Daniel Allen, Jr.
9 Dec 1804 ...... 15 Jan 1892
By Ila Lowe Bauer, gr-granddaughter
Ila Lowe Bauer's grandmother was Daniel and Sarah's daughter Harrett
(written around 1986 as page 5 mentions this date)
Daniel Allen Jr., honest, pure in heart, dedicated to his beliefs, was a man who loved both God and man and was much loved in return. It is most important that we learn all we can of our heritage, our ancestors, for we are not whole without them... nor they without us, for they link us to the creator of us all. It behoves each and every one of us to live lives worthy to receive the blessings bestowed on us at our birth through an honorable ancestor, for life is a total waste without our ancestry.
We are told that a "birth certificate proves we were born, but a history proves that we lived." Daniel wrote much of his own life in his journals, but this history will attempt to tell some of the things he did not write.
Yes, we Allen descendents do have a Nobel birthright, not only because we came through the royal lines of Mary, Queen of Scots through Daniels mother, Nancy Agnus Stewart Allen, and his father, Dr. Daniel Allen Sr., but because of the Nobel lives our pioneers, as martyrs for their faith, their freedom, for the very lives they lived. Daniel was hard working, honorable, admired and deeply revered through all his life by those who knew him well. He did not put on a big front to impress people, but was loved for what he did and who he was.
It matters not what kind of a home Daniel had in the many places he lived, or what he made a living at, whether he made a lot of money. It matters not that he rode only on a horse drawn conveyance, for cars were not of his day. Had not God admonished his people: "Seek not for the riches of the earth, but seek ye first the riches of Heaven"? Probably no man, no woman in all our ancestry tried living nearer to God and his teachings, which had been restored to earth, than our beloved Daniel Jr., for he honestly did seek the "riches of heaven" first, and made no brags about his accomplishments. Thru his own writings in his journal he did tell of his three (3) missions, his many callings to help build up industry in 9 different places and his true value as a man of God were shown, but never a bragging word or situation.
Schooling was learned at his own mother’s knee and at the schools of Ohio and Penn., then later at the side of the Prophet, Joseph Smith, yes, at the "School of The Prophets". There he sat among the learned and the un-learned. He listened well and was taught and he also taught in the Schools of the Prophets in various places later on, especially at Parowan, Utah, where the records of early days record many things he taught which he had heard the Prophet and other learned men tell. He prayed with them and for them and blessed many with his love and tenderness. His faith and gentle touch healed many as God's words fell from his lips when he laid hands upon their heads an blessed them and he did bless and heal many through out his long life.
No, I have not seen him, yet I know him through his daughter, my beautiful grandmother, Harriet. And I have searched and found him in old books and in memories of those near ready to greet him. I have heard his quiet voice in the mountain winds as it came to me over these many years thru things my grandmother told me of him. Yes, he was indeed a man of God.
His beautiful busy life needs be recorded on paper, not merely in the minds and memories of his loved ones. Daniel would be 183 years old on 9 Dec. 1986, so it is necessary to revere his memory before it is too late. Time erases many things for every one, even tho many times re-told. History makes us aware of who we really are, for the statement is true, that the un-recorded life is as tho there were none lived.
By now there probably are several histories of Daniel besides his own precious hand written journal. It is not my intent to try to improve on anyones telling of it, especially of his own writing of parts of it, but as I started searching for him in Salt Lake Library when I knew nothing at all except my grandmothers memories, I still feel the desire, yes and the need to try to weld the links between the past and future, for I feel that in perpetuating his name for those of our families who are now here and those who will come after, no stone should be left unturned to push forward those things the Lord expects of us, namely, writing the history of our families back as far as possible, starting with ourselves. We need to be reminded of all our ancestors went thru for us as ancestors and as Pioneers.
What are WE doing for our ancestors? Are we each doing our part to honor them in prose, in son, in history? Are we setting examples we desire our children to follow? It has been said: "The faults of our loved ones should be written in the sand, their virtues should be written on tablets of love and memory".
Our Daniel was born just one year to the month before the Prophet Joseph Smith (Joseph Smith Jr. was born December 23, 1805 insert from this webmaster) and became associated with him at an early age. He loved the Gospel and knowing the Prophet personally, he knew the words he taught were true. Daniel was as a young and tender branch and really got to know the gospel of Jesus Christ of Later-Day Saints and knew it to be true.
green highlight is information on Daniel Jr Allen's parents and their family. This webmaster inserted to help reader know who the information is on.
Parentage: Daniel Allen Sr. M.D. and Nancy Agnus Stewart.
Daniel Allen Jr. was born 9 Dec. 1804 to Daniel Allen Sr., M.D. and his wife Nancy Agnus Stewart. Dr. Daniel was born in Colrain Mass. in 1770. He and Nancy were married 12 Sep. 1793. Nancy Agnus Stewart was the daughter of Lt. John Stewart who was a son of John Stewart Sr. and Rebecca Costa.
Daniel Jr. was the 6th of 10 children born to his parents. Names of the children are: Linda, John, Rachel, Rebecca, Ruth, Daniel Jr., Joseph Stewart, Albert Loomis, Caroline Dianthia, and Diodema Amanda. The last child was born after they moved to Erie, Penn. where the parents died.
Dr. Daniel became one of the first medical doctors in the state of New York. He began practicing in Hamburg New York in 1807. Altho he was a very well-learned and highly educated doctor in his chosen field, there was most likely never much money while his 10 children were growing up, because people in that period of time expected a doctor to come care for them as a DUTY, rather than as a service to be paid for. It was also a period of much "witchery" and "quackery" so some people were hesitant about whom to pay. Also, many had very little money to give, so much was bartered. Dr. Allen moved to Chatauqua County in 1807 and lived there during the war with England in 1812. In that war he served his country as a soldier.
There was a long period following that was when most of the people had very little money in fact many were so poor they were embarrassed during that period of distress and privation, for indeed it was such a very poor period for most of the country. The effect of that war was felt for a very long time, then too, the services of the physician were way under-valued by the general public. Many of the doctors in the area who belonged to the Medical Society took up other, more lucrative professions. Apparently Dr. Daniel Allen loved it too much and was so dedicated to the healing and care of people that he would not give it up, so he put up with the inconveniences for quite some time. When the fires broke out in Boston he went there to assist in any way he could.
As the country and the people became more prosperous, so did the Allens, so that he was at last able to see that his children received good educations for that period of time and each were held in high esteem in the cities and villages where they resided.
Doctor Allen moved with his wife and children to Montville, Geauga County where they lived the rest of their lives. Both passed away in 1856.
The women worked in the homes knitting, spinning, and working hard and fast to make hundreds of pounds of wool into thread and yarn which were later made into cloth and sewn into clothing for the men. It was said that the women also brought their jewelry and gave it to be sold for the building of the temple and that their best china and glass were crushed and added to the mortar used for plastering the beautiful exterior walls.
The saints worked through the bitter cold winter, through mud and miner percussion from rabble rousers! Daniel was called on different missions so that he was not there to work on it form start to finish, but he did much of the time and also helped with his money. One wonders if perhaps part of Daniel's love and dedication to the church was because of his closeness to the Prophet, his first hand knowledge and personal friendship with him. Often he worked with and for the Prophet in whatever way there was things to be done and he had no greater love for anyone than he did for his beloved friend. (Even to his dying day, at age 88, when people spoke of the Prophet and of the trials he had endured for the sake of the Gospel which the Lord had entrusted him to restore, Daniel wept in memory of him. He felt as near to Joseph Smith as he did to his own brother).
Joseph Smith and other leaders were thrust in the Carthage jail on trumped-up charges, the same as he had been thrust in jail several times previous. Mary Ann and Daniel were caught up in the midst of all the persecutions and though they were helpless to assist him, Daniel did act as a guard to protect him along with several others.
On 5 July 1842 Eliza Ann was born. While the baby was still very young Daniel was called to go on a mission. The Elders were not given assignments to go to a certain area to preach, but told to "Seek out the honest in heart", which they would know only through the spirit of the Lord and the Holy Ghost. The mission was for a few months only, as most of the missionaries were family men who had wives and children whom they would have to leave to care for themselves while husbands were away.
Nauvoo had been nothing but a swampland when Joseph Smith purchased it in 1839, but the Mormons drained it, built shops, homes, schools, a newspaper printing shop and all the necessary things it took to make it grow, and grow it did, for it became the largest city in Illinois at the time. As farms and orchards sprang up around it, it truly lived up to it's name: "Nauvoo The Beautiful", as it became a community of 20,000 industrious people intent on building a beautiful magnificent temple, a marble edifice on it's dome shaped hill which overlooked the valley and the Mississippi river.
Nauvoo clings to a bend in the East bank of the river. It's color, it's mood the romance of that area was beautiful and appealing to the saints and lent itself to the needs of a vast population who had begun streaming to it's shores in search of a haven of peace and security. The temple was begun on one of the grandest landscapes ever spread before human vision. Fall foliage was just something to behold, in winters dress, it was a photographers dream. Every spring there was the lovely scent of lilac in bloom and budding trees everywhere. The benchland and low hills rose like a terrace behind, while the river flowed past the city in a crescent shape and the scene for miles was one of beauty and grandeur---no wonder they called it "Nauvoo The Beautiful" for it truly was beautiful in every season and no wonder the enemy desired it and caused so much havoc in trying to drive the Mormons out, a feat they finally accomplished.
The Temple was begun in 1839 and was built from the stone quarries in the vicinity of the river. The saints tried to rush to get it completed so to receive the promises God had told them would be revealed in that temple. They were under very terrible stress and strain until it was completed enough for dedication, which was accomplished 7 March 1846.
On 3 July 1843 the prophet Joseph had called a special conference to choose thirty six (36) elders to go on missions to various counties of Illinois. Daniel was assigned to go to Rock Island. They were told to "warn the people" but their main message was to the "honest in heart". President Smith told them they would be able to do many wonderful works: they would be able to "cast out the devil to heal the sick, open the eyes of the blind, unstop the ears of the deaf, that the tongue of the dumb might speak and many other great and wonderful things". They were to go with out purse or script and promised that they would not go hungry or thirsty. They were not to tell these things to all the world or brag about them, but to do these things (and others they were taught) so to seek out the honest in heart and bring those who believed their works to be the words of the Lord Jesus Christ into the Church through baptism.
Somewhere around this time the Prophet and others were wrongly accused of several trumped up charges again, even more serious ones than they accused them of on several previous occasions. When they came to take Joseph to jail this time, he said to his dedicated followers: "I go like a lamb to the slaughter. If I don't come back, boys, take good care of yourselves." Daniel never forgot those words and always he tried to take good care of himself as well as those about him. He also tried to take especially good care of any church calling he received, just as he thought his beloved prophet would want him to do.
During the period the Prophet and others were held so ruthlessly in the Carthage Jail they were guarded by a group called "the Carthage Greys", 90 men were called as guards. 30 men went on at a time and were on for 2 hours then off 4 hours. One evening after Daniel had stood guard, he went out to care for his livestock. As he said to his wife, Mary Ann, "I have a premonition that the mobs will be after me tonight. You know they are constantly heckling and abusing the guards and we all have to fear for our lives".
The evening prayer was perhaps more forceful that evening as Daniel called upon the Lord to show him a way to protect his life, for the sake of his family as well as for the Prophet. As he finished the prayer his eyes fell upon his wife's nightcap there upon the dresser. Instantly Daniel knew that night cap meant life to him. When he retired for the night, he placed the frilly nightcap upon his head and took the baby, Eliza Ann to bed with him.
Soon his premonition proved true. There came a loud pounding upon the door, as Mary Ann opened it to several men, they demanded to see Dan Allen. With a prayer on her lips and a voice as steady as she could manage, she stepped aside and said, "You may look for yourself". After looking through the house, they stormed out saying, "there's no one in there but an old woman in bed with her baby."
Later Mary Ann thanked God for her husbands deliverance, then told him, "wear it always Daniel, for it shall be your shield." So Daniel did wear it nightly during the Nauvoo period while mob threats were so violent. (told to Ila L. Bauer by grandma Harriet Allen Lowe).
Prophet Joseph Smith Martyred
27 June of 1844 the Prophet was martyred in the Carthage Jail. It was a bitter blow for all who knew and loved him. All his dedicated followers were horrified and every saint mourned his untimely death. Even the children were horrified and never lived long enough to forget that terrible moment in their lives. Daniel's 7 year old daughter, Mary Ann Ellen told her children and grandchildren of going with her parents to view the martyrs last remains. She told and also wrote of the many thousands that filed past the coffin for a last glimpse of their beloved leader. Although she was young, she never forgot that day for even the children were forever impressed with the strength of his great personality.
It was said that shortly before he was taken to jail that last time he had gone into the stone shop where the men were working on stones for the temple and he had blessed each and every one of them by the power of his priesthood. Daniel felt fortunate to have been there at that time and he forever treasured that blessing.
The Spirit of Elijah
Many said that building the Nauvoo Temple was about like working with a shovel in ones hand and a gun in the other, for the mobsters were so intent on doing harm and preventing the temple from reaching it's completion. (It was finally finished and dedicated 27 March 1846).
It was at Nauvoo that the spirit of Elijah was felt first, for He touched the hearts of those who were ready to do genealogy work. Elijah's mission was to the living rather than to the dead. It was at Semore Brunson's funeral that it was first told that the saints would be allowed to do work for their dead loved ones, but the Spirit of Elijah had to work on them first to give them the desire and the know-how to do it. (It was in a corn field just outside Nauvoo that the first sealing of wife to husband took place, but that was in 1841, before the temple was completed.)
During the period Daniel and family lived in Nauvoo, (1 April 1840 to 1 April 1846) he not only helped build the temple, but paid for a share in the Nauvoo House, built a home, ran his tanning and shoe shop and Mary Ann's 6th and last child, Daniel Allen the 3rd was born 20 Feb. 1846. At the time of this last babies birth, Daniel Jr. had to leave his wife and family in care of friends because at the last conference in Nauvoo, which was called by the new President, Brigham Young, (Oct. 8, 1845) he was called as head of a committee of three to try to sell all properties belonging to the saints in Bear Creek area in preparation for leaving the area. The committee consisted of Dan, Nelson Higgins and Samuel Shepherd. They wondered if they might have problems selling the property because those trying to push them out wanted to get everything for nothing, however they did have fair success so that they were able to help all the saints purchase the necessities of life for their travels to new areas. The Lord was with them even though there was a great apostasy going on, for many of the lessor faith left the church. Daniel's faith grew and he became more committed, and he and the committee worked very hard to fulfill their assignment, which they had more success at than expected.
During the period that Panguitch was first being settled, many were called from Parowan. Apparently Daniel didn't take either of his families, but went with other men to check our the possibilities of the area. He went with William Williamson, Morgan Richards, William Wilcox, William Holyoak, Joseph K. Paramore and possibly others. These men all took up land along the Sevier River, but the Indians were so warlike in the area, that all the white people returned to Parowan for their own safety. Later on, however, those who had taken up land and started to build homes with the intent to build up ranches along the River, began returning as the Indians became more friendly. The area did remain quite hostile for quite some time, though as the Indians resented the white people intruding on what they considered their fishing and hunting grounds. The Panguitch Lake a bounded in fish of several varieties and deer and other wild game were also in abundance in the surrounding mountains. On 22 March 1866 G. G. Smith issued a notice to all the men who had not returned to the lands they had started laying claim to. The notice stated that the men owned land in the Panguitch area but were still absent, depending on the other settlers to defend their property during the Indian War. Mr. Smith asked that those men who owned property either return to the area to defend their premises or submit to such measures as may have to be taken because those who did return should not have to bear the expense incident to the Indian Campaign. Most of the above listed men had not returned including Daniel. He let the property go back to government, he was too busy to be every where.
At Parowan Louisa Jane's last three children were born and Sarah's last six. This made 11 children for Louisa Jane and 9 for Sarah. At this writing 1986, there are still five 1st generation grandchildren living. They are: Frederick has 1 living, Hyrum has 1 living, Annie (who was Daniel's 26th child), still has 3 children living.
When the United Order was started in Parowan, Daniel put some of his property in it and joined, however, the Order didn't work well in Parowan so it was soon abandoned.
Escalante, The Last Call
Daniel and his wives thought their moving days were over, for he had answered the call at least 9 times besides filling the three missions spoken of. His youngest and 26th child was just 5 years old. Several of the older ones were married, but in 1880 he received his last church calling to move to a new area to build up his leather tanning and boot and shoe shop. He was a pretty old man by then, 76, but the call came and he answered. 76 was pretty old then, for he had done so very much moving and pioneering, and starting over again and again and had gone through so much persecutions and all. Daniel was and always had been a very meticulous person in his work, in his dealings, in every faucet of his beautiful life, and he had always tried to teach his children to do likewise. (I know my grandmother Harriet, "Hattie" A. Lowe was a very meticulous person in her work and in all things. She quoted her father many times in his beliefs and in the ways he had tried to guide his children.
Parents have the privilege of sprinkling stardust over the lives of their children. Daniel was one who tried to do just that, by trying to elevate his children to greatness, by praising them, encouraging them, helping them in any way he could. They always felt his loving kindness and warmth in their lives. He wanted them to always do just the very best they could and not slow down their progress to earning life eternal by lowering the moral standards. Perhaps this was not so evident in the early years of hardship and privation, during the years they were being pushed around by the mobs in the pioneering days of the church, but it became more evident as the children grew older. Always he remained a man of deep faith, for having been a dear and close friend to the Prophet Joseph Smith. He desired and tried hard to instill his deep faith and strict morals in each one of his children.
The tannery Daniel built in Parowan in 1864 ran until 1927, when it was torn down and a home built on the property. Daniel had assisted much with the running of it until he received the call to go to Escalante, known at that time as "Potato Valley". He sold the property and all he owned in Parowan and moved both families, at least most of both families, the 180 long hard miles north-east of Parowan, over high mountains, through box canyons, and into the vast desert along the Escalante River. He again bought two homes as all of Sarah's family went except Hattie, who was married and had a son the age of her little sister Annie. Also Louisa Jane, her two married daughters with husbands and all the boys not married. Those listed in "Parowan, mother town" were: Annie, Fred, David, Hyrum, James, Cynthia with husband Samuel Rogers, Lydia and husband Edward Wilcock, Robert and James.
Daniel built a Tanning shop and space for making his leather goods near the river. The two homes were about two blocks apart. He spent time in each place. He especially loved to listen to Sarah read, for she was a good reader and had some of the best books available. Daniel was old and tired now, but he found he could visit any country in the world, see all the foreign places through the eyes of the authors as Sarah read to him the books known as "Dime Novels", but which are really the classics of today and are now $20.00 to $35.00 each, for what were really only one dime in those days. (Ben Hur, Scarlet Letter etc...) Daniel's family had now grown to 26 children, 17 were still alive so he enjoyed his many children and grandchildren as they came along. Cynthia never was able to have a family but Lydia and husband had a lovely family and I believe all others who lived except perhaps James.
The Pastimes
Perhaps in trying to be precise in proper dates, names etc. this writer has made this history sound like all work and no play. Pioneering days were not of course as much play and relaxation as today, but they did enjoy a lot of their life. There was square dancing in the evenings and even the children went to enjoy it with their parents. There were quilting bees, rag bees when they tore old clothes to rags to weave into rugs to cover the cold wooden floors, there was apple peeling and preparing all kinds of fruit after the trees and gardens produced. They dried their fruits and vegetables and all worked together, father, mothers and children and that was fun times. It worked out well, as there were no bottles in those early days. They had popping corn and candy pulls and at these all joined in the fun and relaxation. It is told that even as an old man Daniel joined in all the family activities, helping to quilt, to tear rags, to pop corn and especially sew on his machine or by hand and did so well that he could make flowers or whatever design women wanted on the shoes as well as he could on the quilts. He had a special way of doing his bridles so that they were smooth on inside, laced in designs on outside. If someone came along with an idea for an extra special kind of "thing", they were told, "You'll have to go to Dan Allen, as he is the only man we know of who can do that."
Apparently Dan and his two wives enjoyed fairly good health most of their lives. The only mention found about Dan's health was when he had his collar bone broken right after arriving in Salt Lake area (Big Cottonwood). It was a great joy to read his entries in his book, for he kept an account of everything, even work on his own shoes and his family. A few lines read:
29 Dec--mended my girls shoes. 1870--mended shoes for self--1.50 Mended shoes for self--$2.50 Made a pair of shoes for J.M. Smith--$5.00 Mended my womens shoes--- .75¢ 2 pair small shoes for J. Allen--$2.50
Sarah Becomes Lonely and Ill
In the fall of 1891 Sarah became very lonely for her daughter Harriet who she hadn't seen for quite a long time. Harriet lived in Parowan, her son George went horse back and then to see his folks at Escalante, but Harriet couldn't ride that far on a horse. Someone took her to Parowan in a wagon where she enjoyed visiting for some time, but her failing health continued to worsen. She became afraid she was going to die and wanted to go back home to be near her beloved husband when that happened. A bed was made in a wagon and she was taken the many long miles back to Escalante to be near her husband. She soon passed away and was buried in the Escalante Cemetery. Cause of death was listed as quick consumption, sort of a pneumonia. She passed away on 3 Jan. 1892, just two days before her 58th birthday.
Daniel Becomes Ill
Although 87, Daniel appeared to be in good health. He attended Sarah's funeral on the 5th, spoke in the Sunday service on the 7th and it was said he gave "an excellent sermon" which he always did for he was an excellent speaker and much in demand for few knew the Gospel principals better than he and as had been said, he had been trained at the school of the Prophets and at the side of the Prophet Joseph Smith. They had been taught so well at Kirtland that even the Lord Himself made special mention of it to Joseph Smith. (Quote Joseph Smith Seer-Prophet.)
That January day was a very chilly one. The church had but one small stove. As the stand where Daniel sat was near the door, he became very cold. On the 8th he took with chills and fever, it became necessary to put him to bed. He lived but a few days. He called all his children who were available to his bedside and sent word to those not able to come to him at that time, that he desired to admonish each of them to stay close to the church and to never leave it. He then sat up in his bed, stretched out his arms and said: "Wait for me Sarah. We'll go in together". He laid back on his pillow and was gone. 15 January 1892, just 12 days after Sarah had passed away. He was 87 years one month, 6 days old. He had retained his mental faculties up to the very last. Of his 26 children, 17 survived him. (He had 16 boys and 10 girls.)
Families are Forever
So once again that faithful servant of the Lord had fulfilled his mission, knowing without a doubt that no matter how or when, "families are forever". Louisa Jane was apparently still in good health. She lived on in the home awhile then went to live with a daughter in Teasdale. When she became ill she was taken back to Escalante where she passed away 26 July 1902. She was buried beside her beloved husband, Daniel, 28 July 1902. So there they all three lie to rest, a wife on either side and his first love Mary Ann, alone in the grave on the side of Soap Creek, but surely the three wives share his love in their home in the eternities where, once again I say, "Families are together Forever".
Dear Allen Families:
Let us not forget all the things our pioneer ancestors did for us. We would probably just about die just at the thought of having to "walk in their shoes" not only those many hundreds of miles, but in all faucets of living in that day. Let us never forget to appreciate our religion, that hard earned religion our Prophet died for, our Pioneer ancestors went through hell-fire to preserve. A few fell away, it's true, but when time came for leaving this life, each gladly grasped on to their great belief, their great knowledge that the grave is not the end, but only another step toward eternal life where each might have an opportunity to live again with their dear departed loved ones. We of this day are happy we do not need to live polygamy, for although it had it's virtues and served the good purpose it did, it also had its sad ones, but those who were called on to live it did their best while it lasted. May God bless all of us and our Nobel pioneers, for families indeed are forever!
Ila Low Bauer, thru Harriet Allen Lowe & George Alma Sr. Mary Ellen Heap & George Alma Lowe Jr.
DEATH OF A FAITHFUL VETERAN
by Edward Wilcock
The late Daniel Allen, Jr., was the son of Daniel and Nancy (Stewart) Allen. He was born in Whitestown, Oneida County, New York State, Dec. 9, 1804. His parents moved to Chautauqua County in the year 1807, and lived there during the war with England in 1812. His father served his country in the War of 1812 as a soldier. He went with the army to Boston at the time of its fire. After the war his parents moved to the state of Pennsylvania, Erie County, where they resided for ten years. They then went to Cayuga County, state of Ohio, where they dwelt until their death in 1854.
Brother Daniel Allen was married to his first wife, Mary Ann Morris, on the 6th of October, 1828, in the state of Ohio, Cayuga County, where both embraced the gospel, having been baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in June, 1834, by Elder Joel H. Johnson. Soon after Brother Allen joined the church, he sold his farm in Huntsberg for $600 and handed over that amount to the Prophet Joseph Smith to help redeem Zion and purchase lands in Jackson County, Missouri, according to the revelation. In 1836, he moved to Kirtland, Ohio, bought two city lots, built himself a frame dwelling house and a boot and shoe store, and expanded to $1000 in property at Kirtland. He was a shareholder in the Kirtland bank. He was compelled to sacrifice all of this, however, on account of the persecutions which followed, and was driven away by the mob without any means of subsistence for his family. He then moved about 50 miles south of Kirtland, to Savannah, where he obtained work on a canal, receiving payment of fifty cents per day. Out of this sum he had to support his family, and yet saved the means necessary to purchase an old span of mules and an old wagon. In this way he moved his family to Missouri, being determined to gather there with the Saints.
He started with S. B. Stoddard and Dr. Mitchell in the spring of 1838, and joined his brother, Joseph, at Log Creek, five miles south of Far West. He went with his brother, Joseph, and Brother Isaac Morley to another location. They took up some land three miles north of the town of Far West. There he built a log house and was putting on the roof the day of the election in Galiton, August 8, 1838. From that time he was under arms until the day they relinquished them in Far West. He was with David W. Patten when they took the cannon from the mob; also with Seymour Brunson when they were surrounded with Bogart's Company at Log Creek, five miles south of Far West. He left Far West on February 6, 1839, with his wife and three children, in company with his brother, Joseph, Isaac Morley, and Brother Rosson, and camped out 21 nights, when they reached Quincy, Illinois. From there he went to Lima, Illinois, and stayed one year, and moved to Nauvoo, April 1, 1840. Here he lived until April 1, 1846. During the time he was located in Nauvoo he helped to build the temple and paid for a share in the Nauvoo House. From Nauvoo, Brother Allen proceeded to Winter Quarters, and, as he left Nauvoo, his wife was taken very sick. When he arrived at the head of Soap Creek, on the way to Winter Quarters his wife died from the effects of the persecution. From the time Sister Allen was baptized into the church she remained a faithful member, and never murmured or complained in all the trials through which she had to pass, for she had a testimony of the truth of the Gospel for herself and died as she had lived, in full faith of a glorious resurrection with the Saints. Brother Allen was then left with five children, the youngest being only two months old. He lived at Winter Quarters until the spring of 1848. He was married to Louisa Jane Berry, June 22, 1847. In the spring of 1848 he moved his family to Kanesville, Utah, where they resided until the spring of 1849.
He started with his family to Salt Lake Valley on May 15, 1849, where he arrived September 22, of the same year. He lived at Big Cottonwood, Salt Lake Valley, for 18 months, then moved to Salt Lake City, and lived in the 12th Ward. There he went into the tannery business with Samuel Mulliner. Brother Daniel Allen tanned the first leather in Utah.
After following his business for three years in Salt Lake City, he sold out to Samuel Mulliner. Brother Allen married his third wife, Sarah Whitney, in Salt Lake City in 1854. He then moved to Manti, Sanpete County, built another tannery, and followed the business there for one year. He then sold out to Warren Snow, and moved to Pleasant Grove, Utah County, in the fall of 1855, where he built himself another home. In the fall of 1856 he moved to Provo City, where he resided until the fall of 1862, when he was called to the Dixie mission. During the time he lived in Provo he established another tannery in the Fourth Ward, and also started a boot, shoe, and harness shop in connection with the tannery. He donated liberally toward the building of Provo Tabernacle and the Fourth Ward schoolhouse.
He moved his wife, Sarah, and family to St. George in the fall of 1862, and built a home there.
In 1863 he sold out his property in Provo and started with the other members of his family to St. George. On reaching Parowan, Iron County, he met Pres. George Albert Smith, who counselled him to remain there and build a tannery. This he did in company with Pres. W. H. Dame, in 1864. He followed the business until 1880. He then moved his family to Escalante, Garfield County, where he resided up to the time of his death, Jan. 15, 1892, at the ripe age of 87 years, 1 month, and 6 days. His wife, Sarah, died Jan. 3, 1892, at the age of 57 years, 11 months, and 28 days. He attended her funeral on the 5th, was present at fast day meeting on the 7th and preached an excellent sermon. On the morning of the 8th, between 12 and 1 o'clock, he was seized with a severe chill, which confined him to his bed until he passed away. His death bed was surrounded by a large number of the members of his family.
He was the father of 26 children (16 sons and 10 daughters). He now leaves a wife, 17 children, 60 grandchildren, and about 40 great-grandchildren. Brother Allen maintained his mental facilities up to the last. He called his family to his bedside, exhorted them to remain faithful to the Church and honor the priesthood, and sent word to those of his children not present to obey the same counsel. He then asked his family for their release as his mission was filled. Louisa Jane (Berry) Allen died July 26, 1902, in Teasdale, Wayne County, Utah.
[Taken from an article in the Deseret News]
A BRIEF LIFE STORY OF DANIEL ALLEN (1804-1892)
Ken Allen - Feb 3, 2000
Daniel Allen, Jr. was the oldest of eight children born to Daniel and Nancy (Stewart) Allen. He was born in Whitestown, Oneida County, New York, on December 9, 1804. The other children were Joseph Stewart, John, Albert, Ruth, Diantha, Rachel, and Diadama. His parents moved to Chautaugua County, New York, in 1807, and lived there during the war with England in 1812. The senior Daniel Allen served his country in the War of 1812 as a soldier. He was called to Buffalo, New York, following a series of military maneuvers which brought about the destruction of Newark and part of Queenstown by Brig. Gen. George McClure of the New York Militia on Dec. 10, 1813, to prevent the British from making use of them. A British force under the command of Col. Murray captured Fort Niagara on Dec. 18, 1813, and allowed the Indians to ravage Lewiston and the surrounding countryside, and, finally, Gen. George Drummond led a British force which burned Buffalo and Black Rock on Dec. 29 and 30, 1813, destroying ships and supplies.
Following the War of 1812, the senior Daniel Allen moved his family to northeastern Pennsylvania, where they settled in Erie County and lived for ten years.
Daniel Allen, Jr., and his brother, Joseph Stewart, worked together in a tannery in their youth. Later, Joseph Stewart became a cooper by trade, an occupation he apparently learned from his father in-law, Isaac Morley.
Leaving Pennsylvania, the Allen family relocated in Geauga County in northern Ohio. It was
here that Joseph Stewart Allen became a convert to Mormonism and in February 1831 was baptized in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Daniel Allen, Sr., and Nancy (Agnes) Stewart Allen remained in Geauga County, Ohio, both passing away 1856.
Daniel Allen, Jr., was married to his first wife, Mary Ann Morris, on the October 6, 1828, in Geauga County, Ohio. Their first child, Leroy Allen, was born here on March 28, 1833. It was also here that they both embraced the Gospel, following the lead of Daniel's brother, Joseph Stewart. They were baptized in June 1834 by Elder Joel H. Johnson. On December 17, 1835, another son, Alma Allen, was born.
Soon after joining the Church, Daniel Allen sold his farm in Huntsburg, Geauga County, for the sum of $600, and turned the money over to the Prophet Joseph Smith. On the 16th of December, 1833, Joseph Smith had received a revelation in Kirtland, Ohio, in which the Lord directed him to gather the Saints in Jackson County, Missouri, which had been chosen by the Lord as Zion. Joseph Smith was directed, "...to purchase all the lands with money, which can be purchased with money, in the region about the land which I have appointed to be the land of Zion, for the beginning of the gathering of the Saints; all the land which can be purchased in Jackson County and the counties round about..."
In 1835, Daniel Allen moved his family to Kirtland, Lake County, Ohio, where he purchased two city lots. He built himself a fine home, and a boot and shoe store. [NOTE: Since family records indicate that Alma was born in Montville, Geauga County in Dec. 1835, Mary Ann may have remained behind for the birth of Alma, or the whole family may have moved to Kirtland in early 1836.]
The following years were especially hard on the Saints in Missouri, and, in order to raise additional money to aid the Missouri Saints, Joseph Smith conceived the idea of the Kirtland
Safety Society Bank in the year 1837. It was to be a bank backed by Mormon property and by the sale of shares to members. Brother Allen invested in the bank, but the State of Ohio refused to grant a charter to the bank. Joseph Smith changed the name to the Kirtland Anti-Banking Company, but when the bills printed by the company were returned and could not be backed up by legal currency, the company failed and Joseph Smith was fined $1,000 for operating a bank illegally. Shortly after this, the Saints in Kirtland were persecuted to such an extent that they were forced to sacrifice their homes and shops and flee for their very lives.
A third child, Mary Ann Allen, was born in Kirtland on March 10, 1837. She was the first of three daughters.
In January of the year 1838, Daniel Allen, his brother, Joseph Allen, and Joseph's father in-law, Isaac Morley, fled from Kirtland and went to Far West in Caldwell County, Missouri. Far West was near the center of a rough triangle formed by the Missouri River on the south and west, and the Grand River on the north and east. It was the main Mormon settlement in Missouri at that time, although there were small settlements at De Witt, Carroll County, and in Jackson County, Lafayette County, and at Adam-ondi-Ahman in Davies County.
Daniel Allen, Jr., took up land three miles north of town and was putting the roof on his log cabin on August 6, 1838, the day a state election was scheduled to be held. The Gentiles in Davies
County had said no Mormons would be allowed to vote. On the day of the election 30 Mormons approached the polls in Gallatin, the county seat. In the fight that followed, nine Gentiles were injured. The Mormons cast their ballots, but a series of misunderstandings followed, and the Mormon Militia was finally called out to defend the Saints. Daniel Allen, Jr., and Joseph Allen were among the 75 volunteers with Capt. David D. Patten in the battle at Crooked River. Capt. David W. Patten and brothers Gideon Carter and Patrick O'Bannion were killed in the battle. Many others were wounded, and all mourned the loss of their captain, who was a member of the Quorum of Twelve, and who became the first martyr to the Church. No notice is made if they managed to free two prisoners reportedly held by the mob, but they did succeed in capturing some cannon.
Daniel Allen was with Seymour Brunson when they were surrounded by Brogart's Company on Log Creek, five miles south of Far West. Brogart's Company was led by Rev. Samuel Brogart, a Methodist minister who threatened to visit Far West with "thunder and lightning" and "get the Mormon's scalps" if they did not get out of Missouri.
On February 7, 1839, Daniel left Far West with his wife and three children in company with his brother, Joseph, Isaac Morley, and Brother Rasson. They camped out 21 nights before
they reached Quincy, Adams County, Illinois. From Quincy, Daniel traveled to Lima, Adams County, where he took up residence for a year. It was while the family was living in Illinois that a second daughter Diantha Allen was born to the family on December 19, 1839. [NOTE: Family records indicate she was born in Hancock County, Illinois, but do not specify Nauvoo.]
After leaving Lima, Daniel Allen moved to Nauvoo, in Hancock County, arriving April 1, 1840. Here, on July 16, 1840, their second son Alma died.
While living in Nauvoo, Daniel Allen helped build the Nauvoo Temple and bought a share in the Nauvoo House, where Joseph and Hyrum Smith were secretly buried following the martyrdom in the Carthage jail on June 27, 1844.
Daniel and Mary Ann had another daughter, Eliza Ann Allen, born July 5, 1842 in Nauvoo. Their first son Leroy Allen died there sometime in 1842.
On February 20, 1846, Mary Ann Allen gave birth to her last child, a son they named Daniel Allen. April 1, 1846, after much trouble from the Gentiles, Daniel Allen left Nauvoo for Winter Quarters, in the territory of Nebraska. As he left Nauvoo, his wife became ill and, as they reached the head of Soap Creek, she died from the effects of the persecution. From the time she was baptized into the Church, Mary Ann Allen remained a faithful member and never complained in all the trial through which she had to pass; she had a testimony of the truth of the Gospel for herself. She died as she had lived, in full faith of a glorious resurrection with the Saints.
Daniel Allen was then left with four children, the youngest, Daniel, being only two months old. The baby Daniel also died in August, 1846. Daniel Allen, Jr., lived with the rest of his family at Winter Quarters (a site now part of the present city of Omaha) until the spring of 1848.
While at Winter Quarters that Daniel met and married Louisa Jane Berry, the daughter of Jesse Woods Berry and Armelia Shanks Berry. Louisa was born in Tennessee on December 1, 1828; they were married June 22, 1847. After this time, the Allen family moved east to Kanesville, Kane County, Illinois, where Daniel and Louisa's first child, John Albert Allen, was born May 16, 1848. He lived just two months, passing on in June 1828. John Albert and another son, Joseph, born April 16, 1862, were the only two children of Daniel and Louisa to die before reaching adulthood. Their second child, Cynthia Elizabeth Allen, was born in Kanesville February 22, 1849.
Shortly after the birth of their second child, Daniel and Louisa prepared to leave for the Salt Lake Valley. They embarked in a wagon company on May 15, 1849, arriving in the valley on September 2, 1849. They were four months on the trail with six children ranging in age from 14 years to three months.
Daniel and Louisa settled first at Big Cottonwood, south of Salt Lake City. Here, on February 1, 1851, a third child was born, a son named Orson William Allen. After living at Big Cottonwood for a year and a half, Daniel moved his family to Salt Lake City where they lived in the 12th Ward. Their fourth child, Robert Preston Allen, was born in Salt Lake City, March 5, 1853.
In Salt Lake City, Daniel went into business with Samuel Mulliner. They tanned the first leather in Utah. At a general conference in 1850 they displayed their first leather made from a calf-skin and, in the summer of 1850, they advertised in the Deseret News, promising boots and shoes made to order in exchange for peeling of bark which would be exchanged for finished leather. At that time Daniel and his partner had 220 sides of leather that could not be completely tanned without more bark. After following the tanning business in Salt Lake City for three years, Daniel sold out to his
partner and moved to Provo.
On July 2, 1854, Daniel entered into a polygamous marriage with Sarah Whitely. She was 20 and Daniel was 50. Their first child, Isaac Thomas Allen, was born in Manti, Utah, on August
4, 1855. The family then moved to Pleasant Grove.
On December 1, 1855, in Pleasant Grove, Utah, a daughter, Lydia Euphemia Allen, was born to Daniel and Louisa. In the fall of 1856, Daniel moved his two families to Provo. Here, Harriet
Armelia Allen was born November 21, 1857 to Daniel and Sarah; then Thurza Armelia Allen was born January 5, 1859, to Daniel and Louisa.
On January 2, 1860, Daniel Allen received a double blessing when both of his wives presented him with sons. Louisa gave birth to Daniel, (the third son so named), and Sarah gave birth to David Albert, both in Provo, Utah.
In 1862, Daniel Allen was called to Utah's Dixie Mission, and, on April 16, 1862, on the way to St. George, Louisa presented him with another son, Joseph Allen, who died in infancy.
On the way to St. George, Daniel Allen met Pres. George Albert Smith, who advised him to settle in Parowan, Iron County, and follow the tanner's trade there. Here in Parowan, in 1864, Sarah gave birth to a son they named Joseph Ephraim Allen. This child also died in infancy. On January 13, 1865, Samuel Alonzo Allen was born to Daniel and Louisa.
On April 9, 1865, the Black Hawk Indian war broke out. According to family tradition, Orson William Allen, who was 17, joined the army as a drummer boy. He was gone for four months. His mother didn't hear from him during this time.
On January 6, 1866, Fredrick Augustus Allen was born to Daniel and Sarah; Louisa Artimisia was born to Daniel and Louisa on July 16, 1867; and James Alexander Allen was born to Daniel and Sarah on July 3, 1868, all in Parowan.
Louisa gave birth to her last child, a son named John William Allen on July 8, 1870. The same year, Sarah gave birth to a daughter, Mary Allen, who died in infancy.
On June 20, 1873, Diantha (Allen) Berry, the fourth child of Daniel and Mary Ann Morris died. A short time later, on January 20, 1875, Eliza Ann (Allen) Baum, another daughter of Daniel and Mary Ann, died. One year later, when Daniel Allen was 73 years old, Sarah presented him with his last child, a daughter, Annie Louvina Allen, born April 20, 1876, in Parowan.
In 1880, when he was 76 years old, Daniel sold his business in Parowan and moved to Escalante, Garfield County, where he resided until the time of his death. His third wife Sarah died on January 3, 1892. Daniel attended her funeral on January 5, and attended Fast Meeting on January 7. On January 8, he was taken with a severe chill, and was confined to his bed until the day he died, January 15, 1892.
Louisa Jane (Berry) Allen survived her husband by ten years. She was residing in Teasdale, Wayne County, Utah, when she died on July 26, 1902. She was buried in Escalante.
Edited by Ken Allen based on writings and sources in the following bibliography
BIBLIOGRAPHY
1: Historical Sketch of Daniel Allen, Jr., in possession of Lydia Christina (Allen) Teeples; ca 1957.
2: Historical Sketch of Joseph Stewart Allen written by Hattie Esplin, Manti, Utah; August 14, 1937.
3: L.D.S. Biographical Encyclopedia by Andrew Jensen; Salt Lake City, 1920; Vol 3, Pg 589 (Joseph Stewart Allen).
4: Encyclopedia of American History, by Richard B. Morris (War of 1812 - Burning of Buffalo).
5: Doctrine & Covenants, Section 101 (Joseph Smith revelation).
6: Kingdom of the Saints by Ray B. West (Kirtland Safety Bank, Far West, State election at Gallatin).
7: The Story of Our Church for Young Latter-day Saints by Emma Marr Peterson (Battle at Crooked River).
8: Utah, the Story of her People, by Milton R. Hunter; Pg 345, 346 (Samuel Mulliner).
9: Family Group Records found in the LDS Archive Records:
Daniel Allen, Jr., and Mary Ann Morris
Daniel Allen, Jr., and Louisa Jane Berry
Daniel Allen, Jr., and Sarah Whitely
10: Story of Orson William Allen, by Louisa Beryl (Allen) Adams.
11: Daniel Allen, Jr., by Ramone Anderson Chamberlain.
12: Death of a Faithful Veteran (Daniel Allen, Jr.,) by Edward Wilcock (Taken from an article in the Deseret News, undated).
Daniel Allen Jr. was born 9 Dec. 1804 to Daniel Allen Sr., M.D. and his wife Nancy Agnus Stewart. Dr. Daniel was born in Colrain Mass. in 1770. He and Nancy were married 12 Sep. 1793. Nancy Agnus Stewart was the daughter of Lt. John Stewart who was a son of John Stewart Sr. and Rebecca Costa.
Daniel Jr. was the 6th of 10 children born to his parents. Names of the children are: Linda, John, Rachel, Rebecca, Ruth, Daniel Jr., Joseph Stewart, Albert Loomis, Caroline Dianthia, and Diodema Amanda. The last child was born after they moved to Erie, Penn. where the parents died.
Daniel Allen Jr. goes into business for himself:
Being a very industrious young man, Daniel Jr. worked hard at anything he attempted to do, but settled on the industry of Leather Tanning and making all articles which leather was used for, such as shoes, boots, harnesses, saddles and bridles. These things were always very much in demand no matter where he might go, so he was always able to make a good and respectable living for his families as they came along.
In 1831 Daniel and his sweetheart, Mary Ann Morris, were married in Geauga Co. Ohio as shown by the following document:
Stephen Kelsey personally appeared and made application for Daniel Allen and Mary Ann Morris of the township of Montville in the said county and made solemn oath that the said Daniel Allen is of the age of 21 years and the said Mary Ann Morris is of the age of 18 years and that they are both single and not nearer of kin than first cousins, that he knows of no legal impediment against their being joined in marriage.
Signed: Stephen Kelsey
Sworn and subscribed this 5th day of Oct. 1831
Before me: D.D. Aikin Clerk
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints had been organized by Joseph Smith in April 1830. Both Daniel and his wife became very early converts, both were baptized by Joel Hills Johnson in June 1832. (Daniel's brother, Joseph Stewart Allen, had joined while their family lived at Thompson, Geauga, Ohio in Feb. 1831. He had then joined Zions Camp when it was led by the Prophet). During the years the Allens lived in Ohio many things happened which helped to shape their lives. The Latter Day Saint Church was organized and developed, several doctrines and scriptures were revealed and the Word of Wisdom given to Joseph Smith. It was also revealed to the Prophet that a temple was to be built in Kirtland Ohio. When Daniel became aware of this revelation, he sold his 40 acre farm in Huntsburg and turned over every dime to Joseph Smith for the building up of Zion and building the temple according to revelation: (note: for the 40 acres of land Daniel Allen Jr. received $600.00 which he gave to the Prophet. At today's prices that would be equivalent to between $200,000.00 and $240,000.00 as land in good farming areas with good water rights now sell for 5 to 6 thousand dollars per acre.
Through the years Daniel and Mary had 6 children. The two oldest were born at Montville Geauga, Ohio. LeRoy born 28 March 1833, Alma 12 Dec. 1835. LeRoy died young (date not found). Alma lived to be 14 1/2 and died after reaching Salt Lake City, Utah. The family moved to Kirtland to be near the temple as it was being built. There Daniel worked on it as much as he could along with his other job of leather craftsman. Mary Ann Ellen was born in Kirtland 10 March 1837. That year panic struck the nation, which greatly effected the Mormons, for the economic structure of the Church collapsed causing many to aposticise. They rushed to complete the temple so that the keys that were to be revealed in it could be received. Baptism for the dead was revealed and Daniel was among many Saints who were able to do that work for loved ones who had passed on, however, it had not been designated that they were to do baptism for those of their own sex only. Daniel did work for several of his and his wife's people. He had been baptized in the Mississippi River. He did baptism work for his grandparents Joseph and Rachel Allen, for his grandparents David and Martha Bennett, for his sister Ruth and relatives, Martha, Mary, Polly, Rebecca, Ruth, Stephen, Timothy, David and Isaac. (It may have had to be done over again for the females for as has been written, it wasn't known at that time that work for males was to be done by males and females work by females.
Even though many new doctrines had been given and some keys restored, it remained a time of trial and difficulty, for opposition grew fast around the Saints. There were many foes around Kirtland, in fact, the Ohio period became the darkest period in Church history. The tempest of persecution, tho briefly lulled at times, burst forth like a roaring tornado and each angry man was like a fire ablaze, each ignited the ire of another so that they swept across the land screening, seizing, crushing as it were each person who dared uphold the word of God. The "School of the Prophets" was organized and did convene and teach for some time in the upper rooms of the Kirtland Temple, and much was taught and learned, even though there were many tense moments.
There came a great apostasy. Many fell from the faith, but Daniel and his wife became more staunch, for Daniel knew that God gave him all the power he had, all he needed to bless and heal the righteous. As the devastation and wickedness increased, the people were driven from their homes, their fields laid waste, homes and belongings burned. Only the good Lord knew how the Saints survived that winter for the whole economic structure collapsed so that Joseph Smith and his followers, including Daniel and his family had to move out. They were driven away with out any subsistence for their families, for the mobs burned all their belongings, killed their animals. Daniel lost more than $2,000.00 for he had purchased two city lots built a tannery and shoe shop and was a share holder in the Kirtland Bank. But was compelled to loose it all. Finally he hired a man to take him and family 50 miles South to a place called Savannah, Ashland, Ohio, where he secured work on a canal. He received but 50¢ a day for his pay. Out of that he was able to feed his family and finally able to purchase a pair of old mares and an old wagon. In this way he was able to move his family to Far West, Missouri, for he was determined to join again with the saints.
Everyone said he would not be able to make it to Far West in that old wagon, for surely they said, it would fall apart before he reached there. But he was able to get there better than some others. He wrote that he traveled with Dr. Mitchell and S.B. Stoddard. Their wagons broke down two or three times, but quote Daniel: "I got to my brother Josephs with no trouble. I loaned my wagon to him to go the three miles to Far West empty, but he lost a wheel and broke a tire. I know I held that wagon together with only my faith and prayers. From Far West I went with my brother Joseph and Brother Morley to Adom-Ondi-Ahmen where we all took up land about three miles north of the town. I built a house there, but the day they were putting the roof on it was election day in Galiton, 8 August 1838. The mobs had sworn to kill any Mormon who dared to vote, so I was under arms from then on until I and the company I was with trying to defend our people, gave up their arms in Far West".
Daniel said, quote "I was with David W. Patton when they took the cannon from the mob, the mob claimed to be 400 strong, the Mormons only 100 strong, but the Lord was with us, for we took the canon and scattered the mob. Later on I was with Semore Brunson when they were surrounded by Bogarts army 5 miles South of Log Creek. The mobs said they were as sure of overcoming the Mormons as if they had us. but Brother Brunson was a good officer and he gave the mob the slip. Brunson took his men through the timber, while Bogards bunch went through the prairie, but we beat Bogard and his men to Far West by 5 miles. I was betrayed by Cormell Hinkle and forced to give up my arms when the rest of the brethren gave up theirs at Far West". quote from Dan's journal.
Several people were imprisoned. Daniel, his wife and three children left on 6 Feb. 1839 along with his brother Joseph, a Brother Rossen and Father Isaac Morley. They camped out 21 nights before reaching Quincy, Illinois. From there they went to Lima, Ill. where they stayed for one year. Baby Dianthia was born 19 Dec. 1839. They all moved on to Nauvoo on 1 April 1840.
You will remember that Adam-Ondi-Ahmen was the place where Adam gathered his posterity just three years before he died. Some of Adam's posterity did not gather, but they were the un-righteous ones, all the righteous ones gathered there in the valley of Adam-Ondi-Ahmen and there father Adam bestowed his last blessing upon them, and even though he was bowed down with age, he was full of the Holy Ghost and he predicted the things which would befall his posterity even unto the last generation.
Nauvoo
Nauvoo was a new city just being established by the Saints during 1839. By 1841 they were able to begin work on the Nauvoo Temple. This they were most happy about, for the Church leaders who had been imprisoned at the time of the extermination order when they were driven from Kirtland and from Far West were now back in their midst and able to carry on their duties. There was about 20,000 saints living in the Nauvoo area by then. Nearly every member of the church became involved in the building of the Temple. Everyone who could work in an united effort to complete it. Those who had no teams went to work in the stone quarry and prepared the stones which were later horse-drawn to the temple site even the Prophet himself put on his tow frock and tow pantaloons and went into the quarry", for he was the foreman and also the Presidency. The presidency, high priests, elders, and all worked side by side to rush the work along.
The saints worked through the bitter cold winter, through mud and miner percussion from rabble rousers! Daniel was called on different missions so that he was not there to work on it form start to finish, but he did much of the time and also helped with his money. One wonders if perhaps part of Daniel's love and dedication to the church was because of his closeness to the Prophet, his first hand knowledge and personal friendship with him. Often he worked with and for the Prophet in whatever way there was things to be done and he had no greater love for anyone than he did for his beloved friend. (Even to his dying day, at age 88, when people spoke of the Prophet and of the trials he had endured for the sake of the Gospel which the Lord had entrusted him to restore, Daniel wept in memory of him. He felt as near to Joseph Smith as he did to his own brother).
Joseph Smith and other leaders were thrust in the Carthage jail on trumped-up charges, the same as he had been thrust in jail several times previous. Mary Ann and Daniel were caught up in the midst of all the persecutions and though they were helpless to assist him, Daniel did act as a guard to protect him along with several others.
On 5 July 1842 Eliza Ann was born. While the baby was still very young Daniel was called to go on a mission. The Elders were not given assignments to go to a certain area to preach, but told to "Seek out the honest in heart", which they would know only through the spirit of the Lord and the Holy Ghost. The mission was for a few months only, as most of the missionaries were family men who had wives and children whom they would have to leave to care for themselves while husbands were away.
Nauvoo had been nothing but a swampland when Joseph Smith purchased it in 1839, but the Mormons drained it, built shops, homes, schools, a newspaper printing shop and all the necessary things it took to make it grow, and grow it did, for it became the largest city in Illinois at the time. As farms and orchards sprang up around it, it truly lived up to it's name: "Nauvoo The Beautiful", as it became a community of 20,000 industrious people intent on building a beautiful magnificent temple, a marble edifice on it's dome shaped hill which overlooked the valley and the Mississippi river.
Nauvoo clings to a bend in the East bank of the river. It's color, it's mood the romance of that area was beautiful and appealing to the saints and lent itself to the needs of a vast population who had begun streaming to it's shores in search of a haven of peace and security. The temple was begun on one of the grandest landscapes ever spread before human vision. Fall foliage was just something to behold, in winters dress, it was a photographers dream. Every spring there was the lovely scent of lilac in bloom and budding trees everywhere. The benchland and low hills rose like a terrace behind, while the river flowed past the city in a crescent shape and the scene for miles was one of beauty and grandeur---no wonder they called it "Nauvoo The Beautiful" for it truly was beautiful in every season and no wonder the enemy desired it and caused so much havoc in trying to drive the Mormons out, a feat they finally accomplished.
During the period the Prophet and others were held so ruthlessly in the Carthage Jail they were guarded by a group called "the Carthage Greys", 90 men were called as guards. 30 men went on at a time and were on for 2 hours then off 4 hours. One evening after Daniel had stood guard, he went out to care for his livestock. As he said to his wife, Mary Ann, "I have a premonition that the mobs will be after me tonight. You know they are constantly heckling and abusing the guards and we all have to fear for our lives".
The evening prayer was perhaps more forceful that evening as Daniel called upon the Lord to show him a way to protect his life, for the sake of his family as well as for the Prophet. As he finished the prayer his eyes fell upon his wife's nightcap there upon the dresser. Instantly Daniel knew that night cap meant life to him. When he retired for the night, he placed the frilly nightcap upon his head and took the baby, Eliza Ann to bed with him.
Soon his premonition proved true. There came a loud pounding upon the door, as Mary Ann opened it to several men, they demanded to see Dan Allen. With a prayer on her lips and a voice as steady as she could manage, she stepped aside and said, "You may look for yourself". After looking through the house, they stormed out saying, "there's no one in there but an old woman in bed with her baby."
Later Mary Ann thanked God for her husbands deliverance, then told him, "wear it always Daniel, for it shall be your shield." So Daniel did wear it nightly during the Nauvoo period while mob threats were so violent. (told to Ila L. Bauer by grandma Harriet Allen Lowe).
During the winter of 1845-46, the saints were very busy making thousands of wagons in preparation for leaving for the West. In the hardest freeze of any ones memory, the mighty Mississippi River froze over hard enough that teams and wagons were able to cross it. On 27 Feb. 1846, 1,000 families began to cross that frozen river in covered wagons, some drawn by horses, some drawn by oxen. By the 10th of March they had found that the horses were not as good as the oxen, for oxen could stand the ice, snow and mud much better than horses, so oxen replaced the horses as fast as they could be gathered and put into harness. After a few days the mighty Mississippi was no longer frozen, but began to slush in the middle, so the wagons were ferried across as quickly as people could prepare and get on their way to Winter Quarters, Nebraska.
When Dan and his committee completed their assignment and returned to Nauvoo it was a great shock to see what their eyes beheld. Their eyes swept the cluttered streets, while every fiber ached at sight of friend turned foe. There was much confusion going on all about them. Frustration swept over them as each went their separate direction to their homes, threading their way through the cluttered streets, half fearing what they might find at home. Urging their weary horses homeward, they wished the assignment had not taken so long, for so much had happened to the beautiful city on the banks of the Mississippi River.
In the gathering dusk darkened windows gaped at them, yawning doors revealed dying fires deep in ash, half eaten suppers still on many tables. Torture and wickedness swelled up about Daniel as angry mobs herded men, women and children out into the cold weather. Tell-tale splotches of blood left their crimson mark on the streets. The whole town of Nauvoo seemed to be moving toward the ponderous river.
Daniel hadn't realized how the tension had mounted while he was away. How he wished his mission hadn't kept him at Bear Creek area so long. How the weeping and shouting mingled with the rumbling of iron tires and tramping steed over hard frozen earth, scrunched in his ears, for the sounds carried so loudly through the crisp cold air. A shudder twisted his body as Daniel thought of his family, especially of his beloved wife, Mary Ann, who may have been driven out into this horrible weather. It wouldn't be so hard, perhaps for the children as for Mary Ann, for possibly their new baby had arrived. Oh! the air smelled pungent with the burning straw of the torches. Dan didn't stop to unsaddle his horse but secured the reigns and dashed to the cottage. Droplets of icy breath melted and puddled on the floor where he had dropped his coat over a chair in his haste to check the welfare of his family.
Yes, the baby was born! Anxiously he listened while his wife related the mobs threats of vengeance upon them and that they might return at any time, but Dan breathed a sigh of relief to learn that they all were at least at home and warm and un-injured! He hoped against hope that the mobs would relent awhile until Mary Ann was well enough to travel! But the mobs did not relent. Daily they were in his yard, killing animals, burning sheds and threatening the same would happen to them if they did not put haste to their heels. Their meager supplies were packed. The scant provisions Mary Ann had been able to gather was packed and bedding, clothing and food stuffs tucked in all available space, for the trip to the West would be a long one.
The Allen's wagon was one of the last three to leave Nauvoo and those three traveled together for a time, but with poor Mary Ann so ill, their going was slow and rough. The horses clomped through the muddy streets spraying steam from their nostrils, their ears erect, low whinnies of fright escaped their throats. They sniffed the smoke-laden air, pungent with smell of musty straw burning as the torches waved menacingly. Weaving their way through the sea of torches, the eerie lights showed the faces of friends and neighbors they had trusted, shared food and lodging with--loved as brothers and he wondered if ever again would they find peace of mind.
Dan very much disliked taking his ailing wife out in the cold. It was now the 1st day of April 1846. Their new baby boy was not quite 6 weeks old and Mary Ann not at all well. Being subjected to the cold and damp air was difficult for her and her sickness worsened with each weary day. The cold and exposure she was subjected to caused her health to continue to fail rapidly, so much so that they could not catch up with the company, nor even keep up with the other two wagons they had started with. When they reached the head of Soap Creek, the little mother passed away. There was now but one wagon traveling with them. Daniel tried to get the man to wait while he went back to a town to get boards to make a coffin, but the man refused to wait, so poor Daniel had no choice but to dig a grave by the roadside. While he was digging it the children gathered leaves to line it with. Imagine such a heart rendering situation if you can. Daniel then wrapped his beloved Mary Ann in a sheet and consigned her to her last resting place with the sobs of the broken-hearted family and the howl of the lonely coyote as the only choir." This as told by Clara Bell Lowery Singleton of her grandmothers death, daughter of Mary Ann Ellen Allen.
So--no coffin was dear Mary Ann's, but a white sheet had been tenderly wrapped, enfolding her as lovingly as though it was his arms enfolding her forever, for her last words were haltingly whispered in his ear and burned deeply in his heart, for she too, had a testimony of the Gospel and she died as she had lived full of faith in the truths she had learned for she said: "We'll meet again deer love in a better world and I shall wait your coming."
The leaves and grass the children had gathered to line the burial plot and make a pillow for her head were carefully spread, dampened by their tears--and the coyotes howled and mingled their chorus with the sobs of her loved ones. Daniel dedicated that narrow slit of earth and covered her with the golden treasure of the land, and through his voice the Lord spoke reassuring his little ones of a beautiful life beyond this sad and lonely spot. The burdens of that day were almost more than stout hearted Daniel could bear, but finally that little family turned their tear streaked faces from that sorrowful scene and headed once more for Winter Quarters.
The days were long and hard and the miles seemed to grow longer without a mother to care for the infant. Each time the baby became hungry they had to stop, milk the cow behind the wagon, spoon feed it to the infant while it was warm. Nine year old Mary Ellen probably grew up very fast on that journey, for she had the care of not only the infant, but helping to care for the others as the girls were only 4 and 6 years old and Alma 11 years old. Alma's chore was to help care for the loose stock, horses, oxen or whatever. LeRoy had died earlier, probably at Far West or Nauvoo. (I could find no record of his passing.)
Perhaps their hair grew more tousled daily even though they tried to keep up the cleaning habits taught by their parents, but their was only the cold streams to wash soiled clothing as well as themselves. Never was there hot water more than enough to prepare a meager meal, wash a few dishes or freshen up the baby. Camping out on a trail was never a lark, but a real task at that time, being so far from shelter and security. Each night a campfire pushed back the darkness and beds made as near the orange glow as dared, or perhaps in the wagon, but it was so crowded and Oh, So cold. They knew they could not catch up with the company ahead, yet they didn't want to be too far behind.
Upon reaching Winter Quarters, a home had to be prepared. Some had small long homes, but many were living in dug-outs, just a hole in the ground with shelter built over to protect them from the elements. Daniel did the best he could and soon they were housed as comfortably as possible. Baby Daniel was not doing well even with the best care that could be given him.
Winter Quarters
Winter Quarters was made up not only of those who had escaped Nauvoo, but also converts were arriving daily from many states, North, East, South. A group had recently arrived from Tennessee. The group included a Berry family consisting of father, mother and several young adults.
Daniel had had a difficult time, for with all they had tried to do for the baby, he died in July, only 5 months old. It was July 1846. One day as Daniel was having a particularly difficult time of it, having lost his lovely wife and now his little son, the man from Tennessee, Jessie Woods Berry said to him: "Daniel, why don't you get married so to have a wife to help you care for your children?" "Married?, why, who would have me, a man my age with these 4 young children?" A voice behind him answered his query: "Ill marry you Daniel. I'll marry you and help you raise your children." It was Louisa Jane Berry who made the offer. She had heard the conversation as she was standing near her father.
It was sometime later, but Louisa Jane did marry Daniel on 22 June 1847 at Kanesville, Summer Quarters. She was 24 years younger than he, being only 19, but she did help care for the three young girls and the son, Alma although he was now about 12 years old. It was now three years since the Prophet Joseph Smith had been martyred in the Carthage jail. President Brigham Young was in charge of the Saints and he was already on his way to Utah with the first group of followers. They arrived at the Salt Lake Valley 24 July 1847. The rest were to follow later. Daniel and Louisa remained in Kanesville for a time, for it was there their first two children were born, John Albert born 16 May 1848 and Cynthia Elizabeth. The first baby died young at Kanesville. Cynthia born 22 Feb. 1849. On 15 May of that same year they joined the Orson Spencer Company, with Samuel Gulley as their captain and headed for the Valley. The company consisted of about 100 wagons carrying supplies for Livingston and Kinkade besides about 100 wagons of pioneers.
They reached the Platte River on 5 July, but had to camp there for quite some time as so many were ill of cholera. Captain Gulley and several others died there at the river from Cholera. The company traveled on and reached the Salt Lake Valley on 22 Sept. 1849.
Little is known of that trip except for the sickness and weariness of the saints as they traveled the deep ruts and dusty roads on that 1300 mile trek. There was an almost constant search for buffalo chips, which became known as "the wood of the plains", as that was the only thing available to make fires with. There was always plenty of water for livestock as they followed along the North side of the Platte as much as they could. Drinking water had to be hauled in barrels secured to the wagons. Fishing was good as long as they were near the river. They stayed on the North of the river so not to be with the gold seekers going to California and Oregon.
The women and children waded most of the rivers and streams they came to. They washed their clothes and themselves in the rivers and streams they came to. They washed their clothes and themselves in the river water. At night there was always dancing and singing after the evening meal was over and prayers of thankfulness evenings and mornings. They were happy to at last reach the mountains for there they were able to gather fire wood. They were excited about the beauties of the mountains after having lived in prairie country most of their life. It was a great thrill to reach what they thought was their final destination in the tops of the mountains after 121 days on the trail. They had planned on 111 days, but the sickness of so many had slowed them down. Many did stay in the Salt Lake area, but many others were encouraged to settle in various areas about there, which was known at that time as 'Deseret'.
In The S.L. Valley
Daniel's journal states that he "went first out to Big Cottonwood" where he remained for about 2 1/2 years then moved to the 12th ward in Salt Lake where he was made one of the 7 presidents of the quorum of 70's.
According to "Pioneers and Prominent Men of Utah", Daniel was the first person to tan leather in Utah. The tanning of leather was an important factor in caring for the needs of the pioneers. The long trek across the plains, the rough roads and streets called for good leather for shoes, harnesses, bridles, saddles etc. Daniel joined with Samuel Mulliner and they ran the Deseret Tannery. The material needed for their business was scarce at first as shown by the following advertisement in the first Deseret News:
DESERET TANNERY--WANTED: Beef and horse hides--calf, sheep and dog skins. We will pay $1.00 for large calf skins free from cuts and damages; for small or damaged hides or skins according to the worth of them. We also want oil from bear, horse, wolf, dog, or from cattle feet. Pine or oak bark and Sumac wanted immediately. Let us have calf skins soon and you can wear summer boots and shoes of home manufacture.
Samuel Mulliner & Daniel Allen Jr.
East Temple Street op Reese's store
N.V. An apprentice wanted.
See Samuel Mulliner or Daniel Allen Jr.
It was while Daniel's family were still living at Big Cottonwood (now Murray) that Alma died, July 1850. They had been in the Valley only 10 months. Apparently it was while still living at Big Cottonwood that Daniel met Thomas Whiteley and his daughter, Sarah, for they had immigrated from England and lived in that area for the first while. Nothing is known of their romance, but they did marry in the Salt Lake Endowment House 2 July 1854. Sarah was a very petite young lady with an exceptionally beautiful singing voice. She sang much in the choir as well as solo and was much in demand for her lovely voice. She was 5 1/2 years younger than Louisa Jane, but 30 years younger than Daniel when they married, she as his plural wife, which was sanctioned at that time.
As Sarah was so petite, she appeared younger that her 20 years. When Dan sold out in Big Cottonwood and moved to the 12th ward in downtown Salt Lake, he got two homes, one for each wife.
(I neglected to say that Daniel had been kicked by a mule shortly after moving to the Cottonwood area and was laid up with a broken shoulder for over three months.)
After living in the 12th ward for a little over two years, Daniel was called to Sanpete. They lived in Manti for sometime. There Sarah's first child, Isaac Thomas was born, 4 August 1855. (He was named for her only brother and her father. Her brother had joined the English army and gone to South Africa, there he became the governor General of all South Africa.) Also at Manti, Louisa Jane gave birth to Lydia Euphemia on 1 Dec. 1855. They all lived in the Sanpete area for about two years, then once more Daniel received a call to move to Pleasant Grove. He sold out to Warren Snow and moved his families, built them each a home and intended to go into business, but decided to move to Provo, just a short distance, but larger and it appeared his business, was needed more, at least church officials thought so. Anyway he built in Provo, his homes were about where the Provo Post Office now stands. (The reader must remember that the reason for so many moves was that at that time there was few, if any who could do the tanning, making all the leather goods and set up a business as could Daniel, so his talents were much in demand.) He always taught some one who was willing to apprentice under him so they could take over the business when he was called to move to another area.) Daniel gave his whole life to service to the church and to the communities that he lived in. How faithfully he made life easier for others. He helped to make life more worth while to hundreds and thousands of people whose lives he touched during his many years.
During their stay in Provo, Harriet Amelia was born to Sarah 21 Nov. 1857 and Thurza Armelia born to Louisa Jane on 5 Jan. 1858. Note: these two girls were about 6 weeks apart and were just like twins most of their life. They were called "Hattie" and "Millie". At Provo Dan donated several hundred dollars to the Provo meeting house, and $50.00 on the school house. The church house still stands and has been remodeled and updated. The school house was torn down in 1983.
In the fall of 1862 Daniel received another call, this one to the Dixie Mission, or really, the Cotton Mission. Louisa now had 7 children and Sarah had 3. Dan decided to take Sarah and her children to Dixie first, then return for Louisa and her family later. Sarah was especially happy about this move, for it was the first time in her married life she had been alone with just her children and husband for any length of time. They had a lovely trip to St. George. They did stop over at some places on the way. Daniel stopped in Parowan long enough to get samples of wood for use as a tanning agent. He did this every place he went so to know the potentials of every area. The samples were sent to Salt Lake, so Church authorities would be aware of what to expect in various places.
They had a nice trip to St. George and found the weather still comfortably warm there. They planted a bit of garden, a few grape vines and fruit trees about the little one roomed cottage Daniel built. As soon as they were able they planted a small cotton patch. Seriously he searched for plants or trees with a good tanning agent in them, but was much disappointed for he found nothing really suitable. The ooze, the kanoga or anything else just wasn't what was usable. He returned to Provo to get his family and on the return trip, stopped overnight to rest at Parowan. While there, George A. Smith contacted him and told him he had received word from Church officials in Salt Lake to have Daniel stop at Parowan to build up a tanning business, because samples sent to Salt Lake were far superior to any found any other place. The tanning agent determined the quality of the finished article and much of the leather goods, harnesses, saddles, reigns and lines, etc.. used in those early days were made in the shops Daniel supervised or at least were repaired or replaced by ones he made.
Settled at Parowan
Daniel did stop at Parowan, bought two city lots and soon got Louisa Jane and her family settled and all running smoothly before he continued on to St. George to get Sarah and her family. Sarah loved St. George, her cotton, was so white and beautiful. She had her children pick out all the seeds while she corded it and prepared it for spinning. One day as she sat singing, cording and enjoying the fruits of her labors, a gust of wind came up and blew all the beautiful white cotton out the open door. She laid down her cording equipment, stopped singing and just cried. Her children, Isaac and Harriet said they had never heard their mother cry before in their life.
Back to Parowan
It was rather a hard blow for Sarah to leave the warmth and security of her little cottage in Dixie, where the "summer sun spends the winter", for Parowan, though only about 75 miles north-east, is many degrees colder, especially in winter. After getting both families settled, Daniel built a tannery over the creek and was soon in business. Soon he was put in as foreman of the tanning department of the Parowan United Manufacturing Institution (PUMI) which was a group of industries in one building. He still had his own tanning vats over the creek where he had men working for him for at Parowan he found the best tanning bark in the state so far. He developed a tanning process known as "The Allen Tan" which was used for as long as individual tanning was done. Eventually the manufacturing of goods became "big business" and was taken over by big manufacturing corporations, but that didn't happen during Daniel Allen's lifetime. He finally sold his plant to Ebeneezer Hanks and Daniel Page for $600.00, but continued working as the supervisor of the tanning division of the PUMI. He had been in business for one year with William H. Dame before he decided to sell out to the above named men.
This information was sent to me from my niece Kimberly Gibbons, February 2004
Copy from the International Society DAUGHTERS OF UTAH PIONEERS
Daniel and Louisa Berry Allen
"A Legacy of Allens take their Action"
compiled by Lyle Royce Allen and Debra Allen Young ..written June 2002
Descendants of their Forefathers
..a history of Daniel and Louisa Berry Allen
The greatness and richness of our ancestors through their trials, achievements, and fortitude has made our family personalities, behaviors, and attributes one of a kind. Through their faith and endurance we have become a family wrought with a strength that exceeds some of the most incredible people on this earth. Our ancestors achieved what most people in their life times have never thought of achieving and this has made us the people we are today.
The Allen's
Touched by the Mormon faith and the works of Joseph Smith, namely the Book of Mormon, they became members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, put their lives and those of their families in jeopardy to follow the church, traveling from England across the Atlantic Ocean, then across the plains. Once reaching the land of Zion they were directed by Brigham Young to traverse further south to spread the faith, set up communities and to prosper.
Daniel and Louisa Berry Allen were amongst those families traveling across the plains. They were joined in marriage June 22, 1847 at Winter Quarters, Nebraska. Daniel Allen was born in Whitestown, New York, December 9, 1804 and Louisa Berry was born December 1, 1828 in Lebanon, Tennessee.
As they traveled with the pioneers across the plains Daniel and Louisa had a daughter and son born to them in the years 1848 and 1849. But they didn't arrive in the valley until around 1850, and we can only speculate the reasons, maybe because of Louisa's pregnancies, illnesses, or the need for more money to continue on their journey. Once they arrived in Salt Lake they had two more boys born to them, then they moved to Pleasant Grove, Utah and there had a daughter in 1855.
Daniel and Louisa then moved to Provo where they had another daughter and son. They moved again and in 1862 another girl was born to them in Summit (Iron County). This was not to be their last move they would travel further south to Parowan, Utah where they would have three more children, two boys and a girl. One of those boys, Samuel Alonzo Allen, born January 13, 1865 would be the father of Paul Knowlton Allen. Daniel and Louisa moved their family to Escalante, Utah in 1881 when Samuel was 16 years old. Daniel and Louisa are both
buried there.
Daniel Allen Jr.
this is one of the last photos that was taken of him just before he died.
About Me
- Anavon Harris
- One of my favorite ways to blissfully indulge my afternoon is to spend it in the kitchen with my Hubby getting our hands dirty... We love to create, cook and enjoy!