Biography of John Isaac Hart

[I believe this biography was compiled from his journal by Beth Manwaring Schick.]

When I was six years of age, I was sent to work at Mr. Rollings' Lace Factory. I worked until I was eleven years old. Then I went to work for Mr. Davis, doing mason work. I worked here until I was thirteen years old. Then I was bound apprentice to a baker at a place called Wellington, seven miles from Taunton, Somerset. He beat me so much that after six months I ran away. I lived with my mother's brother, William, at a place called Merland near

Bridgewater, Somerset. He was a blacksmith and taught me the trade. When I was nineteen years old I left and went home. I worked six weeks for my father at the gas works. Then I went to Bristol and stayed with my cousin William, son of Charlotte McGeorge. While here I worked for Mr. Jenquel in his blacksmith shop.

I married Elizabeth Rice in Temple Church in Temple St. on 26 July, 1846. About 1 March 1847 I heard the Latter-Day-Saints preach, and I was baptized into the Mormon Church on 20 March 1847. About this time my father died. While my mother and brother, William, were to visit me in Bristol, they were converted and I baptized them. A few weeks later I was fired from my job because I was a Latter Day Saint.

In October 1849, I was sent to preach the Gospel. I preached at Bridgewater, I was made President of that branch after it was organized in Jn. 1850. I organized the Bridgewater Branch, the North Newton Branch and Banwell [or Bansville] Branch. I baptized and confirmed many saints. I left on 7 July 1851 to preside in Sherborne and Sturten Branches in Dorsetshire. I brought my wife to live here in Sharborne. I preached many sermons in and about this district. I was presiding here until 26 December 1852. I traveled on foot 6,643 miles from October 1849 to 11 January 1853 preaching the Gospel to the people of England.

As I was to leave very soon for America, I wrote letters to Mother, brother William, sisters Mary Ann, and other relatives as I didn't have time to go see them before leaving. My wife and I left Liverpool on 17 January 1853, on the ship "Ellen Marie." We went to New Orleans up the Mississippi River to St. Louis. We were met here by friends, Mr. and Mrs. Peter Pageler, who took us to their home where we stayed until we left for Utah. While here I was one of 13 to be called to go to Missouri 500 miles to buy oxen for emigrants to use in going to Utah. We came back 27 May 1853 and left for Utah 7 June 1853. After many hardships we arrived in Salt Lake City, Utah, on 11 October 1853. I worked for Bro. Edward Braine long enough to earn flour, potatoes and enough canned foods to last my wife and I for the winter. We lived in a dugout in the Eleventh Ward. I built us a little adobe house in the spring of 1854.

On 4 Feb. 1855, I married Mrs. Puah Sarah Collins Holley, whose husband died on the plains. I left Elizabeth in Salt Lake City, and took Sarah to Ogden to get a farm. After we were settled I went to Salt Lake to get Elizabeth.

On 7 June 1855, I was ordained to preside over the Elders Quorum, I presided until 7 June 1857, at which time I was made a Seventy and one of the 54th Quorum of Seventies. At this time I turned over my house and farm as part of my payment on the new tabernacle in Ogden City. I built another adobe house on Ogden Bench. The Government sent soldiers to drive the Mormons out of the Salt Lake Valley. I was called to assist and on 2 Dec. 1857, we were called back, as they were stopped. I arrived in Ogden on 5 Dec. 1857 and took my families to Spanish Fork, Utah, arriving there on 4 May, 1858. On 4 July 1858, Brigham Young called us all back. We arrived in Ogden on 7 July. Sarah had a baby girl on 8 July 1858, who died a half hour after it was born. We named her Puah Sarah Hart. I sold out in Ogden and bought a place 5 miles west [West Weber] where we lived until 1863. We lost our eldest daughter during this time. In Feb. 1863, I bought a house and lot in Ogden and married Martha Barton 11 Apr 1863.

Elizabeth, my first wife, died on 5 Nov. 1865. Martha had four children—three boys and a girl.

On Nov. 1870, I left Salt Lake for a mission to England. I left New York on 13 Nov. for Liverpool on the boat "Europia." My brother, William, and I spent Christmas 1870 in Taunton, Somerset, our first one together in 23 years. I spent New Years' day 1871 in Bath, Somerset, with Puah Sarah Collins' brother John. Sister Long of Newcastle gave me a watch for my little son, John William Hart. I returned to Ogden, Utah, from my mission on 27 Sept. 1871. I received my Naturalization papers on 4 May, 1872 from Judge Strekeland. I taught Sunday School and was called as a home missionary. On 28 July 1872, I was appointed to preside over West Weber Branch. I finished a new house in West Weber and was called on another mission to England. I left Utah 25 Oct. 1872, and left New York on 6 Nov. 1872 on the boat "Minnesota." I was appointed to the Nottingham Conference on 19 Nov. 1872. I saw the Prince of Wales on 17 Dec. 1872. I found a small unwanted boy who I sent home to Utah with Sarah Ann Clayton on 2 Sept. 1873. I baptized Mrs. Frances B. Dance's son, Phillip. Returning on the ship "Idaho," I arrived in Salt Lake City 13 Nov. 1873. After reporting to President Young, I went home to West Weber.

During the year of 1874, I married two more wives—Sarah Ann Clayton and Mrs. Frances Battensby Dance. I had eight children by Sarah Ann and two children by Frances. In Mar. 1875, I tried to organize the town into some branch of industry. I took active part in political nominations and projects, and was Secretary of West Weber Irrigation Co. for many years. In 1877, the Church Branches were made into wards. On 28 May 1877, I was made Bishop of West Weber Ward.

I received word of President Brigham Young's death which was on 30 August 1877 and attended his funeral on 2 Sept. 1877. During the next years to 1886 I was very busy farming, preaching, visiting saints, etc.

In 1886, I had to hide out away from my family as the law was going to stop polygamy and was sending those guilty to prison. I did get home for my son's, John William, mission farewell party on the night of 20 Jan. 1886, also for the family party on the 25th which was given for him. He left the morning of 26 Jan. 1886.

I left on a mission to England on 15 Feb. 1886 from Salt Lake City. Arrived in Liverpool on 28 Feb. 1886. Here I was appointed to preside over the Bristol Conference for 18 months. I visited my mother on the 27 Feb. 1886. It was 13 years since I had seen her. I administered to my sick mother while in London to another Conference on 15 Sept. 1886. Because of poor health I was released on 19 August 1887 and arrived in Ogden, Utah, on 9 Sept. 1887. I had to go right home to West Weber as the Marshals were after me on account of polygamy.

On 20 Sept. 1887, I went to Logan and married another wife, Elizabeth Ayer Mulford. I was excommunicated from the church as my last wife was still married. We went to Colorado to live, and there I appealed my case. From there it was sent to the First Presidency of the Church. They considered my case, and my Priesthood and Blessings were conferred (except Bishop) on me on 28 Aug. 1888 in Manasa, Colorado.

I was again called on a mission to England on 10 Sept. 1888 and arrived in Liverpool 18 Sept. 1888. Here I was appointed to preside over the Worig [or Norigh] Conference. I was released 12 Oct. 1890 and arrived in Deias, Old Mexico, on 2 Nov. 1890. I lived here in Mexico and Colorado for about the next fifteen years. We had six children, but only two lived to grow up.

On 2 Feb. 1894, I went to Manasa, St. Louis Stake, Colorado. President Woodruff had me go to Pueblo, Colorado, 1 May 1897, to lay the foundation for church work and make organizations until they released me. I returned to Ogden on 19 June 1907 and went to live with my daughter, Elizabeth Hart Manning, as all my wives did not approve of my last marriage. I joined Hooper Ward by recommend on 28 Sept. 1907, also joined High Priest Quorum by recommend in Ogden. [Here he spent his last days until he died on 20 Dec. 1920 of sickness incident to old age.]

He was an honest tithe payer and observed the Word of Wisdom in all its phases. He had a sincere testimony of the Gospel and Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, having healed the sick and preached the Gospel through many lands. He was kind and generous and did everything he could for his families. He had the spirit of the Lord with him at all times. He was buried at Ogden, Utah, on 23 Dec. 1920.

Biography of John Isaac Hart

(The son of Isaac Hart and Ann McGeorge)

When I was six years of age I went to work at Mr. Rollings Lace Factory.  I worked until I was eleven years old.  Then I went to work for Mr. Davis, doing mason work.  I worked here until I was thirteen years old.  Then I was bound apprentice to a baker at a place called Wellington, seven miles from Taunton, Somerset.  He beat me so much that after six months I ran away.  I lived with my mother’s brother, William at a place called Meriand near Bridgewater, Somerset.  He was a blacksmith and taught me the trade.  When I was nineteen years old I left and went home.  I worked six weeks for my father at the gas works.  Then I went to Bristol and stayed with my cousin William, son of Charlotte McGeorge.  While here I worked for Mr. Janquel in his blacksmith shop.      

I married Elizabeth Rice in Temple Church in Temple St. on 26 July 1846.  About 1 March 1847 I heard the Latter-Day Saints preach, and I was baptized into the Mormon Church on 20 March 1847.  About this time my father died.  While my mother and brother, William, were to visit me in Bristol, they were converted and I baptized them.  A few weeks later, I was fired from my job because I was a Latter-day Saint.      

In October 1849, I was sent to preach the gospel.  I preached at Bridgewater, I was made President of that branch after it was organized in Jan. 1850.  I organized the Bridgewater Branch, the North Newton Branch, and Banwell (or Dansville) Branch.  I baptized and confirmed many saints.  I left 7 July 1851 to preside in Sherborne and Sturten Branches in Dorsetshire.  I brought my wife to live here in Sherborn.  I preached many sermons in and about this district.  I was presiding here until 26 December 1852.  I traveled on foot 6,643 miles from October 1849 to 11 January 1853 preaching the gospel to the people of England.      

As I was to leave very soon for America, I wrote letters to Mother, brother William, sister Mary and Ann, and other relative, as I didn’t have time to go see them before leaving.  My Wife and I left Liverpool on 17 January 1853, on the ship “Ellen Marie.”  We went to New Orleans up the Mississippi River to St. Louis.  We were met here by friends, Mr. and Mrs. Peter Pageler, who took us to their home where we stayed until we left for Utah.  While here I was one of 13 to be called to go Missouri 500 miles to buy oxen for emigrants to use in going to Utah.  We came back 27 May 1853 and left for Utah 7 June 1853.  After many hardships, we arrived in Salt Lake City, Utah, on 11 October 1853.  I worked for Br. Edward Braine long enough to earn flour, potatoes and enough canned foods to last my wife and I for the winter.  We lived in a dugout in the Eleventh Ward.  I built us a little adobe house in the spring of 1854.

On 4 Feb. 1855, I married Mrs. Puah Sarah Collins Holley, whose husband died on the plains.  I left Elizabeth in Salt Lake City, and took Sarah to Ogden to get a farm.  After we were settled I went to Salt Lake City to get Elizabeth.       

On 7 June 1855, I was ordained to preside over the Elders Quorum; I presided until 7 June 1857, at which time I was called to be a Seventy of the 54th Quorum of Seventies.  At this time I turned over my house and farm at part of my payment on the new tabernacle in Ogden City.  I built another adobe house on Ogden Bench.  The Government sent soldiers to drive the Mormons out of the Salt Lake Valley.  I was called to assist and on 2 Dec. 1857, we were called back, as they were stopped.  I arrived in Ogden on 5 Dec. 1857 and took my families to Spanish Fork, Utah, arriving there on 4 May, 1858.  On 4 July 1858, Brigham Young called us all back.  We arrived in Ogden on 7 July.      

Sarah had a baby girl on 8 July 1858, who died a half hour after she was born.  We named her Puah Sarah Hart.  I sold out in Ogden and bought a place 5 miles west (West Weber) where we lived until 1863.  We lost our eldest daughter during this time.  In Feb. 1863, I bought a house and lot in Ogden and married Martha Barton 11 APR 1863.  Elizabeth, my first wife, died on 5 Nov. 1865.  Martha had our children, three boys and a girl.       

In 1869 I started the first choir to furnish music at the sacrament services held in the Tabernacle on Sunday afternoons.  The choir consisted of twelve voices.  Later Thomas Hardy and Hugh Flindlay led the same group of twelve voices.       

On Nov. 1870, I left Salt Lake for a mission to England.  I left New York on 13 Nov. for Liverpool on the boat “Europia.”  My brother, William, and I spent Christmas 1870 in Taunton, Somerset our first one together in 23 years.  I spent New Years day 1871 in Bath, Somerset, with Puah Sarah Collins' brother John.  Sister Long of Newcastle gave me a watch for my little son, John William Hart.  I returned to Ogden, Utah, from my mission on 27 September 1871.  I received my naturalization papers on 4 May 1872 from Judge Strekeland.  I taught Sunday School and was called as a home missionary.  On 28 July 1872 I was appointed to preside over West Weber Branch.  I finished a new house in West Weber and was called on another mission to England.  I left Utah 25 Oct 1872, and left New York on 6 Nov. 1872 on the boat “Minnesota.”  I was appointed to the Nottingham Conference on 19 Nov. 1872.  I saw the Prince of Wales on 17 Dec. 1872.  I found a small-unwanted boy who I sent home to Utah with Sarah Ann Clayton on 2 September 1873.  I baptized Mrs. Frances B. Dance's son, Phillip.  Returning on the ship “Idaho,” I arrived in Salt Lake City 13 Nov, 1873.  After reporting to President Young, I went home to West Weber.     

During the year of 1874, I married two more wives, Sarah Ann Clayton and Mrs. Frances Battensby Dance.  I had eight children by Sarah Ann and two children by Frances.  In Mar 1875 I tried to organize the town into some branch of industry.  I took active part in political nominations and projects, and was Secretary of West Weber Irrigation Co., for many years.  In 1877 the Church Branches were made into wards.  On 28 May 1877, I was made Bishop of West Weber Ward.       

I received word of President Brigham Young’s death, which was on 30 August 1877 and attended his funeral on 2 Sep 1877.  During the next years of 1886 I was busy farming, preaching, visiting saints, etc.       

In 1886 I had to hide out away from my family as the law was going to stop polygamy and was sending those guilty to prison.  I did get home for my sons, John William, mission farewell party on the night of 20 Jan. 1886 also for the family part on the 25th which was given for him.  He left the morning of 26 Jan 1886.       

I left an a mission to England and on 15 Feb. 1886 from Salt Lake City.  I Arrived in Liverpool on 28 Feb. 1886.  Here I was appointed to preside over the Bristol Conference for 18 months.  I visited my mother on 27 Feb. 1886. I was 13 years since I had seen her.  I administered to my sick mother while in London to another Conference on 15 Sep 1886.  Because of poor health I was released on 19 August 1887 and arrived in Ogden, Utah an 9 Sep 1887.  I had to go right home to West Weber as the Marshals were after me on account of polygamy.       

On 20 Sep 1887,  I went to Logan and married another wife Elizabeth Ayer Mulford.  I was excommunicated from the Church as my last wife was still married.  We went to Colorado to live, and there I appealed my case.  From there it was sent to the First Presidency of the Church.  They considered my case, and my Priesthood and Blessings were conferred (except Bishop) on me on 28 Aug. 1888 in Manias, Colorado.       

I was again called on a mission to England on 10 Sep 1888 and arrived in Liverpool 18 September 1888.  Here I was appointed to preside over the Worig (or Norigh) Conference.  I was released 12 Oct 1890 and arrived in Deias, Old Mexico, on 2 Nov. 1890.  I lived here in Mexico and Colorado for about the next fifteen years.  We had six children, but only two lived to grow up.       

On 2 Feb. 1894, I went to Manasa, St. Louis, Stake, Colorado. President Woodruff had me go to Pueblo, Colorado, I May 1897, to lay the foundation for Church work and made organizations until they released me.  I returned to Ogden on 19 June 1907 and went to live with my daughter, Elizabeth Hart Manning, as all my wives did not approve of my last marriage.  I joined Hopper Ward by recommend on 28 Sep 1907, also joined High Priest Quorum by recommend in Ogden. Here he spent his last days until he died on 20 Dec. 1920 of sickness incident to old age.       

He was an honest tithe payer and observed the Word of Wisdom in all its phases.  He had a sincere testimony of the Gospel and Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, having healed the sick and preached the Gospel through many lands.  He was kind and generous and did everything he could for his families.  He had the spirit of the Lord with him at all times.  He was buried at Ogden, Utah on 23 Dec. 1920.