William Knox

by Elayne Bybee

 

William Knox, my great great grandfather on my mother's side accepted the gospel in England, labored as a part time missionary and as a Branch President of the Sunderland Branch, England.With his wife and three small children he sailed for America, March 9, 1849 in the ship "Hartley". they were in William Reenies company. He acted as captain over 15 persons on the ship. They arrived in St. Louis May 12, 1849. He labored there to get oxen, wagons and provisions to come to S. L. City. He left St. Lewis April 21, 1855 with ox teams, he was in Milon Andrews company, arriving in Salt Lake September 3, 1855.

 

He was a carpenter by trade, worked as one of the public hands. June 27, 1857 he was chosen to act as a captain in the Nauvoo legion and later as adjutant to Captain Alvin Crocket of the first 50. Later he returned to Salt Lake City where he worked as a carpenter on the Salt Lake Temple for many years.

 

When they were building the Temple in Salt Lake City, the Church asked everyone for a donation of either money or something that would bring the equal amount when sold. Great-great grandfather had one cow and although he had need for the milk for his family, he gave his only cow to the building fund.