John Woodhouse

In the days when religion played a much more important role than the Christian church does today, there was competition between various denominations. Joseph Smith, living in America in New York State, reported having a revelation from God as he prayed for guidance. He started the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, often referred to as the Mormon church. In a quiet village in Yorkshire England, John Woodhouse was also seeking guidance on which church to join. He was told of the Mormon faith, enquired further and decided that it was right for him. He quickly converted his family and they set out on a journey around the world. This story follows him to Utah, on a sailing boat, on wagon trains, fighting Indians, buiding houses, building a business, building a family then leaving it to return as a missionary to England. John saw hardships we can hardly appreciate, struggled for an existence, had great successes and some disappointments. We should remember with pride the human spirit driving such people, he was only one of many with similar stories. Reading this you will share the joy of the achievements and the sorrow of some deaths, including John's unfortunate end. Hopefully it will paint a picture and help to promote the memory of a period of history which is significant in the development of our present civilisation.