On June 9th, 1856 the first group of 500 Handcart Mormons began their trek to Salt Lake City, Utah. They used handcarts that were like wheel barrows that were pulled, for their belongings. Most were poor and could not afford oxen and wagons. Many of these Mormons came from Europe to join those who were already in Utah.
I have the book “The Coming of the Mormons” by Jim Kjelgaard, 1953. Yet again, a Landmark Book from my youth. This book begins with the trouble that Mormons were having in Navoo, Illinois. It then goes through the story of moving 2000 miles west to Salt Lake City. It makes for a moving story of trying to hold on to religious freedoms. One of my relatives was an Elder that remained in the Galesburg, Illinois area.
I also have “The Book of Mormon” translated by Joseph Smith. I got this book when Sophomore in High school. I knew this girl who lived down by the lake in Winthrop Harbor. We talked a little, and somehow we made the decision to visit each others church. Jeanie took me to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I was given the book then. It has been quite a read.
Another religious missionary, William Carey, died on June 9, 1834. He was the founder of the Baptist Missionary Society, and is considered the “the Father of Modern Missions”.
I have the book “William Carey, Pioneer Missionary to India” by Edward A. Annett, 1932, published by the National Sunday School Union. It is part of a collection I have all published by the same group. Each book is about a famous missionary, or famous person to look up to. They also printed stories of people who had good morals, or handled challenges in an uplifting way.
Carey was a Baptist minister in England, and went to India to convert others. He spent the rest of his life preaching in India. He translated the Bible into various Indian languages, and Hindu classics into English. He also opened a primary school, printing textbooks for the public, even started the first University in India.
“Expect great things from God; attempt great things for God.” was his motto.
Many of these books were given as rewards to children in Sunday Schools in England for attendance or for memorizing bible lines. I have several (and look to collect more) of these gift books, as they had book plates pasted on the inside cover, and had the child’s name written in. How wonderful to be holding a book that had actually been given to a child so long ago; And then reading the book that they read.
I so enjoy the books in my library. Thank you for allowing me to share some of them.
Librarytomes 