Elder Freeman Nickerson

Added by Elwin C. Nickerson-This ancestor: Mormon Pioneer-1847 Freeman Nickerson (1779–1847)= WAR of 1812- Rank Lt. Freeman Nickerson-Founded BOSTON Branch LDS- 03/09/1842-with Erastus Snow.

Esther Barrus Warner Caroline Hubbard Papers 1860 Lydia Knight in Journal History of the Church 1833 ENSIGN, Magazine of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

   Nov 1973

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Freeman Nickerson, born at Yarmouth, New Dennis, Mass. 5 Feb 1779; bapt. in the Mormon faith at Dayton, N. Y. in April 1833; son of Eleazer and Thankful (Chase) Nickerson; died 12 or 22 Jan 1847 at Winter Quarters, Charlton, Iowa of dropsy and congestive chills; buried there with Eliza. He left a faithful testimony to the truth of the Gospel. as a young man Freeman was a seaman by profession. About 1800 he emigrated to Cavendish, Vt. and sold to his brothers Levi and Eleazer, mariners, for $800, all his rights in the estates left by his father and grandfather. He is said to have been a very large man, 7 feet tall and weighing 300 pounds, was champion wrestler of Vermont, and later, on occasion, was body guard to Joseph Smith, the Prophet. Commissioned a Lieutenant, he served in the War of 1812.

He was first married at Cavendish, Windsor Co., VT. on 19 Jan 1800 or 1801 to Huldah Chapman, born at Tolland, Conn. 19 Aug 1780; daughter of Eliphalet and Abigail (Chase) Chapman; dIed of consumption at Provo, Utah 22 Mar 1860. In 1850 she crossed the plains to Utah accompanied by her daughter, Caroline E. Hubbard, and her son Levi. She lived with her children in Provo, fell ill in March 1860 and died in the house of her daughter Caroline, leaving a faithful testimony to the truth of the Everlasting Gospel. Freeman and Huldah, with their seven children and their families, were baptized in The Church of Jesus Christ of Later- Day Saints by Elder Zerubbabel Snow in April 1833 at, Dayton, N. Y. and shortly afterwards Freeman was ordained a Deacon. Some of their children emigrated to Missouri, were persecuted for their beliefs, and were driven out by the order of Gov. Boggs. They fled to Illinois from whence they again fled to Council Bluffs, Iowa. The others began their slow, hazardous journey westward, with Freeman's mission taking him in many directions. His first work was among the Saints in Kirtland, Ohio in September 1833. He was indeed full of the gospel he had embraced and was so anxious for the eternal welfare of his sons Moses and Eleazer in Canada that he prevailed upon the Brethren (The Prophet Joseph and Elder Sidney Rigdon) to accompany him on a visit to them at Mt. Pleasant. After meetings, discussion and services, the Prophet baptized 12 persons including Freeman's sons and their households. Lydla Bailey, who afterwards became the wife of Newell Knlght, was visiting the Nickersons and was also baptized. And then the great glory of God was manifest to this weak but trusting girl . She was further blessed by Joseph with the words, "You shall yet be a savior t,o your father's house . . . The Lord has great work for you to do". A church was formed and son Eleazer was ordained an Elder to preside there

Freeman took a second wife, probably in August, 1845, Huldah Howes, born in Yarmouth 16 Aug 1786; daughter of Sparrow and Huldah (Chase) Howes; died 8 Nov 1846 at Winter Quarters in Iowa. December 1845 Elder Nickerson received his washings and annointings and his companions Huldah Chapman and Huldah Howes were sealed to him over the Altar in the Temple at Nauvoo, Ill. Huldah Howes Nickerson died Nov. 8 of consumption, she embraced the gospel in Mass. in 1835 from which time she was a living example of its truths through the troubles of Missouri and Illinois and she died a martyr through exposure and hardship.

He probably had a third wife, Eliza Kent. Jan. 1846 on his fourth and last mission Elder Nickerson returned (from the East) by way of Canada confirming the Saints there and bringing with him Sister Eliza Kent from Boston under a Covenant of sealing, and also her son Christopher 8 years old. ELiza died Dec 28, 1846 and was buried on the banks of the Charlton River with her son who died 3 Jan 1847.

Freeman's journey from 1833 to his death in 1847 are outlined in his daughter Caroline's account. His many missions took him, sometimes accompanied by his sons Uriel and Levi, to Missouri, Illinois, Canada, New York and the New England states. About 25 Nov 1838, he, with his son-in-law Emery Barrus, his daughter Caroline E. Hubbard, with their children, altogether 17 persons, started on their journey to Missouri but the Ohio River being closed with ice, they wintered at Pittsburg, where was organized a church of 40 members. Finding Missouri untenable on account of the persecution of the church at Far West, these families with others were compelled to retreat to Illinois, they took up their first position at Quincy, and in Nov 1840 removed to Commerce. During his two and one-half years visiting and preaching through Vermont and Massachusetts from November 1841 to the spring of 1844, he spent some months in Boston. There, one Abijah Tewksbury, a shipping merchant, was the first fruit of the lonely mission of Elder Nickerson who was said to impart a magnetizing influence which was wonderfully apparent. By March 1842. the troop of converts was large enough to sustain a branch of the Church and brother Tewksbury offered his shipping office at 82 Commercial St. as a meetinghouse. The building, located in a recently designated historic district, is being renovated and restored. Thus the building seems destined to stand as a monument to the New England Saints who met in a shipping office and learned the truths of the restored church. Prior to this, Elder Nickerson had been commissioned to go to Massachusetts in Nov 1835, and returned to the New England states again in 1844. In January 1846 the Presidency sent him on his fourth and last mission to the East, where he preached the gospel in the branches through to the Atlantic and returned by way of Canada confirming the Saints there. It was on this trip that he went back to Cape Cod where 15 people were baptized. Some of them left Dennisport to go to Utah. Among them were Elnathan Eldredge and wife Ruth (Baker)Underwood, Isaiah Eldredge and wife Sabre Wixon, and John Wixon.

Elder Ntckerson and his families, Levi S. Nickerson, Caroline Hubbard, Emery Barrus and their families, left Nauvoo, Ill. starting westward in September 1846 but halted 7 miles above Bonaparte, Iowa on account of illness. Here his second wife died. Continuing the journey in late November, they arrived at the Charlton River where, at Soap Creek, they erected temporary cabins for shelter through the winter. Eliza, her son and Freeman all died within three weeks and were buried on the banks of the river. A descendant, writes, "What a tragic story if one could know it all; What disappointments and heartaches joys and sorrows went into his life, yet his faith never faltered. Determination, zeal and adaptability where in his make-up, characteristics no doubt descending through the years from Pioneer William Nickerson." Missionary to Upper Canada, Massachusetts, New York; member, Zion's Camp. Born February 5, 1779 in Dennis, Barnstable, Massachusetts History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, edited by B. H. Roberts, 7 vols. (Salt Lake City: Deseret News, 1902-1912, 1932). 1:416 footnote.

 	  	February 5, 1779 in Dennis, Barnstable, Massachusetts 	   Died 	  	January 12, 1847 at Pioneer Crossing, Chariton River, Lucas, Iowa 	  	  Father 	  	Eleazar Nickerson (b. Apr. 2, 1748 on Cape Yarmouth, Massachusetts; d. Nov. 26, 1796 in Dennis, Barnstable, Massachusetts) 	  	HC History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, edited by B. H. Roberts, 7 vols. (Salt Lake City: Deseret News, 1902-1912, 1932). 1:416 footnote. ¶ Ancestry.com Mother 	  	Thankful Chase (b. Feb. 25, 1750 in Yarmouth, Barnstable, Massachusetts; d. Feb. 6, 1834 in South Dennis, Barnstable, Massachusetts) 	  	 History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, edited by B. H. Roberts, 7 vols. (Salt Lake City: Deseret News, 1902-1912, 1932). 1:416 footnote. Occupation 	  	Seaman. 	  	  Vermont 	  	1800 moves to Windsor County, Vermont, where he and Huldah Chapman marry. 	  	HC History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, edited by B. H. Roberts, 7 vols. (Salt Lake City: Deseret News, 1902-1912, 1932). 1:416 footnote. War of 1812 	  	1812 lieutenant, War of 1812. 	  	HC History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, edited by B. H. Roberts, 7 vols. (Salt Lake City: Deseret News, 1902-1912, 1932). 1:416 footnote. Baptized 	  	April 1833 baptized by Zerubbabel Snow in Dayton, New York (4 miles south of Freedom's home in Perrysburg). Ordained a deacon soon after. 	  	HC History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, edited by B. H. Roberts, 7 vols. (Salt Lake City: Deseret News, 1902-1912, 1932). 1:416 footnote. Mission with Joseph, Sidney 		October 5, 1833 begins mission to Upper Canada with Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon. 	  	Diary-1 Joseph Smith diary (Nov. 27, 1832-Dec. 5, 1834). Selected Collections, 1:20. Original, Church Archives, MS 155. , 5. New York home 		October 12, 1833 the three reach Freeman's home in Perrysburg, Cattaraugus, New York. 	  	Diary-1 Joseph Smith diary (Nov. 27, 1832-Dec. 5, 1834). Selected Collections, 1:20. Original, Church Archives, MS 155. , 7.

 		October 18, 1833 arrive at Mt. Pleasant, Upper Canada, where Freeman's sons Moses and Eleazar live. 	  	  Fund-raising 		March 17, 1834 one of four who commit to raise $2,000 by April to deliver church from debt. 	  	¶ Meeting of March 17, 1834 Zion's Camp 		1834 member, Zion's Camp. 	  	  Perrysburgh church 	  	April 1835 presides over Perrysburgh branch of 40 members. 	  	Freedom Nickerson, Apr. 3, 1835, MA Latter Day Saints' Messenger and Advocate 1, no. 7 (Apr. 3, 1835): 101. Cape Cod / Barnstable 	  	November [30], 1835 leaves Cattaraugus County for Cape Cod, Massachusetts. In late December or January 1836 he writes from Yarmouth: 	  	Freedom Nickerson, n.d., MA Latter Day Saints' Messenger and Advocate 2, no. 5 (Feb. 1836): 271.

 	¶ 	Since I arrived at Cape Cod, I have held 24 public meetings; the people have been very attentive. I have held two meetings in a Methodist house one in the courthouse, two in a hall and the remainder in a school and private houses. 	  	 

 	¶ 	I have baptized 6 in this place … 	  	 

 	¶ 	… After I arrived here the Methodist and Orthodox opened protracted meetings which continue yet, and the first men in the place came with their carriages and carried the people 4 or 5 miles, so have them hear. Cape Cod is much stired up there is more use for bibles, than before I came. 	  	 

 		Requests permission to speak at a protracted meeting but is refused. Baptizes in the Bogs River "where we repaired with a cloud of witheses [witnesses]." 	  	  Upper Canada 		April 5, 1836 leaves Kirtland with Parley and Orson Pratt. 	  	¶ Parley P. Pratt's Toronto Letters (1836) Boston 		May 1842 on a mission in Boston. 	  	TS Times and Seasons 3, no. 14 (May 16, 1842): 798.

 		[E. P. Maginn, 1842] In Boston near forty have obeyed through the faithful labors of Elder Freeman Nickerson. 	  	HC History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, edited by B. H. Roberts, 7 vols. (Salt Lake City: Deseret News, 1902-1912, 1932). 4:567. Death 		January 12, 1847 dies in Chariton River, Pioneer Crossing, Iowa, en route to the Great Salt Lake Valley. 	  /ECN/

Freeman was born in South Dennis, Barnstable County, Massachusetts and then moved to Vermont in 1800 where he married Huldah Chapman. He served as a lieutenant during the War of 1812.

In 1824, he moved his family to Perrysburg, New York. He later worked on the construction of the Erie Canal.

In April 1833 he was baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saint by Zerubbabel Snow. In the Fall of that year he served a mission in western New York and Upper Canada with Joseph Smith, Jr. and Sidney Rigdon.

In 1834, Nickerson was a member of Zion's Camp. In 1835, he served as branch president in Perrysburg, New York. In the winter of 1835–1836 Nickerson served as a missionary on Cape Cod. In 1839 he and his family moved west: they spent the winter in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where he baptized about 40 people and established the first branch of the church in that city. In 1840 he settled in Nauvoo, Illinois. In 1841, he served a mission to Peoria, Illinois. In 1842 he served a mission in Boston.

Nickerson died in 1847 along the banks of the Chariton River in Iowa as the Latter-day Saints were moving west.

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