I found John's grave on one of my visits to Richmond Cemetery shortly after starting this adventure. He is buried with his daughters, Margaret and Hannah Thomson Brower. They were both polygamous wives to Ariah C. Brower. Hannah is my 3x great grandmother. John and Margaret are the grandparents to Fannie Brower Boman.
It was very interesting to read about John and Margaret. I kept picturing their family similar to those that were portrayed in the TV series "Downton Abbey." Do you think he was like Mr. Carson or Mr. Bates? I imagine they were like Mr Bates and Anna haha.
Unfortunately, there are no pictures that I was able to find of either John or Margaret.
Unfortunately, there are no pictures that I was able to find of either John or Margaret.
Over the last few weeks, I have not been doing much as far as this blog goes. Started a new job and by the time I am home, the computer is the last place I want to be. However, I do have to say that I missed reading the histories. I missed searching and trying to find information and learning new things.
There isn't mention of John moving to Richmond, but likely it is because his daughters and their husband moved there to help with the settling of Richmond. The home behind Big J's, at approximately 250 W 200 S was his son-in-laws home, where his daughters Hannah and Margaret lived. I do not know if John lived with them or even near them. That is just likely why he ended up in Richmond.
Also, as a side note. The Scottish spelling of the sir name is Thomson. When emigrating to the US, the name was changed to Thompson.
There isn't mention of John moving to Richmond, but likely it is because his daughters and their husband moved there to help with the settling of Richmond. The home behind Big J's, at approximately 250 W 200 S was his son-in-laws home, where his daughters Hannah and Margaret lived. I do not know if John lived with them or even near them. That is just likely why he ended up in Richmond.
Also, as a side note. The Scottish spelling of the sir name is Thomson. When emigrating to the US, the name was changed to Thompson.
John Thomson's Personal History
Margaret Ballantyne was born July 11, 1800 and was the first daughter of David Ballyntine and Cecelia Wallace. They had two sons and one daughter, William, Henry and Margaret. Her mother died leaving her three small children with their father. A second daughter, Cecelia, was born and died near the time of her mother’s death. David soon afterward married a young girl, Annie Bannerman. Ann Bannerman was 19 at the time of her marriage to David Ballantyne, who was 60 years of age. They had four sons and three daughters. She had two sons and three daughters, and although young, did pretty well. Margaret used to say, though, it wasn’t her mother.
When Margaret was old enough, she went out to serve among the higher class of society, where there were many servants. After a while she chose the place of Laundrice maid, and while in this occupation got acquainted with the Baker, who done the baking for the family, who afterward became the Butler, whose name was John Thompson. The acquaintance grew into friendship and later they became lovers and were married.
Father continued to follow the service as butler in Noblemen’s families, and in the way made a comfortable living for his family. He rented a house for mother in which she was comfortably situated, yet left alone much of the time, on account of his occupation requiring him to be at the Master’s beck and call, and to be away from home traveling in Scotland, England, and France.
John and Margaret had one son and four daughters: Alexander, Cecelia, Mary and Margaret and Hannah, the author of this sketch. I do not remember my sister Mary, as she died at six years of age, and I was but a babe. Have heard that she was a lovely child and kind.
My brother and the other two sisters grew up together at home with Mother. She taught us early piety, she being of a religious turn of mind, having inherited and received it from the teachings of her father.
She taught her children to be strictly honest and truthful. Her home was always a place of peace and order. She had a strong power of government and was very decisive, I can remember quite well from the age of four years, at that age she took me to school, which always seemed like a very prison to my soul, but finally I got better used to it, and did very well and learned when very small to read in the Testament. Another particular incident, which marks that epoch of time, the year 1839 or 1840, the Gospel of Jesus Christ was brought to our native town by Elder Orson Pratt and George D. Watt. Among those who were earnest listeners was my mother, whose heart was honest and testimony of the truth was born to her. I well remember that time, as the traveling Elders were preaching the gospel without purse or scrip, often came to our home for rest, and there they found her hand and heart open to give them food and lodging, and her heart was prepared to receive the glorious truths of which they bore record. I can still see that little home which was my birthplace. It looms up in my mind where we spent sweet childhood hours. From my being four years of age to eight years, my days to look back seem like an even spun thread. I, being the youngest, was generally favored, and when Mother went to see a friend, I went with her, and many dear kind friends I can remember well, (altho I am now 76 years), they used to be so kind to us, while Mother lived and after.
When the Elders brought the Gospel to Edinburgh, Mother’s brother Henry was the first to receive it and yield to baptism for the remission of sins, and the laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost. Mother was the next candidate, and embraced the principles that were taught, with her whole soul, which brought her joy. The gospel was meat and drink to her, and she also had her children baptized, who were old enough to become members of the church.
My sister Margaret and I were blessed under the hands of those having authority from God, and our names were recorded in the Church. When we reached the age of accountability, we were baptised.
When Henry and Mother joined the Church, they labored hard to convert the other members of the family, who lived in Earlston, who, after investigation, joined the Church.
Edinburgh was a lovely place, where I spent my childhood days, with my brother and sisters, who were ready to look after me; pretty walks and parks where we used to play, which loom up in mind today, where days and weeks and years went bye pleasantly.
Our home was always kept clean and neat, and mother with her clean pretty caps, that she always wore in those days, seemed to make home look more sacred. Until I was seven years old, no change seemed to take place, only that Mother grew feeble, and was often confined to bed. At such times I would read to her many chapters of that sacred book, the Bible. My sister Cecelia, with the assistance of Margaret, was amply able to attend to the house work. My brother Alexander was then learning to be a printer, and was a very steady youth. Mother’s affliction was in her lungs, from which she continued to grow weaker, until the year 1843, in the month of December, when death claimed her. I was then eight years and two months old, and I well remember that night, when told she was dead.
All this time, father had not interested himself in the Gospel, which was very trying to us children. We had always been taught to believe whatever mother did was right, and she had raised us by her own kind of government, but he had not changed from his high spirited proud way, and was too high minded to embrace the Gospel of Jesus Christ , as had been revealed to Joseph Smith the Prophet. His pursuit in life had always taken him away from home, and he mingled with a class of people whose mode of living was very different to that of Latter-day Saints. He had always provided for us, but as soon as we each got old enough, he thought we should assist in earning the living, which was all right, but Cecelia’s health would not admit of her working out any length of time.
Uncle Richard Ballantyne, at the time of emigrating from Scotland to America, had promised Mother that he would not forget her children, when he bade her goodbye as she lay on her death bed, but was as good as his word. In 1852, He arranged for our (the children) transportation, by borrowing money form the Perpetual Emigration Fund, and mortgaged his possessions in order to secure the means.
Alexander's health was very poor that winter, and on account of his poor health, he had no desire to emigrate. He took furnished lodgings where he was very comfortable. He had some money saved to help himself, in time of need, and Father was strong and healthy and could see to him, if need be. They accompanied us to the train, where they bade us goodbye and parted with us without conversation, or much demonstration, and seemed to be rather low spirited because of the separation.
Brother’s faith had also grown weak in the Gospel. He coughed all the way to the station. I cannot tell what peculiar feelings must have prevailed in his soul. His faithful mother was gone, who used to admonish him in the Gospel, when she sometimes saw slackness in duty, his three sisters were leaving him, not expecting to see him again in the flesh, with Father who had not yet seen the necessity of embracing the Gospel.
Father went with us on the train to Glasgow, where we took the steam boat to go down the river, but when we reached there we went to a Public House for refreshments, where we met with some of the Brethren of the Mormon Church, one of whom was Robert Campbell, who asked Father if he was willing to let his three daughters go so far away from him, and he answered “Yes”, I don’t know why I am willing”. Brother Campbell eyed my father very closely for a moment and rose to his feet and said in the spirit of Prophecy: “Mr. Thompson, you will yet go”. Father said, “Do you think so?” “I know it”, said Brother Campbell, which afterward came to pass.
Father saw us safely aboard the steamboat and gave us into the care of those “terrible deluded people” as he had formerly classed them, and affectionately kissed us goodbye. Margaret went and would be the last to wave a last farewell to him.
It must have been a very great trial for him to part with the three daughters, his wife dead, and left with an only son in poor health. He met a dear good sister at Glasgow, and her little daughter, who were going with the company, a Mrs. Mustard, from Fifeshire, whose husband had already emigrated to Zion, and they were going to join him in his new home so he entrusted us into her care as chaperone, and we traveled together part of the way.
In May of that year, while camped near the Missouri River and Kansas City, Kansas, Cecelia married a young man named John Taylor. Tragically, the next night she died of cholera.
Our aged father received our letter, informing him of Cecelia’s death, in the latter part of June. It took letters then a long time to go, and a long time to come, as sailing vessels on the ocean, and mule speed on the plaines.
It may be remembered, in my narrative, that Father saw us safely on board the steamer at Glasgow for Liverpool, and he went back to Edinburgh to my brother, whom he left sick, February 3, 1852. Brother had a bad cough and his lungs were effected, and after reaching home he daily grew worse, and Father found him in that condition when he returned. He took him to the Doctor for examination and found his lungs were very badly effected, and was advised to take him to the country where he could have a change of air, but alas, no. He kept gradually growing worse till he succumbed to consumption.
Father’s letter informing us of this sad news reached us in September, and stated that he had just returned home, from burying him, when he received our letter informing him of Cecelia’s death. It must have been the latter part of June, or July, the time of brother’s death. There he was now doubly saddened, and left alone without one of his children in Scotland. He became restless, although he had five brothers and three sisters still living in that country, he was going from pillar to post, seeking a comfort and rest from his loneliness and sorrow, and for the next three years, we girls continued to write to him, offering all the comfort we could, and at the same time reminded him of the blessings in store for him by obedience to the gospel.
We kept him informed of our experiences, and what was transpiring in Zion; with whom were were living; now employed, which family, aroused within him a desire to come to America. No doubt that the news of Margaret’s marriage to Ariah C. Brower and that she had become his third wife, and that on the 17 February, 1854 a baby girl had been born to them, was most responsible in having him make up his mind to emigrate to Utah.
A strange coinsident occurred while on his journey. When he reached Atchison, Kansas, he had previously arranged to meet a company of Saints at that place, with whom to cross the plains, and to his great surprise he met his own brother-in-law, Richard Ballantyne, who was in charge of the Emigrants, with whom he was to travel and to be escorted right to the homes of his two daughters.
Elder Ballantyne had been gone on his mission to India for two years and was now returning home. It was a glorious time in their lives, to have met under such circumstances. They had not seen each other since before Uncle Richard had emigrated from Scotland at the time he bade Mother goodbye, and had promised her on her death bed he would remember her children when he reached Zion. At the time he met Father, he was very busy arranging emigrants affairs, and their transportation, and for the moment had to be excused; after the first greeting, but were met again and rejoicing in each others company. Richard exclaimed “God bless me, Father Thompson, Is this you?” Then they greeted each other affectionately. They went to the abiding place where Father was staying and had refreshments together and talked over commonplace things and family affairs recalling the incidents of the past with all its joys and sorrows, etc.
It was then Father had a tender heart and was humble, and Uncle Richard was enthused with the spirit of the Gospel and his mission and taught him the importance of baptism, and of becoming a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and he baptized him before leaving Atchison. Thus the prophecy of Elder Robert Campbell was fulfilled, when Father had been told by him, that he would yet go to Zion.
Father’s means were getting low, and was becoming anxious to know how he would be able to meet all the expenses crossing the plains. He had many bills to pay before leaving Scotland, besides his transportation. Some of our expenses and brother’s funeral and doctor expenses. Uncle was able to figure out a plan to help him, and when he asked him, “Do you think, Father Thompson, you can drive the baggage wagon?” Father hesitated a moment – “Yes, sir” was his reply. He got the job. It paid the balance of his expenses to the Valley. O how wonderful are the ways of the Lord.
Father was pleased to keep the little money he had, which he found to be very much needed after reaching his new destiny.
One day while wiping perspiration from his face, Uncle asked him if he should release him from his task, and he straightened himself up and said, “No, sir! No man, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the Kingdom of God. I’ll drive it through to the Valley.” Sufficeth to say he reached his destination safely and without harm or accident. Early in September we all were looking forward with anticipation to the arrival of the company of emigrants, when we could have the joy of meeting, greeting and welcoming them to the Valley. It was greater joy to us than when we ourselves arrived. We were to meet our dear Father and dear Uncle Richard. A meeting of father and his two daughters, and a husband to meet his dear wife and sweet little children. We met them with picnic party and a Brass band and escorted them to the City.
Early in September the company arrived, and Brother Winder took me to meet Father, which was a never to be forgotten day and occasion. It was a joyous time, even more pleasant and thrilling than when we two girls arrived and had been met by our kindred two years previous and welcomed to their homes. Brother and Sister Winder had prepared picnic, and he took melons and cantaloupes and good things. His wife had gone on a visit to Salt Creek for a change. She had buried a baby girl not long since, and left the children with the girl.
Father was delighted with the reception and warm welcome, by which they had been received, and he couldn't help being pleased with Brother Winder. So we came down the Canyon together.
There had been another fellow out to meet the company the night before, and talked with Father. So when in conversation he said: "What about Brother Merick?" I said: "He was no account." So while we were all happy and the band played lovely strains, we soon reached Aunt Maria's and found everything in readiness for a cheerful homecoming. My sister Margaret and baby were there and Father was delighted to meet them and hold them in his arms, his first grandchild.
In the mean time the Browers had located and taken up land at Grantsville, and moved there. Margaret had come back to meet Father. She had a husband and home and they at once planned for his comfort and welfare, and concluded he would be more satisfied if he could be employed at something which would earn his living, and he went to live with them. They had cows and sheep and needed a herder, and he occupied his time looking after them. He had read of the shepherds of old and the great men who followed that pursuit for a living, and was satisfied with his situation.
Margaret died November 1843, aged about 43 years 3 months. She is buried near Edinburgh, Scotland.
John died August 1 1867, aged 62 years, 1 month, and 2 days. He is buried in the Richmond City Cemetery.
John's Ordinances In Progress
Baptism - 29 March 1991, Idaho Falls Idaho Temple
Confirmation - 13 May 1855
Initiatory - 30 May 1860, Endowment House
Endowment - 30 May 1860, Endowment House
Sealing to Parents -16 October 1914, Salt Lake Temple*
Sealing to Spouse - 24 August 1861, Endowment House
*Apparently there had been a mix up with the names of John's parents. His correct parents have recently been discovered and has been reserved to do the ordinance.
Margaret's Ordinances Complete
Baptism - 30 June 1840
Confirmation - 30 June 1840
Initiatory - 6 August 1884, Logan Utah Temple
Endowment - 6 August 1884, Logan Utah Temple
SPSealing to Parents - 8 October 1895, Salt Lake Temple
Sealing to Spouse - 24 August 1861, Endowment House
***To see the purpose of starting this blog, please click here.***
