You reap what you sow......literally.....

My 10th Great-grandfather, Thomas Hatch, won the heart and hand of my 10th Great-grandmother, Grace Lewis, in a reaping contest in England in the early 1600's.  But he had a bit of help as Grandma Grace "stacked the deck" in her favor!  Hope you enjoy this amusing little story -

Chester Southworth - and the Mormon Redress Petitions

My 3rd-Great-Grandfather, Chester Southworth, filed two claims against the government seeking restitution for losses suffered at the hands of mobs in the State of Missouri.  At the direction of the Prophet Joseph Smith, the Saints were asked to document and seek legal recourse for the abuse, atrocities, damage and loss by lawless men.  Nearly 700 men and women accepted the Prophet's charge and wrote almost 800 documents detailing the sufferings they endured.

You can read more about the Scroll Petition at the URL below (which both Chester and Mary Southworth signed) :

https://rsc.byu.edu/archived/mormon-redress-petitions-documents-1833-1838-missouri-conflict/part-iv-appeal-en-masse-0

You can read more about the Mormon Redress Petitions at the URL below:

https://rsc.byu.edu/out-print/mormon-redress-petitions-documents-1833-1838-missouri-conflict

Not a direct-line relative - but an interesting one - Robert LeRoy Parker

Just wanted to share a bit of fun that you all might enjoy.  Found out that my 13th Cousin, 2-times removed is Robert LeRoy Parker......you might know him better as Butch Cassidy!  If you have a few moments, check out the URL below for some fun and excitement while  seeing to whom and how you are related to people from history.....

Be sure to check out all the fun applications under development at:    fhtl.byu.edu

A Story 50-years in the Making

Something a bit different this week.....wanted to share an experience of mine that took 50 years to play out.  I was baptized when I was 7 years old, and had to have my baptism ratified by the First Presidency in 2011.  But it would have been cool to get re-baptized.....As bishop, could I then welcome myself into the Ward?  Would I have to interview myself for baptism?  What about the baptisms I performed, where they still good?  Lots of cool mind-game questions...but it all worked out in the end.

Peter Tidwell - He Answered the Call to the Rescue

Peter Tidwell was my 3rd Great Grandfather, and married Sophronia Hatch (see below).  At age 25, he answered the "Call to the Rescue" issued by Brigham Young, and set out to help bring in the survivors of the Wille and Martin Handcart companies.  I found later that he was actually saving some of his future descendents.....one of the great-granddaughters of a family he rescued, married his own great-grandson.....

Sophronia Alvira Hatch Tidwell - A Woman who Faced Trials with Faith

This is a short story of my 3rd Great-Grandmother (Olivia's 5th Great-Grandmother) and her travels from Vermont, to Nauvoo, to Iowa.  She heard the Prophet Joseph and dodged bullets in Nauvoo.  Her life was not one of luxury or "fine things", but she is an example of faith and sacrifice that can serve as an example to us all.

Stephen Hopkins - 13th Great-Grandfather........Castaway, Jamestown Survivor, Mayflower passenger - the extraordinary adventures of an ordinary man

Here is an incredible tale of a humble English shopkeeper who was marooned, sentenced to death, survived Jamestown, sailed on the Mayflower and hosted Indians in the Plymouth Colonies.....Stephen Hopkins is my 13th Great-Grandfather.

I also purchased a book from Amazon this week that looks very interesting.  Just started it, but lots of great details on Great-Grandfather's life, times and exploits.