Theodore Turley

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Theodore Turley was born April 10, 1801 in Brinton, Birmingham, Warwickshire, England, the son of William and Elizabeth Yates Turley. He came to Utah with other Mormon converts in 1849, and in the early 1850's journeyed to San Bernardino. His first wife, Frances Amelia Kimberly, and five other members of his family died at Winter Quarters. The history of San Bernardino Heritage of the Valley makes the following comments concerning Mr. Turley's activities while living in the little Mormon colony: "The brethren agreed to send a party to the gold diggings with a view to lift the indebtedness of the ranch, the party to be under the supervision of Bros. Theodore Turley and David Seely. " Mr. Turley served as school commissioner prior to 1853, and was elected treasurer of San Bernardino city in 1854. The celebration of July 4, 1856, lists him as one of the speakers on that occasion. In 1857 he with some associates, located a lead and silver mine in the San Bernardino mountains near the border of the desert. When the peace of the Latter-day Saints in the valley was again threatened, Mr. Turley came back to Utah where he continued to take an active part in the Church and community affairs until his death August 22, 1872 in Beaver, Utah. From Utah-Our Pioneer Heritage.

HIS EARLY LIFE, 1801-1825:

Theodore Turley was born April 10, 1801, just twenty-nine years lacking four days before the organization of the Church, in Birmingham, Warwickshire, England. His father, William Turley, and mother, Elizabeth Yates, were the parents of ten children, and were staunch professors of Godliness.
It is probable that the early years of Theodore were spent in the vicinity of Birmingham, for in 1818 he commenced preaching Methodism there. Preaching was not his only concern, for we find that on November 26, 1821 in the church in Harborne, Birmingham, Warwickshire, England, he was married to Frances Amelia Kimberley.

As the story goes, this Frances was a very brave girl, and had decided that she would never marry a coward. At one time one of her suitors was on guard duty. In order to test him, she got a gun, concealed herself in one of the nearby trees, and fired seven shots. Frances did not marry that man. Later, when she was ready to get married, all of her suitors were called in and lined up behind a curtain, with their hands out. It is said that she chose Theodore's hands because they were not soft, and because they showed character.

Theodore was a master mechanic, and for some time previous to the year 1825 was employed by the King of England. He and his partner had a contract to make dies to stamp English money. When the job was completed the partner collected the money and skipped town, leaving Theodore with some bills to pay. His creditors were about to have him thrown into jail when the King, who had taken a liking to Theodore, realized the situation and offered to give him a tract of land in Canada and set him up in a blooded herd of cattle. Theodore and Frances accepted this offer, and in 1825, with their two children, emigrated to Canada.

HIS CONVERSION TO THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS

Theodore and Frances settled at Lake Ontario and Theodore continued to preach Methodism. We can imagine that their activities in Canada were very much as they had been in England. In the year 1836, Elder Parley P. Pratt carried the Restored Gospel to Canada. While on this mission he converted, among others, Elders John Taylor and Isaac Russell, who continued to preach Mormonism after Elder Pratt had departed. They had considerable difficulty obtaining a place to preach; finally they called upon Theodore Turley to see if they could procure the use of his chapel to present the Gospel. Theodore not only loaned his chapel, but asked the members of his congregation to come and listen. They sang, prayed, and listened to the message. Theodore said to himself, "That is the truth and I shall be condemned if I do not accept it." In the words of Theodore Turley, "He [Isaac Russell] came to me and said he had been warned in a dream that he must come to my house to preach. I received the truth the first time I heard it, and my wife also was baptized on the 1st of March, 1837."

Quoting Theodore Turley's Journal again, we find, "Baptized, Confirmed and Ordained a Priest by Elder Parley P. Pratt March 1, 1837." There is an error here, either in the date or the person performing the ordinances, for Parley P. Pratt was not in Canada at that time. He did return to Canada a short while later, however, and it is very possible that at least Theodore's ordination in the priesthood was performed by Elder Pratt. In the Journal History of the Church, dated April 24, 1837, we find the following entry: "A conference was held at Churchville. Theodore Turley was ordained a Priest."

Theodore was "called to take a mission, March 2, 1837, built up a Church of 17 members in three weeks, among the members were Elder Mulholand, Stauding and Mulliner." Concerning Elder Mulliner, we have the following record: He and his wife, Catherine Nisbet Mulliner, emigrated to America in 1832 and settled near the city of Toronto. There they first heard the fullness of the Gospel proclaimed, and were baptized by Theodore Turley September 10, 1837.(6) It is also believed that Theodore was instrumental in converting a Sister Heward.. "Then I was ordained an Elder by Parley P. Pratt, continued preaching until we went to Kirtland and from there to Missouri and remained one year."

Before we leave Canada it may be interesting to note a prophecy given by Heber C. Kimball upon the head of Parley P. Pratt before he went on his first mission to Canada: "Thou shalt go to Upper Canada, even to the city of Toronto, the capitol, and there thou shalt find a people prepared for the fullness of the gospel, and they shall receive thee, and thou shalt organize the Church among them, and it shall spread thence into the regions round about, and many shall be brought to the knowledge of the truth and shall be filled with joy; and from the things growing out of this mission, shall the fullness of the gospel spread into England, and cause a great work to be done in that land."(8) Certainly this revelation had reference particularly to such men as Elder John Taylor, later to become a President of the Church, but it may be more than coincidence that Theodore Turley actually was prepared for the fullness of the Gospel, did help spread the Gospel to the "regions round about," and later performed a mission for the Church in England.

"Sold my farm for $1400. Started with two wagons and four horses in company with Elder John Snider and family, Joel Terry and family. Arrived in Far West on July 28, 1838. Elder Babbo [or Balbo] and family, and Bro. Lemon and his family also went with us. Distance about 1000 miles traveled by land, desirous of settling my family in peace, far from the noise of war, etc., with the advantages of communion with the people of God."

Under date of July 28, 1838, Joseph Smith makes special mention of Brother Turley's arrival: "Elder Babbitt, with his company from Canada has arrived, and Brother Theodore Turley is with him." From that time forward it was the lot of Theodore and his family to suffer the hardships and persecution which followed the Saints in those days. Why were they willing to make these sacrifices? Could any other reason in the world have persuaded them to leave their comfortable home as well as a prosperous business in Canada and travel miles over a wilderness only to be met with the wicked treatment of a violent mob, than a burning testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and an assurance that the Spirit of the Lord was with them?

HIS ACTIVITIES IN FAR WEST 1838-1839

Before delving into the activities of Theodore Turley in Far West, perhaps it would be well to consider briefly the state of affairs of the Saints there. Those who had been living in Jackson County were brutally driven from that place by mob action in 1833. The people of Clay County had taken them in temporarily, but when it was found that they would not be able to go back to Jackson County the citizens of Clay County informed them that they were no longer welcome there. Although the Saints were in no condition to travel, they left Clay County peacefully and settled principally in Far West.

During these years the main body of the Church was in Ohio. In the face of persecution and poverty they were striving to complete the Kirtland Temple. It was indeed a dark time for the Church, for in the latter part of 1837 over half of the members of the Church in Kirtland were either excommunicated or left the Church. Because of persecution both within and without the Church, the leaders were forced to flee for their lives. They were followed by the loyal members of the Church in the latter part of 1837 and the early months of 1838, their destination being Far West.

Besides these two groups, there was a large emigration from Canada in 1838, of which Theodore Turley was a member. Even in Far West the Saints were not free from persecution, much of it being instigated by the State. "The Devil and all his host was determined we should not enjoy it long for he caused the Missourians to maltreat us and unconstitutionally drive us from the state." Under date of October 17, 1838, Governor Boggs issued his infamous Extermination Order, stating that "the Mormons must be treated as enemies, and must be exterminated or driven from the state as necessary for the public peace--their outrages are beyond all description." Probably the first fruits of this order were the Haun's Mill Massacre. On October 31 Colonel George M. Hinkle, the highest militia officer in Caldwell County, betrayed Joseph Smith and other leading brethren to the mob, and the Saints were left to their own devices.

In December of 1838 Theodore Turley was appointed by the citizens of Caldwell as a member of a committee to draft a memorial to Congress and sign it in their behalf. He was also a member of the High Council of Zion, which met in Far West Wednesday, December 19, 1838. "I was ordained a Seventy in Far West in 1838 by Heber C. Kimball."(15) The date was December 22. On the 19th of January, 1839, the Council of Seventy met at the home of Theodore Turley.

In the minutes of a public meeting held at Far West, January 26, 1839, it was resolved "that a committee of seven be appointed to make a draft of a preamble and resolution...to be presented to a future meeting for their consideration." Theodore Turley was one of the committee appointed. It was also resolved "that the committee be further instructed to ascertain the number of families who are actually destitute of means for their removal, and report at the next meeting."

On January 29 the second meeting was held. "On motion of President Brigham Young, it was resolved that we this day enter into a covenant to stand by and assist each other to the utmost of our abilities in removing from this state, and that we will never desert the poor who are worthy, till they shall be out of the reach of the exterminating order of General Clark, acting for and in the name of the state.

"After an expression of sentiments by several who addressed the meeting on the propriety of taking efficient measures to remove the poor from the state, it was resolved, that a committee of seven be appointed to superintend the business of our removal, and to provide for those who have not the means of moving, till the work shall be completed."

Says Theodore Turley: "Was appointed one of the committee to remove the poor after Boggs' extermination order."(19) In the evening of the 29th the committee who had been appointed for removing the poor from the state met at the home of Theodore Turley, and organized themselves. Over three hundred and eighty of the Saints subscribed themselves to the previously mentioned covenant.

"Joseph, the Prophet, not willing to be behind the other brethren in the good work, from his gloomy dungeon at Liberty, sent the brethren $100 to assist in removing the Saints."

On February 1 the committee again met at the home of Theodore Turley. The number on the committee was increased to eleven. "Several of the Committee addressed the meeting on the arduous task before them, and exhorted all to exert themselves to relieve and assist them in the discharge of the duties of their office, to the utmost of their abilities. Elders Young and Taylor in the most forcible manner addressed the assembly on the propriety of union in order to carry our resolutions into effect...." The committee met again in the evening at the home of Theodore Turley.

On February 12 "the committee on removal sent a delegation to Sister Murie to ascertain her necessities...." Applications for assistance were made by several of the Saints. On the 13th it was voted that "Theodore Turley be appointed to superintend the management of the teams provided for removing the poor, and see that they are furnished for the journey."

The next day the committee met again and "Elders Bingham, Turley, and Shearer, were appointed to sell the house of Joseph Smith, Senior, to a gentleman from Clay County." The next meeting we have record of was at Theodore Turley's on March 8.

On March 15 "the Prophet Joseph and others petitioned Judge Tomkins, or either of the Supreme Judges of the state of Missouri, for a state's writ of habeas corpus, that he and his brethren might be brought before either of those judges, that justice might be administered." Heber C. Kimball was requested by the Prophet to go to Jefferson City to present the petition, and Theodore Turley was appointed to accompany him. "We took copies of the papers by which the prisoners were held, with the petition to the Supreme Judges, and immediately started a distance of 300 miles; visited the judges, and laid the whole matter before them individually, according to our best abilities; neither of them would take any action in the case, although they appeared friendly, and acknowledged that the brethren were illegally imprisoned. We also presented a petition to the Secretary of State, the Governor being absent. He appeared very kind, but like the other officers, he had no power to do good!"

Heber C. Kimball and Theodore Turley returned immediately to Liberty. Arriving there on the 30th, they went to call on Judge King. He was very angry because they had reported the case to the governor. "I could," he said, "have done all the business for you properly, if you had come to me; and I would have signed the petition for all except Joe, and he is not fit to live.

"They then visited the prison, but were not permitted to enter; all the communication they had with the prisoners took place through the grate of the dungeon. Joseph bid the brethren to be of good cheer, 'for,' said he, 'we shall be delivered; but no arm but God can deliver us now. Tell the brethren to be of good cheer, and get the Saints away as fast as possible.'"

"On April 5th, Brothers Kimball and Turley returned to Far West. On that day a company of about fifty men in Daviess County swore that they would never eat or drink again until they had murdered Joe Smith. Their captain, William Bowman, swore, in the presence of Theodore Turley, that he would 'never eat or drink, after he had seen Joe Smith, until he had murdered him.' Also eight men--Captain Bogart, who was the county judge, Doctor Laffity, John Whitmer, and five others--came to the committee-room at Far West and there presented Elder Theodore Turley the paper concerning the revelation of July 8, 1838 to Joseph Smith, that the Twelve were to take their leave on the Temple site at Far West, on April 26th, to go to the Isles of the Sea, and then asked him to read it. "Turley said, 'Gentlemen, I am well acquainted with it.' They said, 'Then you, as a rational man, will give up Joseph Smith being a Prophet and an inspired man, now he and the Twelve are scattered all over creation; let them come here, if they dare; if they do, they will be murdered. As that revelation cannot be filled, you will now give up your faith?'

"Turley jumped up and said, 'In the name of God that revelation will be fulfilled.' They laughed him to scorn. John Whitmer hung down his head. They said, 'If they (the Twelve) come, they will get murdered; they dare not come to take their leave here; that is like all the rest of Joe Smith's d--d prophecies.' They commenced on Turley and said, 'You had better do as John Corrill has done; he is going to publish a book called 'Mormonism Fairly Delineated;' he is a sensible man, and you had better assist him.'

"Turley said, 'Gentlemen, I presume there are men here who have heard Corrill say that 'Mormonism' was true, that Joseph Smith was a Prophet and inspired of God, etc. I now call upon you, John Whitmer: You say Corrill is a moral and good man; do you believe him when he says the Book of Mormon is true, or when it is not true? There are many things published that they say are true, and again turn around and say they are false.' "Whitmer asked, 'Do you hint at me?' "Turley replied, 'If the cap fits, you may wear it; all I know is that you have published to the world that an angel did present those plates to Joseph Smith.' "Whitmer replied, 'I now say, I handled those plates; there were fine engravings on both sides. I handled them; they were shown me by a supernatural power.' He described how they were hung and accordingly acknowledged all. "Turley then asked him, 'Why is the translation not now true?' He said, 'I could not read it (in the original) and I do not know whether it (i.e., the translation) is true or not.' Whitmer testified all this in the presence of eight men." Also on April 5 the committee on removal met, and the subject of "providing some clothing for the prisoners at Richmond was discussed, and the propriety of sending two brethren to Liberty, to make sale of some lands, was taken up, and Elders H. G. Sherwood and Theodore Turley were appointed.

The next day the committee on removal met in council. "The business of the council was the consideration of the order of the leaders of the Daviess mob, delivered this day to the Saints in Caldwell County, to leave before Friday next." They decided to move the Saints out of the county, to Tenney's Grove. "The mission of Elders Sherwood and Turley to Liberty was deferred for the present." Sunday, April 7, the committee again met at Theodore Turley's.

"When the Saints commenced removing from Far West, they shipped as many families and as much goods as possible to Richmond, to go down the Missouri River and up the Mississippi to Quincy, Ill... The exodus throughout was managed with consummate wisdom, and in view of all the difficulties in the way, with less suffering than could have been expected. The distance to the point of the Mississippi River where most of the exiles crossed over to Illinois was over two hundred miles in an easterly direction. The weather was cold and the roads generally muddy and bad. Scores of Saints died from exposure and fatigue on that memorable journey. The move was not undertaken in a solid body, and seldom in regularly organized companies, but in small squads--two, three, and from that to a dozen teams and upwards traveled together. Not a single family who wished to go was left behind, as the committee appointed to superintend the removal paid particular attention to all the poor, and furnished them with the necessary teams and provisions to perform the journey.

"While the Saints were making preparations to move away as fast as possible the mob was continually threatening the lives of the members of the committee and others. Thus frequently armed bands of mobbers came into Far West and abused men, women and children, stole horses, drove off cattle, and plundered houses of everything that pleased them... Because of the persecutions, the committee, on the 14th of April, 1839, moved thirty-six families into Tenny's Grove, about twenty-five miles from Far West, and a few men were appointed to chop wood for them, while Elder Turley was to furnish them with meal and meat, until they could be removed to Quincy. The corn was ground at the committee's horse mill at Far West.

"On the morning of the 18th Elder Kimball went into the committee room and told the members of the committee who were present to wind up their affairs and be off, or their lives would be taken. Later in the day a number of mobbers met Elder Kimball on the public square in Far West and asked him if he was a d--d 'Mormon.' He replied, 'I am a "Mormon"'.

'Well,' they said, 'G--d d--n you, we'll blow your brains out, you G--d d--d Mormon,' and they tried to ride over him with their horses. This took place in the presence of Elias Smith, Theodore Turley and others of the committee. Almost immediately afterward twelve men went to Elder Turley's house with loaded rifles intending to shoot him. They broke seventeen clocks into matchwood, broke tables, chairs and looking-glasses, smashed in the windows, etc., while Bogart, the county judge, looked on and laughed.  One mobber by the name of Whitaker threw iron pots at Turley, one of which hit him on the shoulder, at which Whitaker jumped and laughed like a mad man. The mob shot down cows while the girls were milking them, and threatened to send the committee 'to hell jumping,' and 'put daylight through them.' 

"The brethren gathered up what they could and left Far West in one hour. The mob stayed until they left, and then plundered $1,000 worth of property which had been left by the more well-to-do Saints to help the poor remove. One mobber rode up and finding no convenient place to fasten his horse, shot a cow that was standing near, and while the poor animal was yet struggling in death, he cut a strip of her hide from her nose to the tip of her tail, which he tied around a stump and fastened his halter to it. "During the commotion of the day, a number of records, accounts, history, etc. belonging to the committee were destroyed or lost, on account of which the history of the Church only contains a few definite dates of the doings of the committee.

"On the 20th of April, 1839, the last of the Saints left Far West. Thus a whole community variously estimated from twelve to fifteen thousand souls, had left, or were about to leave the State of Missouri, where they had experienced so much sorrow, and found a temporary shelter in the State of Illinois, chiefly in Quincy and vicinity and a few in the territory of Iowa on the north."

Theodore Turley "remained there (Far West) until all the saints were removed and Joseph Smith got out of prison." It is interesting to note here that in his haste Theodore tore some paper from the wall of his home in Far West, which is still in existence. He goes on to say, "I left in Caldwell a dwelling house and stable, garden, well of water with conveniences, a work shop well fitted up, ten acres of timber land, two town lots. Unrighteously driven from the same, with about 10,000 (ten thousand) souls in company, trusting till God shall redeem us from the injustice of man. In consequence of the extreme forteage of labors of fitting up teams, etc., to convey the poor to the State of Illinois; being appointed one of the committee for that purpose. The journeys to the various prisons; the journeys with Petitions to the Gov. Boggs and to the Supreme Judge of the Courts of the State of Missouri laboring variously for the relief of my brethren and sisters for the space of nearly six months; after the fatigues of war. The particulars of which is impossible to describe. Then journeying with my wife and children 200 miles in a wet time; living in a tent for the space of 13 weeks and never having the privilege of sleeping under a roof for this time." "Elders Turley and Clark had traveled but a few miles from Far West when an axle-tree broke, and Brother Clark had to go to Richmond after some boxes, which delayed them some days."They were not delayed long, however, for on the 24th of April we find them at Tenney's Grove.

In order to more clearly interpret some of the events which transpired during the next several days we shall have to review a few happenings of the previous year. A revelation had been received by the Prophet Joseph on July 8, 1838, in which a commandment was given him to have the members of the Quorum of the Twelve go on foreign missions. They were to take leave of the Saints in the city of Far West on April 26th, 1839, on the building spot of the house of the Lord. This is the revelation which members of the mob and apostates from the Church had taunted Theodore Turley with a few days before.

"By the twenty-sixth of April, the day set for them to take leave of the Saints to start on their mission, nearly all the members of the Church had been driven from Far West." "It seemed almost impossible that the prediction could be fulfilled, as the Saints had all been driven out of Missouri, and it would, according to the threats of the mob, be as much as an Apostle's life was worth to be seen in Far West. Some of the leading men in the Church thought that in view of the persecutions and scattered condition of the Saints at that time, the Lord would not require the Twelve to fulfill his words to the letter but that, under the circumstances, he would take the will for the deed. The apostates and mobbers rejoiced at what they thought would be the failure of one of the revelations given through the Prophet Joseph; they thought that surely in this instance, at least, his words would be vain. "But this was not the feeling of President Young and those of the Twelve Apostles who were with him. He asked them individually what their feelings were upon the subject. Their desires were, they said, to fulfill the revelation. He told them that the Lord had spoken, and it was their duty to obey, and leave the event in his hands, and he would protect them. Consequently, Brigham Young, Orson Pratt, John Taylor, Wilford Woodruff, George A. Smith and Alpheus Cutler left Quincy for Far West to fulfill the revelation. They met John E. Page, who was an Apostle at the time, on the road, and told him they wanted him to go to Far West with them, which he did."

Just before reaching Far West (at Tenney's Grove) Brigham Young and his traveling companions met Brothers Smith, Turley and Clark of the committee who had been left there to attend to the removal of the poor Saints, but had been driven from town. They told the Apostles that members of the mob had come into Far West and tantalized them on the subject of the revelation, saying that it was one of Joseph Smith's revelations which could not be fulfilled, as the Twelve Apostles were scattered to the four winds; and they threatened them severely if they were found in Far West the next day. In the face of these threats, Elders Smith, Clark, and Turley, turned around and accompanied the Apostles and the other brethren to Far West, having faith that the Lord would protect them. "Early on the morning of the 26th of April--the day mentioned in the revelation--a conference was held, 31 persons were cut off from the Church, and the Apostles and Saints proceeded to the building spot of the Lord's house. Elder Cutler, the master workman of the house, then recommenced laying the foundation, agreeable to revelation, by rolling up a large stone near the southeast corner." Seven of the Twelve Apostles were present. "They then sang 'Adam-ondi-Ahman;' after which they took leave of eighteen Saints, agreeable to the revelation. The conference was then adjourned.

"As the Saints were passing away from the meeting, Theodore Turley said to Elders Page and Woodruff, 'Stop a bit, while I bid Isaac Russell good-bye,' and knocking at his door called Brother Russell, whose wife answered, 'Come in; it is Brother Turley.' "Russell replied, 'It is not; he left here two weeks ago.' He appeared quite alarmed; but on finding it was Turley, asked him to sit down, but he replied, 'I cannot; I shall lose my company.' "'Who is your company?' inquired Russell. "'The Twelve.' "'The Twelve?' "'Yes, don't you know that this is the 26th, and the day the Twelve were to take leave of their friends on the foundation of the Lord's house, to go to the islands of the sea? The revelation is now fulfilled, and I am going with them.' "Russell was speechless and Turley bid him farewell. Thus was that revelation fulfilled, concerning which the enemies said: If all the other revelations of Joseph Smith were fulfilled, that one should not be, as it had place and date to it."

Concerning this Isaac Russell it may be interesting to note here that he also one of those thirty-one persons who were excommunicated from the Church the morning of the 26th, without any hearing. "Turley subsequently, in Utah, related to Russell's sons, Samuel and George, that he was present at the conference near Quincy, Ill., where Joseph was informed of the proceedings at Far West, and that the Prophet there arose with tears in his eyes, and, referring to Isaac Russell, said that he felt to bless him and that he should be blessed. It is a fact worth recording that Brother Russell never took sides with the enemy either in word or deed."

HIS ACTIVITIES IN COMMERCE, OR NAUVOO

The principal point of exodus from Missouri was Quincy, Illinois. "During the summer of 1839 the Saints who had been driven from Missouri continued to gather at Nauvoo and settle on the lands which had been purchased by the Church authorities. The violent persecution they had passed through in Missouri had well nigh wrecked the people. They had been stripped of their earthly possessions, until they were reduced to the most abject poverty. And the exposure and hardships endured made them an easy prey to the malaria that infected Nauvoo and vicinity. Another thing which doubtless contributed to make them unable to resist the ravages of disease, was the fact that a period of relaxation was following the intense excitement under which they had lived for more than two years."

Says Theodore Turley: "We arrived in Commerce, Illinois, in the Spring of 1839. It being a new place on the banks of the Mississippi, hence without a house or convenience of a house to shelter in, but the spring being far advanced feel it necessary to set on to plant some corn, potatoes, etc., before I start to build my house. "After accomplishing the same began to get logs, stone, etc. My family having the expanse of the firmament for a covering besides a tent made of factory cotton. Frequently when I come home I find my family wet through to the skin, and the fire all washed away and my dear little children cuddled under their mother's cloak. Myself as wet as possible, and no fire to dry our clothes. Sometimes the bed wet when we would rise in the morning, this would try the faith and patience of all."

It was necessary that the patience and faith of the Saints be tried. Little did they realize that their next move would be many times more rigorous and tiring. Only the strong would be able to survive. The Saints were an industrious group, and began immediately to build a beautiful city where a swamp had been. Many of them contracted malaria and other diseases in the process, but even this brought blessings. Perhaps never in this dispensation has the gift of healing been so manifest as it was when Joseph Smith in company with other brethren were miraculously healed, rose from their beds, and went up and down the banks of the River healing the afflicted by the power of the priesthood.

We now remember that Theodore Turley intimated to Isaac Russell that he was going on a mission. A conference of the Church was held May 4, 5, and 6, 1839, where Brother Turley was one of the Seventies appointed to accompany the Apostles of Europe. Theodore's occupation at that time was gun smithing. At the same conference it was decided that "Brother Turley's gunsmith tools shall remain for the general use of the church until his return from Europe."

After the conference adjourned Theodore was probably very busily engaged in making arrangements so that his family would be taken care of during his stay in the mission field. "In the forepart of June, 1839, Elder Theodore Turley raised the first house built by the Saints in Commerce, on 'Lot 4, Block 147, of the White Purchase,' or on the corner of what afterwards were named Water and Carlin Streets, on the same block upon which Joseph afterwards built the Nauvoo Mansion." Says Theodore Turley, "I came to Nauvoo with Joseph Smith the Prophet and built the first house that was built by a Mormon in Nauvoo; was one of the committee to fix the size of the lots and run off the streets & co. "

On the second of July Joseph, Hyrum, Sidney and others "all went to Brigham Young's, where Wilford Woodruff and George A. Smith were blessed as two of the Twelve Apostles; and Theodore Turley was blessed as a Seventy. Brother Hyrum gave the Twelve some good advice on the nature of their mission; to practice prudence and humility in their preaching, and to strictly hold on to the authority of the Priesthood. Brother Joseph taught many glorious and important principles to benefit and bless them on their mission; teaching them to observe charity, wisdom, and a fellow feeling for each other, and love one towards another, in all things, and under all circumstances, unfolding keys of knowledge, to detect Satan, and preserve us in the favor of God." On Sunday, August 4, 1839, "the Church passed a resolution that the Twelve proceed on their mission as soon as possible, and that the Saints provide for their families during their absence."

HIS MISSION TO ENGLAND--FROM NAUVOO TO LIVERPOOL

"September came, and the Apostles prepared to take leave of their families and friends and depart on their mission to Europe. Again the evil one laid his plans to circumvent them. As he once afflicted righteous Job, striving to overthrow his trust in God, he now sought by similar means to undermine the faith and integrity of these latter-day servants of the Lord. But his efforts were unavailing; he had the same class of spirits to contend with as in days of old; men who could say with the patient man of Uz, though bowed in sorrow and humiliation: 'I know that my Redeemer liveth,' and 'though He slay me, yet will I trust in Him.'

The departure of these brethren on their missions is one of the remarkable phenomenon of the Church. Brigham Young "had been prostrated for some time by sickness, and at the time of starting on his mission was so feeble that he had to be assisted to the ferry, only some thirty rods from his house. All his children were sick, and he left his wife with a babe but ten days old, in the poorest of circumstances, for the mobs of Missouri had robbed him of all he had." "Elder Kimball left his wife in bed shaking with ague, and all his children sick. It was only by the assistance of some of the brethren that Heber himself could climb into the wagon." The others left their families in comparable circumstances.

Theodore Turley records: "September, 1839, was set apart by the Prophet Joseph and Hyrum Smith, when John Taylor and Wilford Woodruff was to go to England... Took leave of my family this day under peculiar circumstances considering the late troubles we have had in the State of Missouri, it only being 34 months since I with my family left Toronto, Canada for Caldwell Co., Far West. I was with the Twelve at the fulfilling of the revelation concerning the re-laying the foundation stone of the Temple in Far West and then taking leave to go upon a mission to Great Britain.

"This connected with labors I was not accustomed to, brought upon me a bilious fever, etc., and was taken with western chill fever, confined eleven weeks. However, having been set apart for the mission to preach the gospel in England, feel it my duty to start as soon as possible to perform the same. My children, five of them have been sick with the fever and my wife worn out with fatigue, all seeming to cry to me, it is impossible for you to go. The fever left upon one of my legs a swelling frightful to look at. My leg contracted, could not put it to the ground. Feeling much on account of the Apostles, all but one being gone on their missions was determined that when the other one should start, I would go at all risks. Bro. George A. Smith being the last and him better now, though still far from being in health, came and told me he was going on Saturday, this being Friday. Still fast in my bed, stated I should go with him. Got the elders to lay hands on and pray for me. Received some strength, my leg better, and prepared for the start the next day."

The departure of Elders George A. Smith, Reuben Hedlock, and Theodore Turley was no less remarkable. Elder John Taylor records: "I would here remark that very few of my brethren that came along were any better situated than I was in regard to disease. Elder Turley was taken out of his bed and put into a wagon when he started. Elder George A. Smith and Elder Turley, who started together, were both so blind with disease that when driving the horse a little distance themselves, they could not see a stump on the road side, and, running over it, were upset out of the carriage."

"Elders Smith and Turley were unable to get up, not because of any injuries they had received, but because of their illness. Elder Hedlock helped them into their wagon and they resumed their journey. They had not proceeded far when they met some gentleman who stopped their team and said to the driver: 'Mister, what graveyard have you been robbing?' The remark being elicited by the ghostly appearance of the Elders en route for England."

"Thus in sickness and poverty, without purse and without scrip, leaving their families destitute of the comforts of life, with nothing but the assurances of the people, who were as poor as themselves, that they should be provided for,...[they]...turned their faces toward Europe to preach the Gospel to the highly civilized peoples of the world... They had ringing in their ears the words of Jesus: 'He that loveth father or mother, houses or lands, wives or children more than he loveth me is not worthy of me.' And again they had the promise: 'There is no man that hath left houses, or parents, or brethren, or wife, or children for the kingdom of God's sake, who shall not receive manifold more in this present time, and in the world to come life everlasting.'"

Theodore Turley records: "Six thousand miles traveled in company with Brother George A. Smith, one of the Twelve, and Bro. Hedlock of the Quorum of High Priests, traveled the first day 14 miles, stopped the night, having no grain for the horse, had to turn him upon the prairie for the night. The next morning started for Quincy [and] when we had traveled a few miles was taken with the chill fever. Shook and burnt with fever till we arrived in Quincy on the 24th of September, 1839, where we found Apostles Young and Kimball both sick. Stopped one day and then started for the East, arrived in Gray Villo on the 27th and held meeting. The next morning started for Jacksonville on the 30th of September. Stopped at Bro. Wilson's, held meeting instructing the saints in the things of God.

Stopped one day and a half arrived in Springfield, Illinois, Oct. 3. Stopped with sister Snider received much kindness from the brethren. Met with them each night exorting them and instructing them in the things of God, until the eleventh day. Departed leaving the blessings of God upon them, leaving thence for Pleasant Garden, stopped at Bro. Pratt's."

At Springfield they were met by Elders Kimball and Young. Friday, October 11, in the evening, Elders Young, Kimball, George A. Smith, Hedlock, and Turley started from Springfield, traveled eight miles on their journey, and stayed with Father Draper. "When we went into the house, Brother George A. Smith, while stooping down to warm him at the fire, dropped a small flask bottle, containing tonic bitters, out of his pocket, on the hearth, and broke it; at this occurrence Father Baker [Draper?] was very astonished, and said, 'You're a pretty set of Apostles, to be carrying a bottle of whiskey with you.' We explained to him that the bottle contained some bitters which the brethren at Springfield had prepared for George A. because of his sickness; this appeased his righteous soul, so that he consented to allow us to stay through the night."

Saturday, October 12, the Elders of the British Mission left Father Draper's and pursued their journey toward Terre Haute. They arrived at Terre Haute on the 17th, and stayed with Nahum Milton Stow's. On the 17th, Elder Heber C. Kimball had an unfortunate experience which almost cost him his life. He became ill while staying with a drunken Dr. Modisett. The Dr. gave him a tablespoonful of morphine, and only through the anxious care of Brigham Young during the night was his life saved. "In the morning Brothers Smith, Turley, Hedlock and Murray came to see us. They laid their hands on me and prayed for me. When they left they wept. Father Murray felt very sorrowful; said he, 'we shall never see Heber again; he will die.' I looked up at them and said, 'Never mind, brethren, go ahead, for Brother Brigham and I will reach Kirtland before you will.' Brother Brigham gave them all the money we had except five dollars, and told them to take good care of the team, and make all possible speed to Kirtland." The next day the brethren resumed their journey.

Says Theodore Turley: "October 17th attended meeting with Bro. Babbitt Saturday and Sunday; three times. Found Bro. Babbitt doing a great work here. On the 22nd of Oct. left for Indianapolis. Oct. 23rd, met Bros. Law and Hicks family east of Richmond. Received $25.00 for to help us on our mission. October 26th arrived in Dayton where we found Bro. Taylor. Attended a conference in company with the brethren at Bro. Houton's eight miles east.

Oct. 27th Bro. Taylor preached on Sunday and then arrived in Springfield the same night. Visited Columbus Prison in company with Bro. Smith, Taylor, and Hedlock (on Thursday we visited prison). The cells for each prisoner was 8 feet long and 4 feet wide. 480 convicts had commenced building the State House. We reached Lawderville on the 30th. Thence to Worcester on the 1st of November, 1839. Arrived in Strongville on the 2nd; 3rd arrived in Cleveland. 4th met with Bros. Young and Heber C. Kimball after leaving them sick in their Hotel. Arrived in Kirtland, visited the House of the Lord with the Brethren on Nov. 5th, and 7th, and on the 9th attended meetings in the House of the Lord, much gratified.

And wrote to my family in the West. Met with the brethren in Kirtland every other night attended meetings with Bro. Taylor. We received our washings and etc. at Bro. McBride's house in company with Bro. Phelps of the Quorum of Seventies. "And Bro. Miles Prest of the Seventies, Bro. McBride of the same Quorum and Bro. Dixon a member. Thence to the House of the Lord to proceed with the other part of the Holy Ordinance of God, to that of our anointing and washing of feet etc. in company with Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball, and George A. Smith, each of the Quorum of the Twelve and in company with considerable number of Elders, had a good meeting. The oil consecrated by Bros. Young, Kimball and Smith." Recorded in the Documentary History, we find: "In the evening, President Brigham Young anointed Elder John Taylor in the House of the Lord, and Elder Daniel S. Miles anointed Theodore Turley, all of which was sealed with the shout of Hosanna."

To continue with Theodore Turley's account, "Apostle Young anointed Bro. Taylor, Bro. D. S. Miles, Theodore Turley and part of the Elders Quorum. Prayer was then offered up by Bro. Taylor for his own individual self. And then confirmed by shouts of Hosannah, and then offered up the desires of my heart; that confirmed and sealed by the congregation by shouts of Hosannah. Proceeded to Theodore Turley's feet, and then Bro. Taylor delivered a prophecy. Meeting closed. Bro. Young offered prayer. On the 20th met at Bro. Morton's in conference; Heber C. Kimball being called to the chair. Four Elders volunteered to go and preach.

On the 22nd parted with the brethren in Kirtland and came to Fareport to take steamboat for Buffalo. There being so great a storm had to wait 4 days in port. We had a quick and stormy passage down the lake. Took stage from Buffalo to Betavia, from thence to Rochester in steam cars and on the 29th of November, 1839, at 7 p.m. Started from thence at 9 p.m. took stage to and from thence to Auburn where we left the Brethren, Brigham Young, George A. Smith. Left Bro. Kimball 8 miles east of Betavia, Bro. R. Hedlock at Betavia to visit the brethren in that place. Arrived at Auburn 29 Nov. 1839 at 10 am. "Took cars for Albany in company with Bro. Taylor: R.R. fare $7.50 arrived in Albany Nov. 31st 1839 at 6 a.m. Took boat for New York. Distance from Mississippi to N.Y. 1511 miles, (One thousand five hundred and eleven miles).

"My journey from Albany to the Potteries in England is written in a small ipto January 26, 1840." "After much sickness, and many experiences in preaching the Gospel along the way, they...met in New York City on December 13th... At a conference held on that day in New York, Parley P. Pratt prophesied that the mission of the Twelve to Great Britain would be known to all nations of the earth. It has been fulfilled.

The brethren spent a few days in New York, preaching and adding new members to the Church. It is interesting to note here that "when Elder Taylor arrived in New York, Elder Woodruff had been there some time, and was all impatient to embark for England, but as yet the former had no means with which to pay for his ocean passage. Although supplied with all the means necessary on his journey thus far, after paying his cab-fare to the house of Brother Pratt he had but one cent left. Still he was the last man on earth to plead poverty, and in answer to inquiries of some of the brethren as to his financial circumstances, he replied that he had plenty...

"That evening at a council meeting Elder Pratt proposed that the brethren assist Elder Taylor with means to pay his passage to England as Brother Woodruff was prepared and desired to go. To this Elder Taylor objected and told the Brethren if they had anything to give to let Parley have it, as he had a family to support and needed means publishing. At the close of the meeting Elder Woodruff expressed his regret at the course taken by Elder Taylor, as he had been waiting for him, and at last had engaged his  passage.

"Elder Taylor: 'Well, Brother Woodruff, if you think it best for me to go, I will accompany you.' "Elder Woodruff: 'But where will you get the money?' "Elder Taylor: 'Oh, there will be no difficulty about that. Go and take a passage for me on your vessel, and I will furnish you the means.'

"A Brother Theodore Turley, hearing the above conversation, and thinking  that Elder Taylor had resources unknown to himself or Brother Woodruff, said: 'I wish I could go with you, I would do your cooking and wait on  you.' "The passage to be secured was in the steerage--these missionaries were not going on flowery beds of ease--hence the necessity of such service as Brother Turley proposed rendering. In answer to this appeal, Elder Taylor told Brother Woodruff to take a passage for Brother Turley also.

"At the time of making these arrangements Elder Taylor had no money, but the Spirit had whispered to him that means would be forthcoming, and when had that still, small voice failed him! In that he trusted, and he did not trust in vain. Although he did not ask for a penny of anyone, from various persons in voluntary donations he received money enough to meet his engagements for the passage of himself and Brother Turley, but no more."

And thus we see how the Lord watched over his servants. Says Heber C. Kimball: "Brother Brigham often suspected that I had put the money in his trunk, or clothes; thinking that I had a purse of money which I had not acquainted him with, but this was not so; the money could only have been put in the trunk by some heavenly messenger, who thus administered to our necessities daily as he knew we needed."

On December 19, 1839, Elders Woodruff, Taylor, and Turley sailed out of the New York Harbor for Liverpool, England, on the packet ship Oxford. Says Wilford Woodruff, "We had storms and rough weather, but most of the winds were favorable for quick passage. While on the ship a Methodist minister got into a discussion with some Catholics who were in the company, and the arguments of the minister ran rather more into abuse than sound argument.

"Elder Taylor told the Methodist minister that he did not think it was becoming in a daughter to find so much fault with the mother as they did, for as the Methodists came out of the Catholics, Elder Taylor thought the mother had as much right to enjoy her religion unmolested as the daughter had. That ended the argument."

Before we take up the labors of Theodore Turley in the British Mission, he has an interesting insertion in his Journal. "These lines composed by Eleanor Graham of New York on the departure of the Twelve:

     'My soul does grieve when I do know,

     With whom we have to part.

     'Tis with the servants of the Lord

     So near unto my heart

     And yet I know it is God's will

     That you should from us go

     To save mankind in other lands

     From everlasting woe.

     Go on ye servants of our God

     To earth's remotest bounds

     And preach the everlasting word

     And heal the grievous wounds.

     First to the Gentiles; then the Jews

     And gather Israel in

     The Lord now calls out, soon he'll choose

     And cleanse the saints from sin.

     May you fast o'er the waters ride

     And land safe on the other shore

     And spread the Gospel far and wide

     Let darkness reign no more.

     Farewell ye chosen Twelve, farewell

     Until we meet again,

     On Zion's land, I hope to dwell

     And there with thee to reign

       --Till then, farewell.'

Eleanor Graham"

HIS MISSION TO ENGLAND--ACTIVITIES IN ENGLAND

"After an adventurous journey, Elders Wilford Woodruff, John Taylor, and Theodore Turley arrived in Liverpool, England, Jan. 11, 1840."(60) On the 13th they visited with Mr. George Q. Cannon, father of President George Cannon. In the evening they took cars to Preston, a branch which Heber C. Kimball had built up in 1837 and left in the care of Willard Richards.

Three days were spent in Preston visiting the Saints. They did not remain in Preston, however. On the 17th a council was held at the home of Willard Richards to determine where the brethren should labor. Theodore Turley acted as scribe at that meeting. It was arranged that Theodore go to "the Potteries in Staffordshire and to Birmingham if the Spirit so led...." The Potteries included Tunstell, Burslem, Stoke, Lane End, and several other towns and villages.*

Let us remember that Theodore's family resided in the vicinity of Birmingham. He was led there, we may suppose, by the Spirit. That town later became a Mormon stronghold second only in importance to London.

On the following day the brethren met and blessed each other, and then separated and departed for their various fields of labor. Elders Woodruff and Turley traveled part of the way together. They went by way of Manchester, where Theodore spent eight days before resuming his journey to Birmingham. The material contained in the following pages is taken largely from the History of the British Mission and Theodore Turley's Journal. No attempt has been made to incorporate these facts into a story. They are presented simply as a day by day account. When not otherwise stated, the references are from the Journal.

"Jan. 20th, 1840.--This day found my father much worn out with hard work, bent down to the earth. I pray God to deliver him soon from such bondage as this, but there is a smile always on his countenance. This morning, Mr. and Mrs. Mills, also my mother and sister, Charlotte, and then my father and my brother, John, and then Grandfather, and then John's family. Much pleased with John's 4 children, so clean and neatly dressed. Much pleased with Sister Mills' children. George and Thomas are fine young men, as tall and manly as their father. Mary Ann's a fine young woman, Sophia is the image of my sister, Mary Ann, when young Elizabeth is sickly, a slender child, dreamt I was coming. Richard, Charlotte, William, a fine boy. Sister Mills is weakly at this time. Mr. Mills is aged but still about the same worthy man as ever."

January 22, 1840.--Elders Woodruff and Turley arrived in the Potteries district and commenced their labors. Visited the home of Brother William Benbow and were kindly received by his wife, Sister Ann Benbow.

January 23, 1840.--Elders Woodruff and Turley held a well attended meeting in the home of Brother Alfred Cordon at Burslem and visited at the home of Brother George Simpson.

"January 27th, 1840--This morning woke up in health after a hard day's work yesterday, at Bro. Benbow, in Hanley, Stafford Shire, after expounding the scriptures to the family walked two miles to Burslem. There found Elder Woodruff at Bro. Cordon's. Took dinner at Bro. Cordon's then went to visit some of the saints, then walked to meeting at Lane End about 6 miles. Spoke after Bro. Cordon, then took supper (dinner) at Bro. Ira Whittiker, Lane End and then blessed his two children. Laid hands on one Bro. for a swollen neck. Then went and laid hands on a sick child. Then blessed two children and walked back to logings very tired in body.

"January 28th, 1840--Tuesday morning at Cordon's feel something the effects of yesterday's hard work. (Recorded in the History of the British Mission we find: "Elder Turley had quite a sore throat the day after their arrival.") Spent day in conversation upon the Second Coming of Christ and the nature of Christ's Kingdom when it should be set up, etc. with Bro. Woodruff about the nations that will be left on the Earth when Christ reigns with his saints, etc. and I read considerable, attended meeting at night in Burslem. Bro. Woodruff preached and after which a man of the name of Jones opposed the work of God; read a pamphlet against the work of God, which I feel he will be delivered up to Satan. I went to Hanley and slept at Bro. Benbow's and he gave me 5 shillings to help carry me to Birmingham this day, 29th of January, 1840. "Bro. Alfred Cordon Navigation road at Mr. Goodwin's works Burslem Stafford Shire. Arrived in Birmingham 10:15 p.m. could not find any of my friends, had to stay at the Blue Bell Inn, Bristol Street, near a number of my friends.

"January 31, 1840.--This morning found me in bed at my mother's with my grandfather by my side not little pleased to find all alive except Bro. Fredric. Grandfather is able to work and earn his living.

Works still in  Livery Street where he has worked for 18 years. Walks a mile for his  dinner every day. He is in good health. The same persevering old man. Spent part of the day with my mother and the rest of the day with Sister Mills and family. Much delighted with them. Sister Wolton is much bowed down to the earth and very thin in flesh. Slept at mother's."

"February 1, 1840.--This morning at Mother's in Thurst Street No. 65. I pray God to give me access to the understanding of my relations that they may understand the things of God as they are. I read several Chapters to my Mother and made a few remarks. I then visited the market place and Town Hall, both the most splendid buildings I ever saw. The Town Hall is 152 feet in length, 65 feet wide, 65 feet high inside; the organ more than 50 feet high; weight, 50 tons--equal to 100,000 lbs; the length of center pipe, 35 feet; 2 feet in diameter, largest pipe 35 feet long by 3 feet in diameter; 3,000 pipes; 5 rows of keys; 63 stops. The branches for gas light 6 feet 6 inches long.

"The purpose for this building is for general musical festivals, concerts, Bible songs, meetings, missionary's meetings, missionary tea parties, public dinners, flower shows, and public lectures. A splendid building of grey marble stone obtained from Anglesy in opposite Wales; Mr. Campbell, keeper of the building. The building is warmed with hot water and air, the flue forced up by cold water on producing cold are under the hot sent up by ventilators, etc.. .
"This day finished it in company with Mrs. T. Kimberly and her son Thomas. Took supper with them. Thomas has grown a fine young man and has a boy 2 years old. This night stopped at my mother's.

"February 2, 1840.--This morning went to the Methodist Chapel. Seen many of my old acquaintances. I pray God to give the people eyes to see. "Spent the afternoon with my father, mother and some of my friends; the evening with Bro. Walton and Sis. Walton at my Bro. John's with his family. Slept at my mother's with my grandfather.

"Feb. 3, 1840.--This morning my heart's desire before God is that He will open my way that I may preach to my parents the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I took dinner with Sis. Mills, seen my Uncle Thomas Hart this morning. Spent the afternoon in trying to obtain an opportunity to communicate to my Brother John the glorious things of the Kingdom of God. I went to see my wife's Brother, Jessie Kimberly, found him and wife and 7 children enjoying good health but in want of employment. I spent the night in communicating to my grandfather, mother and father the things that God has done and will do in this generation."

February 3, 1840, Wilford Woodruff said: "I became convinced it was the will of the Lord for one of us to go to Birmingham and taking all things into consideration we thought it best for Elder Turley to go. Consequently he left Burslem for Birmingham on the 29th of January." Under date of January 29, the day of his departure, it is recorded, "Elder Theodore Turley left Burslem, Staffordshire, England, for Birmingham. Since his arrival in Burslem he and Elder Woodruff had preached almost daily and visited the Saints."

"Feb. 4, 1840.--This morning took breakfast with mother and then went to see Sis. Mills found her sick, then I went to see my Bro. John's family. I pray God to give my Brother eyes to see the truth as it is in Jesus Christ. This afternoon I went to see Mr. J. Lilley a Methodist preacher, used to be acquainted with me 20 years ago. He appears to be very dark as to the things of God. I could not get him to understand the plan of Salvation, nor the revelations as given the timely warning. I spent the rest of the day in conversation with my mother and family. Oh! I desire their salvation, I pray God to give me his Holy Spirit to help me and give them hearts to understand. I hope to have an opportunity soon. Dined with Bro. R. Mills, visiting the 13 acres of land. Took tea at Bro. R. Mills; spent part of the evening with Bro. John Turley, took supper with John and his wife at his house in Liland Street.

"February 5, 1840.--Took breakfast at my mother's. Took dinner with Bro. R. Mills. Wrote this morning to Elder W. Woodruff at Burslem, StaffordShire. This afternoon wrote to my wife's sister in London. This evening I hope to spend in company with my brother John to converse about the things of God.

"February 6, 1840.--This morning went to see my brother John but he being engaged with business could have no opportunity to converse with him. Oh! I hope to have an opportunity soon; dined with Bro. R. Mills, visiting the Botanic Gardens to see the various collections of roots and plants, covers 13 acres of land. Took tea at Bro. R. Mills; spent part of the evening with John Turley, took supper with John and his wife at his house in Liland Street.

"February 7, 1840.--This morning took breakfast at mother's went to see Jessie Kimberly, had some conversation with his father Will, etc. Then went and dined with Sis. Walton, then went to see my wife's aunt Vindness  Hugh [widow of Hugh Bolton Kimberley].* Then I went to see my old master James Parkes, and took tea with him. I hope the Lord will open a door for me to preach the Gospel unto his people. Spent the evening bearing my testimony to my grandfather and family and slept at mothers.

"Feb. 8, 1840.--Saturday, this morning took breakfast with mother. Went to meet my sister Davis in company with brother-in-law Mills. Spent the day with Sister Davis and mother. Bore my testimony in truth and sincerity, kept me talking or preaching all day till I am hoarse. Took supper with Sis. Ann and Sophia, father, mother, and grandfather. Slept with my grandfather. My sister Ann has come from London to Birmingham to see me."
Also on February 8, Wilford Woodruff records: "I received a letter from Elder Turley Thursday; he was in Birmingham preaching to his relatives in the family circle, but was soon expecting to preach in public; he had hard work to preach to his parents, who had been professors of Godliness forty years, and had great confidence in their ministers."

"Feb. 9, 1840.--This morning took breakfast with Bro. John's family on purpose to converse with him on the things pertaining to the Kingdom of Heaven, walked with him some distance, but oh, how has tradition bound round the understanding of the children of men. They truly have eyes but see not. I long for their salvation, that the God of Heaven may grant me the desire of my heart in this respect. This afternoon spent with my relations. The house crowded with persons to see me. I had an opportunity to testify of the goodness of God. I am somewhat encouraged, hoping some of my relations will embrace the faith which is my earnest desire before the Lord. Slept this night with grandfather in Birmingham.

"Feb. 10, 1840.--Enjoying good health, thank God for it. Took breakfast with mother in company with sister Ann from London and my sister Sophia Davis from Alberstone and by her request I go to Alberstone this evening to see Bro. Davis. She is paying my expenses. My sister Ann is married to one Mr. Goldfinch of London. Arrived in Alberstone 8:30 p.m. at my sister's a distance of 20 miles fair [fare] in coach 5 shillings sterling I pray God to give me wisdom and feel like doing His will and bearing my testimony before my relations of the things of God. I visited the machinist institution, in Birmingham in company with my 2 sisters and John.

"Feb. 11, 1840.--This morning at my sis. Davis' at Alberstone, Warwickshire, Printer and Stationer, this morning I am longing to leave my friends so that I may go to preach the Gospel to the world as some of my relations are not willing to receive my testimony. I pray God to open their eyes to see their situation, and privileges God offers them. This day spent with my sister in conversation with her on the nature of religion as revealed. I took a walk out this afternoon meditating on the goodness of God to me and my family. Oh, I long to be worthy of that Comforter that Jesus promises to His Disciples the manifestation of the Father and Son, the ministering of Angels, the Lord grant it to me.

"Feb. 12, 1840.--This morning is very wet; has not been wet for a long time so that farmers of England cannot get the seed into the ground. There was but very little wheat sown last fall; there must be great distress next season in consequence. It has been wet for about 10 months. I am this morning still hoping soon to get into a field that I can labor in without giving offense to my relations. I think I shall soon go to Wolverhampton in Stafford Shire. My journal from this to the 14th of April, 1840, is written in a patent pocket Journal."

Elder Turley returned to the Potteries from Birmingham, and expressed a desire that Wilford Woodruff go to Birmingham to erect the standard, as it was his native place. Says Wilford Woodruff, "He thought I should do better than himself; he had preached a few times in public this side of Birmingham, but not in Birmingham. And as I was getting ready to go, the Lord manifested to me that it was his will for me to go another way, which was to go to Birmingham, or about forty miles East of it."

On March 16 we have the following report: "The latest account from Elder Turley, he was well, preaching and baptizing in the Potteries." Sometime between March 16 and April 11 Theodore Turley was arrested and thrown into prison. We can only wish that his Journal during this period were available to us so that we could know more of the details. On April 11th, Wilford Woodruff wrote: "I went into the jail and had an interview with Elder Theodore Turley who had been falsely imprisoned upon a warrant for debt which had been contracted fifteen years before he left England, and which he supposed was settled." Joseph Smith says, "The real object was to stop his preaching."

Going back to Theodore's Journal, we find: "April 14, 1840.--This morning my feelings and reflections are keen in this my confinement here in Goal and my brethren whom the Lord has sent on this mission to England are now arrived in this land and I deprived of the privilege of meeting with them in Conference after leaving my family and all to preach the Gospel, now Satan has deprived me of an opportunity of preaching by shutting me up in prison. Thank God I can preach to the people here, I ask for wisdom to act as the Lord would have me. I wrote a letter this day to Elder Richards and the Twelve and one for one of the prisoners."

The letter which follows is an excerpt from the one written to Elder Richards: "I was privileged Sunday evening last for the first time of preaching publicly to all the prisoners of the debtor's wards. I proclaimed the gospel to them, as well as I could. The Lord has been with me in my confinement. There came into this prison last Saturday, a Baptist preacher, who used to preach in Hanley next to where we preached. He was requested to preach, but refused, stating in the usual spirit that they had better hear the Latter-day Saint. With this they came to my cell. I sprung at the opportunity, and after I had done, I called publicly upon him, if he had anything to say. He replied he thought they had better retire and ponder these things over in their cells. One is solemnly converted to obey the Gospel the first opportunity he has. Several others are much taken up with the doctrines that I advanced and one in particular, a sensible man, who has been much perplexed with the doctrines of the day. So much so that his mind was almost poisoned against the Bible; he is now diligently searching the Scriptures. I have lent him Elder Pratt's work, the 'Voice of Warning;' he wants to buy one. There is strife as to who shall have it. I could sell some of them, if I had them, and they would be scattered to different parts of the land soon. Dear Brother! It is a very difficult place to attempt to preach the pure principles of the Gospel in, for the mind of every individual is so busily engaged in contriving means to elude justice, and at all intervals they bring out of their evil hearts the abominations therein contained, and in order to smother reflection they have resource to gambling and drunkenness. They also use the most obscene language I have ever heard, thus glorying in their shame. I cannot give you the particulars of my situation; I am awaiting the arrival of particulars from my brother and then I will send to you. Dear Brother! I feel much sorrow at being deprived of the blessings of attending the conference of the Twelve. I am pleased at the sound of their arrival. Satan's kingdom will quake, and the bulwarks thereof tumble to the ground. I know that the Lord can accomplish His work without my labor in the vineyard. I am but a cipher before him, but whether I have the privilege or not, my heart is in the work, and I long to have the opportunity of lifting up my voice proclaiming the will of God."

Continuing with Theodore Turley's Journal--"April 15, 1840.--This day I have spent in reading and writing and visiting a sick man here in prison. I long to know the result of a letter I sent to my brother John Turley. "April 16, 1840.--Still in prison but thank God I have my health better. This day my mind is somewhat engaged in thought as this day the first conference is held on this land by the Quorum that God has chosen in these last days to preach the Gospel and warn this land of things that are coming upon the same. I feel much at being deprived of the privilege of meeting with them. I have this day read considerable to a sick prisoner. I hope he will obey the Gospel. I have studied a little of the system of short hand. "April 17, 1840.--I received a letter from Bro. John Turley of Bern stating that Mr. L., Attorney will take less than half he demanded of me and I have sent him an answer. Also writing to Thomas Kimberly. I pray God to bless my endeavors to do His will.

"April 18, 1840.--This being Good Friday, so called in England. This morning I am well in health. Thank God for it. The morning spent in writing one Epistle to the Potteries and some shorthand. I’ve seen Bro. Thomas from Stoke. He came into the prison for to see me, and brought me a loaf of bread. I spent the afternoon in writing 2 letters for 2 prisoners and some shorthand. I preached publicly this evening to the debtors on the broken covenant and plainly preached the Gospel of Jesus Christ to them. After I had done a preacher of the Baptist order called me a demolisher.

"April 18, 1840.--This morning I received a letter from Sis. Eliza Bromley and Sis. Pool, from Manchester and from Bros. Smith and Woodruff, from New Castle and a brother from Lane all came to visit me this day in Goal and brought me provisions and some money, received a letter from Bro. John and my trousers and linen. My poor mother does not know that I am here in this confinement as it would be too much for her to bear it at this time of her life, as she is weak in body. I spent most of the day with my friends that came to see me. I pray God to give me wisdom at all times to act in righteousness before him according to His Holy Laws. I ask God to bless Sis. Pool that came so far to see me and the brethren and all the saints and my dear wife and all the children.

"April 19, 1840.--This morning I arose and wrote an epistle to Sis. Eliza Bromley of Lane End and I also received a letter from Elder Hedlock, stating that he was at the conference in Preston, and also the nature of his journey from the time I left him in Betavia, N. Y. There was a conference 33 branches represented, and somewhere about 1520 members. 33 Elders, 53 Priests, 33 Teachers, 10 Deacons, making in all, 1650; thus you see how the work is rolling on in this land in the short time of two years and six days. I spent part of this day reading. This evening I preached to the people in prison on the principles of revelation, about two hours. The Lord helped me. I now lay me down to sleep in my cell on my sackcloth, contented till my change cometh. I pray God to bless my wife and children and all the saints.

"April 20, 1840.--This day I wrote 3 letters for my fellow prisoners and one to Elder Hedlock, the rest of the day I spent in talking with the prisoners. "April 21, 1840.--This morning I spent till breakfast in walking around the yard for exercise after breakfast Elder Cordon with 11 others came to see me in Prison. I am much rejoiced to see my brethren and sisters, they brought me some food and some pudding from my Daughter Eliza Bromley. I brought a long epistle for my parents and all their children; directed to Bro. John Turley. I wrote a letter to Wolverhampton and then read considerable and this evening preached again in this prison. Bore witness to the revelations which have been made. I pray God to help my exertions to spread the truth; I pray Thee to bless my family and all the saints. Amen. I ask for wisdom that the adversities may not have the power to destroy nor take advantage.

"April 22, 1840.--This morning wrote a letter for a poor prisoner and also an epistle to Wolverhampton to my relatives there. The rest of the day I spent almost in idleness, being put about with guarding and swearing of those I am obliged to amongst. I am now tired of this situation and company. "April 23, 1840.--This morning in good health, thank God for His goodness to me. I am here but when I shall get away, I know not. I hope soon. Long to hear from Bro. John. I have spent this morning conversing with some on the principles of righteousness. The whole day spent in conversing with the prisoners and wrote one letter. "April 24, 1840.--This morning received a letter from Elder Taylor. Says my family was in good health Feb. 2, 1840, thank God for that comfort. My mind is still anxious for news from Birmingham. I wrote to Bro. John Taylor this day. My testimony is requested by Mr. Penkhurst, I hope he may see.

"April 25, 1840.--This morning I await the arrival of the mail for news to decide my situation. I pray God to bless my enemies and turn their hearts to Him. I received a parcel from Sis. Bromley. Wrote to her; mailed a letter to Elder Hedlock. I received a letter from my Bro. John with the sorrowful tidings that Thomas Kimberly could not let me have the means (money). I wrote to him upon the subject. I received this like all other things as to prevent me having the chance of doing any good. I saw this day in the paper a statement made by the application of Elder Cardon the magistrate for the license on House in Burslem as follows Latter Day Saints. Alfred Cardon, a young man of the working class made application o Mr. Rose to have House in Burslem licensed for preaching in. He stated that lately he had been preaching in Hanley and that he had been prohibited in consequence of the House not being licensed. "Mr. Rose: To what persuasion do you belong? "Applicant: To the Latter Day Saints who have lately been sent by God. Mr. Rose: Have you been sent of God? "Applicant: Yes, sir. "Mr. Rose: I think there are plenty of Churches and Chapels in this neighborhood without licensing fresh place "Applicant: With great modesty. Yes, but God does not seem to approve of them. The magistrate not appearing disposed to argue the point, with the young man the matter dropped, now look out.

"April 26, 1840.--This day I feel cast down my mind heavily burdened with various reflections. I know not how to act, far from home and means to employ a Lawyer or to compromise and above all, this may have a tendency to lessen me in the estimation of the Saints, but I appeal to the Court of Heaven and to that only can I depend. This evening a Mr. Penkhurst preached to the people here on the love of God, pleased most of them well. There is also a Methodist preacher came in last Saturday. The Pharacauk principles are detestable. I pray God to ask according to His will in all things. I wrote to Elder Cardon. God bless my wife and children. Amen.

"April 27, 1840.--This morning in good health, thank God, but I cannot help saying I long to be out of the Hell and in the field of labor. I wrote some of the debtors the first principles of the doctrines of Christ. I preached this evening again the people are severely tied by the Devil to keep them from the truth. I pray God to bless my efforts. "April 28, 1840.--This day I have written a letter and seen my worthy bros. George A. Smith and Willard Richards. They came to see me at Stafford Prison. I hope in the God of my salvation he will deliver me out of this place. "April 29, 1840.--This day spent in writing and reading.

"April 30, 1840.--This day spent in practicing shorthand, sent a letter to Parley P. Pratt." (On the 30th Elder Richards visited with Elder Turley).  "May 1, 1840.--This day spent in practicing short hand. I pray God to grant me grace to do His will. I do hope to hear from my Bro. John.  "May 2, 1840.--I received from the Saints of Lane End some provisions and a letter from Sis. Bromley. I wrote her a letter. I received a letter from Bro. George A. Smith, one in shorthand.

"May 3, 1840.--Sunday this morning I wrote a letter to a Rev. W. I. Shaw of Sheffield, making known to him the principles of the religion of Jesus Christ, as [made]* known by revelation. I wrote a letter to Mr. Padock. I this day feel seneable of my imprisonment. I long for the time when I shall lift up my voice to the inhabitants of this land to warn them of the things that are coming upon them and the necessity of repentance. This afternoon I received a letter from Bro. John Turley stating that he had been busily engaged for my deliverance and that there is prospect of my release. I wrote him a letter.

"May 4, 1840.--Monday morning wrote to Bro. Cordon Berslem StaffordShire Potteries. The address for Elder Hedlock--Mr. John Sanders, Marchant, Alston, Cumberland. Spent most of the day in studying shorthand." On May 4, Brigham Young wrote to George A. Smith, "I was glad to hear that you went to see Brother Turley. I meant to have stopped to see him but it was otherwise. I shall write him soon, I expect." "May 5, 1840.--This day I have written part of the system of shorthand, and in conversation on the Kingdom of Christ. Still in prison. "May 6, 1840.--This day I have a letter from Bro. John stating he expects my discharge from this place tomorrow. Thank God for that. I wrote a letter to him, also one to Elder Woodruff. I received one from Bro. Bradbury in Burslem.

"May 7, 1840.--I spent the day as though I had nothing else to do than meditate and reflect as tho the Lord would give me deliverance soon. "On May 7, Brigham Young wrote to Joseph Smith: "Had any of us better come back this fall? I suppose that some that come over with us will return; Brothers Clark and Hedlock, and Brother Turley if the latter gets at liberty. I suppose you have heard that he is in prison. He has been there ever since my arrival in England, and how long he will remain the Lord only knows. He was put there through the influence of a priest, as nigh as I can learn, for some old pretended claim, but no one can find out what that claim is...I have just received a letter from Brother Turley, which states he expects to leave his place the next day."

"May 8, 1840.--This morning I rose early. Pleased with a dream. My little daughter came to me and said, Papa, Papa, I am glad to see you. From various impressions I shall be delivered from this. This day at 8 a.m. I received the information that my discharge was come while I thank God for this blessing. I had taken the coach for Lane End and arrived at Bro. John Whittiker. Then went to Bro. Thomas Ameston's and then walked to Stoke in company with Sis. Ameston. Saw the saints in Stoke. They were so delighted to see me restored. I slept at Bro. John Rowley's when there a number of saints came to see me. Slept in company with Bro.Smith. Laid hands on Sis. Elderson, she being sick."

Joseph Smith says, "Elder Turley was released from Stafford jail, where he had been confined since his arrest on the 16th of March last, at the instigation of John Jones, a Methodist preacher, on the pretense of a claim arising under a partnership with another man fifteen years ago, before he left England; but the real object was to stop his preaching. He was without provisions for several days, but the poor Saints in the Potteries, on learning his condition, supplied his wants, some of the sisters actually walking upwards of twenty miles to relieve him. He preached several times to the debtors, was visited by Elders Woodruff, Richards, George A. Smith, A. Cordon, and others, and was dismissed from prison on his persecutors ascertaining their conduct was about to be exposed. This rather encouraged than disheartened the Elders, as I had told them on their leaving Nauvoo, to be of good courage, for some of them would have to look through grates before their return."

"May 9, 1840.--This day in company with Elder George A. Smith walked to Burslem from Stoke. We ordained Bro. Hume to the office of a Priest in the stake, he being much afflicted with rheumatism or rheumatics, he jumped up and ran after us praising God. When we arrived in Burslem visited many of the Saints when they rejoiced much at my deliverance. I then attended a conference where we ordained 2 Elders, Bro. Glover and B. Simpson, 2 Teachers, Bro. Bradbury and Bro. Parker. Bro. D. Bowers was nominated Deacon, but not present. Slept at Bro. Johnston's.

"May 10, 1840.--Sunday this morning in company with Elder G. A. Smith I go to Hanley, Bro. Smith preached, I brake bread. In the evening I preached for a while and Elder Smith preached to the congregation. Confirmed one member and ordained Bro. Daniel Bowers to the office of Deacon. "May 11, 1840.--This day I wrote to Bro. John Turley and then walked to Stoke and visited Sis. Handerson and several of the Saints and also one Mr. Mumford. Then I walked to Lane End, then visited the Saints there. I hope they will be able to resist the Devil. I preached to a large congregation. "May 12, 1840.--This morning at Sis. Whittiker's I visited the saints in this place and accompanied Sis. Bromley to Stoke and there laid hands on Sis. Handerson. I then accompanied George A. Smith visited the Pot Manufactory in Stoke. I then walked to Hanley to Mr. Martin's and after the necessary conversation baptized her. Then walked to Burslem and slept at Bro. Johnston's. "May 13, 1840.--I went to New Castle to preach in company with George A. Smith, preached in the streets. One baptized." [This day Wilford Woodruff received a letter from Theodore Turley].

On May 15, 1840, Willard Richards wrote the following to George A. Smith: "I read your letter to Brother Young and also Brother Turley's... If Brother Turley wants room to exercise, he will find himself abundantly supplied with room to labor here, and we recommend him to tarry at the Potteries till Brother Young comes, which will be in a few days. Brother Young would like to see him and we all rejoice with Brother Turley, and if he concludes to come here, or go elsewhere, let him do it secretly; let no one but yourself know where he goes, and his enemies cannot follow, and he will save himself much trouble."

Now back to the Journal: "May 16, 1840.--From Stoke to Hanley, visiting the saints and to Burslem and then to Hanley, to be measured for some clothes, then to Burslem to sleep. "May 17, 1840.--Walked to Leek in company with Bros. Walker and Johnson 10 miles and preached to the people after dinner and at night. "May 18, 1840.--In Leek preaching from house to house. Preached publicly at 7 p.m. and at 11 p.m.; baptized 5 women and 3 men. Retired at 2 a.m. "May 19, 1840.--Walked to Burslem; met G. A. Smith about noon.

"May 20, 1840.--In company with G. A. Smith visited several families of the Baptist order; preached the truths of the Gospel, also visited the brethren. "May 21, 1840.--Visited some in Hanley, took dinner at Mr. Taylor's. Spent the afternoon with him and one of the Baptist's of this place. Preached hard against the errors of the day, this evening at meeting with Elders Young and Smith. Slept in Burslem with the same Brethren at Bro. Johnston's. We thought it best for Bro. Smith and I to tarry in this region until conference."

This was the first time that Theodore had seen Brigham Young since he left New York, for by the time Brigham Young arrived in England, Theodore was in prison. Of this meeting Brigham Young reported the following to Elders Wilford Woodruff and Willard Richards: "I found Brother Turley there; he feels well, is preaching and baptizing; he is going to Birmingham. I told him to go according to his own feelings; he is willing to do anything that we say; he wants to see you and sends love with the rest of us." (75)

"May 22, 1840.--In company with Elders B. Young and G. A. Smith. Bro. Smith wished me to go to Lane End and preach this evening. I walked from Burslem and visited some of the saints and from there to Lane End preached at night. "May 23, 1840.--Visited among the Saints. "May 24, 1840.--This morning I preached in a room obtained from the T. Totals society. I met with the saints in the afternoon, preached at night to a large congregation. "May 25, 1840.--Still in Lane End, I hope to see some fruits of my labors. This night I preached to a large congregation, a number followed me to my lodgings to inquire after the truth. Slept at Bro. Whittiker's. "May 26, 1840.--This morning I spent with the saints in Lane End and then went to Stoke, visited some there. Then to Hanley visited some there. Then to Burslem preached here at night. Slept at Bro. Johnston's. "May 27, 1840.--Went to Hanley. Taught from house to house the things of the Kingdom and at night preached to a large congregation on temperance.

"May 28, 1840.--Went to Birmingham to see my parents. Arrived 7:30 p.m. I saw I was once more in company with my parents. I pray God to bless my visit. "May 29, 1840.--Spent with Bro. John and family. "May 30, 1840.--Spent with my parents in Birmingham and relatives. "May 31, 1840.--I preached the necessity of Baptism to my parents. Oh! My soul is grieved in consequence of the traditions that have been instilled into them by the damnable doctrines of man. I pray God to bless them with eyes to see the truth. I feel much my spirits are down.

"June 1, 1840.--This morning taking leave of my relations for the North. I traveled to West Broomwitch to see my relatives here, found them all alive and well. Slept at Mr. N. Woods. "June 2, 1840.--This day at Grets Green West Groom Parish, teaching the things of the Kingdom of Heaven. Preached at night also. "June 3, 1840.--In Grets Green teaching the things of the Kingdom of God. "June 4, 1840.--Went to the Brades. Saw some of my father's relations. Preached to them the Gospel. I returned to Grets Green. These two men came to inquire of me about the doctrines of Christ. I preached Jesus and the resurrection unto them; there also came some to entangle me in my talk. They brought a traveling preacher of the name of Leek to see if he could counteract the effects of my preaching the Gospel. But thank God he gave me words that he could not gainsay. The people that heard, some were left in amazement and others in praise of God for sending the truth. I can't leave the people at present. They are beginning to have their eyes opened.

"June 5, 1840.--Still in Grets Green instructing the people in the things of the Kingdom. I feel the awful situation of those that are teaching the foul principles of man and leading the innocent astray from the paths of truth. This morning preached in Swan Village, afterward a man by the name  of Hicks opposed the truth. I pray God to give him eyes to see his situation. I then baptized John Robinson and Mary Robinson and Jane Wood.

"June 6, 1840.--Still in Grets Green, went to see Mrs. Jones. She is much troubled that I should be so persecuted. She said she must be baptized. I went to see a gentleman by the name of Williams, he received my testimony; said he had preached 35 years and looking for the coming forth of the work of God. He is going to try and get me to preach in the chapel. "June 7, 1840.--This morning confirmed 3; administered the sacrament to them. Spoke to the congregation in the afternoon; preached in the street. At night fulfilled the appointment of a Methodist Preacher; many believed. Went to bed quite tired. "June 8, 1840.--Wrote Elder Smith in the Potteries. Visited the people that were inclined to believe the truth. Received scolding from Mr. Woods for baptizing two of his daughters; one of them was married and the other 22 years of age. I preached to a congregation at Hill Top this night. The Lord enabled me to bare testimony to the things of God, as made known by the ministering of angels. I baptized two, Mrs. Jones and George Wood."

On June 8 Theodore Turley wrote from Grets Green, near Birmingham, to George A. Smith: "I left Lane End, and arrived in Birmingham a quarter before eight o'clock; at my father's, found them well. My brother's family are sick--no opportunity with my brother. He had to leave town upon business. I preached to my parents; my mother is so bound by the damnable errors of man; that she thinks so much of that, I am grieved. I left on Monday for Broomwitch and found that my former preaching and letters from Stafford were not lost, but were working like leaven in meal. One preacher had not preached Methodism; nor could he. I preached on Tuesday. All the time I have been there, there has been either preachers or leaders calling upon me, some in the spirit of enquiry, others trying to eat me up. It is hard fighting. They brought a traveling preacher, by the name of Leek, in this circuit, to oppose me. We had a discussion and the people were ashamed of him. Some are raging mad against me. There is one class really broken up. Wednesday I preached, and Thursday also, and on Friday I baptized three. A preacher opposed me. Six more gave their names for baptism on Saturday and I was invited to the house of a gentleman at Hill Top; I had an interview with him. He received me with warmth, received my testimony, said he had tried to preach the gospel for thirty-five years, but was convinced that he lacked the power of God, and he had preached the second coming of Christ and the Restoration of the Jews. He had suffered much opposition on account of his going to try for me to preach in their chapel. Sunday morning I held meeting, confirmed three, and administered the Sacrament to them. I spoke to the congregation. In the afternoon preached in the street and at night I was invited to fill the appointment of a Methodist local preacher. The house was filled and I preached two hours; many believed. Numbers say they must be baptized. The preacher stated publicly that he must be baptized; prayed that God would enable them all to examine the truths that he had heard, and obey them. He and his wife told me that they will obey the commandment. A great fuss was raised. I have no chance to visit the different places around. I pray God to send more laborers in the vineyard. Brother Smith, do come and help me here. There is Birmingham and Woverhampton, and ten or twelve other towns here, that are perishing. This morning I have had a storm; a relative came to call me to task for baptizing two of his daughters; one is married, the other twenty-three years of age. He has poured out his Methodist threats against me, but I was as independent in feeling and speech as the Son of a King." (76)

"June 9, 1840.--Not well, had a bad night's rest. I went to see my parents. I traveled to Birmingham. I long for their salvation. Slept at my father's. "June 10, 1840.--This morning had some conversations with my grandfather upon the subject of baptism. He confessed it a duty, but is fearful of his health being injured. I took leave of my parents and traveled to West Broomwitch and preached at Bro. Robinson's. After preaching, baptized two, Bro. Painter and Sr. Walker. "June 11, 1840.--Not enjoying good health; God is good to me. There is much opposition. Sis. Jane Wood has much to try her faith. I preached to a good congregation this evening at Princes End; had a conversation after.

"June 12, 1840.--Visiting the people, communicating the truths, there is much opposition to the truth in this place. Preached at night at Bro. Robinson's in Grets Green. "June 13, 1840.--Traveled to Birmingham, 6 miles, to see my father and mother. Went to visit my relations. Sister. Mathan has received great benefit from the use of some consecrated oil for the sore affliction of rheumatics.. Thank God He hears my prayers on her behalf. She was very kind to me when in prison. The Lord reward her for all, and I bless her in the name of the Lord. Amen. "June 14, 1840.--Arose early to converse with my father and grandfather. My father told me he was ready to be baptized. He would like grandfather to go at the same time. I walked to West Broomwitch. My sis. Charlotte accompanied me. Met the saints at Bro. Painter's. The rest of the evening instructing among the people. They threaten my life; the influence of priest-craft is so great that it makes it hard work.

"June 15, 1840.--I walked to Birmingham with my sister. She came to preach. Spent the day in Birmingham; at night I taught my parents the nature of Faith. "June 16, 1840.--Walked to Grets Green; then visited from house to house, teaching of the things of the Kingdom. Then walked to Wedensbury. Preached in the Baptist chapel; then walked to Grets Green. Very stormy; caught a bad cold; had a number of preachers to hear me. "June 17, 1840.--Not enjoying good health; waiting for Elder Woodruff. At night went to Princess End and preached in the Baptist chapel. They invited me again. I returned to Grets Green. There was a number waiting for me to injure my body. Some threatening to horse-whip me and others threatening to put me down a coal pit. They surrounded the house till 2 a.m. One came in, and called me all ill names and gave many threats. My sister Charlotte from Birmingham brought me a letter from America that comforted my heart. Saying [a page was torn from Theodore's Journal so we do not know what the letter stated].

"June 21, 1840.--This morning arose at 4 a.m. to go and baptize Bro. Walker and Sr. Painter, 8 of our friends accompanied me to the water. Returned, held a prayer meeting and then took breakfast, 10 met in the Church in sacrament. 2:30 p.m. and at 6 p.m. Slept at Enoch Woods. "June 22, 1840.--Traveled to Birmingham visiting the friends there. "June 23, 1840.--Went to look up a place for to baptize. Traveled all around Hofston pool; round the old walk I used to when a little boy. Reminds me of my former days. Expect to see Mr. Allgood. Slept at Father's."

On June 23 Wilford Woodruff called upon sister Mary Packard who informed him that Elder Turley was in another part of the town and had commenced baptizing. "June 24, 1840.--Went with Bro. John Turley to the factory and to see the Alms House, etc. I then took dinner at my mother's. I then walked to West Broomwitch to see Elder Wilford Woodruff; he sent me a letter to mother's. I called to visit Mr. Icke. Elder Woodruff preached at night. I then baptized 4 at 11 p.m. Thank the Lord for his mercies in this respect. "June 25, 1840.--This morning I feel there is a spirit from the Powers [of Darkness that takes (?) my heart (?). I ask God to preserve me and bless me and]* deliver me. I spent the day with the saints and Elder Woodruff. Preached at Bro. Walker's; baptized Bro. Mathews and confirmed him on the road and he went on his way rejoicing. Ordained Bro. Painter, Priest and Bro. Robinson, Teacher, and then slept at Bro. Woods in company with Elder Woodruff at Grets Green.

"June 26, 1840.--This morning I arose to take leave of the few saints the Lord had given me after the hard labors I have had in this region. I left them under peculiar feelings at this time; Satan raging so powerful around them I and Elder Woodruff left them in the hands of God and we then proceeded from thence to the Potteries to attend conference; a distance of 38 miles. When we arrived at Lane End and visited the saints there I was rejoiced to see Sis. Eliza Bromley once more; when I reflect how she fed me; clothed me and visited me when in prison, I pray God to reward her a hundred fold in the Kingdom of our Heavenly Father, and that this her kindness should be handed down to future generations as a memorial to her."

Taken from the History of the British Mission: "Elder Wilford Woodruff and Theodore Turley traveled by omnibus from West Broomwitch to Lane End...Arriving at Lane End, the brethren called upon the Saints and thence went to Stoke. Spent the night at Alfred Cordon's."

"June 27, 1840.--Wrote in company with Elder G. A. Smith and W. Woodruff a letter to Pres. Smith in America. Saints much rejoiced to see us here. "June 28, 1840.--Attended a field meeting at Stoke; preached in the morning; at noon baptized Bro. W. Martin and Bro. Henry Cloens; then proceeded to the field meeting at night to Hanley room; then walked to Lane End."

Referring to the History of the British Mission we find: "Elder Wilford Woodruff, George A. Smith and Theodore Turley met with the Saints at Stoke and held a camp meeting. A large congregation was present. Elders Smith, Turley, and Alfred Cordon preached in the forenoon, and Elders Woodruff and Smith in the afternoon."

"June 29th, 1840.--Walked to Hanley to attend conference. Elder G. A. Smith called to take lead in conference. Elder Cordon as clerk. Ordained 4 priests, and 2 teachers. Bro. Whittiker was ordained an Elder. The members in these branches, Burslem and Hanley 61. Tunstell 5 and 1 priest. Lane End 35, 1 Priest. New Castle 15, 1 Priest, 1 Teacher, Leek 40. Cheedle 1, Total 168. Meeting adjourned till 5 p.m. Elders Smith, Woodruff and myself addressed the official members on their various duties then at 7 p.m. Elder Woodruff preached to a large congregation, then I walked to Burslem spent the night at Bro. Johnston's.

"June 30, 1840.--Walked to New Castle visited saints there, then walked to Hanley and preached to a large congregation. "July 1, 1840.--Left Burslem in company with Elder G. A. Smith, and Wilford Woodruff for Manchester, had it wet all the way; arrived at 1:30 p.m. Found Elders Heber C. Kimball, Parley P. Pratt, Brigham Young, Willard Richards and H. Clark. "July 2, 1840.--Thursday in Manchester spent in counsels and writing and preaching at night, then slept in company with Wilford Woodruff.

"July 3, 1840.--Friday visited the Manchester museum in company with above named Elders. A vast collection of birds and beasts, mummies and a head of New Highland Chief Sattewa; some ancient Egyptians; stone coffins with many ancient characters upon them; a representation of the largest diamond in the world worth 122,000,000 pounds of sterling. Met in council at the Star Office Oldame Road No. 149 with the officers of the Church, in this region, instructions given on the manner, and operations of the gifts. Slept at Bro. John Walker's, Cocston St. No. 10, Manchester.

"July 4, 1840.--Went to see the Geological Gardens in company with Elders Young, Pratt, Kimball, Woodruff, Richards, W. Clayton, and John Needham, a number of wild beasts, lions, tigers, leopards, elephants, rhineroses, camels, 3 brown bears, 2 polar bears, walrus, deer from various climates, monkeys, then the flowers. Elder Kimball and I went to Stockport 7 miles to preach. Slept at R. Stafford's all night. "July 5, 1840.--At 10 a.m. preached at Stockport and again at 2 p.m. a large assemblage present confirmed 2 members in the evening, at 6 p.m. preached to a large audience. "July 6, 1840.--I went to Manchester by steam car 7 miles in 15 minutes in company with a number of the saints."At a meeting held July 6, 1840, a "new hymnbook was introduced and received the unanimous approbation of the meeting. A number of brethren were ordained to the ministry and then President Young called upon those officers whose circumstances would permit them to devote themselves entirely to the work of the ministry, and who would volunteer to do so."(77) Theodore Turley was one of those who stood up.

"July 7, 1840.--Elder R. Hedlock's address No. 3 East Tarbutt St. Glasgow, No. 23, High St. Pensley Scotland. "July 8, 1840.--The Counsel desires that I shall go to America to take charge of a company, still in Manchester with the brethren. "July 9, 1840.--Thursday it was desired that I should go to Bolton to visit the saints. "July 10, 1840.--This morning in Bolton in company with Elder Amos Fielding visiting the s