The Roskelley Family

As Samuel grew, he was taught in the local school systems of England and was raised as a Baptist. At 13, his father tried to get him into an apprenticeship, but it fell through. When Samuel was 14, he began his interest in religion, and his father allowed him to investigate religions for himself.

After some conflicted feelings about what he had known and felt, what his parents might think, Samuel decided to join the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in a secret baptism on Dec 3, 1851.

After his baptism, he returned home and was immediately accused of joining the Church. Though they threw their powerful words at Samuel, he was steadfast in his choice and took every verbal punch. Still a minor at 16, Samuel told his family he was going to leave, and not to try to intervene, for he knew he would make it across the Atlantic.

The Falcon landed in New Orleans, Louisiana on May 18, 1853. Via steamboat and train, Samuel made his way to Kanesville, Iowa. He joined the Appleton M. Harmon company on June 15, 1853 and arrived in the Salt Lake Valley on Oct 16.

Because he had no friends or family in the whole territory, Samuel had to find work the hard way. However, the Lord was on his side.

He first began working for a man while he attended his mission duties and needed someone to care for his family. Samuel did this until Spring and then began working for President Brigham Young for many years. During this time, Samuel became associated with Rebecca Hendricks in 1856.

After his return from his mission in 1858, Samuel married Rebecca Hendricks on July 22, 1858. After his marriage, resources and money became tight, and in 1860, Samuel, along with his brother-in-law William T. VanNoy, and with advice from the Hendricks family, moved to Richmond.