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Below is an autobiography of William Lang - Birth date: 6 Aug 1826 at North Molton, Devon, England. Death date: 1 Sep 1896 at St. George, Washington, Utah WILLIAM LANG - 1826-1896 Since all men are liable to error and old age will creep over us, our memories fail, mistakes and fitigations often occur therefor, I think it the duty of the head of every family to keep a record of the lineage of their descent and the principal events that occur during their probation in this state of existence. For this reason I have endeavored to keep a correct account of the principle events during my life and as near as memory will furnish my lineage.
I cannot trace my lineage farther back than my grandfather and grandmother and all I know about them is my grandfather's name was William Lang and grandmother's Martha. They lived in the town of North Molton, Devonshire, England, and died at the same township, but the date I do not know and were buried in the church yard belonging to said township. Their offspring were 7 in number and were names as follows: Mary, Thomas, William, James, Martha, Sarah, and John. Six of the children lived and arrived to years of maturity; John died when young.
My father, William, married (1) Elizabeth Pointer of the town of North Molten, England, She bore him one daughter and died of consumption and was buried in North Molten churchyard. The daughter's name was Martha, and married a Richard Abbot and emigrated to Australia.
My father afterwards married (2) Mary, the daughter of Henry and Mary Bowden, likewise of the same town, who bore him 9 children as follows:
Mary was born on the 5th of November 1822
William August 6, 1826
Henry November 6, 1828 Died August 10, 1850
Sarah July 22, 1830 Died July 25, 1831
John March 15, 1832
Thomas June 9, 1833 Died July 13, 1833
James October 16, 1834
Thomas March 27, 1835 Died December 13, 1843
Richard May 1839 Died August, 1839
In my early youth I spent my time in assisting my parents. Our family being large and my father a laborer, needed all the assistance we could give him to assist him in maintaining us. I used to attend a Sunday School and received what little instruction I had towards learning to read and write from their teachings. We were not very religious as a family but used to attend the establish Church of England about as much for fashion as any other reason for I do not remember receiving any particular benefit or instruction from these instructions.
As soon as I was big enough I worked for myself hiring to farmers by the day, week, or month as the case required or the job lasted. When about 22 years old I was employed by one Phillip Pugsley who took jobs of farmers, landowners, etc., making ditches, draining land, fencing, mowing, and farm work in general. My wages amounted on the average to 9 shillings a week. With these small wages I could maintain myself comfortable and by using economy, keeping aloof from bad company and keeping constantly at work, Sunday excepted, I was enabled to save a few pounds to help me in case of sickness or any other emergency.
I worked for this man about 3 years, tolerably well contented with my lot, looking forward to nothing but hard work. But it seems I had to change my sphere of life, although it was brought about in a manner I little thought of.
I have before mentioned religion troubled me but little, therefore, I could not imagine it would cause me to leave my native land, especially to follow the counsel of a despised and degraded people, as I was informed they were as soon as I heard there was such a religious sect on the face of the earth.
WILLIAM LANG - DAILY JOURNAL page 2
Having heard a Mormon Elder was going to preach at North Molten and hearing from some of my friends the difference between Mormonism and the other popular regions of the day, I determined to attend the meeting. At the time appointed instead of a gentleman with a long robe preaching Hell and Damnation, I saw an Englishman in plain attire preaching and explaining the first principles of Mormonism, showing the Gospel of Jesus Christ was again being taught and the Priesthood restored and salvation was offered to all mankind if they would comply with the rules, counsel, and obey the mandates of the priesthood of the Latter-day Saints, or the religion of Jesus Christ.
They required first, faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, second, repentance and baptism. Their teaching were so simple, their request so reasonable and their proofs so undeniable that I left the meeting with serious thoughts and lasting impression and yielding to the impressions of my feelings, I joint them on the 12th day of May, 1849, being baptized by Elder Henry Bowden, at North Molten, Devonshire, England, and was confirmed a member on the 20th day of May, by laying on of hands after the manner of the Apostles of Christ's day, by George Halladay, Presiding Elder of the Bristol Branch, at a meeting in North Molten on the 29th of the same month. At the same time I was set apart for the office of Deacon and officiated as such for the space of about 10 months.
This may be considered one the principle events of my life; from this period my mind expanded. I became desirous of knowing and understanding the nature of my office an calling and began to feel some anxiety to joint my brethren in America, that being the quarter of the globe chosen by the Almighty wherein to bring the light and again revel to man his will and purpose and the authorities of the Church were anxious to gather all nations that they might make known to them more fully the revelations made to them from on high concerning this last dispensation.
The officers of the Branch, seeing me desirous of fulfilling the duties assigned me and wishing to progress, proposed ordaining me a teacher. That meeting my wishes, I was accordingly set apart for that office the 4th of March, 1850, by Elder Edward Manham in South Molton, Devonshire.
Previous to this my father and mother began to inquire after Mormonism and were baptized likewise Mary and her husband, William Collins. My brother, John, also obeyed the Gospel. From this date I officiated as Teacher, exhorting the people, instructing them in the ways of truth and when called upon to preach. I sometimes went to neighboring villages with some of the brethren preaching and warning the people. These visits were generally on Sunday, having my daily avocation as usual to maintain myself. Having the idea of emigration constantly before me, I saved my earning as much as possible, and finally the way opened. The ship, Joseph Badger, was chartered by Brother Orson Pratt, one of the Twelve, to convey a company of Saints to New Orleans, North America.
I accordingly made preparations and left my birthplace on the 4th day of October, 1850, and my native land a short time afterwards. Nothing more than usual took place during the voyage. My brother, John, and Collins left England with me, and we arrived safe at New Orleans, being 5 weeks and 1day after leaving Liverpool.
We stayed in New Orleans about 3 days and left for St. Louis on board a steam boat. During our passage up river, I worked as fireman and earned $6.00. We stopped in St. Louis 2 days then crossed the river Mississippi into the state of Illinois, thence east 20 miles to Troy, Madison County.
I worked at this place 2 days in company with an acquaintance from my native place. By him I was introduced to Dr. John S. Dewy, who hired me for $12.00, who treated me well, and would have engaged me for 2 years or more, but I would not bind myself as I expected some of my folks from England
May 8, 1851 Heard my folks had arrived in St. Louis.
May 9, 1851 Went to St. Louis and found father, mother, Uncle James, Brother James, Cousin John
and wife, and Mary Pugsley
May 10, 1851 Took them all in the wagon to Troy.
May 11, 1851 Rented a house in Troy for them to live in. My father and brother James went to work for
the Dr. planting corn and farm work for several others who needed help to chop wood.
WILLIAM LANG - DAILY JOURNAL page 3
July 6, 1851, etc. Was married to Mary Pugsley by a Justice of Peace in Troy. Was employed
mowing grass. Was taken sick on the 8th of July with Bloody fluid. For 3 weeks was
in danger of loosing my life before the Dr. could stop it. I remained weak till September.
Brother John weighed me at the grist mill. I weighed 86 lbs. and could not walk except
with the help of 2 sticks.
Sept. 20, 1851 Moved from Troy to Dr.'s farm. I gained strength and went to work on farm. My
father was taken sick with same disease that I had in July and remained very weak till
September when the congestive chills took hold of this system which terminated his
existence on the 29th of September, 1851, Troy, Madison county, Illinois, age 57
years.
Sept. 30, 1851 Buried my father in Troy grave yard. All the family that were well enough attended the
funeral. Employed the fall and winter in farm work and hauling logs to saw mill by which
means I made money enough to pay my debts which sickness had caused me to incur; fitted
myself out for Salt Lake with 2 yoke of good cattle, clothing, and provisions necessary for the
trip across the plains, a journey of 1,000 miles. Paid Henry Bawden $40 for my wife's
passage from England.
April, 1852 Made arrangements with Henry Bawden to cross the plains in our company. I furnished
team. He found wagon and 1 cow.
Before I give an account of our journey to Salt Lake it may be as well to sketch my wife's parentage not being able to trace correctly farther back than her grandparents. John Pugsley was a native of Sherville, Devonshire, England.
He labored for his sustenance and married one Grace Gibbs of the same township. She born him 11 children as follows: John, James, William, George, Phillip, Henry, Mary, Elizabeth, Grace, Benjamin, Richard. They all lived to get married except Richard who died young.
Phillip Pugsley was born Jan. 19, 1791, and lived with his father till he grew up them moved to Withypool, Somerset, in the employ of one John Boyce, a Church of England minister. He there married a widow of John Kingdon, whose maiden name was Mary Baker, a native of England who bore 5 children as follows:
Ann was born November 26, 1820
John was born November, 1821, died 1822
Phillip was born December 18, 1822
Grace was born April 5, 1826
Mary was born May 19, 1828
(Mary Baker, the widow of John Kingdon, had 2 children by him; Elizabeth and William. William was born November 8, 1816. Elizabeth died at 2 months old. William died in Salt Lake City, February 1861. He left a wife and 5 children living in the 19th Ward, Salt Lake City, Utah.)
Mary (Pugsley) emigrated to America in the spring of 4851, married William Lang, July 6, 1851. Joined the Latter-day Saints in North Molten, England, May 12, 1849. Baptized by Elder Henry Bowden, confirmed by Presiding Elder G. Halladay.
April 22, 1852 Left Troy for St. Louis to join Henry Bawden and prepare ourselves for starting.
April 26, 1852 Put our wagon and team on steam boat and took our leave for Churchville, Missouri.
WILLIAM LANG - DAILY JOURNAL page 4
April 28, 1852 Landed in Churchville. Hitched up our team and traveled to Council Bluffs in
company with other wagons in route for Salt Lake. The roads were very wet and miry
but we arrive at Council Bluffs without any serious accident in a month from Churchville,
over 10 miles. Stayed at Council Bluffs about a week fitting and resting our cattle.
June, 1852 Organized the company's 54 wagons into 10's, captain being appointed for each 10.
Started on the plains. The entire company under the superintendence of Capt. Outhouse,
who so abused his authority and shewed his imbecility and unfitness for his office by
abusing language and using the funds in his hands for his own particular benefit, that we
chose another in his place not having the authority of Captain, but only to act as agent for
the company.
The Indians caused us some trouble in the onset of our journey but did not affect us
seriously. Capt. Outhouse got disaffected and left the company and 10 wagons went with him. I was chosen captain of 10. From this time we traveled to the best for advantage by dividing into 10's. We saved time in the morning not having so many cattle
to yoke, etc., and gave them a better chance to feed.
July 4, 1852 Camped for Sunday, killed 4 buffalo, saved as much of the meat as we could. Nothing
more than usual took place the remainder part of the journey. We kept the North route
and arrive at Salt Lake September 6th, 1852, having been about 3 months crossing the
plains. Our cattle kept in good order.
Sept. 7, 8, 9 Camped south of Great Salt Lake City. My wife Mary was taken sick. Gave birth to her
first child, Mary Ann. Moved to Cottonwood and rented a farm from James Parks for 6
years.
Sept. 18th Dr. Lee re-baptized us. Worked at ditching and fencing all the winter.
Jan. 6, 1853 Went into Cottonwood Canyon for lumber to floor my house. Paid the toll. One of my
oxen fell through a bridge in the canyon and died the next day.
Jan. 10, 1854 Endeavored to get pay for my ox. Was left to decision of Bishop's Miller, Richards,
Wright, and Lee, who decided I should be paid $30, one half the value of the ox, by
Joseph Young and Rockwood, the proprietors of Canyon. I have not yet received the
pay. Ordained a Seventy. Put in large crop. Had to fight grasshoppers. They
destroyed considerable. Paid my share in building for $35.00. Reaping and taking care
of grain. The grasshoppers destroyed much grain.
October 6, 1954 Indians committing deprecations in southern settlements. Called upon by the
authorities to moved to Salt Creek, south, to strengthen the settlement. Moved to Salt
Creek, 100 miles south of Great Salt Lake City. Made a good farm. Built a house; made
my share in city wall and other improvements.
April 24, 1854 My wife, Mary, gave birth to Elizabeth Jane.
December 1854 Sold out my farm and improvements at Salt Creek to Charles Camp for the sum of
$85.00. Took his note for the same, which has never been redeemed.
Jan. 1855 Moved back into Millcreek Ward, Great Salt Lake City. Bought a farm of 50 acres from
Alexander Hill of Cottonwood, for $300 without any improvements. Employed building
house, fencing, and improving farm. Bought 10 acres adjoining from James Hennefer for $50.11.
April 1855 Put in crop, destroyed by grasshoppers and saleratis.
WILLIAM LANG - DAILY JOURNAL page 5
Jan. 1856 Mary gave birth to Clarisse Jan. 23. She died 31st. Rented farm from James Parks,
Cottonwood, and took my brother John in partnership.
May 16, 1856 Put in crop. Received my endowments. My wife Mary sealed to me for time and
eternity by Jedediah M. Grant. Raised crop in Cottonwood. Bought an interest in a
thrashing machine, 1/3 for $275. Total cost of machine $825.00. Spent the fall and part
of the winter in running thrashing machine.
Dec. 13, 1856 Rhoda Ann born.
Feb. 12, 1857 Received my Patriarchal blessing by John Young, Patriarch of the church. My wife
received hers, also my mother. Brother John got his at the same time.
April 1857 Rented land from Brother Chaples, raised good crop. Previous to this a reformation of
the people being necessary on account of their evil doings, all the Saints renewed their
covenants by baptism and repentance. I was accordingly baptized and confirmed on the
8th of March 1857 by A. Gardner, confirmed by John C .Gardner; Mary on the 8th March
1857 by A. Gardner, confirmed by Brother Magee Augers. Mother the same date by A.
Gardner, confirmed by Brother Magee.
July 1857 Harvested my grain, tended crops.
August 1857 Started the thrashing machine continued running the machine till November 14. Just
upon starting the machine about 8:00 in the morning, while fixing the fly wheel, the
machine being in motion, my neck handkerchief got from under my shirt and caught in
the cogs of the wheels, which drawed my head down into them I threw out my hands to
save myself, catching the frame with my right hand. My left, I caught in the cogs which
tore off my 4 fingers, leaving only my thumb. My face was also much cut, 3 of my teeth
knocked out and my tongue was very much cut so I could not take much nourishment. I was
confined to my bed a month and was not able to work that winter.
Jan. 1858 Rumors of war through misrepresentation of treason, violation of laws of United
States, abuse of officers sent by government to Utah. The U. S. government sent
a full set of officials backed by the U. S. bayonets to enforce law and order in
Utah. Hearing their threats of extermination, we refused to let them pass the
mountains till we should more fully understand their purpose. Consequently the
troops spent the winter in the mountains and many of the Saints likewise, acting
as guard, in case they should attempt to put their threats into execution.
March 1858 In consequence of the hostile feeling of the troops, Brigham, our President, counseled
the Saints to move South. He set the pattern and built a temporary residence for himself
and family at Provo, 4 miles south. There followed a general move, all settlements north of
Great Salt Lake City to the south and no woman was left in or near the city and only a few
men whose duty compelled them to stay.
I moved my grain as soon as possible to Spanish Fork, 60 miles south, and then my family,
nor knowing if ever I should possess any portion of it and property I left behind. We
therefore prepared for the worst.
June 1858 Commissioners were sent from Washington to inquire into the state of affairs and
promised the people safety that the troops should in no way interfere with the people.
This partially satisfied us. The troops were permitted to pass through the city to their
camp ground, did so quite orderly much to our satisfaction.
WILLIAM LANG - DAILY JOURNAL page 6
As soon as the troops moved to Cedar Valley, the people moved back to their homes. In the meantime, I had put in some corn and oats that proved of great benefit as every thing was hard to get, especially feed for stock.
July 4, 1858 Moved my family back home. From this the excitement decreased. Trains were constantly
passing laden with government stores. Cattle were cheap and money was plenty.
Employed by the ward trading produce to the troops.
August 1858 Sold my interest in the thrashing machine to Alexander Hill for $400. Employed cutting hay,
trading, and taking care of garden.
Feb. 5, 1859 My mother died (64 years old). Had been sick a long time of the Dropsy.
6 Feb. 1859 Went to the City burying grounds, dug a grave.
7 Feb. 1859 Buried my mother. Many of her respected friends attended the funeral.
Signed William Lang
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