Samuel Roskelley

Samuel Roskelley was born Jan 1, 1837 in Devonport, England to Thomas and Ann Kitt Roskelley. Samuel is a Pioneer of Richmond. Samuel is a veteran of the Indian Wars.

Early Life

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.2

"While walking the streets of my native town during the month of November, 1850, I heard some singing in a hall above some stables—it attracted my attention because it seemed to have a peculiar 'ring' to it, I had never heard before. I stepped up the stairway and listened with delight much to the annoyance of my companions, who, after making some unkind and vulgar remarks about me and the singing, went away and left me. I remained until the song was ended much impressed with the words and the tune. In passing the same place in about two weeks later I was again attracted with the singing. 

"...Within a few days a lady acquaintance, a Sunday school companion of my sister, named Maria Kicks, came to my mother’s to visit my sister and to help her with the dressmaking business. She was much afflicted with rheumatism, and having heard of a people called Latter Day Saints who believed in Laying hands on the sick after the Scriptures pattern, she induced my mother to send for one of the elders of the church to visit and take tea one afternoon, and explain the doctrines of this faith. 

"I overheard all that was said by the elder on one side and my mother, sister, and Miss Kicks on the other, and understood that the doctrines he advocated, although scriptural, were unpopular and were not well received by my mother and sister, but they sank deep within me altho I was not permitted to say a word. But learning where the elders preached on Sunday evening I lost no opportunity to go to meeting and took note of all references made to the Bible doctrine, I afterwards read and found correct. 

"Altho but a boy I was deeply impressed with the sermon preached by elder Wm. G. Mills and left the meeting feeling if any sect were true, these people had the true Gospel, if Scriptural evidence were any proof. My former companions no more possessed any influence over me. I cared no longer for their society. I had found something more congenial."2

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, 1851.2

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.2

Journey West

"In my association with the Saints and becoming acquainted with the principles of the gospel and as the Spring of 1853 approached, the privilege was given by the Presidency of the European Mission for the Lands End Conference to send one person to Zion by the perpetual Emigration fund. Greatly to my astonishment and joy I was the one selected. No tongue nor pen can describe the feelings I had when notified by them of the fact that I had the privilege of going to Zion. Such a sudden change of circumstances, from bitter persecution to comparative peace. To travel and be in company with the saints, whose society I loved so well. Going to the gathering place of the people of God to be taught by prophets and apostles and learn of the ways of the Lord seemed to move my feelings to a higher plane, for I felt it would be among the 9 happiest days of my life to leave kindred, friends, and Babylon behind me."2

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.2

"The good ship Falcon was towed out of her dock and set sail on Saturday, 26 March 1853.1 I was 16 years, 2 months and 26 days old, leaving home, friends, kindred and everything that was near and dear to me on earth, to follow the Lord and obey His commands. Not a soul on board had I ever met before in my life except a few I had accompanied from Bristol but a few days since, but I rejoiced and praised the Lord for His mercies to me in bringing about my deliverance from Babylon and sang with many of the Saints on board..."2

The Falcon landed in New Orleans, Louisiana on May 18, 1853.1 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 16.2

Life in the Salt Lake Valley

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 1856.2

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.4

Life in Richmond

"...We [started] from Salt Lake City 18 April 1860 and located at Richmond, Cache County, Utah. 28th of the same month and commenced breaking up land as soon as we could prepare for it, by joining teams etc. I succeeded in breaking up 12 acres and sowed to wheat which was subsequently eaten off clean by grasshoppers. After which I devoted my labors to building and running a circular saw mill in High Creek canyon with Bro. [W].T. Van Noy and Andrew Walton.

"During the summer of 1862 misfortune seemed to follow me closely. I again lost my crop by hoards of grasshoppers and while sawing some lumber at the saw mill I cut my left hand so badly that I was laid up for 3 months.

"I had been called by the Bishop of Richmond and sustained by vote of the people of the Ward as Chorister, continuing in that office until a move required my release.

"During our stay at Richmond the Indians were very hostile and made frequent raids on the settlements thru the valley, stealing horses, cattle and keeping the people in continuous trouble and anxiety about their stock etc. The men did not leave home day or night some 2 years without being armed and prepared for Indian Raids. And we kept up night guards for months at a time guarding our cattle and protecting ourselves from their raids.

"On Nov. 1862, during which time the Richmond Choir gained much notoriety and were spoken of as the most efficient choir in the territory outside of Salt Lake City. I also acted as Richmond ward clerk from Oct. 1861 to Nov. 1862 and took quite an active part on arranging the Richmond Brass Band."4

Life in Smithfield, Utah

"30 Nov. 1862 (Sunday) Apostle Ezra T. Benson and Bishop Peter Maughan, held meeting at Richmond and before the meeting closed Apostle Benson requested me to accompany him to Smithfield in the afternoon and attend meeting -- I supposed to assist in the singing -- although I knew Smithfield Ward had a good choir and many conjectures were suggested as to the object of Bro. Bensons..."

"...I got to Smithfield a little late and sat at the door of the meeting house but Apostle Benson called me by name and requested me to take a seat on the stand which confused me very much. During his remarks he referred to the fact that Smithfield ward had no Bishop but President Brigham Young had lately suggested the name of a young man living at Richmond and he had invited the young man to attend the meeting so the Saints could have the privilege of voting for him. He then presented my name to the congregation to be sustained as the bishop of Smithfield. The vote was unanimous. After-which I was requested to speak a few words, which I did but I was so confused I do not know what I said. The call was so unlooked for that I trembled on realizing the responsibility, but I accepted it as coming from Father and trusted Him for guidance. I was ordained a high priest and Bishop of Smithfield ward at that meeting by Apostle Ezra Taft Benson assisted by Bp. Peter Maughan on the 30 Nov. 1862."4

The Roskelley family was not able to move to Smithfield until Jan 21, 1863 after purchasing the previous bishop's fort lot. The following March, Samuel was appointed as Major of the Smithfield Battalion.

Indian War Service

On July 23, 1860, William was enrolled in a company with Captain William C. Lewis. The company made an expedition to Summit Creek (Smithfield), Utah in pursuit of hostile Natives. He was released from active duty on Aug 23, 1860.6

"On March 23, 1863 at a military parade of the Smithfield Battalion it was motioned by General Ezra T. Benson that Samuel Roskelley be elected Major of the Smithfield Battalion, which carried unanimously. I proposed Geo. Barber as my Adjutant, Daniel C. Thomas as Captain of Company A. Alonzo P. Raymond Capt. of company B. which was sustained by the Battalion. We were instructed and drilled by Major McDonald Rush."4

Family

Samuel Roskelley married Rebecca Hendricks on July 22, 1858 in Salt Lake City, Utah. Samuel entered the practice of polygamy on Oct 10, 1865 by marrying Mary Roberts in Salt Lake City, Utah. Samuel also married Mary Florence Kelsey on Oct 7, 1867; Mary Jane Rigby on March 2, 1874; Margaret Rigby on May 11, 1882; and Sarah Maude Burton on Dec 21, 1885.

Samuel fathered 30 children and adopted one. 27 lived to adulthood, some in particular are from the following wives:

• Rebecca Hendricks

  • Hiram Abiff Watson Jr., adopted son.

• Mary Roberts

  • Richard Roskelley, 18th Mayor of Smithfield, Utah.

• Margaret Rigby

  • Charles Ora Roskelley, veteran of World War II. 

• Sarah Maude Burton

  • Gilbert Jack Roskelley, veteran of World War I.

Church Responsibilities

Missions

Samuel served his first mission on Sep 12, 1856 to serve in the British Mission. He was sustained as a member of the Seventy. He returned on June 22, 1858.

Samuel served his second mission to the British Isles on April 29, 1880 and returned June 15, 1881.

Samuel served his final mission in Aug 1882 as follows. He was elected on March 16, 1883.

"Called on a mission to the St. George Temple to learn the ordinances with his wife Margaret. While on his mission, he visited wards and branches and preached to the Saints. Prior to 1880, Samuel Roskelley was also called on a mission by Pres. John Taylor to visit all of the counties of the Territory in the interest of the common schools as a missionary.3

Second Bishop of Smithfield, Utah

Samuel was surprised as he was sustained as the second Bishop of Smithfield, Utah in 1862. During his time, he reorganized the teachers' quorum and settled tiths from the previous two years.

First Recorder of the Logan, Utah Temple

After the dedication of the Logan, Utah Temple, Samuel was called as the first Recorder of the Temple in 1884. He did so until 1911.5

Epilogue