You don't have to be a relative of the Bowles Pioneers of Nephi, but some of the readers may be Enlighted by what Mormon's endured to get to Nephi during Pioneer times. The first wave arrived in Salt Lake in 1847, although some of Brother Brigham's Scouts arrived earlier than July 24, 1847, to pave the way. I chose the Bowles family in respect to Dean Bowles, who has written several history books and notes. Dean's Great Grandparents were Thomas and Susannah Washburn Bowles. Tom was born August 18, 1836 in Calne, Wiltshire, England. His father supported the family by weaving and selling baskets. The family met Mormon missionaries and baptized members about 1842. When 19 years of age, Tom and family (except for an older brother) set sail for America, as the LDS Church advised new members to "come to Zion", but nowadays, most are told to stay put and work to organize the church where they are. They boarded the Ship called "Thornton" and departed the usual place where many set sail, which was where the "Beatles" set sail, both being Liverpool. The ship arrived in New York, but Yankee Stadium hadn't been built yet. They took a train to Iowa City, where many a convert found the end of the railroad. Only a thousand miles to go to "Zion". They were given Handcarts, and their leader was James Willie, who was also the Church Captain on their ship, and leader of that Handcart company. The group had 500 members; 120 Handcarts and five wagons. Each person was limited to 17 pounds of clothing and bedding. The trip was so long; food was rationed to 4 ounces per person a day. An early snowstorm hit them in Oct. and if you died, you were buried in the snow, and forbidden to turn around and watch the wolves tear up the grave and eat the earthly remains. Tom learned how to heat up Buffalo hoofs and eat them. A rescue party from the City of Salt arrived at Hells Gate, and they made it to Utah in November, 1856. They were directed to Nephi and have set up shop here ever since. In 1859, 23 year old Tom did what my buddies did in the 1960's. We headed to Sanpete to dance with the gals. Tom did the same, but brought his bride-Susannah Washburn back on a rented donkey. Well, at least it was a convertible! Tom was a hard worker, like many of the Bowles family are now. He fought in the Black Hawk War, but later became a friend of the Indians. He ran a butcher shop; farm; help build log homes; Juab Stake Tabernacle and graded roads. I have neglected to find the scan of Dean's parents, but can tell you about them. They are Roy and Lorene Pay Bowles. I liked Roy as I delivered newspapers to him when I was a kid He treated me like an adult and very friendly and honest. He worked hard on the farm, and taught his kids the importance of good work ethics, but also to serve their country and get an education. He and his wife were the pushers and workers for the 3rd Ward Reunion's and as the LDS Church often times did, they would call a guy on a mission, even if they were married and had kids at home. Such was the case for Roy and Lorene. Roy was 55 years old, but directed to the Dakota area, where he worked and peached among the Indian villages. While he was gone, his wife and their three younger daughters worked at Carters Cafe washing dishes on the south side of Nephi. I called Dean Bowles today and said how much I appreciated all that he and his ancestors did to build up Nephi and for his enlightenment on his books. As both he and his wife are in their 90's, he was encouraged to come back home to Nephi, and is getting help from a son and other friends for that. He has already got his last placement in order at Vinebluff, in case he doesn't make it to a century. I tip my hat to all of the Nephi Bowles family. They came from excellent and mighty tough stock.
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