Angelina Calkin Farley-The blessings of Geneology, Faith, and miracles. A parking ticket too.

Angelina Calkin Farley

by Tracie Tolman Turner

 

 

Angelia Calkin (Calkins is another spelling) was the daughter of Captain John Calkin and Lucy Kellogg. She was born on the 4th of May 1817, in Elizabeth Town, New York. At the age of 33 she married Winthrop Farley who was just 19 at the time on the 20th of May 1850. And shortly after embark with the Saints to Salt Lake City. Angelina kept wonderfully detailed journals that are now in the LDS Church Archives but can be viewed on microfilm. I will post some at the end, but I feel compelled to tell you a story.

“… And he shall plant in the hearts of the children the promises made to the fathers, and the hearts of the children shall turn to their fathers. If it were not so, the whole earth would be utterly wasted at his coming” (verses 38, 39 JS History)

Since Grandma and Grandpa Greer passed, sorting their paperwork and reading the stories of their ancestors has made my Mom (Donna) and I eager to learn all we can about this families great history.

We have visited graves for as long as I can remember. We would always stop at Winthrop Farley. My mom curious as to where his wife Angelina was buried did some research on Find a Grave and discovered that she is buried next to her husband, but no grave marker was present. It broke her heart that this wonderful women we had learned about from her diaries was in a unmarked grave.

Ogden City Cemetery
www.findagrave.com

 

She made it her mission to fund raise with in the family so that she could have a headstone. One fitting for the strong pioneer woman that she was. I tried to help by researching her and finding stories about her. I was so sad that I was never able to find a picture of her. I sent a question to the LDS library asking if they had any other information or photos that they could share with me. Sadly after waiting for weeks I never did hear from them, and then it slipped from my mind as I got lost in the stories of my Ancestors. With funds complete my mom ordered the most beautiful headstone for Angelina and my brother Adam was able to design the headstone. It turned out so amazing.

www.findagrave.com



I would think of her from time to time, wondering what this incredible, strong, pioneer woman looked like. And I would Google her to see if anyone had posted anything new about her.
Sadly I never could find anything.

Until July 1, 2013 When I received the following email:

 

Hi, Tracie,

 

Please forgive the intrusion.

 

I noticed that a year and a half ago you made a comment online saying, “I have been looking for information on Angelina Calkins Farley,” your third great-grandmother.

 

The LDS Church History Library has a set of diaries Angelina Farley kept from 1847 to 1888. Unfortunately, the diaries are available only in microfilm, so they require some real commitment to read. The library also has a portrait of Angelina that her brother John painted in 1849.

*I cannot explain the elation that came over me reading this sentence*

 

Incidentally, I am a descendant of Thomas Tolman—my grandmother was a Tolman, granddaughter of Judson Adonirum Tolman and Sarah Lucretia Holbrook, and daughter of Wallace Holbrook Tolman and Annie Mary Hofhine.

 

Good luck!

 

Jay Parry

 

My distant cousin from my Dad's side gave me the information I so longed to know about my Mothers side. And the only way he knew I was a Tolman was from my email address. Judson and Sarah are my 3 great grandparents.

 

I called my mom and gave her the exciting news! We went there on Tuesday to view this ancestor who we had come to love very deeply. We were sorely disappointed when they told us that it was located in another building a block away and was in storage. We trekked through Temple Square with my four kids in tow only to be told that it wasn't there either. But after a few phone calls it was determined that they would let us see the portrait at 2:30 that afternoon. When we got off the phone the desk missionary told us that we were very lucky. Usually they require 2 weeks notice and proof that you are family.

 

We met Wendy at 2:30 and she took us down to bottom floor where they keep and restore artifacts. It was so cool. My mom and I took turns going in because they didn't want the kids in there. After entering many security doors I was standing in front of Angelina Calkin Farley. My 3rd Great Grandma. I was unable to get my camera to take a nice photo to share with you. But don't be sad, our angel Wendy who got us in in two hours, without proof of us being family, offered to take one with her better camera and email it to me that night. Wendy told us that she had only been in her office for 5 minutes that whole day because she was working on a display and it just happened that we called in those 5 minutes. Coinsidence? I think not. Our ancestors are on the other side helping us along, wanting us to turn our hearts to them.  “the greatest responsibility in this world that God has laid upon us, is to seek after our dead.” Because we cannot be saved without them, “it is necessary that those who have gone before and those who come after us should have salvation in common with us, and thus hath God made it obligatory to man,” says the Prophet Joseph Smith.

 

Walking back to the car we were so excited, we talked of the characteristics in relatives that we could see in her. Our hearts were so happy, that the 15 dollar parking ticket we got was well worth it. I checked my email often that night and as Wendy promised a beautiful picture, that we are so excited to share with you!

Angelina
 painted by her brother
 John Townsed Calkin
in 1849



Isn't she beautiful!

 

Here is how I am related: Angelina Calkin is the mother of Marriett Orinda Farley,  who is the mother of Veda Eggleston,  who is the mother of Fern Jones, who is the mother of Donna Lee Greer, who is the mother of Tracie Fern Tolman. (Me!) 

 

So dear cousins you should be able to put your moms name and your name in place of mine to see it in your genealogy.

 

 

 Here is some exerpts from her journal coming across the plains.  I did take out some entries you can find then on Ancestry.com or the church library. http://trees.ancestry.com/tree/33050093/person/18380428878

 

 Source of Trail Excerpt:Farley, Angelina, Diaries, 1846-1888, 32 p.Read Trail Excerpt:

[June] 19 Crossed the Missouri and camped first night

20  Lay by for the company to all to cross
21  Started out this morning with our company of hundred[.] passed an indian wigwam and cornfield The whole company camped together[.] Mariett[e] has again told me how much they have done for me as though I did not know or care for it and said many things that sink deep
22  Lay by waiting for a ten in our fifty[.] First fifty started out. Mariett washed[.] Hard wind some rain
23  Sabbath. Started out to overtake the first fifty, and camp with them[.] rained so that we had to camp before we came up with them[.] A little child died with the measels this evening in the wagon next behind us
24  Rain all day untill towards evening[.] Read some of my old letters. W[inthrop] [Farley] stood guard Last night
25  Pleasant. An old gentleman died this morning and was buried on the prairie[.] Our ten took the lead
26  Pleasant Rain last night[.] Cattle all left the corell to seek shelter[.] The guard unfaithful[.] All had to turn out
27  Passed 5 fresh graves yesterday after crossing a creek that took nearly all the afternoon[.] camped soon after[.] Asa and W had a hateful talk[.] Started out this morning early[.] little interruption till we came in sight of government camp carrying out provisions to fort[.] The men were frightened at the report of cholera ahead, and Left several graves by the road of those who had died with the cholera. some Mormons
28  Cold yesterday morning. Rained this morning[.] Cold uncomfortable[.] Very warm this afternoon[.] Several quite unwell in our camp[.] Passed the fifteenth new made grave[.] Came in sight of the smoke of some other camp, and camped by the side of a stream
29  A Dr died in our camp last night from his own imprudencies. Eat a hearty dinner of beans and drank a great quantity of cold water contrary to counsel, and about eight oclock was a corpse. I washed. Rain last night cold this morning. W[inthrop] stood on guard in Alma Harris’s place
30 <Sabbath  Rain this morning. Cool[.] The men had a meeting yesterday morning and this [morning]. Crossed the stream and camped
July 1 Cold all day. Camped early. A camp ahead in sight
2  Cool. A part of the cattle strayed from the rest[.] Took a long time to collect them. Two more cases of sickness children. The camp ahead still in sight[.] Proved to be a couple of teams from the valley with the mail. All night with us[.] Our ten took the lead
3  We were the last ten. A child died last and was buried yesterday, another this morning making six persons out of our camp, four children, two men[.] we have passed 33 graves besides
4 Started out early and traveled a good day’s drive[.] passed two graves. Mariett took medicine last night and again to night. W took medicine to night. A company that left Kanesville a week after we did passed us. A government train of mule teams passed us this evening
5  Started late this morning, and camped in about an hour, to decide whether they should break the company and who should go ahead
6 Three tens separated from the rest. Capt. [Truman] Leonard and [Harmon Dudley] Person [Pierson] travel in company[.] We travel fast all day[.] left the others entirely behind. Berry our off leader nearly gave out. Mariatt more unwell. Passed one grave.
7  Passed 4 graves, among them was that of brother [Jacob] Adamson’s babe. We came up with the other fifty of our company, and also Woodruff’s[.] Passed and camped west of them. Saw brother [John] Fosset and his wife, and from them learned that Father [Edward, Jr.] Farley and his company separated from the rest, through the influence of Baily over Adamson.
8 Snow’s company got the start of us in the morning[.] we passed some old indian huts uninhabited[.] found an ox belonging to government that had been left because their feet were sore. Drove him along. Father F came into our company with his carriage to take W, and I on with them[.] Passed two graves

12 Father mother and husband went up to the fort[.] I washed the dishes[.] W bought another cow for fourteen dollars cash. The other man got sick of his trade and W gave him up one of the cows. Mother <gave> her two year old heifer for the same cow back again to put in the team[.] came on a few miles and camped. Elder O[rson] Hyde passed us on his way to the valley. says the companies are about 25 miles back excepting Grants which is close by. Passed 53 graves between Missouri and fort Kearny. Passed 6 to day
13 Hard wind before bed time; hard wind thunder and rain in the night last night[.] Quite cool this morning[.] For five days have traveled on a level sandy plain, no wood this [side] of the river[.] dig holes in the ground for water or use river water. We passed Hyde and he passed us again[.] Passed 5 graves[.] one the corpse dug out and eaten up by wolves
14 Sabbath Another hard shower[.] The sharp thunder and lightning caused the cattle to pull up their stakes[.] A stranger that camped with us had horse hurt very bad last night[.] Lay by because of rain. Had the phthisic all day
15 Rain again last <night> and this morning[.] Still phthisicy. Cool[.] started out[.] overtaken by a thunder shower, and camped rather early. W[inthrop]. and J. O L. [John O’Laughlin] started out to catch a stray horse on the road[.] A stranger took him first. Passed 12 graves
16 Cold wind. The owner came for the horse[.] Traveled half a day and stopped[.] Saw herds of Buffaloes. Five hands went to shoot them[.] several it <is> supposed received their death wounds, but they got none[.] We crossed the first stream emptying into the Platte yesterday. Passed 14 graves[.] A company of pack horses and mules passed going west
17 Our black cow threw herself and lay as long with her head bent under her, she was nearly dead. The government mule train passed going east. We traveled about 5 or 6 miles and stopped to rest the cow, wash and bake and hunt buffalo. Cool wind[.] The hunters did not come in till late in the night, part came and left two with the buffalo they had killed[.] Passed 5 graves
18 July 1850 They started out with the wagon to fetch the buffalo. Wesley [Harris] and John O L left it about 12[.] came in little after sun rise
18 The bluffs hitherto low and tolerable smooth, for the last twenty miles assumed more the form and appearance of mountains from [blank space] feet high[.] The men that have been out among them say they are timbered[.] Some very large cedar trees[.] [Charles N.] Johnson killed another buffalo after we started[.] Hundreds of them close by going from the bluffs to the river for drink[.] A company of gold diggers passed ahead of us. We camped in sight very near a herd from one <to> two thousand in number[.] The men went to scare them away[.] 5 of them <came> up within a few steps. [Jacob] Adamson and W[inthrop] shot each of them one[.] We came to the first grove on the bottom and camped since we came on to it. Passed 4 graves
19 Captain Leonard and Person’s company came up to our camp this morning just as we started[.] They camped for the day. All well. Hundreds of buffalo have run across the road before our train, but a few yards distant. Passed 13 graves
20 Our road has been hilly. The bluffs on this side of the river have decreased. While we stopped to noon a couple of men came up in search of a criminal escaped from fort Kearny. Hawthorn[e] killed a buffalo with one shot. He shot at an animal that digs up graves[.] a man eater[.] Passed 9 graves one dug up. Very hard thunder[.] camped among the buffalo. Had to watch all night.
21 Sab The plains along the road covered with buffalo. The boys out shooting them to scare them. Very warm[.] Had the phthisic bad all day. Passed two mule teams[.] Also some Oregon ox teams[.] Passed 9 graves
22 Some better[.] have seen but few buffalo[.] the road hilly and sandy. feed for some days not very good[.] Passed 11 graves
23 No buffalo to day. The feed for a week past has [been] quite poor[.] A more pleasant prospect across the river before our camp. The river looks pleasanter than it has before[.] Passed 10 graves
24 The feed along our road to day very poor, the wind from the sandy plains hot, reminding me of the scorching winds of the sandy deserts of Africa[.] Passed a village of prairie dogs, a small animal somewhat resembling our common rabbits of the states[.] It is said a dog, a bird and a snake inhabit the same house, which is a hole dug out under the ground[.] Our men saw a snake run into the hole of one of these animals and a bird flying about it. We stopped to feed at the middle ford, the river broad and very shallow divided by islands. At the upper ford where we camped we found a team [of] two men on their return to the states by whom I sent a letter to John. The river and bottom at this place, as far as the eye extends, <up and down> are smooth <and> clear, the bluffs on both sides melted down to soft undulating hills, the bottom not less than four miles wide, the river a quarter[.] Passed six graves, two near our encampment[.] one of them dug out the corps gone. It is a melancholy thought that when a friend is buried on these plains that soon their bodies will [be] exhumed by wild animals
25 The four past mornings have been delightful, calm cool, the air bracing and the soft murmur of the broad stream before our encampment, is sweetly soothing to my heretofore disturbed senses. I love to walk or sit on its bank and think of absent friends[.] The men who lost their cattle where we camped in the night of the 22^nd have just come up. Found their lost. Crossed the river with some difficulty[.] The bed of the river being composed of gravel, sand, and quick sand, is continually giving way under the teams, which renders it fatiguing[.] The mules sank so far in the sand as not to be able to pull the carriage and it was hitched behind a large wagon[.] Immediately after crossing we ascended three or four hundred feet above the level of the river[.] our road leading over the barren bluffs, the grass what little there once was, perfectly dead as though the frosts of winter had passed over. A few green weeds alone showed signs of life. One little ground squirrel and one buffalo appeared the sole inhabitants of these dreary hills. Arriving at Ash hollow I found myself perfectly at home. Its wild, and to some, terrible scenery, seemed to awaken some of my former enthusiasm, and the breeze passing over hill and through dale, seemed to invigorate my innervated mind and system. The entrance to this hollow from the east, present to view a landscape of the most ragged hills, and deep glens in a the greatest number of any I have ever seen greater number than I ever before saw[.] Travelled 18 miles without water or feed for cattle and camped between two rocky bluffs, near an excellent spring[.] a luxury we do not often enjoy[.] Some of our party are much disheartened at the difficulties and roughness of the way. Passed four graves
26 The musketoes were very troublesome preventing our sleep towards the latter part of the night, but a cool breeze dispersed them in the morning[.] We have been much annoyed by these troublesome insects since we came on to the plains. I believe the soil of this hollow has a mixture of lime in it the dust was<being> very offensive to the eyes[.] And the ledge of rocks at the right appears to be lime stone, all most lime itself[.] Winthrop went on the top and brought me a sprig of red cedar[.] Our breakfast was cooked by fire made of this wood[.] removed from the hollow to the river to wash and cook[.] Polly washed[.] Charly’s foot very sore. Some say there are three some seven graves where we camped last night

29 Some better[.] started out this morning, both camp[s.] The sand deep, the feed very good, better than it has been for a hundred miles back. The river raised over with the banks and very muddy. The bluffs along the north fork high and ragged. Had a gale last night that sent the musquitoes adrift for a while. Person camped just above us on the bank of the river. Leonard still farther up. W[inthrop] found a good silk handkerchief by the road[.] Passed 12 graves
30 Sister [Nancy J.] Adamson nearly distracted with the tooth ache[.] has neither eat nor slept scarcely for two days and nights. Our road lay close along the river a part of the day[.] sand deep most of the way. While nooning Leonard’s train came up within a quarter of a mile[.] Mariett came to my wagon. All things are not perfectly agreeable in their camp[.] A threatened storm last evening and also this [morning.] Passed off with a little wind and a few sprinkles of rain. Person camped with us. Passed 17 graves. W[inthrop] lost his knife

2  Passed chimney rock. Leonard’s train came up and nooned with us. I went to see Mariett[.] A great deal of unpleasant feeling in the companies[.] Leonard’s train camped about a quarter of a mile ahead of us[.] Our company took up a [cow] that had been left because she was lame. 9 graves
3  They left the cow[.] she could not travel. A great strife between the two trains as to who shall start ahead[.] Met the goverment train[.] traveled on some distance and found we had left the calf carlessly. Went a little farther and was obliged to leave the cow because there was no water to be had, and she could not stand it. Passed several cattle that had been left because they could not travel. The scenery around us singularly wild and grotesque, the bluffs presenting ranges of ruined castles palaces and temples. Our road passed over the bluffs at the first trading post between the fort at a deep ravine where was an excellen spring[.] There we saw three wagons and a part of another left. Came on to the left three miles off our road to camp for the sake of water and feed, and found very little of either. The companies found several head of cattle. Passed 7 graves
4 Sabbath  We came down to the river about twelve miles and camped. W quite unwell[.] Passed 2 graves. Six indians came to our camp. W got a pair of moccasins
5  W, worse[.] lay by on account of it[.] government train of 29 wagons passed us. Leonard camped just above us
6  W, some better[.] We traveled[.] hot and dusty[.] W, worse this evening
7  W, better. Traveled. Very hot dust almost suffocating. Camped close by some indians and white traders. White men have indian wives. They have wolves for dogs
8  Mother F was witness to a scene very discretitable to W, E, and L, P. and which if known would ruin her entirely. O my God what are we? Are we to be left to rule of satan. We came on a few miles and stopped near Laramie to see what could be done about shoeing cattle. They found a man that wished to go through and have some beggar carried, and that would do their blacksmithing gratis. Difficulty arose between our party and the Pines about who should have the benefit of the blacksmith, or weather are party <Pine> accused our folks of working underhanded to take the blacksmith from him and then drive off and leave him[.] He took the smith and his partner and started out just night. W better, caught some fish, and went up to the fort with his father and mother. 6 graves near by
9  Excitement quite high in our camp. Hands show signs of leaving. The whole train felt that Mother has too much say so about every thing. Bail[e]y got very angry but did not say much because it was to a woman[.] We came on a few miles and camped on the bank of the river with wood and feed a plenty, just below us[.] Baily, Hawthorn, O Loughlin, Johnson left and struck out for themselves[.] Purchased a wagon and provisions, O. L[aughlin] takes his oxen Ba[i]ly his cow and ox for their team[.] Johnson is to be their cook[.] It is to be feared there will be bloodshed among them before they go far
10  W brought me a sprig of pine. They are setting tires by a pine and cedar fire Leonard passed[.] There is always and unpleasant state of feeling produced, rather renewed whenever Asa’s folks come near because I cannot feel to cast them off entirely as W, wishes me to[.] I had rather not come in contact with them again untill our journey is ended, and we have done our first works over again, and be renewed afresh by the Spirit, that each may see their own faults, repent and be forgiven by each other and the Lord. O how will each look upon himself and herself, when they view things in the light of eternity[.] God grant it be not to late[.] I have twice to grieved the heart of my dearest friend, once in going to see Mariett again by going a few steps with Polly[.] Would that an end were put to these things
24  This is by far the most pleasant camping place we have seen on the route. O how I love the groves of my native land. May I but live by the streamlet and grove I will be satisfied. Started out before Grant and went about thirteen miles and camped in another pretty place and another thicket of fruit. The berries resemble in color and size, the common red curran[t] but as sour as a lemon. They grow on bushes full of thorns. The ground in many places white with saleratus. W, shod Pink
25 Last night after all had retired for the night, I was awakened by the furious barking of our dog. I waked. Mr F[arley] who looked out and saw an animal about the size of a yearling calf chase the little dog out of the thicket and then run back[.] He loosed the dogs which had been tied, and another[.] such a running and barking I never heard[.] We think it may have been a bear. A threatened storm this evening passed off with only a few sprinkles and some wind[.] Camped on the bank of the river about two miles above us is another camp[.] Two of Grants hands left him this morning, and passed us[.] left a buffalo robe and blanket with us[.] one of them came and got their blanket
27 Started out early[.] passed a great deal of saleratus water[.] The ground white with it and so strong I can smell it[.] Within the distance of thirteen miles from our camping place last night we have passed 26 carcasses newly lately perished, and 43 during the day in consequence of scarcity of feed and bad water. Camped by the side of a small running brook. Biba close by. The smell of the so called sage is almost intolerable to me[.] A threatened shower passed with only a few sprinkles
28 Came on to Sweet Water. Passed Saleratus Lakes[.] Our folks gathered Saleratus. Country barren and sandy[.] Found good grass, but no wood. A large camp about three miles ahead. Our drivers getting ugly[.] W and others went two miles to the mountains to get wood[.] crossed the river
29 The sweet water mountains are almost perfectly bare and solid rock[.] Passed Independence rock covered almost all over with names of travelers[.] also passed Devil’s gate[.] While the men were out after the cattle they found a line from Mariett directing where to get saleratus in the bottom of the lake[.] Brother Adamson went back with another man and gathered two or three hundred pounds[.] Leonard’s train just ahead of us[.] Winthrop is provoked beyond endurance by Jacob[,] his father’s driver[’s,] insolence. We have passed excellent feed along sweet water. We left the Platte where we crossed it[.] All right with me

Sep 1 Sabbath Came on about eight miles and stoped for the day[.] Foote came up and camped close by[.] W, made horse or ox shoe nails[.] Crossed the river three times and passed between rocky ridges where thousands of emigrants had written their names[.] saw three that I knew[.] Looked in vain for Cattle.
17  We ascended and descended the steepest hill we have yet found on our journey. I walked up[.] Crossed Bear river[.] Camped among the best grass we have had since we left Missouri. Adamson went and camped by himself. We had a very pleasant evening
18  Came up with Adamson just as they were hitching up[.] Ascended and descended another steep hill[.] Passed 2 good cold springs, traveled down a narrow ravine between high mountains and camped in a pleasant place, the mountain[.] rocks on each side red[.] Pretty good feed
19  Traveled about 18 miles along with a creek which we crossed many times down a narrow ravine, came up to the guide board for Pratt’s new road, traveled down a few miles and crossed Weber river[.] passed a camp and came near another camp[.] The road rough
21  Crossed a high hill[.] when arrived at the top we could see a small portion of the south part of the valley[.] Mountains rising above mountains in the wildest confusion struck my sight[.] we descended down a steep, narrow ravine[.] high mountains on both sides winding around hills and crossing streams[.] The ascent on the east side exceedingly rough and tedious, being about five miles[.] most of the way round stone washed out of the earth by streams caused by rains and the melting of snow. The descent on the west side, though steep, was much smoother[.] It is said to be about five miles up and the same down[.] Passed a large train about half way up[.] camped[.] had lost some of their cattle. Came on and passed Leonard’s train[.] camp[ed] within 12 miles of the City [.] Have seen nor heard anything more of the indians
22 Sabbath  Cloudy and cool. Teams, men and women completely worn down. I have scarcely life enough to rejoice that I am so near my journey’s end[.] Everything seems lifeless and tasteless. I can anticipate no rest or pleasure, all appears dark and wild[.] Came through the north part of the city and camped on the west side[.] All disappointed in the country
23 Companies coming in[.] Leonard’s camped right before us. Our men gone into town to see what they can do. I finished Mother’s bonnet[.] Very tired