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HISTORICAL SKETCH THE LIFE OF GEORGE WASHINGTON GEE I Compiled by Garda G. Adams (edited C.E.B.)
From: Descendents of Solomon Gee of Lyme, Connecticut Charles E. Benjamin 1981 Library of Congress Number 81-81764 Life and Light Press, Winona Lake, Indiana Pages 220-230
This sketch is the result of much research on my part about my ancestors, the Gee Family in America.
The Gee ancestral line, as far as records permit us to determine, follows thusly: Solomon Gee from Devonshire, England, who is found in the early 1700’s in Connecticut in the vicinity of Lyme, New London County, was the emigrant ancestor of this family. Our direct line from Solomon is: (1) William, (2) Zopher, (3) Salmon, (4) George Washington Sr., (5) George Washington II, my grandfather, which brings us down to the establishment of the Latter Day Saints Church in the year of 1830. Salmon, George Washington Sr. and George Washington II all became members of this church in the very early years of its formation. Others of Salmon's family joined it later. Some were also among the number who crossed the plains.
The association of Salmon's family with the Church can be identified with circumstances which brought him to the state of Ohio. His father, Zopher, and a number of others then living in Lyme, Connecticut were attracted by the possibilities of the land known as the Western Reserve of Connecticut in the northeastern corner of Ohio which had been acquired by Elisha Tracy and offered for resale. In 1803, Zopher’s sons John and Salmon joined a small company of men from Lyme who made the difficult journey to Ohio for the purpose of examining the land there so a determination could be made whether those interested should relocate from Connecticut to establish new homes in this opening frontier.
Apparently their report was favorable to Zopher Gee and a group of friends and neighbors who commenced to dispose of their properties preparatory to their move from Lyme to that part of the new land which later became known as Ashtabula County, Ohio.
In 1810, a first contingent of men made their way to the new homesite, John and Salmon Gee among them, and built a small cabin for shelter on Zopher Gee's land where they stayed while clearing land in two locations which they planted in corn as an initial food supply for the families to come later. Part of the men returned in the fall to Lyme, Connecticut to bring their families to this new frontier.
On September 20, 1811 or 1812 (history is confusing as to the year), a group of ninety persons arrived and settled in an area first known as Lebanon but later renamed New Lyme, Ashtabula County, Ohio. They had traveled more than six hundred miles by wagon, some drawn by horses and others by oxen.
In this group were Zopher Gee and his second wife, Lura, sometimes called "Laura," and their young family. His first wife, Esther Beckwith, mother of John, Salmon and Esther had died in 1794 back in Lyme.
Some of the settlers might have been called rich financially but money or no money, there was no time for lament. Here people had to work or they would starve.
Zopher and his family were among the sturdy pioneers who toiled hard that life might be bearable for their families. Erection of a home was the first order of business for all. Then clearing of the land and planting of crops.
The dwellings of the pioneers in the Western Reserve were at first crude bark and brush shacks. They were replaced as soon as possible by neat log cabins. Large logs about a foot in diameter were used, filled between with clay or wooden wedges. Roofs of clapboards and floors of puncheons split from logs. Doors were heavy wood with leather or wooden hinges. Windows were wooden cross slats covered with oiled paper. Chairs were three-legged stools and cupboards were boards laid on wooden pegs.
The woods supplied them with meat (deer, bear and fowl). Also, homes, maple syrup and some fruit so they fared well if they worked hard.
These early pioneers, so history tells us, were a rough, hardy, intelligent lot. They believed in God, good order and education. They were kind and sociable and had frequent parties. Wood chopping for the men, quilting bees for the women, with goodies for dinner and supper.
They practiced "Love thy neighbor as thyself," lovingly, kindly, earnestly and effectively. This was the foundation stock of my great grandfather George Washington Gee. The Zopher Gee family prospered during the years 1813-1815 and he built a large, and for those days, commodious house which is still in everyday use.
His oldest children soon married and established homes and farms of their own in this new western country. In the marriage records of Ashtabula County, we find the marriage of Salmon Gee to Sarah Watson Crane on 15 NOV 1814, who was a daughter of William Crane and Sarah Watson. There were ten children credited to this couple, eight of whom grew to maturity. George Washington Gee was the oldest child born to this family. He was born 13 AUG 1815 in what the family record identifies as New Lyme, Ashtabula County, Ohio. The historical record of this county gives the first name of this township as Lebanon. It was officially renamed New Lyme in 1825. So George W. Gee really was born in Lebanon, Ashtabula County, Ohio. His brother, Giles by name, was also born in Lebanon 18 JAN 1817 and died 23 APR 1821. The third child was born 1 SEP 1818 in Austinburg, a neighboring township.
The other brothers and sisters of George Washington Gee were: Sarah Caroline born 30 AUG 1820, Amanda Melvina born 20 JAN 1823, Erastus Smith born 29 JUL 1825, Susan Eliza born 31 JAN 1828, Salmon Jr. born 13 JAN 1826, Electa born 13 JUL 1833 died 28 JAN 1838, Martha Brewer born 9 APR 1838.
Some of these children are identified as having been born in Rome which is a neighboring township of New Lyme (Lebanon). History states that this area was known by the name of Richfield until 1829 when it was changed to Rome. Records also show that the father, Salmon Gee, moved to Geauga County, probably the township of Thompson in 1828 and later to Kirtland, Lake County, Ohio in 1834.
Our historical sketch now reverts to George W. Gee about whom it was intended. Little is known about George Washington Gee’s early life. It would necessarily reflect the hard work and toil of a child born on the frontier on the farm of his father and mother with what little formal education there was available at that time and in that area. He was thirteen years old when the family moved to Geauga, which would probably consist of setting up a new home and a clearing for a new farm.
We can find no indication historically of the reason for their move. To the author, the reason for their move is explained in the preface of this sketch since it was here the Gospel of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints was taught to this family. The father and mother of this family were baptized into this church in July of 1832, just two years after it had been organized. George Washington Gee, now eighteen years of age, also was baptized 17 FEB 1833 at Kirtland, Ohio.
Just what he really did immediately following his baptism we have no complete record as yet. There is a record in the book, "The Teachings of Joseph Smith” that suggests something about where he was and what might have occurred. It is found on page 20. The heading is, "An Epistle of the First Presidency to the Church in Thompson, Geauga Co., Ohio.11 (2nd paragraph) Kirtland, Feb. 6, 1833.
Dear Brethern,
"It seemed good unto the Holy Spirit and unto us to send this our epistle to you by the hand of our beloved Brother Salmon Gee your messenger who has been ordained by us, in obedience to the commandments of God to the office of Elder to preside over the church in Thompson taking the oversight thereof to lead you and teach you the things which are according to Godliness," etc.
George W. was in Kirtland too with his father since he was baptized on 17 FEB 1833, which was shortly after this epistle was written. He may have returned to Thompson with his father. We have no indication as to just where the mother and the rest of the family were at this time. We might expect, however, that they were with the father in Thompson.
Church history tells us of the great difficulties that had overtaken the Saints in Kirtland at this time. From the Journal of John Smith, brother of Joseph Smith Sr. we quote, "The Spirit of speculation, a mania to make money became prevalent throughout the United States and many of the Saints joined wildcat schemes and forgot their Holy annointing to ministry of God. With this came the spirit of Apostasy and rebellion. It led the Prophet to exclaim, "It seems as though all the powers of earth and hell are combining to overthrow the church."
The temple was not yet completed. The faithful of the church were there suffering abuse and persecution striving to complete it. George was probably there doing just that. They, George and his father, were at the meeting held 7 MAR 1835 which was called for the blessing of those who had, assisted by labor or other means helped in building the house of the Lord. Their names are listed with those at that time. George Washington Gee also was ordained an Elder at this time.
On 16 MAY 1836 Church History records the arrival of the grandmother of the Prophet from St. Lawrence County, New York with her two sons, Asahel and Silas, and their families with other converts from that area. It was in this group that George found his life companion, Mary Jane Smith, cousin of the Prophet Joseph Smith. They were married on 5 FEB 1837. This was announced in the February issue of the "Messenger and Advocate" published by the church.
Due to the conditions in Kirtland, the Prophet had left there and settled in Missouri hoping to carry on the work of the Lord there without persecution. Other Saints were leaving as quickly as they were able to arrange their affairs.
George and Mary Jane managed to leave. They moved to Fredricksburg, Ray County, Missouri in 1838. Here their first child was born on 30 MAY 1838, a son named Elias Smith Gee. There must have been a little group of the Saints who settled here at that time. Fredericksburg, Ray County, Missouri is designated in history as a post office in the Fishing River Township. Their stay here must have been short. They were driven into Illinois.
From the "Autobiography of George W. Bean” compiled by Flora D. Home, we take this statement, "In the fall of 1839 the expulsion of the Mormons from Missouri took place — the city of Quincy, Adams County, generally became the temporary lodging place for many of the persecuted people. My father having added to his lands and improved it for some time was possessed of several houses and cabins which for a short time were filled with some of these people. I remember especially George W. Gee and his wife who was the sister of Elias Smith, as well as the cousin of the Prophet Joseph Smith.
"Brother Gee taught school for our district that fall. I remember the shock it gave us when it leaked out that his wife was a cousin of Joe Smith. What a risk of contamination we were in. Of course he was soon dismissed."
When they were driven from Fredricksburg, Esther, Mary Jane's sister and her husband, Amos Botsford Fuller, were evicted from their home and their house burned when Esther had given birth to a child just three hours before.
We find the Saints collecting at a place in Illinois called Commerce, later called Nauvoo. This is where we next find George and Mary Jane.
In a record G. S, serial NV no. 25163-Pt 7, we find among other things Minutes of General Conferences and the High Council men who located in places just across the river from Commerce (Nauvoo) on the Iowa side of the river. In the minutes of a general conference of the Church held in Commerce, Hancock County, Illinois on 5 OCT 1839, we find this statement, "It was unanimously voted that a branch of the Church be established in the Territory of Iowa. Elder John Smith was elected President of this branch. "Some of the settlements that became a part of this Branch were Montrose, Nashville, Ambrosia, Zarahemla, etc.
George W. and Mary Jane and small son Elias Smith settled at Ambrosia, Lee County. As we read the minutes of the general conferences held at various times in these respective settlements, we find George W. Gee often called to be clerk, both in conferences and High Council meetings in this area until, in a conference held 7th, 8th and 9th of August, 1841, he was made Church recorder.
He represented 109 members from Ambrosia and 13 members from Keokuk as has been mentioned.
During all of this time, he and his family were residing in Ambrosia, Lee County, Iowa. It was a small settlement where a number of the members of the Church resided from 1840 to 1846 when the march to the Rocky Mountains began. A post office was established and George W. Gee was made postmaster. He was also made county surveyor.
Ambrosia extended from Montrose as far as Sugar Creek. At one time, this area was included in what was called the Half Breed Tract and was included in land purchased by the Church with intent to build a city, Zarahemla and for Nashville, Iowa.
In the Journal History of the Church under the date of 30 MAR 1840, a report of a short mission for the Church into the State of Tennessee is given by George. I am writing it just as it is given because I feel it supplies a touch of the kind of person he was and of his faith and testimony of the truthfulness of the Gospel:
"MAR 30, 1840 — George W. Gee reported missionary labors as follows: I left my home last NOV 1839 to preach the Gospel in Tennessee trusting alone in the Lord to sustain me as I was alone and had never attemped to preach before. I commenced preaching in DeKalb County.
"The people were prejudiced in consequence of the falsehoods that had been written from Missouri by our most zealous persecutors, but on hearing, expressed their surprise to hear me contend so strongly for the Bible and its requirements; and that we should not be persecuted for preaching the very order of things which all Christiandom was earnestly praying for.
"On arriving at Overton County, I found Elder Julian Moses. We preached together for two weeks and baptized two. Then I went to Jackson County and preached almost constantly for six weeks. Doors were open on the right hand and the left. I have baptized ten in all and others are believing.
"Brother Moses joined me in Jackson County. We traveled and preached in many places but could not supply all the calls. The prejudice of the people appeared to give way on hearing for themselves.
"Our wants were well supplied. We never lacked for a comfortable place to lodge. We attained twenty-one subscribers for the "Times and Seasons" and the call was "books, books, books," but the common weapon of misrepresentation was used against us by many individuals.
We were invited to a public discussion of our principles which we accepted. This lasted three days. Myself and Brother Moses on affirmative and Reverend L. DeWitt and F. A. Stone (Campbellites) negative.
"The points at issue were: 1- The Book of Mormom is a sacred record and was translated by the inspiration of God and came forth in fulfillment of Prophecy. 2- That Apostles, Prophets and spiritual gifts; such as healing, diversities of tongues and their interpretation are necessary in the Church of Christ, according to his order.
"At the close of the debate we baptized one. There were others we think will obey the first opportunity.
"We arrived home on 28 MAR 1840."
John Smith was writing a letter to his friend George Albert in England, to which George Gee added the following postscript dated JUN 1840:
"I was laboring in the vineyard of the Lord about two months ago.
"I have bought land here (Ambrosia). I am engaged in cultivating the soil. All is well at present. The Saints are fast emigrating to this place and the work is rolling onward."
And in the Journal History of the Church under the date of 7 OCT 1841. we find this entry: "Council House of John Taylor at Nauvoo. (Business of the Meeting) "Voted 17 missionaries to be called to the various fields of labor." Among the names on the list that followed: "Elder George Washington Gee, called to fill a mission in Pittsburgh."
Two days after this call was made, Mary Jane gave birth to their second child; a son, George W. Gee, Jr., born 9 OCT 1841 at Ambrosia, Lee County, Iowa.
Shortly afterward, the father left to fill his mission call in Pennsylvania. Probably sometime in November, we do not have the exact date, not long after his arrival in his field of labor, he was called to administer to a child suffering from black measles. The child recovered but Brother Gee contracted the disease and passed away as a result on 20 JAN 1842.
In the Documentary History of the Church Vol. IV, page 500, we find an entry by the Prophet Joseph Smith, "Thurs. 20 JAN 1842, attended a special council meeting in the upper room of new Store, George Washington Gee died today.”
There is also a footnote with a brief history of George W. Gee's life. The views of which are already given in this sketch. I repeat the closing phrases of this note: “In the fall of 1841, he was sent to Pittsburgh where he died 20 JAN 1842 while in the discharge of his duties, having won the affection of all the Saints with whom he became acquainted by his integrity and perseverance.”
His opportunity for schooling had been limited but by his own exertion, he had attained an excellent education and had collected quite a respectable library.
His granddaughter, Ina Gee Hodson, once wrote a short history of his life. I repeat her concluding paragraph: "At his passing, his young wife was left with two small sons one about three and one-half years old and the other only three months old. These children were taken across the plains by their mother in 1852. The eldest died 10 AUG 1855 about three years after their arrival in the Valley. George W. Jr. eventually settled in Provo. He cared for his mother in his home until her death in 1878 and raised a large family of faithful Latter Day Saints.”
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Times and Seasons Vol.4, p.127 Elder George W. Gee late of who died in the city of Pittsburg, Penn. on the 20th of Jan. 1842.
Age at death 26 years 5 months and 7 days His deeds are deeds of courage, for If such the meed the warrior gains- How noble must be HIS reward Who goes opinion to unbind, Who wars with prejudice, to break Above all earthly, his shall be |