STAR VALLEY HISTORICAL SOCIETY

HISTORICAL BOOKS INVENTORY DETAILS

1. Overview

Title: Samuel Swift Merritt

Author: Emma Titensor, Bessie Merritt

Subject: Personal History

Publisher:

Publishing Date:

Number of Pages: 16

ID#: 462

Location: Website

2. Evaluation

Evaluator's Name(s): Kent and Polly Erickson

Date of Evaluation: December 2014

Key Words: Peoa, Utah; Bedford, Wyoming; slavery, Mormonism, blessing

Included Names: George Merritt, Elizabeth Scott, John Scott (alias Samuel Swift,Emma Naylor, Gertie and Winnie Kirkbride, Archibald Gardner

3. Synopsis

He was born in 1838 in Indiana, a time when the turmoil of slavery andMormonism were felt. The account is divided into sections: Introduction, FamilyHistory and Church Data, Home in Indiana, Crossing the Plains, Project Temple,Migration and a New Way of Life, Courtship, Marriage and Fatherhood, Anecdotesand Faith-Promoting Stories, Excerpt from Maudelia Merritt Slater's Sister, ByErwin Merritt, By Oral Merritt, A Blessing Given to Mary Alice Miles Merritt bySamuel Swift Merritt, By His Fruits Ye Shall Known Him, Missionaries in theMerritt Family,

4. Other

^submitted by Kathy Walker

SAMUEL SWIFT MERWTT

Biography by Enuna Titensor &Bessie Merdtt

INTRC»UCTION

On Fehiuaxy 21, 1919, an old man died quietly in a homble cottage, at Bedfoid, Wyoming.His death received no prominent place in the weekly newspaper. Just a brief obituary, statingthat Samuel Swift Menittliad depaited this life, after being confined to his bed for many weekswith a broken hip, the res%ilts of a fall he had sustained.

In the eyes of the world, Samuel was probably considered a failure. He had accumulatedno wealth, had held no positions of high rank in society, was just a common man until youlooked into his soul. Hidden by no sham nor shame, were generosity, kindness, love, faith,and honesty.

He was generous to all who cam« his way. No one was ever turned away hungry, even ifhis own family had to ^mp. He would give his ^rt to the needy, his fish to the unluckyfishemian, his strawbeiries to the lazy. He would even share his pipe tobacco if the neighborhinted hard enough.

His kin&ess was diown by the respect he received. He had no enemies, because he wastolerant of all men's failings. He fbtmd no fault and none found fault with him. Great washis faith! Because of this unwavering faith he seemed to have the gift of healing. He hadgreat power in the Priesthood and his blessings restored life to many sick and afflicted.

He was an honest man. "Pap never told a lie, " Grandmammy said, on occasions whensome doubted a story he related.

Love was his greatest virtue. He loved his wife and spoke her title, "Mother, " with devotion. He loved his sons and daughters and they returned his love in full measure. He loved

his feilow-men and the Gospel of Jesus Chiist. This love is returned by the numerous Merrittposterity. It. is shown by the desire to write his history, preserve his memory, and follow hisexamples.

E^h one of the dozens of children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and in-laws have thefeeling of respect and love for Grandpap and Grandmammy. It is a Merdtt tradition.

FAMILY HISTORV & CHURCH DATA

Samuel Swift Merritt was bom 18 Nov 1838 in Hendricks County, Indiana. He is the son ofGeoige Merritt and Elizabeth Scott Meiritt. The fourth child in a family of ten children.

The following named are his brothers and sisters; all of whom were bom in Hendnoks Coimty,Indiana.

Manirva Merritt, mamedMoss, bom 3 Oct 1833, died 13 Aug. 1886Maztha Meixitt, married John Nomian, bom 4 Feb. 1835, died 13 Aug. 1901.EUzabeA Merritt, married Daniel Ruskle, bom 20 Dec. 1836, died 20 Sep. 1926.Sarah Merritt, married Henry Johnson, bom 18 Jan. 1841, died 1911Peiren Merritt, married Emiline, bom 20 Mar. 1845, died 15 May 1916James Earcee Merritt, married Mary Rohns, bom 29 Dec. 1845, died 6 Apr. 1904Edward Merritt, married Jennie Runkle, bom 13 Oct. 1847, died 12 May 1904George Marion Merritt, married Mary Reals, bom 1 July 1849, died 18 Apr. 1916Mary Merritt, married James R. Proctor, bom 13 Dec. 1853, died Mar 1938.

His grands were: James Merritt and Martha Rush on his Father's side and John Scott (aliasSamuel Swift) on his Mother's side.

This story was told by Mary Merritt Proctor that Grandfather Scott's name was really SamuelSwift. He was serving in the U. S. Army and was given the order to whip the disobedient soldiersand prisoners. This was against his belief and he would not do it. Knowing what would happento him for disobeying orders, he deserted the army and changed his name to John Scott. (I donot know if Ihis is right, but I have heard somewhere that his mother's maiden name was Scott.)

HOME IN INDIANA

Sam was bom when times were getting turbulent. Slavery was a hot issue. There was a division of minds. Brother against brother. When Lincoln was running for President of the U. S.,feelings were so strong that to shout "Hurrah, for Lincoln" would bring a ball from a rifle or abullet from a pistol. Sam and his chum indulged in that dangerous fun many times. They wouldshout "Lincoln, for President" or "Hurrah of Abe Lincoln" then run for dear life.

Sam's neighbors had negro slaves. (His family were too poor to own slaves). A slave womancame to do the washing and cleaning. She would bring her small boy along. Sam and his

friend would hold the negro boy down and spit tobacco jtiice in his eyes. The poor mothercould do nothing but look on with hauated, sad eyes.

There was religious turmoil in the states too. Mormonim was sprouting. Many other reUg-ious sects were in confusion. Prejudice, superstition and hatred were rampart.

Sam's father could not be blamed when he was furious at the sight, as he beheld his soureading the Book of Mormon. The Mormon Elders had contacted Sam and he responded.

It is a known fact tiiat Sam and his sister, Martha, practiced spiritualism. They entertained

at patties and gatherings by making spoons jump £ragca the holders and tables dance. They tanip<-:-ered With the evil power to the extent that they could heal.yj^th this magic power.

They felt no remorse until a Mormon Elder, named Capeland^ admoiushed Sam to give uptampering withevil spirits" or dire conquences would result.

He resolved to quit the practice and read the BooK of Mormon, giv^ to him by the Elders,Soon after that, Martha, his favorite d^er, became a^Ucted with a bone felon. She suffered

greatly and begged ^m to heal her, his sympathy for her made him break his resolution. Hehealed lier. The evil power became inbearable to Sam. He nearly lost his mind. He prayedearnestly and promised the Lord to go any way He directed—the Lord helped him to ^d thetrue church and a new way of life.

CROSSING THE PLAINS

Sam was forced to choose between, home and loved ones and Mormonism. With the help ofthe "Divine Power" he :respondedby leaving home, taking his worldly belongings in a knap-sack.This took much courage and faith, because he loved his mother, father, brothers and sisters.

He landed in Kansas City, Missouri and slept in an old firebox with a fellow tramp. Heworked where he could and fin^y found a company of Saints at Winters Quarters in Missouri. .He volunteered to d^ve an ox team acix>ss the great plains to Utah.

He had many exicting experiences on the journey. Indians and buffalos were in abundance.This was high adventure for a young, healthy boy.

One ni^t, as he slept beneath his w^gon, the evil power assdiled and threatened himwith a bzoken neck if he didnot turn back and leave the Momions. His response was firm andfull of f^^

"Yop have no.power.to tate my life. Depart from me, in the Name of Jesus Christ." Theeyil power followed him for a wMle but he was trottbled no more on his journey. The Lord to<d<care of him. This company arrived in Utah in 1864.

Sam was called by President l^ghs^m Young to make a second trip, to be a scout for anotheremigrant train. This tim« he rode a horse and scouted ahead of the train. He enjoyed thisvery much.

PROJECT TEMPLE

We know it was Grandpap's d^ire to make it possible for all of his family to receive theblessings of the gospel but none of them joined the church. When he reutmed east to see his

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family and to visit; he gathered dates and names sothat the Temple work could be done forsome of his dead kindred.

How much ofthis work he did himself, we do not know, but in checking the Logan Templerecords, for the time they went to Logan to have Alomo sealed to them; we found the following records &at list Samuel Mexptt as the proxy.

In Book Bpage 189—Endowment for the Dead; William Naylor - b. 31 May 1841 - atChilwell, Nottingham, England. Endowments done 24 Sep. 1885 - d. 23 Dec. 1865 - baptisedin church - proxy Samtiel Merritt - a brother -in-lae.

Isiah Merritt - b. 21 Nov. 1838 at Indiana - d. 1862 or 63 - baptised 22 Sep. 1885 - ProxySamuel Merrittj Endowed 23 Sep. 1885 - proxySamuel Merritt - a cousin.

We also foimd dates of baptism, endowments and sealings thatwere done at the request-ofthe Merritt family by dose Mends.

Baptisms; George Merritt - 11Mar 1919- Proxy - Thomas E. TitensorElizabeth Scott - 11 Mar 1919 - Proxy - Mary E. G. Titensor

Endowments: George Merritt - 13Mar 1919 - proxy - Thomas E. TitensorElicabethScott - 13Mar 1919 proxy - Mary E. G. Titensor

Sealings: Elizabeth Scott sealed toGeorge Merdtt - 13 Mar 1919 - Proxies - Mary E. G.Titensor and George E. Titensor - close friends of the family.

It isbelieved th^ Grandpap; and Grapdmammy did more Temple -work than this. (Gary andEdna have been checking the records of the Temples and they have found quite a few nameswhere Temple work has heen done for the Merritt Family, but they did not listwho was theproxy. When we find out for sure it was Grandpap and Grandmammy, we will send thisout toyou and you can add it to this history.)

MIGRATION AND A NEW WAY OF LIFE

During the period from Sam's birth 18 Nov 1838, until he^leaves home and loyed ones, thereis not much information to be obtained. Nothing but storieshanded down from "him to his children and on to his grandchihiren. But a look at the history ofthat time, will reveal much lighton why he acted as he did. ^

Emigrants and migrants have always been discontented people. People wanted a change,wanting to throw awayold ideas fornew. There was a great religious revival at this time.Soon after Joseph Smith's Vision and the organization ofthe church, Sam's parents had joinedthe Camploliites, who were independent thinkers and who had rebelled ftom the Baptist Church.This shows that there was discontent in hishome, in the matterof religion.

Sam must have been a serious thinker. There was no chance of education or travel. His

parents were poor and he had to seek employment in any way that he could to he^ out. Buthis mind was open and eager for leaixdng, or else he would not have list^ed to the MoimcmDoctrine, when he heaid it preached.

Hie message of Mormonism divided people into two camps at that time. Those who believed were ready to give up homes, endure priva^n, change occupation, even give up lifeif necessary, ral^r than give .up this new found religion. Those who condemned it, did sowi^ all t^e scorn and habed ihey were enable of.

Sam's father disbelieved and Sam beUeved. So the right nasally had to come. He laidhis plans carefully. Packed a few of Ms belongings and wltih the h&lp of oneof his brothers,hid liiem by ^ Toad. When the time came he walked away, explaining to his mo^r that hewas going "to lo<^ at the rjre." He never returned for many years.

His way of lif&, &at of earning a livelihood, was not changed. All his life, he was apion^r, with "no bookleai^ning" he had to earn his bread by the sweat-ofhis brow, to supporta laige famify. Hishomeswere-log cabinswith no conveniences. His iood was simple andmany times scan^. But the change was the Concept of life, he had gained.

His wife and 13 ctdMrep were his, not for this life only but for wheie came fiom andwhere he was going.. He was a happy, contented man.

COURTSHIP, MARBIAGE AND FATHERHOOD

Samuel Swift Merritt and EmmaNaylor must have known eac^ other in the pre-existentabode. He was bom on one side of the Great Atlantic and she thousandsof miles away, inOldOEjigland.

Hus assumptita can be veril^ed by &e fact ^at Sam recognized Emma, -whenintroducedto him at a dance, and decl^d, "She is the girl who is going to be my wife:" He said hehad seen her in a dream and was told that Ae was to be his wife.

Emina was prevented from marrying a ceitain, Charley Biown, her sweetheart, by his beingshot in an Indian firacus. He was dc^pg guard duty and was IdUed by oae of his ovm buddies(he wa& mista]^ for -an Indian). ThusEmma was free the. "ri£^t" ciompanion when he madehis s^pearance^

wanted, very much, to Jiaye their marriage perfcwmed in the House of the Lord.E&shop Archibald Gardner, whom Samwaswoeking for at that time, coiildnH spareSam longepough for them t-o make the trip to t^e Endowment House. He told Sam he would-marrythemand &ey could go .to the EndowmentHouse, later, when the work was not so ru^ed.

At that time Emmaonly had one calico diessand no shoes. Sam used the top of his boots,andby using wooden pegs, he madeher a pair of shoes, somevyhat like theoxfords of today.

Emma wadied and starched, and ironed lier calico dress, thus die was ready for her wed^ng.

They were married, 1 July 1865 bythe Priesthood, by Bishop Archabald Gardner, in littleCottonwood Canyon, near Salt Lake City. Their marriage was sealed for time and etexnity inthe Endowment House, 5 March 1867.

Theylived according to ihe Patriardial order. Samwasthe respected head of his family."Pap's wishes was Emma's conmand." She followed wherehe led.

They lived in a log cabinin the canyon the firstwinter. The following spring they movedtheir few possessions down into the ystUey. Their^rst homeof their own, wasa dug-out,"madewith logs for the loof, donated by a neighbor, Ralph Jenkins, and carriedon Sam'sshouldeis, for a di^ance of a mile or

Their first cMld, SamuelAlonzo, was bom in this crude^ielter. Also, the seccmd:s<mGeorge, first-saw the light of day in tMs cory dug-out.

Raising children in pioneer circumstanceswasno -easy job. Sickness ^and accidents cameoften. Medical help was non-existent. Grandpap's faith and the power of the priesthood investedin him, were the sdlace and comfort turnedto, in times of iKstress. He always "tookover" whe^ there was serious ackness in tfa<e home. He was cdlm and patient and .loving. Thechildren were never afraid if Pap was ^ere. He was catlled to help the neighbors in tiieir timeof distress many times. Everyone believed in this great power of healing.

^Tliere are manyinstances of his power to heal that couldbe told here butwe are leavingthem to be given in the personal histories of his sonsand dau^^ters.)

Grandfather, SamuelSwift Merritt, couldtruly be called a "Visionary" man. During theperiod of his child-tearing and the time of hisgrandchildren coming to earth, he was calledupon to bless wd administer to Ihem, on countless occasions. He possessed the power of discernment, as'well as healing. If he had "no failtf' the xesultof his admuustrarionwas-negative. The-following illustrates this.

Gertie and Winnie Kirkbridedived in Freedom, some 15 miles horn Bedford, where Grand-pap andGrandmanmiie lived. Often, they would journey to Bedford to visit their parents who,by this time -were getting old.

On this particularvisit, Gertie went a:long, except forher.infantdaughter, Lucinda, (herfirrt child). Soon after her arrival at her parent's home the^liaby contracted pieumonia, her

condition IcK^ed serious, and as usu^. Grandpapwas uiged to administer to her.pexfozmed the ordinance, hB became very qui^ and appr^ensive«

After he had

"O, Pap hasjxo faith!" exclained Gertie, and she began to cry. Hope was gone! The babysxKm <^ed.

Tbishappened manytimes. He seemed to feel it verystrongly, when the sickperson was.appointed unto death or unto life and. health.

A striking example of his fatherly love was shown by the tolerance he bore for his childrenand in-laws. For thei^ miss-deeds he held nomalice. Hewelcomed eac^one, equally, in hishome. He never dwelt on their faults and failings. He sought to offer counsel and good advice.,if Iheywould- listen, and he prayed for them eachday of his life. He was deeply grieved whenhe saw any of kis children in trouble^

A tall, dark, handsome man was our grandfather. His wit and charm made hi^n a favoritewith the ladies.

Diana said, ''Pap was nice looldng and kinda flirty. AH the women liked him. "

He always greeted a ladywith a kiss, whether shewas young or old. At caxe time Grand-mammie askedMm, "How wouldyou like it if I greeted all the men with a kiss?" He didn'tthink that would be very nice.

Sam and Emm^ were an odd looldng coxiple. Samwastall and Emma short. He was aYankee and she an Englishman. They looked different and talked different, but they werestill sweetheartswhen death separated them in old age.

"Pap" and Mother were spoken byeach in a reverent way. "Grandpap" and "Grandmammie"were titles of respect and love. Every grandchild held these names sacred.

ANECDOTES AND FAITH PRCMOTING STORIES

In 1888, when Sam was.50 -years old, he returned to bis home and loved ones, An uigentrequest &om.his seriously iU mothermade the'"longed fbif" visit a reality. Mother Merritt was-to undergoan operation for the removal of a large growth on her neck. She had not-seen her'lost boy* for somanyyears and believed he couldheal or help her.

Samwas desirous to see hismother and to preach the gospel to all who would Usten. Samwas.set apart, by church officiak as a missionary, to preach the gospel. He borrowed $300from Sam Creep, to make the trip. Bidding his wife and children good-by, he started onhis

lw>me. .C^innie was a baby at this timee)

Wliile traveling tfarou^ Wyoming, he leaned his head out of the window to see something,his hat blew off and away. When they reached the next staticm, he ran into the closest storeand said to the store keeper, "Give me a hat! Give me a hat!" The store keeper askedwhat size and color, he answered "I d4|i!t care, anything, just so it's a hat." He laid hismoney on the counter, grabbed the hat, and r^ for the train.

Toward the end of his journey, he rode with a woman all day. Sbte sat across the isle fromhim and they didn't do much talking, if amy. When he xeached his destimation he got off thetrain and his brother George was there to meet him. George and Sam turned around to leaveand there stood the lady that had been on the train.

George said, "Why there's our sister Mary."

"No, it can't be" said Sam. "I have ridden with her all day and didn't know.her."

Mary was just a small child when Sam left home and she didn't remember him either.

Sam had difficulty in convincing his mother that he was her 'long, lost boy:'.. He had beensuch a young boy when he left home and now he was an old man, with a long white beard.He turned around to speakto someone in the room, andhis mother cried out. "Yes, it is mylost boy! My Iqag lost boy!" She had recognizedhim by a mole on his face. There weretears of joy, and.^any affectionate, words were spoken, as mother and son were united.

She then a^d Sam to bless and heal her. The other members of the &imily left die roomas they didn't have faith in his healing.

Sam anointed and administered to his mother, after explaining to her that it was the Lordand her faith in Him that would help her to come throu^ the operation, not his power. •Shewas operated on the next day and everything sent fine. She was very impressed with theanointing and administeration. She said he had saved her life as she knew she would not have

come throu^ the operation if it had not been for his blessing. Still she would have tirtt-Tiiwgto do witli the church that had taken her boy away from home.

One of Sam's sisters had a young girl who was blind and had been in bed, ill for over twoyears, When he was there to visit his sister and her family, the girl said she wanted "UncleSam" to heal-her. He explained, to her, that it was not his power that did the healingsi, butthe power of Ae Lord. He also explained what he would do and told her she had to have faithin the Lord if she was going to be healed. She had faith in the Lord and in her Uncle Sam.

When Sam was administering to her he told her she would regain her sight and she wouldalso live to be married and raise a family.

S

WitMn a month or so, before Sam-left for Utah, she -coiuld see and was out of bed, improving everyday. Aunt Gertie said, he received a:letter ftom his si^er a mont^ or two later gatingthat the girl could see much better but did not have ^exf^ sight. She asked Sam to pray forher and toitaye perfect 4gM restored to i^e girl. Sam fasted a^id prayed for her. She regainedperfect 4ght.

This i^^ory was wdtt^x by Aunt Gertie Kurkbride ^d give;a to.us for Grandpapas history.

My falser, Samuel Swift Meoltt, was a Mnd lovizig his family to behonest, tur^^or^ and-true to tiheir religion. I was:a very young ^Id wheii we moved fromWe^ Jordan tbTeoa, Utah. Ftitiier had a dry fann there. We had a frame house, consisting oftwo large rooms, a small back porch and an attic where tte boys sometimes slept.

We didn't have much-money or any of the luxarys but we had.a good and happy hcnne life.Every ni^t was FAMILY NIGHT for us. After supper was over we would sit around the fire andPap would tell us stories about when he was crossing the plains. He often told us of one instancewhile he and a young boy were driving the cattle on horse-back. They were quite a distancebehind tiie wagons train and suddenly there were a bunc^ of Indians tiding toward them. He andt^e boy were almo^ paralized with Mght but they put on a brave front. They rode toward theIndians praying that theywould be takeju prisoners instead ofbeing killed. Then father held outhisiand to fte cWef and said, "How!"

To his (Pap's) surprise, the chief took his hand and also said "How!" He then tdid his followers to ride off and'leave the cattle alone.

That was.one true story but he told us many Indian stories and-made ^ome of them up as hewent along. They were very exciting. When he couldn't think of any^ng more he would tellus the story was continued until the next night.

Sometimes we would all sing some of the.^ymns. Moi&er had a nice alto voice. We enjoyed these evepings very much.

When ^ older ones of the family were still home, Exxmoia would play the haimonica and £dwoidd play tibe accordian. We yoanger ones would dance. Pap would dance with us and.he alsodanced the Highland Fling, for us. Some evenings iie wotdd have us all sit down and he wouldread fiom some of t^e scnpture. We had-tolli^en wl^elher we wanted to or not. Moth^ ^me-times read a-good story to .us. Then we wpuld kneel down and haye family prayer and go to bed.

Hxep comes anoAer chapter in our story. We moved fixmi Peoa, Utah to Star Valley. Wesettled- in Bedford where Tap and ^e boys built a log ho^e. It was two large rooms and a back^anty (as we oMled it). Pap and Mother worked hard to get &ings growing. They planted currents and raspb^ry bu^es a^ strawberry plants. Pap set out trees. He went tipon the hills anddug out pine tr^ and marked them so he could plant them the same way they stood cmthe Mil.

^ey grew real well. One of those pmes still stands on the -lotwhere he planted it so many; •years &go.

Pap had his humerous ^de, too. He was called-on at-many celebrations to give a stiDxipspeech. He never studied or prepared a speech but would get up and go through a lot of nonsense in a negro dialect about Abraham Lincoln or George Washington or some such tiling andeveryone really enjoyed hearing him. He -c(>uld preach a sermon too that would hold his

audiences interested to the last word.

I could write many more things about my beloved Father and Mother, but I am old now andcannot write so well so will just say I am proud that I am a daughter of the beloved Grandpappyand Grandmammie Menitt.

The Following are Taken from Maudelia Merritt Slater's Story

When Grandpap was a young man, before he joined the church, he sometimes practicedspiritua.lism. He was a,great entertainer, among iiiends and socidl groups. Sometimes hewould color his face and hands and do negro impersonations. Strangers would assume he wascolored. Other times, he would perform stunts and tricks with spiritualism. People came frommiles around to ask him to entertsdn for them at parties. Gran^ap was also a walking dic^on-ary. There wam't a word he couldn't pronounce qf de£^. He was aanost inteUigent man.

Durimg the time that Grandpap was> living at a logging camp near Salt Lake City, he determined to destroy the evil spirits which his practice of spiritualism had brought forth. All nightlong they were fighting him and trying to take possession of him. His loggingcompanionsa^edhim what on earth was wrong with him. They told hxm.he looked like he had been illfor six months. He -said that as'long as.he lived, he would never forget that terrible ni^.

Sometimes when their children and grandc^ldren were to Grandpap's and Grandmammie'sto visit he would start telling the children stories. He would m^e the stories up as he wentalong., and pretty soon all the adults would be real quiet and also listening. He also had agreat talent for poetry, like when he wrote his life JiSstory.

Grandpap and 1 used to take walks around the yard. We wouldwalk slowly, as Grandpap wasvery feeble. He would talk to me tyhile I. gathered eggs and picked flowers.

(Grandpap used a cane for many years to help him move about more freely.)

The following was taken from the History of Sarah Ellen Mexritt Turner—sent in by theLaVerda Adams Family.

Whenmother (Sadie) was very young she went outdoors and picked an ax her father had justfinished^arpening and it fell on her foot. It cut the foot off. Grandpap grabbedher and put

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r t! ^ and gave her ablessiag. Tb^y todc turns holding the foot in placefor ateut toe days. After which die sp^t along time in bed and her foot grew back- in place.But «he always had aciooked shoe just sU^tly after ^e had worn it for astort time.

By Erwin Merritt

Theie are probably others who could tell the story better in detail than I can, but Iwill teUit as I remember it told many times by my father, Levi Edward Merritt.

TWs story shears what great pwrer and sincere humility and dependance on the Lord thatGrandpap had.

As IMi^ber Dad said that Grandpap went as usual to the canyon fcr logs or wood. He hadafiery Uttle team. This particular day he took Uncle George and Uncle Lon with him. Heaj^arently w« walking atog behind while the boys were on the wagon driving the team. Some-thing sc^ the team and Ihey started off. As there was no box on the wagon, just the runninggeaw, the had to cling to even stay on Ae wagon without trying to get the lines and stopfte team. Before Grandpap could get hold of the lines the team was on the run. Thev were™^out a^ss aflat he^d towards adeep waA. He knew if some^g didn't happen im:-media^y to stop them or change their course the boys and tte team would aU be killed. There

M ^ » Grandpap screamed to the Urd forhdp. At that very mstant the lines either wrapped around the wheel or caught on astump orsomet^ and anyway at the very brink of the deep wadi something caught the lines in such away^Jke team was whirled abruptly aiound and brought to astop and the boys Uves were

would know that it was broug^ about by his faith,V

By Oral Merritt

Grandpap Merritt always exercised such faith in the Lord, and was gifted with agreat uowerofhealing through his feltt. o witn a great power

^ <je time when Levi Edwaid, was hauling milk ftom Bedford to Freedom, Wyoming to theAugust Dabel, atthattime, had an attack of appen-

M?• ^ Mr. Dabel took him in puttotobe^thensenttoJ^on, Wyoming for adoctor, and called for his . Ed's wife, EUta^ 1" " Grandmammie stayed with the childrencue f« them. Abottt 4|Q0 A.M. the next morning Grandpap and Grandmammie wereawaken^^ astartle, hoA jumped out of bed and began praying. Emma, Uvi's 2nd daughterwas wal^ hy ^r voices and went to their bednjom to see what was happening and saw them'

has she«er heard such ap^^TLr^ itr-«««»« » Pteyer

• fcxnd out latertte time ^ywereaattledfiom their sleep was when Dr.

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Olsen started operating on He was a long time recovering but was made well.

Anotherof his healing prayerswas when Sarah Ellen pulled his new axe off from the bed,where he layed it after ^arpening a keen cutting edge on it, it dropped on her foot cutting itcompletely off except Ihe skin on the bottom of her foot. He grabbed her fix>t firmly grippingit back in place and called on the Lord to please heal it. He bound it securely, the bones,cords and fle^ healed so perfectly she never even limped when walkings

A Blessing Given to Mary Alice Miles Merritt

by Samuel Swift Merritt

Late in the year of 1888, there was an epedimic of thyphoid fever in Utah. Lai and Alicehad had their first baby, just a few months ago and Lon was at the home of his parents, sich withthyphoid. Alice's father, Benjamin Adrain Miles, was very ill and was not expected to live.Alice went to Peoa, with some of Ker family, to be with her family at this time.

While there she became very ill with typhoid. The Doctor gave her only a short time tolive. Word was sent to West Jordan, to Lcm and his parents. As Lra was too sick and weak tomake the trip and be with her, Grandpap went to see her.

When he arrived at the Miles Home tibe Dr. Woman told him, "Alice is a very sick woman.She cannot live more than four or five hours at the most.

Grandpap wanted to know if there wasn't something they coulddo. When told that everything possible had been done and there was just no chance he decided to go into her lOom andsee for himself, so he coxild take word back to Lon and also to tell Alice that Lonwas improving but unable to come and be with her.

Grandpap told Alice that the Dr. had said that it was imposable for her to get well and thatthey only gave her a few hours to live. He would hurry back to tell Lon of her condititm butbefore he left he wanted to give her a blessing.

Alice told her folks and Grandpap that she wanted them to be sure theynamed her baby, MaryIcevinda. That was about all ^e was abot to say.

AsGrandpap laid his handson her head to give her a blessing he saw a large gioup of childrenaroimdthe bed. He said, "Alice, the Dr. saysyou can not possibly live but I promise you in thename of the Lord, that you are going to live. You will regain your health and live to raise alarge family and to see them grow to man and womanhood."

"niis blessing certainly did come true. Alice and Lonhad 13 children and everyone of themlived to manhood and womanhood.

a

BY HIS FRUITS YE SHALL KNCW HIM

No life history is complete without a mentioii of the fruits of a life spent cm earth.

Sam Mertitt*s posterity speaksfor him. They have tried to follow his leader^p andexamples.

All of his 11 living children were manied in the Temple or later had their marriage solom-izedin the Temples. Very few ofhis grandchildren have failed to comply withthis importantorder of marriage.

The task of preaching the gospel has been dene by many of his posterity. (The names oftiie missionaries, we know, are included in the next chapter. We have lifted each of the missionaries that their families sent us their names or that we knew about.)

The spidt of genealogy gathering is growing strong as the time passes. "The hearts of thechildren are turned to their fathers."

The commandment "To multiply and replenish" so well observed by Grandpap, is still beingobserved by his decendants. The Merritt posterity is large and grows larger each year.

Many positiom of leader^p and service have been and ar^ held by Merritts and Merritt-in-laws, There have been Bishops, Counselors, Stake officers and Ward officers, too many to mention, in the family.

The Merritt Clan is religious and devoted, to Godswork. They are good family people.There have been very few divorces or brcdcen homes, except by death.

We are sure Grandpap and Grandmamie are happy and satisfied with their children's earthlife and accomplidmients.

MISSIONARIES IN THE MERRITT FAMILY

No doubt it will be interesting to all of us, as well ad instructive to compile here a recoidof the Missionary labors of the descendants of Samuel Swift. The elders who taught and wereresponsible for the baptism of Samuel little realized to what extent their-labors would be rewarded.

13

7

MISSIONARIES IN THE MERRITT FAMILY

Serving 2 or 2 1/2 years in Foreign Service

Name Mission Year

LaGrande Hale Meiritt Finliidi July 19S5^Feb 1958Metta Heder (Chiistenson) Tongan Get 19S5- 1958

Claudette Merritt (Scott) Gulf States Sep 1959-Mar 1961

Jeny Meiritt Central America Sep 1959-Sep 19

UDell Merritt Northern States Sep 1966

Oilman Earl Merritt New England Apr 1960-Apr 1962

Rex Marks

Gary BaldwinJimmy IVheeler Eastern Atlantic Sep 1964> 1966'

Travis Merritt Northern Califomia Oct 1964- 1966

J. H. Meiritt Mti^ South Jan 1965-Jaxi 1967

Michael Russell

Geonze William Familv

Theran Merritt Central States

Clarence Merritt Central States Nov 1929-Mar 1932

Nora Merritt (Kellersburger) Central States

LaMcmt Menitt Great Lakes Oct 1950-0ct 1952

Elnrin Merritt East Central Oct 1955-Nov 1957

Max Menitt Great Lakes Aug 1959-Sep 1961Blaine Meiritt Great Lakes Aug 19S9-Sep 1961

Kent Kellersbuiger Northern California

Harold K. Menitt HawaU Feb.1963-Feb.1965

LaVere Menitt Samoan

Brent Menitt Northwestern Aug 1960-Aug 1962

Gary Meiritt Netherlands May 1957-Nov 1959

George K. Menitt Southern States Sept. 1956-Sept. 1958Elizabelh Diana Familv

Jdm Bleazard West Texas 1918- 1920

Jack Tittensor Brazilian So. Amedcan 1939- 1942

Glen C. Bleazard West Texas 1941- 1943

John C. Bleazard East German 1964- 1966

Emma lane Family

Sam Roos Southern States Aug 1929-Dec 1928

James Hipwell Florida June 1966

Darlene Jane Hipwell French East June 1964-July 1965

/f

Name Mission Year

Keuietli RoosSam Roos

Wodc Mi88l<ms

Korea

NoittWestMay 1963-May 1967Feb 1966-July 1965

Leo&Merritt

Clyde Menitt

Daxwin Miekle

Robert Farmer

Levi Edward FamilySou&em Australia

Central Mtish

West Spanidi AmericanFrench Polynesian

Mar 1958-Apr 1960Oct 1961-No« 1963

June 1957-June 1959Mar 1966-

Gary GoodingSarah Ellen Family^

Jack WalkerShaiim Walker

Leaf Walker

LeRoy Jorge&sen^beit Joigextsen

Delilah Mav Familv

Texas Louisiana • -

Northern States

NorwegianBritish NorA

" Jan 1950-Jan 1952Jan 1961-Aug 1962Jan

July 1965-

James.Handy (2 yr)CaTolyn Fames

MaithaVhmie Family

Florida Abt 1958

^y MenittJosepb Mezritt

•l& Moiths Missions

Texas Louisiana

Southern Cali£nniaNov 1953-1954

.Claudette 'Mendtt

pesisoiid MenittRay Menitt

Menitt

Clarqicie MenittHe.b»^lenittAustiQ Me^ttOzaootMezi^tt:

Eiwin Menitt

Romaldl^j^biide

Stake Missions

Santa Mcmica Stake

S^ar ValleyBedford Ward

Star ValleyBear Lake

Star ValleyStar ValleyStar ValleyStar VailleyPostmant

Fair West

Sep.l9S7-Scp 1959

i 1923-Aprl923Nov 1939-^May 1951Mar 1939-Mar 1941

. 1953-

1965

15

In-Laws SCTving on Foreign Missions

UVoyMltdBicbart Pidcett

James Chii^ensoaMade Willismstm

Floyd BurnettCarl Wheatly

.Janoies.ScottZeUa Merritt

Jack KeUer^uigerJadkie C. MernttRussell Tittensor

Son^ we did ndt get all dates (andwe think there are inany who are not listed). These areall tiie names, places, and dates that were sent-in and also all tliat we knew.

The Sanmel Swift Merritt Family Organizationwas. organizedin the early 1930's. We havea group picture of Itose attending the reunionin 1935.