Solomon Hancock Autobiography

Solomon Hancock

Solomon Hancock, 3rd son and 4th child, of Thomas and Amy Hancock. He being born in Springfield, Mass. 14 August 1793 moved around some with his folks as a boy and was in Winchendon, Mass. in 1800. He married Alta Adams 12 March 1815 and lived near his father, later purchasing the farm where his father lived from his brother, Levi. He remained here to the fall of 1819 and then moved to Euclid of Cuyahoga County in Ohio.

He says, "being our parents were reduced in property and monetary worth, we became suitable subjects for the western frontiers, preparing the way for the coming civilization and the generations of man. We sought game of the woods, such as deer, elk, moose, black bear, and the smaller game, together with fish and fowl, all of which were plentiful and a little bread and beans, with prudent care, made a living. We were in York State and also Vermont, thus deprived of proper schooling, so our education was limited. Our first schooling was such that I first done the house work and then walked to school six miles and back every day. We were well pleased with Vermont and we sent the following verses to our friends:

Come all ye laboring men who toil below

Upon your scanty soil you plow and sow,

Upon your hired lands, let out by cruel hands,

‘twill make you greater men to up and go.

For who will be a slave that should be free,

Here you good lands may have, just come and see,

the soil is deep and good ‘n Rutland’s pleasant woods,

where you can raise your food and happy be.

Here cows give milk to eat, by nature fed,

The land affords good wheat and corn for bread,

Here stands the sugar tree to sweeten all the land,

We have them at our hand, be not afraid.

Here’s roots of every kind to preserve our lives,

The best of anodine in price is costly,

The balsam of the tree supplies our surgery,

no safer can you be in any land.

Here runs pure pearling streams that never fail,

to spread the richest cream o’er the pleasant vale

as rich as Eden soil, before that sin did spoil,

for man was doomed to toil to get his bread.

Here grows the lofty pine which make a show

As straight as Gunters line, their bodies grow,

they rear nigh to the highest sphere,

where winged tribes repair and sweetly sing.

The chestnut, beach, and butnut tree,

They strive to grow as long and high as they,

but falling much below, they make a pleasant show,

The pines more lofty grow and crown the woods.

Here salmon trout do glide so neat and fine,

That you may be supplied, with seine or line,

They are as good a fish, to make a dainty dish

as anyone could wish to fee upon.

The pigeon, goose and duck, they fill our beds,

The beaver, mink or fox, they crown our heads,

The harmless moose and deer are food and clothes to wear,

Nature can do no more for any land.

"My parents read the bible to their children and explained it to them, taught them to pray also. To keep the Sabbath was a must, to keep it Holy to the Lord and to be attentive to the minister at meetings. I joined the Methodist, and having inherited a good talent for vocal music, became their favorite singer in camp meetings, which were frequent in those days."

"At these meetings, I became acquainted with Miss Alta Adams whose talent, like mine was for vocal music. She had a Christian’s love, having been taught by her parents. She became my wife, and when we were in Ohio in 1830, four men came to the city of Mayfield, where they held meetings, proclaiming that they had a book which was a history of a people who once inhabited this land.

My brother, Levi took my mother to one of these meetings on horseback. Parley P. Pratt was the speaker and Sidney Rigdon asked the people to hear the words of Brother Pratt. At the close of the sermon, Parley P. Pratt asked if anyone wished to be baptized? Alta joined in and was baptized, followed by her father-in-law Thomas and his daughter, Clarissa."

Solomon wasn’t baptized till February 1831. He joined with the Mormon Faith and went to advocating that cause, being a full believer, and was called to serve a mission in June of 1831. He went to the Kirtland Temple and received the "Power form on High" with Parley P. Pratt, Newell Knight, Peter Whitmer, and Simon Carter. He had a little song or ditty that he sang:

Once I was a Methodist, Glory! Halleluja,

Then I thought that they were best, Glory! Hallelujah,

But when I read the Bible right, Glory! Hallelujah,

I found myself a Mormonite, Glory! Hallelujah."

Alta was the daughter of Asael Adams and Sarah Herrick Adams and was born in Paulette, Vermont 17 March 1795. Alta was of the "Adams" blood of the patriots in the formulation of this country, America, and the famed "Constitution", also of Presidents. A Royal daughter that would bestow these traits to the coming generations In 1831, He was called to be a preacher or Missionary in Ohio and vicinity, converting and baptizing many. He was in the company of Simon/Simeon Carter and assigned to Missouri, following the Ohio Mission. They preached and baptized by the way, without purse or script, relying for sustenance on the promises of the Saviour to his deciples. Their journey lay through Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois.

They came to the Mississippi River at a place called Commerce. It was then populated by the Pottowatomie Indians. They had corn planted on the bottom land and their squaws were hoeing it. There was but one house there and it was built of stone and occupied by a French Trader". This was the 4th of July 1831 and being no easy way to cross this great river, we traveled down on the East side of the river, passing a small town on the bank of the river called Warsaw, thence to Quincy of Adams County. It had only one house there, and it belonged to a fellow by the name of John Woods and was built of hewn logs. They continued to a ferry at a place called Marion City about ten miles below Quincy.

"We then wound our way with but a trail, skirted with little timber, through huge, broad prairies and only a few settlers with cabins to be found. Through much fatigue and hunger, we finally reached Jackson County Missouri. We found some of our brother missionaries sent here even as we were, but in different directions, to meet there for a Council and to hold a Conference. This location had been pointed out for a gathering place for the Church by the Prophet Joseph Smith."

After the conference, they left for their homes in the Eastvia different routes, preaching, baptizing, confirming, and Ordaining as was needed, and wisdom taught. Solomon arrived home at Chagrin, Ohio in late fall of 1831 and continued preaching and laboring for the family support.

In 1832, Solomon Hancock and his family were on their way to Jackson County Missouri and settled on the Big Blue River's edge, six miles west of Independence. On the way there, while traveling by water, the steamboat ran into a sandbar and could not get out. The river was falling fast and it was thought best to go to land and finish the journey to Jackson County. The Steamboats name was, Donguan(Don Juan). They had brought wagons with them. The boat hands and passengers had been attacked by the dread disease Cholera. A f flatboat was obtained and all was loaded onto it, made shore and camped a distance from the river, at an old uninhabited cabin there. The water was not good and it was surrounded by Cypress trees and swamps.

Our little company consisted of three families; Samuel Shepherd and family of eight; Daniel Stanton and family of eight; and Solomon Hancock with a family of nine. All were very sick, nearly unto death, except Alta Adams Hancock and her son Charles Brent Hancock. Asael and Cyrus died nearly at the same time. They were buried in the same grave, one in a trough and the other in a board coffin. Charles was only about eight and was required to dig the graves. The ground was clay, so he had to chop it with their axe and handle the dirt with the fire shovel. This experience and requirement was not from a need, or ambition, and his strength ebbed. The lady, Mrs. Shepherd, died and a child also. They were buried by some men who lived not far off. only for pities sake dare they venture near.

"We got some oxen and started for our intended homes." Their health got better as they traveled and enjoyed safety. The County of Jackson was well timbered and with fruit, plums and grapes, and many varieties of nuts. Many grew spontaneously, game and honey aplenty. "The wagon was traded for land and in the Spring of 1833, we built a house and planted a field of corn and a garden." All grew well and matured in plenty. The hostilities of the older settlers were aroused because of the Mormon communities exceeding industry, the buying of more land, and the pronouncement of Patriarchally inheriting them.

"In July, our printing office and store was destroyed in independence, Missouri. In the Fall, after the crops were ripened and cared for, we were ordered out of the county by a Military Mob. November 10th to 13th, we were fleeing from the county in many ways and in small companies, seeking shelter and friends. The falling stars on 13 November 1833, at the time of the exit, had considerable to do in laying, or quieting the mob spirit, and preparing friends, for those who were driven from their homes and property."

"On the night of 12 November, a mob headed by a Mr. Wilson, came to the house of David Bennett, near the Big Blue River and found him at home. The mobbers took his gun and broke it and then beat him nearly to death. After this, two of Wilson's men got on the house and proceeded to throw the roof off. A boy of fifteen years being near, gave one a shot in the leg, which brought them down, the one saying, ‘I am shot’." Just then a few of our men came to the scene and took Bennett away to care for him. The mob taking flight, they went to their camp only three miles away. Bennett was unable to move and we did not leave till after the 13th and took a by way to the South, out of the county, then into Van Buren (later Cass County.)

"For three days, we were traveling across burnt prairies, children destitute of shoes, their feet bled much, many rode on our oxen as the wagons were stacked with bedding and bundles so there was no room to ride. We endured much hunger and cold for those three days. At night, just as a cold storm came, we found a large cave in the rocks, which afforded a convenient shelter with plenty of wood for a fire. We had three raccoons, well boiled and some parched corn for the thirty-five persons with us. The snow fell about one foot deep that night. It was followed by Sunday, and we slaughtered one of the oxen for meat. Some corn was found in a nearby field and we ate and rested. We had Sunday meetings as usual and the sun came out warm."

NOTE; A song was written but no author was identified, but it was most likely Solomon Hancock and follows:

Come Gentlemen and ladies too

who loves your countries glory

Hark! if you've nothing else to do

while I relate a story.

But mark what’s done, like days of old

by mortals in their fury

for tis not often you behold

such mobbers, as Missouri.

Oh, Missouri, the mobbers of Missouri,

The Mobbers of Missouri.

A hundred years behind this age

if you'll allow for lying

There stood upon our nations page

A savage set of beings,

Who always sought for blood and strife

Despising judge or jury

and cowered like the well armed staff

as mobbers of Missouri.

Oh Missouri, the mobbers of Missouri

The Mobbers of Missouri.

It was ten thousand pounds at hand

They robbed from the printer,

and drove the church from off their lands

to parish in the winter.

And to the Reverend J.M. Coy

was one among this legion

who came with gun for to destroy,

Because of pure religion.

Oh Missouri, the mobbers of Missouri

The Mobbers of Missouri.

Some few at first, to try their Faith,

They scourged with tar and feathers;

And after whipped almost to death,

not asking whys or whethers.

They tore down houses, pillaged goods,

and seemed all power defying,

while women fled into the woods,

with children round them crying.

Oh Missouri, the mobbers of Missouri,

The Mobbers of Missouri.

But once to show our fathers blood,

And prove their valor ample;

The Mormons in their defence stood,

and gave the mob a sample,

and when when so near, we heard them swear,

We thought it time to still them;

And ‘twould have made a soldier stare,

To see the Mormons quell them.

Oh Missouri, the mobbers of Missouri,

The Mobbers of Missouri.

Go spread the news from sea to sea,

Let truth to all be given,

In eighteen hundred thirty three

the church of Christ was driven,

away from houses, homes, and land

in this, a land of freedom,

because a worthless mob commands,

as priests and lawyers lead them.

Oh Missouri, the mobbers of Missouri,

The Mobbers of Missouri.

Some of the men that lived round about, came horseback and gave invitations, to come to their settlement and to stay as long as they needed to. They would furnish houses to live in, and provisions, and no mob should disturb us while with them. They accepted their offer and followed the directions they gave us, and found an abundant feast prepared and houses, as they had said. We stayed until the Spring of 1834. Father Solomon made two trips back, to get some things, that had been left in the house in Jackson County, also some corn. The house had been pillaged by an apostate Mormon named Akeman/Aikman. All passed through the winter well, and April found them in Clay County Missouri, near the three fishing rivers. They saw the terrific rain and the high water, also "Zions Camp", the many sick, and also the graves of those that had died.

Solomon and Alta Adams Hancock's children are: (1) Lucina Hancock born 25 March 1817 in Springfield, Mass. and died the next year, 4 June 1818. (2) Rufus Hancock born 12 April 1819 at Springfield, Mass. and died the same day. 3 Eliza Hancock was born 7 May 1820 at Euclid, Ohio and married Erastus H. Rudd. She died at Winter Quarters 28 January 1848. (4) Joseph Hancock born 7 May 1822 at Euclid, Ohio and married Harriet Broke/Brooks 14 August 1844, and died July 1924. (5) Charles Brent Hancock born in Columbia, Ohio 23 December 1823 and married (1) Samantha Priscilla Rawson; (2) Melinda Melissa Crockett; (3) Rachel Moore; (4) Cloe Rawson. He died 24 January 1904. (6) George Washington Hancock born in Columbia, Ohio 8 March 1826 and married (1) Betsy Jane Fackrell; (2) Amy Hancock, daughter of Joseph Hancock, an uncle. (7) Asael Hancock was born in Columbia, Ohio 19 March 1828 and died in Illinois November 1832 of cholera. (8) Cyrus Hancock was born in Chagrin, Ohio 22 March 1830 and died 12 November 1832 of cholera. (9 Nephi Hancock born in Chagrin, Ohio 3 March 1832 and die 12 March 1832 in Ohio. (10) Ameren Hancock born in Van Buren County (name changed to Cass County 19 Feb 1849) Missouri 29 December 1833 and died in Clay County Missouri December 1834, of exposure.

Solomon started on his Mission in the Fall of 1834, and during this period of time, Alta died. Alta Adams Hancock died in Clay County Missouri 18 January 1835 and was buried by the child, Ameren, that had died just after the trek from Jackson County, in fact six of her ten children had died before her death.

Solomon hadn't been gone to the East on his mission long before the death of his wife, Alta Adams. Alta's father was Asael Adams and Sarrah Herrick. Alta had a sister named Betsy Adams and she married Isaac Adams. One of Isaac Adams and Betsy Adams children is a daughter, Phebe Adams born 7 June 1811 in Ontario County New York.

Phebe developed an uncommon bravery at a young age, as this story will suggest; One evening as she was passing a cemetery, as a young girl, she saw something-white rise up out of the ground. Phoebe thought it to be a ghost and was very frightened, even running as fast as she could for a She stopped and said to herself, "Now Phoebe, you go back there and see what that was." Shaking and trembling with fear, she retraced her steps slowly back. She was very relieved to find that it was only a large, white rock. This experience taught her a lesson which was of value throughout her life, "that most of our fears are imaginary, but if we have the courage to face them bravely, they are never as bad as we think they are."

When she was nine years of age, the family moved to Canaan, Wayne County Ohio. She was an industrious girl and when she became older, she went to work. When she was 25 years old, she was working, spinning wool for a family and was required to spin a certain amount each day.

While spinning one day, she heard of a meeting with Mormon Missionaries in town on Saturday. She awoke and got her spinning done so she could attend this meeting and she was on the last skein when the clock struck eleven o’clock. The meeting was scheduled for noon.

Her mother accompanied her to the meeting and after it was over, she asked the missionaries to her home. She was surprised to find out, one of the Missionaries had married her mother's sister, Alta, twenty years before.

Solomon told Phebe and Betsy, that when he had married Alta he was a Methodist, now he was a missionary and with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints for five years now. Also the death of his wife caused by persecution of the Missourians, and that the children alone, except when assisted by friends. She did feel empathy for him and was nearly in tears. She grew to love him and was converted to the Gospel, Solomon then baptized her 18 June 1836.

Solomon approached Phebe about marriage while on his mission. She accepted the proposal and the four children of her cousin Alta and returned to Missouri, to Far West. "We went to the city of Far West in 1836, bought land and built a house and farmed, helping to build the society in Far West."

In 1837 the anticipated celebration of July 4 was for this occasion, the patriotic sentiment as experienced by Thomas Hancock and Amy Ward was put into verse by their son Levi W. Hancock and was sung by Solomon, while standing on the corner stone of the intended temple or meeting house. It was followed by a fiery speech of Sidney Rigdon, which

inflamed the old inhabitants and a bolt of lightening struck the liberty pole, putting a about. The following verses of the song;

Come lovers of freedom together

and hear what we now have to say,

for surely we ought to remember

the cause which produced this great day.

Oh, may we remember while singing;

the pains and distresses once borne,

by those who have fought for our freedom

and ofttimes for friends called to mourn.

The lives and the fortunes together,

and honors most sacred and dear,

were solemnly all pledged together

by our honored forefathers there.

Concluding t’was great and noble

and their belief was so brave,

they affixed their lives for their freedom,

when called for their country to save.

And then should a pardon be offered

to all who would willingly yield,

Excepting John Hancock and Adams,

the fate of those men had been sealed.

But thank God for brave Patrick Henry,

and many men with him who dared

to come out with heart rending speeches

against what those Lords had declared.

The tories were all crying treason,

against all who stood for their rights;

They never would listen to reason,

but called on their forces to fight,

to deal with their foes, Oh, no never

to fight with their enemies, no

but to fight for some pretended offenses,

across the Atlantic must go.

But God armed our fathers with power

and Washington came to our aid,

in wisdom, conduct he the battle

and soon made the tories afraid.

He reared up the Standard of Freedom;

He called for the brave volunteers,

who all quickly gathered around him,

against the proud enemy steered.

Hark, hear how the great battle rages,

Behold hi undauntedly stand.

For great causes of here after ages,

he pleads with his sword in his hand.

Behold the great Lord came bending,

Lord North from his chair soon fell down,

and tories and tyrants lay panting,

before this great man of renown.

Then great love soon filled their bosom

and joy beamed from every face;

Where remained the true seed of freedom,

all willingly gave God the praise.

They told the sad tale to their children,

and told them the same to hand down,

to their children's children forever,

until the great trumpet shall sound.

Exalt then the Standard of Freedom,

and ever let freedom remain.

Be firm and determined for ever,

your freedom and rights to maintain;

Remember the God of your fathers,

your sons and your daughters give ear,

and with you, 'twill be well here after

and nothing you'll have then to fear.

Go celebrate this day of freedom,

be sure and don't let it be lost,

Remember the tales of your fathers,

and also the blood that it cost.

Yes daughters, you too love your freedom,

you too love your country most dear:

You love well your own independence

your forefathers gained for you here.

Farewell you our venerable fathers,

You who have stood many a year;

You like the aged oak have all fallen

Excepting a few here and there.

Whose looks plainly show they're soon going

to the dust from whence all of us came,

to rest in the mansions of glory,

beyond all your trials and pain.

Hostile feelings began to surface and the citizens began to be menaced by the old mob spirit of Jackson County. Our people, the Mormons began to concentrate on self protection and the mob began to draw near and as unlawful intruders.

Phebe wrote a letter and these words were extracted from it: "I well remember the day, I lived in Far West and we were later driven from Missouri. I remember the day our Prophet Joseph Smith and his brother Hyrum was delivered into the hands of a Missouri Mob Militia. We called them, General Donathon's Camp of Mob. Our Prophets were put in the Richmond Jail."

"I lived 3 miles from that camp, yet I could hear screams and yells as though some of the demons was let loose from the lower regions. I remember that I went out behind a mound and prayed to the God of Heaven, he would deliver his own prophets. When I arose to come back to the house, I saw five men of the mob, three went into our house. I just sat down until they went away. They had pillaged our houses, took the goods that they wanted. I left the Sate of Missouri in the Spring. I had eight in my family to care for, Mother and Father Hancock lived with me "Father Hancock (Thomas) was seventy five years old. We had only one small wagon and I walked every mile to the State of Illinois. We lived in Hancock County till we left for the Rocky Mountains. Our Prophets, Joseph and Hyrum Smith were murdered at the Carthage Jail 27 June 1844 after being incarcerated for three days.

"We left Nauvoo in 1846 and reached a place we later named Winter Quarters and my husband died 2nd December 1847 there. My two sons were needed to go to the war and fight Mexico and hadn't returned when their father died."

The battle of Crooked River was fought in 1838, and while our people were gathering up, one Simpson/Sampson Avord came in as a stranger. He wished to join with us, seemed learned, and claimed to be a doctor. He found favor with many for a time, but when the Smith's, with others were in the hands of our enemies and imprisoned, he drew up an article to organize a band, called the Danite Band and got some signers. He claimed it was from Joseph Smith's Counsel, and if the Smith's did not return, this Danite Band could assist the church in times of trouble.

Soon after the surrender of Far West, Mr. Avord was sought after by the mob party, but he ran to stay out of their way. The mob came to his house, while he was upstairs, and they took him as a prisoner to Plattesburgh, twelve miles west of Far West. He told them of a document, of the Danite question, and had been ordered by Smith. It was back at his house in the loft, under a rafter where they had found him.

An officer was sent to the house for it and found it, as Avord had said. This document was taken to the Richmond Jail and used as testimony against the prisoners. Avord never returned, we learned later that Avord, had killed a woman in Philadelphia and had been judged guilty, and was making his escape from justice.

Church History is quite plain on the persecution and I will only touch lightly on the families experience as they journeyed with their fellow brethren. The Spring of 1839, they were in Illinois on rented land in Adams County.

In 1841, they had obtained land from the government and settled in Hancock County and for a time, had peace and plenty, "by the labor of our hands, in fencing, clearing, tilling the soil, and their barn being well filled."

While here, they had a considerable chance for schooling, for they built their own school house and furnished it with a teacher. Singing was cultivated too.

The beautiful city of Nauvoo was laid out in lots, the swamp land drained to the river, but in 1831, it was inhabited by Indians. The beautiful prairie land for miles around was brought into cultivation. When harvest time arrived, the farmer was hurried to bring it in, with scythe and sickle, his plentiful harvest. The Nauvoo temple was built, mansions, and orchards, fine dwellings, and the beautiful backdrop of the wide, beautiful Mississippi River making a semi-circle, some four miles around the West side of the city. A beautiful scene to behold from boats, while plying up and down the great river of America.

The Mormon people often met in their general assemblies and common buildings, in prayer with humility, sang songs and hymns of sacred praise, and with patriot military drills as prescribed by the laws of our country, in battalion brigade, and with legion form, a General at our head, to lead us.

The General was Joseph Smith, who was martyred in the Carthage Jail with his brother Hyrum, for claiming freedom of thought as guaranteed by the true patriot laws of our Country, as framed, adopted, fought for, bled and wounded or by many here, their families, or relation.

Just before baby Elijah was born to Solomon and Phebe Adams Hancock, they had left on a trip to Quincy to buy clothes and food. Solomon had promised Phebe five dollars to buy articles for their home and the new comer. They traveled in a wagon with a board across for a seat. They were taking butter and eggs to town to barter also. They had about two more miles to go, through forested land, before they arrived at Quincy. Solomon told Phebe he felt she must not spend the five dollars, three times he had the same impression, that he mustn't spend the money. Phebe was very disappointed and even showed some anger. They made their purchases and started home with Phebe's bonnet pulled over her face and her back to her husband. They had not traveled far, when they came to some men taking Joseph Smith Jr. to prison. He called Solomon by name and asked if he had five dollars? Solomon did and gave it to Joseph. Joseph needed the money for food. Phebe wept and asked Solomon's forgiveness for wanting the money, when the Prophet of God needed it for food.

Joseph Smith's mind was for the welfare of the Church, and in its early history and up to 1844, it reached on to the "Valley of the Mountains". He truly saw with prophetic eye, as the ancients did, the Church gathered to the tops of the mountains, The Valley of Ephraim. He personally never was here, but on June 22nd, he crossed the Mississippi River to its west bank with his brother Hyrum fully intending to go West and find the location for his people. He had even called on my Uncle Joseph Hancock to go with him as the hunter, he being experienced in the wild woods and a frontiersman, expert in capturing game of many kinds and the fish of the waters, also seeing he had received the name of Nimrod, the hunter in a Patriarchal Blessing.

Joseph Hancock was a man born 17 March 1800, was a boyhood playmate of Joseph Smith, and had much experience in the green mountains of Vermont. Joseph Smith had confidence in him and his ability, and would trust his life with him sooner than any other, should they fall on perilous times. Joseph Smith had his company for this westward trip all arranged in advance of this date and was ready to start at once June 23, but some of Joseph Smith's friends caught up with him and persuaded him to return to Nauvoo, even though he told them, he would be slaughtered like a lamb. He asked Hyrum to stay and to take charge, but Hyrum told him that he was going with him and if he should die, I will die with you.

These were prophetic words, for they were both killed at the jail in Carthage by a mob, 27 June 1844.

Our people were stunned that these kind, loving men should be shot down in cold blood, but realized at a later date that, they had followed in the footsteps of many of the other prophets that had died with their testimony on their lips. Solomon Hancock composed and sang a song for the brothers, Joseph and Hyrum Smith at the funeral or upon their death:

Joseph and Hyrum both are gone,

For them my heart don't cease to mourn;

To think how they both were in jail,

and a mob should fall on them and kill.

The Governor having his honor pledged

And thus he made his statements,

That he would see them safely through

Till they returned back to Nauvoo.

He then disbanded all his troops,

and said, go home and tend your crops

Except a few to guard the jail,

To see that there is no assail.

And then the Governor disappeared;

The mob then cheered to volunteer,

Now's the time for what we mean to do,

While the squad mens gone down to Nauvoo.

They painted yellow, black, and red,

and by Colonel Williams led,

For this he oft in oaths to show,

That he would cause their blood to flow.

Soon as they came to the jail door,

The bullets from their guns did pour,

Which brought poor Hyrum to the floor,

A laying weltering in his gore.

Hyrum cried out, I'm a dead man,

Joseph said, oh brother Hyrum,

And then to the window flew

As if determined to go through.

The mob were gathered thick around,

They shot him ere he reached the ground,

And now his testament in force,

Though it his precious life has cost.

His spirit has gone home to god,

To plead the merits of his word,

Saying to the Father and the Son,

My work on earths completely done.

There was a certain peace in Hancock County for nearly a year, but as the mobbers saw that work was still progressing on the Temple; that the Man, Brigham Young, seemed to be the leader, the mob spirit once again rose up against them.

November 20, 1845, some of the young men were sleeping in Solomon's barn. Those young men present were; Joseph Hancock, George W. Hancock, C. B. Hancock, Daniel B. Rawson, James Woodland, Alvey Alger (nephew), Erastus H. Rudd (grandson), and Gilbert Hunt. (NOTE: Joseph, George, C. E. were brothers. Alvey Alger, son of a Clarissa. Erastus H. Rudd, son of Eliza). "Our barn was filled with unthreshed wheat, oats, corn, and hay. There were also horses in the stable and cows in the yard, it being well nigh filled with dry rubbish where the feeding was done. About eleven o'clock, the boys were awakened by the noise of f ire, and they smelled smoke. They saw f ire burning toward the barn. George went to tell father, at the house and Solomon came to the scene in his night clothes. The straw was raked away from the barn, he took the horses out of the stable and also the cows out of the yard".

"The animals ran as though scared and father (Solomon Hancock) went to see what was the matter. A man stepped from behind a tree and fired a gun at him, the shot taking no effect, the man gave a shrill whistle and some sixteen men rose from behind the log fence, which the yard was built of, that were secreted there, and began shooting at the boys in the yard. The bullets lodged in the barn and the fence on the opposite side. No one was hit except an elderly man named Edmond Durfey. He was struck in the hollow of the neck, he died instantly. Father told we boys to get our guns and defend ourselves. The mob fled, but set some fires as they returned from whence they came."

"I (C. B. Hancock) followed them for some distance, the moon shining bright, I could easily see their tracks in the road toward Lyma, a town about five miles off. Mr. Durphy's remains were guarded, waiting for a coroners inquest and toward morning Durphy's son-in-law David Garner took the responsibility to care for the body and take it to Nauvoo to his family. Mr. Durphy and some of his boys had been gathering their corn and digging the potatoes, and had secured them at our place, so they could get them this winter, for his house and wheat had previously been burned by the mob in Morley (Yelrom) Settlement.

"The day after the night of the attack, my father Solomon, sent me to hunt for the officers and soldiers, that Major Warren had sent to guard us and the people whose houses had already been burned, so they could gather their crops and dispose of their property prior to leaving the United States next year."

"These soldiers had boarded with us for ten days and said they would go visit some friends and return soon. I started before daylight toward Lyma and learned where they had gone. As I went toward Lyma, I met a man named Snyder. I was very nervous, as I knew he was one of the mob last night, and meeting him in a narrow road, surrounded by heavy timber, I was afraid of him and watched him very closely. I came to a house and knocked at the door and received no answer. As I started away, I noticed a woman's face behind the window, she said the men had gone to Lyma last night and would be back for breakfast. I waited two hours for their return, told them what had happened and they told me to go home and they would be there soon."

"I returned home and father then sent me to Carthage to take a report to Major Warren. I was very much abused by the troops before I could get to see Major Warren. General Demming was there also and I delivered my report. They informed me that they would be there to arrest the men, that we thought, was in the mob party. I went home and Major Warren came, we were able to get fourteen of the sixteen that had been threatening us for no other reason than that we made our home available to those brethren who had already had their homes burned, or to deposit their was crops until they could haul them away. When we got all that we could find, I was sent home."

"The next morning, the prisoners were brought to our house to see if any could be recognized? We did not get near enough to them in the attack to know any of them. Father asked them many questions as regarding his character, as they were acquainted, he having been in the neighborhood for four years. "If any of you know anything wrong with me as an honest man, or a true patriot to our countries laws, the laws of God, good morals in the neighbor-hood society or of anything wrong, Please state it to these officers, soldiers, and prisoners, and I will not be offended". The answer was, "Mr. Hancock, we know nothing against you or your family."

"Mr. Bragg, who had once belonged to the Mormon Church and of many years acquaintance was asked, "Do you know this Mr. Hancock"? Yes, from boyhood. "Can you give any testimony against Mr. Hancock"? No, he's been an honorable man and a friend to the needy and all man kind. Mr. Bragg was released, and the fourteen were taken to Carthage and charged with killing Edmond Durphy."

Court was called, prisoners arraigned and established that the sixteen men had loaded their guns in Lyma, the evening of Durphy's death, and taking liquor, went to Hancock's corral, setting the fire and shooting amongst the boys and men as they were working to put out the fire; that they had returned to Lyma, except the two who escaped by boat from Warsaw. The judge discharged the prisoners even though Durphy was killed and Mr. Hancock threatened. The prosecuting attorney said that justice cannot be obtained in Hancock County Illinois.

When hostilities commenced in October, by the mob burning some of the houses in Morley Settlement, Isaac Morley, the President of the Branch, took flight with his family under cover of night, and in a by-way, for fear of molestation by their neighbors. The Presidency then rested on Solomon Hancock, Horace S. Rawson, and Moses Clawson, the Councilors. They, knowing the bitter feeling that existed between the two parties, used every effort to negotiate for peace. This was accomplished for a time, but the fleeing party returned for their crops and goods, and went beyond their just bounds. Again the mob spirit rose and a more severe burning of property was put to the torch.

"In contrast, The White Oak or Hancock Settlement, the immediate neighbors having taken Council from the presidency at Nauvoo, resolved that they would live in peace with all man-kind and never give offence to anyone unlawfully, or where there could be any pretext for retaliation. This was done in our Ward, at a public meeting and was confirmed by baptism before our friends and the Lord, that they would not take, touch, use, in anyway that which they had not earned or merited. The question arose, who would officiate in the case of Solomon Hancock to be baptized and it was decided that Charles B. Hancock do it, and I did not decline."

"These two settlements were very close together, the one was laid to ashes, yet the other scarcely touched, but both being left to the mercy of the burners torch. I write this to show that the most humbled and child-like receives the blessings and promises by the savior to his followers." Again were the burners on the war path, in a great rage with no one to oppose them, as they passed through Morley/Yelrom Settlement, sparing nothing that was easily set to fire, having riflemen guarding them in front and rear.

"Father (Solomon) and Council decided to send an express to Brigham Young at Nauvoo, of the importance of the work now at hand, f or the mob had come to burn our house along with others. The home was made of twelve inch adobe brick, and we had many sociable times in it. My father moved the wife and baby out of the house with all of the bed clothes he could carry. The men of the mob climbed on the roof and threw of f the chimney. Solomon got very angry and raised his pistol to shoot the man, when a voice came to him, "Don't shoot, you know your gun goes easy."

Solomon put the gun down and went to his wife's side. As the home caught fire, his anger overcame him and he once again raised his gun. Again the voice came to him, "Don't shoot. You know your gun goes easy. Don't shed blood, spare their lives. The promise is made that your children, nor your children's children, will ever be in bondage". He laid his gun down and watched his house burn and wept."

"I (C.B.) was selected and went in haste to deliver my message. Brigham Young and Willard Richards were in an upper room of a large brick building. After Brigham had read the letter, he asked me a few questions about the affair, then went to dancing along the walls of the room, then to me said "go home and tell your folks to come away and that he can tell the mob to burn all the bed bugs they may wish and we won't hinder them". Brother Richards wrote a few lines and they were pinned to my pocket. Brigham helped me on my horse, cut a switch for me and told me, "not to let any grass grow under my feet."

"I soon had covered the twenty five miles and found the mob and my father's people only a gunshot apart. The men burning and our men impatiently looking on. Father was holding them in check until he received the express. We began packing, teams came out from Nauvoo, over a hundred of them and took all the families to Nauvoo. The mob burned up to the line and quit of their own free will disturbing nothing further."

"We stayed five weeks at Nauvoo, and the burners began to burn property in other localities. The Sheriff, Bochentash (Beckenstos) got Porter Rockwell for a teamster and they went to them and ordered the burning to cease. The mob ordered him to leave or he would be shot, Rockwell drove the team in haste about two miles, but the burning party was pursuing them on their horses. Coming to a sharp turn in the road, Porter stopped the horses and told the Sheriff to hold the horses and I'll stop them. With his rifle and pistol, sprang out of the carriage and with a well aimed shot, their Captain, a Mr. Frank Worl (Worrel) tumbled from his horse, a dead man. It was later established that Frank Worrel was one of the Mobbers in the deaths of Joseph Smith and Hyrum Smith."

"This did not stop the burning of property and the Sheriff called out the Militia from Nauvoo (Nauvoo Legion), organized them into two companies, giving the command of one to Solomon Hancock and the other to George Miller. When we arrived at the headwaters of Bear Creek, we could see houses already in flames. We went around to the opposite side, to rout the burners and Miller would head them off and capture them."

"They were easily put to flight, but Miller being discovered, they took their mounts through a corn field and then across the prairie toward Warsaw, a mob depot. They were pursued by Miller, the best horses of the land. Some of the younger men overtook the fleeing party and ordered them to surrender, the order not being obeyed, three were left dead on the ground."

"The men were as Indians, blacked and striped red, disguised in their clothing so they hardly had the appearance of white men. This move stopped the burning of property and a compromise was made that the Mormons might sell their farms and leave the state in the Spring, next year, 1846."

They went back to their home till the first day of April, making a home for those who came to gather their crops, or to sell what they could, of their possessions. What has been written is but a small part of what occurred here. On April 1st, they took their last look at their hard earned home, having gained but one twentieth of its cost and turned their faces westward.

They traveled through the wilds of Iowa, building bridges, making their road, and boats to cross unfordable streams, finally to the mighty Missouri River and they once again built a flat-boat and crossed it July 16, 1846.

The Mormons as a people, had a call for five hundred of their little strength to go as volunteers to the Mexican War for one years service. "I, being the first one asked if I would go for one? I said, Yes and my name was written by Brigham Young" (C. B. Hancock).

"Thus I left my honored father in his declining years with a family of seven, he the only help and with no home except the covered wagon. It was a duty call for the general good that prompted me and my brother George, with five hundred others to hastily change our minds from a westerly pioneering course and step into a military rank as soldiers. We turned to the South to the seat of war in Mexico. Thus I left my father for the first time, and it was the last, for he died 2 December 1847 at the age of 54 years and was buried in Pottowatomie County near Kanesville, by his mother, Amy Ward Hancock; a daughter, Eliza H. Rudd; a child of Joseph Hancock's and his brother, Thomas Hancock." It was a hard experience for Phebe to lose her husband to the grim reaper at such a critical time, for she was pregnant about eight months when Solomon died.

Composed by Erastus H. Rudd, on the death of Solomon Hancock:

Thou art gone to the grave, we'll no longer behold thee,

'Till mortals shall put on their clothing of glory,

Then, then thou will come, thy kingdom to serve.

Oh, then thou will rise from thy cold prison grave;

Oh, then thou will rise from thy cold prison grave.

Thou art gone like a star from the banner of heaven.

Thou loved the saints and with them was driven,

'Till worn and distressed, thy system could not Evade the destroyer,

Thou art not forgot, Evade the destroyer, Thou art not forgot.

The two boys, Charles Brent Hancock and George W. Hancock had been in the Mormon Battalion and was discharged July of 1847. They immediately began the preparations to turn to the East and reunite with their folks. It took eight days and we started on the 24th of July, learning later this was the same day that the pioneer party had reached the Valley of the Great Salt Lake. After much suffering and hardships from lack of water and hunting new trails, they began to find a correlation to the information they had received from a Spaniard, as he had told them about the lakes, creeks, and the Indians.

George had been a true and faithful friend, but when reached Salt Lake, Charles Brent thought he had better put in a crop of wheat and that George should take the wagon and the best mules and go to the States to get our father and families. George left with others October 10th, suffering much with cold and hunger, reaching home in December and finding that father, Solomon, had died about ten days previous to George's arrival.

Also, about two weeks later, Phebe, Solomon's wife had new baby son, Jacob Hancock. They came west in the wagon company of Allen Taylor, the captain of 100 wagons. In crossing the Elk Horn River on a raft, the rope broke and was carried downstream for about a quarter of a mile. It took 20 yoke of oxen to pull the raft back up stream to the place of landing. At the Platte River the wagons were double teamed across, because of the quicksand. The cattle were also unruly and there were some stampeding along the way. The company finally had to be divided into 50 wagons each and Enoch Reece was put in charge of the one part. Phoebe drove her oxen most of the way herself. They arrived Salt Lake September of 1849.

Phebe and her family moved to Payson in the Spring of 1851. She lived on the same lot 46 years, enjoying good health, doing her housework and earning a living for herself and family. Her helpfulness and many acts of kindness, in times of trouble endeared her to the people. She was called, "Aunt Phebe" by all who knew her. One of fond memories was with the organization called the Relief Society, for when she was 69 years old, she wrote: Elizabeth Lant is President, Elizabeth Tanner is first counselor, and Clarice Moore is the second Counselor. Phoebe Hancock is the Treasurer of the third District. At age 86 years, she contracted pneumonia and was taken to her daughter's home, Alta Hancock Davis, where she was tenderly cared for until her death 4 February 1897 and was buried in Payson, Utah at the Cemetery.

Charles Brent wrote of her, "Her courage, goodness, her motherly care was more than could be expected of woman under our circumstances. She tenderly reared us four children of her cousin (niece) through the perils of mob persecution in Missouri, Illinois and then crossed the plains through an unknown desert to a place called Utah named for the Indians that were there. She also reared five children of her own and all are exemplary citizens."

Charles remained in the Valley two years, eking out an existence. It was two years before plenty was realized, for In 1848 the crickets took nearly all the crop and also in 1849. In the winter, he spent his time logging in the canyon for the farm and that summer harvested nearly 7000 bushels of wheat. He was then put on a list to go to Iron County and help with a settlement there with George A. Smith.

He arrived in Payson, Utah 23 of December 1850 and it was his birthday, being 27 years old. The Company had preceded him by three days and they had left orders for none to follow, because of the Indians. There were ten men starting a settlement here, with James Pace in charge. All were poor with little means and could see the necessity of building a fort to guard against the hostiles. These were the Indians the Spaniard had told them of.

These Indians were Utah's and their Council Grounds was in Payson. The War Chief was Jim Walker (Wakara) and his brother, Arropine, was the Peace Chief. The lakes were Little Salt Lake, Utah Lake, and the Great Salt Lake.

Most of the Hancocks came from Winter Quarters with George to Salt Lake, Utah and then to Payson. Alta (Phebe's 9 yr. old dau.) said "she had walked all the way herding cows, so she walked about twice the distance."

Phebe's first child, a son, was born 14 August 1837 at Caldwell County Missouri named (1) Isaac Adams Hancock and married Margret Melvina Bingham. (2) Alta Hancock was born 18 June 1840, near the border of Adams County on the North, and Hancock County on the South, and married Jonathan Gleason Davis in Payson, Utah. (3) Solomon Hancock Jr. was born 2 June 1842 in Hancock County Illinois and died 6 July 1868 in Payson, Utah. (4) Elijah Hancock was born in Whiteoak or Hancock Settlement of Hancock County 2 April 1844 and married Eliza Caroline Rudd. (5) Jacob Hancock was born 28 December 1846 at Winter Quarters (26 days after Solomon died), and married Louisa Jane Sargent.

THIS INFORMATION WAS TAKEN FROM C.E. HANCOCK'S AUTOBIOGRAPHY AND ALTA HANCOCK DAVIS' HISTORY; IGI FOR SOME MARRIAGE DATES; PAYSON'S EARLY RECORDS; LEVI WARD HANCOCKS DIARY. COMPILED AND WRITTEN BY IVAN Y HASKELL