. He said for me to go on home and get what company I wanted ready, in three day he'd be there with one more, and he'd go according to instruction. I got ready and the parties went, the southern move was accomplished.

The people north of Utah valley moved south, those who had to be helped were left at Payson, the place being filled with those who had to be fed and clothed, there being but little employment and no pay, then men having means and provision did not not want to part with them, there being no assurance of safety. I put every man to work that would work. I got food and bread from Salt Lake City's Tithing Office to feed them. I built a grist mill, saw mill and tanneries, bought every hide and used the wasted articles to make the needy comfortable. I built a road to the timber for logs and tan bark, it had to be hurried through, while pealing time was in order. I was considered very foolish, and in the fall, and when the army was settled in Cedar Valley, every thing sold well. Lumber was a good price and money plenty and labor high. In July the people began to return to their homes, the war cloud having lurred.

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NOTICE.

To all whom it may concern: --I, Charles B. Hancock, Senior, formerly of Payson, utah, have of my own free will, taken the first favorable opportunity of appearing before the First District Court, on a charge of being a participant in the Hones tragedy of 1858. I was Bishop at the time and a colonel in the militia. I also had charge of the wandering exiles that came there at that time. As accusations have been hurled broadcast against me publicly and privately for the past thirty one years as one of the participants of this murder, (as called). I would respectfully request all those who can give testimony in this case, to appear before the District Court on the 17th of this month, the day set for trial. I have as yet neither Attorney nor witnesses, but let my accusers not fail to be present, as I desire that this grand accusation should come to a close. Deseret News and Payson Business Enterprise please copy and publish for ten days. Yours Respectfully,

Charles B. Hancock, Sen.

PROVO JAIL, March 4th, 1890.

Daily Enquirer Print.

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I, in reading the news saw a piece in the paper of George Hancock, of Payson, being arrested and lodged in Provo Jail on this charge. I at once wrote to the Sheriff of Utah County, of my whereabouts and if the Court wanted me, I could be found at Ogden, or near by. Sheriff Benjamin Bauchman, came with a writ for me on the 16th of Nov. 1889. I was lodged in the cells with my brother George the same evening. I found that there were writs on this case for George and Charles Hancock, Alvin Crockett, Wm. E. McLelland, George Patton and Price Nelson. I informed the Sheriff of the whereabouts of Alvin Crockett, and that he would readily come but his health being so bad, they had better let him go on bail, he was brought and went back on $1500 bonds. I tried for bail, and was held at $15,000, my brother George was not allowed bail at all. I remained with him awaiting trial for nearly four months, not knowing who my accusers were, ten days before the time for trail set, I wrote the fore going notice and pushed it out through the grates, to a new paper man.

The next day the Sheriff came to the grates and calling me said, the court had ordered me turned out. I told him I had rather wait until after the trial and my brother's trail, he said he would have to obey order and I went out, but by the kindness of the jailor, I was permitted to go and come as I wished until my brother George's trial and sentence. Crockett was also released without having to come to Court. No other arrest being made on this charge., George Hancock, was sentenced to ten years imprisonment. Then there was a chance for an appeal before the Supreme Court of the Territory, which was done and he went home on $15,000 bail. After a year, the Supreme Court disannuled Judge Blackburn's decision and a new trial granted. One of the witnesses dying, here testimony being much questioned, and the other is now serving in prison, a two years sentence for self abuse, and is one of the most notorious rascals that the American soil can produce. While George Hancock, is at home attending to his own business quietly, and taking care of his uncle, a man over 91 years old; he also is awaiting trial being granted by the appeal to the Supreme Court of the Territory in his case.

I will give a sketch of the Jones' case, or what I know of it for the readers perusal. There came in common with the people who went south in 1858. A Mr. Hatch, and elderly man, he having previously married this Mrs. Jones, she having two sons and one daughter prior to marrying Hatch. Soon after they came to Payson, they concluded to seperate. He would live with his sons who had families and she would live with her children.

The Mayor of the city, gave Mrs. Jones a lot. They had nothing to live on nor to build with, I gave them provisions and poles and posts to make a dug out as we called them by that name then, they being a common resort then for a shelter. When work could be had they would not work and passed their time in idleness, gathering the row dies of the town and much disturbing the peace of the citizens of the place night times. The City Council in running order, passed laws for the good of the public for the city, field, hay and range for stock. To enforce these laws their guard had to be vigilant and regular. This did not suit the rowdy part, nor could they be trusted, as horses, cattle and sheep had to be corralled nights in the city for protection, and as the advancing army was drawing nigh, many of these roughs thought to steal horses from the corrall in the night time, and through the mountains reach the army and come with them again to the hurt of those who would not let them have their own way. There were six of these in this bargain then. Their provision were made ready by stealth and begging, Mrs. Jones, taking interest with them, only she was to wait here until the boys' triumphant return. One of this number giving the others away revealed the plot to his brother older than him, and to the Marshal of the city, and the corralls were more closely watched. The night they set for starting, the best horses was to be taken, and as the raders came with their ropes to get their horses the guards closed in on them, and with over-awe secured two of them, another young fellow who was aiding them, stole bridles and came just in time to see the boys captured, then throwing them down ran home, the two were turned over to their parents. I having horses in the corrall and learning what was going on, went to see how it was and finding the Jones' boys were not there, and learning their intended horses were staked out over the bench land, I took the young men who had failed to go and went near the Jones' cabin and saw a light there. I said to the youngster you go out and see them. He said we must not go there for they have a double-barrell shot gun loaded and a pistol, and say they will shoot the first one that comes near them. I told him to go to the back of the building and say to them, that their partners were captured in the corrall and they had better not try to leave in the night, and C.B. Hancock was out there and wanted to see them, the boy came running back and said they would shoot, he then went home. I went alone following the road to the east, thence a little south considering it the best course to be taken with them. I saw the door open as there was a bright light in the cabin, and Mrs. Jones came out and stood on the back. I called to her saying, I would like to see her and the boys, she asked what for, I said I understand they calculate to leave to-night, with stolen horses for the soldiers camp, and I think they had better not attempt to go in the night, two of their partners were caught while in the corrall. She said I will come to you. I said to her bring that shot gun and pistol with you. She talking with the boys then said, they wont let me have them. I then said be still and quiet until morning, and their will be some way provided to peacefully get them and not have any trouble over it. She went in again and I took the road west for home.

I heard the brush rattle at their camp and the light at the top of the shanty as if they were a going out of the top, and heard footsteps as if running west and soon heard the words halt, hold, as if guards hailed. I then heard the noise of three shots as those of a double barrelled shot gun and a horse pistol and saw the light of the burned powder. Then there followed three or four more shots, more of smaller arms and then running to the south, turning east I stood looking and listening and heard hailing again high on the bench land east, and saw the light of powder and heard the noise of two guns. Soon all was quiet again and I went on towards home and met with some Indians who were camped not far off, they were alarmed at the noise of the guns in the night. I told them that some men were trying to steal horses and the guards were trying to stop them. They offered to help. I said no I thought there was enough of guard to manage them. I went a little further and heard Mrs. Jones at Mrs. Louis Hatche's, where the old gentleman lived. She was moaning because of her boys, thinking that they were shot. She was at the door and Louis Hatch in the door and the old man inside the house. I told her what the result would be, I did not know. I had done all I could to keep her boys quiet, and they had fired on the guard and all had ran off towards Pondtown. I told her that she had better stay there with the old man until morning, I then went on home and early in the morning the old man Mr. Hatch, came and said that Mrs. Jones went back home and lay dead in her camp with a bullet-hole in her head and Henry, her oldest boy lay dead near Pondtown in the road. He wanted to know what should be done with then I told him I thought that he was the proper one to see to them and the neighbors near him would assist him all they could, as it was in the corporation the Mayor and City Council had the jurisdiction. They were burried in their own shanty. I after learned that the reason Mrs. Jones did not stay at Hatche's was, Mrs. Louis Hatch was in child bed and was very nervous and Louis thought better for her to go home.

Who done the shooting I never knew, but the excitement grew worse and the charge of the deed was handed out as Charles B. Hancock, being the author of it. I went to Provo to Judge Cradlebaugh's Court, to have the case looked into. He, just then, was removing to camp Floyd. A year later there were indictments before Judge Eccles' Court, at Nephi, Utah, for twelve persons as being engaged in this affair, and writs were issued for their arrest; but none were arrested. These writs lay in the Court's care for over 28 years, and the men charged with the crime serving as jurors in such courts and other public duties and not knowing of the indictments until 1889, when six out of the twelve were called out at the First District Court by Judge Blackburn, after 28 years of quiet slumber and had thus far terminated, as has been described in the foregoing writing and description of the scene.

As hundreds have listened to the mutilated tales of this story in Payson history, and I knowing more of its history than any other man (only the shooting) I thought it my duty to make a public statement of its story. I have made this from memory with a few private notes as the records are missing. This little only being a tough of its correct representation, I will add no further at the present for the need of more time and pamphlet room, and for the present generation of our family records, I hope to be able to add to the satisfaction of all, ere long, as it takes time and money I hope and trust for friends patronage.

CHARLES B. HANCOCK Sen.

HAIL COLUMBIA.

Hail Columbia's happy land,

Hail ye heroes heaven born band,

Who fought and bled in freedom's cause,

Who fought and bled in freedom's cause.

And when the storm of war was gone,

Enjoyed the peace your valors won,

Let independence be your boasts

Ever mindful what it costs,

Ever grateful for the price,

Let your offerings reach the skies,

Firm united let us be

Rallying round our Liberty.

As a band of brothers joined,

Peace and safety we shall find.

Immortal patriots rise once more,

Defend your rights defend your shore,

Let nor rude foe with impious hand

Invade the shrine where sacred lies,

Of blood and toil and the well earned prize,

While offering peace sincere and just,

In heaven we place our manly trust;

That truth and justice will prevail,

And every scheme of bondage fail.

Firm united let us be

Rallying round our liberty,

As a band of brothers joined,

Peace and safety we shall find.

Sound, of sound, trump of fame,

Let Washington's immortal name,

Ring through the world with loud applause,

Ring through the world with loud applause.

Let every clime to freedom dear come listen with a joyful ear,

With equal skill and godlike power

He governed in the fearful hour,

Of horrid war and guide with ease

The happier time of honest peace.

Firm united let us be

Rallying round our liberty,

As a band of brothers joined,

Peace and safety we shall find.

Behold the chief who now commands,

Once more to save his country stands

The rock on which the storms will beat,

The rock on which the storms will beat.

But armed in virtue firm and true

His hopes are fixed on heaven and you;

When hope was sinking in dismay

And Gloom obscured Columbia's day,

His steady mind from changes free,

Resolved on death or liberty.

Firm united let us be

Rallying round our liberty,

As a band of brothers joined,

Peace and safety we shall find.

THE AMERICAN ST