Willden Family History

As has been stated previously, the Willden's moved back to Beaver in
1865, where Charles farmed. While living there he filled a mission for
the Church back to his native land, England. These quotations from the
Millennial Star refer to this mission:

"Monday, 19 July, 1869, Elders Charles Willden, Levi Garrett, and
Howard O. Spencer arrived in Liverpool from Utah, reporting a pleasant
journey, and their readiness for their field of labor. Elder Willden was
appointed traveling elder in the Sheffield Conference and Elders Garrett
and Spencer in the London Conference.

Millennial Star 31: 499

Wednesday, October 20, 1869, Elder Lewis W. Shurtliff wrote from Longdon
"A Company of 16 souls of the Saints left Liverpool on the steamship
"Colorado", Elder Charles Willden, returning missionary was also
on board." -Millennial Star 31:708

"Above company arrived New York, November 1st." - Millennial
Star 31:741

"Elder Charles Willden wrote from Salt Lake City, November 14,
that he and one family of the small company of Saints which emigrated with
him had arrived safely there, and the other families were expected in the
next day." - Millennial Star

Following is the diary of this mission:

August 3, 1869 - A rainy morning and cloudy all day. Noon, my brother
John came in, hearing of me the night before. I went with him to Dinnington.
They received me very well, all his family that was at home, two sons and
one daughter. In the evening I walked out, had much talk with some on principles
of gospel, one James Eisher Clark in the Protestant Church. I stayed at
my brother John's, all night, had my supper. They wished me to have some
tea, I took it against my will but to satisfy them. I had a very uneasy
nights rest.

August 4 - A fine morning, after I had answered many questions and much
talking I went to Laughton and what did I see? Drunkenness, and great wickedness
and offered to be very little peace in the streets or anywhere else. Their
sports were very little sports to me for they were mixed up in wickedness.
My bed this night was a sofa, and I slept in my clothes and a shawl to
cover me, not very comfortable, but I got along.

August 5 - Morning cloudy and cold and I saw much wickedness, men fighting
each other for a little drink to please other using all kinds of profane
language for drink and to please the onlookers. I traveled in another direction,
saw a farmer threshing with a machine, his wife driving the horses and
women seemed to be the object for work. I do not know how many there was
working there. I traveled a little and a few pretty civil. I conversed
with a few about the gospel and the latter times. They listened very intently.
I had dinner and supper at Caroline's and slept at Rachel's and was very
comfortable. (Sisters of Charles' wife, Eleanor.)

August 6 - A little sick with a cold in my head in the morning. It was
not with drink but I could not, I did not drink more than a gill and that
to pacify the folks. I explained some of the principles of the gospel to
a few before retiring to rest.

August 7 - I was much coughy before rising from bed accompanied with
pain. I laid hands on myself and asked the Lord for his blessings and commanded
the pain to leave and the pain left. That day I traveled to Dinnington
and stayed there all night, I had some talk with my brother, but appeared
to no use. He apparently could not see anything but his worldly gain. They
did not feel as if they could give the Elders anything to eat when they
came to preach to them. I felt as if I would be well away from them. I
was attacked with a pain. I was determined I would not offend them, that
I would call.

August 8 - I arose from bed at 6 o'clock intending to preach the gospel,
being Sunday. 8 o'clock I in company with George E. Owen, not a member,
traveled to Anston. I preached and good attention paid, and invited to
come again. Then returned to preach at Laughton, got there, the wind very
rough. I preached about ½ hour, I felt the wind cutting my lungs
and I had to quit. I had my supper at G.E. Ownes. I stayed the night at
T, Makings.

August 9 - Rose from bed, got my breakfast, visited Emanuel's wife and
then left for Dinnington. On leaving I was accosted by a few men so I talked
to then, soon I had a good company. I stayed and preached to them till
dark with a promise to see them again. They promised to get a room, if
they could, for me to preach in, if they could. They wished to hear me
talk. I left them at dark, lodging at Laughton.

August 10 - I had a good night's rest, went to look at T. Makings thresh
with the steam machine, it did its work very well. I then went and had
my breakfast then left Laughton for Rotherham. I stayed with George E.
Owne all night and had supper with him, stayed with him all night, had
breakfast with him next morning, a cloudy morning.

August 11 -Left 9 o'clock, walked to Sheffield, got my dinner and supper
at Bro Gardeners, left my clothes to be washed. I went to Bro Wholstmans
to sleep, which was comfortable.

August 12 - I rose from bed in health, did much writing, got dinner
with Sister Turner, then went to see Mr. Galemoor. I saw him and his wife
they were very bitter against the Saints an as dark as midnight darkness,
but I cooled them down. He said we did not believe in the Bible. I asked
him to show me one principle that I did not believe in and I would believe
it. Then he said we did believe but not obey. I asked him to show me one
principle I did not obey and I would obey it right off. He gave me my supper.
At supper I had much talk with him and his wife. After supper they very
kindly invited me to call and see them any time and not to go back without
going to see them.

August 13 - I slept at Bro Wholstmans, very uneasy not sick, but my
sleep went from me. I was up several times though the night and did pray
to the Lord as things came to my mind. I could not sleep till daylight
in the morning. I arose from bed well in bodily strength. Went to visit
Sister Chatterton and in the afternoon visited Samuel Wells relations,
I saw all of them very ill.

August 14 - Slept at Bro Wholstman's, had my breakfast, I went to Sister
Chatterton's. Brother Shipp came in after dinner, we came to the conference
house, then I went to the Blackstone house to deliver W. Memmott's message
to them. I had much talk with them on the gospel. They gave me a glass
of black beer, they wished me to call again to see them anytime. I went
in the market, did a little business, then went to the park, had supper
at Sister Wadsworth's, then Bro. Ship came in. Then went to my lodgings
at the stone house. The principle of plurality was the principle that the
people bring against us. They have no other thing to stand upon. I never
saw men to easily taken down, they acknowledged that I was right. I have
always had an answer for them.

August 15- I slept at Bros. Wholstmans. I wrote a letter to home to
send by Sister Smith. I had my dinner at Bros Wholstmans. I preached in
the room in the afternoon, my teas at Sister Chatterton's. Talked to her
children which had a good effect on their minds. Then I attended the meeting
at night. Bro. Shipp preached to a good congregation. I stayed at Bro Wholstman's,
laid hands on a sister, consecrated some oil. I blessed it.

August 16 - I visited some Saints and some not saints, talked to them
on the principles of the gospel, I hope to a good purpose. They wished
to see me again.

August 17 - I rose from bed in health and strength visited John Dammes,
my former workmate at Sanderson's Steel Works in West Street. Got my breakfast
at Bro., Smiths then traveled to Chesterfield on foot, got there at ½
past 5 in the evening then I was much fatigued with my journey. Had supper
with Sister Topham. Slept at Sister For's. Had a good night's rest.

August 18 - Rested myself some, visited some saints, attended the meeting
at night, spoke to the saints, slept at Sister Ford's.

August 19 - Had breakfast at Sister Tophams. I spent 4d for something
to eat.

August 20 - I visited saints and did some business in the other places
and delivered some messages.

August 21 - I went to see Sister Limb's daughter. I then traveled about
looking around. I saw an auction. I there bought 52 shoemakers balls for
10 d. Went to see Faulks. Had supper. Brother's Hyde and Shipp came. Bro.
Shipp went with me to Brother Brailsford had supper. I stayed there all
night.

August 22 - Had my breakfast then talked to some saints on the gospel.
Went to see Bros Hyde and Shipp but they were goner to Tupton. At night
I slept at James Brailsford's. I attended a council meeting on Sunday morning
at half past ten. Went to a Council meeting on Sunday morning at half past
ten. Went to camp meeting in Chesterfield. A very good attendance . I preached,
good attention paid. Bro Hyde spoke, Some attended another in afternoon.
Four or five hundred persons present. Bro. Shipp spoke well to the people.
Some interruptions. All passed off very peaceable. Some few Methodists
of the Methodists spouted some little against us, but had not much affect.

August 23 - Talked with some one, the man that was to get Sister Lime
debts in and saw others on business matters.

August 24 - Went to the station to see some of the Brethren start for
the valley. I had my breakfast at Father Brailsfords. I visited some not
in the Church there. They were satisfied with what I had said of the doctrine.
They said they would attend the saint's meetings. Brother Shipp and myself
traveled to Bolsover pound. One Brother James Wright very sick. We blessed
some oil and anointed him. Gave him some inward and laid hands on him and
blessed him in the name of the Lord and when we retired to bed her felt
much better, and when he arose in the morning he was well he said, but
very weak. In duty we gave Sister Wright 6d each to help them. They were
very glad of it.

August 25. We arose from bed 6 o'clock in health and strength. Had breakfast
at Bro Wrights. Sister Wright gave us 6 d each. I left 3 d. By the side
of my plate on the breakfast table. We blessed them and started on our
journey to Chesterfield, after laying hands on Brother Wright. We reached
Chesterfield at 12 noon. I had my dinner at Bro. Brailsfords. Then went
to see a Mr. Horton. I saw him, that was all. I attended the saint's meeting
in their room and spoke to the saints a little. I slept at James Brailsfords.

August 26 - I arose from bed at 6 in the morning and had my breakfast
then walked to Sheffield by noon. Had my dinner at Bro. Wholstman. I went
to the night meeting but very few there. Bros. Hyde and Shipp were there.
Bro. Hyde said we would adjourn as we were so few. So we went home. I slept
at Bro. Wholstman's on their sofa. This is my bed they make one comfortable.

August 27 - I rose in health and strength, had my breakfast and then
took the train to Rotherham. Got my supper at George E. Owen's, slept with
him. I took a short walk. After rising from bed my nose bled. Then I took
breakfast with him. Walked to Masbrough. Another turn with bleeding of
the nose which bled very much but stayed stopped after a long time. I visited
Bro Wards but not very free. I visited some more the best way I could being
as it were in a strange land and far from my home and from my bosom friends.
Did I weep? Yes, tears of grief trickled down one after another and the
lord knew it all for he heard and answered my prayers apparently the Lord
was the only friend that I had near me. The brethren and sisters asked
me what was amiss with me. I told them they were my friends and I should
not go. They said let him for I had done them good and I should stop with
them for they could keep me. This was their feelings one and all. They
were all willing to share with me to the last crust of breast for all I
had done them good. I should not go on such pretensions.

August 30 - I slept at Bro Wards. I was very comfortable as regards
to bed but very troubled in mind. Had breakfast then walked to Ramarsh
station. Got my dinner then traveled to Boulton, stayed all night. Counseled
with some of the Saints about crossing the seas then walked back to Ramarsh
Station. Got supper at Bro. Cranes. I traveled to Masbrough , visited Mr.
Cattle formerly a member in the Church. Had much conversation with him
on the work. He wished me to come and see him again. Then I walked to Rotherham
stayed all night with George E. Owens.

September 1 - After breakfast walked to Attercliff got dinner and supper
at Bro Criches. He mended my shoes. Then I traveled to Sheffield slept
at Bro Wholstman's.

September 2 - I, after breakfast, wrote a letter to Bro Correnton and
a copy for myself.

September 3 - I, after breakfast, hunted for a Mr. Brown after a long
search found his son, he being dead, the old man. Then I visited some saints.
Slept at Bro. Wholstman.

September 4 - After Breakfast, I walked to Wadsley Bottom to see Alfred
Turner; found them all well but poor but they made much of me. I saw all
but one daughter. I walked back to Sheffield. I slept at Bro. Wholstmans.

Sept. 5- Sunday - I went with Bro Smith to visit some of the saints
as a teacher. Some of the saints gave good attention when we came to bro
Gardnere no order there his wife did not know anything but confusion and
was too big to be taught. I visited some more but they were very ready
to obey what they were taught. In the afternoon went to see Benjamin Millard
and family they being Josephites and very stupid, had my tea with them
they respecting me. Then I traveled to our meeting in the room house full
and good attention paid. I slept at Bro Wholstmans.

Sept. 6 - Monday - I traveled to Wadsley Bottom to Alfred Turner, had
much talk with them and family they paid very good attention to what I
said, I stayed there all night had a good nights rest.

Sept. 7 - I had much talk with them on the principles of the gospel.
Went into th e Mouse Hole Forge saw them making anvils; then I traveled
to Sheffield. Slept at Wholstmans.

Sept. 8 - After breakfast I saw Mr. Smith's clerks was in their office
had mcuh talk with them on Mormonism. They seemed to take great delight
in hearing those things and they were in hearing those things well pleased
with me and would like to see me again. Then visited Sister Helmer then
went to Sister Messiter's had my supper with them. Slept at Bro. Wholstmans.

Sept 9 - After breakfast at Bro. Smith's I visited some of the Saints
then walked to Attercliff to visit Bro Brick and his family then walked
to Sheffield. Had my supper at Bro Smith's. Slept at Bro. Wholstmans.

Sept. 10 - Had a good nights rest, after breakfast worte a long letter
home. Had supper at Bro. Smith's slept at Bro. Wholstmans.

Sept. 11 - Had breakfast at the conference house after some conversation
wiht Bro. Hyde. He said I need not trouble myself aobut the trade I could
not do any good. I could not get to know anything about it. The people
would not let me know anything about the trade. He siad the authorities
would send for some influential men to carry on the trade. I told him they
had been deceived once and might be again. Said I to him, "I know
more about that business than you or more than I shall tell at present".
I told him he did not know anything about these things. He was afraid I
would get to know more that himself. I then walked to Chesterfield in 3
hours. Had supper at Bros. James Brailsford's. They were glad to see me.
Stayed there all night was very comfortable.

Sept. 12 - Sunday morning all well. I visited some of the Saints, met
with the Saints in their meeting room talked to them a little. Met again
in the evening. I opened by prayer. Bro. Shipp preached. Bro. Hyde presided.
A good congregation. I slept at Bro James Brailsfor's, a good night's.

Sept 13 - A rainy morning I am all well. I visited some of the Saints
I went to meet Bros. Hyde and Shipp and Bro. Ardwick. Stayed with them
till noon then went to Father Brailsford's. Had my dinner there. Visited
some Saints at Brampton. After had tea then went to Bro. James Brailsford
and a good few of the brothers and sisters and we had a good time together.
We parted with love to each other each heart filled with love and peace
toward each other. Then I retired to bed at 11 o'clock. A good nights rest.

Sept. 14 - O arose from bed in good health and strength. I with Bro.
Holsebruck took a walk. We came to a gentleman's house his name, Clawton.
I got some flower seeds and some black-berries. Was a very good sort. I
thanked him kindly for them. We then came to Brampton then to Chesterfield.
Got my supper. Retired to bed at 10 o'clock at Bro. Brailsfords. A good
nights rest after writing for 2 or 3 hours.

Sept. 15 - I rose early, had a walk got some yarrow had some yarrow
tea. To my breakfast, then I finished my writing. Bro. Thomas Holsebruck
gave me a pocket handkerchief. Then we visited some Saints. We traveled
in the country some. After a good time with the Saints I retired to bed
at James Brailsford's. Had a good rest.

Sept. 16 - I rose from bed in good health. Had breakfast at Father Brailsfords.
Then went with Bro. Holsebruck to Bro. Hardwicks then they took me to a
tailor's and they put me a new overcoat on and gave it to me as a gift
from Brothers Thomas Holsebruck. James Brailsford, Henry Turner, Edward
Ringly, Ely Hardwick. I had my super at Bro. Brailsfords. Then I went and
visited Bro Turner and Ringly then returned and went to bed after prayers
which I always attended to.

Sept. 17 - I rose from bed 6 o'clock, all well, wrote a letter for Sister
Brailsford to her daughter. I had my dinner then walked to Borrow Hill
had my tea at Bro. Bower's. Slept at Bro. Morton's. I was very comfortable.
I did not rest so well. I drank some tea that caused me not to rest so
well.

Sept. 18 - All well and in good spirits after breakfast I traveled to
Laughton. Stayed at Thomas Making's, had a good night's rest. Slept with
Thomas Making.

Sept. 19 - Sunday morning I rose from bed in health and strength got
breakfast at T. Makings. Then walked to Dinnington to my brother's. They
were a little distant. I felt their spirits. At evening my brother's wife
commenced on me. I saw in her countenance she had the devil in her. She
said she understood that I had two wives and had two children by my last.
She could not wait for me to give her an answer but she called me a murderer.
I was murdering my first wife and I was the wickedest man living. She called
me everything but a good man. Well if I ever saw fire, yes, hellish fire
flash in the eyes of any person's eyes it did in hers. Yes, there was the
devil in a woman I say for once. For myself, I felt to say "Lord,
deliver me from this evil spirit." I thought she would have flown
at me, but she turned and set her eyes at her own husband. I thought she
would have come out of her head. I waited till her mad storm was over,
then I talked to her till her proud hellish spirits were brought to submission.
I told her that there was more peace and happiness in my family than there
was in hers and more love in my wives than there was with her and her children
and more union in my children from my two wives that there was amongst
her children in one wife. Now this is a fact, now what is there amiss in
this? I felt the power of the Priesthood resting on me at this time. They
cooled down pretty well. Night came on I went to bed.

Sept. 20 - I rose from bed in good health. Monday morning I did not
care about being near her. Their children desired me to stop awhile with
them. I did not wish to offend any of them so I took all things as patient
as I could, so I wound my stay with her up as soon as I could to do all
things, to be as calm as I could so as I would not give any offense. There
was two more women came in as neighboring and in their common discourse
they cursed and swore most every word and used all kinds of profane language.
Through their discourse, backbiting their neighbors. I thought they were
a poor set to offer a better system of happiness than I was trying to live.
But I was satisfied I would not have such talk in my house or before my
children. She, my sister-in-law, said she d----d soon could put the Saints
right if she had them to deal with. They gave me my dinner. I then left
for Laughton, being noon. At night I slept at Thomas Makings.

Sept. 21 - I rose from bed in health. T. Makings was taking to me. He
said I could stay as long as I had a mind to, he could keep me. I went
to Brampton for him, on some business. He said he would give me 6d. After
this I went and got a good mess of mushrooms. Then I went back to Laughton.
Went to bed at 10 o'clock. This day I ate a few blackberries and I think
they made me a little sick next morning.

Sept. 22 - Morning not very well, light-headed. After breakfast I felt
much better. I went to get more mushrooms. I went into the fields for the
good of my health.

Sept. 23 - I rose from bed in good health at 4 o'clock in the morning.
I was pretty tired and went to bed early.

Sept. 24 - Friday morning my health good. 4 o'clock I went to gather
mushrooms. Very tired, went to bed early this night.

Sept 25. - Saturday I rose from bed in good health. I traveled to Anston
Common to get some ouler seed. Then I got some crab pips (crabapple seeds).
I slept all week at Thomas Markings.

Sept. 26 - Sunday morning, I well. After breakfast I walked to Dinnington
to see my brother's family. They looked rather shy, but in the afternoon
there was a more freer spirit, they seemed to try to make me more comfortable
particularly their daughter. I slept on their sofa. Their daughter, she
made me comfortable the best she could.

Sept 27 - Monday morning all well. I stayed till I had had my dinner
then left for Laughton at noon. From there to Ully. Had my dinner with
William Taylor's wife, Thomas Makings oldest daughter, Sarah, then left
for Rotherham. Got two miles out of my way. Stayed at George E. Owens all
night, Caroline's daughter's. I was comfortable.

Sept. 28 - Tuesday morning I am well, a rainy morning. I took time to
fix some of my seeds as I have got some to take home. Then all right. Still
raining. Then I sat down to write in my journal. Now near 5 o'clock still
raining out.

Sept 29. - I slept at G.E. Owens' at Rotherham. Tuesday rainy morning.
I am well, had breakfast then fine. I traveled to Ramarah Station to see
Bro. Crane and family, after seeking Bro. Kinder's relation. Could not
find him. This is the second time I have tried to find him, but in vain.
I stayed all night at Brother Cranes. Had a good night's rest.

Sept. 30 - Thursday morning all well. A thick foggy morning. I traveled
to see Mr. Cattle, formerly a Brother in the Church. Not much prospects
of him altering his course. I had tea with him he was very kind with me.
I then traveled to see Sister Colbert and son. There was a fellowship meeting
there that night. This is Masbrough Grove Road. Stayed there all night.

October 1 - Friday morning all well. Had my breakfast then visited the
Saints from one to another. Had my supper at Sister Rough's. Bro Hyde came
in and as soon as I felt there was something in him that was not a good
spirit. Yet he said nothing. But I felt his spirit. We walked out to Sister
Colbert's to sleep. As we wakled along the street he commenced about me
going home. I told him I had not time to get my things together what few
things I had. They were scattered that there was not time to collect them
together before the ship started. If I had known soon enough I would have
gone, and I would not leave them, for they were my own. He said if I did
not go then he could not promise me a passage and that I need not expect
any help in the future. I asked him if I had ever asked for any help and
if the Church thinks it is not or that I am not worthy of being helped
home, thank the Lord I can help myself and I am not wihtout friends. Yet
I only want time to write and I can get help. He said it was his right
to send me home if he chose. "Yes", I said, "But I have
a private letter from your president and mine that I can go when I choose
and stay while I wish to." He got quite mad about it because he could
not drive me home. I told him I done nothing to merit this trouble and
when I was ready to go home and they would not help me they could keep
it. I could get home without your help (If I have no friend in you). I
have friends left yet. He saw I was independent and he began to cool down
and he siad there was nothing against me and by his own works proved plain
that he had nothing against me, only nationality. I being an Englishman
and he an American. If he had nothing against me why does he follow me
about and send me to one place and then follow me and before I can do anything,
come and stop me. I have traveled on foot to the place where he sent me
to and then he has spent money by riding to stop me and nothing to do for
it. I still feel desirous to do good and I know the Lord blesses my Labors
and I will do what is right the Lord being my helper. We slept at Sister
Colberts.

October 2 - I rose from bed but not bery well in spirits as soon I lay
myself down to rest my spirit told me not to sleep for I had an enemy and
my sleep ent from me. So I had no sleep this night. Now this is true. I
got up after good daylight told Sister Colbert that I was going to Bro.
Wards to my breakfast. Bro Hyde came in, he stayed there a little then
he went to see another family that I had promised to see that morning and
after a little I followed him but there was no more said about it. I went
to G. E. Owens had my supper and stayed all night.

October 3 - I am well. After breakfast, I attended the Saints's Sunday
School. Helped teach the children their lessonsthen had my dinner at G.E.
Owens then attended meetin gin the afternoon then in the eving I preached.
Islept at G.E. Owens.

October 4 - Monday morning I am well, traveled to Attercliff after waiting
to see my sister-in-law Caroline, but she did not come. I visited Bro Crich
and family then another family then traveled to Sheffield. Slept at Bro.
Wholstman's. All well.

October 5 - Tuesday all well, examined my letters one from Bro Garret
and Spencer which I received yesterday. They had been waiting two weeks
on me. After reading them and a Deseret News I sat down to write home.
Did not finish. Went to sleep with Bro. Smith, but I slept very little.
I was not comfortable in spirit.

October 6 - All well in body. Stayed and had supper with Bro. Fell then
went to Bro. Wholstman's resumed my writing my letters one to my wife,
one to Bishop Murdock to fetch Bro. Wholstman home and his family, then
I went to be at Bro Wholstman's.

October 7 - Thursday all well. Had my breakfast at Sister Meseter's
then I traveled to Attercliff visited the Saints there, brought some of
them to the meeting attended in Sheffield. We had a good meeting. Slept
at Bro. Wholstman's.

October 8 - Friday all well, a rainy morning. I set htis day to fast
and pray to the Lord as I intended to fast yesterday but did not. I have
written a letter James Hague, Salt Lake City for his wife's mother and
mailed it.

-----------------pages missing--------------------

November 8 - Monday morning all well. Fine morning traveling on very
well in peace.

November 9 - Tuesday, all well fine morning. Now in the place were the
Indians killed 3 white men a week ago and killed 3 soldiers in a fight
since in the morning. Now at Rawlins Springs. We stayed here a little.
We are about 300 miles from Ogden. At 10 o'clock we left Rawlins Springs
for Ogden.

November 10 - Wednesday reached Ogden. I am very hungry. I have only
had to eat from New York to Ogden 2 shillings and 2 ½ d in bread
and cheese. I had eat all up.

November 11 - Thursday a rainy morning. I stayed at Bishop Parrey's.
I was very comfortable and glad they had got so far on and safe. One family
came to Round Valley.

End of Diary