George Felt Sr. Family Group Record

George Felt Bequeaths his Descendants Not Land, but a Better Life in the New World

George Felt 1609-1693

George Felt appeared before the City Council of Malden, Massachusetts again to ask for financial help.  It was terribly demeaning for him to have to ask for help, especially after he had been so wealthy years before.  But he and his wife were old and feeble.  And they had lost everything.  Now they were grateful to get any help from any source. 

George Felt (or Felch as he wrote it sometimes) had been born in Bedfordshire, England, probably in a little area called Leighton around 1609.  He came to America around 1629 to Charlestown, right when Charlestown was incorporated into a city.  Every settler was given a two-acre plot of land, and George was no different.  He settled into his plot, which was just south of ‘Mill hill’ and butted on the south by the Charles river.  He built a house and planted a garden, and looked for someone with which to share his life.  George married Elizabeth Wilkinson in 1630, perhaps in the newly organized First Church of Charleston.  Elizabeth had just arrived from Bedfordshire herself.  They began welcoming children into their family.

George worked as a Mason, but knew that he’d be wise to invest in land.  Charlestown city encompassed a large territory then, including what is now Woburn, Burlington, Stoneham, Malden, Somerville and parts of Reading, Medford, Cambridge and Arlington.  George set out to acquire land in Charleston.  By 1638, he owned parcels in Everett, Malden and Woburn.  A few years later (1640), George bought 300 acres at Broad Cove in Casco Bay, Maine. 

George and Elizabeth moved to their land in Maine in 1643, after George repurchased the land upon hearing that the title to it was weak.  Starting over in the wilderness was hard work, and the Indians were a constant threat to their safety.  George built a stone house there and the family struggled to survive.  His efforts to pioneer the area established the community of North Yarmouth, prompting one to write, “The advent of George Felt in Broad Cove may be said to be the birthday of North Yarmouth.”  After a few years, they moved back to their land in Malden, just as Malden was being incorporated into a city in 1649. 

While in Malden, George began selling his properties in the area.  He was intent on moving back to Casco Bay in Maine to stay.  He bought land in Casco Bay while selling land in the Charlestown area until 1664.  The family moved back to Casco Bay in 1667 onto a lot of 2000 acres George had his eye on.  After living there and improving the lot, they bought that lot for 60 pounds.  When all was finished, George finally owned 2300 acres of land in Maine in 1670.  George and Elizabeth’s kids were all grown and getting married, some settling in nearby.

This plan of resettlement in Casco Bay at North Yarmouth was foiled by two events—first, the outbreak of Indian wars and second, the theft of his lands in Casco Bay.  In 1675, George and his family fled from North Yarmouth when King Philips War broke out (during which the Indians killed their son George Jr.) The townsfolk returned, only to be driven from town again in 1678 when the Narragansett Indians came through North Yarmouth.  Peace was restored and George and Elizabeth and their extended family returned to begin again. 

In 1684, a developer named Walter Glendall claimed to own all of George Felt’s 2000 acres in Casco Bay.  He had purchased 100 acres from George a few years earlier and had moved to the area.  Glendall had bought more land, built a sawmill, became a leading citizen and a man of means.  He was appointed a trustee to lay out the new town.  Remembering George Felt’s 2000 acres, he laid out the new city within those borders by claiming a defect in the title.  He sold George’s land piecemeal among newcomers to the city at a profit. 

A historian wrote, “I cannot close this sketch without a passing notice of one of the most glaring bits of injustice ever perpetrated by the cupidity of men.  This was the course pursued by the new comers, by which the venerable George Felt was despoiled of the labors of a lifetime, and deprived of the large tract purchased by him.  Instead of his right to his 2,000 acres, a petty sop of a few small lots was finally, after long importunity, thrown to his hers, instead of their rightful inheritance.  But then one man was poor and old; the other was rich and influential [Walter Glendall.]”[1] 

In a petition for help in 1688, George begs the city of Mauldin for help in supporting him while he continued to fight this land grab.  In it, he testified, “Sometime after the late Indian War it was withheld from me by some of the inhabitants of the town of Casco Bay and being by the war much impoverished I could not recover it out of their hands.  I am now forced to suffer for want of convenient care taken of me in my present distress being about eighty and seven years old and very crazy and weak.”  George sold the last 300 acres of land he owned in Casco Bay to his son and grandson for something to live on. 

In an ironic twist, George and Elizabeth, once wealthy and respected, became the first citizens of the city of Mauldin to receive town aid, which they received until their deaths.  In another ironic twist, in 1688 the town of North Yarmouth was utterly destroyed by King William’s war.  The inhabitants or their heirs didn’t venture back to reclaim their lands for 25 years. 

George Felt set out for America as a young man to make a new life for himself.  As he established himself as a Mason and then as a husband and father, he began to realize his dream of success in the New World.  Acquiring land made him a wealthy man, which wealth he intended to pass on to his posterity.  Although he was unable to bequeath much land to his descendants due to the theft of his property, he still gave them a strong toe-hold in their new homeland and an honorable name.  It wasn’t what George intended, but good enough for his grateful heirs.

Sources:

Banks, Charles Edward.  The Winthrop Fleet of 1640; An account of the Vesselseake, Robert Fien English Homes from Original Authorities.

McCullough, Sylvia.  “Life History of George Felt (1601-1693) 1628-1693, Massachussetts and Maine” 10 June 2007, Ancestry.com.

Morris, John E.  The Felt Genealogy; A Record of the Descendants of George Felt of Casco Bay.  Hartford, Connecticut, 1893.

Noyes, Sybil; Charles Thornton Libby; Walter Goodwin Bates.  Genealogical Dictionary of Maine and New Hampshire Baltimore, Genealogical Publishing Co, Inc.  1979, pp. 228-229.

Pope, Charles Henry.  The Pioneers of Massachusetts (1620-1650) 1900, p. 163.  Republished 1998 Genealogical Publishing Company. 

---

[1] Mr. Sargeant, as quoted in Felt  Genealogy.

Zachariah Hardy's Family Group Record

Zachariah Hardy Gave His Life for His Friends

Zachariah Hardy

1799-1846

Zachariah Hardy felt the chill that cold and icy night in February, 1846.  He was ferrying the fleeing members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to safety across the icy Mississippi river.  The flat boats took skill to maneuver, especially in this terrible ice storm.  Zachariah possessed the skills necessary to do this difficult work.     

Zachariah was born in Belfast, Maine in 1799 into a long history of seafaring men. He was the oldest of 4 children. His father, Joseph Hardy Jr., was a sea captain in a large fishing and trading vessel that traded primarily between New York and Maine. Joseph Jr. also built ships, teaching his sons the carpentry and seamanship trades. As a boy, Zachariah watched the fishermen sail out into the sea and return with the catch of fish, the fishermen’s food staple. Their tales of adventure fascinated him. Zachariah eventually became the captain of a large boat, just like his father.

Life seemed beautiful, especially after Zachariah married Eliza Philbrook in 1822. Then their life was turned upside down by the arrival of Elder William Hyde in August 1840 in Maine. Elder Hyde taught and baptized the whole Hardy clan in Searsport, Maine. Early the next year, they left their farms and comfortable homes to join a group of converts gathering in Nauvoo. They sold most of their possessions and used money inherited from Zachariah’s grandfather’s recent death to make the trip. Three generations left for Nauvoo: Zachariah’s parents, their children and spouses, and their families, including several small children. The journey took a long time because of Zachariah’s parents’ poor health.

When they finally arrived in Nauvoo in 1841, the first person to greet them was the Prophet Joseph Smith. Zachariah was chosen to be a body guard for the Prophet shortly after they arrived, a position he held gratefully until the Prophet’s death. They settled in La Harp, Illinois, an area bordering the city of Nauvoo and also bought land up on the hill near Nauvoo.

This was a happy time for the whole family as they helped build Nauvoo into a beautiful city. The saints knew the city of Nauvoo would be complete when they finished the temple of God. Persecution against the saints intensified, and the Hardys, along with the body of the saints, mourned when the Prophet Joseph Smith was martyred. It is said that Zachariah was one of the first to arrive in Carthage when word of his death reached the saints in Nauvoo. When the Nauvoo temple was completed, Zachariah and his wife Eliza were among the saints who received their endowments and had their marriage sealed for time and for all eternity. This strengthened him and Eliza for what lay ahead.

Brigham Young, now leader of the saints in Nauvoo, asked Zachariah to be one of the first to leave Nauvoo with the advance parties heading west. Zachariah’s duty would be to help build bridges and rafts along the way, as rivers would be swollen in spring along what would become the Mormon Trail. But, because of his seamanship skills, Brigham Young later asked Zachariah to stay and run the ferry across the river. This was a relief to the family, especially Zachariah’s wife, who gave birth to Mary Ann Hardy on February 8th, 1846. The couple rejoiced in the fact that this child was born sealed to them for time and all eternity.

It must have been hard for Zachariah to watch the saints lined up along Parley Street, waiting to be ferried across as early as February 4th, knowing that they needed his help, but his wife needed him first. Now that Mary Ann had safely arrived, on February 9th, 1846 Zachariah took up his post on the ferry, beginning what would become three days of constant ferrying. He was never relieved of his duty. The chilly winds of winter were terrifying, but Zachariah never wavered from his task. Halting only long enough to comb the ice out of his hair and beard he worked until all that were ready, including his own family, were ferried safely across the river.

On February 11th, a terrible storm arose, taxing what remained of Zachariah’s strength. When his ferry didn’t return from one of its trips, the saints grew worried and sent a rescue party onto the river, who found him lying on the ferry, feverish and frozen to the deck. His hair and beard had to be cut from the ferry floor before they could carry him to his family. They laid him in the wagon box at the side of the Mississippi river near Montrose, Iowa, where his family was staying under the canvas until they could move further west. Zachariah died of pneumonia two days later, on February 13, 1846. He was only 47 years old. His brothers quietly buried Zachariah back in Nauvoo under the cover of darkness the next night, as the mobs were still terrorizing the city. Fortunately for the rest of the travelers leaving Nauvoo, the river froze over on February 14th, allowing them to cross the river on firm ice.

Although a man of the Maine sea, Zachariah returned to the rough waters of the stormy Mississippi to help the saints find safety from the mobs in Nauvoo. Others might have lacked the courage to take on such a task, or given up when exhaustion came, but Zachariah was willing to serve until all readied wagons had been safely ferried to the other side.  This led to such exhaustion that he gave his life in the process. The Savior taught in John 15:13, “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.”

Sources:

__________, "History of Zachariah Hardy and wife.  Hardy or Hardie." Nauvoo Ancestors Land and Records, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Record #14453, pgs. 16-17.
__________, "Zachariah Hardy's History" Nauvoo Ancestors Land and Records, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Record #14453, pgs. 13-15.

Charlene Stoddard Buchmiller, "History of Zachariah Hardy , His Wife Eliza Philbrook" Nauvoo Ancestors Land and Records, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, File folder, pgs. 16-17.

Melis, Arlene Ellis, "Life Story of Ezekial Wells Cheney and Lucy Elizada Hardy Cheney" found on June 6, 2012 at http://tthompsonmedia.com/cheney/getperson.php?personID=I00627&tree=Cheney

Smith, Linda, "Zachariah Hardy Biography" Linda's Hardy Ancestors and Cousins webpage, found on June 6, 2012 at http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~smithhouse/andergen/hardyfam/aqwn04.htm


Wadsworth, Martha Ann Hardy, "A brief Sketch of Hardy History" L. Tom Perry Special Collections; 20th Century Western & Mormon Manuscripts; 1130 Harold B. Lee Library; Brigham Young University; Provo, Utah 84606; http://sc.lib.byu.edu/; found on June 6, 2012 at http://findingaid.lib.byu.edu/viewItem/MSS%20SC%20185

Wadsworth, Martha Ann Hardy, "Biography of Eliza Ann Hardy Wadsworth" in Abiah Wadsworth:  His Wives and Family, 1810-1979.  1979, pages 32-36.

Eliza Philbrook Hardy Made it to the Land of Promise

 
Eliza Philbrook Hardy

1807-1881

What is this song? It played out in her mind again, all seventeen beautiful verses, clearly and brightly. It was the song she heard when she had that dream the other night. She sang it aloud again, for her children. It was her personal testimony that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was true and she would never forget it.

When Elder William Hyde came to Maine teaching of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ, Eliza just couldn’t believe it. Her husband, Zachariah, didn’t have any trouble believing the missionaries that came preaching this new doctrine. But Eliza was a staunch Methodist, and it just didn’t fit in with her current beliefs.

Then Elder Hyde had left the Book of Mormon with her to keep while he visited the next town. He had said, “Now I don’t want you to read this. Just keep it for me until I get back.” And that was enough to get her curiosity going. All other attempts to encourage her to read it had failed. She proceeded to read it to find out why he wouldn’t want her to read it. She was fascinated by what she read and the more she read, the more interested she became until she was completely convinced of its sincerity and truth. That was when she had the dream.

In the dream, she saw the saints in their Temple white clothing with Joseph Smith. A song came into her mind so clearly that she knew all seventeen verses by heart until the day she died in her seventies. After this manifestation, she was convinced that Joseph Smith was a Prophet of God and that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was true. She and her husband Zachariah were baptized in August 1840.

Eliza and Zachariah made preparations to gather with the body of the saints in Nauvoo, selling their possessions to pay for their provisions. They left their home and Zachariah’s business behind and journeyed from early 1841 over mountains and rivers until they arrived in Nauvoo in October 1841. They settled in a little cottage and began to take part in the building up of Nauvoo and the construction of the temple. Eliza was a skilled knitter and seamstress, and she made clothing for Joseph Smith’s family. They became good friends of Emma and Joseph Smith. Nauvoo was thriving and life was good.

All was not perfect, though. There were always those in opposition to the growth of the church. Over time, persecution against the saints built higher and higher until the biggest shock came: their dear friend the Prophet Joseph Smith was martyred! Although sad and confused, the saints felt very thankful to the Lord for the inspiration given to Brigham Young to lead them to a place of safety and freedom in the west, away from all the persecution. Just as the temple was being completed, the saints were preparing to leave Nauvoo. Eliza rejoiced when she and Zachariah were invited to receive their own endowments in the temple and be sealed for time and eternity together on January 31, 1846.

Eliza’s faith would be further tried when Zachariah was asked to ferry the saints across the cold Mississippi river to safety on Iowa’s shores in February 1846. Eliza was in her 10th pregnancy, expecting her 7th living child. She knew full well how skilled Zachariah was at navigating rough waters, but it worried her that he’d be responsible for so many to cross. She could only hope and pray that he’d be protected for doing such a noble work.

A beautiful little daughter was born to Eliza and Zachariah Hardy on February 8th, 1846. As Zachariah left the next morning to begin ferrying the saints to safety, he hugged his wife and little baby Mary Ann goodbye, hoping to see them again soon. It was not to be. Zachariah ferried the saints for 3 solid days without relief, catching cold and pneumonia, collapsing and freezing to the deck of the ferry. He died two days later in the wagon box on the Iowa side of the river, in Eliza’s loving arms.

What was Eliza to do? In the cold of winter, with only a wagon box and canvas cover for shelter on the banks of the snowy Mississippi river, without food or support. Emma Smith, the widow of Joseph Smith, took the grieving family into her home and nourished them. Emma knew too well the grief Eliza was feeling and her tender heart ached for her friend. Eliza and her children remained with Emma for several months, until Eliza was able to travel.

When it came time to them to leave, Emma made Eliza an offer: If Eliza would give up going west and remain with her, Emma would continue to share her home and all of her possessions with Eliza and also help pay for her children’s education. Eliza knew she couldn’t accept this kind offer, no matter how tempting it was. Eliza graciously thanked sweet Emma for her kindness. Indeed, Emma’s help probably saved her life and the life of her baby Mary Ann. However much this offer appealed to her, Eliza wanted to remain with the saints. She sold her belongings to a Mr. Abbott for $400 and secured a team, wagon, and enough provisions to make the journey to Utah.

Eliza left with her brothers-in-law Lewis Hardy, Joseph Hardy, and Abiah Wadsworth and their families, settling in a camp of Nauvoo refugees about 50 miles away called Salem, Iowa. They stayed there until spring 1847 when they moved to Council Bluffs. There they gathered supplies and prepared to trek to Salt Lake City and again join with the main body of Saints. Leaving on May 10, 1851, they journeyed with the Captain Day Company to the Salt Lake valley. Her granddaughter explained, “It was a long and tiresome trip and Eliza was often so tired and footsore at night that sleep was quite impossible. But she was never heard to complain at her sad lot but was always ready with a smile and cheering kindly words for those around her.” They reached the Salt Lake Valley on September 18, 1851 when Eliza was 44 years old.

After resting in Salt Lake one day, Brigham Young asked them to colonize Uintah, or East Weber, Utah. This took three more days of travel for the weary group, but they went on rejoicing. This little band stayed together in this struggling wilderness colony for several years. Eliza knitted and sold clothing to help support the family. Her son Elisha went to California where he worked for 7 years and sent her all of his earnings. And Eliza also worked as a midwife whenever possible. They endured Indian skirmishes and hunger until they finally settled in Morgan, Utah in 1860. Here Eliza lived in her piece of Zion, happy to be part of this great latter day gathering of saints.

Finally, the words to the song that Eliza had heard in that dream had seen fruition. For many years, Eliza sang the words to her children and grandchildren. The only lines that remain tell of her life’s journey, saying,

“My son, Joseph, he shall lead you, through a long and promised land, and lead you out of Babylon…”

Eliza knew that the gospel was true and was committed to make it to the Promised Land. In spite of losing her husband tragically, leaving her with an infant and several other young children, Eliza pressed onward. She was tempted to stay with Emma Smith, in very comfortable circumstances, but Eliza pressed onward to the west with the Saints. Eliza not only reached Utah, but she continued to follow the direction of the prophet and colonized a wilderness. She raised her children in the gospel and stayed true to the faith until she died on January 5th, 1881. Her granddaughter wrote, “She died as she had lived, a true latter-day saint, and a kind and loving mother and friend. It was often said of her that she would forget her own grief and troubles in administering to the needs of those around her. She worked hard to support her family which she did with the help of her kind friends and her older children. It was said of her, ‘those who knew her best, loved her most.’

Sources:

__________, "History of Zachariah Hardy and wife.  Hardy or Hardie." Nauvoo Ancestors Land and Records, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Record #14453, pgs. 16-17.
__________, "Zachariah Hardy's History" Nauvoo Ancestors Land and Records, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Record #14453, pgs. 13-15.

Charlene Stoddard Buchmiller, "History of Zachariah Hardy , His Wife Eliza Philbrook" Nauvoo Ancestors Land and Records, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, File folder, pgs. 16-17.

Melis, Arlene Ellis, "Life Story of Ezekial Wells Cheney and Lucy Elizada Hardy Cheney" found on June 6, 2012 at http://tthompsonmedia.com/cheney/getperson.php?personID=I00627&tree=Cheney

Smith, Linda, "Zachariah Hardy Biography" Linda's Hardy Ancestors and Cousins webpage, found on June 6, 2012 at http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~smithhouse/andergen/hardyfam/aqwn04.htm


Wadsworth, Martha Ann Hardy, "A brief Sketch of Hardy History" L. Tom Perry Special Collections; 20th Century Western & Mormon Manuscripts; 1130 Harold B. Lee Library; Brigham Young University; Provo, Utah 84606; http://sc.lib.byu.edu/; found on June 6, 2012 at http://findingaid.lib.byu.edu/viewItem/MSS%20SC%20185

Wadsworth, Martha Ann Hardy, "Biography of Eliza Ann Hardy Wadsworth" in Abiah Wadsworth:  His Wives and Family, 1810-1979.  1979, pages 32-36.

Alexander Neibaur Trusted in the God of Abraham

Alexander Neibaur

1808-1876

What would it be like to take part in the fulfillment of a prophecy of God?  A prophecy that was given thousands of years before your birth?  An ancient Prophet Nephi recorded the following vision contained in the Book of Mormon:

“And it shall come to pass that the Jews shall have the words of the Nephites (the Book of Mormon), and the Nephites shall have the words of the Jews (the Bible); And it shall come to pass that the Jews which are scattered also shall begin to believe in Christ; and they shall begin to gather in upon the face of the land; and as many as shall believe in Christ shall become a delightsome people.”  (1 Nephi 29:13; 2 Nephi 30:7)

Alexander Neibaur was born into a wealthy Jewish family in what was then France on January 8, 1808.  Living on the border with France and Germany, and being raised in a devout Jewish family, Alexander learned the German and Hebrew languages.  His father wanted him to be a Rabbi, and he sent Alexander to a school where he studied the Talmud and learned the Jewish faith.  Unsatisfied after a few years, he left that school and went to Dental school.  After graduation, he set up a Dental practice in Preston, England. There in England, he converted to Christianity.  Alexander met a remarkable woman named Ellen Breakell, who would become Mrs. Neibaur.   They lived prosperously and happily, all except for those visions and dreams that troubled Alexander.  He’d seen a strange book, a beautiful building that he wanted to enter, and many other things in vision.

Meanwhile, a boat had docked in Preston, England, with four Elders of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints onboard, the first missionaries to land on British soil.  Heber C Kimball, Willard Richards, Orson Hyde and Joseph Fielding began preaching near the Neibaur home on July 30, 1837. 

Ellen was out scrubbing her front steps early one morning when a neighbor hailed her. 

               “Have you seen the new ministers from America?”

               “No,” answered Ellen, not looking up.

               “Well,” said the neighbor sarcastically, “They claim to have seen an angel.”

               “What?” rang out an abrupt voice from the house as Alexander poked his head out a window. 

               The information was repeated for him, and hurriedly dressing, Alexander dashed out the door.  He got the address of where they were preaching and within the hour, he was with the four Elders, deep in conversation.  He peppered them with questions.  The first was, “Do you have a book?”  He wanted that book from his night visions in his hands.  If they had the book, this was all true!   One of the Elders held out a small, tan colored book.  “That’s the book!” he exclaimed.  It was the first edition of the Book of Mormon.

Taking the book home, he read it through in three days.  He couldn’t eat or sleep until he had devoured the whole of it.  Alexander had received the ‘words of the Nephites’ and begun ‘to believe in Christ.’  The Elders were stunned when he returned the book to them a few days later and demanded to be baptized.  They asked him to wait until spring, when they said he’d be ready. 

He spent that wait helping Ellen embrace the restored gospel, reading the Book of Mormon aloud to her daily until she understood it fully.  She had her own confirmation of its truthfulness and both were baptized on 9 April 1838.  He was the first male Jewish convert to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  

Their conversion caused a stir among their friends and acquaintances.  Their friends thought they were ruining their lives and tried hard to keep them from joining this strange church.  Alexander would say to them, “My trust is in the God of Abraham.”  

Within a year or two, they wanted to ‘gather in’ with the body of the Saints that were gathering in Nauvoo, Illinois in the United States of America.  Leaving a prosperous dental practice, a comfortable home, and their families took a lot of faith.  Additionally, Ellen was expecting a baby in a few months, and their 3 other children were so small.  The trip would be very dangerous, crossing the sea in a frail ship, they had to trust in the ‘God of Abraham’ a great deal.

They boarded the ship 'Sheffield' on February 7, 1841 with the first group of converts from England, heading ultimately for Nauvoo.  On board were Elders Brigham Young, John Taylor and Willard Richards, who had been serving as missionaries there.  Alexander kept a careful journal of the daily activities on board, noting the storms, difficulties and incidents of the trip.  It was hard for Ellen; expecting a baby, she was so seasick she never went to the top level of the ship.  

It took 71 days and 4 different boats to get the Neibaur family to Nauvoo.  Now they were in the body of the Saints of God, part of God’s kingdom at last.  Indeed, Alexander Neibaur’s family was the first of the Jews of which Nephi prophesied, to gather to Zion.  There he became acquainted with Joseph Smith, whom he taught the Hebrew and German languages.  When the young prophet Joseph shared his first vision with Alexander, he recorded the account in his journal.  Alexander's account is one of only a handful of contemporary accounts of the first vision.  In joy, Alexander penned a verse that later became a hymn of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  

Come, thou glorious day of promise;

Come and spread thy cheerful ray

When the scattered sheep of Israel

Shall no longer go astray;

When Hosannas with united voice they’ll cry.

Lord, how long wilt thou be angry? 

Shall they wrath forever burn”

Rise, redeem thine ancient people;

Their transgressions from them turn;

King of Israel, Come and set thy people free.

Oh, that soon thou wouldst to Jacob

Thy enlivening Spirit send!

Of their unbelief and misery,

Make, O Lord, a speedy end.

Lord, Messiah!  Prince of Peace o’er Israel Reign.  (Hymns p. 50)

Alexander and Ellen stayed with the body of the saints for the rest of their lives.  After a few years in Nauvoo, where Alexander opened up a dental office in Brigham Young’s front parlor, When Joseph Smith's teeth were knocked out in his encounters with mobs, Alexander tended Joseph's teeth.  Finally, the Saints were expelled from their beautiful homes in Nauvoo.  The extreme tribulations they suffered in Iowa, Winter Quarters, then along the pioneer trail didn’t deter the Neibaur family.  They went with the Saints to Utah with the Pioneers of 1848, arriving in Salt Lake in September 24^th, 1848 with Brigham Young’s company.  Dr. Neibaur was the first dentist in Utah, where the family lived in a tent for several months over the winter, a sharp contrast from the comfortable home they enjoyed in England.    

Alexander and Ellen Neibaur made many sacrifices to embrace the Gospel of Jesus Christ as restored to the Prophet Joseph Smith.  Indeed Alexander Neibaur led the way for many others of the house of Israel to follow, and fulfill Nephi’s prophecy.

As a final testimony to his posterity, Alexander wrote, “I do not pen these lines, but for the gratification of my posterity.  Bearing to them, and unto all who may read these few lines, my testimony, that Joseph Smith was a Prophet of the Lord.  The things spoken of in the Bible, Book of Mormon, sealed with the blood of the martyrs at Carthage jail, Illinois are true.  My prayer is that my posterity might walk in the way of righteousness.  Amen.”  (Written at Salt Lake City on March 1876)

Alexander Neibaur was guided by God to find the truth he sought.  He was open to the inspiration he received and acted upon it.  Embracing the truth separated him from his previous family, friends and business associates, but opened up new friendships and family relationships that now extend into eternity.  More importantly, it changed his family's lives forever.  As a descendant of Alexander and Ellen Neibaur, we are the grateful recipients of this heritage.

Disclaimer:  This was written in good faith using available resources at the time of writing.  Author is solely responsible for content.

Works Cited

Backman, Milton V. Jr. Eyewitness Accounts of the Restoration. Orem, Utah: Grandin Book Co., 1983.

Bassett, Theda. Grandpa Neibaur was a Pioneer. Salt Lake City: Artistic Printing, 1988.

Bohi, Mrs. Mazie. "Pioneer Dentists and Druggists." Carter, Kate B. Treasures of Pioneer History, Volume 4. Salt Lake City: Daughters of Utah Pioneers, 1956. 76-78.

Carpenter, Ellen Wilde. The Story of Ellen Breakel Neibaur. 17 July 2011 <http://www.neibaur.org/journals/ellen.htm>.

Carter, Kate. "The Jews in Early Utah, Alexander Neibaur, The Mormon." Carter, Kate. Treasures of Pioneer History. Salt Lake City, Utah: Daughters of Utah Pioneers, 1952. 333-340.

Hayward, C. Lynn. Notes from the Life of Alexander Neibaur. 30 Jan 2009 <http://www.neibaur.org/journals/alexnotes.htm>.

Neibaur, Alexander. Diary of Alexander Neibaur. 17 July 2011 <http://www.neibaur.org/journals/alex.html>.

Odgen, D. Kelly. "Two from Judah Minister to Joseph." Porter, Larry C. Regional Studies in LDS History: Illinois. Provo, Utah: Brigham Young University Religious Studies Center, 1995. 232-237.

Woods, Fred E. "A Mormon and Still a Jew: The Life of Alexander Neibaur." Mormon Historical Studies Volume 7 No. 1-2 Spring/Fall 2006: 24.

Ellen Breakell Neibaur's Precious Shoes

Ellen Breakell Neibaur

1811-1870

By Stephanie Johnson

Ellen watched her husband pore over the book. Ever since they had heard from a neighbor that there were some new missionaries from America in town, all he had done was read the Book of Mormon.  It was published by the newly formed Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  Over the next few weeks, Alexander patiently read to Ellen from the Book of Mormon for hours every night. By the time they came to the end, Ellen had come to admire the book and enjoy listening to it, but she wasn’t impressed.  One night, though, she had a dream which convinced her of the truth of the restored gospel. She was baptized soon after.

Ellen Breakell was born February 28, 1811, in Preston, England to Richard and Alice Breakell. She married Alexander Neibaur on September 16, 1833. By the time they heard of the missionaries in 1837, they had two children, Joseph and Margaret. They were very comfortable with Alexander working in town as a dentist.

On February 5, 1841, with four kids in tow and another baby on the way, they left Ellen’s childhood town and started out for the gathering place of the saints. They were greeted in Nauvoo by Heber C. Kimball and Willard Richards, the missionaries who had baptized them in England. Over the next few years, they welcomed two more children into their family, Alexander received the priesthood and was ordained a seventy.  And the couple received their endowments and were sealed together for time and all eternity in the Nauvoo Temple.

The happiness and prosperity of Nauvoo was not to last. In the end, the persecution and hard times caught up with them. It was doubly hard with the martyrdom of Joseph and Hyrum, as their families had all become good friends. Although most of the saints left Nauvoo in February 1846, the Neibaurs stayed in Nauvoo through the summer.  Ellen was expecting another baby and this time was in no condition to travel.  After delivering a healthy baby girl, Leah, on August 29, 1946, they prepared to leave. Ten days later the family, comprised of six children and a newborn, walked away from their home in Nauvoo. 

Ellen soon became sick as they arrived in Winter Quarters.  A kind church member cared for Ellen, putting her to bed and caring for her baby until Ellen was well enough to care for her family.  This care lasted for several weeks.  Ellen was so grateful for the help she received. 

They camped in Winter Quarters until they could gather supplies to travel westward, which took over a year.  When they were ready, they joined the Brigham Young company and began their trek on June 4, 1848 across the plains.  Crossing the plains, Ellen now found herself with more to do than ever before. Ellen carried the new and oftentimes sick baby in one arm and drove the lead cows with the other.  She milked the cows and took care of the chores when the company camped at night.  Walking several thousand miles ruined Ellen’s shoes.  By the end of the journey, Ellen had discarded her shoes and was wrapping her sore feet in rags. 

It was a great sight for them when they finally reached the valley on September 20, 1848. They set up house in a tent and Alexander began to practice dentistry again, becoming the first dentist in Utah.  Many of his patients paid in goods at first, but eventually Alexander began to bring in money.  When he had saved up a little money, Alexander gave Ellen a beautiful new pair of shoes.  For the next few days, Ellen could be found madly knitting a beautiful pair of socks to go with the wonderful pair of shoes. Finally she could remove the rags from her feet.

One morning, soon after she finished making her socks, a collector came by the Neibaurs’ house to find Ellen in her new socks and shoes.  A new company of pioneers were coming into town and the collectors were gathering supplies for the refugees.  Alexander told the men they had nothing to spare, but Ellen interrupted and asked them to wait a moment.  She took off her new socks and shoes and handed them to the collector.  She wrapped her own feet in rags once more.  It had been hard for her to give up her shoes, but she remembered the kindness offered to her and her family once they reached the Salt Lake Valley and in Winter Quarters, and all along the way. 

When the next company of Mormon immigrants arrived, the people of Salt Lake came out to greet them.  Ellen was overjoyed to see one of her old friends from England among the Saints.  Looking down, Ellen noticed that her good friend was wearing the very shoes and stockings she had donated a few weeks before. Her sacrifice had become a great blessing to not just any newcomer, but to a dear friend. 

Works Cited:

Bassett, Theda. Grandpa Neibaur was a Pioneer. Salt Lake City: Artistic Printing, 1988.

Carpenter, Ellen Wilde. The Story of Ellen Breakel Neibaur. 17 July 2011 <http://www.neibaur.org/journals/ellen.htm>.

Story written in good faith using the available resources.

The comprehensive biography by Ellen W. Carpenter is excellent! 

Nathan Neibaur's Strength of Character

Joseph Nathan Neibaur

~1780-after 1859

We don't know much about Alexander Neibaur's father, but what we do know shows a strong character and unweilding will.  His greatest hour is when he stood up to Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte. 

Nathan Neibaur was a prosperous Jew.  He spoke several languages and was trained as a physician and surgeon.  Nathan Neibaur and his wife Rebecca were living within the walls of the fortress Ehrenbreitstein when their son Alexander was born in 1808.  This fort was built on the Rhine river, and at various times throughout early history, was claimed as part of France and Prussia.  Today it's part of the city of Koblentz, Germany. 

Nathan served in the French army as physician and surgeon (some say for a time as Napoleon's personal physician), but his greatest service was to Napoleon Bonaparte as a linguist and interpreter.  Years later, when Napoleon's tattered regime began to falter, the great Emperor came back to the fortress at Ehrenbreitstein and approached his old friend, Nathan Neibaur.  He offered him large sums of money and other perks to come out of retirement and work for him again.  This time as a spy. 

Nathan would not entertain the offer.  He had become opposed to Napoleon's principles and plans.  He wouldn't serve a leader with whom he didn't agree.  Napoleon could conquer most of Europe, but not the determined mind of Nathan Neibaur.

Nathan Neibaur, our Jewish Grandfather, passed on this determination and integrity to his son Alexander.  After careful study, Alexander embraced Christianity, then Mormonism as he determined they were right, without regard to pressure from others.  Hopefully we can also claim these strong character traits as Nathan Neibaurs' posterity.

Disclaimer:  This was written in good faith using the resources available at the time of writing.  Author is solely responsible for content.

Works Cited

Bassett, Theda. Grandpa Neibaur was a Pioneer. Salt Lake City: Artistic Printing, 1988.

Carter, Kate. "The Jews in Early Utah, Alexander Neibaur, The Mormon." Carter, Kate. Treasures of Pioneer History. Salt Lake City, Utah: Daughters of Utah Pioneers, 1952. 333-340.

Hayward, C. Lynn. Notes from the Life of Alexander Neibaur. 30 Jan 2009 <http://www.neibaur.org/journals/alexnotes.htm>.

 

Alexander Neibaur's Family Group Record