Halmagh Johannes Van Wagoner

Member of the Winter Quarters 15th Ward residential area.

• ************* The record of Van Wagoner burials is a bit of a mystery as they are not recorded in the sexton's record. Brother Holmes states in his book, "A Grave Experience, At Historic Winter Quarters" that… "this [is a] list of known persons on the cemetery plaque but [they] are not on the sextons lists or any grave numbers shown." So I have no idea of how the info was obtained. But the list shows them as Van Wagoner, Halmah J. and VanWagoner, VanHouten, Mary. -- Terry Latey, Pioneer Heritage Librarian at Winter Quarters Trails Center

The mystery is solved! Thank you, Annette! "I believe that the reason they are on the Winter Quarters information is because their daughter Sarah's husband (John Boylston Fairbanks) wrote in his journal that he helped bury her parents, Halmagh and Mary Van Wagoner as well as his father, Joseph Fairbanks, while at Winter Quarters. So when my grandfather and his sons made the memorial, of course they put the names of their ancestors on it. It was very touching to them. -- Annette Fairbanks

• *************

Halmagh John Van Wagenen and Mary (Polly) Van Houghten were both of Dutch descent. They were married December 22, 1810 at the Horseneck Dutch Reformed Church, Bergen County, New Jersey, by Reverend John Duryee.

Halmagh and Mary settled in Wanaque, Pompton Township, Bergen County (now Passaic County), New Jersey. Here they became the parents of five children: John, Henry, Hanna, Ann, and Sarah. They were a happy, industrious, thrifty, hard-working family. Halmagh was a farmer. He grew a variety of crops, including flax. From the flax, Mary wove linen tablecloths, sheets, towels, and materiel that she colored for her children’s dresses. As the children grew, Mary taught them to mend, darn, patch, and care for their belongings. She taught her daughters to card, spin, weave, and sew.

Mary was a good homemaker and kept a very attractive home. Her needlework pieces were real art treasures. She made a marvelous carpet of wool. Taking the wool from the sheep they raised, she dyed it several colors. She carded and spun it into heavy yarn and wove it into a magnificent carpet, which was given to cover one of the rooms in the Nauvoo Temple.

Mary was neat and very particular and she taught and trained her daughters well. She said,” Learn to do your work well now. When you get older, if you want to slight it then you can. But you must learn to do it right.”

John, the eldest son, was apprenticed out for seven years. He learned the carpenter and wheelwright trade. The Van Wagenens built a lovely home in Wanaque. It had a beautiful hand-carved walnut staircase and china cupboards of which the family was very proud. No doubt, John was the creator of these beautiful carvings.

The Van Wagenens were a happy, united family. United in all but one thing-religion. Mary was a Presbyterian. She was devoted and faithful to her Church. Halmagh, on the other hand, would not attend or have anything to do with any church. In fact, he was very much opposed to religion. Halmagh’s attitude worried and grieved Mary. She wanted her children to be Christians-good Christians-but how to accomplish it with a house divided? Halmagh was firm in his convictions. “I can’t see anything in religion,” he said.

It was about this time that the Mormon missionaries came to New Jersey. Out of curiosity, John, the eldest son, attended some of their meetings. He bought a Book of Mormon and some other Mormon literature. Knowing the sentiments of his father and not wishing to hurt his mother, he kept the book secreted in a drawer in his room. Every opportunity he could find he would slip into his room and read the book. It fascinated him. He could hardly put it away to do his work. He attended more meetings, asked questions and received enlightening answers. John studied, prayed, and asked for guidance. By now, the Book of Mormon was more than interesting or fascinating-John knew it was true. He had a testimony. He was so thrilled with what he read and heard, he longed to share it with his family but he didn’t dare. Prudence and fear of ridicule stopped him.

One morning the men folk were at work. Mary was ironing. Her aged mother was darning socks and humming as she rocked by the fire. Sarah was preparing bread for the oven. “Sarah,” called her mother, “as soon as you put the bread into the oven, come here. Will you please gather up the stockings, these grandma has darned, and take them with these shirts I have ironed to John’s room. Put them away neatly and while you are there, tidy up his room. I think John has been neglecting it lately.”

Sarah climbed the stairs with an armful of carefully paired and rolled stockings and the shirts. She opened the door and tossed the socks on the bed while she hung the shirts in the wardrobe closet. She began tidying up the room. She pulled open the stocking drawer to put them away. For a minute, she stood frozen to the spot. Her eyes bulged. Her mouth gaped open wide. She gasped a deep breath. Automatically, her hand flew to her throat, and she pressed it against her chest as if to keep her pounding heart from bursting. Was she seeing things? Slowly and cautiously, she reached her hand out and touched it. It was real. But, what was it doing here?

MORMONS! The word seemed to leap at her. She had heard of the Mormons-the Minister had warned everybody about the awful Mormons. A sickening feeling came over her. She must tell her mother. Never has Sarah made the stairs in such record time. From the hall, she motioned for her mother to come quickly. This was private. Grandmother (Annatje Room Van Houten) must not know. At her age, it would upset her terribly.

“What is it, Sarah? You look like you have seen a ghost.”

“It’s awful, mother! It’s awful,” she whispered. “I’m afraid John is going to join the Mormons.”

“The Mormons? That’s nonsense! Wherever did you get an idea like that?”

“He’s got their terrible book in his drawer,” said Sarah. “I saw it with my own eyes. I touched it.”

Well don’t worry your pretty head anymore,” she said reassuringly. “I’ll take care of the matter. John has better sense than to do anything like that. Whatever you do,” she warned, “don’t say anything about this to anyone-least of all to your father.” Sarah promised. She visioned what it would be like if he knew.

Mary couldn’t settle down to work until she had opened the drawer and verified the evidence. There it was in black and white. She closed the drawer quickly. A feeling of restless uneasiness swept over her. She tried to put it out of her mind, but it kept coming back. “John is a good sensible boy,” she kept reassuring herself. “He wouldn’t do this. It’s just that he has an inquiring mind, and I’ve always admired him for that.”

As Mary sat down to help Grandma with the mending, Grandma inquired, “What is bothering you, Mary? You look worried.”

“I’m jus tired, Mama.” But, Mary was worried. She was recalling how much of late John had chosen to stay in his room. And, he had been evasive occasionally, as to his whereabouts, when he had gone out lately. Maybe Sarah was right. Maybe John was thinking of joining the Mormons. “I must handle this tactfully,” she vowed to herself.

The next evening, after a day of much praying for guidance, and after most of the family had retired,

Mary knocked on John’s door. His lamp still burned. “It’s Mother, John, may I come in?”

“You are always welcome, Mother,” he said, as he slid the book under his pillow. Mary pulled the chair near his bed. She held his manly hand and looked into his sun-tanned face and his honest blue eyes. “It’s about the Book of Mormon, son.” There was a moment of awkward silence.

“You found it?”

She nodded her head affirmatively.

“I’m glad you found it. Have you read any of it?” he asked eagerly.

“No, son.”

“You’ll want to read it, Mother. It is the most wonderful book I have ever read. I know it is true.”

“Now John,” she said in a cautioning voice, “how do you know?”

“Let me read you something” he said, turning the pages of the Book of Mormon searchingly.

“Here it is, Moroni 10:4-5. Listen carefully to this promise, Mother.” He read:

“And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you to ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, and with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost.

“And by the power of the Holy Ghost you may know the truth of all things.”

“Mother, I have followed the Prophet Moroni’s counsel. I have earnestly and sincerely prayed and I know that it is true. If you would only read it, Mother, it would make me so happy. I’ll put the book in the desk in the hall. Then you can read it whenever you get time. You had better not let Dad see it,” he cautioned. “Mother,” he said full of enthusiasm, “you will find it so interesting, you won’t be able to leave it alone. Say, Mother, I’ll bet you didn’t know that Jesus visited America after His crucifixion. Well he did. It tells all about it in this book.” John turned the pages to where he had it marked. He briefed his mother in on a few details surrounding the occasion: Jesus stood in the midst; he commanded the multitude that they should kneel down. “Let me read it to you. It is in III Nephi, Chapter 17:15-17:

“And when he had said these words, he himself also knelt upon the earth; and behold he prayed unto the Father, and the things that he prayed cannot be written, and the multitude did bear record ho heard him.

“And after this manner do they bear record: The eye hath never seen, neither hath the ear heard, before so great and marvelous things as we saw and heard Jesus speak: and no one can conceive of the joy which filled our souls at the time we heard him pray for us unto the Father.

“And no tongue can speak, neither can there be written by any man, neither can the hearts of man conceive so great and marvelous things as we both saw and heard Jesus speak; and no one can conceive of the joy which filled our souls at the time we heard him pray for us unto the Father.”

“How beautiful,” she said. I think I would like to read the Book of Mormon.”

“Don’t forget Moroni’s promise.” John remarked, as she closed the door behind her.

It was just as John had predicted. She couldn’t leave it alone. Household tasks were neglected as she read aloud to her family. They listened first out of curiosity, but curiosity was soon replaced by enthusiastic desire. There was plenty of suspense, especially when they had to interrupt the story and quickly put the book back in the desk when Halmagh showed up unexpectedly.

They talked about the things they read with John. They began going to the meetings to learn more. They were greatly impressed with the Book of Mormon, the gospel, and the Missionaries. They were all convinced that it was true. They decided to be baptized. Mary had not mentioned a thing about it to Halmagh. The children hadn’t let a word slip in front of their father.

The day for the important event arrived. The house was buzzing with activity as they made preparations.

“What is going on?” demanded Halmagh. “What is this you folks are all so busy about?”

Mary’s heart began beating faster. Suddenly, she felt as if a chill wind had flung open the door.

“You seem to have some secret,” Said Halmagh sternly.

Mary moistened her dry lips. “You see, Halmagh,” she said apologetically. “I’ve been going to tell you, but it seems I just haven’t had the opportunity.” She lowered her eyes, straightened her skirt. You are opposed to religion. I went to tell you before we went. You see, we have all decided to join the Mormons, if you don’t object.”

“So you have been keeping me in the dark,” he said in a very disappointed tone. Then a big smile wrinkled his face. “You are not the only one with a secret.” His eyes twinkled merrily. “You see, I found John’s book. I, too, have read the Book of Mormon. So, if you will get my things ready, I will go with you. I want to be baptized, also.”

Everyone was very much surprised but so happy and delighted. The children hugged and kissed their father. Mary, having recovered from the shock, now rushed into Halmagh’s waiting arms. “You really want to be baptized?”

“I was never more serious in my whole life,” he said. “I know the truth when I hear it.”

With a testimony of the truth, happy hearts and a wonderful feeling of unity, they stood as a family on 13 April 1844, by the waters of baptism, and Elder John Leach baptized each one including Grandma Van Houten.

Halmagh could see real value in the Gospel. He attended his meeting and was devoted to the Church. Halmagh was willing to make any sacrifice for the Church. In 1844, the Van Wagenens desired to join the Saints in Nauvoo. They were unable to sell or dispose of their property in New Jersey, so they left it behind. They established themselves in Nauvoo. Here they endured the persecution and hardships with the Saints.

On the 25th of April of 1846, they left their home and the beautiful city of Nauvoo for the West where they hoped they could worship God according to the dictates of their conscience. They crossed the Mississippi River in May and traveled to Winter Quarters. Here they were to spend the winter. Again, they built a home. They made their own furniture, beds, tables, benches, etc. But, due to the severe hardships they encountered, and the lack of necessities, Mary died in October 1846 and Halmagh died soon after, on the 4th of December, 1846. They were laid to rest in the Pioneer Cemetery, on the bench above the winter village. Their children came to Utah. They became stalwarts in the Church, remaining true and faithful. They raised up a noble posterity, full of faith and devotion and an honor to their courageous ancestors.

In 1936, the Church dedicated a beautiful monument at Winter Quarters, now known as the Pioneer Memorial Cemetery, Florence, Nebraska. It was erected to honor and pay tribute to those faithful and courageous Saints who “gave their all” for the Gospel. The names of Halmagh Van Wagoner and Mary, his lovely wife, are inscribed as among the faithful, so honored.

Dr. Avard Fairbanks, the famous sculptor, who was commissioned to create this great monument, is the second great grandson of Halmagh and Mary Van Wagoner.

Note: Many Nauvoo records were destroyed when the Saints were fleeing Nauvoo. The wagon loaded with records tipped over in the river. This is one reason for more than one baptismal date. Even though many had personal histories and diaries with these dates recorded, they couldn’t be verified with Church records

THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION IS FROM ANOTHER SOURCE:

.THE MYSTERY OF THE MISSING SHEEPSKIN DEED

By Genevieve Van Wagenen

In 1964 family representatives from the descendants of John Halmagh Van Wagoner met in Salt Lake City, at the home of Loree Van Wagoner Orullian. The purpose of this meeting was to make preparations for compiling and publishing a history of the Van Wagenen and Van Wagoner families. During this meeting the question arose as to what materials should be included in this precious book. Many interesting and valuable items were suggested: Histories, pictures; the genealogy of our noble and courageous forebears was a must, as also was the delightful story of their conversion to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

“We must have a picture of the monument at Winter Quarters. The names of Mary Van Houten and Halmagh Van Wagoner, our valiant ancestors, are engraved on it. They are honored among those who made the supreme sacrifice for the Gospel.” Everyone agreed that a picture of “The Tragedy at Winter Quarters” should be included.

Then someone said, “By all means the book should have a picture of the old sheepskin deed.”

“What sheepskin deed?” asked several.

“The deed showing the purchase of land from the Indians by our early ancestors when they came to America,” chorused several who had seen the interesting deed, or heard of it.

The sheepskin deed was truly a topic of interest and excitement. Those who had not seen it were curious, delighted, and anxious to hear all about this ancient legal document. Those who had seen it were just as eager to describe it and tell everything they remembered about the rare and unique deed.

“The sheepskin deed was about the size of a piece of legal paper,” said one. “It was smooth and white and pliable. It was rolled up like a parchment. The mark of the Indian Chief attesting to the sale was made in one corner.”

“I saw the deed once when I was just a kid,” said another, ‘but if my memory serves me right, it was much larger and still had the wool on the back of the deed.” There seemed to be a difference of opinion as to its description, but there was no doubt of its existence.

“Where is the deed now?” everyone wanted to know. But nobody had any idea where the deed could be. Speculations were made and rumors aired. It had not been seen in many a long year. Several present were appointed to look into the matter. A search was begun. Inquiries were made, but the whereabouts of the sheepskin deed seemed to be a complete mystery. It was as if it had vanished into thin air. Time was running out. This intriguing deed seemed destined to remain a mystery. Our book would have to go to press without a picture or mention of it. Then something wonderful occurred. Destiny stepped in, removed the mystery, and changed the story.

In 1966, Lucile Smith of Monterey Park, California, came to Provo, Utah to attend a Smith family reunion. Lucile Smith is the grand-daughter of Hannah Van Wagoner Smith. Now Hannah was the eldest daughter of Mary Van Houten and Halmagh Van Wagoner. Our progenitor, John Helmagh Van Wagoner, was the brother of Hannah.

In 1967, Lucile Smith came to Salt lake City to attend the October General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of latter-day Saints. While in her motel one day, she was surprised when a representative of the Smith family from Provo called on her and brought a collection of family records and papers. These family valuables were entrusted to her care for one day only. As she began to examine them, there—before her very eyes, was the ancient sheepskin deed. A deed which was drawn up and written in 1684.

She was thrilled at the sight of it. She was fascinated with the style of penmanship. The deed was neatly written in ink. There were places where the ink had faded with time, but most of it was clearly legible. Lucile was overjoyed. What a discovery she had made! Her first thought was to get in touch with Loree Van Wagoner Orullian, whom she knew was inquiring after this ancient document.

Lucile telephoned Loree. “I have the sheepskin deed-but only for a day. What shall I do with it?”

Between gasps of amazement and pure delight Loree directed her to take the deed to Leland Van Wagoner, the photographer, and have him photograph it immediately. Leland’s wife, Irene, fastened it in position to be photographed. Then, adjusting his lighting, Leland photographed this 283-year-old deed for our book. While Erold Wiscombe, who had brought the sheepskin, carefully read the deed, Irene typed the information word for word.

So at last the mystery of the missing sheepskin deed was solved. It was only natural that the eldest daughter, Hannah, would be interested in preserving this ancient heirloom among her heirs. We are indebted to them for its safe keeping. We are grateful that the Lord opened the way so that the deed came into our hands long enough to be photographed for your enjoyment.

(17)

^ SHEEP SKIN DEED

This Indenture made the Twelfth Day of April Annon Domini One Thousand Seven hundred and Forty; - Between Cornelius Blinkerhoff in the County of Bergen and Province of East New Jersey, Yeoman, of the one part, and Helmech van Wagenen – of Bergen, in the County and Province aforesaid, Yoeman of the other part. – Witnesseth, that the said Cornelius Blinkerhof, for and in Consideration of the Sum of two Hundred Pounds Currant lawful money of the Colony of New-York, to me in hand paid, at and before the Ensealing and Delivery hereof, the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged. Hath granted, bargained, Sold, and by those presents, doth grant, bargain, sell unto the said Helmech van Wagenen, his Heirs, Adminsrs and assignes, The Northerly part, the full half of all Tract or parcel of Land, Situate and being upon Pahaguess River in the County of Bergen aforesaid, being butted and bounded in manner following, viz., Beginning at a white oak marked K- - twelve notches on the side of a hill called Qannaqua hill, above the Indian burying place, thence west – fifteen Chains to a white oak Corner post Standing over a Run. Thence South forty-Seven Degrees West twenty chains to a Spanish Oak Corner, thence West fourteen Chains to a Corner post Standing on the west Side of Pahaguess River, on the edge or near the upper end of a plain, thence South twenty-three Degrees West in the plain thirty-five chains to a post thence South eighty Degrees, west Sixteen Chains an half to a white oak, and then more the same Course Eleven Chains to a white oak, thence South ten chains and an half to a black oak by a small run, thence South Seventy-three Degrees, easterly twenty-three Chains to a White Oak, thence South twenty-two Chains to a black oak for a Corner, thence South thirty Degrees Westerly twenty-eight Chains and an half to a black oak standing by a Small run of water, thence South Sixty-eight degrees, Easterly Sixteen chains to a maple standing by the fork of said Run where it runs into another run thence north fifty-five degrees Easterly, fifty-three Chains and across a hill and said Pahaguess River to a white oak for a corner, thence north twenty-three Degrees east Sixty-three Chains, thence north nine degrees east fifty-three Chains to the first mentioned Corner, to remain by Richard Ashfield his Line, the whole Tract of Land containing (besides allowance for highways) Six Hundred and twenty-five Acres, be it the same more or less, Which said Land was bought of Joseph Kirkbride, writings thereunto had, may more fully and at large appear. Likewise all my Right and Title, Claim and Demand, that I have in the Ceder-Swamp, bought of Doctor Johnson, writings thereunto had may at large appear. To have and to hold, the said granted and bargained, premises with all the Appurtinances, Priviledges and Commodities to the same belonging or in any wise appertaining, To him the said Helmech van Wagenen, his Heirs and assigns forever, to his and their own proper use benefit and behoof for ever. And I the said Cornelius Blinkerhof, for me, my Heirs, Executors, Adminrs, do Covenent, promise and grant to and with the said Helmech van Wagenen, his Heirs, & Assigns, that before the Ensealing hereof, I am the true Sole and lawfull owner of the above bargained premises, and am lawfully seized and possessed of the same in mine own right, as a good perfect and absolute Estate of Inheritance, and have in myself good right, full power and lawful Authority, to grant, bargain, Sell, convey and confirm, said bargained premises in manner as above said. And that the said Helmech van Wagenen, his Heirs and Assigns, shall and may from time to time and all times for ever hereafter; by force and virtue of these presents, lawfully, peaseably, and quietly have, hold, use, occupy, possess and enjoy, the said demised and bargained premises with the Appurtinances free and clear and freely and clearly acquitted, exonerated and discharged of, from all and all manner of former and other gifts, grants, bargains, Sales, leases, Mortgages, Wills, Entails, joynters, Dowries, Judgments, Executions, Incumbrances and Extents (the Quitrents there unto Issuing to our Souveraign Lord the King, if any be, only excepted) furthermore, I the said Cornelius Blinkerhof, for my Self, my Heirs, Excutors, Administrators, do Covenant and Engage the above demised premises to him the said Helmech van Wagenen his Heirs and Assigns, against the Lawfull Claims and Demands of a any person or persons whatsoever, for ever hereafter to warrant, secure and defend. In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my Hand and Seal the Day and Year above Written.

Signed, Sealed and delivered his

In presence of, Cornelius C B Blinkerhof

Mark

Robert Livesey

Johannes Vandevoot

The Counter Bergen (1741) August 17th personally appeared before me William Provoost judge of the Superior Court of Common Pleas for said County_________This_________grantor Cornelius Blinkerhof__________who acknowledged to have executed the same pastur voluntary Act and Deed whereby______________the same may be received.

signed by William Provoost

witnessed David Provoost clrk

acknowledging deed recording

SOURCE: http://pre.docdat.com/docs/index-11163.html?page=4

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