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William S. Brighton's Missionary Journal THIS IS THE LATEST COPY OF WILLIAM'S MISSIONARY JOURNAL THAT PAT RUST TRANSCRIBED AND BRIGHTON RELATIVES IN NIBLEY CONVERTED.
Jan Feb Mar Apr May June July Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
1 March 1882 Wednesday A very stormy morning, rain and wind. I left Falkirk for to go to Longridge. On the way I met Adam Stewart, who came out to meet me. We went around by Sister Potter's where I stayed for a short time. Soon after getting to Longridge, I started to the Loch (called Black Loch) along with Brother Isaac Sloan and William Hill and Adam Stewart, where I baptized Hill and Stewart. It was storming very bad at the time, but we got along all right, and soon got it over. I offered prayer at the waterside and said a few words to them before I took them into the water. After returning to Longridge, we had a nice time. Isaac Sloan offered prayer and I arose and spoke to those present telling them of the duties of Saints and what was expected of them. Isaac Sloan, Robert Love and I confirmed William Hill, I being mouthpiece. We then laid our hands on the head of Adam Stewart and confirmed him, Brother Love being mouthpiece. I then spoke to them again advising them what to do and to commence tonight and pray to their God for those things that they want. I closed with prayer and soon after all left for their own homes. I stayed all night in the house of Brother Isaac Sloan.
2 March 1882 Thursday Stormy morning. I was asked by Mrs. William Hill to breakfast, which I accepted. I left Longridge to go to Calderbank to hold meeting. Tonight I took the train at Longriggend for Airdrie and then went to Carnbroe and called upon Brother John Hendry, where I stayed a short time. Then I started for Calderbank to hold a meeting. I had a very good meeting. Brother John Hendry was along with me. Sang, prayed and then spoke to those present on the authority of the priesthood. Had a good time. I then returned to Carnbroe and stayed all night with Brother and Sister Hendrie.
3 March 1882 Friday Left Carnbroe for Calderbank to meet William Ranold who wanted to talk with me. He took me all around Calderbank Iron Works, both the blast furnaces and the maleable works. We then went around by the side of the Calder burn talking about those pleasing things belonging to the gospel. In the evening I along with William and Archibald Neal went to Hillhead where a meeting was appointed to be held at 7:30 P.M. When the time arrived, the house was as full as it could hold, and a crowd was standing outside. After singing and prayer, I commenced to speak to them on the first principles of the gospel, taking for my starting point the 9th verse of the 2nd Epistle of John. I spoke to them for one hour and 3 quarters including my prayer. I had great freedom of speech and had a good meeting, one of the best that I have had since I came to the country. After meeting I had a pleasant conversation with 3 young men about something that I had said during my speaking. After I was done with them, I asked them if they were satisfied with what I said, and they all said, yes, and they thanked me for the information that I had given them. I promised to come back soon and preach to them again. I went to Carnbroe and stayed all night with Brother John Hendrie.
4 March 1882 Saturday Started from Carnbroe to go to Blantyre for to visit Brother William Robertson. Called at Calderbank on the way, and William Ronalds went with me from Calderbank to Holytown. On the way we were speaking about the gospel of Christ, and he told me that at one of the meetings that I had held, I had told them to ask God, and he would reveal it to them that I had spoken the truth. He told me distinctly that the Lord had showed it to him, and his mind was made up to get baptized when I got back. When he parted from me, he gave me 2/ to help me along. I went on to Blantyre and stopped all night with Brother and Sister Robertson.
5 Mar 1882 Sunday Went from Blantyre to Motherwell and had meeting with some of the Saints. Some of them were not at the meeting. After the sacrament was over, I spoke to them on their duties as Saints. After meeting I found out that Brother and Sister Thomas Gray had called their little child after my wife, Catherine Brighton Gray, out of respect to me, because I had baptized them into the Church. At night I returned to Blantyre and stayed with the Robertson family.
6 Mar 1882 Monday Went to a place called Newtown to see a family called Swan, who desired to see one of our Utah elders. Soon after I got in he commenced to run down the marriage system of the Mormons and call some of them every thing that was bad, for he had been out to Utah a few years ago and started from Utah with 60 pounds or 300 dollars. He had left his family in Scotland. He is now on his deathbed, and will soon die. When I started, they gave me an invitation to come back again and see them. They have a warm side towards the Saints, although he left the territory. I left for Blantyre and one Gordon Good came along with me right into Blantyre. I again stayed with the Robertson family.
7 Mar 1882 Tuesday Was in Blantyre all day. Wrote a letter to Fred and Dessie Ireland, my nephew and niece in the state of Iowa, U.S. America. Started to write one name, but did not get it finished. Stayed all night with the Robertson family.
8 Mar 1882 Wednesday I left Blantyre for to go to Stonehouse, but I called on a cousin at Hamilton where I stayed all night. Before I left Blantyre, I wrote a letter home to my wife.
9 Mar 1882 Thursday Stormy morning. Started in the morning for Stonehouse by train. When I arrived at the station, it was very wet and blowy. When I arrived at the house which is one mile from the station, I was received with kindness by my father's cousin. I stayed all night with him. He has a son laid on his back with spine disease, and has been for a long time. It was a kind of a dull night, for none of them had much to say.
10 Mar 1882 Friday I left Stonehouse to go to Blantyre, but on the way I called on Annie Houston that lives at Dunlop-Place. I stayed with her a short time. Then called at Hamilton and spent a little time with Brother Andrew Robertson, then went on to Blantyre where I stayed all night with the family of Brother William Robertson.
11 Mar 1882 Saturday Started from Blantyre for Carnbroe. On the way I called at Calderbank and spent a short time with Archibald Neal and family, also William Reynolds. I also called at Hillhead to make arrangements about what time to appoint our meeting at for tomorrow, which was arranged to be held at 4 P.M., as the most sensible time. I then went on to Cambrae and stayed all night with the Hendrie family. I received a letter that had been sent to Nelly Gray by her uncle, for me to answer for her.
12 Mar 1882 Sunday I went up to Hillhead where I remained nearly all day. A little before 4 o'clock P.M., I went to every house in the place and invited them to the meeting that I was going to have at 4 P.M. I waited till 4:15 before I opened my meeting. I then opened with singing. I then offered prayer and commenced to speak to them on the saying of Christ to Peter when he said, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona, for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto you, but the Father which is in Heaven. Therefore I will build my Church upon this rock, and the gates of Hell will not prevail against it and etc. I spoke to them for one hour and a half and had a good time. Had a good turnout for a small place. I returned to Carnbroe along with Brother and Sister Hendrie who had been at the meeting and stayed at their house all night. Brother Hendrie gave me one shilling and asked me to take the train on Monday and go to Motherwell and call upon a man by the name of George Green that wanted to see me or one of our elders, so I promised to go.
13 Mar 1882 Monday I wrote the letter in answer to Samuel Gray's letter to his niece, Nelly. In the morning about 9 A.M. while at breakfast, William Reynolds came to see me. After breakfast he asked me to go out with him to take a walk when he told me that he could not go to work in the morning till he came to see me. He said he had asked the Lord to let him know if he was to speak to me, or if I would speak to him, and he told me that he was told to speak to me. So he had come to me to tell me of it. I said to him if that was the case, who could refuse water, that he should be baptized, so he said he would be baptized tomorrow night when I came to the meeting at Hillhead. In the afternoon I went to Motherwell to see Mr. George Green, who received me with the greatest of kindness, and we talked for 3 hours on the sayings of Jesus and his apostles. He asked to come back soon and see him and he would try and get me to speak in a hall in Motherwell that is occupied by two women. I went to Carnbroe with the 9 P.M. train and stayed all night in the house of Brother John Hendrie.
14 Mar 1882 Tuesday Had a meeting in Hillhead in the house of Mrs. Wilson. Had a good meeting. After singing and prayer, I preached to them on the first principles of the gospel. After the meeting was over, I went along with Brother John Hendrie to the Calder Dam and baptized Archilbald Neal and William Reynolds. After the baptism was over and all of us dressed, Brother John Hendrie and I laid our hands on the head of A. Neal and confirmed him a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and then William Reynolds, I being mouthpiece in both cases. I must say it was a night that I will long remember, for there was such a Heavenly Influence around us and with us at the water side. Brother John Hendrie and I then returned to Cambrae where I stayed with him all night.
15 Mar 1882 Wednesday Was in Calderbank in the evening and held a meeting in the house of Brother Archibald Neal. We had a good meeting, although there were just 3 strangers at it. I spoke on the mission of Christ going to preach to the spirits in prison. After the meeting was over, I was told that the Hallelujah Giant was at the meeting that I had at Hillhead on Tuesday evening and that he is going to hold a meeting in the same place next Sunday. I returned to Cambrae along with Brother William Robertson and John Hendrie and stayed all night with Hendries.
16 Mar 1882 Thursday I left Cambrae for to go to Longridge. I walked to it and when I arrived, I was very tired. As I walked through Airdrie, I passed by the house where I first went to a meeting of the Latter-day Saints, also where my Father was living when I heard of the death of Joseph Smith, the Latter-day Prophet. I had singular feelings as I thought of those days that are past and gone, 38 years ago. I held a meeting in Longridge in the house of Brother William Hills. I spoke to them on some of the sayings of Christ on repentance and exhorted the Saints to faithfulness. Stayed all night in the house of Isaac Sloan.
17 Mar 1882 Friday In Longridge all day writing. I wrote a letter to my wife and sons, also I wrote a note to George Green requesting him to get me a hall to speak in, so as to get the chance of laying the truth before the people of Motherwell. In the evening I went to Limerigg to see about getting a house to hold meeting in. Did not get one. Spent a while with Sister Potter and family, then came back to Longridge and spent the evening with the Saints. Stayed all night in the House of Isaac Sloan.
18 Mar 1882 Saturday In Longridge all day. Wrote a letter to Brother John Stoddard of the city of Edinburgh. In the evening Brothers William Hill and Robert Love went to see the manager of Limerigg Work to see if we could not get a school house for to hold a meeting in, but the house was occupied, so we did not get it, but said that we could get it on any night during the week. We wanted for Sunday evening. Stayed all night in Isaac Sloan's.
19 Mar 1882 Sunday Had a meeting in Longridge with the Saints. Only 2 strangers present. After sacrament was over and the Saints bore testimony, I spoke to them on the 10th chapter of Romans. Had a good meeting. Spent the day and evening in Longridge on account of being a very wet day. Stayed all night in Isaac Sloan's.
20 Mar 1882 Monday Left Longridge for to go to Falkirk. When I arrived there were letters and papers from home. I received one from Brother Irvine, telling me that I was to return home with the April the 12 company. I also received a letter from my son, Thomas, and one from George Jamison with one pound in it for me. Met Brother Robert Ure in the house of Brother John McCleary. Stayed all night with them.
21 Mar 1882 Tuesday In the morning I received a letter from my wife and one from my son, Daniel. Was in Falkirk all day writing all day. I sent letters to my wife and daughter and Brother John Boyle. In the evening went out to a place called Karnlon along with Brothers McCleary and Pender and called upon a Mr. Meachem. He received us kindly. Had a long talk with him on the 19th chapter of Acts concerning baptism. Went back to Falkirk in a slight snow storm. Stayed all night with the Pender and McCleary family.
22 Mar 1882 Wednesday Was in Falkirk all day writing letters. I sent one to Brother Qureene, one to Brother John Stoddard, one to Mr. David Adamson, one to Archilbald Neal and William Reynolds. Prepared a letter to send to President Carrington giving him an account of my mission. The evening I spent with the family of Mr. John Bow. Stayed all night at the same place.
23 Mar 1882 Thursday Left Falkirk for to go to Longridge on the way I called on Duncan Lamont. He had just come home from the Infirmary. He was feeling very well. I went on to Longridge. In the evening held a meeting in the house of Brother William Hill. I preached to them on the glorious prospects of the kingdom of God. Had a good time. Stayed all night in the home of Isaac Sloan.
24 Mar 1882 Friday I left Longridge for Carnbroe. Took train at Longriggend for Rawyards. Called upon William Freer, then walked down to Carnbroe as soon as I got something to eat. I started for Hillend to hold a meeting in the house of Mrs. Wilson. Being alone and having no hymnbook, I asked the people present if they were inclined to sing a hymn. They thought so. There were three girls started a hymn called the Beautiful Home Beyond and sang it very well. Then I offered a prayer and commenced to preach to them on the gospel of Christ and read to them a few passages of the scriptures and spoke to them for at least one hour and a half on the first principles of the gospel and had great freedom of speech and had a good meeting. After meeting I went back to Carnbroe and stayed all night with Brother Hendry's family.
25 Mar 1882 Saturday Left Carnbroe for Calderbank. Spent a pleasant time talking to Mrs. Neal and James Brown, who wanted me to stay and baptise them at night, which I consented to do. When the time came to go to the water, we all started and 4 besides myself, me, Agnes Neal included and James Brown promised to make up to us, but for some reason or other he did not come, and we waited a long time upon him. So we went down to the water side, and I offered up prayer, then spoke a few words to Mrs. Neal, then went forth and baptized her. After getting dressed, I confirmed her by the water side. There was present her husband, her sister, Ellen, also her Brother, James. Her brother and sister were not in the Church, but they had attended several meetings that I had. I stayed all night with Brother and Sister Neal in Calderbank. Then little girl came home with her first pay which was 10/4 pence. How proud she was to come and show it to me, and put it into my hand. She is a nice little girl.
26 Mar 1882 Sunday Left Calderbank. Went to Motherwell. Spoke to the Saints and bade them all good bye. Went to Blantyre in the evening to Brother William Roberson. After arriving, I called upon an old acquaintance called Walter Nelson. Had a long talk with him on the doctrines of Christ. He was perfectly astonished to hear me. So was his wife. I stayed all night in the house of Brother and Sister Robertson.
27 Mar 1882 Monday Started from Blantyre for to go to see Sister Stratton at Slamanan. Then I went to see my cousin, James Brighton at Longridge. Stayed all night with him.
28 Mar 1882 Tuesday Left Longriff Farm to visit Sister Houston, then to Hazelbank to see the old man and woman Crosbie, then went to see James Crosbie and family at Hillhead. Then called on Thomas Hair, a cousin of my father's. Then went on to Kirkfieldbank to visit Sarah Anderson's family. Then went to Lanark and took the train for Wilsontown, then walked to Greenwald to visit Alex McFiggan, where I stayed all night. I found them all well. Have told them all good bye as it would be the last chance that I would have to see them before I leave to return home.
29 Mar 1882 Wednesday Left Greenwald. Called at Haywood to see Mrs. Tilley and Watson. Then left Haywood for Lanark. Left Lanark for to go to Waterloo for to see a cousin, Mrs. Hay, where I stayed all night.
30 Mar 1882 Thursday In the morning I left Waterloo and went to Stonefield and called on William Robertson, then went on to Glasgow. When I arrived at 15 Moir Street, I received a letter from Robert Neilson of Alta, also one from my son, Thomas, with 10 pounds 5/ in it, also another from my son, Thomas, with 2 pounds 1/1 in it, also one from Mrs. Matthew Thomson. I started out to Kirkintilloch to see if I could find out anything about Maggie Jack. I received a clue to finding her out. Returned to Glasgow and stayed all night in my uncle's.
31 Mar 1882 Friday Started out to see and find out Maggie Jack. I followed up the clue that I had got and found her in Govan and had a long talk with her about her Mother that had gone to Utah 17 years ago, and left her with her Father. In the afternoon I received a letter from Sister Mary Freer. In the evening I went to Carnbroe and spent the night with Brother Robertson and wife. Stayed all night in the house of Brother Hendry.
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