Stephen Spicer

Notes:

ORDINANCE:
BAPTISM: Self, family records.
ENDOWED: Work instigated by Willet S & Sarah Spicer Harder.
SLD/PRNTS:
SLD/SPSE: Family records show this couple sealed 14 Jun 1933, SLAKE.

MARRIAGE: Stephen Spicer and Elizabeth Biddlecome 13 Apr 1831 married in the church, Portsea Parish, Southampton, Eng. Copy of record in poss of Harold K Speirs. p 30, #90. British Film #919750.

CENSUS: Extract Form 1861 from General Register Office, Somerset House, London lists Stephen Spicer, seaman, as head of household, Elizabeth Spicer, his wife, and two daughters, Elizabeth and Sarah, 29 & 21 years of age respectively. Form in poss of Harold K Speirs.

EMIGRATION: Stephen Spicer sailed on Belle Wood, 29 Apr 1865. Arrived in New York 31 May. Film #025692. Also Film #298442, Utah Immigration Card Index, crossed plains in Wm S S Willis company, arrived GSLC 29 Nov 1865.

Below is a letter written by William H. Shearman, the travel leader of the group Stephen Spicer came with to America. Although it doesn't mention Stephen personally, you will get a better understanding of his travel experience to America.

*Letter of William H. Shearman - May 30, 1865

Ship Belle Wood.
Presidents Wells and Young.

Dear Brethren,--After the departure of yourselves, and the elders who accompanied you, from your visit to our vessel in the Mersey, we all stood gazing after you, with emotions only known to Saints who have long enjoyed each other's society, until your forms were no longer distinguishable, when we turned our attention to the practical duties before us, and proceeded to get the luggage below, and all made secure for the night. We then held a council meeting, at which the ship was divided into nine wards, with the following elders as presidents:--1st Ward, Charles Carpenter; 2nd Ward, E.F. Bird; 3rd Ward, William Willes; 4th Ward, George Sims; 5th Ward, F.W. Cox and Henry Walters; 6th Ward, M.P. Romney; 7th Ward, G.W. Grant; 8th Ward, Alfred Lee; 9th Ward, Matthew Lyon. Elder Robert Pixton was also appointed captain of the guard and police, and Elder George Sims clerk. Most of the people were too sick to attempt to hold meetings the next day, and those who were well were busily occupied in ministering to the [p. 397] comfort of the rest. The number of aged, feeble and sick, rendered it necessary to appoint some persons whose special business it should be to attend to them. Accordingly, Elder William Willes and a Female Sanitary Committee, consisting of Sisters Cecilia Campbell, Maria Wixley and Eliseman Savage, were appointed to that important labor of love. This office they cheerfully accepted, and faithfully performed the onerous duties devolving upon them, dispensing sago, tapioca, arrowroot, hot tea, coffee, soup, boiled rice, and dried apple sauce, with other little luxuries, which were carefully prepared, and proved very grateful and nourishing to the invalids. By the kindness of Captain Freeman in permitting these nourishments to be prepared at his own galley, it enabled us to supply the sick with a little light refreshment at an earlier hour than could have been done at our own fire, which was a source of much comfort to many in a debilitated condition. The Saints are unanimous in their expressions of satisfaction and gratitude, for the liberal provision made by you for their comfort and health on the voyage. It was really amusing, if not interesting, to watch the variety and number of dishes sent to the galley, and many on board lived better than they had done for many years.

Sister Campbell and her associates were untiring in their exertions both day and night, to nourish and nurse the sick, and to the providence of the Lord, the ministrations of the elders and these careful attendants, including Elder William Willes, may be attributed the rapid recovery of many, and the general good health that has been enjoyed.

Elder Barfoot has proved himself invaluable, having been most efficient in the discharge of his duties as passenger steward, and both he and Elder Fowler merit the gratitude of the whole ship's company for their indefatigable labors. We would not omit to mention Dr. Fitzpatrick, who, by his gentlemanly, mild and obliging manners, and by his patient and constant attention to the sick, has proved himself a man eminently suited to the position.

To supply the Saints with regular meals, an organization of brethren for cooking was formed. Elders Shaw and Holt were appointed superintendents to preside alternately, and direct the labors of Brothers May, Wise, South, Richards and Bowen, who were very vigilant and patient in the discharge of their duties, supplying three good meals a day. The Saints were notified to prepare their dishes, which were brought to and taken from the galley, by brethren appointed for that purpose from each ward. The wards cooked in rotation, commencing with the 1st Ward one morning, and the 9th Ward the next. Water and provisions were served in the same order. This arrangement gave the middle wards about the same hour for cooking every day, and gave general satisfaction.

Our first Sunday meeting, May 7th, by the permission of the captain, was held on the quarter deck, where the mate, Mr. Graystone, had prepared a sort of pulpit by spreading the union jack on the harness cask, and had also arranged seats for the accommodation of the elders. The ship's bell was tolled for half an hour previous to each meeting. The captain, officers, and as many of the crew as could conveniently do so, favored us with their presence, and paid marked attention. It is but justice to the officers of the ship to state that, during every meeting which was held upon deck, they maintained the strictest order and decorum among the crew. The sacrament was administered, and addresses were given by several of the elders. The Spirit of the Lord was copiously poured out upon both speakers and hearers, and your presence was all that was lacking to make it equal to any conference that we have had the pleasure of attending in England. The speeches were powerful, animated and instructing, inspiring each heart to renewed diligence and faithfulness, and were very comforting to the afflicted. All the wards had meetings morning and evening, at which prayers were said, and instructing remarks made by their presidents, and frequent testimony meetings were held. The weather governed us in the choice of deck or steerage to hold our meetings [p.398] in . A council meeting was held daily at 3 p.m., to provide for any contingency that might arise, and to continue to arrange for order, comfort and cleanliness.

Brothers Fowler, Palmer and Stonehouse, were appointed a committee to make arrangements for social parties for the recreation of the Saints, at which well-selected pieces were recited, and anthems and songs, both spiritual and secular, were executed in a very creditable manner. A small brass band, assisted by one or two good violinists, also by a flute and clarinet, made sweet melody to beguile the leisure hours of our trip, and filled the air with pleasant strains of music. Among the amusements may be classed the publication of a paper, entitled the Bell Wood Gazette, elder George Sims, editor, in which daily appeared sundry communications from the different correspondents, telegrams from various parts of the world, poetical contributions, reports of the board of health, advertisements for matrimonial alliances, lost property, essays, editorial instructions, &c.

Union in good feeling, characterized the conduct of the Saints during the entire trip, and our hearts are thankful to him who rules on high, for the operations of his Holy Spirit, which produced these most desirable results.

We regret to have to inform you of three deaths that have occurred during the voyage. First, John Edwin Hefferan, of consumption, on May 16th, born Jan. 5, 1864, at Dinpore, Bengal, East Indies. Second, William James Hazell, of convulsions, on the 24th of May, born March 12, 1864, at London. Third, Ann Eyre, of general debility, brought on by dysentery, on the 28th instant, born in Eckington, Lincolnshire, in 1798. A few cases of measles have occurred, but which have all terminated favorably.

The pilot boarded us this afternoon, (May 30th,) and as we hope to anchor in New York Bay tomorrow, we are preparing our letters to send on shore by the captain.

We have had an exceedingly pleasant voyage thus far, having experienced very little rough weather, but considerable rain. Captain Freeman has been gentlemanly, courteous and patient in his intercourse with us, he proved himself a skillful and careful officer, expresses himself as highly pleased with his passengers, and very desirous of carrying our people in future.

We feel thankful to our Father in heaven for his protecting care which has been over us, and the many blessings we have enjoyed from his hands. We earnestly pray for a continuance of his goodness and protection during our further journeyings, and for the choicest blessing that accompany his Holy Spirit to rest upon you, and all the faithful elders and Saints over whom you preside. Your brethren in the gospel,

W. H. Shearman,C.B. Taylor,W. S. S. Willes.George Sims, Clerk. [p.399]

BIB: Shearman, W. H., et. al., [Letter], Latter-day Saints Millennial Star. 27:25 (June 24, 1865), pp. 397-99. (CHL)


CENSUS: 1870 Listed as living with daughter, Sarah Spicer Harder in Kamas.

Stephen married Elizabeth Biddlecomb 13 Apr 1831, Portsea, Hampshire, England, United Kingdom. Elizabeth (daughter of Job Biddlecomb and Sarah Ray) was born 10 Jan 1803, Southampton, Hampshire, England, United Kingdom; died 19 Jul 1864, Landport, Hampshire, England, United Kingdom; was buried , England, United Kingdom. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Baptism: 17 Feb 1934, Salt Lake City, Salt Lake, Utah, United States

Sarah married Willet Shave Harder 21 Nov 1863, Utah, United States. Willet (son of John Harder and Elizabeth Shave) was born , Landford Parish, Ringwood, Hampshire, England, United Kingdom; was christened 7 Jul 1822, Ringwood, Hampshire, England, United Kingdom; died 13 May 1902, Kamas, Summit, Utah, United States. [Group Sheet]

Pamilla married Alma Gilbert Anderson 30 Dec 1885, Kamas, Summit, Utah, United States. Alma (son of William A Anderson and Dorthy Erikson) was born 13 May 1863, Kamas, Summit, Utah, United States; died 22 Apr 1940, Lapoint, Uintah, Utah, United States; was buried , Maeser, Uintah, Utah, United States. [Group Sheet]

Elizabeth married Aaron Grant Carpenter 5 Jul 1893, Salt Lake, Utah, United States. Aaron (son of Johan Sincere Charpentier and Anna Catherine Wehrli) was born 30 Apr 1869, Summit, Utah; died 5 Apr 1927, Vernal, Uintah, Utah, United States. [Group Sheet]

Notes:

?? Line 465: (New PAF RIN=1970)
1 DEAT
2 DATE 19 OR 20 DEC 1868

Gilbert married Iva May Bills 14 Jun 1911, Vernal, Uintah, Utah, United States. Iva was born 9 Apr 1890, Maeser, Uintah, Utah, United States; died 9 May 1948. [Group Sheet]

Gilbert married Fern Carrall Miller 1 May 1950. Fern died 1 Aug 1961. [Group Sheet]

Leola married Kelsey Pearl Shoemaker 14 Aug 1924, Salt Lake City, Salt Lake, Utah, United States. Kelsey was born 4 Jun 1879, Roann, Wabash, Indiana, United States; died 13 Dec 1966. [Group Sheet]

Ruby married Iven George Ross 4 Nov 1921, Vernal, Uintah, Utah, United States. Iven was born 6 Aug 1900, Vernal, Uintah, Utah, United States; died 17 Jun 1982, Vernal, Uintah, Utah, United States. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Reference Number: 5QQ8-O2

Sarah married Jensen Duhn Christensen. Jensen was born 28 Dec 1900, Preston, Franklin, Idaho, United States; died Yes, date unknown. [Group Sheet]

Meda married Kenneth Speirs 9 Dec 1913, Vernal, Uintah, Utah, United States. Kenneth (son of Thomas Speirs and Clara May Young) was born 30 Sep 1892, Vernal, Uintah, Utah, United States; died 13 Jan 1980, Salt Lake City, Salt Lake, Utah, United States; was buried 16 Jan 1980, Vernal, Uintah, Utah, United States. [Group Sheet]

Mamie married Absalom H Price 24 Mar 1916, Vernal, Uintah, Utah, United States. Absalom was born 13 Feb 1894, Vernal, Uintah, Utah, United States; died 3 Nov 1975, Vernal, Uintah, Utah, United States; was buried 6 Nov 1975, Vernal, Uintah, Utah, United States. [Group Sheet]

Katharine married Morgan Merkley 4 Apr 1918, Vernal, Uintah, Utah, United States. Morgan was born 5 Apr 1898, Vernal, Uintah, Utah, United States; died 5 Aug 1989, Vernal, Uintah, Utah, United States; was buried 10 Aug 1989, Vernal, Uintah, Utah, United States. [Group Sheet]

Notes:

She had her name withdrawn from the records of the church in 1984. I knew
because I was serving in the California Fresno mission at the time and the
Bishop of the San Andreas ward, where her membership was, told me about it
and asked me to visit her. I did and she told me with the emphatic help
of her husband, John McDonald, that it was her decision and was what she
wanted to do.

Josephine married James Albert Dean 16 Aug 1918. [Group Sheet]

Josephine married Amasa Maxfield Aldrich 24 Oct 1925. [Group Sheet]

Josephine married John Henry McDonald 5 Apr 1959. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Reference Number: 5S71-TO

Willet married Ruth Mott 13 Jan 1930. Ruth was born 30 Nov 1899, Dexter, Cowley, Kansas, United States; died 24 Oct 1973, California, United States; was buried , Rose Hills Memorial Park, Whittier, Los Angeles, California, United States. [Group Sheet]

Willet married Eva Mae Greenameyer 10 Dec 1974, Denver, Denver, Colorado, United States. Eva (daughter of David Richard Greenameyer and Cora Jane Barber) was born 1 Aug 1902, Sloan, Woodbury, Iowa, United States; died 23 Sep 1996, Salt Lake City, Salt Lake, Utah, United States. [Group Sheet]

Vera married Truman O Miller 26 Nov 1926, Vernal, Uintah, Utah, United States. Truman was born 13 May 1904, Vernal, Uintah, Utah, United States; died 1 Dec 1979, Jerome, Jerome, Idaho, United States; was buried , Jerome, Jerome, Idaho, United States. [Group Sheet]

Notes:

ORDINANCE:
BAPTISM: Self, family records.
ENDOWED:
SLD/PRTS:
SLD/SPSE:

Records maintained by family handed down to Harold K Speirs.

Grant married Myrle Williamson 16 Nov 1934. [Group Sheet]