Hugh Rennie's Life

Mother (Elizabeth Laird) told of Hugh and Elizabeth Croelman’s romance: “Elizabeth met Hugh and they became sweethearts.  Her parents would not accept Hugh. They had other plans for Elizabeth.  Her parents had chosen a young man of some social standing against Elizabeth’s wishes. Preparations for her marriage were made. One night when she was in her room, a pebble struck her window. There was Hugh.  He implores her to come away with him if she loved him. Elizabeth climbed out of the window. They rode away and were married that night then left to make a home in Scotland."   Mary, the eighth of their nine children, was born July 3, 1826. 

Hugh was an athletic type, fond of boxing and wrestling. He held the championship among his fellow workers and often made extra money by entering the ring, until he met with an accident, a broken leg. He was hospitalized. One day his doctor and a young intern were making visits. For the benefit of the student, the doctor handled Hugh rather roughly and hurt his leg.  The pugilist then fought his last fight, after landing the doctor a blow. With two against one, the doctors left Hugh on the floor with a broken back.  Grandmother said her Father made a wagon that he operated by hand to carry him to and from work.  He never walked again.

 British Mission Opens

When the British Mission was opened by Heber C. Kimball in July 1837 at Preston England, many thousands were converted.  Then the message was taken to Scotland.  The Rennie family accepted Mormonism.  Elizabeth, their eldest daughter, was among the first ladies to be baptized in Scotland.  She married a Mr. Grey.  One child was born to them, but died in early childhood.  They were unhappy, and Mr. Grey often drifted from home. Elizabeth (or Aunt Betty, they called her), was obliged to earn a livelihood.  Being an expert seamstress, she started a business of making and dressing dolls. 

James Laird Goes to Scotland

 James worked at home all summer.  In place of returning to school, he decided to go to the coal mines in Scotland to make extra money.  In the coal mines, he made new friends. One man in particular, Michael Rennie, changed the course of James’ life.  Michael taught him the Gospel of Jesus Christ called Mormonism.  Michael invited James to a cottage meeting to hear Elders from America. Their message rang true.  James turned to the Bible and began to study. The Bible was not new to James for his father had read it daily to his family.  At that time, James was not interested.  Now through prayer and study, he received the correct interpretation.  Mother said her father, James Laird, spent many hours reading the Bible to his family as his father had done.  James was so impressed with the Gospel message he wanted to share it with his mother.

 James Accepts the Gospel

He went home.  The family all cried out against it.  The more he talked, the more they opposed him.  In order to live his religion, James must return to Scotland and his friends.  

Among his friends in Scotland, was Mary Rennie, a sister of Michael.  Mary was employed at an eating house where James took his meals.  James said that one day after eating, he feel asleep.  Mary came to his table and filled his open mouth with salt.  Mary had been a member of the Church since March 5, 1842.  She was born July 3, 1826, in Glenhead Parish, Killpatrick, Scotland.  A special testimony was given Mary through prayer. While studying the Gospel, she had asked for a sign to know if the Gospel was true. At a testimony meeting, she was given the privilege of speaking in tongues. She never doubted after that. Michael and Mary were very helpful to James in his study of the Gospel.  On February 5, 1845, James was baptized into the Church by Elder William McGhie and confirmed by Elder Samuel Richards from Utah.  He was ordained a deacon October 12, 1846, by Mathew Rowen. 

James Laird and May Rennie Marry

James’ friendship for Mary developed into affection and on April 20, 1847 they were married by Michael Rennie.  James was ordained a Teacher May 16, 1848, by Michael Rennie; ordained a Priest July 4, 1851, by Thomas Lyen; ordained an Elder August 9, 1853, by Joseph Booth.  James was active in the Branch of the Church and held offices.  Two sons were born to James and Mary. The first was born November 7, 1849, at Calvin St. George Parish, Glasgow, Scotland.  They named him Joseph Smith Laird.   The second son was born February 12, 1852, at Anet Lodge Irvin Parish, Are [Ayrshire] County, Scotland. They named him Edward Laird.  James and Mary were poor in worldly goods, but not so spiritually. 

 James Serves a Mission

Missionaries were needed in Scotland and James accepted a call in 1853.  Grandmother and babies went home to her parents and James traveled without purse or script.  With the help of her mother and sister, Elizabeth, Mary was able to work and support her babies.  Aunt Elizabeth (Aunt Betty, they called her) cared so much for Joseph, he hardly knew which was his mother.  Being a good seamstress, she dressed him so nicely. When he was about five Aunt Betty said, “We were out walking one day and a strange man stopped and said, 'What a fine looking little man! What is your name?'  'I am Joseph Smith, the Mormon Prophet,' he said." 

James had many experiences while on his mission. These two are outstanding which mother related.  After laboring for some time, James needed shoes. Being without money, he asked help from God.  While tracting a pair of shoes were placed in his path--his size and served his needs.  A special gift of healing by the power of the Priesthood was given to him which he exercised throughout his life. One day while tracting, he and his companion were invited into a home.  They were given the opportunity to tell the Gospel message. The family was interested until Satan inspired the father that it was Mormonism. He became angry and drove the Elders from his home. In a few days Grandfather was impressed to return to this home and give their crippled child a blessing. The mother, grateful for their interest in the child, invited them in. The Elders administered to the child and she was healed.  Weeks passed and they returned to this home to see how the father felt about the blessing of his child.  The mother said that when her husband returned home and saw his child, he screamed,  “Those G—D --- Mormons have been here again. I will kill them if they return."  The wife was afraid and warned the Elders to go and not return.  Grandfather said, “Just let us talk to him once more.”   When the father returned, there sat the Elders.  He ran for his gun declaring he would kill them.  Grandfather arose and raising his arm said, “I command you in the name of Israel’s God and by the power of the Priesthood, put down that gun.”  The angry man laughed, but the gun fell to the floor.  He was helpless.  The Elders administered to him and commanded Satan to depart.  The man became normal again.  James filled an honorable mission and returned home.

 Mary had done well providing for the children, but the Rennie family were all broken up over dear Michael and his experiences with an wayward Elder.  Michael within a year died.  His last testimony being, “I know Joseph was and is a true Prophet of God."    Like Michael, James and Mary accepted Joseph Smith as a true Prophet. The acts of even a wayward Elder could not change them.   This story can be found under Hugh Rennie’s Life story above.  I say, “Thanks, Grandfather and Grandmother for your courage and faith.  You could have been weaklings and lost your birthright.  We thank you for saving the family and giving us an opportunity to be raised in the Church.” 

 James Returns Home to Teach His Family

 This story was told by grandmother to my Mother.  When we arrived at James’ home, Mother Laird was still a Methodist.  Preparations were in progress for a meeting or revival of the churches to be held at the Laird’s Estates. Alexander Donaldson, James’ brother-in-law and a parish minister had invited them to use the large barn. We attended the meetings.  James planned to avail himself, if possible, of giving the true Gospel message to those people. Their guest speaker was delivering a sermon from the Bible.  James became aware he was adding to and taking from the scriptures.  James called attention to the error. The man became angry and ordered James put out.  His sister and mother were humiliated to tears. James was on his own property so they couldn’t put him out. After the sermon, James invited himself to tell his neighbors and friends the truth of Mormonism. Grandmother was so proud of him because he did so well.

They soon returned to Scotland.  Grandfather and Grandmother had the Spirit of gathering to Zion and began making preparations.  Their lives remind me of the Bible message, Parable of the Sower in Matthew 13:3-8: “And he spake many things unto them in parables saying, Behold a sower went forth to sow. Some fell by the way side, some on stony places. Some fell among thorns, but others fell into good ground and brought forth fruit; some a hundred fold, some sixty fold, some thirty fold."  Theirs were a hundred-fold.  

Hand Carts to Zion

Levi Edger Young tells us that in the year 1855-56, many thousands of Europeans were fleeing from England on account of the Crimean War and high cost of food and other commodities.  Among this group were many who had joined the Church and wanted to reach Zion.  Most of these were not financially able to buy wagons.  Brigham Young was faced with the problem of getting them from Missouri to Utah.   An interesting letter from Brigham Young to Franklin D. Richards in 1855 reads: 

 "In regards to foreign emigrants for another year, have them take the Northern Route through New York and Chicago to Iowa City, Iowa, the Western Terminus of the Rhode Island Railroad. There they will be provided with hand carts on which to haul their provisions and clothing. We will send experienced men to aid them. They will walk and draw their carts across the plains. Teams will be provided to haul the aged and infirm. Cows to furnish milk and beef for meat will be furnished. Now gird up your loins and come while the way is open." 

Eight months after this letter was written, the first company of 1856 arrived in Salt Lake City in September. Milton R. Hunter in his writings said that:

"Brigham Young stated, he believed this mode of travel could be made equal if not superior (if supervised carefully) to the oxen team.   Instructions to agents:  Carts to be made of well seasoned lumber.  Restrictions to number of pounds to bring . An early start was necessary.  Agents to have carts and supplies ready before arrival of the ship with emigrants."  

The ship, Thornton, that sailed from Liverpool, England 1856 arrived in New York April 14, 1856.  Among its passengers were James Laird, his wife and three children.  While in New York, James called upon his uncle, John Laird, who lived there for some time.  He was a sea captain and this time was away on a voyage.  The kindly housekeeper welcomed them and said, “I am sure your  uncle will make it worth your time if you were to stay in New York."  This was a temptation.  After praying about it, they decided wealth was not their aim in coming to America.  It may change their testimony.  They then traveled by rail to Iowa City, Iowa.

Tragedy on the Plains

Two companies in 1856 resulted in tragedy making one of the saddest pages in Utah history.  When the emigrants that comprised these two companies arrived in Iowa City from New York, Mr. Webb, Superintendent of handcart building, was not ready for them. They waited for carts, yokes, tents and other equipment to be constructed.  While waiting, two companies were organized.  James G. Willie, a passenger on the ship, Thornton, returning from a four year mission in Bristol England, was chosen captain of the first company.  He had a wife and four children in Salt Lake City.  Elder Willie had been over the plains and knew the road. He was a fluent speaker and liked by the people.  Edward Martin was chosen captain of the second group.  The Willie Company consisted of 500 people, 120 carts, 24 oxen, 45 milk and beef cattle.  James Laird and family were assigned to this company. 

With their cart loaded with supplies and two children; Edward age 3 and Elizabeth age 1, and with seven year old Joseph walking at their side, James and Mary started this eventful trip July 15 1856.  Grandmother said the weather was good, and the first part of their journey passed pleasantly.  By the time they arrived at Winter Quarters (known now as Florence, Nebraska) the carts, constructed of unseasoned lumber, needed repairs.  This delayed them for some time.  By August 17 everything was ready.

A meeting was called because questions arose among the people namely due to the lateness of the season.  Should they remain at Winter Quarters for the winter or continue on their journey.  Millen Atwood, assistant to Elder Willie, said, “Let’s go now.”  During the discussion Elder Levi Savage (just returning from a mission) advised the brethren that such a journey so late in the season should not be undertaken.  He had been over the road and knew its dangers.  A vote was taken and he was overruled.  John Chislett writes that Elder Savage said, “What I have said I know to be true, but if you are going, I will go with you.  I will help all I can, will work, rest, suffer, and if necessary die with you.  May God in his mercy bless and preserve us."  Never the less, the decision was made.  They decided to go rather than remain at Winter Quarters for the winter. They fully expected to reach Salt Lake City before winter should over take them. 

This was a fatal error but unexpected by most of the company for the winter season set in earlier than usual that year and was most severe.  They started August 20 1856.  The brief hardships of the early part of the journey were mid-summer heat and dust.  Before they traveled far carts needed repairs.  Carts made of unseasoned timber soon dried under the August sun and fell apart.  Many carts were left by the way.  When the rains came and converted the dust into mud, traveling became difficult," said Milton Hunter. 

Pioneer Journals

Helen Kimball mentioned that the first experience after they started, a wagon bound for California passed them by a creek.  The driver whipped up his team and splashed dirty water on some of the girls.  He laughed at them and said, “Think you can cross the Rockies pushing those baby buggies.”  Almost from the start, they were put on rations.  When about 100 miles out, Indians drove off some of their beef cattle.    

One day they saw a lone man approaching.  When asked for identification, he said, I am Henry Banischter, the only one of Thomas Margett’s Company to escape the Indians.  Phil Margetts and baby were killed and Mrs. Margetts taken captive. Captain Willie knew Margetts personally.  What fear this message must have put into the hearts of Captain Willie and the rest of the company.  About 300 miles out someone sighted moving objects:  a herd  of buffalo coming straight for the emigrant train.  By some miracle, the company escaped from being trodden down by those animals.   

James and Mary to their credit had a testimony of the Gospel.  Guided by the Spirit they were found using good judgment.  James was soon called to be a helper by Captain Willie.  Many weak ones were soon a burden on the company.  Grandmother said that James, after carrying his family over streams, carried many women and children. The careless ones waded through streams in their shoes and stockings.  Grandfather always removed his shoes and stockings and rolled up his pant legs. This kept him from colds. 

Rations Cut

At North Bluffs about 600 miles on the way, Captain Willie broke the news.  Rations must be cut.  The nights were becoming cold.  The Laird children suffered much from cold and hunger.  One day Joseph found a piece of buffalo hide.  He gave a piece to his mother saying , “Eat this.  It is good.”   The company traveled so fast to make time, many weak ones suffered for rest as well as food.  On September 17, the camp hunters killed a buffalo.  "Many cried as they ate," said Grandmother.  Grandfather received strength.  

One of Grandfather’s tasks was to help bury those who died during the nights.  One morning Captain Willie said, “Brother Laird, we have more to lay away this morning.”   Grandfather had never refused before, but he was losing strength daily and it frightened him.  If only his strength would last until he got his family to safety. Grandfather said, “Captain Willie, I am afraid to use the shovel this morning.”  The Captain handed him a handful of corn saying, “Eat this.  Do come to help.”  Grandfather was about to eat then he looked at his family.  He had often shared his portion of food with them.  Grandmother said, “Eat that corn, James, to save your strength. I can never make the trip with baby nursing.”   Often after nursing, the baby’s mouth would be streaked with blood.  Grandfather walked to grandmother and put the corn in her lap.  He then picked up his shovel and strength came to him that remained during the remainder of the journey. 

Proud  Little Grandmother

When Grandmother (who was a proud little soul) left Scotland, among her luggage were three special articles. These she wanted to bring to Utah. 1. A pretty set of baby clothes.  2. New suit for Grandfather. 3. Her new green silk dress.  Their cart was loaded and hard to pull, yet she never discarded these special things. Grandmother knew she would want them if she lived to make the trip to Utah.  

Scottish Friends

Grandfather loved his Scottish friends.  At one of their night camps, he remembered that earlier in the day Bother Booth was ill.  His family safe in camp, Grandfather went back to find brother Booth.  One mile back he found him down, too ill to walk.  Also he found others almost ready to give up.  What could he do?  An idea came to him to box their ears to fire their blood which, consequently, saved their lives.  He then carried Brother Booth on his back most of the way to camp. The wolves were howling nearby, but he deprived them of a meal that night.  Brother Booth lived to came to Utah.  Often he told the children how Grandfather saved his life. Grandfather gave God the credit.   

Rescuers Arrive

One night, a wagon came into camp.  President Richards and friends on their way to Salt Lake City.  President Richards did much to cheer these pioneers.  He promised to purchase buffalo robes and provisions at Fort Laramie for them, then hurry on to Salt Lake City and send relief trains to meet them. 

Some miles from Fort Laramie, a thunderstorm appeared. Camp was made quickly. The air became cold and a great hail storm beat upon our pioneers.  After this storm, nights became very cold.  The roads were rough. Much raw-hide was used to keep their carts from falling apart.  Many axles were worn through before the journey was half over. 

 They arrived at Fort Laramie Sept. 30, 1856.  At Fort Laramie, 500 miles from Salt Lake City, they were in need of the robes and provisions which President Richards promised to have ready for them, only to find he could not obtain enough for their needs.  At Fort Laramie, Grandmother found a Captain’s wife with a baby. Grandmother traded the set of baby clothes she had carried from Scotland for a quart of sugar. Baby Elizabeth was weaned and lived on sugar and water until food came.

 Up Rocky Ridge

Unfortunately, an early winter came on. Very early snow falling and before the journey ended, there was 18 inches of snow on the level.  Rain or shine, they must press on.  With snow and food shortage, how they suffered.  Grandmother strapped the baby to her back Indian fashion to keep her from freezing.  She covered Edward in the cart and poor little Joseph had to run to keep warm.  The brave little soldier. 

From the top of a hill early one morning, the Platte River came into view.  Also two big buffalo were sighted. Men were soon on the hunt.  After crossing the river, the company stopped for rest.  A wind came in from the North followed by the blizzard that tore hand cart covers and tents almost to pieces.  The company united in prayer for strength and courage to endure their trials.  October 12 food was rationed again. Then on October 14 another and October 19, the last flour was given out.

 When Brother Richards arrived in Salt Lake City, October Conference was in session.  On hearing the report, President Young called for volunteers to go rescue those two companies. Twenty teams each with two experienced leaders and provisions left that next morning.  Other teams followed.  Voluntary contributions were soon collected from the people.  Women sent quilts, stockings, mittens, and underwear.  One Elderly lady sent the all-wool underskirt from her body.  Another gave the coat from her back to these suffering people. 

Due to the storms in the mountains, the rescue party could not make quick time. First night they camped at Big Mountain.   Next stop at Fort Bridger where they expected to find the emigrants. At Green River two men were sent ahead to let the emigrants know help was near.   The first wagons met Captain Willie and Joseph Elder who three days before had started out to find help. They were frost bitten and near collapse.  Captain Willie said, “My company is below Rocky Ridge on the Sweetwater. If help doesn’t reach them immediately, they will perish. Out of food for 48 hours and freezing.”  Mr. Chislett, a member of Willie’s Company writes an account of the relief train:  "On the evening of the third day after Brother Willie and Elders went for help, several wagons each drawn by four horses were seen approaching.  The news spread like wildfire. All who were able to leave their bedside ran to meet them.  Shouts of joy rent the air.  Strong men wept.  Food was immediately doled out yet nine of fifteen died that night.   

Grandfather and his family were able to enjoy the food. Elizabeth was off her sugar diet that night.  Supply wagons kept coming.  It numbered 250 teams and men.  William Kimball returned to Salt Lake City with the Willie company.  Other wagons continued east for the Martin Company who were a hundred miles back.  Both groups had consumed the last of their food a few days before the rescue party arrived.

 The Willie Company arrived in Salt Lake City Nov. 9, 1856.  Hundreds of people greeted them.  Wm. Kimball said that within an hour after arriving, every person was being cared for in homes.  Tired, cold, dirty, but with hearts full of gratitude to their Heavenly Father who had brought them to Zion, Grandfather and family rejoiced. Also Grandfather mourned for the friends he had helped daily to lay on the plains. It numbered 75 peoples.

FIRST WINTER IN UTAH

Bishop Leonard W. Hardy of the 12th Ward cared for the Laird Family.  Five years earlier in 1851, Brother Hardy adopted a nine year old boy brought to Utah by a Mr. Russell from Council Bluffs, Iowa.  His name was Richard Winmill.  His parents William Winmill and Jane Spriggs died at Council Bluffs.  Richard was the first to carry baskets of food to the Laird family.  He was a friendly boy.  James and Mary became fond of him. Fifteen years later he married their daughter, Elizabeth.

 Settling in Zion

When Captain Willie reported his journey on the plains to Brigham Young, he remembered James’ usefulness. James was called to Brigham Young’s office and praised for his courage and help on the plains.  He also was offered care.  James, a proud Scotchman, said, "President Young, I do not want to be a burden to the Church. Please give me work.”  Brother Hardy was told to give James a place to live and work.  He sent the Lairds to his farm in Parley’s Canyon.  

On March 11, 1857 James was ordained to the office of Seventy by Dennis Docherty.  The summer of 1857, James moved his family to Spanish Fork, Utah.  Another daughter was born to them Sep. 16, 1857. They named her Almina.  While in Spanish Fork, July 2 1859, James and Mary went to Salt Lake City and received their endowments and were sealed by President Brigham Young in the Endowment House.  Now the green silk dress Mary brought from Scotland was used for Temple Aprons. Her neighbors received a piece for an apron.

 At Spanish Fork on Oct. 12, 1859, another daughter was born. They named her Mary. Then on August 19, 1869, James was ordained a High Priest by John Young.  He now held all the offices in the Priesthood at the age of 35. While at Spanish Fork, a call came for missionaries.  A farmer called.  Grandfather was hired to operate the farm, and receive pay when the missionary returned.  Here goes the last of Mary’s special articles which she brought from Scotland.  The missionary needed a suit.  Grandfather loaned his suit.   

The work turned out to be very difficult.  The missionary’s wife was a tough boss.  Grandfather milked the cows and Grandmother did the lady’s family washing for milk for her children.  When Elder returned, the wife would not let him pay Grandfather and she never replaced the suit of clothes.  Two years work and a suit of clothes to help a missionary to their credit.   

The family next moved to Heber City, where Grandfather found good work.  At this place on Dec. 24, 1861, their son, James, was born.  Little James only lived one year. He died December 23, 1862 of Diphtheria. While at Heber City, James purchased property in Parley’s Canyon.  They farmed on the bench.  Grandfather built a home down by the highway and the creek. 

Link to Ben Ira Lloyd painting of Mt. Dell Home.

They then operated a half-way station for travelers from the East going to Salt Lake City.  This was much work for Grandmother.  More babies were born.  Harriet A. was born April 27, 1864.  Sophia was born Feb. 26, 1868 and Sarah Jane on March 15, 1870.  Along with farming Grandfather and sons hauled freight and wood from Park City to Salt Lake City.   Link to 1871 family photo.

Indians frequently traveled the canyon and often begged food.  Grandfather obeyed Brigham Young's advice, “Feed the Indian, not fight him.”  Grandmother said that one Saturday morning Grandfather, Joseph and Edward had taken loads of wood to Salt Lake City and perhaps would not be home until the next day.  That evening after the small children were in bed, she was washing and curling Elizabeth’s hair.  The door opened and Joe, an Indian boy who had been raised by the white people, walked in with four Indian friends. They had been drinking.  Joe said, “Where Mr. Laird?”   Grandmother, thinking to frighten them, said, “He will be home soon.”  Joe answered, “Squaw scared, squaw lie.  Me see Mr. Laird and boys in Salt Lake City today.  Won’t be home until tomorrow.”  After being in the warm room, one Indian became sick.  Grandmother opened the door and told Joe to get out.  Joe took his friends out. Grandmother bolted all doors and windows.  She and Elizabeth sat by the windows with guns praying.  Just before daybreak a traveler rode into the yard for rest and food.  He stood guard until Grandfather returned. Grandfather went after Joe, the Indian boy, and asked him why he did such a thing to frighten Grandmother.  He found out that Joe was their protector, because he was a friend of Grandfather, or the family would have been killed by those drunken Indians. 

Mother said that by the time she was 10 years old, she had to work to relieve her mother.  She also did outside work for money.  Grandfather and a friend, Mr. Blythe had taken a Railroad project. They needed a cook. Mother, at the age of 14, took the job.  She cooked for ten men, also made bread and butter.  That fall she took gallons of tallow to make soap.  Mother and her brothers used their money from this job to purchase a team so the boys could haul more freight from Park City.   

 James and Mary's Family

Elizabeth, now 16 years, married Richard Winmill, April 3, 1871 in the Endowment House at Salt Lake City. Fifteen children were born to them:  Mary Jane, Elizabeth Ann, William, James, Esther, Edward, Twins--John and Almina, Joseph, Harriett, Valeria, Franklin, Tacy, Lillie and Viola.  They made their home in Parley’s Canyon until 1900.  They moved to a farm near Rexburg, Idaho.  Seven of these children preceded them in death.  Richard died at the age of 86 in their home at Sugar City, Idaho May 30, 1926.  Elizabeth died Dec. 11, 1932, at Rexburg, Idaho.  Since their death, a daughter, Almina died Feb 25, 1950, in Phoenix, Arizona.  Edward, a son, died Dec. 8, 1951, in Sugar City, Idaho.  A full life history of father and mother has been written.   

 In the year 1871 an epidemic of diptheria came to their home again as in 1862 when they lost little James in Heber City.  Three lovely little girls all died in one month:  Sophia L. died Oct 6, 1871, at the age of 3; Harriet A. died Oct. 19, 1871, and Mary dies November 2, 1871.   Royal died when a baby.   The remaining six children married and had families.  

 Uncle Edward and family lived in Parley’s Canyon then moved to Salt Lake City.  Uncle Edward died June of 1925.  Aunt Valeria died in 1927 at their home in Salt Lake City.  Fidella is the only one living of this family.  After the death of their little girls, they moved to Goshen, Utah for a while. Here their tenth and last child was born March 28 1872. They named him Hugh Alexander.  We called him Uncle Alex.