Willden Family History

Note: Quite by accident I located a diary of their journey across
the Atlantic by sailship. The diary was kept by Hezekiah Mitchell, clerk
of the Saints voyage. It is more detailed so there will be excerpts of
it in this history. Such excerpts will be captioned "HM". His
earlier journals refer to Charles Willden and these references have been
used earlier in this history.

November 2 - Then I with my family took an abode on the ship, "Zetland"
for our passage to New Orleans but we slept on the deck till the 7th when
we started for the river. We lay at anchor three days. On the 10th we started
for sea. We had a head wind for four days.

HM. Sat. Nov 10 - Weighed anchor and set sail for New Orleans about
9 o'clock being tugged out by a steamer for about 14 miles, then the sails
were spread and the wind wafted us pretty briskly towards 6 or 7, several
persons began to be sick...

HM. Wed. Nov 14 - Very windy and rough, the vessel rocked about very
much which caused fresh eruptions to break out amongst us. There were a
few spirits who desired to create a little dissatisfaction but through
the wisdom and prudence of President Hawkins and Elder Henderson things
appeared to be set right.

HM. Thurs. Nov 15 - The vessel rolled about very much, some things were
upset, one of my boxes being overturned, no particular harm done. Called
on God to still the wind and in the name of the Lord rebuked the raging
of the sea and wind which to our joy did so early on the 16th which caused
us to rejoice and give thanks to our God, felt the spirit while engaged
in prayer with the Saints.

HM. Fri Nov 16 - An uproar with the Irish immigrants but they were put
down by the chief mate. Several of the Saints with Charles Willden were
still dissatisfied at the order which we had adopted. O! That men would
learn wisdom by the things they suffer! The president with those who have
been appointed to assist have done their duty. (More of the 16th continued
later.)

Charles Willden Diary: After we sailed the 15th and 16th we had a very
calm sea. 17th and 18th we had a very calm sea but the 18th the wind more
favorable. Up to this time we have had many bad spirits. I had to be very
mindful of them. We had a pretend of worship. We commenced sickness the
day we started for sea but this day the 18th it's all over at present.
I have learned a deal in this short space of time. I am determined not
to be moved by them all.

HM. 16th - Held a council meeting, President Hawkins with his two councilors
and myself forming the same; made some new arrangements to meet all exigencies,
appointing 8 persons to each committeeman and putting disaffected persons
amongst others so they might be cured if possible. Very beautiful day and
pleasant on deck, not much wind. About 1000 miles from Liverpool.

HM. Sunday 18th - Arose with joy and gladness in my heart because much
better in health and we were about to have a public meeting on the quarter
deck. We assembled about 11 o'clock when President Hawkins opened the meeting
with a few pointed and appropriate remarks; then we sang a hymn, then by
request I engaged in prayer. We sang again, then President Hawkins read
for our instructions the XII and XIII of Romans and a portion of Peter.
Then he called on Elder Crooks to speak to us which he did. Sang again.
President Hawkins requested me to speak for a short time, before administering
the Lord's Supper, rejoiced while speaking, a good time, the Lord was present
in the influence of his spirit. The emblems were blessed by Councilors
Henderson and Biggs. Elder Stevenson pronounced the benediction. The Captain
and his lady were present on the occasion. Laid hands on 3 persons, blessed
some oil. Saw three vessels today. Sailing about 7 knots per hours. The
day was closed by singing and prayer.

NOTE: Before the Zetland sailed, when the officers of the Saints were
voted upon Charles Willden seconded the motion that Hezekiah Mitchell stand
next to the president to see that order was kept. However, Mitchell was
appointed clerk of the group.

Meetings similar to the above were held each Sunday and different members
were called upon to pray, preach or administer the Sacrament but Charles
Willden was never asked to participate during the voyage. I have checked
every name mentioned in Hezekiah Mitchell's diary in the journal department
of the Church Historian's Office to try and find what complaint Charles
Willden had against the order on the ship but could find no other diaries.

CW. November 19 - The sea is rather disturbed, the wind very favorable.
We are traveling about 7 miles the hour. Several vessels in sight this
day.

HM. Beautiful morning but wind contrary.

CW. November 20 - This day rather favorable though a head wind, 1/4
past 4 o'clock a vessel crossed us, a few yards before us, an East India
trader. At 5 o'clock she was out of sight. Fine weather.

HM. A beautiful sight to behold, a ship in full sail. . . .

CW. November 21 - This morning fine and pleasant. 12 o'clock another
vessel in sight but far from us. 10 o'clock the wind changed for our good,
the afternoon we traveled 10 miles an hour.

HM. The vessel rolls this morning. Several porpoises seen today.

CW. November 22 - The morning clear and fair wind, sailing 10 miles
the hour in a warm climate. (Miles are nautical miles). Very fine steady
wind.

November 23 - The day very fine. We are traveling 4 miles, the sea calm.

HM. Much warmer this morning, very little wind, more sail unfurled.

CW. November 24 - The morning and day very fine and clear sailing. 6
or 7 miles the hour. No vessel in sight. A meeting called this morning
for coming and cleaning. I assisted with the water this morning. The evil
spirits strove to take their abode in the stern end of the vessel.

November 25 - The morning clear and fine sailing. About 4 miles the
hour. Afternoon the wind changed in our favor. No vessel in sight. We had
a wedding on board with the Scotch. We had preaching twice the Sacrament
at noon in peace.

HM. . . . The president the proceeded to unite in the holy estate of
matrimony Thomas Meacock and Selina R Peaton. Also 1400 miles from Liverpool.
124 miles from Madeira Island.

CW. November 26 - The morning fine, a vessel in sight. Yesterday fromn
Madeira. Sailing 6 or 7 miles the hour. Wind favorable.

HM. Not much wind. One of the Irish emigrants evil entreated one of
the Saints which caused a little commotion amongst us.

CW. November 27 - The wind in our favor, nothing in sight, 10 or 12
miles the hour.

HM. The wind rose and the vessel rolled very much, sailing about 9 knots
per hour.

CW. November 28 - Fair wind, sailing 10 or 12 miles the hour.

HM. Going at a rate of 7 miles per hour.

NOTE: Evidently Charles Willden's account of the rest of the voyage
has been lost so I shall use excerpts from the diary of Hezekiah Mitchell
who was clerk of the ship. He writes of he and the other presiding Elders
perfoming many administrations to the sick on board the vessel. He is also
very expressive of his appreciation for the Lord's blessings to them on
this voyage and for the gospel. This was the feeling of all the Saints.
Mroning devotion was evidently held each morning. The Irish emigrants whom
it seems were not members of the Church caused much disturbance. In fact,
when the ship was about ready to sai,l several Irish stowaways had to be
removed from the boat.

Thursday Nov 29 - Sailing about 9 or 10 knots per hour.

Friday Nov 30 - All things considered we are doing well. Sailing about
10 miles per hour, nice morning. Very good sailing all day.

Sat. Dec. 1 - Sailing as before, wind and water in our favor; the water
appears beautiful - indeed, a fine day. The Irish are rough people. Saw
two flying fish, also a crampfish, or species of whale about 9 feet long
which swam around our vessel several times. The second mate caught a dolphin;
this is a beautiful kind of fish.

Sun. Dec 2 - Fine morning, good health prevails on the vessel for which
we are thankful to God. (Church services were held as ususal and the Sacrament
was administered). We have sailed from Liverpool 2700 miles, having sialed
the past week 1300 miles in North Latitude 23 degrees and West Longtiude
27 degrees.

Mon. Dec 3 - Saw a large fish leap out of the water, also saw about
30 flying fish in a company. Saw a small vessel that was bound for California
called "Sam and Ben". Our captain spoke to their captain. Sailing
first rate.

Tues. Dec 4 - Sailing as before and fine morning. Wind rises toward
evening, will rain.

Wed Dec. 5 - Wind strong and much rain all day but blowing right. Some
evil spirits amongst us who would not submit to order. Met with President
Hawkins and Elders Henderson and Biggs in council to adopt the best measure
for the good of all. Sailing first rate.

Thurs. Dec 6 - Fine warm morning. Sailing about 8 knots per hour.

Fri. Dec 7 - Very hot, read a little, the devil is apt to overreach
himself. Some of his agents will never be governed. A little ateration
in the sials today, all life and stir on board.

Sat. Dec 8 - Not sailing quite so quick as we have done. One of the
Irish Emigrants very ill. Engaged in prayer.

Sun. Dec 9 - Hot night. Sailing well (Services held as usual). In north
Latitude 17 degree and West Longitude 60 degrees, and 120 miles from Antigua,
on of the West Indies Islands. Saw a pelican and a dolphin with many flying
fish.

Wed. Dec. 12 - One of the stern sails broke loose. What disorder a small
thing makes. Nothing like order in all things. Saw to our joy the Island
of San Domingo and was near to the rock, Alto Vela of which we had a good
view. No vegation on it. Several large birds flying about. Good health
oin board. Thank God for it. First rate sailing at about 11 knots per hour.

Thurs. Dec 13 - Very beautiful morning, only sialing about one mile
per hour in consequence of which it became very hot on deck. Nothing particular
occured this day of any particular note, only that some of the sialors
appeared to rejoice because of the calm, but I prayed to the Lord to cause
the wind to blow. He heard and answered my prayers towards evening.

Fri. Dec 14 - Sailing about 8 or 10 knots per hour, fine morning, not
so hot as the day before. Elder Ligget's son died about 4 o'clock this
morning and his body was cast overboard about 10 a.m. I saw it sink in
north Latitude 18.20 and West Longtitude 66.20. The Island of Jamaica was
in view this day.

Sat. Dec 15 - The northern coast of the Island of Jamaica as we had
a view this morning was very beautiful, the hills appeared to be covered
with trees and the land nearest the sea is like the green fields of old
England with here and there a while hut or building of some description.
We could see movable objects but could not perceive what they were. We
saw a little boat with its white sails coating about,m which indicated
to us there must be some of the sons of Adam there. Presently it wafted
beautifully on the smooth surface of the Carribean Sea in view of our speldid
Ship Zetland. Fine day, about 7 or 8 knots.

Sun. Dec. 16 - Hot day in consequence of which Captain Brown put up
a large sheet as a screen over our heads so that the heat might not be
disagreeable, moderate sailing. 700 miles from the bar and about 140 more
from New Orleans.

Tuesday Dec. 18 - Sailing well with rain now and again. We are now in
the Guld of Mexico. A little too much water in the hold of the vessel;
have to pump twice per day instead of once. Saw a vessel ahead of us, we
soon passed her. What a beautiful star and moonlight night!

Wed. Dec 19 - Wind in the same quarter and sailing about the same as
the day before. Held our Confernece this day, opened with singing and preayer.
Votes of thanks were given to the Captain for his kindness to the Saints,
to the Presdient Hawkins for the able and efficient manner in which he
has presided over this branch of the Church and the patience and forebearance
which he has displayed under various trying circumstances; to Elder Henderson
for his able and enduringt service, both for his efficiency as a counselor,
and for his disinterested labors in distributing the rations and slos for
his indefatigable exertions in endeavoring to promote the general good
order and comfort of the Saints; to Elder Biggs for his valuable services
as councilor; also for his readiness to contribute by every means in his
power to the comfort and well-being of the Saints; and to Hexekiah Mitchell
for his valuable services as secretary to this company.

Votes of thanks were also given to the different committees. Also voted
to give thanks to Bro. Charles Ashton and Bro. John Martin for their valuable
and gratuitous servvices at the cooking galley, also our deep sympathy
with the former for the severe and painful accident received while in the
arduous prosecution of the disagreeable duties he had so generously volunteered
for the benefit of the Saints, his fellow passengers.

Moved a contribution to be taken up for John Martin to furnish him with
a pair of trowsers. Talks given by presiding officers and Brother Mitchell.

Thurs. Dec 20 - Wind turned round for the better, sailing moderate,
fine morning. Saw two vessels at a distance and the smoke of a steamer.
Came near the bar at the mouth of the Mississippi River.

Fri. Dec 21 - Very foggy this morning and cold. Heard a steamer at a
distance which came in sight in a short time and was presently along side
of us. Our vessel was soon fastened and tuged on, then we cat anchor and
the tug went and fetched another tug, then we had one on each side of us
but after all they could not get us over the bar.

Liquors were sold on one of the tug boats and several of the Saints
went over and acted very injudiciously. The Sailors were also reacy to
quarrel with us (the heads) of the church, but they were compelled to acknowledge
we were a good party when things were explained. The devil has got hold
of some of the Saints. On! That the Saints would take heed to counsel.

Sat. Dec 22 - Fine, but very cold. Many vessels about with timber floating
down the river and here and there a little appearance of land. Still on
the bar after two steam tugs had tried to take us off.

Sat. Dec 23 - Fine morning and a little warmer than the day before.
No service on deck in consequence of the hurry and bustle of getting us
off the bar entirely. But we had prayer and singing down below. The steam
tugs, the Conquereor and the Mary Kingsland came about two o'clock and
took us off the bar. Therefore we set sail up the river in full spirits
with another vessel, viz., the Arab, which sailed about a week before us,
having had severn deaths and all down of the fever. The beautiful sights
are grand to behold, the scenery surpasses all that we have seen as yet.
Good health on our vessel.

Mon. Dec 24 - Pleasant morning but rather foggy. The little villages
or plantations were imposing in their views and delightful to behold. The
black sons of Canaan were not overworked. Truly this is a land of plenty.
The River Mississippi is beautiful in its serpentine course. Its banks
are full up to the brim. Arrived at New Orleans this day about 9 in the
evening.

Tues. Dec 25 - Christmas Day. Captain Brown gave the crew a holiday
this day. We had to set a special guard at the hatchway to keep strangers
out and those who would steal what they could take away. Elder McKenzie,
the agent for the Church to receive the Saints came on board. I read his
recommendation to the Saints and took up a collection for him. Marked dow
the names of all who were going up the river to St. Louis.

Wed. Dec 26 - Got all our boxes on deck by 12 o'clock to go on the steamer
but we did not gett off till very late, very much fatigued with tgetting
the luggage on the Job boat and offf onto the "Ben West". A miserable
boat to take passengers. No room to breathe in the berths. Scarely fit
for passengers.

Fri. Dec 28 - About as usual. Sold a barrel of oatmeal for two dollars.
No money or we should not have sold it.

Sat. Dec 29 - The Saints are to come up to Zion haviung great tribulation.
We set sail up the River Mississipi late in the afternoon, sailed only
about 20 miles because it was so misty that we could scarely see a yard
before us. Therefore we cast anchor for the night.

Sun. Dec 30, 1949 - Set sail up the river but very foggy: nothing like
Sunday.

Many of the passengers were taken sick and Brother Mitchell being very
ill for several days did not keep his diary but later he wrote: Saw many
things not pleasing - - smokong, chewing that noxious weed by Saints. Others
were sick besides myself, one child died, vis., Elder Willden's and was
interred on the bank by the river side.

The River Mississippi is very dangerous to sail up becuase there are
so many snags, that is, trees that have fallen in the river and they stand
with the pint to meet the boats, There is a great many pieces of timber
floating down the river which injure the paddle wheels very much. At a
time we had two very narrow escapes of being sunk. The God of the Saints
can and does protect his people on boats and elsewhere. We had many staying
places as we came up.

Got to St. Louis from New Orleans Friday, the 11th of January about
ten o'clock in the evening.

Sat. Jan 12 - Great hurry and bustle of the Saints in clearing the boat.

This ends the account of the journey of the Willdens with this company,
and the diary of Mitchell.

Going back in the story, Charles Willden and his family slept on the
docks five days before boarding the ship, Zetland. They landed in New Orleans
two months to the day from the day they left their home and loved ones.