[Original text with no corrections.
- Transcription notes: For the letters C, M, S and T, it is difficult to distinguish between capitals and lower case letters. Words beginning with E almost always have the E capitalized. There are many dots throughout that appear to be periods, but could probably be commas in many cases. In the poetry, the verse numbering always appears in the left margin, with no spacing between the verses. I added the spacing to show the numbering. - Joseph Buchanan, 8 Oct. 1996]

I was born on the 28 of december 1831, in the city of Carmarthen, Carmarthen Sher South Wales. My father's Name was John. and my Mother's Maiden Name was Sarah Lewis. My Father was born in the year of 1797. he died in the month of december 1839. My Mother Was born in the year of 1798. She died in the month of Novembe 1856. They was buried in Carmarthen South Wales. My parents had ten children. My Father was a Stone Cutter by trade. and by lifting too hard. and inhaling the dust of the stone. he blead to death. My sister Sarah Jane died a few days before Father died My mother was now left with four children. to provid for in that Country. this was a glomey time for Mother. The names of the children that was left with Mother was. David, Phillip, John and Louis. When i was nine years old, i had to work to help Mother to get the comforts of life. i work in a wever shop quiling for the wevers And i learnet that trade. and after i served my aprenticeship I thought i would take a trip from home. to see the towns and citys in other parts of the country. it was in the month of January 1850 that i started from home, on foot, because there was no railroads in that part of the country at that time. The first place i come to on my jurney was the city of llanellhe. This was twenty miles from home. i felt a little homesick here. because i did not get work here. i stayed with my Aunt a few days in this city. i felt quite lonesom here. Why. because i was amongest strangers and verry young and had but little Experience in the world. the nex place i come to was Caslocher. i was lucky this time. i got work with a man Named David Thomas. i work for him three months. and made good Wages. i whent to meeting with him Sunday he was the leader of the choir. of the Baptist Church. he introdused me to the singers. and I join them in their singing. i made many friends in this place. i left this place feeling good. because i had some money now to go on with I started again. in a rain storm. i traveled a few miles and got to Swanze city Glanmorgan Sher. This is a great sea port. i did not get work in this place. and now i began to be home sick again. i met a friend in this place. he introdused. me to a gentilman. by the Name of William Jones i ask him if he could give me a job of work. he ask me if i sirved my Aprenticeship i said. yes sir. here's my diplome. and after he read it. he said. yes i will give you a job because you have learnt the trade by a good tradesman. and in a short time after that. i was traveling towards his home. This was Saturday. his home was tweenty miles from Swanze on the sea shore. The nex day was Sunday. he took me to meeting he belong to the prespiterian Church. The nex day i started to work. he Watched me verry close. but he soon found out that i understood my bisness. and he also introdused me to the choir of his church. and I took part with them. I done well in this place. Now i was geting home sick. I bought a sute of chothes and started for home. i got home on the 21st of december 1850. i can tell you that i felt like the Poet says, there's no place like home and that is true. when i got home. My old friends came to see me and we had a good chat together. and also singing. and that Evening i went to see the girl i cept company with befor i left home. and She wellcom me home. and truly i felt at home in her comepany. her Name was Mariah I started to work again. to a man by the Name of David Edwards. The loom that I got to work in was nex to the door. and i caught a verry bad cold. and i was taken verry sick with the chills and fever. i was sick for a long time i had a chill everry day for many days, then one every other day, yes for three months. Then they quite and in a few days I felt midling well. Then Mother tould me to go to llanstuffan a vilage by the sea shore. for to regain my strength. i went to this place in a boat down the river fifteen miles i enjoyed myself verry good awhile. and got healthy and strong. i was here for two weeks but to my sorrow i was taken sick again. i started out one day. from the vilage. and whent as far as the old Castles. that was bilt by the Welsh people. hundreds of years ago. and when i got there. i sat on a log. This castle was bilt on a high cliff close to the sea shore. and while looking at the tide a comeing in. and the ships out on sea. i felt a quier feeling come over me. and i said. is it posible that i am going to have the chills again. i did not stop there. but a few minutes. before i was on the way to the vilage. a mile away. i was geting sicker all the time. when i got to the vilage. i took a drink of brandy. then i felt a litter better. nex morning i had a heavy chill. i paid for my board and started back home with the Evening tide. i got home on the 24. of June 1851. and when i got in the house. my Mother looked at me. and said. what is the mater John. i am sick with the chills again. She said never mind. you will get over it. She done all in her power to help me. I was again sick untill the middle of September. and after i got over the chills this time my Brothers tould me to go to school. that they would pay for the school bill. i was in school one quarter. and this is all the schooling that done me Enny good to me in my days.
In the month of August 1851. the Father and Mother of the girl that i kept company with was rebaptized into the Church of latter day Saints. The son. and the daughter of Father Davies and also myself was baptized on the 10. of Janury 1852. into the Church of Jesus Christ of latter day Saind. by Abednego Jones. The Names of the family of Father Davies is. Henry, the father, Martha the mother, Mariah, the daughter and William the son. The nex day was Sunday. we whent to meeting and we was confirmed by the Elders. nex Sunday the 18. i whent to meeting. and i was ordained a priest in this meeting. and was sent out with two of the Elders to bear testimony to the people. I traveled a good deel with the Elders to help them with the singing. and to bear testimony. i know that the preaching and singing of the latter day saints. as an influence. that the world dont have. i know that this is true. my girl and myself used to go on Excursion to the sea shore in a steamer and sometimes in a boat to the sea shore. England and Wales was a great country for Enjoyments when i was ther. Excuse me for saying so much about my girl. i cant help it. for she was a good company to me.

I Was Made Glad

It was in Wales my Native land
that i obeyed. the Lord's command
And when i heard. the Elders preach
I knew twas truth that they did teach

2
I was glad in the days of my youth
to here the principles of truth
The same truths. the Savior unfould
to the jews and the Nations of old

3
And when i first heard them proclaim
That the gospel. of truth once again
has come to the Earth to restore
the gifts of the gospel once more

4
No says the priest. we know the way
And we shall not. lead you astray
but will show you. the right road
And also. the ways of the Lord

5
I know that they have gon astray
And they will not retres their way
I know that they. have not the plan
to teach and save. poor fallen man

6
That was a great and glorious day
When Joseph Smith the unlearned boy
Reveled the plan. to save all men
Then let us praise the Lord Amen, J. J. Davies

Now I will write a few words aboute the weding. it was on the 3. of october 1853. that i got married to Mariah Davies the daughter of Henry and Martha Davies. This was in Carmarthen City South Wales. There was a few of the prominent Elders invited to the weding and we had a pleasent time. we had song, speache Resitation tosts. and poetry composed for the occasion by the Elders of the latter day Saints. i stayed in Wales a few months after the weding. Now comes the sorrowfull time for us to leve our friends and relations. behend us in our Native land. we prepared Every thing that we could think of for the jurny.

My Early days

I offten think of my youthfull days
When romeing through the streets of Wales
With my comrads that was full of glee
And verry seldom we disagree

2
Those days whent fast the years rouled on
untill i was nearly twenty one
Then i thought it was time for me
too stop my romeing and fooish glee

3
So i turn my thoughts to greater worth
And then i found. the precious truth
Then i obayed. the laws of heaven
The plan our Savior. to us given

4
And now my friends. i have something new
The truth of which. I'll reveled to you
I've surch. and surch. but never see
Yes, only one that suited me

5
This maide i loved. i thought would be
A comefort and a joy to me
And truly i must say twas so
for she was kind and loveing too

6
And now the time. at last has come
To be united. both as one
And now once more the truth I'll tell
That i was suited Extra well, Davies

Now we are going to start on that great journy across that great and mighty sea. we got to Laverpool on the 2. of February 1854. My Father and Mother in law and myself and wife. Started to the valleys of the mountains on the 4. Feb. in the ship Colcondah a sailing vessel. There were 464 Saints on board. The ship was taken out to the oppen sea by A Steamer. and then we was left on sea to the mercy of God. There was one thing that gave us joy and satisfaction. we knew. that God was with us to protect us on the sea. we had a good captain to gide the ship. and in a short time. after the steamer left us. the ship was in full sail. and she looked handsom. we had a good breze and she ploughed the main verry fast. it was verry cold when we left Laverpool. and in a few days. we got to a warmmer climet. and we was comfortable on deck. it was a site to us to see ships a sailing on the sea. we had a brass band on board i was one of them. all of us was Walesh boys. also was a choir. and i was one of them also a string band. They played for dancies. we had dancies on sea. There was a few Elders on board returning from their mission. we had a few batchalors on board. they having a place by themselves. They called it Batchlors hall. They made lots of fun to us on sea. The captain was verry kind to us Espeshily to the sick. but verry little sickness we had on sea. and only one death. and that was an infant. and indeed. it was a sollum time when the child was droped into the sea. we Enjoyed our selves verry good. while traveling on the sea. our president was Elder Curtis. he was returning from his mission. we had meetings every Sunday. Brother Curtis organized us. and apointed teachers to look after us we had a good voiage and had but one storm. it was a fearfull one. and i shall never forget it. it lasted aboute 4 hours. i was on deck to see it all the waves look to be as big as mountains. The sailors got all the sails fasten before the storm was verry bad. The thunder and lightling was terable and the rain a pouring down. but the ship done well. but she sprung a leek. but it was soon stopt. The storm quite aboute dark. The nex day the ship was in full sail again. and we all felt to rejoice for fine wheather once more. and i can tell you my friends. that we felt to rejoice

I Will Never Forget

I shall never. forget that day
The time for me. to go away
And leve my Mother and Brother three
to go a cross the mighty sea

2
Twas in the morning at Eight oclock
The ship Colcondah. left the dock
Then the captain. gave his command
And took us safe. to zion's land

3
And when we first. stopt on the land
It did look good. and also grand
We felt to say. with one acord
Yes thanks yes thank.s be to the Lord. Davies

We had the pleasure to see a weding on sea. The brid was tide to a chair and hoisted up quite a ways up the riggings of the ship. The Captain said. what a brave woman. Then she took her hancerchief and waved it in the breze. The bridsman was caried around the ship in a chair. by four Batchilors. They made it for that purpose. This took place aboute the first of March 1854 we had a great deel of amusment on sea. and when we got through the gulf of Mexico. the captain said. ship aboute. then we traveled North East. untill we got to that great river Mississppi here a steamer came to meet us. and towed us up that mighty river. The watter was verry mudy. and when we came to the quarantine station. we had to stop here. for the dockters to Examin us. and when the dockters came on board. we passed them two by two. They pronoused us all well. we started again. and got to New Orleans on the 18. of March 1854. we made the trip in six weeks from Laverpool to this place. we stayed in New orleans a few days to get ready to travel up the rever again. it is aboute one hundred miles from the mouth of the Mississippi to New Orleans. and we were glad to get there. and Aboute the last of March. we started for St. Louse. in a small steam Boat. yes indeed. we was crouded in that little boat

We Was Crowded

Now we are traveling up the rever
Crouded in that little steamer
But still we felt to ask the Lord
for to protect us all on board, the old man Davies

Now we are going. yes faster and faster
The steam boat a puffing. and snorting and pushing
har against the stream. but oh. what a durty watter for us to use
we dip it up for the settle it. but it does net get much better
Never mind. we will do the best we can with it
I must drink it. Ennyhow. because i am verry thursty
And what a rackity noyes. it maks me shudder
The captain a shouting. and the watter a splashing
And the band a playing. and some of us a singing
And some of the sisters. a washing and the babes a crying
And the sailors a talking. and some of them a smoking
And all of us trying to do something
And the boat a tugging and snorting

When traveling up the Missouri also the Mississppi. i will say that it was a great site to us. to see such forest of timber and land And what a wonderfull stream this is going in such a force. taking down some verry larg logs. They some times strik the boat. with a tremendous blows. but we got through all right all the same. we got to St. Louis aboute the 10. of April 1854. and we was glad to get there. but what a durty looking place this is to be shure. and when we got on shore. we had a great and a sad site. to see the Negros working. rouling the cotton bails the boss that was looking after them. used them verry ruff. Sometimes he would give them. a hard lick withe the whip he had. i thought that was bad to treet human beings. in that way. and here we are. crouded into an old ospetal it is the best place we can get. we stayed two weeks in St. Louis. here the cholera started among us. and we buried. a few of the Brethren and Sisters in this place. and in a few days the word was to get ready to start up the river again. and we was glad of the chance. The disdants from New orleans to St. Louis. is aboute twelve hundred miles. and we bid that place good by. and we wasent sorry of it

The Gospel Plan

And God in his mercy. to this geniration
Beveled to the Prophet. the plan of salvation
The verry same plan. the apostels of old
Was sent by the Savior to preach to the world

2
When Jesus our Savior. was here among men
he taught the great plan. of the gospel to them
And tould his disciples. go forth and proclaim
through faith and baptism. salvation will come

3
And also he said. lay your hands upon them
that they may receve. the promes that's given
For the spirit of God. will show them the way

4
And also will gide them. from going astray
There's twelve apostles to be in the church
Yes. prophets and teachers. to gide and to teach
And all these officers. and many more

5
Was all in the church. in the days of yore
But all of the preist. will say we dond need
The gifts of the gospel. for they have all ceased

6
And this is the docktrine. they've tought unto men
But the Saints dont beleve. such docktrin as them
The latter day Saints. will not go astray
if they will be faithfull. and also to pray
Then let the Saints. rejoice and to sing
For Jesus our Savior. shall be our King, J. J. Davies

Now for another start again. we started from St. Louis. on the 24. of April 1854. and after we got started. the captain of the boat said put on more steam. and away she gose. we had a good view of the country. on both sides of the revers. it was a great site to us. because most all of us was treads men. from the work shop. and that is the resen. that so much traveling through this country. was interested to us. we had to stop a few times to bury the dead while going up the rever. we got to Kansas Missouri. in the month of may. the distants from St. Louis to Kanas is aboute 4. hundred miles. This was a trading post in them days. one or two stores. and a few houses. and after we got on shore. we camped close to the river. The cholera was verry bad amongest us by this time. and in a few days we maved from here to Wm Magee's plantation. now we had a good place to camp in. we buried quite a few of our Brethren and Sisters in this place. it was here i buried my Father and Mother in law. we styed in these camps six weeks. we went from here to west port. and stayed here a few days. to get ready to start on the plains. now comes the labor and toil for a people. that has no Experience whatever. yes. more then a thou-sand miles across this great plains. and also those great mountains before we would get to the valleys of the mountains. oh yes. we had a fine time to see the Negros. breaking the young stears. for the company

Traveling together to the west, my self and wife

We've traveled together in peace many years
Yes. over the Sea and also great rivers
And on our journey. thus far we are blessed
And God in His mercy our lives has preserved

The Cholera at Kansas

And that aughfull disease. which all of us dread
Was raging in camp. and many of us died
It was here i buried. my Father and Mother
And truly twas aughfull. to leve them both here

2
And those sorrowfull days. were terable bad
But the saints. had faith in the promes of God
Then we faithfully ask. for the plage to cease
And God in His mercy. then stopt the disease

Starting on the Plains

The first night we camped. was on the Indian Creek
And my wife that verry night. was taken sick
And before the ninght was over
The wife gave birth to a daughter, the old man Davies

Now For a hard trip

We started on the plains on the first of July, 1854.
We traveled along the best we knew how. for many a day. Now i will releat a few things that happaen to us on the plains. betwen west port and Larime. the first night we camped. it was at Indian Creek. and between twelve and one oclock in the night my wife gave birth to a daughter in a tent. and at Eight oclock in the morning, we rouled out again. we traveled 25. miles and camped for the night. Now i will tell you aboute the sircuse. that we had the first few days on the plains. our captain tould us in the Evening. to get up Early in the morning. for to get redy to start in good time after breakfast was over. we got the cattle together. and tryed to yoked them up. i can assure you that this was quite a task for us. and after we got them itched to the wagon. we started out. now comes the sircuse. and it was a good one. The Captain was a waching us. and telling us what to do. he tould us to take a whip and use it. and say woo ah duke. gee brandy. and so on Now the fun commenced then we whent after them prety lively. and when the cattle went gee too much we would run to the off side. and yelling at them woo ah. and bunting them with the whip stock. Then they would go to much ha and we was puffing and sweeting. and if you was there to look on. you would say that it was a great sircuse. This was a great Experience and a tuff one. and by the time we got half way across the plains we could drive an ox teame as well as you can Enny day. There was ten persons to Every wagon. There was 6 men in my wagon. three of them left me at Fort Kearney. and two sick in the wagon. and one died on the road. we buried him Nex morning. i had to drive the teame alone all the way to the valleys I had a big red boil under my right arm. which gave me great pain. we had plenty of grass and watter. but verry little wood on the plains. The wemen gathered Buffolose chips to make a fier to cook by. to give us something to eat. we traveled a few days more a got to ash hollow which Which is 150 miles from Fort Kearney. and Fort Kearney is betwen 2 or 3 hundred miles from Missouri River. when we was on the ash hollow hill. the wagon wheel whent over a boy's head, and came very near loseing his life. The Elders administred to him and he got better. his name is Johnathan Prothro. we had to lock both wheels to go down this hill we camped for the night on the botom of the platte river. nex morning we was off again. and after i got out aways from this place. the wagon wheel went over my foot. i took some oil and anointed my foot. and in a short time, it was all right.

In Memory of our driveing

Indeed we had. a verry tuff times
The first few days. we drove our teams
The Captain. he would laugh. sometimes
at us driveing. yes on the plains, John

In camp after supper. we would sing and chat. at nine oclock we had prayers. then we'd go to rest. There was fifty wagons in the train. we had besids the Captain of the trine. five more were chosen. one for ever ten wagons to tell us what we had to do. one day when traveling on the road. we had a stamped the teams started out on the run and they tangled up fast together. it was a Wonder that no one was kild and nothing brock. Then we parted them and Itch them up again. and traveled a few miles and camped for the night. we had a nother one. but this one was in the night. while they was in the corrall the captain was a fraid of Indians that night. we made a corrall with the Wagons Every Evening. The cattle that night bunted the wagons pretty lively and the captain shouted to the gard to let them go. and they went out on the run. nex morning afater breakfast we got them together some was 15 miles away. We traveled a few miles that day. nex morning we rouled out again. when looking towards the west we could see the Chimney rock. we thought we would get to it that day. but it took us 2 or 3 days. indeed it dose look like a chimney. My wife had a gathered brest. She was sick for a long time. i got the Elders to administered to her and she receved the blessing. and got well. The buffolose on the plains in them days by the tens of thounsands the boys wounded a young bull. and he came a snorting and crossed the road betwen the wagons. but the boys down him and fetched one quarter to camp. now i will write a few words that I read in McCarlton's book, The Wonderland of the wild west. which is verry appropriate rite here. The untraveled tourist will feast his vision on those vast prairis or plains. day after day untill we reach the foot hills of the rocky mountains We passed over these illimitable plains untill the brain reels and the Eye is tired of looking upon the vast Expanse.

The Great Plains

And what a wonderfull country
Is this great western prairie.
Where Indians and buffolose romes
Without fear. all over the plains. J.J.D.

The night before we came to Lariime. we camped a few miles from the Fort This Fort is located on the south side of the North Platt at the foot of the Black hills. it being 550 miles west of the Missouri River. in the morning we rouled out towards the Fort. and in a short time after we started. we passed a larg camp of Suix Indians. we passed the fort and camped by the platte river for noon. the danish train that was behind us came along the same day the Indians kild one of their cows. The danish captain. tould the millitary captain aboute it. then the captain of the Fort send some of this men to see the Indians aboute it. and they got to a disbuite. and the soldiers fired at them. The Indains kild some of the soldiers and burnt the Fort the danish captain came along to our camp and said. that the Indains was on the war path the trappers also was comeing towards us for dear life. we all crossed the River all right. we had a larg camp. that night. and we thought we would haft to fight. but the Indains had their reveng. we camped together for A few nights. then we sapperated. i beleved that the Lord over ruled it for our good we did not see Enny more Indains untili we came to Salt Lake City

The Glorious Plan

And when i think. of the gloriouse plan
God had reveled. unto fallen man
It gives me joy within my mind
to think that God. had been so kind

2
And the gospel. plan. will save the world
if they will obey. the laws of God
And also them. that's now in prisen
for they must here the laws of heaven

3
our Savior whent there to unlock the door
also did preach. to them that was there
Joseph and Brigham. and Heber as well
They have gon there. the glad tidings to tell

4
And our ancesters. and friends are there
looking to us. their way to prepare
Then let us go. and work for the dead
This we can do. in the temples of God

5
And this will be. yes a glorious time
When friends and relations. will meet again
And when they do meet. how happy they'll be
In peace and love. through all Eternity, J. J. Davies

Now we are in the black hills and in a few days travel. we got to the red bute we jog along again. and got to the willow Spring. and the nex place was the Cayote Spring. and from here to the Independant rock is ten miles. here we struk the Sweet watter. The nex place was the davel's gate. The nex place was the rocky ridge. This ridge his the back bone of the Rocky Mountains. The streams runs from here in all dirictions. here where the South pass is. we are still a going yes up and down through the hills. untill we reach. little Sandy. and nex place was the big Sandy. right here where Lot Smith burnt the wagons with supplies for that great American army. lead by General Johnson. They was sent by the goverment. to punish the latter day Saints. for something that was not true. Six miles further west we struk the green river. The nex place we come to was Fort Bridger. and in this old Fort that Army spent the winter of 1857. And they stayed there becaus they was oblidged too. The distants from this Fort to Salt Lake City. is one hundred and 13 miles. we bid good by to the Fort. and traveled along the best we could. untill we got through the Emmegration Canyon. then we could see the valles of the mountains. which made us to rejoice and to thank the Lord for his blessing to us on the journny. we got to the city of the saints a few days after the october conference of 1854. we rould through the city with joyfull hearts and camped on the Emmegration square west of the temple block. we all felt to rejoice can you blame us for haveing a joyfull hearts. No. i do not think that you would. i know if you had to travel such a journny you would feel to rejoice and to thank the Lord. for the blessings that you did receve on such journey. for i can say that the Lord. did bless us on that great journny.

In Memory of the Journny

And when we left. our Native land
to go west. to the promise land
We felt so bad. to leve behind
the dearest friends. that was so kind.

2
I know that we. was glad to see
The watters. of the inland sea
And the great city. of the west
where the pilgrims shall have a rest. John J. Davies.

My wife's cusen Elizabeth and her husband Rees J. Williams came to see us in camp and we had a good chat together. he said to us. i want you to come and stay awhile with us. we stayed with them untill Christmas time was over after i rested a few days i started to work on the new road from the City West to the jordan bridge. after this job was done i worked on the public works. I help to bild the Endowment house and also on the foundation of that great temple and when i was working here i had a terable blow. one of the larg blocks of rock slipt down to the foundation and struck one of the levers and it came in such a force and struck me on the side of my head senceless to the ground. the brethren adminstered to me and i got better. The superintendent of the work was Brother Daniel H. Wells. Now i will say a word aboute the fight. it was in the winter of 1854 on Christmas morning between the mormon boys and collonel Steptoa's soldiers. I was rite there at the time. it was geting quite ruff before they quit. President Young sent Brother Orsen Hide to stop it and it was lucky that it was stopt becaus it was getting quite ruff. the boys done as they was tould and peace was restored. the work on the public works stopt at Christmas time. Then i work at my trade to Sister McKeny in the Elaventh ward i work for her untili April Conference in 1855 Sister McKeny and my self and wife whent to meeting held in the Tabenacle on Sunday in a carage. This was a great honor to us. i wove that winter five hundred yards of carpet for the use of the Tabernacle and after the April Conference was over i went to North Ogden to live. The first Sunday I was here the Bishop, Brother Thomas Dun, set me apart to lead the singing and to organized a singing class. So I did. and before i left North Ogden we had a good choir. now I will say a few words aboute the grass hoper war. They distroyed Nearly all the crops in the Northern Settlements and bread stuff wa verry sceres many had to dig roots to sustain life. i had to do that myself. i went to the field to Watter my corn one day i got verry week and started for home and when i got to the door of the house i met my little daughter Martha and she ask for some bread and butter, and there was no bread in the house. This was a trying time, you bet. i took a sack and started out and said, i will have some flower before i'll come back. i went to mother Marler. all she had in the house was twenty pounds of flower and one lofe of bread. She gave me half of what she had in the house and when i got home my wife smiled. Then we had a good breakfast. I wove one hundred yards of colth to her son in law Brother Baily Lake. he paid me flower. Then I had flower to do me untill fall. he was kild by the Indians on his way home from his Salmon river Mission. This was in the Spring of 1858.
When i started to America in the year 1854, i left my Mother in Wales. and in the month of october 1856, two years after I left Wales my mother died This my friends, was indeed sorrowful news to me

A few lines to her Memory

It was a task to me that day
to give my Mother the last good by
She reached her hand and i did mine
oh what a feeling i had that time, her son John

Now i will say a word or two aboute that great feest we had after the faming. it was on the 24. of July 1856. we had bread made from the wheat that growed this year. and we had all kind of vagetable that growed this year. and i can say my friends that this was a feast in reality. and we Enjoyed our selves well. and a more jovial croud you never seen. The winter of 1856 X 57 was Exceedingly sever in Utah. Snow fell to the depth of Eight feet at various places in the valleys. and i will never forget that winter. The snow was 6 feet deep in North Ogden.
The great move to the South from the North. In the beginning of 1857. Judge W. W. drummond haveing returned to the state raised a great Excitement by Representing that the people of utah were in open Rebellion againts the Government. and on the 24. of July, Brother J. L. Stoddard arrived from Independence Missouri without the mail for utah. he also brought the news that General Harney with a force of two or three thounsand soldiers was sent to utah to supres the mormons. as the army approached, aboute 1,500 of the territorial militia were sent to chet their progress on the road. and some successful raids were made. on teams and cattle herds without sheding of blood. and the army concluded to winter at Fort Bidger 115 miles from Salt Lake City

The Truth

Awake ye Nations of the Earth
And listen to the words of truth
The time will come when you will say
The men of God have gon away

2
I know that time will surely come
When God will call the Elders home
The people then will morn and say
Why dident God servents with us stay

3
Because you did not listen too
Those Elders that was sent to you
for they did preach the plan that's given
by the great God that dwels in heaven

4
These Elders was dispized by men
When preaching words of truth to them
And now a change had come at last
For prejudice is dying fast. J. J. Davies

Early in the spring of 1858 president young tould the latter day Saints that salvation of the Saints was in moveing south and towards the Latter part of march, the people began to Evacuate Slat Lak City, and the Entire country North of utah valley. President Buchanan sent peace commissioners. They and the leaders of the Saints arrived to a peaceable treaty and the army Entered Slat Lake City. They remained at Camp Floyd untill the autumn of 1861. when it returned to take part in the contest betwen the North and South, Camp Floyd was broken up. instead of a cures to the people the army was a great blessing. to us in supplying many of their necesitise at a verry low rate. The prophet of God said that the Lord Excepted the sacrifice of the people and he said that the Lord would bless them for it. and I can bear my testimony that the Lord did bless us just as he said I never forget seeing women and children as well as men who were destitute of teams pulling handcarts through the storm of snow. indeed it was a sublime Exhibition. of faith of the latter day Saints. and when traveling south the time of the move the people had teams and wagons of all disgription the best team to my fancy. was three yoks of yearling. indeed they did look prety. I whent as far as Spanish Fork and stayed here one year. and went back to my home in the North in the fall of 1859. we as a people was blessed after the move, allthough it was a great sacrifice for us

Their Just Due

Some people they think they know it all
And others, they'll say knows nothing atall
But this is not right for me and for you
Then let us givee all what is their just due.

2
And here i will say to you and to me
yes. let us be kind to all that we see
And also be true. and do what is best
When we'll be happy and we shall be blest. The old man Davies

I bought a city lot in Spanish fork when i was there the time of the move, and made quite a sum of money off my garden truck that summer. sould to the pedlers. They took them to Camp Floyd. i worked in this camp in the fall. i did not have a team of my own the time of the move. i bought a yok of cattle And a wagon. and started back to my old home in the North in the fall of 1859. and in the year of 1864. i left North ogden to go to Kanarra Iron County we started on the 5. of November. we got to Salt Lake City. and while we was here we had a snow strom. we whent from here to Leigh and stayed with my Uncle Thomas. Davies. two days. we started again. and got to Spanish fork. and stayed with my Naphew Albrett Rees. we traveled A few days more. and got to Wale, Sanpete. on the last day of November And stayed for the winter with my Brother in law Thomas Rees Brother John Rees the president of the place. said i want you to learn the folks to sing and organized a class. So i went to work. and they learned verry fast. and in a short time we had pretty good singing. Brother Orson Hide one of the Twelve Apostle. he lived in Spring Town Sanpete he said i want you Brother Davies to take your choir to visit the settlements of Sanpete. and sing for them to cheer them up. The first place we whent to was the city of manti. we gave them a concert and a dance on New years night 1865. Brother James Davies and wife. was with us here at this place. They was going back home to Kanarra. we did not visit all the settlements because i was taken sick. after the latter day Saints located in these mountains they had peace for a few years. and cince then there as been many men that have tried their best to Enact laws to percecute the Saints. and to drive them frome these mountains. but president Kembal said. that they will never drive the latter day Saints from these mountains. and i am foolish Enough to believe it
I have the Names of a few of them in these few lines.

Uncle Sam and the mormons

Yes Uncle Sam he's trying is best
to drive the mormons from the west
I hope that we shall stand the test
Brigham at the head

Chorus
Sing sing let us sing
Brigham Young shall be our king
Sing sing let us sing
Sing for the priesthood sing

[2]
Colface he was in a fret
When he was here in deseret
he said the mormons we'll upset
Brigham aint the man

[3]
Yes. Cragin thought that he was wise
Yes Mormonism he dispized
But he with all others lise
Aboute the Mormon boys

[4]
Bill Collum also with the rest
Said in Congress he mew best
We'll rout the mormons from the west
Brigham aint the man

[5]
The Editors, they,ve tried their best
to publish lise on deseret
And some them proclaimed we'll fight
Brigham at the head

[6]
Sectarians they do all they can
To stop the Saviors glorious plan
But Mormonism yet gos on
Brigham is the man

[7]
They say that we are aufull set
Away out here in deseret
But we dont care and let them sweet
Brigham is the man

[8]
Minister foot i undersdand
Is comeing back to the mormon land
With twenty thousand dollars on hand
To Seveillized the Saints

[9]
Minister Foot must a fool
to think the mormons he can rule
And we dont want his gentile school.
We can do without them

[10]
The nex comes in is judge McKeen
he thought the Saints were verry green
he soon found out a different seen
Brigham is the man

[11]
And dockter Newman came to test
Plural marriage in deseret
Bur Orson Prat mead him to swest
Orson was the man

[12]
Prince Edmunds thought that he done well
his proclimation he did tell
he must repent or go to hell
Brigham is the man

[13]
Come faithfull saints and be on hand
to obey the Lord's command
that we may go on hand in hand
Brigham is the man

[14]
My friends the truth i must unfould
That Brigham Young was called of God
has Abraham in days of old
God is at helm composed in 1870 by John J. Davies

It was in the spring of 1865 that the Sever valley was commenced to be settle. And my Brother in law Thomas Rees and two of his boys. and myself went to that valley. to take up land. we took up land in Monroe. but the Indians drove me Away. and in the month of July 1865. a young man by the Name of David Wilson And myself started from Monroe. and cross the bever mountains to go to Kanarra. and we had a verry hard trip of it. only one yok of cattle. we had three hills to climb up. and in one place we had to leve Everything at the bottom of the hill. we took the four wheels half way up the hill. and took two on top. came back and took the other two on top. and took the wagon bed apart and took it up. bord at a time and everything we had along. we pack them on top. we suffered for wather a great deel. also the cattle, and we was badly used up before we got to watter. we got to a spring of watter at sun down The nex day we got to the bever road. and we was glad to get there. we got to Kanarra on the 21st of July. This trail that we traveled on was made by that great Exsplorer, Wm Freemont in 1853. and moste all of his animals died by starvation. and some of his men died. he was snowed in. he got to Parawan on the 7. of January 1854. a settlement of the Saints. which was settle by Brother George A. Smith and party in 1851. My brother in law James Davies. he lived in Kanarra he took me to Pinto Creek to spend the 24 of July.and on the 26. we started back home. we got there on the 3rd of August My wife was glad to see me. because the Indians was hostile in them days it was in this year the black hawk war commenced. They stole hundreds of horses and cattle. from Sanpete. and the Sever Countys. and many of the Brethren was kild. one of the tryals that the latter day Saints have seen in the valleys of the mountains.

Poets of to Day

The poets of today. maks beautifll rhymes
Some of their writings. are truly sublime
Also they give us. some grand sentiments
And the poets they make. they are Excellents

2
how grand are the himes that the poet maks
They gladen the hearts and the human race
And when they'er sung in religious meeting
The words and music. to us are pleasing

3
Some men will say they are not so great
The poems that they to us repeat
Indeed those men do not appreceate
The wisdom that they. to us relate

4
I take great pleasure in reading poetry
And also to read some good history
They give me comefort in my lonesome hours
Enlightens my mind. and gives me pleasurs

5
And now my friends i'll quite my nosence
And leve the feild to men of science
But i want you all. to understand
That i've poor language at my command, J. J. Davies

on the first of November 1866. i left the Sever country. with one yok of cattle. and one cow and a wagon. and started for Kanarra. Iron County we traveled through a few settlements. and got to Kanarra on the 25 we sayed with my uncle's folks. William R. Davies. and in the spring of 1867 the place was moved one mile south. it was moved by the orders of Brother Erastus Snow. one of the Twelve Apostles. I bought me a farm in this place with Brother llewelling Harris. here again i organized a choir and one in Harmony a settlement Eight miles from Kanarra
in the night of the 16. of May 1869. My wife was taken sick. and at four oclock in the morning. She gave birth to a daughter. and at seven oclock, she died. This was the most trying sercomstance. that ever came across me in my life. it is imposible for me to Exspress my feeling I had at that time. i thought there was no more happyness. for me Enny more on this Earth. but there was one thing that gave my joy and satisfaction I knew that she died in full faith in the gospel of Jesus. She was a good woman and a kind wife and good Mother. She Embraced the gospel the first time in 1846. She was a faithfull. latter day Saint and she died in peace in my arms. The babe was taken care of by Sister Ann Young. and she was a good Mother to the child My wife was buried on the 18. of May. She was a mother of Eight children I buried two children at North Ogden. i done all i could for to provid for six children that was left with me. The oldest was fourteen years old. her Name is Martha Mariah. and she done verry good to help me with the children

In Memory of My departed. wife

ho what a feeling, i had just then
to see that my dearest friend was gon
And to think. that i was here alone
With six children. and myself to morn

2
She was a good Mother. and a friend
Who was redy to help. and also kind
yes. to all her children. and to me
ho what sorrowfull time for us to see, the old man

In the spring of 1873. the united order commenced in Kanarra. The Brethren and Sisters was organized. by Bishope Lorenzo W. Roundy And his counselors. A. B. Griffin. and J. H. Willis. sen. we work faithfull All summer. A. B. Griffin. was the Superintendent of the farms. and John J. Davies. the Superintendent. of the gardens. and in the fall it was discontinued. not because it twasent. right. no. i beleve it will be Estapished in the Church of Jesus Christ yet. because the Revelation of the Prophet Joseph Smith will yet come to pass. and in the month of october i was sent to heard the sheep of the united order. on the Kanarra Mountain I took John H. my son with me. it is verry pleasant to be on the mountains In the Summer and fall. to breath that puer air. that floots in the air And to drink that pure watter. that flows from the liveing springs And while i was there these lines came to me.

The Wolfs on the mountains

The wolfs around. was bad one night
They tryed and tryed withe all their might
And in the morning. before twas day
The wolfs was hunting. for their prey

2
And here they come the sheep they found
All laying quiet on the ground
And then they thought to have a treet
And tryde to ketch one for to eat

3
Then Johnny in the door did yell
And i ran out through the corrall
I found the sheep and went around
The wolfs then had to leve the ground

4
I got the sheep. then quiet and still
Close to the house on the side hill
Then to the house i steared my way
here i found Johnny besy at play, J. J. D.

on the 25. of July 1870. i got married to Elizabeth Williams a cusen to the wife that i have buried. and in the Spring of 1871. i was taken sick. with a pain in my breast i was sick for three weeks. and on the 12. of May 1872. My wife gave birth to a son at 2 oclock in the afternoon at Kanarra. and in the latter part of August 1890. my wife was taken sick And. She died on the 27. of September 1890. of quick consumption once again a glomy day for me. She had five children when she died And six of mine by the first wife

In Memory of My departed Wife

And now once more. my sorrow has come
And ho how glomey tis here at home
for my wife has gon to her hevenly rest
to minggle with friends and also the just

2
She has left five children of her own
And six of mine all here for to morn.
After a good mother and a friend
And she's gon. and left us here behind, husband J. J. Davies

My children are grown up and i am getting feeble. so i came to conclution. to sell my place in Kanarra. i lived with my son Henry after i buried my wife. untill the month of July 1891. and in the month of January 1891. i was taken sick with the la grip. i was sick for a long time. and got verry week. i thought by traveling a little i would gain more strength. and on the 8. of July. i started from Kanarra and three of my sons went along with me to Cannonvill I had a few head of cattle to take with us. The first night we camped at Cedar City. we rouled nex morning. and got to paragwna that night. nex morning we started again. we whent up through Little Creek Canyon. and to bare valley and camp for the Night. This is a fine country to keep stock in summer. now we are on the go again. and got to Panguitch in the afternoon This is a desolate looking place. but still there is a great deel of bisness going on in this place. we went a little further and camped at Perkins Springs for the night. Started again, and after traveling two miles, we got to red Canyon. This is a fine looking canyon. nice looking trees and fine scenerys it is five miles long. gradually up hill. we got on top safe. now we are on the East Fork Mountain. and a fine looking country it is. we camped for noon at the East Fork bridge. we got some fish for dinner. and after dinner. we rouled again. and came to the head of the Cannonvill Canyon. That leeds down to the valley of Cannonvill. we got to my son John's place. on the 12. of July. we found my son and family all we. The distands from Kanarra to Cannonvill is 104 miles

The Great Prophet

The Prophet Joseph was a mighty man
And God through him reveled the glorious pan
For the Jews and gentils. yes bond and free
Those grand principles of Eternity

2
he was chosen in the Councel of heaven
to come forth in this last dispensation
for to receve. and also to restore
The gospel that was preached in days of yore

3
Indeed this prophet. of the latter days
Suffered perscution in different ways
he was hunted and mobed and put in prisen
But was protected. by the God of heaven.

4
This great prophet. was true and brave
untill he was layed down in the grave.
he seeld his testimony. with his blood
just the same as the prophets did of old, John J. Davies

after i came to Cannonvill, i thought i would take a lang rest. but the old. saying is there's no rest for the wicked. i gess i am one of them be that as it may. and here comes traveling again. John H. and part of his family. my son David and myself. started for panguitch lake on the 22. of July. we got to the lake on the 23. This is a good place to spend the 24. we had a plesent time while we was there. and on the 26. we started back home. we got to Cannonvill nex day. and on the 28 we had a verry heavey rain strom. and a big flood in the creek
Now for a trip to Escalanty to see Brother Roundy's folks. My son David and myself started on the 30. of July 1891. Stayed in Henryvill that Night with Brother Paterson Willis. we got to Escalanty nex day. The road was verry bad. we found Brother Roundy and his family. all well. and they was glad to see us. This is a nice place and good shade trees. Now for a trip on the Escalanty mountain. we started on the 26. of August. it took us two days to get to N. B. Roundy's ranch and a good ranch it is. but a ruff road to get there. we stayed there 7 days. we came back home on the first of Suptember and all was well the folks was kind to us. we Enjoyed ourselve well while there. My son David stayed with them to work for Brother Round. after i left. My son John. came after me. and took me back to his home. on the 10. of Suptember I stayed with him this winter. The latter part of November i was taken sick with rumatisem. and the folks had to help me a great dell. and on the 17. of december. 1891. John my son started for a load of goods for W. J. Hendersen. he had a tuff time before he came back. He frize one foot a little

My Testimony to All Concerned.

I know that the Lord, has reveled the plan
For to save and Exalt. poor fallen man
And also the gospel. has been restored
And Joseph Smith was a prophet of God

2
Then let us be true and stand to our faith.
Also be firm in defending the truth
And always be redy when we are called
For to help to spred. the work of the Lord

3
Indeed i have seen. many great things
Since i've been with. the latter day Saints
I've seen the sick restored to health
Through the prayers and power of faith, J. J. Davies

In Memory of my jurny to Cannonvill and the differiant Settlement in Garfield County

It was in Eighteen hundred and Ninety one
That i made up my mind to leve my home.
So i left Kanarra. July the Eighth
Withe verry good outfite. to travel with

2
we traveled through some verry good country
And also did see some fine scenery
we traveled along. and reached the last hill
And ten miles more. we got to Cannonvill

3
we found my son. and all his folks at home
And i was glad. that the jurney was done
for i was tierd. and wanted a rest
for traveling to me is hard at the best.

4
I whent on a trip. to Escalanti
And stayed six weeks with N. B. Roundy
I was treated well while i was there
And spend some time away with plesure.

5
I think the people here rais what they need
Also the ruffness. for their stock to feed.
I can say that i felt free and happy
While i was here. in Escalanty

6
I have been to Henryvill. once or twise
But i cannot say that i like the place
But the people. that lives in this little town
Seems to be satisfide. with their location

7
This place has a full organization
The one that preside is Brother Golden,
And my old friends. Brother Riges and P. Willis
They have been chosen. to help govern the place.

8
George town and Clifton. is fine little place
Cannonvill also, and this is the larges
only one Bishop and his two counselors
for to direct them. in their religious affairs

9
I am thankfull. to my Heavenly Father
for the health. that i have had this winter
also thankfull to Laura and Anne
for all their kindness they've done to me, J. J. Davies

The Christmas holidays on Cannonvill whent off peaceble. and We had a good time together. The winter so far as been verry mild. and verry little snow yet. and on the 17. of March 1892. the Relef Society had their Anneversary. it was a fest to me. they had variaty, singing, speaches and dialogs, and a dance in the Evening. and we had verry good Enjoyment Sister Alvira Hendersen preizding. and in the begining of March 1892, My son John. Started to work on his new place, grubing and plowing. And on the 22. of this month. John J. Davies. his Father sowed the first lucern in poverty flat. that's what they call it. but if John H. Will keep working at it, he will make a good place of it, and i will say Amen to it. April the 17th, 1892. my son had his birth day dinner he was born in 1860. There was 22 persons in the feast. and had a good time together. and on the 23. of May the canal of the East Fork Erigation Company was finished. and the watter came over the hill at 2 oclock in the afternoon of the same day

Poverty Flat

We need not think, tis foolish to start
for to rais something on poverty flat
for there is good land. inside of this cove
Where producks and trees will flurish and grow
2
John has been grubing and clearing the land
Redy for planting. the seed that's on hand
And here i will say, have curage my boy
the blessing will come. to you by and by
3
I know that there is. a great deel to do
And all of this labor. will come upon you.
I know that your wifes. will do for the best
to help you along, that all may be blest
4
And if you'l keep on. and do all you can
I know that you'l rais, yes, plenty of corn
Yes, hay, and the grain. and have them on hand
for all of these things. will grow on this land
5
plant your tomatose. and also the beens
The cabage is nice. and also green peas
And potatos, for they are good food
And all of these things. will make you feel good.
6
And this is the way for you to proseed
And try all you can. to rais what you need.
Now i will quite and hap you'l do well
to rais all you need. and some for to sell, The old man Davies

Now for a jurney a gain. towards my home in Kanarra. My son and myself started from Cannonvill on the 9. of July 1892. we came across the mountains which was a great site to me we got to my son's ranch on the East Creek that Evening. nex day we went on the East Fork to see the Country. and to get some fish nex day we left the ranch. and got to the blue fley ranch. this is a good place to keep stock in the summer. nex was the red Canyon. and we went down it pretty lively. we camp for noon at Willisen place. we left this place at 2 oclock. the nex place was a chvill. we got to the old saw mille on the mamoth and camp for the night. John Ketch some fish and we had a fine supper. nex morning we started again and got to duck Creek. this streem is a curosity Springs up in one place. and travels three miles. and sinks in the Earth. nex place was dear Creek. and camp for noon. and a few miles more landed us on the Navijo Lak and a Beutifull lake it is. and four miles further we got on the divide now we are travling on the Cedar Mountain. this is a good looking country it was verry could when traveling on these mountains. we got to Kanarra on the 13. of July 1892. we found my son Henry and family all well the folks gave us a sirprised party the night we got here. and after resting a few days i whent through the field to see the crops and every thing looked good considering the lack of watter, which is verry scarce in Kanarra

In Memory of the Mountains

How beautifull it is. on a fine summer day
to travel o're the mountains. when all things looks gay
the air is so refreshing, which maks us feel good
And when the meal time comes, we can relish our food
2
The trees on the mountains. looks grand as we pass by
And Every thing we see, looks pleasing to the Eye
The meddows and the Laks, how beautifull they look
And also the puer watter. that flows in the brook
3
And the different flowers smels good as we pass by
They are here by thounsands and we see them every day
And here is the ranchers, making butter and chees
And these are good to have in summer and winter days John J. Davies

[There is a lot more in the book, mainly genealogy references and poems to his family. I will add more as I get to it. This is all for now. - Joseph Buchanan, 8 Oct 1996]