Mary Ann Mitchell Davis
The following
narration was placed in the cornerstone box of the old relief Society Building
in Provo, Utah in 1880. The box was to be opened fifty years later. The
envelope containing this personal history was addressed to her three
granddaughters. Sarah Ann Davis (Kittinger) was the one to whom the envelop was
delivered in 1930. It read as follows:
"My much loved
granddaughters, I thought that I would write a brief sketch of my life. My name
is Mary Ann Mitchell Davis, I was born in London, England 19 October 1822. My
parents are Robert and Sarah Mitchell. My grandfather and mother on my father's
side were Welch.Their names were Robert and Mary Mitchell, which is all I know
of my father's folks.
My father died when
I was two years old. My great grandfather on my mother's side was named
Gerring. They were born in Gloustershire, England. My grandfather's name was
John Hunt. My grandmother's maiden name was Sarah Gerring, born in
Gloustershire, England. They had ten children, two died in infancy, eight were
raised. Their names are James, Susan, John, Elizabeth, Ann, Sarah, Mary Ann,
and Jane. They are all dead except my aunt Jane.
I never had a
brother or sister. My mother lived a widow until I was eleven years old, when
she married William Booth. When I was nineteen my mother went blind and
remained so until she died at my home in Lehi, Utah in 1875.
I was married to
Elisha Hildebrand Davis (senior), December 25, 1846. I am the happy mother of
eight children whose names are as follows: Mary Ann Minerva, Elisha Hildebrand,
Sarah Agnes Orinda Jane, George Edward, Alphonzo Mitchell, Edith Richards, and
Sabina Ann.
My oldest daughter
is deaf and dumb, but is of a very amiable disposition, and also a natural
genius. She has made a variety of beautiful work which has been a blessing to
our household.
I received the
Gospel from Lorenzo Snow. I was baptized the 4th day of February, 1841. I can
bear a faithful testimony to the truths of the Gospel and set to my seal that
God is true.
I sailed from
England on the ship, America, on 21 January 1847, arriving in New Orleans 3
April, in St. Louis the 17th and in Iowa
the 24th of May in the same year. I arrived in the valley the 9th day of
October 1853. I have been a treasurer in the Relief Society for fourteen years,
also a teacher in the Sunday School for thirteen years. I am also the President
in the Primary Association. I can truly say that I have had great joy in my
labors.
I will share an
acrostic that Wilford Woodruff wrote for her, he was one of the Twelve.
More
precious than gold or the pearls of the east,
Are the virtues and beauties that adorn
thy mind
Round thee
all noble spirits share in that richest feast
Your
melodious voice imparts from lovely gifts divine.
Adorne's
thy soul, with gems which angels love
No power shall take thy crown, for that's
secure above.
Noble has
been thy aim, through all thy deeds of life.
May thy
future life be marked by God's won hand
Inspired by
eternal truth, let peace and joy surround thy brow
Trend in
the holy courts of God in Zion's chosen land
Celestial
love shall through thy sacred bosom flow
Heaven's
highest blessings are in store for thee.
Eternity
must lift the veil to point to they domains
Live then O
Novel lady, for those gifts so free
Lift up thy
head in glory with kindred spirits reign.
Your
grandfather's name is Elisha Hildebrand Davis. He was born in Columbiana Co,
Ohio. His father's name was Isaac Davis. His mother's name was Edith Richards.
Abijah Richards was of English descent. His grandmother's name was Esther
Daniels who was of German descent.
Your grandfather
was on a mission for a great many years. He traveled through many of the states
preaching the Gospel of the Son of God, suffering much, but his labors were
greatly blessed for many were added to the Church through his diligence. He
went to England in 1844. We have been married for thirty-four years and have
lived a life of peace and happiness, uniting our desires for the benefit of our
posterity. We have a great desire that our children's children for many
generations may walk in the path of righteousness and enjoy the gifts of the
Gospel, which will bring them joy and peace.
I have seen many
changes since I was baptized, also much joy and sorrow. I have seen many turn
aside and walk the paths of the ungodly. I have also seen the righteous praise
God in the midst of their afflictions. I can say in the sincerity of my heart
that those that seek God shall find him, and the faithful shall have grace
sufficient for their day.
I have received
many gifts of the Gospel, which have brought with them that spirit which dwells
with my Father in Heaven, and my testimony is that the faithful shall never be
moved out of their place.
I conclude by
wishing that my posterity nay never turn aside from the truths, that their
habitations may be lovely and be filled with the spirit of God, and that lives
may fall to them in pleasant places, and that they may be numbered us as the
precious jewels of Him who is our Father and our God, and believe me to be,
Your loving
and affectionate grandmother
Mary
Ann Mitchell Davis
note: This is to come forth in 1930, fifty years from now.
My home is in Lehi, Utah."
(Written by her Husband, Elisha H. Davis)
Mary Ann Mitchell Davis was the daughter of Robert and Sarah
Hunt Mitchell and was born in London, England, October 19 1822. She was baptized into the Church of Jesus
Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1842. She
was married to Elisha H. Davis in London, December 25, 1846. she emigrated with her husband to the United
States March 7, 1847. She lived in
Winter Quarters, Nebraska one year, in Iowa three years and immigrated to Utah
in 1852.
She received her endowments in Salt Lake city, March 24,
1854 and was sealed to her husband March 32, 1854. She was made a president in the Primary
Association of Lehi, October 16, 1888, working in that capacity several years
and commenced to be a faithful worker in the Sunday School in 1867 and
continued to be a very diligent and faithful worker therein until her death
September 14, 1892. She was treasurer of
the Relief Society many years and an energetic and useful laborer therein until
her death.
She had great influences over the young whom she won to her
by her strong affection and undying love.
She was a true wife, and most affectionate mother, beloved by nearly all
who knew her. In poverty she never
murmured, but worked beyond her strength for her family.
As a saint, she lived a holy life, and had the gift of
interpretation of tongues which she received in her early association with the
Church and retained until her death.
She received her second anointing with her husband Aug 15,
1864 from Georg A. Smith.
