Letter from Sophia to Isaac Announcing Birth of Junius

 This letter is the birth announcement Sophia sent to Isaac after the birth of Junius F Wardle 9 June 1879.  He weighed six pounds.

June the 11 1879
Rec June 29 {This may be Isaac’s note]
Dear husband and father knowing that you Would like to hear from us i take my pen to Wright a fue lines to let you know how We are getting along[.]  Martha give birth to a beautiful Boy on the 9 of June Weaing 6 pound[.]  She got along Well for the Lord was with her and Strenghten her for hir task[.]  She is as Well as can be expected[.]  The rest of us are all Well thank god for the great Blessing and We hope that you may injoy the Same Blessing.  We receved your kind and most Welcome letter on the 5 June Dated may the 19.  We was glad to hear from  [page 2]  you and how glad We Was to have your picture[.]  it is a great comfort but We feel very sorey to see you looking so thin and bad but We hope that god well hear and anser our prayter that you may reseve healt and stingt to perform the Duty that may be for you to due.   We pry [pray god to Vles you and Comford your hart and that you may pruve fathful to our fath and god that he may bles the labors of yours hands[.]  if i cold [coule] make you hear me i could explain my feeling agreat Deal better but i hope that we may have the privleght [privledge] soon to convers With you Without the pen[.]  Mother Egbird is With us to night[.]  she sends her love to you and Cubirre and Bena also send ther love to you[.]  you sad for som [page 3] of us to be in the city to reseve that Sister[.]  Jhon in me ear [are] thinking of going for We ar ancious to se somebody that have bein so kind to you and may god grndt [grant] that you may find anoter kind and wirm harted friend[.]  Martha thinks of naming hir little Boy Junious F[.]  We send you a lock of his hair[.]  Siles sead to put the Baby in a letter and send it to Dady[.]  We send you a 5 $ Bill[.]  I Wold like if you could have another picture taken and send me one[.]  it Wold comfort me agreat Deal[.]  May god Bless you and spare your life is the prayer of your hold family[.]  it is giting late[.]  it is 12 a clock and i Wil bring my letter to a close[.]  the Cheldren sends ther love and kisses to pa[.]  martha and me sends love and [page 4]Kisses al to you xxxxxxxxxx[.]  Wright as soon as you reseved this letter[.]  Excuse us for not Wrighting before as as We was she[a]ring[.]  John Spencher give us 25 cents in s[t]amps if We Wold Wright a fue lines and ask you if you Wold be kind Anouf to go and see his Brother before you return home[.]
From you kind and loving family to our kind and loving Husband
Sophia Wardle

Letter to Isaac from Jesse Vincent, Missionary from South Jordan

This is a letter sent to Isaac by Brother Jesse Vincent, who was also serving a mission at the time Isaac was serving.  The land where the Jordan River Temple is located on what was his original homestead.

May 31 1879  Paintsville, Johnson Co. Kentucky America
I.J. Wardle
Thinking a few lines from one of your fellow laboring missionaries would not be A miss, I sit down to give you A short historey of my experience in traveling and preaching the gospel to this people here in Old Kentucky.  First I hope this fill find you enjoying good ealth and also enjoying your self in your new field of labour.  I am truly thankfull that I can tell you I ham well in boddy and feel as a general thing to enjoy the spirit of my mission.  I left my home as you know the first of Dec 1878 in company with Elders John B. Holt of Mill Creek and John A Groebeck and David G. Dunbar of Salt Lake City.  I and Elder Holt came through leaving the other two behind to visit their friends.  A bout Dec. 27th the two brethren came A long to see us here in Paintsville-stayed A few days and then whent further on.  After A bout 3 weeks they returned, the weather being very cold and severe at the tme freezing from 8 to 10 degrees below zerow.  Elder Groesbeck however began to think he could not stay, injoy the spirit of his mission or do any good.  Finely concluded he should go home which he did[.]  he left us on 24th Jany.  Then thare was three of us left.  We worked to gather and done the best we could.  We traveled and preached but soon found much prejudice and opposition working Against us where ever we whent.  but A mong these we found some honest h[e]arted people who was seeking after truth.  A way up in march we baptized 11 and organized a Branch after while we baptized 6 more April 12nd.  David G. Dunbar was released from here to take A mission to England which he as done[.]  left here May 5th to join those that was called at the Ap Conference to go to England on missions [page 2]  Since that Elder Hold as been release to go home[.]  he is not gone yet but expects to leve in A day or so which leves poor I A lone, but I expect to have A Comanion next week may 24th[.]  I baptized 8 moore making our little Branch to under 25 total.  In coming here we had many dificuteys to contend with, for instan thare was no Saints with 3 or 400 hundred miles.  We was strangers in A strange land; knew no one.  And in the winter season of the year we had to put up at an hotel paying for board for several weeks $4.00.  This we had to do till we could make some friends.  It has been A rather hard mission and A expensif one thus far; but it will be easerer for them that comes now.  Brother Holt says he would of sooner go to England for 18 months than be here 6 months.  Now for the county and people the country his mountainous but thay are not moore than from 2 two 300 feet high, no valleys at all.  You can travel for miles and not see 10 acres of level lant.  The hill are covered with timber of all kinds, large and small and are as steep as the ruff [roof] os A house.  But the people cleare off the timber and farm it.  Thay chant grow any thing scarcely but corn and bitter wheat and potatoes on the best of the land.  Hence the people are very poor.  Yes the poorest of the poor.  The way we have had to live as vone very hard with us at times.  We have not tasted A bit of Beef or mutton since we come here, nor no good potatoes.  Our living his as a general thing corn Bread and Bacon butter and sorgham.  And the way thay make thare Bread when Baked looks just like saw dust mix up and baked for bread.  We can not Eat it.  I have gone for days and weeks and have not had A good meal.  Bro. Wardale it is A hard pill but I am glad.  I came here.  it is the best school I was ever in.  it is an experance that chant be bought for money.  I rote to Bishop Bills and told him I Stronley recommended it to all good and faithful Elders and invited them to go on missions.  If I did not know that this was the true gospel I could not of sacrifice what I have since I have been here.  But I know that the gospel must be preached to all the world before the End can come, tharefor I have willing to do my part.  I know our pay is sure when we have finished our worck on Earth which we have to do. [page 3] I get letters all the time form home.  Everything his going on all right.  Brig his married married to Susan Blake on May 8th so he is all right.  He as got his want supplied.  I received A letter the other from A. Amundsen.  He says every thing his very dule [doll] that is busness.  And produce cheep also wool.  But he thought it was on the raise.  I don’t know as I have much moore to say at present.  I hope you will answer this at you early conevents [convenience] and tell me all the news you can; how the worck his progressing in England and how the times are and the prizs [prices] and grocereys meet and produce in general and all.  The wather here his very hot and dry.  We have had no rain to do any good for it about 7 weeks.  Most every thing his burning up for want of rain.  Now I will tell you how many miles I have walked since I came here.  I have walked 636 miles[.]  how is that for (I)
If you should see any one that I am aquainted with remember me kindly to them.  I wish you much success in you labours.  Hope you may do A good worck and when done return home in safety to family and friends.
I remain you fellow labour in the gospel of Christ,  Jesse Vincent  Paintsville Johnson Co. Kentucky America Amen

Isaac Wardle Patriarchal Blessing, 1875

This is befor his mission be four years, and the first of three patriarchal blessings.
South Jordan Ward S.L. County, U.S. January 25th 1875
A Blessing given by John Smith Patriarch upon the head of Isaac John Wardle son of John and Mary Wardle born in Ravenstone, Lestershire England June 15th 1835.
Brother Isaac according to thy desire I place my hands upon they head and in the name of Jesus Christ pronounce and leave a blessing upon thee; which shall be a guide and a comfort unto thee.  Thou art of the house of Israel thy pathway hath been fraught with trials and difficultys.  Thy guardian angel hath preserved they life for thou hast yet a mission to perform which if thou art faithful will exalt thee hereafter and give thee peace.  Therefore be upon they guard.  Seek wisdom knowledge and understanding that you may overcome the evils of thy nature and obtain the Spirit of the Lord to direct they mind and give thee strength and grace sufficient for thy day for it is they privilege to live to a good old age and travel much for the gospel sake and assist in gathering tethered? Israel and do a work for they kindred who are now in Darkness for there are many honest in heart who will well rejoice with thee hereafter.  Thou art of the blood of Joseph through the Line of Ephraim and Entitled to the Blessing of Abraham, Isaac and Joseph with the gifts of the Priesthood therefore be prudent to seek to know the will of the Lord concerning thee and though shalt be warned of events to come.  The vision of thine understanding shall be opened and though shalt see and understand things as they are.  Thu shalt realize that the hand of the Lord has been over thee for good; that He has heard they petitions and will answer thee when thou wilt ask in faith.  Thou shalt be prospered in thy journeys at home and abroad; be blessed in thy labour Spiritually and temporally; therefore I say unto thee setting forth fail not and every word of this blessing shall be fulfilled for I seal it upon thee by the virtue of the Hold Priesthood and I seal thee up unto eternal life to come forth in the morning of the first resurrection a Saviousramong they kindred.  Even So Amen.
Patriarchal blessing of Isaac John Wardle recorded in book G pg 873

Letter to Isaac from Henry Beckstead During His Mission

This letter is interesting as it talks about conditions at home during Isaac's mission.  It also comments on health of the family.  I now have two letter posted about the first brass band in South Jordan.

South Jordan Salt Lake County U.T.  April 8, 1879
I imbrace the opportunity of righting you a few lines in relation to things at home[.]  i miss your assistance in school[.]  The koal thing now is on me[.]  i assist myself at present[.]  i have kep school a going every day[.]  Walter ses [says] he will teach a nother year if i will act[.]  i have Taken lead and got a Brass Band Started here since you left[.]  i sent back east and got the instruments[.]  we can play 2 tunes[.]  we are going to play next Saturday knight—down to the Bishops[.]  there is 12 in the Band[.]  our Teacher for the Band and there names H.B. Beckstead, Nephi Orgat, Wm. A Beckstead, Gordon G. Beckstead, Hamuel H. Beckstead, Edward Orgal, Brigham Sellers, [pg 2] Gordon G. Bills, John Winward, John Hold, William Goff, Lemus Peterson. Teacher for the band Joseph Orgut)  we will give you A chear [cheer] when you come Home a Gain if nothing happens[.]  The weather is very warm and dry[.]  we hant had no Stormes to Amount to any thing sense the last of February[.]   The grass is all dry very near in valley[.]  the hills is very poor[.]  if it don’t rain Soon there sont be a half crop where there is Smal Streames)  We can go up to the big timber with thout any trouble So you can Judge for the balance[.]  Draper wont have enuff to water the old farmes[.]  our garden look very fair at present[.]  i hav ben out to my Sheep for 3 weakes and now i hav got to go on the Jurie next Monday and they think the term will last for 3 months[.]  i am worked out pertanear [pretty near] [.] [page 3] now for your affairs[.]
After you left home you Family was next to Brother Goffs Among all that I have Seen[.]  Som of the Folk wanted to senf do A Doctor but i did not think and i was satsfide in my own mind that no Doctor had the power to heal your Famley without the Assistance of God did assit him[,]  i told your Famley that they Should hav any thing that they thought would help them in evry respect but they would not concent to those that wished to send for A Doctor[.]  I then begin to try to put down the Spirit of doctor by calling the house to order for prair after prair[.]  i then asked Sophi if She had any choice[.]  She said yes i have[,] i felt as thou there was A devil Spirit in the house at that moment[.]  there was several of the elders there[.]  there was plenty of help[.]  we the servants of the most hy God with the Spirit of our calling promised the Famley in the Name of our Lord and Savior that they should be made hoal and sound which God granted According to our wants and our faith[.]  Johney is doing well and i think better than could bee expected with his experience in life[.]  the children all look well and helthey[.]  Martha and Sophi helth is not as good as times past but there is no danger i don’t think[.]  they was worn out with sickness[.]  I think that warm weather set them all right Again[.]  don’t fret about you Famley for while i hav they will have[.]  we send our love to you and pray God to bless you and your labors and protect you from all danger that you may return home when the rite time comes and your labor is done)  your Brother in the Gospel Henry B. Beckstead

Letter to Issac fron England 1882

 This letter, or two letters, deal with Isaac helping people emigrate from England with the prospects of having them in his employ until they could pay him back for their passage.  These letters are after his mission, not during.

Rush Green 28 Mar/82
Dear Bro. Wardle
I was happy to hear from you through Bro. Jones who received your letter from Bro. Donaldson and I am willing to accept your terms for my Emigration and here-by agree to work for you for one years after arrival in Utah for the sum of ($15.00) fifteen Dollars and board per month and out of that to pay you back what it takes for my Emigration.  Yours very respectfully, Edward Bartlett.
[another page, maybe a different letter]  Dear Bro. Wardle you will understand why I write in answer to your letter.  Bro. Donaldson has been released to return home by the first, or April 12 ship, so he is verry busy.  I have been appointed to take his place.  I have told many of the saints of your letter and all seem glad to hear of you, Any of Bro. Gills folks are willing and [p 2] anxious to gather but as Ed. Bartlett accepted the offer of course there was no more show for them.  You will know I suppose it takes about 3 weeks for a letter to come here from there to arrange accordingly.  It will take about L15 for a pass alone besides his keep from New York to there.  Give their address when writing to Liverpool so they [p 3] can send word of the arrival of the pass immediately.
Address
Thos. Bartlett
Rush Green
Near Lyman Cheshire Eng.

South Jordan Pictures from "Of Dugouts and Spires

Isaac Wardle is 52 however I think this was Isaac's son, as Isaac John had his home closer to the river where the Beckstead Ditch could provide water for his orchard.

Isaac Wardle's Last Will and Testament 1879

There are some very interesting things about this document.  The most significant is the signatures of Isaac's children with their spouses which is on the fourth page.  It is also interesting that Isaac's grammar and spelling are close to perfect.  This is a great improvement over his letters from his mission.  I don't know if this is due to much continued self education, or if someone else supervised his writing.  I lean to the first, as we have been told he spent long hours improving himself throughout his life.  Isaac died the day after this document was dated, and before his family had added their signatures.  It appears page four was signed at his funeral.

Heman Idaho, October 29, 1917.
Knowing that I can not live much longer and in order that my families may know my wishes and why I have done certain things; herewith I make the follow statement.
I have given to my five sons, viz John, William, Joseph, Charles and Silas at the time of their marriage or at other times, land, houses, horses, implements, furniture and other property to an amount of not less than $3,000.00 each, free from incumbrance.  Because of the same I consider that they have had their full share of my property.
I have also deeded to my son Junius F Wardle approximately eighty seen acres of my home farm subject to a mortgage and have also transferred one half of all my stock and machinery to him.  He has this day in final consideration of the said deed and transfer made and delivered his two certain promissory notes payable to Mineta Densley and May Palmer, in the sum of $300.00 each without interest and payable at my death.  My son Junius has certain sheep in his care which are now in Teton Basin and which were bequeathed to me by his mother and my wife Martha A Wardle and I hereby sell and transfer the same to my wife Sophia M Wardle and I direct my son Junius to deliver (2) them to her in case he does not receive them until after my death.
The above therefore released my son Junius from any further liability to me or my estate except that he shall assist in my support until my death.
I have also deeded to my son Atheamer Wardle approximately one hundred acres of my home farm, subject to a mortgage and have also transferred on half of all my stock and machinery to him.  He has this day in further consideration of the said deed and transfer, made and delivered his two certain promissory notes payable to Hannah Hall and to the two children of Crilla Butterfield deceased, to wit: Anny May Meyers and Zackariah T. Butterfield in the sum of $300.00 each without interest and payable at my death.  In final consideration of the said transfer and deed my said son Atheamer has agreed to support my wife and his mother, Sophia M Wardle during her life and in addition thereto has agreed to pay her the sum of $300.00 per year during her life payable on or before December 15th of each year.  The $300.00 for this year which is due for rent is hereby assigned and transferred to my said wife and my son Atheamer is directed to pay the same to her.  (3)
 The foregoing therefore releases my son Atheamer from any further liability to me or my estate, except that he shall assist in my support until my death.
I have this day transferred to my wife Sophia M Wardle my bank account amounting to $362.98 and also the sum of $200.00 paid me this day as this year’s rent by my son Junius F. Wardle.
As my last wish and request I hope that all of my children and my wife will be satisfied with the foregoing transfers and I urgently ask of them that they do nothing to interfere with my desire as set forth in the above arrangement.
May the blessing of the Lord rest upon my wife and my posterity.
Witness to name and mark Geo. H. Lowe.
Isaac J Wardle His cross
Subscribed and sworn to before me it is 29th day of October 1917.
Geo. H. Lowe Notary Public Residing at St Anthony, Idaho.
[page 4]  Heman Idaho November 2, 1917.
This is to certify That we the wife, sons, and daughters and the grandchildren [ ] in Father’s will son’s in law and daughter’s in law do herby accept the last will of out Husband and Father. Signed:
[the document includes the signatures of: Sophia M Wardle, Isaac J Wardle Jr. Annie May Myers, Zachariah T Butterfield, Aramintia Densley, William H Wardle, Joseph S Wardle, Charles M Wardle, Hannah Holt, Silas. D. Wardle, Junius F Wardle, Atheamer Wardle, May Palmer, Alice Wardle her Cross, J Butterfield, Annie S Wardle, Sabrina A Wardle, V Holt, Emeline Wardle, Edna V. Wardle, Rose W Wardle,  J W Palmer.

[page 5 is the promissory note of Atheamer Wardle]
Heman Idaho October 29, 1917
Upon the death of my father, for value received I promise to pay to the order of my sister Crilla Butterfield’s, deceased, two children to wit: Anna May Meyers and Zackariah T Butterfield, three hundred dollars ($300\00) without interest.
Witnessed by Gel H. Lowe.
Atheamer Wardle