Charles was deeply religious and of a discerning mind and spirit. Being unable to reconcile himself to any of the forms of religious worship in vogue at the time, he was constantly searching for what he considered a true religion. Thus he incurred the displeasure of many that called him a fanatic. A friend who had heard the Mormon elders preach and had embraced the new religion recognized its similarity with Charles' declared beliefs, so wrote him about the Mormon elders. Through this letter, Charles located the Mormons, heard their doctrines and was baptized July 12, 1843. A few weeks later he was ordained to the office of a priest.
As a priest he held meetings and preached in the town of Wetherby. The townspeople and his own family were much opposed to his religious activities, but not even the grief of his parents could change his new convictions or his determination to leave England to join his fellow Mormons in America. The following year he started for Nauvoo, Illinois, crossing the Atlantic in the ship, "Fanny", which sailed from Liverpool, England, January 23, 1844.
After his arrival at Nauvoo, he made the acquaintance of Joseph the prophet, his brother Hyrum, and other leading men of the church. He was full of zeal for his newly found religion and willing to devote his life to the services of the Lord. He applied for work on the temple, showing his credentials from master workmen under whom he had served in England that testified to his superiority as a mechanic. He was informed that there was plenty of work for him to do, but no pay! The means that had been subscribed for the building of the temple had been exhausted. He said he had come to Nauvoo with a determination to help build the temple and he proposed to do so if he never received any pay.
When he made his appearance to work on the Nauvoo Temple in good clothes and a tall silk hat, he met with ridicule from the more uncouth American workmen. As a contractor and skilled joiner in the old country, he had brought no tradesman's clothes with him, so he hung his hat on a peg while he donned a workman's cap. The imposing hat was soon cut to pieces by stones thrown at it out of spite or jest. Contrary to his wont in England, where, though he was not a large man, his pugilistic ability to handle anyone who offered insult sprang at once into action, he ignored the taunts of detractors, winning their respect in time through skill and industry in his craft and his courteous and dignified conduct. Scoffers soon found themselves admiring him and asking his advice.
Charles Lambert and one of his fellow mechanics (W. W. Player) who was an Englishman, and a man of faith, discussed the problem of completing the temple and voluntarily pledged themselves to continue at work until the temple was built whether they were paid for their services or not. He was denying himself and a dependent wife and children of the comforts or necessaries of life. As it turned out for the two years he worked on the temple, he received only the meager provisions needed for sustenance and one fifty-cent piece in cash. Charles was a marvel of physical strength. Once when fellow workers did not at once respond to his call for assistance, this young man moved all by himself the huge stone from which he was carving the figure of one of the twelve oxen on which the baptismal font would rest. This was a feat, which would ordinarily require several men to perform.
Once when the work on the temple was nearly completed and the food supply of the Lambert family was entirely exhausted, they prayed to the Lord for help. Charles and his wife had scarcely finished their prayer when a man who was about to leave for a mission sought out Charles to do a job for him, a job he would entrust to no one else, and the pay was to be at once and in wheat. This is but one example of how the Lord blessed this faithful man when he most needed help.
Charles had married Mary Alice Cannon on November 18, 1844, two months after her 16th birthday. After the death of his wife's father, he was appointed guardian of his (Cannon's) younger children. He felt keenly his responsibility and wished for money, as he never had done before. While feeling thus, he was passing along the street in Nauvoo, one day, when he met a well-dressed, genteel stranger who inquired if his name was Charles Lambert. On being told that it was, he said his name was Higgins and that his home was in Missouri.
With an ingratiating smile he said, "I have heard of your skill as a workman, and want you to go to Missouri and work for me. You are not appreciated or properly paid here. If you will quit the temple and go and work for me you can name your own price and you will be sure of your pay. You see, I have plenty of money with which to pay you."
Suiting the action to the work, he thrust his hand into his pocket and drew it out full of $10 and $20 gold pieces, which he displayed in a tempting manner and urged him to accept his offer and not to submit any longer to the unfair treatment accorded him at the temple.
Charles thanked the stranger for his offer, but said he couldn't think of accepting it. He said he had no complaint to make of his treatment at the temple and the price others would pay for work they wished done would not influence him in the matter as he intended to continue on at the temple from principle.
Bidding the stranger a good day, he turned to continue his walk along the street. But almost immediately, the query arose in his mind as to how the stranger knew his name and where he got his information about his skill as a mechanic. He turned to take a final look at the stranger, when lo! he was no where to be seen. He had disappeared as completely as if the ground had opened and swallowed him and yet he had not had time by any ordinary means to get out of sight. His opinion then was and remained so up to the day of his death, that he had been talking with no other than Satan, the prince of tempters, and though he had not yielded to his tempting offer, he was vexed with himself for listening to him at all, and especially to his insinuations about temple management.
Charles completed his work on the Nauvoo temple and subsequently received his endowments in that building. He was ordained an elder in the church shortly after his arrival in Nauvoo. He was also ordained a seventy and became one of the original members of the 11th quorum and in 1845 became a president of the 23rd quorum.
He participated in the Nauvoo battle in September 1846, and was with the company that used the famous steamboat shafts, after first helping to make them into cannons. He remained in Nauvoo for the defense of the city after the exodus of the main body of the population. While engaged in this mission of charity a party of mobocrats recognized him as one conspicuous in the fight for the Saints' freedom and with guns aimed at him, ordered his surrender. Then, while the two largest men of the party took him down into the river and held him under the water three times in succession until his breath was gone, fourteen others with their guns cocked and ready for action threatened to shoot him if he attempted to resist. Of course, he did not resist, neither did two brethren who were with him at the time, for they were unarmed and knew it would be folly to do so. At last he succeeded in getting away and made his escape across the Mississippi. He was encamped with his family on the opposite bank at the time the quails came to the relief of the saints.
After assisting in getting all the sick and poor across the river, he traveled to the Missouri River, arriving there after untold hardships. He built a small house in Winter Quarters and then went to St. Joseph, Missouri, where he worked at stonecutting and building until the spring of 1849, when he started for Utah. He intended to leave for Utah before, but the Indians killed his team of animals in the spring of 1847.
On the journey across the plains, it is said, no member of the large company, which included 100 wagons, took a more active part than did Charles Lambert. When the company was organized, he was appointed captain over ten wagons, did his duty as such with zest and set an example to the whole company in the matter of early rising, providing fuel, caring for the animals, etc.
Charles so sympathized with his team animals that he refused to buy a whip when starting on the journey lest he might in a rash moment be tempted to abuse them. In the exuberance of his young manhood, he preferred to walk, and it may be said that he practically, if not literally, walked the whole of the way from Nauvoo to Salt Lake Valley.
While on the plains, his shoes gave out and his feet became very sore. Early one morning while he and a companion named William Bateman were out rounding up the stock and the grass was hurting his feet badly, he said as he hobbled along, "I do wish the Lord would send me a pair of shoes."
They had not proceeded much farther when he noticed some dark looking object protruding above the grass a short distance ahead. Pointing it out to his companion, he remarked that one of the animals must have lost his bell. He walked along intending to recover it. Imagine his surprise when he discovered as he approached the object that it was not a bell, but a pair of new shoes, looking as fresh as if they had just come from the shelf of a store. The sole of one was sunk into the top of the other, so that they would occupy as little a space as possible which was the shape in which store shoes were kept in pairs in a shoe store in that age, before it became the vogue to keep them in pasteboard boxes.
The place in which they were found was so far from a traveled road as to render it highly improbable that they had fallen there from a passing wagon, nor indeed was there any wagon tracks visible in the vicinity of the place. No time was lost in speculation as to how the shoes happened to be there, but Charles jumped to the conclusion that they were there for his special benefit and exclaimed: Me Lord has sent me some shoes!"
His companion, however, put in a counter claim by saying, "One shoe is mine, for I helped find them!" But the shoes proved to be entirely too small for him to wear, while they fit Charles as if they had been made for him. The result was that he retained the undisputed possession of them.
He arrived in Great Salt Lake Valley in the fall of 1849 and built one of the first adobe houses erected in Salt Lake City. For many years, he acted as clerk of the Seventh Ward and was always on hand with his means and ability to help on the work of God. He and Richard Ballantyne started a Sunday School in the Lambert home, which grew so large it had to be moved to the bigger Ballantyne house where it was recognized as the first Sunday School in the entire Church. For this church "first", Charles Lambert made no move to share the credit but seemed content to let it remain with Brother Ballantyne exclusively.
Later, while living in the Seventh Ward in Salt Lake City, a singular incident occurred which showed this patient man not to be without fire. For several months he had been crippled with inflammatory rheumatism so he could not raise his right arm, the shoulder point said by surgeons to be dislocated. Living neighbor to him was a man by the name of Gallup who was at heart an apostate, though he held the office of school trustee, an office usually filled by appointment of the bishop or election in Church meeting. This office gave him prestige in the circulating of his apostate principles. Charles protested to the ward bishopric against such a man being retained as school trustee, and the bishop called a meeting of the priesthood of the ward to consider the matter.
Gallup was asked to state his feelings. After declaring his unbelief in the doctrines of the Church, he accused Joseph Smith of being a wicked and adulterous man whose associates were drunkards and whose lot was cast with hypocrites and unbelievers, and said that he had gone to bell. While astonished, no one seemed to resent it until Charles, seated on the opposite side of the room, sprang to his feet, leaped over benches, and rushed toward him crying out, "I will send you to hell!" He raised his right arm, which he had not been able to use for months, and was about to strike him a blow with his fist when Gallup dodged backwards to escape him. Others seized Gallup, thinking Charles might get hurt and a chorus of voices cried out in surprise that Charles had recovered the use of his arm. The meeting ended by Gallup's being deprived of his office and his fellowship in the Church. Mary Alice wept with joy when her husband returned home, swinging his arm, now free from pain, above his head.
He died at his farm in Granger, Utah, May 2, 1892. He had been a friend of the Prophet Joseph Smith and was a pattern of industry, valiant, generous, and public spirited in a marked degree. No call for service or for assistance was ever made of him in vain, and he was universally beloved. He found more pleasure in relieving the wants of others who were in need that self gratification even could have afforded him and his wife, Mary Alice Cannon, was a worthy partner in this respect.
He was the father of 19 children. Fourteen by Mary Alice Cannon and five by his second wife, Euphemy Gillespy, whom he married on November 19, 1873.
(The following extensive personal history of Charles Lambert is presented with original spelling and wording intact. For purposes of clarity, some additional paragraphs have been created. The original document had few paragraphs. It is taken from a typed version in the possession of Ruth Eldredge Swenson.)
Charles Lambert son of Charles & Sarah Lambert was born August 30th 1816 at Kirk Deighton about (12) twelve miles from the City of York Yorkshire England was Regously inclined although my parents made no pretentions but was named amongst the establish Church of England I prayed much when young and received many blessings I went to a school at Wetherby but my mothers Uncle, George Greaves he dying when I was about 11 Eleven years old ended my further going to school before I was twelve (12) 1 went as apprentice to my fathers Brother Thomas then residing in Leeds he soon afterwards married a second wife his first been dead which made things so dissagreable he beating and abuseing me so that I left and my Father said I should not go back to him hearing of a good chance to learn to Quarry stone and rive slate also to hew as a great deal was done for the City of London which was conveyed by Boats This was at Woodhous, Moor near Leeds I worked there until I was about (16) sixteen when I was pronounced proficent and told I had learnt all I could there I resolved to seek annother place all this time I was supporting myself been about 16 miles from home I went home and spent a little time when I resolved to go to Harrogate as there was considerable fine buildings in course of Erection, after working there awile and doing well but my object was improvement so I thought as I might do better by binding myself for some time to a Mr Charles Favil Builder and Contractor so I agreed to serve him for three (3) years at a stipulated sum per month and furnished everything I needed. he was building a Gentleman Mansion at Starrbeck nr Knaresborroug after that was finish he contracted for (8) eight miles on the Preston and Wiggan Rail Road spent some time on that line makeing our quarters at Leyland about (6) six miles from Preston but fate was against us and he Favil lost the job thus he had nothing to do I did not like to be idle and so expressed myself that I did not want pay and do nothing so he set me free. I then went to Preston to work for one Dewhurst who was building a Catholick Church a good job I got a place by the best work man in the place who promiced to be my friend and learn me what he could I shall never forget his kindness
I was one of six who commenced the great Ribble R.R. Bridge. here I again attended a night school I was one of the first Teetotalers in Preston & a teacher in a Methodist Sunday School also secretary in the opperative Masons Lodge I lef Preston a short time before the Saints arrived there I went to Manchester from there to Warrington and worked on the Quay Bridges from there to Birtles Hall near Macclesfield Cheshire from there to Peter Langforce Brooks esqr MoreHall Cheshire a very good job I there gained the goodwill of the foreman Harry Giles considered one of the best in England worked on that when the main of the building was done the workmen where discharged excepting 14 fourteen I was one of those kept on I then went to Mr Giles and told him my object was to learn all I could and would allow him so much a week for instructions he promised he would but would not charge me anything as he wanted me for a companion for Harry his nephew a few months younger than myself it was very fine work we was doing and had to do. after this I went to work at Stael Hall some very nice work, after this I went to work on the Birmingham & London R.R. at Coventry and neighbourbood after that I went to London but I did not like the place and left after spending my money traveling by way of St. Albans Peterborrough Falkingham. to Sleaford Lincolnshire there I went to work at Overham. Priory the Seat of Lord Willchelsen. This was a very good job after that for Mr Baker Sleaford. after that was done I went home for a season I then went and worked awile in Leeds & Chapp between when I herd of the York and North Midland R.R. commencing I went & contracted for
some Bridges takeing two partners these proveing a hinderence more than a help I had to dispose of them I ben the responsible one I finished my contract and done well giveing fun satisfaction the inspector stateing mine the best on the line this to me was considerable after this I went to Grimstone park the Seat of John Cradddock Lord Howden was there eing foreman fill my place with credit.
At this time I was much persecuted for my Releigeous views as I did not believe in any of the Sects and Creeds they not been in accordance with the Scriptures as I understood them. I fasted and prayed for the gifts and blessings and the faith once delivered to the Saints even went so far as to agree with a companion that we would baptize each other I desired to know what to do and was so impressed to go East that I exclamid I will Lord when I told Mother she cried and felt bad but I started the first day I walked about 25 miles The next day I got to Grinsborrough There was a new church in course of erection There was an old mate of mine there who made a great fuss when he saw me as did some others the foreman wanted to know who I was when Luke Harvey told him I was the best workman in England they wanted me to stay but I told them I would think about it, in course of the evening I was told that Mr Baker of Sleaford was just commencing a new Hall for Squire Peacock at north Rosby that settled me I told those with me that was where I was going I got there in the Evening next morning I went to the Hall there met Mr Bakers Son I told him I was come to work if they wanted me He thought I was ajoking but when he found I was in earnest wished me to take hold I had no tools but the men proposed to furnish me all I wanted so I commenced I was soon placed in charge I wrote home for tools which was sent there I received a letter from Wm Watson Stone Cutter and Carver who worked with me at Lord Howden's stateing that the Lord had again restored the Gospel and that he had been Baptized I had a vission previous that prepaired me for this but the joy I was full of thanksgivening I wrote ammediately to know where to go to find some who had been so blessed an answer came stating there had been a Branch Oranised at Louth, Linconshire about (3) weeks this was about (40) forty miles from where I then was.
I soon up and went there it being Saturday the Market day I been a Stranger did not know where to go. I met a man seling milk asked if he knew such a people as Latter day Saints or Mormons he looked at me a strange look exclameing why they pretend to raise the dead and work miracles if you belong to that class I will have nothing to do with you. Ile next was a respectable looking Man a butcher which proved to be a Methodist Preacher we had quite a discushon in the market place I had the best of it and he said I was too far learned for him but he wished me to dine with him the next day Sunday directing me to a temperance house where I would find some of those I was seeking B. Atkins now liveing in Tooele well remembers my visit to Louth there was about (8) eight members at that time but no Elder but I enjoyed that meeting I wished them to send the first Elder that came and I would get a Chappel to speak in and provide for his wants Br henry Ceuerdon came this was about the 1st of July 1843 1 was pleased to see him and as I was alone asked whould he share my bed or would he choose to be by himself he prefered to stay with me when we retired I waited for him to make a move he waiteing for me so we said our prayers to oursel
ves in the morning I told him if he would come down at 7 o' clock I would wish to be baptized we was at that time makeing (7) seven days per week he came and says he I have not preached to you yet I told him if he had got the authority I wished to be baptized after some talk and prayer he Baptized me before leaving me he said he could not leave me until he had Ordained me a priest I felt well I was talking to the game keeper when he told me he believed in the principals I remember us two going to the wood to pray. a few days after this an occourance took place I must relate I had got the voice of warning which he the game keeper to read while reading it one evening his wife a stout well built woman with red hair acosted him thus Tom Tom he told her to be quite and not bother him she retaliated saying if that D.. Later day devil was here there would have plenty to say at he told her to let me alone and angry words was exchanged when he not suspecting knocked him over chair and all at that he jumped up struck her betwixt the eyes bruseing her and blacking both eyes at this she cried out Murther when the neighbours rushed to her assistince I had just gone to bed a meeting was held when it was agreed to drum me out of the village with kettles and pans next morning at (8) eight o' clock I sent word for someone to ring the bell for me for theme to commence work and I would be there at quarter time (9) nine o' clock so according to appointment they the women began to muster when a number had Collected I went to them and asked what I had to do with the affair the woman said nothing she alone was to blame she knocked Tom over and it made him mad and he had blacked her eyes for her but he had served her right This set me free but whe walking up or down the street I was pointed out as the man who caused them to fight.
This thought came into my mind and seemed to rest there if they persecute thee in one city flee unto another so I resolved to go to Ammerica to Nauvoo hearing of some of my old shopmates was working at a new hall near Pocklington I sped my way thither as some of them had joined the Church. one sister the wife of Wm Watson had been confined to her bed nine months was promiced if she would yeald obedience to the Gospel she would be healed. She was helped out of bed and taken to the river as soon as baptized she told them she was better and walked home she told me she saw a light all arround her and felt it go through her whole sistem she crossed the sea in the same vessel with me leaving Liverpool on the 13th of January 1844 and never complained more about it as long as I was with her when I got to Pocklington I was well received and went to work with Wm Watson assisting to cut ten capitals of the lonick order when they where done I went to Liverpool rhubert Hadlock was Presideing Thomas Ward was working in the Office been at considerable expence I spent my last penny I wrote to Father to send me one 1.00 Pounds but not one penny came I had paid my passage also assisting Wm Watson and family and gave my bed & beding to a sister whose husband was in S Louis she had two childeren with her I had a dream showing me I should go throug all right. this I told before I left Liverpool we left Liverpool Jan 13th 1844 in the Bark Fanny of Boston Wm Kay was President of the Company I had to deal out the provisions to the Co. we arrived at Orleans March 6th there was the Maid of Ioway Dan Jones Captin this belonged to the Church but when I saw the boat and Engines & I said it would not do for me but Br Kay thinking to gaine favor by takeing her engaged the company no. 208 tho. my fare was paid to Nauvoo I told them I would go to
work until I got money to go in a deacent vessel a Br an Enginere said he would not trust his family on board resolved to go on a boat named the Henry and if I would go he would lend me the money and I go with them I excepted he apostatised soon after he got there in ten days we was up there but the Company was more than (5) five weeks and suffered much. the day after I arrived as I had some business to transact with the Prophet Joseph I wen and had an interview with him and Wm Clayton I felt good I went up to the Temple I saw there was work for me but my dress and general appearance did not bespeak that of a working man I enquired for those in charge Renholds Cahoon presented himself and some others they tried me very much and sought to make game of me they took me for a crank and enthusist R. Cahoon as last said if you can work we can do with your work but we have nothing to give you I replied sharply I have not come here to work for pay I have come to help build that house pointing to the Temple then they Laughed at this time I had not one penny and an entire stranger I went to work but how I lived for (3) three weeks I cannot tell I saw the presstype of the Expositer burnt, I was present when the Prophet was talking to some Indians that had come to see him I attended his weekly meetings regularly never missed I appreciate the instructions I received. I will here relate a circumstance a Br Wm blood that crossed the sea in the same vessel fell sick he sent for me said he wished to ask a favor I promised saye he I know I am going to die and I want you to promice before these witnesses that you will be a councilor to my family and that you would get Br Hyrum Smith to seal me and my wife before I die I went and saw Br Hyrum he promised as soon as he got back from Carthage he would attend to it he never came back alive but that has been attended too since.
I worked faithfuly on the temple by day and guarded the city by night I was Ensign for the first company of 4th regiment of the Nauvoo Leigon John Kay was Captain I was Ordained an Elder in the Elders Quorum soon after my arrival I was asked if I would be one of (12) twelve to go and preach to the Indians and equip myself with a gun one pound of powder a Blanket and one dollar I answered yes I was afterwards told I was not to go my labors was wanted on the Temple that was settled on.
I was called to be and was Ordained a Seventy in the (11) Eleventh Quorum which was called Brighams Quorum. I was now considered worthy to draw my rations with the other men been told that a Widdow with a family needed help and would like a boarder I felt led to go I did so and felt at home. about this time a Man by the name of Watt came there full of releigon said he wanted to find that pure and undefiled releigon before God I jokingly said to him I was enjoying that. what do you mean why does not it say to visit the fatherless and the Widdow and to releive them in their destresses is pure and undefiled religion before God I live with a widdow and am helping to suport her and her Childeren he had to be Baptized and is now liveing in St George.
Now Nauvoo was the worst place for a single man I ever lived in I went and got me a house and lot in case I should find some one to share with me my lot. it so hapend that one evening I met with a young girl in the house of Edwin Mitchel with a nice sun bonnet on I looked and the more I became interested that one is to be my wife and it stuck to me she was agoing up the river to a place she had been spending some time previous and I confess it was the longest (3) three weeks I ever lived. she came back and it was soon settled she had a dream and i was shown to her as her husband and not only that but it was shown to her that I was to be guardian for her Brs and Sister our courtship was but a short one I have frequently remarked we got married and done our courting after and had not got through with it yet and wished to continue we was married by President John Taylor her Uncle by marriage his first wife being sister to George Cannon Father to George Q. Cannon this took place November 28,1844 we afterwards was sealed in the Nauvoo Temple by Pres. J Taylor but not at the alter it been taken down we received our washings and annointings in the Nauvoo Temple I was called upon to be administerator to Geo Cannons Estate and went to Carthage to take out bills of Administration General Demins was Sherrif at the time I called upon him I never shall forget the kindness shown me by him at that time I went to see Judge Greenleaf the Co Judge he received me kindly and wish to have a talk with me, we went to an upper room in the Court house shut ourselves in and had a talk for (2) two hours he then and there promiced he would never fight against the Mormons I believe he at that time was a baptist Minister. he gave bils of Administration and then said that family needs a Guardian and I wish you to assume that responsibility I could no other but consent Br Thos Harrington was with me and went my bonds when I asked for my bill he reply nothing you are welcome for what I have done promiceing to come and see me at Nauvoo which he did and I introduced him to President John Taylor the last I heard of him was he was drove out of Carthage for a damn Jack Mormon. At that time the blood of Joseph and Hyrum marked the floor I saws it the Sherrif was with me to show me
I worked on the Temple by day at night was guarding the City our living was poor I worked and finished the first Capital (Sunstone) and part of (11) eleven others I co(vent)ed with Br Wrn Player that I would stick to the Temple pay or no pay until finished and did I qurried and worked the last stone called the Capstone in which was desposited coins Books this was laid one morning before breakfast and a good time we had. I must mention a circumstance that took place a short time previous to finishing the Temple. I was going home when my wife met me at the door and began crying said she could stand anything but this (that was the childeren crying for bread and she had none to give them I replyed why do you not go and ask the Lord to send you some why not you go with me we went into our bedroom and fastened ourselves in and there made our request in about an hour after Br Lucious Scovil came and after some little talk said he would like me to make a grave stone to mark the place where his son was burried I told him I would do it he said he was in no hurry but wanted it done I told him I had a family depending on me he said he did not have anything to pay with but in a while told me he could let me have some wheat if I wished it I told him I would be pleased to get some he wished me to go with him and he
would let me have it I went got the wheat 4 or 4 1/2 bushels I got and took it to Nights mill and returned home with the Grist thus was our prayers answered our house was on the corner of Hotchkiss and Fulmer St. Ezre T Benson lived across the St west of us, about this time I was coming home one afternoon I was coming home and just before I got home I met a man of Middle Stature who acosted saying he was wishing to see me he was of light complection dressed in a Merchantile suit of clothes saying he was glad to meet me as he wanted me to leave the Mormons and go with him to St Louis I had suffered enough I told him I could not as I knew it was true and the Church of Christ, 0 never mind sayes he I have plenty of money and showed me a big handful of gold saying you shall not want and you can school your childeren and live as a whit man I asked him if he was a married man he said no he was what was called a Bachelor I asked him what his ocupation was he said he owned a many vessels I understood to be steamboats he tried to prevail on me but I told him it was the work of the Lord I was engaged in and live or die i was for the Lord, i then left him but turning quickly round think it was a strange affair but altho the St was fenced on both sides I could not see him when I got home my wife wanted to know what I was standing so long in the St. for she saw no one with me I told her She then said it was the Devil I then said he was a gentleman then and I would not have him run down any more.
These where perilous times for the Saints the (12) twelve had left and everyone was doing their best to make an outfit to follow the twelve west I with several others went to waggon makeing under Sam Bringhurst and had got the wood work for one for myself made, but where to get the Iron I could not tell I prayed to the Lord to open the way a Br Crook a blacksmith said it would cost $5five dollars and if I could get the iron he would he would do his part. a short time after this I had a cow that had got away from me I found her and bringing her home when we got to Casper Creek she was somewhat wild and run me through the creek but I stuck to her but when I got home i had to change my cloths. the next morning she was gone found her about the same place when I got to the creek through it we went and I got annother wetting when I got home in changeing my cloths from the pants droped an English soverin a ten cent and a five this was just five dollars it was an agreable suprise I told my wife the Lord had sent that to buy the iron for the wagon I could account for it no other way and put it to that use I brought the wagon to Salt Lake. I was present when the Prophet Joseph preached his last sermon from the house top near the Mansion it was a frame building put up to the Square and a place floored over for him to stand on I do not think it was ever taken down it was too powerful he called on the thunder and lightening the angels for to witness and going through the motions drawing his sword if so and so was done it should not be sheathed again until vengence was taken on the wicked, there was a tall man standing behind me sobing and crying when I turned arround to look at him said he would never fight against the Mormons more no never he was a stranger to me. The Prophet used to hold meetings in a Log house of his sometimes twice a week I
donot remember missing one when I had a chance at one of these he said he wished he had a people that he could reveal to them what the Lord had shown to him but one thing I will say there are thousands of Spirits that have been waiting to come forth in this day and generation thier proper channel is through the Priesthood a way has to be provided but the time has come and they have got to come anyway and thus left me in a fix.
Some time after this Wm Clayton told me if I would come down into the basement of the Temple he wanted to show me something and that I might bring Stephen Hales with me we went into a little place boxed of for a paint shop for Wm Pitt he been present there Br Wm C. read unto us the Revelation on Plural marriage. This explained the above I believed it yet did not obey the same until 1872. 1 think it was on or about the 6th of May 1844 the Prophet Joseph came up to the Temple and clasping his arms arround me and lifted me of my feet then said the Lord bless thee and I bless thee and I bless thee in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.
It went through my whole sistem like fire. Then he turned to those arround and said the Lord bless the whole of you and peace be with you After the twelve left we was very much harrased driveing our bretheren from their homes buring their houses stealing their cattle made it hard for some I asked if I could go away and work Almond W. Babbett said no we want you to help gaurd the City and Temple. I said no more but done the best I could at length realiseing we must try and protect ourselves the best we could set to work I worked hard at the steamboad shaft we found by the River to make cannon Br Bull a sumwhat of a gunsmith and some others drilled holes and put crossbars and then rim mettal to fill up the (?) they answered a good purpose and done good execution so said the mob after the fight Wm Geen had one Bolander had one he was a Methodist Preacher Hathaway had one but when the fight waxed hot ran away and left it his men with him I got some boys to take hold if it Rufus Allen was one
we had them mounted on the fore wheels of wagons Bolander was stationed not far from where Prest Wells lived the mob was coming in forse down that street he was somewhat put about he not been able to fix it to his notion until they were prety near when he called right ready fire it was done cutting a road right through them which made them run and scatter they was heard to say for Gods sake take your dead with you at this Bolander raised up his hands and said the God of Israel had a hand in that which made the boys laugh realiseing he was a Methodist and did not believe in the God of Israel, we called him a new citizen as he had bought some of the breatheren out there was fifty that run away led by one Rupshaw he calling to the men to run for the Temple I called to them to stop but no go, Curtis C Bolton was the one who kept the act and all we could make out that stood firm was 74 1 talked with him several times after he came to the valey but I am getting away from my history on Sunday night was our last fight we had lead, scraps of Iron from the blacksmiths shop that we charged the S. S. with on this night I got some small chains fastening a ball at each end and one in the middle and it been dark secreted them on elevated
ground up Mullholland St where we had a good chance to rake the enimy we had the two pieces and let them go takeing the mob fires for a ma k President Wells was by us when we fired them of. the mob said afterwards to me that we tore their wagon covers and tents to pieces the next morning they sent in a flag of truse a council was held and we promiced to vacate the City in (3) three days.
I worked hard to get poor and sick out of the city that wanted to go. I got my wagons down by the River so as to get them over as soon as I could I then went back to help others leaveing my wife with the things while there some men came and broke open the boxes to search for arms as they said took a sword I had made in King Wm the 2nd time a knife and some other things I had gone to get a cow we had left while near my place I saw a company on horse back comming towards my place I did not let them see me when they got there they saw had left one shouted out the little buggers gone.
I worked until all I knew was out so I went down thinking I would go over to my family I was sitting on a wagon toung when about (14) fourteen of the mob came one pointing to me said there is thee little buggar so they came and took me marched me up a little said they wanted to ask me a few questions. I said all right gentlemen dont gentleman us said they Daniel Hill by trade a Miller and Thos Harrington saw them and came too us says they where is the cannon you had I told them those by the Temple you are a liar you had good cannon and a good cannonader after answering many questions says they what did you do I told them I done little chores arround the cannon they swore at me and said we want you to tell us truly how many of you where fighting against us. as near as I could make it out there where 74 all told says they we know you are lying now for we saw thousands of you take him down into the river a tall dark looking man who had some liquor in him took hold of me I asked the Lord what I should do when this was presented to me be passave you are in the hands of the Lord all right so I felt no alarm but just as I was agoing down the bank the men said the little buggar will fight and each raised the cock of his gun Hill declaired it so frightened him that his hair turned grey and kept grey ever after. When we got into the water a nice depth he said I baptize you by orders of the auothorities of the Temple G.D. you throwing me back he held me until my breath was gone but he held on to me I stagered and gasped and wanted tgo, go out but he damned me and said you must have another dip and threw me on my face it was prety hard on me but I got over it this affair made some of my bretheren feel bad, but what could they do my folks where glad it was no worse the Mob told me if I ever was caught that side of the River again death was my doom this was the Missippe river next morning I was told that there was a yoak of steers 3 years old I could get by going after I had no team so I soon made up my mind and went tho the folks felt bad at me going I found a roap in the River it been caught in the willows about 40 ft long this I took to get the Steers to the river I got help to put the yoke on but none to help me to the river they broke the rope twice on the way and when I got to the river they run in but I held on to them this cooled them of I had not much throuble with them afterwards I had no chane or money to buy one and not a bit of salt indeed it seemed we wanted a many things too numerous to mention while we where thinking how we where to get a chane
word was brought that a person who was owing me $9.00 1 could get by going after my wife would not hear of me going as my life had been threatned so she and John Haynes went and got it my family was there when the Quayles came and killed and eate some I went from there to the Desmoin river to Mars Mills there I got a good job of work cutting grave stones in two weeks make $15.00 in cash and 7 1/2 barrels of flour besides some bran and shorts I worked until I got word that all who could go to Council Bluffs where to go altho I had a very good show for woork I was prompted to go and did sending some flour ahead by Charles Decker when we got to the bottoms by the Boa Lake there been high willows and pea vines was set on fire it was a fearful sight to us I run ahead and fired the grass and drove on to that thus escapeing a fearful death as the flaims rose high and fierce we got safe to the Missouri river to a place named by our people feryville. A Br John Dixon a friend hearing of our arrival came and asked Angus seeing the stears if they where ours he replied yes what do you call them says he that is chance and that is Luckey that is like Lambert it was a chance you got them yet it was Lucky I went to work as soon as I could after crossing to go and cut down bottomwood trees and hew them to make a house a little above Frinch point near wher Omaha stands. (Winter Quarters is now called Florence)
When we got to Soap Creek hill my wife would get out to walk she soon fell under the front wheel and both wheels went over her one went over her hip & back the company pronounced her dead but a holt was called she was lifted into the wagon and administered too when she spoke and in 3 days was walking alone though she said the spirit left the body. this was to all a miracle indeed she still lives I got a nice little house with punchen floor (i.e) logs hewed and pinned down close and I hadzed them level so that it was very nice I fastened a poll across one end for our beds I felt proud of it and thankful, altho we had left our house garden and 40 acres of land behind which we never got one cent for. our flour we sent ahead we never got a pound of and had to live on stuf we bought to feed to our cattle my wife made up our last batch into 2 cakes and I started down into Missourie to find work I started on the 13th of January 1847 Brs Thomas Moor and Joseph Kingsbury going down to St Jos they would beg for me, I started with a pair of old shoes the sole came of one the second day that was the coldest winter experienced in Missourie for several years. I must here state that I had a dream before i started which I told to my wife and some other friends before I left Winter Quarters which was literaly fulfilled I got to St Jo the prospect for work was good as soon as the winter broke up I found some I was aquainted with I wanted shoes as I was suffering with my feet a friend went with me to a shoemaker who after much talk promised to mend up a pair of old boots if I would pay him $2.50 for when I got work he my friend going my bond been impressed by my dream I had before I left my folks I resolved to go back to Round Prairie near the Nodaivay about 5 miles from Savanah the boots made me more lame so that I had to pull them of and walk barefoot it was after dark when I got to the house and people I was looking for the man of the house was in bed his wife still up as I could not see the gate I made for the light and came against a high rail fence a big dog was barking furiously so the Mrs came out and cried sick him Jack suposing it was a neighbour an aquaintance learning they came from Yorkshire England I called to the dog not to bite me at this she called to the dog to come back
when I got to the house they wanted to know who I was and what I was I told them. he asked where I was from where I had worked I asked him if he knew so & so yes say I do you know so & so why yes that was my old mate and bed fellow at that he jumped right up and asked do you belong to the Lodge (i.e.) the opperative Masons I said yes he told me he was bound to relieve me because of his oath but he wanted no preaching i told him that was not my errand it was to procure means for my family but he asked so many questions on releigon that he did not sleep much that night. I had fasted so long that I was past eating that night next day his wife came to me saying she did not know what to think for no man had puzeled him so before he always beat them in argument he had a dream and came to me saying if thou be of Joseph explain it to me. Says he to me I was led to a fine building and there shown into an upper room in the middle of that room was a table on which was spread all kinds of precious jewels to adorn the human body the sight was a most imposeing one while looking upon them I stated to my wife that those where to addorn the kings princes and Nobles of the Earth not for such as us, at this a door opened and in walked a beautiful couple as ever he saw his wife would have a kiss of the Queen and did. I asked him if he kissed the Queen he said no I told him he should have done, God is no respecter of persons they afterwards sold out their place and came to S.L. City She joined the Church received her Endowments they had no family She died here he went to California and we know not what became of him. to return to my act.
I went to work and cut some gravestones then went down to St Jo I was sick some but yeat I was blest everything working in my favor President Young said I should be blessed and indeed i was friends arrose up on every side so that I left in the Spring of 1849 for S. Lake with a tolerable outfitt while in St Jo my wife been about to be confined I sent her up to Winter Quarters it was cold weather when they got to the river to cross some teams had crossed but as they where trying to get ours over the ice broke letting the wagon and contents go into the river my wife and childeren standing on the bank, judge her feelings 1150 miles away Br Joseph Young President of the 70tis came up and got help and got the most of the things out, but judge the condition yet we have a clock running that went down to the bottom with the other things. on the 11th of April 1848 George C. Lambert was born at Winter Quarters Omahah Nation I had a house at the west end of St Jo the bretheren used to call it the Mormon Taveren as many used to stay there when they sued to come there to trade. one day as I was passing down the st a man came out of a grog shop and in throwing a tumbeler glass at annother struck me on the cheek bone I never had such a blow it was nigh to my right eye and then emptied his pistol it was almost a miracle how I escaped. my eye was weak before that I suffered much with it indeed I could not see but very little I prayed what to do and it was presented to me that if I had some sour juce of Grapes put in my eye my wife had in the home it would do me good I got out of bed lay me on my back on the fioor she was afraid but I told her all right the next morning I could see and went out without binding it up. this was the day before she left for Winter Quarters previous to her being confined She came down again after that an account you will find on page 49 1 started from Florence July 6th/49 to the valey with 2 yoke of oxen 4 cows & 3 heifers we started from little Piegon I was chosen as Captain ten wagons the bottom for 3 miles was covered with water the bretheren chosen to seek a crossing concluded to move down the river for 12 miles I did not like this so I went to them and asked them not to moove the boats down the river until Monday as I prefered to cross there one said I was only a damned Englishman and what did I know but they finely consented to let me try I with my Company and they where good with the ax cut down some trees and troughed them out so as to hold the wagons from sliding made a sleigh 18 ft long we was laughed at but when ready run on one of our lightest wagons this was belonging to N. R. Night I asked Br Henry Woolley to go and fathom the slough we had to cross it was up to near his chin I said drive on and we landed safe to the River by the boats that setled it after our Company had crossed the rest followed our example I was then called uppon to burn some charcoal to take along for the whole Co (200 bbls.) which I did each wagon takeing a good sack Br Allen Taylor was Captain of the 100 1 had a hard crowd but the best hunters in the company the Co. broke up but mine stuck tho it was said if I could lead them they would be much decerved we arrived in S. L. City Oct 13th 1849 many things transpired on our journey too numerous to mention here but of importance to those concerned I must mention one circumstance here.
I was very spairing in provideing myself with shoes etc so that when we got to near Larimia I was barefoot I had a pair of slippers but they where done for also it was a cold frosty morning I was going out with Wm Bateman one of the Company I said I wished the Lord would send me a pair of shoes soon after I said will what is that why some of the cattle has lost their bell, bell says I it is a pair of shoes and was just my fit when we got into camp they called out what a Liar our Captain is now it a cold morning he come out with a pair of new shoes but Bateman said one of them belonged to him I told him it would do him good when h got it I thanked the Lord for the gift My wife and family came down again after staying a short time, I thought it best to move them up to near Round Prarie to Joel Estess place he Estess was a Baptist yet a friend to us as I could have a log houose for one doll. per month and wood to bum for nothing. he used to haul me stone from his place to St jo, this was a great saveing to me I stil kept on my house in St Jo.
My wife wishing to go to Newark som 4 or 5 miles got a horse to ride her Br David rideing behind her in passing a farm house the horse took fright throwing of her Br and thee saddle being slack turned galoping across the prarie with her foot in the stirrup this was a terrible affair hurting her back and causing a mishap she thought she would surely die but the Lord was merciful towards her she still lives though her back has never been right since she has suffered much with it at times
Br Taylor and some of his folks her sister Annie etc met us on the bench it was a happy meeting a Lot was reserved for me on the comer of 2nd S. and Main St where now stands the Walker Brs Store the cost on the Lot being 75 cts, for surveying to Br Sherwood but Geo 0 Cannon my wifes Br had bought a Lot of John Warner in the 7th Ward for $16 -- this I prefered it being the more suitable for a garden and it being the council that one family should own but one lot I choose to give up the one on Main St tho Br Willard Richards
wished me to hold on to it stateing that in a few years it would be worth thousands of don. Br Richard Harrison coming I gave it to him he soon sold it for $250--to Br Mulliner he Harrison mooveing to Iron Couonty about one of the first things I done after I got here was to build a Room Geo Q haveing made me some adobies he leaving for California a short time before our arrival we got into our house about Christmass with no door or windows yet it was better than camping out in the snow there been very few houses at that time (it was 16 x 14 inside) I then went up Millcreek to bum coal for Br Jonothan Pugmire all alone all I had to live on was cornmeal. for which he made me a plough as I had brought the Iron with me also some end irons we enjoy ourselves at this time very much in our assembling ourselves together I cut some mill stones for Arche Gardner for which I got Lumber to cover and floor my house I sought and found stone for to make grindstones Hearthstones that was a great help to me I also quarried building rock A great many Emigrants where passing through here and would have many things that they could not take further and could be had cheap Br Thos Harrington bought a good wagon for me for $15 -- don I had a nice yoke of cattle which he traded for a span of horses double trees neck yoke a bucket and some bores shoes Angus was with him but they would not let me go near great bargans was got at times many things cheaper than could be bought back in the States fulfilling the predictions made by Br Heber C Kimball I raised some good corn and pottatoes in 1850 cabbage onions etc which the Emigrants where glad to exchange and give us such things as we where wanting not been able to bring them with us thus began thee riches of the Gentiles to flow to us
continued in book 2nd
book 2nd
when Pres John Taylor returned from his mission to France he brought machinery to make sugar from the Beet it was decided to build at Provo I traviled arround with him Br Coward and Vernon looking for land suitable to raise the beet I stay some with Br Geo A Smith and Br Bean father of Geo Bean Indian interperter when traveling Vernon and I stayed at the house of Br Blackburn when it came on a terrible Thunder Storm the house was unfinished no windows yet in the folks had a shall to stop the draft some and there been two sisters in the same room who was in danger of getting a good soaking I got up and placed myself to hold the shall the cold was intent and been in the night I felt it vividly soon after I was taken sick with the Billius fever and inflamitory Rhumatism this was very bad my shoulder was out of place my side was swolen I thought my heart must burst I lay for weeks Br Taylor and Doctor Coward wanted as they said to set my arm or I never would get better I said I had not done anything to my arm and would not have them to meedle with it I was mooved down to Br John Taylors his wives M. A. Oakey & Sophia Whittaker liveing there at that time Sister Lucy Smith a wife of Geo A Smith was very kind to me. My wife was sent for she came by stage I was indeed in an helpless condition my wife said my side would break the Doctor said no he had been a Studient in the Kings college for 21
years and never knew of such a thing but it did and gave me a great releif insomuch that I thought to turn myself in bed but in attempting to do so broke a Blood vessel and bled profusely the blood coming out at my side where the gathering had been I bled for 3 days I could not use my left arm it hangin down by my side and had to be dressed and undressed yet I felt chereful.
one day I was walking down the street and met John Gallop who had received the flying roll a beleiver in Gladden Bishop an apostate he told me if I would receive the flying roll I should be healed I was angry at him and told him that I thought he was one of the School Committee in the 7th Ward I then went and gave vent to my feelings to Thos McLelland he then Presideing say he you cannot do anything so go and notify the people to meet I done so our room was fell filled he had so much to say that no one else could speak without been insulted so I asked the President to let him have his say and then let some one else have a chance to speak. he got up and said that the Prophet Joseph had eat and drank with the drunkard and his lot was cast with the unbeliever, etc etc * cannot describe my feelings I got up and said I would send him to Hell at this my sid came all right and my arm raised above my head at this the President called out for them to hold me for I had got the use of my side again when I came home and threw my arms up my wife shed tears of Joy there are several who are now liveing who remember that ocurrance President H Kimball when he was told, says he was there no one to put him out, was told if I had been let alone I would have done more than that I well remember the creckets I was quarring stone on the bench when the Quayles came would gorge themselves and then puke them up & then go to eateing more.
I also remember the Locusts (grasshoppers) when the air would be full and when they allighted they left their mark I remember one morning looking at some Oats I had and was feeling good about them thinking they would soon be readdy to reap the Locusts came and in a short time they where not worth reapeing. at the time of the scarcety of food I had some barley growing on my city lot that was ripe before the wheat and my neighbours would come and ask can I have a little barley. Yes they would cut it dry it by the fire and grind it in the coffe mills & I tell now it was sweet. Milkweed was good thirstle roots and many others I must mention one I had divided and dealt out until we was entirely out, my wife asked what shall we do now all is gone I spoke as led and said the Lord is good he is not agoing to let us suffer so says she you are made of hope but before noon a Brother H. Woolley liveing at Kaysward 25 miles North came with some flour and short he would not then give me his reason flour was selling at $25 and 30 dollars per hundred after harvest he was down and I then wished to know about his comming and bringing me the flour and shorts. He said I went to bed and a voice said take that flour etc to Charles Lambert he is in need or something to that effect he said he tried to through of the imprecion but it came a second time says he I was cross and wanted to go to sleep. this was repeated a third time when I got up put it in the wagon this was about 3 o'clock in the morning. I then asked what am I in your debt for the same only the Tything office price ($6 ... .) I could relate many such circumstances but these must suffise for the present
In 1857 when the U. S. Army came up against us I went out to Echo I went out with Jonothan Pugmire (Majore) J. G. Willey Captian, I assisted in erecting those pigeon fixings on the side of the mountains well remembered by those who where there after we returned to the City I was Orderly having charg of thee gaurd. I had the charge of mooveing President Taylors Mill and family south which was set down at Provo near to the river prety well up to the mouth just below the bench leaveing my family there I retired to the City there I worked planting pottatoes corn cabbage etc previous to the Army coming into the City I had shavings wood etc to fire the house should the army attempt to seise the City but they ma ched through very orderly and thus our homes was saved unto us when my folks came back and saw the garden she was filled with Joy to overflowing it was a great blessing to us.
I must mention that I asked for two days to go and see my folks when guarding the City after calling the roll of the guard I walked to Provo 50 miles and got there by 6 0 clock P.M. the next day I started back but was overtaken by S. Woodruf Jun. so that I was releived of the trouble to walk all the way back Br Aaron Thatcher mooved my wife and family to Provo. fish was very plentiful at that-time it was the cheif of our liveing at the time, I seldom or ever heard any one complain they took joyfully their aflictions drvings etc my health was very poor suffering with my face and eye which eventualy went blind (ie) my right eye. I went to England on a mission in the fall of 1870 and returned in 18711 enjoy my mission very much in 1882 on the 17th Oct my son George my wife and myself went to England on a mission there were about 60 missonaries when we got to Niagra falls two gentlemen came on to the carrs one had two little girls his daughters with him he told them to look they are all Mormon Elders you many never have such an oppurtunitity of seeing so many together again and seeing my wife and Sister Holt asked if they where Mormon women and if they where a sample I said yes he then said they where good. I pointed to my wife and said She is the mother of 14 childeren pointing to George saying that is one of them that seemed to suprise him much and called forth other remarks one was this you have got some of our best Citizens who lived in this neighbourhood when we was crossing we had some rough wether but made good time when nearing Quenstown the Captain (Douglas) came to me & said did you ever see or hear tell of such a trip at this time of the year I told him he had had our prayers I know that said he thee Sailors said we had stole a march after visiteing my relatives I was assigned to labor in (3) three conferences the Birmingham Manchester and the Leeds and Bradford I enjoy myself much the only drawback it was two short we came back in the Nevada had a good trip but much sea sickness one thing in my favor I never suffered much from sea sickness this was the 5th time I had crossed It does me good to look back on my missionary labors I have built a many Bridges for S. L. County and at the present am doing a little in that line.