Chapter V We moved from Henry Street to Edwin Street, where there was an open view in front of our house but it was much further from the center of the city, this was in the city of Nottingham, England. Our dear old friend, called Caleb Orton and family had immigrated to Utah and settled in Parowan and a few other members of our branch had gone to the land of Zion as we termed going to Utah. Our meetings were now held in the assembly hail on low pavement and many other changes occurred that need not here be recorded, excepting perhaps that I was sent on a mission to New Lienton where formerly there had been a branch of our church but at this time not a member remained of our faith. There I was the means, in the hands of the Lord to converting at least one family, who later came to Utah. The gospel was being preached as a witness. Many outdoor meetings and district meetings were held. On some of those occasions I was requested to take my choir to furnish music. We went to Mansfield, Eastwood, Hucknal, sheepshed, etc.. It was while in the last named town that Elder Ezra P. Terry said to me, “Brother Bowler when you go to Zion have you any particular choice of location in view? if not he would be pleased to have us go to Hebron where he came from.” Coming events cast their shadows before, as was verified in that instance as will be shown later.
The school Centennial was a grand celebration where 35,000 children met in the market place each having a ribbon on their neck with a medal attached with the head of Robert Rakes stamped thereon, and there must have been at least 25,000 people there to witness the gathering and listen to the singing and music. It certainly was the grandest representation of education I ever witnessed and our children will always remember that celebration with delight. I have one of those medals kept as a choice souveniur of that event. I am here proud to record the fact that we had a quartet of voices in our family, myself and wife our eldest son Harry and eldest daughter Ann Elizabeth. With these and later our daughters Kate and Mary Ann whose voices were being well trained we were often called upon to entertain company at home and abroad. Just imagine our delight upon those occasions and the help in my choir which was pronounced the best choir in the European Mission by our President Joseph F. Smith. It may here be noted that those two studies which I was so determined to master in my youth was now very useful to me as chorister and Ward Clerk and very thankful I was that I had been successful thus far with Music and Phonography that was in constant demand and Joseph Hutchinson, that dear soul that filled the place of grandfather, in my childhood and who was always so good and kind throughout, should now pass away in death, blessed be his memory. Brother and sister Charles W. Stayner from Salt Lake City, good kind souls came as visitors to the Nottingham conference for a while and we enjoyed their visits to our home very much, more anon.
President Joseph F. Smith, Francis M. Lyman, David C. Dunbar, George L. Farrell and Oscar Hunter were as lights set upon a hill filled with the spirit of their mission, with such men for our leaders no wonder that the spirit of gathering to the mountains of the Lords house was felt and enjoyed. We paid our semiannual visit to the home of my wife’s parents in Leicester, the place of my birth but I must say I had some misgiving as to our reception on that occasion because of the fact that we had not met since my wife had joined our church and I did not know how father Hill might feel about it. But to our surprise nothing could have been more agreeable than our welcome for which I have always been very thankful because that was the last time we were permitted to meet on earth. I should here recount a conversation after the family had retired that night, father Hill introduced the sacred ordinance of baptism as he had read it in the new testament and stated that he had made it a matter of prayer and felt that there was something lacking in the religion he had advocated but who must he apply to as the ministers declared that immersion was not essential but with this conviction he had been alone to the Abbey Meadow and immersed himself. I testified to him that the gospel plan had been restored to earth by and through the prophet Joseph Smith and that the authority to baptize was held only by the holy priesthood. It was midnight when we noticed the time and after a humble prayer we retired to rest feeling that light had been shed upon our understanding. Rumor had it that when once a person was in the confines of Utah there was no possible way of escape, that the destroying angels were on hand to keep them there or put them out of the way. This delusion was believed by many who appeared to be of sound mind. No wonder then that we were considered poor ignorant people when in fact it was themselves that lacked a proper knowledge and understanding of conditions as they were in the land so far away and so little understood by people in general. In refutation of the above rumor I will here state that my uncle Jabez Bowler before mentioned had now returned from Utah safe and sound after traveling in different parts of that country and several others who I could mention but suffice it to say people were not forced to stay in Utah.
I was still employed by Mr. Bentley in the same business and there was perfect confidence between us so that although a Mormon I had the respect of those who knew me best. “Gods noblest work is an honest man,” the poet had said and I tried to exemplify that fact in all my dealings, which is no small part of true religion; although lacking by many who make great profession or outside show. My uncle Benjamin Bowler was sorely afflicted by the loss of his wife and daughter, he who had been full of faith and good works apparently was called upon to part with those he loved most dear. This was a test for him that he was hardly prepared to meet and for a time almost threw him off his balance in his ecclesiastical duties. He did not appear to be the same man with whom I had resided in early youth who had stood forth so valiantly in defence of truth and that was a warning to me not to put my trust in man. My sister Mary Ann her daughter Sara Jane and son James Samuel had immigrated to Utah leaving her daughter Elizabeth and son Joseph, the latter in my employ, until another season. Arthur Winter, his mother and two sisters joined our church and became zealous members in our branch. Arthur was a student of phonography and though it was unknown to him at that time was preparing to fill an honorable position in the presidents office in Salt Lake City. We held our meetings in the Saint Ann’s Street Chapel and although but few in number we certainly enjoyed the gifts of the gospel to a marked degree. When conference drew near my choir devoted much attention to our preparation for that occasion but just one week before the day set and advertised by posters in the city I was taken ill and a quinsy almost choked me. There I was on thursday night in that condition and so much attention to our preparation for so much depended upon me three days hence with my choir so well prepared if I could not be with them. I sent for President Francis M. Lyman and he administered to me and before he left my home I was enabled to eat a bowl of bread and milk, my quinsy was gone. Our conference was held in the Assembly Hall, the largest hall in the city and my choir certainly did their part grand as a number of people expressed it.
Mr. Long, Unitarian minister, was so elated with an anthem we rendered that he requested a copy and I told him to call at my home in a few days and I would have the four parts prepared for him. When I presented it to him he stated that he had been to America but not to Utah and that the anthem we sang on Sunday sounded better than anything he ever heard. My sister’s son and daughter joined their mother in St. George Utah and a few other good faithful members of the Nottingham branch immigrated to Utah but still the good work was spreading far and wide not withstanding the opposition manifest against us as a church.
My brother George was now a young man and had been a member of our family several years, he and our son Harry working with me in the shop. George was a temperance boy and on one of our trips to Leicester, the place of our birth, he became acquainted with a young lady that later became his wife. We took a trip to London the great city where I was an idol of my aunt Page and where my uncle Page once denounced mormonism and all who adhered to it. We visited the principal places of attraction, St. Paul's, the tower, the London Bridge, the House of Parliament, etc., and so my wife was being introduced to changing scenes preparatory to the great change that awaited us in the near future. When at our priesthood meeting at the conference house 39 Sabina St. Nottingham October 17--l880, I received a telegram from the Liverpool office stating that the ship Wisconsin would leave Port on Saturday the 23 inst., for New York and for us to leave Nottingham not later than Friday the 22, three days in which to communicate that intelligence to my father who resided in Hyson Green, to our sister Ann Wallis, in Leicester and all we loved far and near. To dispose of our belongings, the contents of six rooms well furnished, such short notice meant a considerable sacrifice in real value. There was also my business interest to be closed and debts to be collected by some good friend and in this way Tuesday was occupied and arrangements made as well as could be expected all things considered. My father then past sixty-one years of age appeared most affected for although he had taught me in youth that it was right for the Saints to gather to the headquarters of our church yet when we were about to part never to meet again on earth, for so it proved to be, he wept silent tears at parting. Our brother and sister Wallis seemed quite sanguine that we should return and promised to assist us to do so should we find conditions contrary to our anticipation while others encouraged and urged us to trust in the Lord for all that was to come. The hymn composed by G. Careless, “Yes my native land I love thee, can I leave thee, far in distant lands to dwell?” may be applied here. All who have left all for the gospel, and there are legions, know what is meant by leaving all that had been near and dear to them on earth. There was a moment when my wife questioned the wisdom of almost giving away what we had worked so hard for and it certainly was a question viewed from a worldly standpoint, but we reasoned the matter with our president, Oscar Hunter and decided to go with that company. We numbered ten in family as follows: myself and wife, Harry, Ann Elizabeth, John Henry, Kate, Mary Ann, Florence Matilda, Walter Wallace and Francis Joseph, the proverbial 2-4-6-8- so often used by their mother in counting them on our journey.
Friday morning , dawned bright and fair and bidding adieu to our loved ones we left Nottingham on the 7:35 train for Liverpool, where we were met by Brother and Sister Charles N. Stayner with whom we spent many happy hours in Nottingham and who on this Occasion also proved themselves to be the type of friends in very deed. They voluntarily took my family, excepting myself and Harry to their hotel while we two looked after our baggage and I went to the office to arrange for our voyage. My reception at the Liverpool office was certainly a surprise to me when my name was mentioned there came forth a corps of Elders to greet me and wish me Gods speed with that spark of brotherly love that only true servants of God can enjoy. I ordered our outfit but in the hurry I neglected to sign as steward of our company, a position President John Nicholson had asked me to occupy in our company across the ocean. At midnight Brother and Sister Stayner brought my family to the vessel and saw them safe on board; a kindness I shall never forget and when President Nicholson called over the names of those having ouffits for the voyage my name was called twice. I asked him if there were any who had no outfit and when he said there were I told him to give the other one to any who needed it, but said this one is more costly than the one you ordered and was sent from the Elders at the office--so thankful was I for the many acts of kindness received that I refused to take more. But little sleep was enjoyed that night by our company that numbered three-hundred-fifty-eight souls but the spirit of fond anticipation was manifest in the greetings of people who had never met before.
There were also a number of returning missionaries with us to join in thanks and praise to our Heavenly Father that they were now returning to their home and loved ones in the land of Zion after devoting more than two years in the cause of truth. I tried to be as helpful to President Nicholson as possible in caring for so large a body of people with ways strange to each other and tons of baggage to be taken care of and when all was arranged in order the signal was given and we weighed anchor at 12:20 p.m. on Saturday October 23, 1880. When we arrived at Queens Town Ireland quite a number of immigrants were taken on board in the fore-part of the vessel and it was then discovered that I had not signed as a steward of our company. President Nicholson came hurriedly and told me that the Captain sent for me at once. This is what he said, What is your name, I told him and he gruffly stated your name is not on our book, the ship’s register, and we must put you off at once. This is when President Nicholson explained the matter satisfactorily to him, that I did not understand the rules but that I should act as steward of our company under his direction. Again the gruff voice asked me if I had been to sea before and almost before I could answer he dismissed me by saying go to work and the ship glided away as usual. When I informed my family of the circumstance and we realized the situation more fully we praised God from whom all blessings flow and all went well with us until in mid ocean when a terrible storm commenced to rage which continued three days. Every member of our company were sea-sick excepting Elder Nixon and myself and instead of our usual evening meeting with singing and prayer could be heard moaning in all the berths.
On Sunday at midnight as I sat with one arm holding on the pillar and the other holding our little Francis Joseph on my knee the head steward came and told me in no uncertain terms to put that kid in bed and come to business, which I did and he told me then that the ship was taking in three feet an hour and that unless the break could be mended we should have to lower the boats. How long we sat waiting I cannot tell but I know that if ever I prayed in earnest it was at that time and if ever I thanked my heavenly father for his mercies was when we heard the pump commence to work again. Now my readers please take note on Monday morning it seemed as though I must heave up Jonah, and I got the bucket for that purpose but at that very moment a power unseen took me into the middle of the floor and the seat I had occupied a moment before and the match-wood bucket too. Tons of trunks and baggage lay there in a heap that had broken loose during the heavy storm but not the slightest warning had been given to any one except me, as here stated, I was not sea-sick. We learned on arriving at New York that a ship right behind us went down with all on board but all were well with us and our prayers ascended to the throne of grace for our safe arrival on land. Upon reaching Castle-Garden home changes were made especially the changing of money into American dollars and cents which but few understood even after the change was made but we had plenty of time to talk matters over as we stayed there all that day.
What are we waiting for was a question asked many times but no one seemed to know and we rather enjoyed the change of scenery until evening when Brother Emmanuel Wooley suggested trying to get outside and have a look at New York City. Without consulting our people we did go and purchased a few things that we thought would be necessary but was gone longer than we intended and when we returned there was not a soul to be seen. Now what shall we do said Brother Wooley my wife has my ticket, and I had all our tickets, and there we were not knowing where our company had gone. We were not long in doubt however as Elder George Crane appeared and motioned for us to hurry that way which we did to find that the boat had arrived to the port to take us across the river to the Pennsylvania Railroad. Again we had the pleasure of witnessing the fatherly consideration of President John Nicholson when he said, “Brother Bowler you and your family will occupy the car with the returning missionaries and no matter where we change, night or day you may need no further advice as I shall be busy all the way through.” That surely was an act to feel greatful for with a family of ten in a strange country and so late in the season, and as a further consideration Sister Grey was to accompany as midwife, in case my wife should need her services on the journey. Was not that brotherly love in very deed?
With our well trained voices we accompanied each other and endeavored to reciprocate by singing the songs of Zion in which the Elders heartily joined, “We’ll make the air with music ring, shout praises to our God and King” that had so often been sung while in Nottingham was now realized more fully as we journeyed westward to the land of our choice and the home of the Saints.
The horse-shoe-bend at Pittsburgh was an object of curiosity where one end of our train appeared to be nearly opposite the other and that abase with smoke reminded one of the lower regions the ministers used to talk to us about when I was a boy. It might have appeared rather amusing to a casual observer the way my wife kept track of our children with her count of 2-4-6-8- at every change.
The most awfully grand sight I ever witnessed was the prairie fire for although at a distance it seemed as though the whole world was in flames and we were hastening into the conflagration especially so when the night was very dark or the wind blew in an opposite direction. The methodical life in England had nothing in comparison with such scenes as witnessed in the transition from one country to another to say nothing of the objects of interest pointed out to us by the returning missionaries and many stories told and incidents recounted of the trials and hardships experienced by those noble pioneers who took their weary march over nearly the same ground we were then gliding over so smoothly and rapidly but the prairie fire was to me the all absorbing object that my mind dwelt upon for a short time, and indeed it has appeared in my dream often since. Occasionally we saw a real Indian with garb and feathers something similar to pictures printed in books, but those we saw there were alive and moving along. The wide expanse of country and traveling day and night brought to my mind the first trip I made on the railroad and the dog cart journey in the year 1852, only fifteen miles all together and it took about five hours to make the trip.
A wonderful trip and a wonderful change to be sure and yet everything appeared to come about quite natural to be sure. It seemed as though we were never going to find a real stopping place before we reached Chicago and even when we did reach there, there was but a very short time to look around and purchase a few things that we might need on our further journey westward. Our next change was one never to be forgotten by me, at least. No large city there to attract our attention, just the railroad station and a few houses was all that reminded us of civilization when we reached there on Saturday night, but we soon discovered that we must stay there indefinitely. There was something wrong about the cars not being ready or not enough of them ready for our use to proceed further, nor did we leave there until Monday morning. I said, “never to be forgotten” for the reason that during that Sunday we had to stay I never heard so much profanity and abuse as when a few men approached me and stated that they had just returned from Utah. Oh, yes they knew all about Brigham Young and the whole click, of Mormons, and in fact what they did not know I don’t want anyone to try to find out, they tried to persuade me to try and turn my face homeward as they said while I had a chance for if we went any further “it was all up” with us. Not very encouraging to be sure if true, but was it? I did not seek their company or advice but as I walked around they followed me and as before stated I never heard such blasphemy in all my life, and I certainly had heard many rash speeches concerning the people commonly called Mormons, nearly all my days. I reasoned this way have I not associated with this people from childhood, my parents and grandparents before me, do I not know that their character in general has been grossly and I must say cruelly misrepresented and here when I supposed I was free from slanderous reports I am assailed more shamefully than ever, if ever I realized that the two influences were operating, it was then that I needed to be on my guard constantly and take warning by what I might meet with from such people as had once been friendly to those who they now spoke so much evil about, again “consistency thou art a jewel,” and man is man’s worst enemy. The gospel of light and truth is the only means of salvation to the human family helped me to say as did our Savior, get thee behind me. I assure my readers that I kept pretty close to my family during the remainder of that day and until we left that spot.
We crossed the river early on Monday morning and stopped a short time at Omaha and there purchased some provisions and then proceeded on our way toward the rocky mountains, the place we had heard, read, and sung so much while in our native land. Where the Saints of God have met, and where we fondly anticipated meeting them. One sad incident occurred on the way in the death of an infant whose father was in Denver and where the fond mother was hastening to meet him. Here again President Nicholson showed a fatherly care and consideration by having a coffin made so that the child might be taken to her father. Are acts like these not worthy of note, is it not a denial to the lies above reported? That poor mother could not speak or understand the American language but was cared for as well as she could have been in her own home and country and she met her husband in Denver with the best of care and the sympathy of every soul in our company. The scenery from Denver changed considerably surpassing all imagination and so we speeded from the state of Colorado, Wyoming into Utah. Mountains everywhere so strange and yet so enchanting that we sang, “Oh, Ye Mountains High” as we imagined it while singing that favorite hymn in other countries. Thus we speeded on to Ogden, Utah where we arrived on Friday afternoon and we were met at the station by our old time President Joseph Morley and his good wife who took us to their home for entertainment and a happy meeting that was to be sure during the short stay before our train proceeded on to Salt Lake City, that night.