Thursday, November 28, 2013

Maternal history

I have shared stories of Grandpa John with you many times. Certainly, we will discuss his life and experiences many more times. But today, I want to tell you about a maternal ancestor:

Margaret Jane and her children moved five miles away into the woods. They had a cow, some chickens and Mary had a cat named Katy. The little Lanier family dug and planted a garden around their home in the woods. Neighbor, John Gordon, and his family of five children lived three miles away. It was to this home that Margaret Jane and her two children went to hear the Elders preach again. The Elders came so seldom, and the Saints were so eager to hear the gospel preached, that an all night cottage meeting was planned. Again, the children were put to bed on the floor and the older people heard the word of the Lord preached.

When morning came, Margaret Jane and her children began to make their way home. They saw pairs of men sitting along the path every few hundred feet and their suspicions grew. Sure enough, there was a large group of men gathered together at one place waiting for Margaret Jane and her children. Bob, the little boy, sprang out and started to make a dash for their home farther along the path. One of the men drew a gun, pointed it at Bob and told his mother to call him back. He ran to his mother. The leader of the group, Miles Hendricks, lashed out at Margaret Jane with a hickory whip. Mary was holding her mother's hand as she received those blows. She knew angels were between her mother and that whip, for Margaret Jane claimed she never felt a blow. Only two strikes were given, when someone wrenched the whip from the hands of Hendricks, and it was thrown into the thicket. The men roared that she could not enter her house again and that all the Mormons were to get out. Margaret Jane and her two sons made their way back to the home of John Gordon, where they were sheltered. Word was sent to Tom, her son, who lived a few miles away and they made their way back to the little home, unknown to the mob. They packed what was left of Margaret Jane's things. The mob had taken their cow and chickens, flour, cornmeal and everything except their bedding and clothing. Later, word was sent that she could have her cow if someone came and got it. She hesitated and prayed before sending Bob, but he brought the cow and himself back unharmed. Tom welcomed them into his home where they stayed for about a year.

Won't it be great to hear Margaret Jane tell that story. It will be such a treat to look into her eyes and thank her for enduring to the end and making our life in the Church possible. And expressing our gratitude to Tom for his help is long overdue...

Yes. Our celebrations this year and every year include appreciation for our faithful ancestors and thanks be to God for our most precious gift of all.

Happy Thanksgiving!

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