HAS THIS BLOG BECOME EXTINCT???

With the advent of the Church's new FamilySearch Family Tree the world has gained a great gift!

• For the first time EVER there is finally the possibility of there being ONE single site on the internet where everyone can see his ancestors and how they interconnect with all of humanity (instead of going to multiple websites to see what different people have uploaded as their personal version of an ancestral line).   
• Researchers who have access to original documents can help solve (for all of us) the discrepancies created by information "assumed" because of family tradition, or created because source information conflicts. We, all of us (the whole world), can collaborate & communicate and work together to have accurate records.    

     The potential and power of this is enormous!

   
     The website and Family Tree, is, of course, still undergoing changes and constant improvements.   The latest achievement is that now the capability is there to upload photos and life histories to attach to individuals on the Tree.  The capability to upload scanned copies of original documents for proving facts and for helping solve conflicting evidence will also soon be available.

     As I have become more and more familiar with Family Tree I applaud its vision.  I know great computer minds will continue to solve its problems and weaknesses (especially from feedback from us, its users, about what we don't feel is working well).

     I just returned from another genealogy conference.  As I listened to representatives from FamilySearch discuss the changes, the weaknesses, & the vision for the future of Family Tree, I suddenly thought to myself:  "Oh, no!  Then if everyone can upload photos and documents and life histories to THAT site, then all of the work I have been doing for the last three years on the three Forsgren blogs is wasted!"

     I have since tamed my reaction.  After all - the whole purpose of these blogs is to "get the information out there!"   Why should I, as Family Archivist, squirrel away all the photos and documents and research here in my home when we are in such an incredible age of information sharing??   That is also one of the missions of Family Tree.  But every document and every photo and every life sketch is not going to make its way onto their site,  for any number of reasons.  For instance, if a date is an undisputed fact people may not feel there needs to be a document ("proof") attached to it.  Secondly, there are WAY more photos in the world of people than ever should be or will need to be uploaded, etc. etc.  I love old photos.  I want to see them all.  But that is not appropriate for a site like Family Tree.  We can put as many on the Forsgren blogs as we can find!

    But the most convincing argument for keeping the blog up and running is that the blog itself can be a source and be linked to research questions on Family Tree.  Very lengthy research and analyzing has gone into solving various research problems on each of the blogs (for instance the research on all the wives of John Erik Forsgren).  Therefore, it is much easier to refer people to the blog (as a source quotation) so they can read the history of that research themselves.  This seems better than our trying to duplicate the data on Family Tree where the format will be much less wieldy and informative.

     Soooooo, my fellow Forsgrens.  For now the blogs are safe.  I will continue to work on them.  I will continue to note where we are weak on our data.  I will continue to hope that by getting comments "out there" through both the blog AND FamilySearch Family Tree I will in turn hear from more and more descendants who can flesh out the pages of our descendants.

     Some day I will be unable to continue the work.  I will age (mmm, that's already happening!) or I will die or the continued improvement of public sharing will become so sophisticated that the usefulness of the blog will have run its course.  Gratefully I have received warm and supportive comments from many of you out there who have "found" us on Google or some other search medium.  You have taken the time to express appreciation and you have opened the doors to gathering & greater sharing. It is always such a thrill for me to meet new cousins, receive new photos and clarify data.   That is what fuels my family history persistence!

     For several years now I have seen that new.familysearch (which is what is now being merged into FamilySearch Family Tree) is in all likelihood the fulfillment of the following prophectic statement made over 66 years ago:

     “A universal system of intelligent cooperation will begin to gather on one record sheet every fact in     existence regarding a particular family. This wealth of data will insure accuracy and banish error. Expensive and time-consuming duplication in research and repetitions in ordinances will be eliminated. No sooner will a new fact be uncovered in any part of the world by a researcher than it will be communicated to the Archives center and be assigned to its proper place on some family record.”

                                                           Archibald F. Bennett, Secretary, Genealogical Society of Utah, 
                                                           Church News, December 20, 1947, p.20

He had the vision, indeed.  Only we are no longer using "record sheets" in the sense we previously thought of them - pieces of paper, Family Group Records and Pedigree Charts, etc.  We are in a computer age that is magnificent and inspired.   Thousands of volunteers are daily indexing the vast record collection of the Church's digital and microfilmed record collection.  The capability to "communicate to the Archives Center" in an instant is fulfilled.

Almost exactly thirty years years later Elder Theodore Burton was equally prescient and commented further:

         I don’t think the present type of individual records is the type of record conforming to the “generations of Adam” spoken of in the scriptures.  There is no welding together of generations in that type of temple record and I seriously doubt that such a record would be regarded as an offering “worthy of all acceptation.”

          Up to the present we have not been able to put such a family record of ordinances together.  We have lacked both the technique and the equipment to accomplish so great a task.  Now, however, technology has developed to such a state of the art that the building of just such a family record has become theoretically possible.  To prepare such a record will require further study and research.  We now need to begin to devote time, money, and effort into learning how to construct such a genealogical record of Church families sealed together in proper order by generations.

                                       Elder Theodore Burton, October 11, 1976, "Long-Range Goals for Genealogy"

What Heavenly Father wants is ONE - and only one - "Book of Remembrance" laid at his feet.  He wants the record of the whole human family, connected & linked together.   We are no longer "waiting for the Millenium" to achieve this great linking and redemptive work.   We are there now, watching this miracle unfold before our very eyes!

May we go forth with joy, unafraid to try new things and be willing to accept the learning curve which comes every time something that is familiar is replaced with something that is different.   Engage the help of the young, for whom all this technology is second nature.  This effort will bless both your life and theirs!

2012 Reunion News

Saturday, August 11, 2012 found us gathered at the LDS Meeting House at 25 North 300 East in Brigham City. We were pleased to welcome about 70 people, many of whom came for the first time to the biannual Forsgren Family Reunion. Here are some highlights: 

Our Guest of Honor:

Erma Vilate Funk Walsh - Peter Adolph Forsgren's oldest living descendant!

     What an honor it was to have Erma with us. Still smiling, happy and vibrant at age 99! (She will turn 100 years old in December.) Erma is Peter A's great granddaughter through his first child Sarah Christine Forsgren Klem Christensen. Sarah's oldest child was Lorinda Klem who married Andrew George Funk. Eight children were born to Lorinda & Andrew. Erma was the baby, born after Andrew's return to his family from his mission to Denmark. Erma was brought to the reunion by her daughter Andrea and grandson John.  [Update to this paragraph Jan. 2013:  Erma enjoyed an open house at the Crestwood Care Center in Ogden where she lives, given by daughter Andrea and attended by many friends and family members.  She reached the 100 year milestone with ease and continues to love her life and enjoy good health.  She was honored in the LDS Church News later on that month.  I wish I could have been with her.  ]

      But not to be left out is LeJune Forsgren Maughan, Peter's granddaughter through his last child, Elias Peter Forsgren (born to Peter's second wife Elise Thomassen). LeJune Forsgran Maughan is 91 years old. Her health did not allow her to actually be with us but her daughter came (pictured below) to represent the family and also brought with her a box of letters & documents that belonged to Peter Adolph. Many Peter Adolph artifacts are still the possession of these great grandchildren: Chairs, animals, boxes, etc. that he carved, as well as many silk products made by his wife Elise. [See blog posts of Aug 9, 2010 & May 5, 2010] The gold headed cane which is referred to in the May 2010 post was donated to the DUP museum in Salt Lake City where it can be viewed by all.

LeJune Forsgren Maughan with daughter LeAnna & son-in-law Jay

     We wish both these ladies many more wonderful years of life and are glad to honor them at this time!



     The "Forsgren Scrolls" were once again rolled out (even though they had not been updated since 2010). If I literally knew of every descendant there would be no room for reuning! The scrolls would take up 4 times as much space. For some families we are still not current by at least 3 generations. I encourage you to get in touch with me to see how complete our records are, since tracking all the descendants of the three Forsgren siblings is part of the mission of the Association!  

Richard and Maxine Knight searching for themselves on the descendant scrolls

      We were excited to have Christina Erika's descendants represented this year (since we almost never have in the past). Fay Hubbard Nilsson (left in the photo below with some of her extended family) is also 91 years of age and full of zip and fun! (I hope I can still be that way when I reach her age)! (Dorthy) Fay is the daughter of Elfy Almira Davis Hubbard, who is the daughter of Oliver Frederick Davis, who was Erika's 2nd son.

      Fay's granddaughter, Heather Lewis, will act officially as the Forsgren Family Association Secretary for the next couple of years. I am happily relinquishing that title in order to spend more time as association Archivist. Heather brings a wonderful sense of family to the organization. Sooooo glad to have you on board, Heather!



Heather Lewis - Chr. Erika descendant, new Forsgren Fam. Assn. Secretary

The biggest surprise & disappointment is that this is the first year we had NO representation from any of John Erik Forsgren's descendants! Where were you???

Usually there is a good crowd from this branch of the family.

 

*******************

Summary of Minutes of the 2012 John Olaf Forsgren Family Reunion

August 11, 2012

Opened at 12:00 p.m., Prayer and blessing on the food by Morris Forsgren

Welcome and announcement of some people who needed honoring:

• Frank Forsgren - who passed away in Dec. of 2011 who had been a prominent and consistent attender and arranger of these reunions and past president several times.
• Clyde Forsgren - Also a frequent attender and supporter. He and his wife are both quite ill in Colorado. His wife Janet is being brought to Utah to stay with her daughter to have care.
• Erma Funk Walsh - Honored guest. The oldest living descendant of Peter Adolph Forsgren. Age 99. (See photos and comments above)
• LeJune Forsgren Maughan - Not in attendance because of health. Age 91. Peter's Adolph's only living grandchild.
• Laurie Bryant - Not in attendance and not a Forsgren, but the researcher who compiled a new biographical paper on John Erick Forsgren. Laurie was responsible for helping to solve the mysteries of two of John's wives - Mary Ann Hunt and the one heretofore known only as Ingeborg. [See the sidebar "labels" for the blog posts on these women]. Laurie and I worked closely while she finished her paper on John E. The paper was donated to the Utah State Archives.  She has been an invaluable friend to the Forsgrens.

Change of Command: The current presidency has been intact for 3 terms. This was the year we decided to seek a concensus on the future of the Assn. as it has been over dozens of years:  A gathering of the umbrella organization every two years on the even years, leaving the odd numbered years for people to have smaller family reunions on the odd years.

The problem we now face are the changes inherent in a mobile society and an electronic age. People move much more frequently & they change e-mails fairly frequently so maintaining an accurate mailing/contact list is very difficult. It is now very expensive to send out a reunion notice thru regular mail only to get 1/3 of them back. The wave of the future is to use online sources as much as possible to do research...

I (Adele) asked if we still wanted to try to keep up the bi-annual reunions. Most of the "old-timers" who organized it are gone now. Is there still interest in getting together every two years? Heather Lewis shared a moving story of a family member who was brought back from depression because she immersed herself into learning about her ancestors. She was inspired by them and their stories and consequently learned to have more love of self. Long story short: We will keep going. Accepting the positions for the new leadership are the following:

• Mark Forsgren, President
• Gillian (Jill) Forsgren (Mark's wife), vice president (Mark & Jill e-mail: mjforsgren@hotmail.com ) Mark will maintain the John Olaf Forsgren Association funds so donations to the Association can be sent to him. Adele will be changing the monies that have been kept in Las Vegas so that there will only be one account - the one maintained in Brigham City.
• Heather R Lewis, Secretary (e-mail: mrlckm6@gmail.com) Please send address & e-mail changes to Heather who will be in charge of reunion notifications & keeping the address list current.
• Adele Austin will continue as archivist/blogger (e-mail: vaustin4@centurylink.net ) Please send updates on family member's births, marriages & deaths, photos, family histories, obituaries, etc. to Adele)

Many thanks to the persistent hard work of the outgoing Presidency: Lester Knight, President, Morris Forsgren, Vice-President, and Adele Austin, Secretary/Archivist.


Financial Report: $ 315 was taken in at the reunion toward research goals and organization costs. Thank you all so much. Every dollar counts!

Achievements since the 2010 reunion:

• John Erik Forsgren's membership and temple blessings have been restored. A letter drafted under the signatures of Judd Forsgren (a JEF descendant) and Adele Austin, Assn. Secretary, was sent to the First Presidency requesting their consideration of JEF's membership status. They quickly replied that permission was being granted to have the work done and that it would be accomplished by a member of the 1st presidency in the Salt Lake Temple. We were advised in Nov. of 2011 that the work had been completed with full membership and all former blessings restored to John E. That was a very emotional and happy event.  [See details on this blog]
• Mary Ann Hunt's identity and history was uncovered. [For the full story, see the post on this blog]. Mary Ann was JEF's first wife, sealed to him in Nauvoo, by whom he had a son. When that son - Charles - died it has always been said that Mary Ann "left in the company of another man and returned to her people in Boston." That is true....just not true enough. What actually happened was that she came West to Utah in time to meet JEF who was returning from the Mormon Battalion. For some reason their sealing was cancelled and JEF went on to marry Sarah Bell Davis (through whom his only descendants are born). Mary Ann stayed in the S.L. area for a while, purportedly marrying Lafayette Granger, then left with Charles Snow and moved to the Sacramento area of California. Charles's livery stable was burned out in the big Sacramento fire. Sometime after that Mary Ann and Charles have ended up in New Hampshire. After her death to pneumonia Charles remains in Concord, Massachusetts where they are both buried in the Sleepy Hollow Cemetery there. Great thanks go to the impecable skills of researcher Laurie Bryant for uncovering most of the details of this story. Adele was able to help with some aspects and was blessed to see the story to its conclusion with a visit to Concord to photograph their graves.

Next Research Goal:
      We want to begin actively seeking more information on another Forsgren brother, Carl Frederik who did NOT join the Church and settle in Utah with his siblings. There have been family stories passed down through the generations that Carl did come to America and visit his family in Utah but did not stay. Some say he migrated to the Northwest, others say he settled and married in the Wisconsin/Michigan area. Other stories say he returned to Sweden and died there. (I have been unable to prove any of these theories). It is time to hire a Swedish-speaking researcher to help us out. Donations were accepted at the reunion for this endeavor. If anyone else out there wishes to donate please feel free to contact me, Heather or Mark!

The Genealogy Corner:
     A series of handouts were available for those who were interested to answer questions about how each of YOU can help at this stage of your life. Even if the computer age is baffling there is so much that can be done, only by you, in order to benefit your posterity and your fellow Forsgren descendants. Adele will be posting to each blog a "Genealogy Corner" where those handouts will be available to anyone who wishes to use them. [I only ask that if you copy them for use in your wards or among family that you acknowledge who created them]

Thank you to Micah Forsgren (Mark & Jill's son-in-law) who provided extraordinary technical fetes to allow us enough computer time to show people what the blogs were looking like so they would be more excited to visit them.

Thank you to all who brought food to share for our pot-luck as well as display materials and wonderful stories of ancestors. As always, Morris Forsgren's homemade root beer was a hit!

Unofficial Count of Attendance:  70-80 people

The reunion was closed officially about 3:30 p.m. with a closing prayer offered by David J. Lee. Afterwards Mark and Jill led several groups of people over to the old Peter A. Forsgren home at 59 S. 100 E. and gave a tour. The home has been beautifully restored.

SEE YOU ALL IN 2014 !!

***************************

A few more misc. photos:

Mark Forsgen, new president of the Forsgren Family Assn.

Enjoying the displays - and cracking jokes to keep Adele laughing

All set up and waiting for the crowd.

JOHN ERIK STILL OUT THERE AND OF INTEREST TO MANY

From time to time one comes across the work of others, showing obvious study and time commitment.  One such website I found during a google search for information on missionaries to Sweden.  

The site has interesting photos, maps, sketches and quotes (from most of the same sources we allude to here on this blog)  You will find it interesting to read as well.     http://richardnelson.org/Parent-Frost%20Website/Forsgren%20&%20Gathering%20to%20Zion%20-%20Mormon%20emigration%20from%20Danmark.htm

Be sure to scroll all the way to the bottom and follow the link to "Forsgren Company Danish Immigration in 1853" as well.

John Erik Forsgren TIMELINE

A timeline of a person's life serves many important functions.  It creates an instant "biographical sketch".  It is an indispensable research tool when you are trying to recall the order of events or the locations in which you should be searching for additional information.   It is a tool which helps you to analyze your data and find discrepancies.  As I have worked on this blog for the last year or so, sifting through hundreds of pieces of paper, emails, photos, websites, etc., it quickly became very clear that I needed a summary to refer to.  The JEF timeline came to be created.  Because it helped ME, it may also help YOU.  Enjoy.  (And, as always, please feel free to comment and contest.  That is how we achieve accuracy!)

John Erik Forsgren Timeline

1816, Nov 7   John Erik Forsgren born at Ovre Bergsgatan 6, Gefle, Geffleborg (now Gavle, Gavleborg) Sweden to Johan Olaf  Forsgren and Anna Christina Holstrand

Abt. 1825/26       Left for work on the sea – Reported to have wandered thru many seaports for 18 years.  John's account in his own handwriting said that he was at sea until "in 1832, being April (after I had buried my mother) i went on board of a ship, and according to my long desires came to Newyork, in the beginning of August, continued to sail out of Newyork three years and seven years out of Boston Massachusetts where I heard Bro. Erastus Snow preach the Gosple of Jesus Christ. . .)

1843, July 16   Boston, Massachusetts. Baptized into the LDS Church by William McGhen.  (John's handwritten account says he "was babtized by Elder Wm Meggin on the 26th Day of August 1843...")

1842-1843        Marries Mary Ann Hunt   Place and exact date are uncertain. The date usually given is 25 Dec 1845 in Boston, but they were already in Nauvoo on that date; that is actually the day they received their endowments in the Nauvoo Temple.  Just how long they were married before that event is not yet known.   John arrived in Nauvoo in 1844 according to Andrew Jensen in the LDS Biographical Encyclopedia.  1843  Sometime during this time period, Mary Ann delivers a son – purportedly named Charles, who dies in infancy.   Birthdate, deathdate and place are unknown.   Most accounts believe the death was while she was in Council Bluffs.  [Update:  John Erik's own account, written in 1865, was that he delayed joining the saints in Nauvoo until the Spring of 1844 because of "sickness and death of my first born son, John Adolph, so I tarried until next Spring [in Boston] when I arrived in Nauvoo in 1844..."   It is not known to me why all these years people have referred to that son as Charles.  My speculation is that in the deposition to the War Dept by Kiersten's family the name was mixed up with that of the man that Mary Ann later married, Charles Snow.  The child would likely have been buried in Boston.   As of Oct. 2014 I still have no more information about him, his birth or where he would have been buried).

1844, June 18    Wrote an account of Joseph Smith’s last speech to the Nauvoo Legion which was later copied by others.  (typescript available in the Harold B. Lee Library at BYU)  John E. states that he joined with the companies known as the Nauvoo Legion and was guard around the premises of Joseph Smith's home and round about the City.   After the Prophet was martyred he worked on the Nauvoo Temple.

          July 29      Patriarchal Blessings given to JEF and Mary Ann Hunt Forsgren by John Smith. One reference has date of 1845

1845, Dec. 25      John Erik Forsgren and Mary Ann Hunt Forsgren endowed in the Nauvoo Temple.

1846, Feb 1          JEF and MAHF sealed to Heber C. & Vilate Murray Kimball in the Nauvoo Temple

          Feb 3          JEF and MAHF sealed in marriage by Brigham Young – Nauvoo Temple

          Feb.4           Exodus from Nauvoo begins. JEF and Mary Ann are among some of the first to leave, traveling with the Heber C. Kimball family wagons on Feb.16th

          July 16        Winter Quarters.  JEF mustered into the Mormon Battalion, Company D as Private

          July 20        Starts on the march with the Mormon Battalion – the only Swede among the 546 volunteers.

          Aug. 21       Sent $18 to Heber C. Kimball in addition to money sent to his family

          Oct. 9          Battalion reaches Santa Fe, New Mexico, having passed thru great hardships.

1847, Jan. 30         Mormon Battalion arrives in San Diego

          July 17         JEF mustered out of the Mormon Battalion

                               Working on the Fort in Los Angeles

1847                       Mentioned on an immigrant ship list arriving in California  Source: ANDERSON, SHAUNA C., ET AL, COMPILERS. Passport To Paradise: The Copenhagen Mormon Passenger Lists. Two volumes. West Jordan, UT: Genealogical Services. page 5.

                               JEF and other Battalion members head back to the S.L. Valley from California.  John starts off at least with the Levi Handcock company.
1847, June 18         Mary Ann starts West in the Abraham O.Smoot-George B. Wallace Co., traveling with a member of the Kimball family

          Sept 26-27    Mary Ann arrives in Salt Lake Valley

          Oct 1 or 16   John E. arrives back in Great Salt Lake Valley with other members of the Battalion. (Battalion members arrived at different times. Both dates purported to be correct for John)  JEF's personal account is that he arrived in the Salt Lake Valley on October 18, 1847.

1848, Sept.             Sarah Bell Davis (who would soon become JEF’s second wife) arrives with her parents into the Salt Lake Valley from their 3 month trek from Winter Quarters.

          Oct. 26          JEF's temple sealing to Mary Ann Hunt Forsgren is cancelled

           Nov.             JEF is named a member of the Amasa Lyman/Porter Rockwell party for a mission to California (JH Nov 26 p. 1 1848) He is not part of the group, however, when they actually leave.  He is shortly after found running the mail route between the SL valley and other outposts

1849, Feb 15           JEF marries Sarah Bell Davis, daughter of William and Sarah McKee Davis

          Oct. 9            At Conference John Erik is called along with Erastus Snow and Peter O. Hansen to go preach to the people of Sweden and Denmark.

          Oct. 19          The missionary party meets at the mouth of Emigration Canyon to embark on their travels. 35 men in the party. Arrived at Fort Kearney Dec 7, 1849

          Dec 19          John arrives in Liverpool

1850,  Jan 16           Son, Charles William, is born back in Utah to his wife Sarah who is living with her parents.

          Mar 23          A passport application bearing John E. Forssgren's signature is dated Philadelphia, March 23, 1850.  (Ancestry.com)
          June 14         Arrives in Copenhagen with Erastus Snow & George P. Dykes. (He had served under Dykes in the Mormon Battalion)

          June 19          JEF leaves Denmark headed for his home in Sweden

          July 26           JEF baptizes his brother Peter Adolph Forsgren in Gavle, Sweden. Peter is the first Scandinavian baptized into the LDS Church.  He also heals Peter from a long, nearly fatal illness.

          Aug. 4            JEF baptizes his sister Christina Erika

          Sept. 18         JEF is placed on a ship to be returned to the United States by authorities who, after a series of appearances before magistrates, pronounce him a threat and nuisance for preaching against Lutheranism. John befriends the Captain who instead lets him “escape” back to Copenhagen, Denmark where he rejoins his mission companions.

1852, Feb 24           Social & farewell party held for departing Erastus Snow who appoints JEF to succeed him as president of the Scandinavian Mission

           July               In Sacramento JEF’s former wife Mary Ann Hunt is enumerated as Mary A Snow and is with her husband Charles Snow. Shortly after this census,  Sacramento has a devastating fire which destroys most of the city. Mary Ann and Charles return to the East Coast where they are enumerated in 1860 in Franklin Co.,New York.

            Dec. 23        JEF is officially released from being Scandinavian mission presidenet after being  replaced by Willard Snow

             Dec 22        JEF and his emigrating company arrive in Kiel, Germany; travel by train to Hamburg

             Dec. 24       The company leaves for England

             Dec. 28       The Company arrives in Hull, England. They take a train to Liverpool

1853,    Jan. 1         The John E. Forsgren emigrating company set sail aboard the “Forest Monarch” . Their destination: Zion.

             Jan 16        The Forest Monarch encounters bad weather and has been delayed. Finally on this date it leaves the Mersey River in England bound for America

             Mar. 16       Arrive in New Orleans; Transfer to a steamer to travel up the Mississippi River. (Immigration records on Ancestry.com give the date of arrival at New Orleans as March 19.)

             Mar. 31       Arrive in St. Louis; transfer ships to go 200 miles up the river to Keokuk, Iowa

             May 8         In Keokuk, Iowa JEF marries Peter Adolph Forsgren and Anna Christina Knudsen whom he has met during the voyage

             Jun 27         The party of Saints, still under JEF’s direction, cross the Missouri River and start West

             Sept 30        Arrive in Salt Lake City

             Oct. 4          All members of the company are rebaptized by Erastus Snow

              Fall            John and Sarah Bell go to Brigham City

1854,    April 9        John and Sarah Bell are sealed as husband and wife. [JEF's personal account gives the date of April 8, 1854 in the Council House, sealed by Brigham Young]  Some sources say Endowment House. Official records show “Other” which could mean someone’s office. John was also ordained a High Priest on this date in Pleasant Grove, Utah "by a group of his Battalion comrades" [Source: Pleasant Grove High Priest Quorum Records, 1848-1872, SLFHC film [JEF's account give the date of his ordination as 9 April 1854 by the hands of President David Pettigrew.  JEF does not say where the ordination took place.  He refers to heading for the Carson Mission, so he may have been traveling only with other male companions to the same destination.  The question of where is a intriguing since it would be difficult to travel from Salt Lake to Pleasant Grove easily.

              July 12        Daughter Sarah Alice is born (One family account said it was a premature birth caused by Sarah Bell’s knowledge that John was leaving to take a polygamist wife)

              July 17         John is sealed to Harriet Frances Noon Smith, widow of David Smith and step-daughter of Heber C. Kimball. Sealed by Elder Kimball probably in his office. On the same day Harriet was sealed to her deceased husband. This marriage between John and Harriet does not last.

1856,      Feb 2           John, Sarah, Charles and Alice sent by Brigham Young to Carson, Nevada.

               Mar. 13      Back in Salt Lake a daughter is born to Harriet Frances Noon Smith Forsgren. She is probably the daughter of John Erik Forsgren because Harriet’s husband David Smith died in 1852. The child is given the name of Laura Vilate Smith.

               Oct 7           John Heber Forsgren born in Carson City to Sarah Bell Davis and John E. Forsgren. (There is some family speculation that Sarah had already become interested in Joseph Clapper and that John Heber is really Clapper’s son, not John Erik’s).

1857       Oct 20         Arrives in Brigham City, after returning with other Brethren from Carson Valley.  He makes no mention that Sarah Bell was with him.

1858       (Spring)       JEF and family called back to Salt Lake with the other settlers from Carson Valley because of the approach of Johnston’s army

                                   During this time period. John Erik and Sarah Bell have separated.  So far no record of an official divorce has been found.

1858 (Abt.)                 John marries Ingeborg Peterson

1859 (Spring)             John states that he heads South to help settle Moroni, in San Pete county. No mention of a marriage to Ingeborg, to separating from Sarah Bell or a sealing to Harriet Frances Noon Smith.

1859, May 21             Harriet Frances Noon Smith Forsgren is sealed as plural wife to Leonard E. Harrington of American Fork, by Brigham Young (who suggested the union to Bishop Harrington).

           Oct. 11              Sarah Bell Davis Forsgren marries Joseph C. Clapper

1860                             US Census taken. John E and wife Ingeburg were enumerated in Moroni, Sanpete Co. along with her sons William and Peter and his three children by Sarah Bell Davis: Charles, John and Alice. (The three Forsgren children are also enumerated that year with Sarah and Joseph Clapper!)

1862,    May 8              Ingeborg is granted a formal divorce from JEF (Sanpete Co., Utah)

1862,     Dec. 14            John marries fifth wife Kiersten Nelson Johnson (widow of Henrie Johnson) in Moroni, Utah by Bishop John Bradley.   JEF gives date of 8 Dec 1862 when he marries Kirsten Nielsen.   

1863,    Nov. 17           Sarah Bell Davis Forsgren Clapper dies, just a little over a month after the birth of her third child by Mr.Clapper. (She and all three of her children by Mr. Clapper die in 1863!)

1864,     Oct. 15           John and Kiersten Nielson Johnson sealed in EH by Wilford Woodruff.  [JEF gives date of Oct. 16, 1864.]

1865,     Jan. 22           JEF has been acting as Clerk of the High Priest's Quorum of Moroni Branch and delivers a book of summaries of Several High Priests - an account of their conversion, baptisms, ordinations etc.  John includes his own story and that of his father, John Oluf Forsgren]

1865,    July 24            John serves as Martial of the Day in the Moroni Pioneer Celebration.

1868,    June  22           Heber C. Kimball dies. How does this news affect John E.? Heber had earlier been an important figure to John Erik.

             July 24            John again serves as martial in a pioneer day celebration in Santaquin where he leads a procession of the band and Mormon Battalion members.

1869,    Oct. 11            John marries 6th wife: Mary Ann Mount Snyder. SLC by Elder Daniel H. Wells

1870                             Census of Santaquin, Utah Co enumerates John E Fosgren,age 54 and wife Kiersten age 60, along with John A. Caulfield (the husband of Alice Mariah Johnson - Kiersten’s daughter) and Cathrine Fosgren, age 14.

            Oct 10              SLC Social Hall. Party and dinner held honoring those who had served in Zion’s Camp and the Mormon Battalion. John was one of 63 who attended of the original 500.

1871,   July 12             John is sealed to 4 other wives in the Endowent House: Maren Jensen, Anna Petersen, Johanna Jensen and Anna Nielsen. It is not known if these were vicarious sealings or living. I do not know who performed the ordinances.

1872                             “Speaker sent out from Salt Lake for the semi-annual Conference at Moroni, Utah was Brother Forsgren” It was later found that he had smallpox and had infected his hosts. (Kate B. Carter, Treasury of Pioneer History, vol. 1. The Brother Forsgren is not specifically identified. It is not as likely to have been Peter Adolph Forsgren who was living in Brigham City. John E. had ties to Moroni and also knew the host family in Denmark as the account states.)

1874                             John and Kiersten moved from Santaquin, Utah Co. to SLC

            Oct. 13              Laura Vilate Smith (Forsgren?) dies in American Fork. Her mother Frances had married Leonard Harrington 31 May 1859.

1875                              Dover, (now a ghost town)Sanpete Co., Utah. JEF and others try to form a settlement operating under the Law of Consecration. (Plaque placed later by DUP)

            Jun 15              JEF granted a land patent of 160 acres near Santaquin (NE ¼ of Section 35, Township 9 South, Range 1 East). He sold 4 parcels the same day (approx. 10 acres each)

            July 17             Deed for above filed with the County Recorder

1878,   July 8                JEF took his 721 p. journal to the Church Historian’s Office for safe keeping.

            Oct. 1                JEF arrived and demanded it back.

1879,   Feb. 2                John Erik Forsgren is cut off (excommunicated) from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

1880                              Enumerated in the 1880 Salt Lake Census of Salt Lake as John Branch, living on the NW Corner of 11tth E. & 400 S. with wife Kiersten. Occupation: “Linguist”. He has set up a large tent and has assumed the name of J.J. Branch, the Prophet. Actively proclaiming his own religion and denouncing Brigham Young & others.

1880, Jan 3                    JEF's Father, Johan Olaf, dies in Brigham City;  What was the relationship with John and his father by now?   How often did they see each other?   How devastating it must have been for Peter and Erika to see the brother who had brought them the Gospel, turning his back on that very belief.

1881-1883                      “The Bench Prophet” is taunted and ridiculed in various articles in the Deseret News (Apr, Jun 1881; 1883)

1884                               Utah Gazetteer & Directory of Logan, Ogden, Provo and S.L. p. 487 lists him as John Forsgreen, “Prophet” 11th E. & 4th S. SLC

1886,       Jan 20             Wed.   Fire consumes the tent of John Bench (JEF). Kiersten is badly burned and disfigured. John was trying to save his manuscript. They are cared for by neighbors temporarily and a short while by Kiersten’s son Anders Johnson before leaving S.L. and going to Blaine Co., Idaho to live with Kiersten’s daughter Johanna Catherine Timerman  [Church's printed Historical Record for 1886 states it this way:  " The tent of John E. Forsgren, on the 10th Ward Bench, Salt Lake City, was burned."  There is a little confusion since the top of the page where this quote is listed says "Chronology - February 1885 p. 2"  yet the page preceding (p. 1) says Chronology January 1886. The following page is accurately identified as p. 3 - February 1886]

1889,     June                   John E. leaves Kiersten in Blaine Co. Idaho to seek a new home somewhere in Utah. Refused refuge by Anders Johnson, Kiersten’s son. JEF begins to wander around S.L. and Southern Utah looking for refuge, telling others he wanted to write a histor of the Battalion.

1890,      Jan. 22             John E. Forsgren dies at the home of Antoinette Carr, a former acquaintance, who took him in and housed & nursed him because she felt sorry for his condition. JEF’s body was moved to Brigham City by his brother, Peter A. Forsgren and buried near the PA/AP Forsgren family plots (Section B-16-7-8)

1891-1908                        Kiersten Forsgren and Mary Ann Fosgreen (as she was known), ex-wives of John E. both file claims for Pension. Over the years much investigation was done and affidavits taken to see which of the two women should receive benefits

1894,     Apr.  28              Kiersten passes away, before the claim is settled

1896,      Apr. 1                Mary Ann Hunt Forsgren Granger Snow (John’s first wife) passes away from pneumonia in Concord, Massachusetts

1908,      July 27              Pension claim is finally settled after detailed investigation. Kierstsen has already died; Mary Ann is proclaimed ineligible for the money because she is not recognized as an official wife.

1912,      Jun 11               Harriet Frances Noon Smith (briefly Forsgren) Harrington passes away in American Fork, Utah.

2000,      July 26             150 year anniversary of the first convert baptism in Sweden. Huge commemoration attended by many Forsgren descendants from America.

2001,     July 26             Monument to JEF placed in the public park in front of the Forsgren family home in Gavle, Sweden - dedicated by Elder Ronald A. Rasband of the Seventy. The bust was sculpted by great great grand daughters Trudi Iverson and Brenda Hansen (daughters of Judd Forsgren). [John Erik is revered by members of the Church in Sweden. Their gratitude for his part in bringing the Gospel to that nation is never forgotten]

2010,     Aug                   Letter written to the First Presidency by Adele Austin and Judd Forsgren requesting a review of John Erik’s excommunicated status to see if his blessings might be restored.

             Nov. 2               Full membership and blessings restored to John Erik Forsgren, Salt Lake Temple.

JOHN ERIK FORSGREN, THE MORMON BATTALION & POST-BATTALION ACTIVITIES

Brief references have been made in other posts on this blog about John E.'s participation in the Mormon Battalion.  However, the subject deserves a much more thorough treatment.  I have invited Grant Forsgren Hovey, a John Forsgren descendant, to add to this post as he might see fit since he has also done extensive research on both his ancestor and the Battalion.   I am also indebted once again to Laurie J. Bryant, Ph.D., for giving me permission to quote from her manuscript, "A Rascal Among the Faithful."   Laurie has contributed good historical insight into the formation of the Battalion itself as well as John's participation.    We invite others in the family to comment as well on any content contained in this post.

Sculpture by Ed Fraughton of a Mormon Battalion Soldier

From Ms Bryant's manuscript:
Service in the Mormon Battalion
Late in 1845, persecution of Mormons was on the rise, and life in Nauvoo was becoming intolerable for Church members. Brigham Young and his advisors were planning an exodus whose destination would be somewhere west of the Rocky Mountains and outside what was then the United States. When the exodus began in February, 1846, John Forsgren was among the first of Heber C. Kimball’s family to cross the Mississippi River into Iowa. This time of crisis for the Church coincided with much larger events that were also shaping American westward expansion. The United States had annexed the Republic of Texas in 1845; the Mexican army responded in April, 1846, by crossing the Rio Grande and firing on American troops near the Texas border. A war with Mexico was imminent.

Church members were asked to join the United States military in a unit that became known as the Mormon Battalion. In addition to its obvious tactical purpose as a fighting force, the Mormon Battalion also figured into the strategic plans of both President James K. Polk and President Brigham Young. Young had sent Jesse Little of the Eastern States Mission to Washington, D. C., to ask for assistance in escaping persecution; Little arrived in the capital only days after the declaration of war with Mexico on May 13, 1846. Polk already knew about the persecution of the Mormons, and their desire to flee the United States; he had previously turned down requests for help. Now, it was to Polk’s and Young’s mutual advantage to cooperate in organizing the Mormon Battalion. From Polk’s point of view, creating the Battalion would serve “to conciliate [the Mormons], attach them to our country, and prevent them from taking part against us.”(19) Young could see that having Church members in the military was good public relations, showing that the Church was not an enemy of the United States. Then too, Young reasoned that the emigrants were in desperate need of money, and military pay and allowances, donated to the Church general fund, could “take their families over the mountains.”(20)

 Recruiting for the Mormon Battalion began in late June, 1846, at settlements in Iowa where Mormon groups stopped to prepare for the journey west. Over the next three weeks, and after a good deal of Brigham Young’s encouragement, over 500 volunteers joined the unit, left their families in the care of others, and set off across the Great American Desert to prevent the Mexican army from invading the United States. (21)

John E. Forsgren was the lone Scandinavian member of the Mormon Battalion, the only unit of the U. S. military to be established based on the faith of its members. He enlisted as a private in Company D. Mustered in on July 16, 1846, he marched off toward the southwest on July 20; on August 21, he sent $18 to Heber C. Kimball, “aside from that sent to their families.”(22)

The Battalion arrived at San Diego on January 29, 1847, after a grueling journey of some 1900 miles. The war had ended; no one in the Battalion ever engaged the enemy. Forsgren and most of the other volunteers were mustered out at Los Angeles after exactly a year of service. If Forsgren had enlisted to help other Church members on their journey west while protecting future American claims to the Southwest, he should have been pleased with the results of his efforts. But if he joined the Battalion in the hope of finding adventure and glory, he would have been deeply disappointed, as his later recollections suggest.

With no work and apparently no taste for military life (although they were strongly encouraged to re-enlist), groups of men started northward out of the Los Angeles Basin and into the Central Valley. Eventually they found their way to the area of Sutter’s Fort in the Sierra Nevada foothills. A few lingered and became participants in the gold strike of January, 1848, but most simply headed east across the mountains and the Great Basin, returning to their friends and families in the new settlement of Great Salt Lake City.(23)

That is the straightforward part of the Mormon Battalion’s history. The backstory is much more complex and often unhappy. Long before arriving in California, the men’s clothes and shoes were in tatters. Rather than buy uniforms from the Army when they enlisted, they had donated the money to Church funds. Many men were sick, in part because Brigham Young had warned them not to accept military medicines (24) (which were standard for the times), but to rely on divine intervention instead. For that matter, at limited medical care was offered was sometimes negligent, (25) and some of the suffering could have been prevented.

Members of the Battalion later described deep resentments that grew up in the Battalion, not only between the officers and men, but among the officers themselves. (26)  Many incidents arose from misunderstanding; many have been overblown. For John Forsgren, his year with the Battalion was both a source of pride and the basis of resentment he expressed much later.

Battalion organization seems to have been at the core of most problems. All the recruits and some of the officers were volunteers, and thus those officers were elected by the men and lacked the authority of regular military commissions. The volunteers had, prior to entering military service, been related to each other as family members, brothers in the Church, and through the priesthood hierarchy. There had been only two weeks for training and instructing them in military discipline before the unit elected its company-grade officers and set off on its march. The historian Sherman Fleek, a retired Army officer and a member of the LDS Church, explains that the Battalion thus had two conflicting hierarchies operating under entirely different rules, and that these would have been hard for both men and officers to reconcile.(27)   The volunteers found it very difficult to accept, for example, that Elder George P. Dykes (who held no special position in the Church) was now 1st Lt. Dykes of D Company, their superior in the military chain of command. In Fleek’s judgement, Dykes’ efforts at discipline and order were evidence that Dykes was one of the few Battalion members who had “learned the profession of arms.”(28).   The men in his company, John Forsgren among them, did not see it that way.

Dykes came to be disliked by many of his men, who objected to what they saw as his strictness and dictatorial style. Years later, John Forsgren’s family and friends must have been treated often to his complaints about Dykes and his resentment over being “locked up” for refusing duty because the unit had not received its bread ration. (29)  Forsgren’s compiled service record is silent on the matter of discipline.  Battalion members such as Tyler and Standage who kept journals or wrote of their experiences did not mention Forsgren by name, although Henry Standage wrote, “several of Co. D put under guard...for refusing to drill.” (30) While Forsgren may have found his experience in the Mormon Battalion unpleasant, that didn’t prevent him from joining his comrades at celebrations and reunions in 1865 and 1870. (31)

Battalion members who left California after mustering out reached Great Salt Lake City in mid-October, 1847.  Forsgren traveled east with the loosely-organized Hancock/Hunt/Pace/Lytle Company. (32)

Forsgren’s life thus far had been one of almost constant travel; even his long journey with the Mormon Battalion seems not to have made him any less restless.  Rather than settle down in Great Salt Lake City, by September, 1848, he was carrying “dispatches from the Valley” east along the Mormon Trail through Pacific Springs and as far east as Devil’s Gate, Wyoming.(33)   In November, 1848, he was named a member of the Amasa Lyman-Orrin Porter Rockwell party for “an exploring mission and preaching mission to California.” (34)   As it happened, when Lyman and Rockwell started out in early 1849, Forsgren was not with them.  Rockwell had already gained an unsavory reputation for minting counterfeit gold coins; (35)  it is tempting to imagine a partnership between the future “Bench Prophet” and the “Destroying Angel,” but Church leaders had other plans for John Forsgren.

Footnotes for the above:
19. Polk, James K., Polk: The Diary of a President, 1845-1849, 1929. A. Nevins, ed., p. 109. Longmans, Green and Company, London, New York, etc.
20. Brown, Joseph E., 1980. The Mormon Trek West, Doubleday, Garden City, New York, p. 50-52
21. Fleek, Sherman L., 2006. History May Be Searched in Vain: a military history of the Mormon Battalion, Arthur H. Clark Co., Spokane, Wash., p. 66
22. Journal History of the Church of Jesus Christ of latter-day Saints (chronological scrapbook of typed entries and newspaper clippings, 1830-present), Aug. 21, 1846, p. 6, LDS Church Archives.
23. Bigler, D., and Bagley, W. eds., 2000. Army of Israel: Mormon Battalion narratives, Arthur H. Clark Co., Spokane, Wash., Chapter 10
24. Fleek, S., History May Be Searched in Vain: a military history of the Mormon Battalion. Arthur H. Clark Co., Spokane, Wash. p. 140
25. Fleek, S., History May Be Searched in Vain: a military history of the Mormon Battalion. Arthur H. Clark Co., Spokane, Wash., p. 218
26. Tyler, D., 1881. A concise history of the Mormon Battalion in the Mexican War 1846-1847. p. 143-144.
27. Fleek, S. 2006, History May Be Searched in Vain: a military history of the Mormon Battalion, Arthur H. Clark Co., Spokane, Wash., p. 206
28. Fleek, S., 2006. History May Be Searched in Vain; a military history of the Mormon Battalion, Arthur H. Clark Co., Spokane, Wash. , p. 334
29. U. S. Bureau of Pensions, deposition of Kiersten Forsgren, February 15, 1893, p. 14
30. Golder, F. A., 1928. The March of the Mormon Battalion, from Council Bluffs to California, taken from the journal of Henry Standage. Century Co., NY, p. 213
31. Deseret News, August 2, 1865, p. 2 and October 19, 1870, p. 1
32. Mormon Pioneer Overland Travel, Church History Library database
33. Journal History, September 5, p. 1; Sept. 12, p. 2; and 13, p. 1,1848
34. Journal History, Nov. 26, p. 1, 1848
35. Owens, Kenneth., Gold Rush Saints, Arthur H. Clark Co., Spokane, Wash., p. 80

The following are photocopies of cards from John Forsgren's compiled service record.  The originals are in the National Archives in Washington D.C.   These copies I obtained during an interview with LeJune Forsgren Maughan, the granddaughter of Peter Adolph Forsgren thru wife Elise Thomassen.    You will note that they don't tell you much other than to corroborate dates of mustering in and out.   Typed notes at the bottom of each card that they are "corrected" pages are intriguing.  Have no idea what that means.

In the many accounts of John Forsgren that I have read over the years it is clear that his time in the Battalion was important to him, as were his friends from that service.  He often wandered around the state visiting them and attended events that would recognize the Battalion.  On October 10, 1870, for instance, John was among the sixty-three (out of 500!) members of the battalion who were present at a dinner and party held in the Salt Lake Social Hall honoring those who had served in Zion's Camp and in the Battalion.    (see Journal History of the Church, Oct. 10, 1870, p. 1).  Also present on that occasion was Martin Harris who had arrived from the East earlier that year to rejoing with the body of the Saints.  

While living in Moroni John was active in the 24th of July celebrations with other Battalion members.  He served as "Marshal of the Day" on July 24, 1865.  Later, he and his wife Kiersten moved to Santaquin. John held the same honor in a similar celebration held there on 24 July 1868.  On that occasion John led a procession of the Martial Band, former members of the Mormon Battalion, and others to the house of President Hollady who served as the "Orator of the Day."

One account of John E's life states that he arrived back in Salt Lake on 1 Oct. 1847 after being released from Battalion service.  Other sources state that Oct. 16th is the more likely date.   The question at this point in our narrative is: what or whom did he hope to find in Salt Lake?   Did he know that his wife Mary Ann Hunt Forsgren would be there waiting for him?   Was he surprised?   What caused the final rift in their relationship - an ocurrence which seems so amazing to me since Mary Ann had traveled all the way across the plains experiencing her own privations and difficulties.    For much more detail on that story, please go to the blog post about Mary Ann (created in May 2010 and recently updated).   What feels certain is that John Forsgren wanted to be important, still wanted to make a place and name for himself among the Brethren.  He got that chance, of course, when shortly afterwards he was called to serve his famous mission to Sweden.

Anyone interested in the Mormon Battalion should visit the new Battalion Historic Site in San Diego, California.  Though I have not yet been there myself I recently heard from family members that it is a popular attraction, very interactive and nicely done.  Get an overview of all that it has to offer at http://historicmormonbattalion.net/

Update: Feb. 2012:
     While vacationing with my family in Oceanside, California we took advantage of the opportunity to finally visit the monument.  It is indeed a nice place to be.  (Complete with talking portraits just like in Harry Potter!).  Very intersting for young children who also get to pan for gold, work a pump, find their ancestor's name in the Battalion logbooks and have their photo taken in "old time" mode.  Guides are well informed and helpful.  The emphasis of their presentation of the Battalion experience was that it was a huge financial help to the saints as they crossed the plains since most of the monies paid the soldiers by the U.S. Government went to the families instead of being spent on uniforms, etc. 

Our guide choses a volunteer from the group to come get dressed up with the typical gear of a Battalion volunteer.

There's our John in the volunteer logbook

My husband Victor with the statue of the soldier at the entrance to the monument.

Our granddaughter, Noelle, seeking her fortune

A small-scale covered wagon is part of the display.

The Monument is part of San Diego's Old Town and across the street from a synagogue and several beautiful homes that have been moved to the area for tourist appeal.   There is a small picnic area behind the battalion monument as well which we were grateful for since we had packed a quicky lunch that Sunday afternoon and the kids were "starving."  (of course).          Go visit;   Enjoy!

JOHN ERIK'S SIGNATURE /PASSPORT APPLICATION

     I came across the following entry on Ancestry.com.  Thought it would be nice to share what John's signature looked like.  Notice he writes it John E. Forssgren.

Transcription of the document:
U.S. Passport Applications, 1795-1925.  #4189
Rec'd 25 March   M. Reddall
To Honorable John M. Clayton
          Sec of State Washington City D.C. 
Dear Sir.  Be pleased to transmit by return of mail a passport in accordance with the enclosed attested Certificate, and
            Oblige your humble Servt -
address No. 8 Library st Philada.
to Chas. Watkin, Ship Brokers
Philada  March 23rd 1850

[This would have been John's application to return to Sweden on his mission as directed by the First Presidency in the October 1849 General Conference].

JOHN ERIK'S MEMBERSHIP & BLESSINGS HAVE BEEN RESTORED !!!

     In my mailbox yesterday was a marvelous gift.  Judd Forsgren, great grandson of John Erik Forsgren, forwarded to me the following letter:

I was on my way to our local branch family history center when I opened the letter.  I sat very quietly in my car for several minutes letting the impact of this wash over me.  We had initiated the request for reinstatement on August 21, 2010.  The request had to be sent through someone who was a direct family descendant so I solicited Judd's help after drafting a letter to the Office of the First Presidency.  It was Judd and his daughters who had so much to do with creating and placing the monument to John E. in Gavle, Sweden.

For several months, as I have worked at creating this website, gathering every scrap of information I could find (with the very able help of Laurie Bryant in Salt Lake City and numerous other descendants & interested parties) I have come to have deep feelings and involvement in the life of John, his wives and descendants.   I kept getting the urge to make this request, hoping that on the other side of the veil John has met any requirements of change of heart or repentance or whatever might be expected "up there" and would want nothing more than to once again enjoy the full fellowship of the Church.  There is no doubt but that he was a strong advocate for the Gospel.  He was a man with weaknesses as well, and eventually lost site of what he had stood for most in the early days of his conversion.  

The following letter, dated  November 4, 2010 was later sent to Judd:

 "Dear Brother Forsgren:

        We are pleased to inform you that the following ordinances were completed by proxy in the Salt Lake Temple on behalf of Brother John Eric Forsgren: 

     Readmission and restoration of temple blessings on November 2, 2010.  

These ordinances have restored all priesthood and temple blessings held at the time of his excommunication. . . . 

                               Sincerely, Thomas E. Coburn, Managing Director (of the Church Temple Dept.)

That these temple and sealing blessings are now once again available to him brings me great joy.  If in any way I have had some small part in bringing this event about then I am satisfied.  Whatever his decisions are now in the spirit world, I, for one, look forward to meeting him and thanking him for all that he did to bring the Gospel into the lives of many people.

Note:  I have had no previous experience with the restoration of blessings so had had no occasion to contemplate what that might consist of.  In Elder Gerald Lund's 2010 book Divine Signatures, the following was stated:  "When a person transgresses to the point that full Church fellowship, or even membership, is taken away, the blessings and privileges of the priesthood and temple ordinances are withdrawn as well.  These can only be restored with permission of the First Presidency.  The restoration itself is an ordinance done by the laying on of hands.  For many years, only General Authorities were given these assignments.  Now area seventies and some stake presidents receive those assignments as well."  (p. 133-134)  Elder Lund was referring in this case to a restoration of blessings to a living individual.  The letter from Bro. Coburn makes it clear that a proxy ordinance (restoration of blessings for a deceased individual) is done by a member of the temple presidency within the walls of the temple.