Heroes Before Us

I, Alexander S. Stanley, born in New Brunswick, Middlesex County New Jersey, being the eldest son of Richard and Elizabeth Stanley. My grandfather, Alexander Schoby Stanley, whose name I bear, was slain in the war of the American Revolution in 1718. In 1818 I moved with my father's family to Portage County, Ohio, where on the 19th day of March, 1829 I married Philinda Upson, daughter of Freeman and Sally Upson. I obtained a small farm in the same county on which I lived without any extraordinary occurrence, except the death of one of our children, until February, 1837, when Brother James Emmett, an Elder of the Church of Latter-Day Saints, came to preach in the neighborhood and feeling but little interested in religious matters it was some time before it engaged my attention. I however discovered his propositions were well sustained by scripture evidence, while objections were generally unfounded, which had a tendency to enlighten my feeling in his behalf and engage my attention to...

The Brethren tried to encourage the men to enlist in the Mormon Battalion.   William, at 16 years of age, was Drusilla’s  son and biggest  help since his father was still helpless and Joseph, the next son, was only 9.  The night before the Battalion was to leave no one could sleep so they sat up until midnight  listening to  the girls s i ng and William play ing  the violin.   Drusilla shares what happened the next morning.  “I got ready to get breakfast and when I stepped up on the wagon tongue to get my flour I was asked by the spirit if I did not want the greatest glory and I answered with my natural voice, Yes, I did.  Then how can you get it without making the greatest sacrifice? said the voice.  I answered Lord, what lack I yet? Let your son go in the Battalion, said the voice.  I said it is too late; they are to be marched off this morning.  That spirit then left me with the heart ache.”  While they were e...

- submitted by Brian Holdstock