•
Born: 8 March 1798 (New York City, New York)
•
Died: 9 September 1879 (Wellsville, Cache Co., Utah Territory)
•
Parents: George Fordham and Mary Baker
•
Spouse:
Jane Ann Fisher (md. 23 November 1822 at New York City, New York)
•
Children:
Ann Eliza Fordham, George Fisher Fordham, Jane Olivia Fordham
•
Spouse: Bethiah Fisher (md. 12 April 1830 at New York City, New York)
•
Children: Bethiah Fordham, Mormon Moriancumer Fordham
•
Spouse: Anna Bibbins Chaffee (md. 3 October 1838 at Ashford, Windham, Connecticut)
•
Children: Lydia Lovina Fordham, Amos Pierre Fordham, Anna Maria Fordham, Joseph Elijah Fordham, Mary Louisa Fordham, Emily Adelia Fordham
•
Spouse: Amelia [Brown?]
•
Spouse: Clarissa Brooks (md. 6 Feb. 1846),
•
Spouse: Elizabeth Hughes (md. 21 March 1856)
•
Children: Elizabeth Mary Fordham
•
Spouse: Jane Marshall McAuslan (md. 1 April 1856 in Salt Lake City, Utah Territory)
•
Children: William Elijah
Fordham
Brief Life Sketch of Elijah Fordham
written by his granddaughter Ruby Fordham Bean
Pioneer of 1850
The subject of this sketch, Elijah Fordham, was born in New York City on March 8, 1798. He lived to the ripe age of 81 years and 6 months, and died in Wellsville, Cache County, Utah September 9, 1879, after an unusual life of interesting experiences. His parents were George Fordham and Mary Baker of New York, who were devout Christians and like most people of that day, dug their living from the soil, and the labor of their hands.
Elijah delved more deeply into other fields and learned the carpenter and carving trade which became profitible [sic] to him and to the Latter Day Saints in later days.
It was in 1832 that Elijah Fordham moved to Clinton River, Michigan, and there a year later, 1833, he embraced the Gospel of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, under the hands of Elder Fosdick. Soon afterward, he moved to Kirtland, Ohio, where the Saints were gathered and quite fully organized.
Elijah was ordained a Seventy on February 28, 1835, by the Prophet Joseph Smith and his counselors Fredrick G. Williams and Sidney Rigdon.
The year previous 1834 was the testing time of many of the Saints, in the trying experiences of Zion’s Camp. It was a blessed time, too, to those who understood the teachings of the prophet of the Lord who organized and really led them, although the fact was never revealed to the many spies and enemies who visited and watched the journey westward to Missouri, from Kirtland Ohio. Elijah Fordham was one of the noted Camp, and was made historian of the members from Michigan. The Camp was well equipped with guns and ammunition in case of need, and with some provisions, a part of which was purchased enroute [sic]. Their wagons were filled with clothing and provisions for the persecuted Saints in Missouri, so the men walked through mud and streams, having to pull wagons by ropes to aid their teams, many times. The faith of these men was tested nearly every day in some way as described in the Volume Two, of the History of the Church in which the Prophet Joseph Smith tells the stories of: The foundered horses, Their Relief; The Cholera Plague; Deliverence [sic] from the mob by a terrific storm on Fishing River, Etc. Then the manifestations of the prophetic vision and almost immediate fullfilment [sic] made the faithful ones bow in gratitude, and the complainers, tremble.
On Oct. 16, 1834, on the return trip to Zion’s Camp in their various groups, the prophet spoke to the people in Pontiac, Oakland C., Michigan, and said: “If you will obey the Gospel with honest hearts, I promise you in the name of the Lord, that the gifts as promised by our Saviour, will flow to you, and by this you may prove me to be a true servant of God.” Some did “speak in tongues”, Elijah Fordham among them and another testimony was added to the others.
In 1837, Elijah assissted [sic] Parley P. Pratt in publishing the “Voice of Warning”, in Missouri, a “Mormon” paper.
The most marvelous experience of Elijah Fordham was on the morning of July 22, 1839. The severe illness of the Saints in Commerce, or Nauvoo, was very hard on the Prophet Joseph and his associates, having so recently been driven from their homes in Missouri. The Smith home and yard was an improvised hospital for the exiles. Wilford Woodruff tells the story thus: “On the morning of the 22 of July, 1839, the Prophet arose, reflected upon the persecutions of the Saints and the illness among them. His house and yard were filled with these exiles. Joseph called upon the Lord in mighty prayer, and Jesus healed all the sick around him that day. Then he and Sidney Rigdon and several of the Twelve, went among the sick along the river bank. He commanded in the loud voice, “In the name of Jesus Christ” to rise and be made whole, and they were healed. He and his companions then crossed the Mississippi River in a ferry boat in Montrose, Iowa, and went first to Brigham Young’s home. He was healed and went forth with them. They called at the next home and Joseph said: “Brother Woodruff, follow me.” They then crossed the public square to the home of Elijah Fordham, who was in a dying condition for an hour, and death was expected at any moment. The spirit of God overpowered the Prophet—he walked across to brother Fordham, took his hand, he saw Brother Fordham’s eyes were glassy and he was speechless and unconscious. Joseph looked into his dying face and asked: “Elijah, do you know me?” A whisper said: “Yes.” Joseph then asked: “Have you not faith to be healed?” Elijah answered: “I’m afraid it’s too late. If you had come sooner I think I might have been.” Brother Fordham had the appearance of a man waking from sleep, it was the sleep of death. Joseph asked: “Do you belief that Jesus is the Christ?” With an anxious look Elijah said: “I do, Brother Joseph.” Then the prophet of God spoke with a loud voice, as in the majesty of Jehovah: “Elijah, I command you in the name of Jesus of Nazareth, to arise and to be made whole.” The words of the Propher [sic] were like the words of a man but like the voice of God. It seemed to me like the house shook in its foundation” says Brother Woodruff. He continued: “Elijah leaped from his bed, like a man raised from the dead. A healthy color came to his face and life was manifested in every act. He feet had been done up in Indian meal poultices. He kicked them off, dressed himself and asked for a bowl of bread and milk. He ate, put on his hat and followed the brethern [sic] out with the Prophet to administer to others who were ill.”
This incident related by Wilford Woodruff, and eye-witness, is something for the Fordham family to know and remember.
Elijah Fordham was always self-sacrificing, and ready to divide his last morsel of food as shown in an incident in New York City, when he was the only Latter Day Saint known in that vicinity. He was extremely poor, but when the missionaries who were called to England in 1837 and reached New York, they searched out Brother Fordham on the 24th of June. They had no money, so Elijah divided his bread and water meal with them and let them sleep on the floor of his unfurnished store-room, until Elder Kimball and companions were miraculously provided with cash for their trip and went aboard their ship to the English mission.
Elijah Fordham was a master Carver on the Nauvoo Temple, he also worked and joined the saints in crossing the plains in the Edward Marton [should read Edward Hunter] Handcart Co., which arrived in Salt Lake City Sunday, Nov. 30th 1856. This company was cought [sic] in the heavy storms of winter, they suffered much, many died, and many were badly frozen.
Father and family lived in Ogden, Salt Lake City and vicinity about Six years, then was called to the Southern Mission at the October Conference to help settle St George
While still in Salt Lake he married Carylon Gosnold as second and Jane Thompson as third wife. [This marriage information is not correct.]
They left S.L.C. Nov 1st. 1861, driving over untravled [sic] country arriving in this valley Dec.1st.1861.
Father filled many responsible and important positions and offices here in St. George.
He was private secretary to Pres. Brigham Young and historian of Southern Utah Mission, and was Stake Clerk for many years.
He was also 1st. Recorder in the St. George Temple; Then was called to assist in the Presidency of the Temple.
He went on a mission to Europe in 1872 and part of the time while there edited the Milenial [sic] Star.
After he returned home he taught a school for young men. Pres. Anthony W. Ivins was one of the many who attended that school.
Father was kind and gentle, all people loved him for his gentlemanly qualities. He had their interest at heart and loved them all and wanted them to be good and happy.
After a long and useful life of 88 years he passed away Jan. 29th. 1918 at St. George, Utah.
* * *
Timeline
1798 March 8 (or April 12 or May 12)
Born at New York City, sixth child of George Fordham and Mary Baker
1, 2, 3, 4, 5
1822 November 23
Age 24
Marries Jane Ann Fisher, age 20, in New York City
6, 7, 8, 9
1823 December 14
Age 25
Daughter Ann Eliza is born in New York.
10, 11
1825 April 21
Age 27
Son George Fisher is born in New York.
12
1826 November or December 2 (?)
Age 28
Daughter [Jane] Olivia is born in New York.
68, 69
1828 July 18
Age 30
Wife Jane Ann dies in Manhattan, New York, New York, at age 26.
13, 14
1829 April 17
Age 31
Daughter [Jane] Olivia dies at age 2 in Manhattan, New York, New York
15, 16
1830
Age 32
Living in New York Ward 7, New York, New York
17
1830 April 12
Age 32
Marries Bethiah (Bathiah, Bathia, Bithiah) Fisher in New York City
18, 19, 20, 21
1831-1833
Age 33-35
Living at Pontiac, Oakland Co., Michigan Territory
22
1831 Jun 29
Age 31
Daughter Bethiah born in Michigan.
23
1833 February (by)
Age 35 (by)
Living in Pontiac, Michigan
24
1833
Age 35
Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Michigan by an Elder Fosdick
25, 85
1833
Age 35
At a branch meeting with Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery, bears testimony with the gift of tongues, speaking in French, overheard by two French travelers passing by.
26
1834 March 11
Age 36
Wife Bathia (Bathiah, Bethiah) dies in Pontiac, Oakland, Michigan.
27
1834 May 5 – July 3
Age 36
Participates in Camp of Israel (also known as Zions' Camp) expedition to Missouri, along with 9-year-old son, George. He serves as the camp historian for the group that left Pontiac, Michigan, under the direction of Hyrum Smith.
28, 29, 30, 31, 32
You can read more about Zion's Camp
here.
1835 February 28
Age 36
Ordained a member of the Second Quorum of the Seventies “under the hands of the prophet Joseph Smith with his two Counselors, Sidney Rigdon and Oliver Cowdery … in the town of Kirtland, Geauga County, Ohio.”
33
1836 January 2
Age 37
Appointed by a council to be ordained an Elder under the hands of Joseph Smith.
34
1837 January 22 (by)
Age 38
Ordained a high priest
35, 36
22 June 1837 (by)
Age 39
Returns to New York City. Only member of the Church there when Heber C. Kimball and Willard Richards arrive on their way to England. Joseph Fielding, Orson Hyde, John Goodson, Isaac Russell, and John Snyder had also recently arrived. Having no house of his own, he arranges for them to stay in his father’s warehouse for a week. They sleep on straw and blankets. Elijah gives them $10 and wants to accompany them on their mission. They think it best for him to stay in NYC. Heber C. Kimball promises him that a branch would be built up there.
37, 38, 39, 40, 41
1837 July
Age 39
Parley P. Pratt arrives. They labor together without much success until April 1838.
42, 43
1838 October 3
Age 40
Marries Anna Bibbins Chaffee, age 27, in Ashford, Windham Co., Connecticut
44, 45, 46
1839 23 May (by)
Age 41
Living in Montrose, Lee, Iowa Territory when Brigham Young and Wilford Woodruff arrive.
47
1839 July 22
Age 41
Miraculously healed from malaria by Prophet Joseph Smith.
48, 49, 50
1839 October 5
Age 41
Appointed to Iowa stake high council in Lee County. The High Council meets regularly in the home of Elijah.
51, 52, 53, 54
1840
Age 42
Living in Township 66, Lee Iowa Territory
55
1840 August 17
Age 42
“Elijah Fordham, charged in an August court with slandering John Patten's character, embezzling some property from Noah Rogers, and playing ‘the violin at a negro ball,’ made reconciliation; the case was dismissed and the court adjourned.”
56
1841
Age 43
In 8 months, carves the 12 oxen for the baptismal font in the basement of the Nauvoo Temple and the ornamental moldings of the 16’ x 12’ room. The font is dedicated on November 8, 1841.
57, 58, 59, 60
 |
| from Church History in the Fulness of Times (Salt Lake City, Utah : The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints), p. 252. |
1843 July 3
Age 45
Chosen by a council of the Twelve Apostles under the direction of the Prophet Joseph Smith to go to Knox County, Illinois, on a special mission “to preach the gospel and disabuse the public mind with regard to my [Joseph Smith’s] arrest.” Others are chosen to go to other Illinois counties.
61
1843 December
Age 45
Father, George Fordham, dies in Wellsville [probably New York state] at age 83.
62
1844 February 14
Age 45
Places notice in the Nauvoo Neighbor that "Notice is hereby given that George Fisher Fordham [who would have been 18 at the time], son of Elijah Fordham, has absconded from his father's house without cause or provocation. This is to notify the public against trusting or harboring him on my account, as I shall pay no debts of his contracting. Elijah Fordham."
63
1845
Age 47
Returns from New York (where he may have gone to support the candidacy of Joseph Smith for president of the United States or to fulfill a mission from Brigham Young to preside over a branch of the Church until the temple could be built) with $1263 for the temple.
64, 65, 66
1845 December
Age 47
High priest endowed in Nauvoo Temple
67
1846 February 6
Age 45
May have married Clarissa Brooks in New York City
68, 69
1846 May 12
Age 48
Has Jane Ann Fisher and Bathiah Fisher sealed to him.
70
1849
Age 51
Death of mother, Mary Baker Fordham, in New Hurley, Ulster, New York
1849 August 30
Age 51
Daughter Bithiah (Bathiah), age 18, marries Lyman Briggs Wells, age 19, at South Bentonsport, Van Buren, Iowa.
71
1850 June 29 to October 13
Age 52
Migrates from Kanesville, Iowa (present day Council Bluffs) to Utah Territory with the Edward Hunter Company. It is the first Perpetual Emigrating Fund Company. In company with Anna Bibbins Chaffee Fordham (age 39), Amos Pierre Fordham (age 9), Anna Maria Fordham (age 6), Joseph Elijah Fordham (age 2), and Mary Louisa Fordham (age 1).
72, 73
1850
Age 52
Living with Amelia Fordham, age 46, & children Julia (age 13) and Henrietta (age 12)) in Great Salt Lake County, Utah Territory
74
1853 June 29
Age 55
Son George Fisher (age 28) marries Serene Eldrick or Elrick in Birmingham, Van Buren, Iowa
75
1853 August 8
Age 55
Daughter Ann Eliza (age 30) marries Henry Day Beach in New York
76, 77
1856 March 21
Age 58
Marries Elizabeth Hughes in Salt Lake City. They have one daughter.
69, 70, 78
1856 April 1
Age 58
May have married Jane Marshall McAuslan in Salt Lake City.
69, 70
1858 July 30
Age 60
May have divorced Jane Marshall McAuslan
69
1860 July 16
Age 62
Living with Amelia Fordham (age 47) and children Elizabeth (age 20), Amos P. (age 18), Elijah (age 3), Joseph (age 11), George (age 30), Anna (age 15), & Delia (age 10) in Great Salt Lake City Ward 17, Great Salt Lake, Utah Territory. Working as a lumber dealer. 79
October 1861
Age 63
At General Conference, is called by President Brigham Young to be part of a group to go to "Dixie" to build up that part of southern Utah. A company is organized to travel, with Angus M. Cannon as captain and Elijah as chaplain. On this journey, one of the cattle strikes his arm, breaking it. Along with Erastus Snow, Jacob Gates, and others, helps lay out the town of St. George.
80
1870 July 11
Age 72
Living in 16th Ward, Salt Lake City. Working as a carpenter.
81
1877 November 28
Age 79
Daughter Ann Eliza dies at Red Bank, Monmouth, New Jersey at age 53
82, 83
1879 September 9
Age 81
Dies in Wellsville, Cache Co., Utah Territory
84
 |
| Deseret News, 1879-09-24, p. 1 |
------------------
Endnotes
[1] JosephSmithpapers.org/person/Elijah-fordham
(April 12, 1798)
[2] Temple
Records Index Bureau of
the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Nauvoo Temple
Endowment Register, 10 December 1845 to 8 February 1846. Salt Lake City: The Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter-day Saints, 1974, p. 22. (April 12, 1798)
[3] Cook, Lyndon W. Nauvoo Marriages Proxy Sealings, 1843–1846. Provo, UT:
Grandin Book, 2004, p. 82. (April 12, 1798)
[4] Gravestone
(March 8, 1798)
[5] Platt, Lyman.
LDS Member Name Index, 1830-45
[database online]. Provo, UT, USA:
Ancestry.com Operations Inc., 1999.
Original data: Index to sources
for Encyclopedia of Early Mormon Names. (May 12, 1798)
[6] JosephSmithpapers.org/person/Elijah-fordham
[7] Cook, Lyndon W.
Nauvoo Marriages Proxy
Sealings, 1843–1846. Provo,
UT: Grandin Book, 2004, p. 82.
[8] “Fordham,
Elijah,” born 8 Mar. 1798, submitted by J. Edgar Deakin, Church of Jesus Christ
of Latter-day Saints, Family Group Records Collection; Archives Section,
1942–1969, microfilm 1,274,079, U.S.
and Canada Record Collection, FHL.
[9] New York, Marriage
Newspaper Extracts, 1801-1880 (Barber Collection) [database on-line]. Provo,
UT, USA:
Ancestry.com Operations Inc., 2005. Viewed online 13 January 2013.
[10] Heman Ely. Records
of the descendants of Nathaniel Ely, the emigrant… (Cleveland, Ohio: Short &
Forman, Printers and Stationers, 1885), pp. 385-386.
[11] Jones, Emma C.
Brewster, Brewster Genealogy, 1566-1907
(New York, New York: Grafton Press, c1908), volume 2,
part 1, page 732-734.
[12] "Idaho, Death
Certificates, 1911-1937," index and images, FamilySearch
(https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/FLBZ-4M4 : accessed 10 Jan 2013), George
F. Fordham, 02 Oct 1922.
[13] Ancestry.com.
New York,
Death Newspaper Extracts, 1801-1890 (Barber Collection) [database online]. Provo,
UT, USA:
Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2005.
Original data: Barber, Gertrude
A., comp. Deaths taken from the
“Brooklyn Eagle.” Volumes 1-27. n.p. :
n.p., 1963-66. Barber, Gertrude A.,
comp. Deaths taken from the New York
Evening Post,. Volumes 1-54, n.p. :
n.p., 1933-47.
[14] “New York Deaths and Burials, 1795-1952,”
index, FamilySearch (httsp://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/FD1P-M29 : accessed
15 Jan 2013), Jane Ann Fordham, 1802; citing reference, FHL microfilm 447546.
[15] "New York
Deaths and Burials, 1795-1952," index, FamilySearch
(https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/F69Q-YJQ : accessed 13 Jan 2013), Olivia
Fordham, 1827; citing reference , FHL microfilm 447546.
[16] Ancestry.com. New York, Death Newspaper Extracts,
1801-1890 (Barber Collection) [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc.
2005. Original data: Berber Gertrude A., comp. Deaths taken from the
"Brooklyn Eagle." Volumes 1-27, n.p.: n.p., 1963-66. Barber, Gertrude
A., comp. Deaths taken from the New York Evening Post. Volumes 1-54, n.p. :
n.p. , 1933-47.
[17] 1830 US
Census for New York Ward 7, New York, New York. “United States Census, 1830,” index and
images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/XH5M-94X : accessed
13 Jan 2013), Elijah Fordham, New York Ward 7, New York, New York; citing p.
33, NARA microfilm publication M19, roll 97.
[18] JosephSmithpapers.org/person/Elijah-fordham
[19] Cook, Lyndon W. Nauvoo Marriages Proxy Sealings, 1843–1846.
Provo, UT:
Grandin Book, 2004, p. 82
[20] “Fordham,
Elijah,” born 8 Mar. 1798, submitted by J. Edgar Deakin, Church of Jesus Christ
of Latter-day Saints, Family Group Records Collection; Archives Section,
1942–1969, microfilm 1,274,079, U.S.
and Canada Record Collection, FHL.
[21] New
York, Marriage Newspaper Extracts, 1801-1880 (Barber
Collection) [database on-line]. Provo, UT,
USA:
Ancestry.com Operations Inc., 2005.
Viewed online 13 January 2013.
[22] JosephSmithpapers.org/person/Elijah-fordham
[23] State of Utah Death Certificate
for Bethiah Wells. County of Box Elder, Village
of Willard, no. 35, file
March 4 1920.
[24] Lyman D. Platt, “Early Branches of the Church
of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 1830-1850.
(http://mormonhistoricsites.org/publications/nj_1991/Platt.pdf)
[25] Church Educational System, Church History in the Fulness of Times (Salt Lake City, Utah:
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, c1989) p. 219.
[26] Andrew Jensen, “Martin Harris,” LDS
Biographical Dictionary, vol. 1, p. 272-273.
[27] “Deaths”, Evening and Morning Star, vol. 2
(June 1833-September 1834), Vol. Ii. August, 1834. No. 23. 182.
[28] JosephSmithpapers.org/person/Elijah-fordham
[29] Kirtland Elders' Quorum Record 1836-1841,
quoted in Appendix A of Writings of Early Latter-day Saints, edited by
Lyndon W. Cook and Milton V. Backman, Jr. (Provo, Utah: Grandin Book Co., 1985)
[30] Pearson H. Corbett, Hyrum Smith, Patriarch, p. 125.
[31] Marlene C. Kettley, Arnold K. Garr, and Craig
K. Manscill, “Zion’s Camp,” in Mormon
Thoroughfare: A History of the Church in Illinois,
1830–39 (Provo, UT:
Religious Studies
Center, Brigham Young
University, 2006), 43–62.
[32] Craig K. Manscill, “‘Journal of the Branch of
the Church of Christ
in Pontiac, . .
. 1834’: Hyrum Smith’s Division of Zion’s Camp” BYU Studies 39,
no. 1 (2000):167–76.)
[33] “History of the Organization of the
Seventies,” by Joseph Young, Sen. (Salt Lake City, Utah: Printed at the Deseret
News Steam Printing Establishment, 1878)
[34] Roberts, B. H. History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Volume 2. Online version, at http://boap.org/LDS/History/HISTORY.html. Search term:
Elijah Fordham. Dated Saturday,
January 2 [1836]. Viewed online 19
January 2013.
[35] JosephSmithpapers.org/person/Elijah-fordham
[36] “A list of the
names of Members, belonging to the High Priest Quorum,” in Nauvoo High Priests
Quorum, Record, 32–33.
[37] Lyman D. Platt, “Early Branches of the Church
of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 1830-1850.
(http://mormonhistoricsites.org/publications/nj_1991/Platt.pdf)
[38] JosephSmithpapers.org/person/Elijah-fordham
[39] Lyman D. Platt, “Early Branches of the Church
of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 1830-1850. (http://mormonhistoricsites.org/publications/nj_1991/Platt.pdf)
[40] Saintswithouthalos.com
[41] Heber C. Kimball, Journal of Heber C.
Kimball, p. 12
[42] Saintswithouthalos.com
[43] Parley P. Pratt, The Autobiography of
Parley P. Pratt (Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., c. 1938, 1985), p. 145.
[44] JosephSmithpapers.org/person/Elijah-fordham
[45] Cook, Lyndon W. Nauvoo
Marriages Proxy Sealings, 1843-1846.
Provo, UT: Grandin Books, 2004, p. 82.
[46] Ancestry.com. Connecticut, Town
Marriage Records, pre-1870 (Barbour Collection) [database on-line]. Provo, UT,
USA:
Ancestry.com Operations Inc., 2006.
Original data: White, Lorraine Cook, ed. The Barbour Collection of Connecticut Town Vital Records. Vol. 1-55. Baltimore, MD,
USA:
Genealogical Publishing Co., 1994-2002.
[47] Lyman D. Platt, “Early Branches of the Church
of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 1830-1850.
(http://mormonhistoricsites.org/publications/nj_1991/Platt.pdf)
[48] Church
History in the Fulness of Times : The History of The Church of Jesus
Christ of Latter-day Saints (Salt
Lake City, Utah: The
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, c1989), pp. 217-219.
[49] Parley P. Pratt, The Autobiography of
Parley P. Pratt (Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., c. 1938, 1985), p. 254.
[50] Saintswithouthalos.com
[51] JosephSmithpapers.org/person/Elijah-fordham
[52] Smith, Joseph, et al. History
of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, vol. C-1, p. 968.
[53] Smith,
Joseph. “Copies of Letters, &c,
&c.,” 1839-1843. Letterbook 2, pp.
164-167.
[54] Source:
Roberts, B. H. History of the
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Volume 4. Online version, at http://boap.org/LDS/History/HISTORY.html. Search term:
Elijah Fordham. Dated Saturday,
October 6,7,8, 1839. Viewed online 19
January 2013.
[55] 1840 US
Census for Township 66, Lee
Iowa Territory
[56] Nauvoo High Council
Minutes, August 17, 1840, 14-16. quoted
in “Crime and
Punishment in Mormon Nauvoo, 1839-1846” by
Kenneth W. Godfrey (BYU Studies, vol. 32 [1992] Num. 1 and 2 - Winter and Spring 1992
, p. 195.)
[57] Saintswithouthalos.com
[58] “Prologue: The
Spirit of Elijah,” BYU Studies, vol. 34
(1994), Number 2—1994.
[59] William Clayton, An Interesting Journal,
from The Juvenile
Instructor, Vol. 21 (January 15-May 15, 1886)
[60]
Joseph Fielding Smith, “Celebrating the Foundation of the Church—Laying Corner Stones of
the Temple—General
Conference of April 1841,” Church History and Modern Revelation, vol. 4,
p. 86-87
[61] Joseph Smith, History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, vol. 5,
p. 486.
[62] Edmund West, comp., Family Data Collection – Individual Records [database on-line]. Provo, UT,
USA:
Ancestry.com Operations Inc., 2000.
Entry for George Fordham.
[63] Nauvoo
Neighbor, 14 February 1844, vol. 1, no. 42, p. 3, column 4. http://boap.org/LDS/Nauvoo-Neighbor/1844/2-14-1844.pdf
[64] Joseph Smith, History of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day
Saints, vol. 7, pp. 394-395
[65] Roberts, B. H. History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Volume 7. Online version, at http://boap.org/LDS/History/HISTORY.html. Search term:
Elijah Fordham. Dated Saturday,
October 8, 1844. Viewed online 19
January 2013.
[66] Roberts, B. H. History of the
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Volume 7. Online version, at http://boap.org/LDS/History/HISTORY.html. Search term:
Elijah Fordham. Dated Saturday,
April 8, 1845. Viewed online 19 January
2013.
[67] Kirtland
Elders' Quorum Record 1836-1841, quoted in Appendix A of Writings of
Early Latter-day Saints, edited by Lyndon W. Cook and Milton V. Backman,
Jr. (Provo, Utah: Grandin Book Co., 1985)
[68] new.familysearch.org Viewed online 1 February 2013. No sources are given.
[669] http://longislandsurnames.com/genealogy/getperson.php?personID=I04191&tree=Jones Viewed online 1 February 2013. No sources are given.
[70] Platt, Lyman.
LDS Member Name Index, 1830-45 [database online]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc.,
1999. Original data: Index to sources for Encyclopedia of Early
Mormon Names.
[71] "Iowa, Marriages,
1809-1992," index, FamilySearch
(https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/XVSV-9S5 : accessed 17 Jan 2013), Simon
Wells and Bathiah Fordham, 30 Aug 1849.
[72] JosephSmithpapers.org/person/Elijah-fordham
[73] Mormon Pioneer Overland Travel database
(http://history.lds.org/overlandtravels/searchPage?lang=eng) Viewed online 18
January 2013.
[74] 1850 US Census for Great Salt Lake county, Great Salt Lake, Utah
Territory. “United States Census, 1850,”
index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/MCS6-B96
: accessed 16 Jan 2013), Elijah Fordham in household of Elijah Fordham, Great
Salt Lake County, Great Salt Lake, Utah Territory, United States; citing dwelling
229, family 229, NARA microfilm publication M432, roll 919.
[75] "Iowa, County Marriages,
1838-1934," index, FamilySearch
(https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/XJ4R-P4D : accessed 17 Jan 2013), George
F. Fordham and Serena Eldrick, 1853.
[76] Yates Publishing. U.S.
and International Marriage Records, 1560-1900 [database online]. Provo,
UT, USA:
Ancestry.com Operations Inc., 2004.
Source number: 904,000; Source type:
Electronic Database; Number of Pages: 1; Submitter Code: EHB.
[77] Jones, Emma C. Brewster,
Brewster Genealogy, 1566-1907 (New York, New
York: Grafton Press, c1908), volume 2, part 1, page
732-734.
[78] Saintswithouthalos.com
[79] 1860 US Census for Great Salt Lake City Ward
17, Great Salt Lake, Utah Territory. “United States Census, 1860,” index,
FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/MH24-9RC : accessed 16 Jan
2013), Elizah [sic] Fordham, Great Salt Lake, Utah; citing p. 175, family 46;
NARA microfilm publication M653, FHL microfilm 805313.
[80] Autobiography of Anna Fordham Deakin, found
on FindaGrave.com. Viewed online 22
January 2013.
[81] US 1870 Census for Utah.
“United States Census, 1870,” index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/MNCY-RSY
: accessed 13 Jan 2013), Eligah [sic] Fordham in household of Eligah Fordham,
Utah, United States; citing p. 3, family 14, NARA microfilm publication M593,
FHL microfilm 553110.
[82] Heman Ely. Records
of the descendants of Nathaniel Ely, the emigrant… (Cleveland, Ohio: Short &
Forman, Printers and Stationers, 1885), pp. 385-386.
[83] Jones, Emma C.
Brewster, Brewster Genealogy, 1566-1907
(New York, New York: Grafton Press, c1908), volume 2,
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[84] Gravestone
[85] Obituary for Elijah Fordham: "Father Fordham Gone," Deseret News, 1879-09-24, p. 1
* * *
Miraculous Healing in 1839
“In the summer of 1839 the swamp area on the Nauvoo peninsula had not yet been drained. While the Saints gathered, cleared, drained, built, and planted, they were oblivious to the danger of the Anopheles mosquito. This tiny insect, which bred profusely in the swampland and along the Mississippi riverbank, transmitted parasites to the red blood cells of humans by its bite. The disease this caused, characterized by periodic attacks of chills and fever, is now known as malaria, but people in the nineteenth century called it and diseases with similar symptoms the ague (pronounced `a gyu).
“Scores of Church members on both sides of the river fell ill. The residents of the temporary tent city surrounding the Prophet’s home were stricken by the disease as were the Saints staying in his home. Emma nursed the people night and day, while Joseph’s six-year-old son carried water for the sick until he also caught the disease. The pestilence was indiscriminate, affecting all ages and classes. …
“Eventually Joseph Smith also became ill, but after several days confinement he was prompted to arise and extend help to others. The day of 22 July [1839] was, in the words of Wilford Woodruff, “a day of God’s power” in Nauvoo and Montrose.1 That morning the Prophet arose and, being filled with the Spirit of the Lord, administered to the sick in his house and in the yard outside. More sick people were down by the river, and there too he administered with great power to the faithful. … Elder Heber C. Kimball and others accompanied the Prophet across the river toe Montrose [Iowa]. One by one they visited the homes of the Twelve and administered to those who needed a blessing. Brigham Young, Wilford Woodruff, Orson Pratt, and John Taylor then joined Joseph in his mission of mercy.
“One of the most memorable of the healings in Montrose was that of Elijah Fordham. When the brethren arrived he was lying in bed unable to speak.
“’Brother Joseph walked up to Brother Fordham, and took him by the right hand. …
“’He saw the Brother Fordham’s eyes were glazed, and that he was speechless and unconscious.
“’After taking hold of his hand, he looked down into the dying man’s face and said: ‘Brother Fordham, do you not know me?’ At first he made no reply; but we could all see the effect of the Spirit of God resting upon him.
“’He again said: “Elijah, do you not know me?”
“’With a low whisper, Brother Fordham answered, “Yes!”
“’The Prophet then said, “Have you not faith to be healed?”
“’The answer, which was a little plainer than before, was: “I am afraid it is too late. If you had come sooner, I think it might have been.”
“’He had the appearance of a man waking from sleep. It was the sleep of death.
“’Joseph then said: “Do you believe that Jesus is the Christ?”
“’”I do, Brother Joseph,” was the response.
“’Then the Prophet of God spoke with a loud voice, as in the majesty of the Godhead: “Elijah, I command you, in the name of Jesus of Nazareth, to arise and be made whole!”
“’The words of the Prophet were not like the words of man, but like the voice of God. It seemed to me that the house shook from its foundation.
“’Elijah Fordham leaped from his bed like a man raised from the dead. A healthy color came to his face, and life was manifested in every act.’”2
1. Wilford Woodruff Journals, 22 July 1839; punctuation standardized.
2. Wilford Woodruff,
Leaves from My Journal, 2d ed. (Salt Lake City: Juvenile Instructor Office, 1882), p. 63.
Taken from
Church History in the Fulness [sic]
of Times : The History of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Salt Lake City, Utah: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, c1989), pp. 217-219.
* * *
“After the gush of feelings consequent on our happy meeting had subsided, I accompanied Joseph Smith over the Mississippi in a skiff to visit some friends in Montrose. Here many were lying sick and at the point of death. Among these was my old friend and fellow servant, Elijah Fordham, who had been with me in that extraordinary work in New York City in 1837. He was now in the last stage of a deadly fever. He lay prostrate and nearly speechless, with his feet poulticed; his eyes were sunk in their sockets; his flesh was gone; the paleness of death was upon him; and he was hardly to be distinguished from a corpse. His wife was weeping over him, and preparing clothes for his burial.
“Brother Joseph took him by the hand, and in a voice and energy which would seemingly have raised the dead, he cried: "BROTHER FORDHAM, IN THE NAME OF JESUS CHRIST, ARISE AND WALK." It was a voice which could be heard from house to house and nearly through the neighborhood. It was like the roaring of a lion, or the heavy thunderbolt. Brother Fordham leaped from his dying bed in an instant, shook the poultices and bandages from his feet, put on his clothes so quick that none got a chance to assist him, and taking a cup of tea and a little refreshment, he walked with us from house to house visiting other sick beds, and joining in prayer and ministrations for them, while the people followed us, and with joy and amazement gave glory to God. Several more were called up in a similar manner and were healed.
Parley P. Pratt,
The Autobiography of Parley P. Pratt (Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., c. 1938, 1985), p. 254.
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