Daniel Stark's grandfather, James Stark, was born about 1762 in a quaint little city, Inverary, Argill County Scotland, It is about forty miles northwest of Glasgow, noted as an intellectual and educational center. When James was nineteen years of age he moved to Shepton Mallet, Somersetshire, England. Here he acquired large land holdings by investing in looms and placing his profits in more land. It was here he met and married Sarah Roswell, daughter of Gilbert Roswell, a very gifted and talented woman. They were blessed with five sons and five daughters, and according to the Stark custom they named their first son James, then in their order, Sarah, John, Elizabeth, Joseph, George, Grace, Mary, Daniel Scott, and Hannah.

Daniel Stark's father, John Stark, was their second son, born 10 January 1791 at Shepton Mallet, England. He and his brother Joseph came to America in 1812. Joseph located in Boston, Mass, and John in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, on an English possession. Here John married Sarah Mann, daughter of Samuel Mann, and Elizabeth L McLeod. She was born 2 Apr 1795, in Liverpool, Nova Scotia, Canada.

To them also were born five sons and five daughters. Their names were Sarah Shurtliff, Mary Eliza, James, Daniel, John, Sarah Lees, Eliner, Harriet, George and William. Sarah Shurtliff was born in Halifax, and all the others were born in Windsor, Nova Scotia, Canada. At this place John Stark acquired large land holdings and engaged in farming. Daniel Stark, the second son of John Stark, and Sarah Mann, was born 29 June 1820, at Windsor, Nova Scotia, Canada.

Daniel's Boyhood Days

For lack of information very little can be said of Daniel's boyhood days, except that he helped his father and brothers do the chores about the farm. Their principle crops were wheat, barley, oats, apples and garden products. A large apple orchard was part of the farm and how delicious were those Stark apples. Just to look at those loaded trees made your mouth water to think about them. Many shiploads found their way into the market places in Boston and New York City every year. Daniel told me. "When I was ten years old I walked to school up a hill along an old road. The school was in an old building at the head of the street and upstairs. On my way I had to pass a butcher shop, and a rum shop. Mr. O'Brien, the saloon keeper, said he would cut off my ears, so I always ran as fast as I could past his saloon"

The studies, which most interested him in school, were arithmetic and drawing, particularly perspective drawing. These were more interesting to him than grammar and reading, which his French teacher, Mr. Deuravodge tried to impose upon him.

Daniel's First Trip Away From Home

Daniel became very much attached to his affectionate brother James, two years his senior, later styled "James, the actor", who because of the low allowance received from his Scotch father, left the farm and went to Boston, Massachusetts, where he secured a good position as an apprentice in a cabinet factory. Daniel yearned to be with this brother, James, and becoming tired of school and the hard farm labors, made up his mind to go to Boston and get a job like his brother. He left home just one month before his seventeenth birthday, May 29, 1838.

While bidding his family good-bye, his mother placed some ham and mustard sandwiches in his pocket, and he walked down to the wharf, where he boarded a freight sailing boat loaded with plaster of paris, destined for Boston. With a sad heart he soon found himself leaving his native shores. They passed through the Scotts Bay, and Minas Channel into the Bay of Fundy, where the tide rises to 43 feet, and sometimes to 45 feet, making the voyage a rough and very choppy one. After eating his sandwiches he became very seasick, which lasted until they sailed into the Atlantic Ocean, where the voyage was not so rough. He heavy cargo kept the boat's keel on a smooth balance as it glided southward along the picturesque evergreen mountains, driven by the prevailing north winds. In a few days the boat anchored in the Boston Bay harbor.

Daniel lost no time in calling on his Uncle Joseph at 42 Congress Street, where he met his brother James, who was boarding there. The meeting was a joyful one, as the true love for each other was mutual. The next morning James took Daniel to the cabinet factory where he worked, and introduced Daniel to his employer, Mr. Horr. It was through James' influence that Daniel secured employment as an apprentice in the same factory, which position he held for four years, when his agreement terminated on his twenty-first birthday. He was then given a certificate as a Journeyman from the Massachusetts Mechanical Association.

Daniel felt somewhat slighted because there was no party given him, as there had been for James when he completed his apprenticeship. No doubt James was more popular because he had spent his evenings and spare time in studying dramatic reading, becoming a skilled actor in Shakespearean plays, and he greatly entertained and amused his audiences.

In Daniel's daily dairy dated 30 Jun 1841, he records," Commenced boarding with Mr. Hyrum Parker at $2.75 per week, and 27 July 1841, worked for Mr. Thayer at $8.10 per day"

Daniel Becomes Homesick to See His Folks, Returns Home

Having been away from home four years and four months, Daniel's diary says he took passage on the steamship North America, 18 September 1841, for Windsor, Nova Scotia, Canada. He arrived at Eastport at 12 PM September 20, 1841, and at St John, New Brunswick, (the hometown of his first wife) shortly after midnight, arrived at Port 4:30 PM September 22, 1841. "After waiting a long time for my tool box to be turned over to me I paid $3.50 Duty charges, I went to my old home in Windsor, where I was very warmly greeted with love and kindness by his father, mother and brothers and sisters. "

They all had many experiences to talk about and made his homecoming a happy and enjoyable one. Daniel enjoyed the lovely home cooked dinners prepared by his wonderful mother, with fresh vegetables from the garden, and fresh milk from their fat cows.

Daniel, now a graduated Carpenter, showed his skill in repairing the roof and gutters on the home, and the farm buildings and fence about the place. While on this visit his heart was made sad when his sister Mary Eliza who had married Isaac Carver, gave birth to a boy March 10, 1842, and five days later she died, and was buried in Windsor.

Daniel Returns to Boston

After remaining in Windsor about eighteen months, he became restless, and records in his diary May 5, 1842, -- indicated he left Windsor at 9:30 PM on a sailboat. He arrived May 7, at Spencer Island. -- May 8, he sailed at 10:00 am, wind southerly, -- May 9 ran into Dipper Harbor, -- May 10, left Dipper Harbor at 10:00 am -- May 11 passed Mt Desert -- May 13 saw Sabin Light -- May 14, arrived at Boston at 10:00 am. May 15, 1842 -- commenced boarding with Uncle Joseph Stark, then living at 42 Congress Street, Boston at $2.75 per week. May 18, went to work at noon for Mr. J G Gould for $8.60 per day.

"June 8" says his diary, " went to see the play called the Trial of Christ, price twenty-five cents."

June 13, 1842 worked in Freemont Street, near Boylston Hall, where the Mormon held their meetings.

June 20 went to see the play. "The Lion of the Desert" price fifty cents. Next few days worked in shop and on Charleston Street, and Lyman Place.

June 30 commenced four flight circular stairs in the cupola of the Merchants Exchange, on State Street.

July 4, 1842 saw excellent fireworks.

The next 14 days working in Friend Street, Warren Street in Charleston and shop.

August 8 commenced at noon at Somerset Street. August 9 received a blow on hip by a board falling down through the stairway.

Daniel's First Contact with the Mormons

Daniel said during his first twenty-two years of his life he attended different churches, Catholic, Presbyterian, Methodist etc. Sunday, August 14, 1842, he and his shop-mate, Mr. Woodard, a Journeyman, while strolling around the shipping wharf of the Boston Harbor, joined a crowd of people grouped together listening to a discussion between a Mormon Elder G J Adams (sometimes called the big gun) and Mr. Nickerson an infidel preacher. At the close of their discussion, Elder Adams announced there would be a meeting held the next Sunday in the Boylston Hall, over a meat market, near where Daniel worked. Daniel and his pal agreed to be there, which they did. It was at this meeting Daniel for the first time heard a Mormon sermon.

It was delivered by Elder G J Adams, there on a mission. Daniel said his sermon affected him, but not so with his pal, Mr. Woodward.

Daniel Meets Ann Cook, His First Wife

Daniel told me that it was at this meeting he first met Ann Cook and her sister, and that love at first sight impelled him to introduce himself to her. He asked permission to accompany her to her home, as he said, to find out where she lived. She consented to his proposal, and he not only found out where she lived, but also that she came from St John, Newbrunswick, Canada, and was working in Boston as a servant girl. Thereafter he said he visited her once a week, staying certain reasonable hours.

Daniel's Illness

August 22, 1842, Daniel records in his diary that he was taken with a very sick spell, which his doctor, Tover, pronounced as typhus fever. Fortunately he was boarding with his Uncle Joseph, and he said Joseph's wife and her mother, Mrs. McClintoch, were very good and kind to him. They did everything they could for his recovery. On September 11, he sat up an hour and the same the next day, and on September 18, he ran down the stairs and outdoors in his shirttail, with a very high fever. Mrs. Joseph Stark and Mrs. McClintoch ran out and caught him and put him back to bed. This sick spell took all of Daniel's hair off his head, making him completely bald. When it came in it was curly, and his friends did not know him, even Mr. Jones, his close friend, passed him on the street and did not know him.

His Own Words From His Diary

September 27, 1842 worked on a home on Minister Street, South Boston

September 29, 1842 commenced work in Portland Street, and for the next three weeks worked in Baldwin Place, Prince Street and shop

October 24, 1842 went with my employer, Mr. J G Gould, to West Cambridge and put in a flight of circular stairs and a frame banister. For the next four weeks worked in Prince Street, Endecot Street and shop.

November 25, 1842 enjoyed a Thanksgiving Dinner with my friends, Mr. and Mrs. Hiram Parker.

November 26, 1842 worked in shop. Worked up to July 28, 54 1/2 days at $8.00 until today 71 1/2 days at $9.00 per day. Next two weeks worked for $7.60 per day, work short. Worked in shop and in Endecot Street setting banisters.

December 10, 1842 commenced wearing wig.

December 14, 1842 and the next week worked putting on rail on Portland Street, Sommerset Street, and in shop, working on tool chest.

December 31, 1842 New Years' Eve, went to a Witch meeting at North Bennett Street

January 3, 1843 worked in Morton Place, four flight frame for N Hawes and finished this job January 10, at 3:00 PM

January 15, 1843 went to Mormon meeting this evening

January 21, 1843 worked with J G Gould 2 1/2 hours in Summerset Street.

January 22, 1843 attended a Mormon meeting, Elder G J Adams preaching

January 24, 1843 attended a lecture on Animal Magnetism

January 30, 1843 went to Navy Yard Charlestown, and the 31st attended a Temperance meeting at Fairmont Hall, Massachusetts, Hospital. Made 100 paint boxes at ten cents each.

February 8, 1843 made banisters for Gould

February 21, 1843 worked for Gould in Beslae Store in Corner Hannover Street and Main Street.

February 26, 1843 worked in shop making portable desks for J G Gould

Daniel Baptized a Member in the Mormon Church

March 7, 1843 now near 23 years of age--worked corner Milk and Atkinson Streets, and in the evening Daniel says he was baptized in the Mormon Church in the Boston Bay, near the railroad tracks, near icebergs. He said, "I ran home in my wet icy clothes, and when I entered the home, my Uncle Joseph's folks, with whom I was boarding on 42 Congress Street, were astonished and asked, "Daniel, what is the matter?" They were Episcopalians and could not understand what it was all about. After changing my clothes", said Daniel, " I went back to the Hall and was confirmed a member in the Mormon Church."

March 10, 1843 for the next three months worked on rail for Beebe, at shop and on portable desks, and in Milk Streets and the following streets: Atkinson, 24th, Exchange Street, Stillman Street, Chambers, Andove, Pemberton Square. Attended a tea party at Boylston Hall, March 29th, and a Mormon meeting in Warren Hall in Charlestown, May 25th.

June 16, 1843 President John Tyler of the United States came to town at 10:00 am and it rained all day. The next day he rode in the procession commemorating the completion of the Battle of the Bunker Hill Monument.

June 22, 1843 and for the next six weeks worked in Margaret St, Carter Street, Congress Street, Washington Street in Charlestown, Castle Street, Abury Street, Lincoln Street, Purchase and Carver streets, at shop, ground tools, worked time with Mr. Patch, my wages $9.60 per day.

September 8 1843 attended Mormon Conference at Bolston Hall

September 13, 1843 my brother Joseph arrived and the next day brothers Joseph, James and I went to Newton, about 15 miles west of Boston.

Leaves Boston For His Old Home in Windsor

November 8, 1843 went to Brighton to see my brother Joseph after being away from home 18 months and then I went on board a sailship, piloted by Captain Bowes. Waited until 4:00 PM for a passenger and then it was too stormy to set sail until 4:00 am. November 11, 1843 and went into Mr. Desert Island harbor just east of Maine, November 14, and got under way at 8:00 am November 15, and reached Advocate Harbor, S W Tip of Cumberland Nova Scotia at 7:00 am. November 16--lay aground. November 17--tried to get off but through carelessness had to try another tide and got off in the evening after dark, and then got aground on a sandbar on tide, wind light on shore. November 18, 1843 --drifted through the Digby Neck but drifted rather too near Black Rock.

November 19-1843 arrived at Half Way River at little past ebb, being on the Falmouth shore. Walked up to Windsor, Nova Scotia at 3:00 PM

November 21, 1843 began threshing oats and November 28 started threshing wheat and finished threshing December 13th

December 20,1843 Sent out of town. While in Windsor I went to church with my father to his meeting in the Methodist Church. He had a square pew and he was put in the choir and played a bass violin.

December 30, 1843 worked on gutters and other repairs to the home

March 19, 1844 received old watch No 18609 by George Gower London

June 28,1844 finished work on shop

Daniel Bids Adieu to His Family for the Last Time

After spending eight months with my family in Windsor I set sail on a sailboat, leaving Windsor at 6:30 am July 8, 1844, and anchored off Harbor Bluff.

Next tide drifted to Spencer Island anchored about 60 miles out.

July 9 drifted to Isle of Stault, about 15 miles east of Spencer Island and part of the way back wind coming up strong ahead, beat about some time, getting very rough. Put back and anchored at Spencer Island again. July 10 left Spencer Island again about 8:30 am and with a light breeze to eastward, we drifted near Stault Island again. A squall came up and we put back to Spencer Island again.

July 11 started again about 9:00 am. July 12 passed Mr. Desert, just east of Maine

July 15 Cape Ann was in sight about 11:00 PM

July 16 took on Pilot at 1:30 PM and arrived in Boston at 4:00 PM. The day after landing in Boston began boarding with Uncle Joseph Stark, and started working for J G Gould at $9.60 per day.

Daniel Stark Receives the Priesthood

July 23, 1844, just four days before the martyrdom of the prophet Joseph Smith JR, and his brother Hyrum, Daniel Stark was ordained an Elder in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints by Apostle Brigham Young, in the Suffolk Hall. Brigham said to Daniel, "It will either make or break you."

Brigham Young was ordained an Apostle 14 February 1835 under the hands of the Three Witnesses, Oliver Cowdery, David Whitmer and Martin Harris. The Three Witnesses were ordained Apostles Feb 14, 1835 by Joseph Smith JR

Sidney Rigdon, and Frederick G Williams. Joseph Smith JR and Oliver Cowdrey received the Melchizedek Priesthood in 1829, under the hands of Peter, James, and John. They were ordained Apostles by the Lord Jesus Christ (John 15, 16)

Daniel Did Local Missionary Work

July 28, 1844--went to Suffolk Hall, G J Adams preached. August 7 bought tools from F Patch for $21.00 August 25 walked to Medford, about 15 miles northwest of Boston, and Maldon about 12 miles north of Boston with Brother Bickford preaching.

August 30--stuck a knife in my arm. September 1, 1844 went to Maldon with Brother Bickford preached in the Schoolhouse in the evening. September 7 took a tramp out to Maldon preaching in afternoon. September 20 went to Mechanic Fair. September 25 went to Cambridge Port to Mormon meeting in the evening. September 29 began boarding with Mr. and Mrs. Light, on Moon Street

October 6, 1844 went to Cambridge Town Hall to hear G J Adams preach.

October 8,10,11, and 13 went to discussion at Marlbow Chapel between G J Adams and a Minister.

October 15, 1844, attended Church meeting at 17th and East Cambridge. At Church Meeting October 22, Brother Hardy was cut off the church.

October 31-Brother John arrived in town. November 10 went to Town Hall

November 26 got a license from City Clerk to get married

November 28, Thanksgiving Day.

Daniel's First Marriage

It was at the first Mormon meeting Daniel attended on August 14 1842, that he met and fell in love with Ann Cook, who was born June 4, 1821, in St John, New Brunswick, daughter of Thomas and Francis Cook. At that time she was a servant girl working in Boston. They were marrried after two years courtship, December 1 1844, in Suffock Hall, Boston, before a large Mormon congregation. The marriage ceremony was performed by Brother John Ball. Daniel said he married them for Time and Eternity

December 2, 1844 Daniel and wife Ann commenced boarding with Brother and Sister J R Teauge, who were at the wedding.

17 January 1845--spent the day hunting for a house to live in. February 3, 1845--spent the day hunting for a house to live in.

February 4, took two rooms on Reliance Street at $1.25

February 5, paid $67.04 for furniture

May 6 moved to North Morgan Place, where we rented some rooms upstairs in an old fashioned house, by an alley, near the shop where I was working on Charleston Street. It was while living here their first son; John Daniel Stark was born on September 18, 1845 at North Margin, Boston.

November 14 went to Newton to interview Saints planning on going to California, on Ship Brooklyn

November 15 -went to Watertown for the same purpose.

November 30 --put down the names of our emigrants going on Ship Brooklyn.

Daniel and His Wife Adopt a Small Child

Daniel and Ann made close friends with Edwin F Bird, a cabinet maker by trade, and his wife Mary Montgomery Bird, living in Cambridge Port, Mass.

Daniel's dairy states on January 1, 1846 "Sister Bird gave birth to a daughter, and they named her Elizabeth Wallace Bird. On January 5, 1846, they went to Cambridge Port to attend Mrs. Bird's funeral. On January 14, 1846, they moved to Cambridge Port to take care of Mr. Bird's child and when she was three weeks old, at the request of Mr. Bird, they adopted the child and called her Lizzie.

Daniel's Brother James Comes to Boston

When Daniel told his brother James, the actor, that he and his wife were going with other colonizers on a trip around South America, and land on the western shores of the United States, James cried like a baby, and said they would never see each other again. Daniel assured his brother that his past nine years labors on 70 different streets in Boston as a carpenter, cabinet maker, staircase builder, and holding a Journeyman's certificate, gave him confidence and undaunted faith in himself. He felt assured he would succeed wherever his lot may be cast. Daniel told James that he and his associates, like the Pilgrim Fathers, longed to go where they could worship God in peace, away from the persecution of their families and others who did not see the truth as they had found it.

Daniel Leaves Boston for New York

Daniel sold his belongings, excepting his tool chest full of sharp carpenter's tools and a feather bed, which he crammed into a flour bin. After bidding goodbye to his and his wife's families and friends, they, and their two children, left Boston at 4:00 PM January 22, 1846, on a train for New York City, New York. They arrived at 10:00 am January 23, 1846. Reaching New York they found the Ship Brooklyn was not ready to make her trip to California, via Cape Horn, so they hired a room and boarded on the corner of Navy and Greenwich Streets.

He Boards Ship Brooklyn

The next day Daniel went on board the Ship Brooklyn and complained that the ceilings were too low, one would have to stoop over to walk about in the cabins. He observed that a large room could be used for meetings and other entertainments and also as a dining room.

Daniel met Elder Samuel Brannan and said he was a very good-looking young man, well dressed. He learned that the trip had been arranged by President Brigham Young and other Church Authorities, with Samuel Brannan as guardian for the 238 Saints going on Board. He said farming and gardening tools and seeds of all kinds were loaded on the ship. He noted that each of the emigrants was carrying the seeds of the Gospel to plant on the Western Shores, and they were endowed with the Holy Ghost, which would germinate the seeds and make them grow in the hearts of the people they may meet. Many of the Saints, Daniel said, loaded their household goods on the ship, thinking Brigham Young would pioneer the main body overland to California, and they would unload them there. Large hogsheads of fresh water from the Croton Lake were placed in the bottom of the ship.

In his diary of January 25, 1846, Daniel said, he and his wife and two children went aboard the ship, and because he had two children on his arms he was released from deck services, or as the army would say KP.

Ship Brooklyn Starts For California

On Feb 4, 1846, Ship Brooklyn pulled up her anchor and was towed out to sea by a steamboat at 2:00 PM. History tells us that it was on the very day the Mormon Pioneers crossed the icy waters of Mississippi under the leadership of President Brigham Young for their westward journey. Daniel said the Saints lived together on the ship somewhat after the United Order style, all eating together in the large room, excepting Sam Brannan and Captain Richardson, who had more enviable quarters. The same large room was held for morning and evening prayers, and on Sundays Church services were held where all were admonished to live together in harmony and love. Many faith promoting testimonies were borne and soon a choir was organized, and all joined in singing the songs of Zion, which was their destination. He said the elements combined to make unity. The third day out a very strong wind tossed the boat back and forth making many seasick, and they obliged to remain in their bunks and could not go on deck for exercise and fresh air. This storm kept up the three or four days. Daniel stood it wonderfully as he was more or less used to high seas in his travels back and forth from Windsor to Boston with trips mostly on sailboats. When the wind abated, the passengers resorted to the deck parades for exercise and fresh air. He said on March 3, 1846. The ship drifted into summer like weather and they crossed the Equator. Many tricks and jokes were played on some of the passengers. They were amused by the many flying fishes and the porpoises racing along the ship, first in the water then leaping high into the air. Now and then could be seen a whale spouting water high above the sea. Daniel was frequently found studying his surveyor's book of instructions he received when he purchased surveyors instruments, before leaving Boston, and had received only three days of instructions from his teacher. These studies qualified him for enumerative employment, as we shall see later on in his memoir. While Daniel could not sing, yet he listened to any solos and congregational hymns being sung as the ship glided smoothly along the eastern coast of South America. Suddenly the weather became colder and heavy seas and storms came up, causing ice to form on the sails and rigging, making the masts almost uncontrollable.

Captain Richardson came down into the large room to warn the Saints of their eminent danger and warned them to prepare for the worst. At his astonishment he found them singing and praying with the utmost peace and composure, evidencing their faith in their trusted God to guide them to their Promised Land afar.

The Ship Brooklyn reached the southern tip of South America, where the Atlantic and the Pacific Oceans meet together, known as Cape Cod, or Drake's Passage. In the past many shipwrecks had taken the lives of large numbers of adventurous seafaring travelers. They passed this the southernmost point on April 10, 1846. And the temperature was 30 degrees F. Treacherous seas and fierce winds tossed the ship about so much that many of the saints became very sick and several small children died, and were lowered into the ocean for a resting place. Many prayers went up for the Lord's kind protection.

Captain Richardson's anxiety and concern was for his living cargo which he had undertaken to transport form the Eastern Coast to the Western coast, and realizing the casks of water taken from Croton Lake in New York were becoming low, he made several attempts to land on the west coast of Chile, but because of stormy weather and strong southerly winds he could not make a landing; so he set his sails for an island 430 miles west of Chile. This Island was Juan Fernandez, famous in the story by Defoe about Robinson Crusoe. Daniel records in his diary May 1, 1846, that the ship Brooklyn dropped her anchor in a cove of this lonely island and so many of the emigrants were taken ashore each day until all had a chance to walk on the earth again. The ship anchored some distance from shore and they were taken in small rowboats carried aboard the ship. Daniel said it was a beautiful island covered with all kinds of trees, shrubbery, and flowers with birds singing in their branches, making the place a most restful and appreciated stop on their journey. The saints all mourned the death of Sister Laura Goodwin who was buried on this lonely place.

The emigrants assisted in filling the casks with fresh water from a running stream of cold fresh water running into the ocean. They also assisted in storing on the ship plenty of wood for cooking purposes. Daniel's diary says on May 8, 1846, the anchor was raised and the ship Brooklyn set her sails in a northwesterly direction over a trackless, but calm sea, at the rate of 6 or 7 knots per hour. Traveling three or four weeks the ship ran into a calm sea, not a breeze blowing. This lasted for several days. Instead of the Saints praying for the wind to stop, they prayed for the wind to come and carry them on to their destination. Suddenly, as in answer to their prayers they felt a breeze, and the ship began to move toward their longed for land awaiting them. Daniel said a joyous shout went up from the Saints, and they sang songs and praised the Lord for His kind and loving care over them.

He said a smooth and calm sea prevailed until they landed in the Honolulu harbor on his birthday June 29, 1846. It had been 146 days since leaving New York. He said his first attraction was the natives dressed in a piece of cloth of various gay colors about the size of a Turkish towel wrapped around their waists, and corners tucked in at the top. Several of them stood along the ship waiting for someone to throw into the water a coin and quickly they would dive down and every time come up with the money in their teeth. The next thing of interest to him was looking at the emigrants walking up the sidewalk, some holding one foot up high and then the other, going zigzag as if intoxicated.

There were many beautiful bright colored flowers and shrubbery. Daniel said as they were strolling round the city they were told Mexico and the United States were at war on the western coast where they intended landing. This was a severe shock to them and some wanted to stay in Honolulu. Others suggested going back to their homes in the east. Brannan bought all the muskets and ammunition he could find, also blue denim to be made into uniforms on the ship. He called their attention to the faith that they were to meet Brigham Young in the west and build up the Kingdom of God on the earth, and they must not falter in this undertaking.

Daniel records that while the ship was taking on fresh vegetables, meat, fruits of many kinds, and the casks were filled with fresh water, he with others attended a native fast and testimony meeting with the Missionaries laboring in the Islands.

Some of the natives spoke in their native language, which was very musical, and some in English. Some of the Saints from the ship also bore their testimonies and the Spirit of the Lord was felt by all present. Soon after sailing from the Hawaiian Islands, July 1 1846, a lad was discovered aboard, a stowaway soldier deserted from the U S Army. He came in very handy in training the men in the use of the musket and sword while the women were busy making uniforms from the denim.

Ship Brooklyn Reaches California

Upon reaching the Golden Gate Harbor, Captain Richardson ordered all passengers to go down into the hold for fear of being caught with armaments of war. After passing the Gate they were permitted to come on deck and put on their uniforms, and the hold was unlocked, and Brannan passed out to each man a musket and so many rounds of ammunition. They were then ready to enter in combat with the Mexicans. Brannan's ambition was to be the hero in being the first one to hoist the American Flag on the Western shores. Sailing along the placid waters of the Bay, passing the little town of Yerba Buena, they saw the Stars and Stripes waving in the breeze. A moment later a Warship came along side, from which a young officer came aboard the Brooklyn deck and saluted the crowd of excited Mormons, "Ladies and Gentlemen", he said, "I have the honor to inform you that you are now in the United States of America".

After a moment of silence a joyful cheer broke forth. Captain John B Montgomery and the Warship Portsmouth had cheated Samuel Brannan of his dream. But to the Mormons on the Brooklyn, who had sought peace, not war, there came a conscious sigh of relief and satisfaction. Their haven was reached; their voyage had ended. They were the first California settlers under the American Flag. Daniel records on August 3, 1846, they began unloading the cargo of the Ship Brooklyn, and they stored the household goods owned by some of the saints going westward overland to California.

The housing situation was a great problem, and the foggy clouds gave the place a dismal greeting. Some found shelter from the chilling winds in a small adobe on Dupoint Street. Others pitched their tents on vacant lots. Daniel and his family and others found quarters in the deserted Mission Delores over the hills about three miles.

Samuel Brannan and a chosen few found lodging in the large home of Captain W A Richardson, which he built in 1835.

The housing situation was taxed to the limit. Brooklyn's store of food shrank quite rapidly, and the head of each family sought work, which was scarce. Captain Richardson notified Sam Brannan of a shortage of $1,000 in payment of fares because the trip took longer than he figured on. After some discussion Captain Richardson agreed to accept a cargo of lumber as ballast for his return trip in payment for the $1,000. Sam Brannan selected a stout Mormon crew, including Daniel Stark, equipped them with axes, sawmill irons, and contracted with a man by the name of Smith, who operated a steam sawmill, to saw 1,000 logs for 75 cents each. Sam Brannan dispatched them all to Bodega in the Marin Forests, north of the Golden Gate Harbor to get out the lumber.

Daniel said he left his family to go on this trip August 17, 1846. He said the bark on the trees was very thick, but when trimmed made beautiful logs and sawed into first class lumber. After finishing his work in the forests he reached home September 19, 1846. He said he witnessed the naming of San Francisco, California on January 30, 1847. Three months later he purchased a lot in San Francisco, and received his deed March 8, 1847.

Sam Brannan Goes East to Meet Brigham Young

Daniel's diary states Sam Brannan and Charles Smith left on horseback April 4, 1847 in search of Brigham Young and his emigrants coming westward. Daniel said that when Brannan returned September 17,1847, he was a changed man, downhearted and inside of ten days he disorganized the Brooklyn saints and told them to go where they pleased, and that if any one asked what the Mormons believed in, to tell them "It is to mind one's own business"

Daniel said he constructed and finished the first school house in San Francisco, November 29, 1847.

He then built a large home and printing house for Sam Brannan in San Francisco, and a home for himself, and moved into it February 1, 1848. It was in this new home on February 19, 1848, his first daughter Annie Francis Stark was born. On March 4, 1848 his wife Annie, slowly recovering from her confinement began boarding Elder Addison Pratt, who had stopped off in San Francisco, on his way from the Society Islands where he had been laboring with great success as a missionary. Pratt found the Brooklyn saints scattered and indifferent in attendance at meetings. By his enthusiastic work the San Francisco Branch was officially organized. Many cottage meetings were held in Daniel Starks' new home. Daniel rendered valuable assistance to Elder Pratt in rounding up the Brooklyn Saints.

Daniel said on 24 Jan 1848, while the Mormon Battalion Boys were working for Captain J A Sutter, under James W Marshall, they noticed some yellow sands, and called Mr. Marshall's attention to them and upon examination it proved very rich deposit of gold. He further stated that on May 13, 1848, he went to the mines, being of the first on the scene. He entered into an agreement with Captain Sutter to dig for gold on a payment to him of one half, and later one third, of the gold he dug from his property. Mr. J W Marshall directed him where to dig for the gold on the Mormon Island along the American River. Here Daniel garnered quite a large amount of the gold. Feeling the need of his presence at home, he left the gold fields and went home, reaching there July 8, 1848, having been gone nearly two months. Others returned home to their families bringing plenty of gold dust to back up their astonishing tales. Daniel's itchy hands for the easy money compelled him to stay home less than ten days, when he journeyed back to the mines July 17, 1848, taking with him Elder Addison Pratt lured from his Missionary work for some of the Filthy lucre. Accompanying him also was John M Horner. Daniel said Brother Pratt soon became disgruntled and said, "It's all nonsense, the gold in not worth working for" so he went back to San Francisco and resumed boarding with Annie Cook Stark, and encouraged the Saints to right living. It was the hot part of the year and Daniel did not stay long at the gold fields, reaching home August 8, 1848. Looking over the San Francisco Bay Daniel said vessels from many parts of the world were anchored there, and rough looking characters filled the streets. Some found it easier to rob the diggers of their gold than to go dig it for themselves.

Staying home about a month, Daniel went back to the "diggins" on September 18, 1848 and back to the Mormon Gold for more of the precious metal. Working there four weeks Daniel returned home on October 19, 1848. November 20 1848, Daniel rented a room to Elder Heber C Kimball, who had been sent there from Salt Lake to round up the Saints and encourage them to right living, and warned them to not be carried away with the great riches the Lord was showering upon them. Daniel records January 25 1848,he entered into a contract and commenced building a warehouse for Mr. Jones, and on the 29th rented the basement, and finished the building according to agreement March 5, 1848.

Daniel's Last Trip to the Mines

The fare on the boat from San Francisco to Sacramento being $40.00 one way, Daniel in company with Joseph Mathews left home April 12, 1849, in a wagon, and arrived at Ashbury, Pueblo, at 11:00 AM April 13. Left Pueblo at 9:00 AM April 14 camped within ten miles of Livermore. April 15 arrived at and crossed San Joaquin River. April 16 arrived at Stockton at 10:00 AM, April 17. Left Stockton April 20 traveled 15 miles. April 21 arrived at Stanislau River. Next day crossed the river, swam horses. April 23 traveled till most night. April 15, 1849 arrived at the mines.

May 3 started on another tramp north. May 5 went to Bennett and to the old diggins. Next day turned the creek. May 13 started homeward. May 14, crossed Stanislau river about 1:00 PM. Camped near San Joaquin River. Lost all our horses. May 15, spent all day looking for horses and before night went to Joaquin Ferry

May 16, got a horse and went to Stanislau River and May 17, to Stockton. May 18, went to Joaquin River and found two of our horses, then went to Stockton. May 19, 1849, started for Stanislau River and arrived at the Southern shore at dark. May 20 crossed Ferry and arrived at Upper Ferry at 3:00 PM. Crossed and camped and started across the plains. May 22 arrived at San Jose at 2:00 PM. and below Santa Clara at 6:00 PM May 23 arrived at San Francisco at sundown.

Daniel records July 1, 1849, he paid $50.00 tithing to Brother Lissing. On July 10, he commenced digging a well on some land he arranged to purchase from Brother John M Horner in San Jose, and August 20 commenced building a small house. September 8 paid Higgins for horses lost. November 23 sold one eighth of lot.

November 23 sent $1,500.00 to my brother Joseph in Boston, Massachusetts.

November 29, bought a town lot 944, lot 119, surveyed into 7 parts

December 18, borrowed 106 1/2 ounces gold dust from Henry Harris until March 29

Interest $153, whole amount $1,853.00 December 24, 1849, sent 87 1/2 ounces gold to my sister Sarah Lees Frazee for my father. January 1, 1850 bought lumber for home at Mission. January 14, Mrs. Smith commenced working for us at $60.00 per month.

January 27 put lumber on launch Delores. Tuesday, January 29 started at 4:00 PM for Mission San Jose. Next day ran by the creek and got in and up the wrong stream and got back at dark into the right creek. Friday arrived at the Embarcadero at 12 AM then walked up to Brother Horners. Saturday February 2 went to the Mission. February 3 worked for J W Marshall, the man who first struck gold at Caloma. Hauled one load of lumber for his house and a load the next day.

Daniel Works on J W Marshall's Home

August 5 commenced to build JW Marshall's house and worked on it February 7, 8, 9, 11, 13, 14, and 15th. February 16 finished at 4:00 PM,

February 17 went to Embarcadero at 9:00 AM and stayed all day. February 18, sailed early, arrived at 4:30 PM in San Francisco. Bought one pair of mules Fan and Jule.

Daniel Builds Home in San Jose, California

February 23 put things on launch. February 25, left home at 9:00 AM by land with wagon, detained at Mission. Camped near Ranchos. Next day it was rainy and cold. Camped under a tree in a tent and the next day, Wednesday 27 camped in the wagon in Pueblo. Thursday, February 28 arrived home at 4:30 PM. March 1, 1850, went to Embarcadero and worked on my house. Commenced plowing alone and worked on Marshall's house in exchange for property. March 6, worked on my house and the next three days worked on Marshall house. March 10 went to Embarcadero. As stated before, it was less than three weeks after Daniel and his wife moved into their first new home in San Francisco that their first daughter, Ann Francis, was born on February 19, 1848. In the early part of April when he finished and moved into his new home in San Jose, California, their second son, James Theophilis Stark, was born April 26, 1850.

For the past two years, since the discovery of Gold at Coloma, San Francisco had become infested with ruffians from all parts of the globe in search of the yellow metal. This brought the darkest days San Francisco had ever witnessed. Crime was rampant and the city government was too inefficient or too indifferent to suppress it.

Some of the Ship Brooklyn's passengers were sworn in as guards. One guard who especially rendered valuable assistance was George W Sirrine, later a resident of Mesa, Arizona. He was a wheel-right in the east where he had experience in the police force. It was he, who arrested Jack Powers, leader of the outlaws in a meeting that was being addressed by Sam Brannan. He also helped in obtaining evidence, which the Naval Authorities used to eliminate over fifty of the desperados. Some of them had been sniping on the war vessels in port.

Daniel's Brother, James, the Actor, Arrives

Before leaving San Francisco to move into their new home in San Jose, California, Daniel said they were favored with a visit by his brother James, the actor. It was a joyful and happy reunion, and all had much to talk about while he was there. He gave a performance in San Francisco which Daniel and Annie attended and very much enjoyed. James was on his way with his troupe to Australia where he was booked to play the part of a tragedian in Hamlet. Not long after James left San Francisco, Daniel and family, now living in San Jose, had another happy surprise--his father came on a load of lumber around South America with other passengers in search of gold. They too had much to talk about and all enjoyed his visit which was a short one because he soon returned back to his home in Windsor, Nova Scotia, Canada.

Soon after his father's departure, Daniel was called on by two of the Twelve Apostles of the Church, Apostle C C Rich and Amasa M Lyman, who had just undertaken the colonization of San Bernardino, California. They needed money to purchase the property, so they came up to San Francisco, to solicit financial aid. Daniel Stark and his friend, John M Horner, went down to look over the deal, and while there Daniel said he paid $8,000.00 for a city lot in the center of San Bernardino of ten acres which he hired Mr. Jennings to fence with a 10 foot slab fence, and plant in grapes. He then entered into an agreement to buy 160 acres from the U S Government. As soon as he completed building his house in San Bernardino, he went to San Jose for his wife and four children. While there he sent money to his brother Joseph, in Boston, Massachusetts, to have him ship two, four and one half-foot rolling mill stones, and irons for a flourmill which he intended to build in San Bernardino. He also ordered a threshing machine to be shipped from Genoa, New York. Daniel then went over to San Francisco and bought a large grinding stone, and farming tools. These he loaded on a steamship on which he and his family went aboard. Before reaching San Diego, the ship broke a shaft, and the Captain threw overboard Daniel's grinding stone and farming tools to save the ship.

After Daniel located his family in their new home by the side of which he built two cabins made of blue denim in which to store potatoes and other vegetables, he left a non-Mormon maid to care for his wife. Then he went overland to Sacramento and bought seed, potatoes and other garden seeds, and a span of mules. He hired an Australian to care for his grapes and for two or three years they yielded bumper crops which Daniel hauled to a distillery where he received a very high price.

Daniel Stark, a Freighter

In company with Francis M Lyman, Daniel did considerable freighting between San Bernardino, the gold "diggins" at Sutters Fort, San Diego, Los Angeles and other places. Besides freighting Daniel did some farming, gardening and built some houses in San Bernardino. On the 23rd of April 1855, Daniel and Annie were blessed with another daughter, named Mary Ellen, but she died on the 13 Oct 1855.

 

Daniel Ordained a High Priest

Daniel said soon after he located in San Bernardino, a brother came down from the gold fields with a large amount of gold nuggets, valued at about $20,000 and fearing some one would rob him, he hid the gold in a buckskin sack in a hollow tree in a grove. He then asked brothers Lyman and Rich, who operated a store there, to furnish him a guard to go with him to the grove for protection. They sent Brother Stoddard and on reaching the tree where the money was hidden, to their surprise and dismay, the sack was gone. After searching several yards away they found the sack but it was empty. A Coyote had smelled the buckskin sack and had chewed it in shreds, and scattered the gold on the ground. With great care they slowly picked up what nuggets they could find, but lost many of the smaller ones.

Brigham Young Requests the San Bernardino Saints to Come to Utah Because of Johnson's Army

In the early part of 1857, when Daniel was high on the ladder of financial success, and well established in the community, word came from Brigham Young expressing his desire that the Saints living in San Bernardino abandon their city and move back to Utah to help protect the Utah Mormons against an attack from Johnson's Army. He was opposed to so many of his Saints going out from under his wings to California for gold, reveling in that sunny clime, forgetting God and apostatizing so he used this as an excuse to have them come back. Many of the Saints in San Bernardino obeyed the mandate and sacrificed their property to do so. There were others who elected to abide in the land they had chosen to colonize. Daniel said many of the latter apostatized and joined the Josephite Church.

Daniel sold his lot on the northwest corner of D and 8th streets on which was built a two story house and 10 acres of grapes to J Brown, a Spiritualist, for six mules and a wagon to make the trip to Utah. He also said, "Just before leaving Dr A Osborne, as he styled himself, a bearded gentleman, came claiming to be a botanist, traveling under the auspices of the Academy of Natural Science, of Philadelphia. Daniel said he did nothing to collect specimens but that he sold this man his 160 acres for $500

Osborne hired three men to take him to Salt Lake in 15 days, John Mayfield, George Clark and Joseph S Tanner. With a heavy spring wagon, four horses and a saddle horse, they made the trip in due time arriving February 25, 1858. Reaching Salt Lake their passenger met President Brigham Young and was known to him as Col. Thomas L Kane. Brigham sent Col. Kane with a message to the President of the United States in Washington, D C which had to do with stopping the Johnson Army.

Daniel Stark a Captain

The Saints leaving San Bernardino for Utah were divided into groups of ten caravans each, and Daniel Stark was appointed Captain over one of the groups. Before his departure he loaded his belongings in a double-boxed covered wagon. He included a chest of carpenter tools, surveyor instruments, and a very handy good gun with plenty of ammunition, and moulds to make more bullets. In his mind he carried the same thoughts of going to war that he had carried all the way from Honolulu to California. He sat in the front spring seat with his wife and youngest child, James T, and in the back seat were his son, John D, Annie Francis and his adopted daughter, Elizabeth Bird. In the wagon he placed plenty of good food, and strapped on each side of the wagon a cask of water for the mules, and one for the family to drink. He rigged up a good camping outfit. Leaving San Bernardino in April 1857, he left on the ground just arrived from the east his new threshing machine, two large 4 1/2 foot mill stones, and other machinery for a new flour mill he intended to build. No one would buy them. Daniel Stark, sitting on the right side on the spring seat with a long handled buckskin whip in his right hand and the leather reins connecting the six mules, started out leading the ten families in his command. The first 19 miles were a very steep climb to 4,300 feet above sea level, the Cajon Pass. After reaching the top he waited for the others before going on. The next eleven miles was a gentle downhill grade, which landed the caravan along the shores of the Mohave River where they found good forage, and fresh water. They had passed through groves of strange trees, Yucca, Joshua, and various colored cacti. They tanked up here for the 63-mile drive to Baker California The next 37 miles took them over the Mohave Desert, and landed them at a place now called Barstow, California. The next 56 miles took them over mountains, valleys and mountains into the Las Vegas Springs. Here they filled up their barrels of pure fresh spring water. Then started out over 30 miles of rough, mountainous rocky dugway after dugway, passing through where St Thomas, Nevada used to be, now the bed of Lake Mead. Afterwards this was the hometown of Daniel Stark. Traveling northward they dropped to 1,000 feet above sea level into a fertile valley along the Virgin River, where Daniel was later called to settle. About ten miles along this river took them into Beaver River. Filling up their water tanks, they were prepared for the next 20 miles upgrade all the way to a point 4,500 feet above sea level. They were now in Utah. From here it was downhill for 20 miles into St George where they rested and took on fresh supplies of vegetables and other food stuffs, and filled their tanks with water. Leaving an elevation of 2,500 feet, they started on an uphill climb for 58 miles along narrow dugways in Ash Canyon and landed in Cedar City, Utah, where they learned that the Johnson Army had come into Salt Lake peaceably and disarmed. Driving on to the next town Parowan, Daniel bought a lot and erected a home there, where he and his family lived from 1857 to 1858, when they moved to Payson, Utah.

Shortly after their arrival in Payson, Daniel was successful in trading a span of mules to Pardon Webb (afterwards John D Stark's father in law) for a two story adobe home and 40 acres of land about one mile north of town. Here Daniel did some farming, carpentering and surveying. Not long after his arrival President Brigham Young came down to Payson to attend Conference and stopped with Daniel and his family. While there Brigham requested Daniel and Joe Mathews, Daniel's friend from California to take their teams and wagons and go to Omaha, Nebraska, for machinery and assist the emigrants coming to Utah.

They bought and loaded on their wagons the first threshing machine brought into Utah County and also loaded the luggage of some of the emigrants including Elizabeth Ann Cole, and her five daughters, and Priscilla and Pheobe Birkenhead. They had just come over from England as converts to the Church. They all walked most of the way from Omaha, Nebraska to Payson, Utah. Daniel and Joe gave them lifts on their wagons whenever they could. They arrived safely in Payson the first part of October 1861. Daniel and Annie's adopted daughter, Elizabeth Wallace Bird, married Henry Nelson Howell, December 16, 1861, in the Endowment House in Salt Lake City. Daniel had left Howell in charge of his farm while he went east. Shortly after their marriage they moved to Franklin Idaho, where he taught school, and raised a large well-respected family.

When Daniel was nearly 42 years old, upon the advice and council of President Brigham Young, he married in polygamy, Elizabeth Baldwin, daughter of David Baldwin, and Elizabeth Ann Cole Baldwin, in the Endowment House, Salt Lake City, March 22, 1862. Since her arrival in Payson, Elizabeth had been working in Daniel and Annie's home as a housemaid.

The next few years Daniel divided his time in farming, carpentering, and surveying for private landowners. In the fall and winter Daniel and Uncle Joe Mathews (as he was known) did threshing throughout Utah County, as far north as Lehi and south to Santaquin and Goshen.

Elizabeth's first daughter, Sarah Ellen Stark, was born 4 February 1863, in Payson, Utah.

The End of Daniel Stark's Traveling Companion

Daniel's first wife, Ann Cook Stark, died May 15, 1865, at the age of 43 years, 9 months, at Payson, Utah, leaving her sons John Daniel, James Theophilis, and her daughter Annie Francis. She lived to see her adopted daughter Elizabeth Wallace Bird married, thus terminating her contract made with Edwin Bird to care for her until she was married. Ann had lived a hard, adventurous, romantic and at times a lonely life. Daniel was away from home much of the time in pursuit of a livelihood and Ann practically raised their family much of the time alone. She died well respected and a true Latter-Day Saint.

Daniel Stark Elected Captain of Militia

In these early days of 1865 the Indians were causing a considerable amount of disturbance and damages in Utah, Juab, and San Pete Counties, in stealing cattle and horses. These hostilities created what was known as the Black Hawk War. Daniel Stark was commandeered into service to help quell the insurrections by Governor Charles Durkee and placed in command, as Captain of Company C Infantry, 2nd Battalion, 1st Regiment, 2nd Brigade, 2nd Division Navoo Legion, The militia of the Territory of Utah, in Utah Military District, Utah, as evidenced in a document signed and sealed by the Governor of Utah.

September 25, 1865, Elizabeth gave birth to her second son, and Daniel's seventh child, David Stark, in Payson, Utah.

March 16, 1867, Daniel married in polygamy, his third wife, who was 18 years old, Priscilla Birkenhead, daughter of Isaac Birkenhead and Mary A Wild Birkenhead.

They were married in the endowment House in Salt Lake City.

Elizabeth gave birth to Samuel Stark, 12 Mar 1868, in Payson, Utah. On September 23, that same year, Priscilla gave birth to her first daughter, Harriet Stark.

Daniel Stark a Colonizer

Again Brigham Young came down to Payson to hold Conference, and while there, he called Daniel Stark, and about 20 other families, to go and colonize a narrow valley on the north banks of the Virgin River, now called Moapa Valley.

Ever loyal and obedient to his friend and leader, Daniel prepared for the long hard trip.

He sold his home and farm on a contract, loaded into two wagons what household goods and provisions he thought his two span of mules could pull over the rough, steep mountains he well knew in traveling the road a few years before.

Daniel's son John D Stark, his daughter, Annie Francis, and his adopted daughter, Elizabeth Wallace Bird, were all married. His son, James Theopolis found work in Payson hence they did not go with him on this trip. Daniel Stark with others in the colonization caravan left Payson in the early spring of 1869. Daniel and Elizabeth and her family in one wagon and Priscilla driving with her daughter Hattie in the other wagon.

After a long and tiresome journey they all reached their destination without any mishaps and settled on the north side of the Virgin River, and started the town of St Joseph. Here Daniel Stark was set apart as Bishop of that ward. After building a home for his two families, he did farming, carpentering and some surveying. This was a very productive place, being only 1,000 feet above sea level. Early fruits and vegetables were very easy to grow, pomegranates and watermelons did fine.

Alice Stark was born February 14, 1870, in St Joseph to Elizabeth, and on November 28, the same year Priscilla gave birth to Charles Henry Stark in St Joseph.

The Saints worked hard clearing the land, getting out canals and ditches, building roads and getting a good start, when Brigham Young came down with some other general authorities of the Church. In making an inspection he decided that place was too hot, windy and dry, so dissolved the Mission, and told them to go where they desired.

In the early spring of 1871, some of the colony went back to Salt Lake. Daniel with his two families packed their belongings in their two wagons, and with their four mules went up to Long Valley, Kane County, Utah. Having to make roads nearly all the way, they found it a very hard journey. While pulling up a steep and rough mountain one of the mules balked and refused to pull. Daniel hit him with a willow stick and the mule kicked him in the breast and knocked him on his back. While he was lying on the ground the folks thought he was dead. He finally got up, grabbed that mule by the long ears, and twisted them as hard as he could, at the same time saying over and over as fast as he could his one and only swear word. Then the mules went along reaching Mt Carmel.

Daniel Starts Over Again

Daniel got busy and built another home for his two families and acquired a tract of land along the north side of the Virgin River where it was only about seven feet across, one could easily jump it. He did farming, bought a few cows and his boys herded them along the riverbanks. He did carpentering for his neighbors and some surveying. He also brought with him his office of Bishop, and was the first Bishop in Mt Carmel. While living there, the United Order was set up in the next town north in Long Valley, called Orderville. Here, in Mt Carmel on October 12, 1871, William Brigham Stark was born to Elizabeth. Leaving his families in Mt Carmel Daniel went to St George and assisted in the construction of the St George Temple, as a civil engineer.

The book, "Brigham Young and His Works" by Preston Nibley, page 475, has this to say about building the St George Temple. "November 12, 1871, the site of the St George Temple building had been surveyed under the direction of President Brigham Young by Elders Daniel Stark and Joseph W Young from the ground plans furnished by Elder Truman O Angell, architect for the Church. It is 142 feet in length by 95 feet wide and the center of the building is to be on the center of the block which is thirty two rods square."

Daniel and Families Move Back to Payson

While Daniel engaged in Church work and other civic activities word came to him from the party who agreed to buy his home and farm in Payson that he was unable to keep up with the payments. Daniel resigned as his position as Bishop, gathered up his belongings and disposed of what property he had, loaded his families into the two covered wagons, and with his four mules, bade goodbye to his many friends and moved back to Payson, Utah, in 1872. After repossessing his property and refunding all the party had paid on the contract he moved back into thee old adobe house and began farming the 40 acres. He soon united with Uncle Joe Mathews going about the county threshing for the farmers.

On September 30, 1873, Elizabeth gave birth to Martha Amelia in Payson, who died October 26, 1873. Ernest Albert Stark was born to Priscilla in the old adobe house in Payson, October 1, 1874, and the next week, Kate Matilda Stark was born to Elizabeth in Payson.

Daniel Stark, Utah County Surveyor

After 1876, Daniel Stark was appointed to the position of Utah County Surveyor and then moved his wife Priscilla and her family to Provo where he had his office in the City and County Building. This work of threshing took him away from home a lot of the time, even over into Cedar Valley and Goshen. While in Provo, Daniel was chosen High Councilman in the Utah Stake of Zion. On February 6, 1877, George Edward was born to Elizabeth in Payson. Priscilla gave birth on May 1st, the same year, to Franklin in Provo. Clara Jane was born to Priscilla August 16, 1879 in Provo. On December 4, 1879, Elizabeth gave birth to her daughter Elizabeth in Payson,

In 1881 Daniel moved his wife Priscilla, and family back to Payson, and built them a home in the northwest part of town. Isaac Walter was born to Priscilla, January 23, 1882 in Payson and on March 6, 1884, Elizabeth gave birth to her eleventh and last child Louie. March 12, 1884, and Priscilla gave birth to her seventh and last child Mabel.

Death of Daniel Stark and His Two Wives

Priscilla Stark died January 8, 1894 in Payson, Utah, having lived a true and faithful Latter-day Saint all her active life, well loved by all who knew her.

Elizabeth Stark died August 20, 1925 in Payson, Utah, loyal and true to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, which she joined when a child in Birmingham, England where she was born.

Daniel Stark died 23 April 1907, in Payson, Utah, having lived 86 years 10 months and 3 days. He had a romantic, adventurous and a hard working life. He was kind, and had a mild disposition. He observed strictly the Word of Wisdom, drinking no tea or coffee, nor would he eat pork, or pie made from lard from pigs. His home in Payson was always the headquarters for President Young, his close friend. A question? Will any of his many descendants ever travel on land and sea, raise as large a family, and yet crowd so much activity in his life, as did Daniel Stark?