1 Conversion to Mormonism

Eliza Brazier Batt (1864–1926) wrote her life story sometime in 1917 or 1918 when she was 53 years old. It focuses primarily on her early life in England before she and her husband accepted the restored gospel, joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and immigrated to America. This is the seventh of nine installments (see Batt & Lee Ancestors, 9–11). Eliza was the mother of William B Batt (1888–1959) and the grandmother of Dorothy Batt Cleverly (1915–1982).

After being at the lodge two years, I heard the true gospel but was very much opposed to it and said terrible things about it. My mother-in-law was a member of the Mor­mon Church, and we went through many battles and arguments. When the Millennial Star came for my mother-in-law, I would burn them or hide them.

The time came when Sister Hannah Batt was taken very sick and was sent to the hospital; then when alone, I read the Millen­nial Star I had hidden. The more I read, the plainer things became until I just longed for an elder to come and visit us. But there were no mem­bers or elders of the Latter-day Saint Church around there.

Oh, how I watched for the mail to come so I could get the precious little book. Instead of burning it, I read every word. At last the time came when I watched and prayed that I might understand the fulness of the gospel, so we wrote a letter to Brother Teasdale, president of the British mission in London, and asked that an elder be sent. A few days later a card came by mail—just a few words but how precious: "An elder will be with you in a few days. God bless you."

The next afternoon the captain, with quite a few Salvation Army sol­diers, visited me. Everybody was hav­ing such a good time (I rather en­joyed the lively singing) when I glanced out of the window and saw a tall man coming to the door with a satchel in his hand. I knew it was the elder, but hardly knew what to do with my Salva­tion friends. I was afraid he would say he was a Mormon, it being looked upon as a dis­grace to have anything to do with such terrible people.

Hark! a knock at the door and a tall man is saying, "I am an elder of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Brother George Phillips of Salt Lake." After intro­ducing him to the Salvationists, we had a very pleasant afternoon.

Brother Phillips stayed with us a week and we en­joyed his visit very much and began to understand things pertaining to the gospel. Brother Phillips would sit and ex­plain things to us by the hour. These were very happy days!

Two months later Brother Phillips visited us again and gave us the Book of Mormon and Voice of Warning. We read; he explained to us; and with the light of the gospel came a beautiful influence in our little home. Everything seemed so different. Charles and I would talk of the happy time when we would be able to gather to Zion. Then came a letter from Brother Phillips telling us he would soon be with us and to prepare for baptism. With thankful hearts we pre­pared the little room and looked and watched for the elder. Oh, how glad we were to see him.

It was a beautiful evening on the 22nd of May [1887], the moon being full. A walk through the lovely woods brought us to the grand old cliff with the sea dashing below. A walk down across the cliffs and onto the beach brought us to where the tide was coming in. About nine o'clock we were bap­tized in the sea and became mem­bers of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Then a walk home in the beautiful moonlight. Oh, the joy I cannot describe. When we got home, Elder Phillips confirmed us and blessed Cecily.

2 Quote of the week

Any believing Latter-day Saint is an optimist about what lies ahead for him or her, however difficult the present may be. We believe that through living the gospel of Jesus Christ we can become like the Savior, who is perfect. Considering the attributes of Jesus Christ should quash the pride of the self-satisfied person who thinks he or she has no need to improve. And even the most humble person can take hope in the invitation to become like the Savior. . . .

Love is the motivating principle by which the Lord leads us along the way towards becoming like Him, our perfect example. Our way of life, hour by hour, must be filled with the love of God and love for others. There is no surprise in that, since the Lord proclaimed those as the first and great commandments. It is love of God that will lead us to keep His commandments. And love of others is at the heart of our capacity to obey Him.

— President Henry B. Eyring, October 2009 general conference

3 This week in our family

Tues, Oct 27: James Talmage born 1999 [Dean]
Wed, Oct 28: Andrew born and died 1966 [Kay]
Wed, Oct 28: Meghan Auria's birthday [Dean]
Wed, Oct 28: Christopher & Camilla Taylor married 2004 [Dean]
Wed, Oct 28: Nathan & Amber Thomas married 2006 [Lyle]
Thurs, Oct 29: Bobbie Real's birthday [Gene]
Fri, Oct 30: Randy's birthday [Lyle]
Fri, Oct 30: Jeremy Harned's birthday [Gail]
Sat, Oct 31: Jackie Sayer's birthday [Jackie]
Sat, Oct 31: Jaxson Cody's birthday [Kay]
Sat, Oct 31: Halloween
Sun, Nov 1: Daylight savings time ends (set clocks back one hour)
Sun, Nov 1: Dorothy died 1982
Sun, Nov 1: Dylan Rager's birthday [Dale]
Mon, Nov 2: Next issue of newsletter

4 Bits and tidbits

Lyle's family
Josh and Crystal Price just returned from a nice vacation on the coast. Crystal had won a contest through a local radio station, which included a stay at Shilo Inns. They picked the Ocean Shores location. Read more.

Kay's family
Karen has been dubbed "the Cookie Queen of Peru" by the mission president's wife. Read more.

Dean's family
Cade and Rebecca Hoff and their two children return this Wednesday from their vacation in Hawaii. Check here, here, here, here, or here to see some of the posts Becca has made.

The following 17 members of Dean and Claudia's family are currently on Facebook: Anna Cleverly Halverson, Becca Cleverly Hoff, Ben Seth Cleverly, Cade Hoff, Camilla Cleverly Taylor, Chris Taylor, Dean B Cleverly, Eliza Cleverly Challis, Louise Cleverly, Mary Cleverly Oveson, Michael A Cleverly, Paul Challis, Peter Halverson, Rachael Cleverly Hodson, Shauna Cleverly, Talmage Cleverly, and Vince Oveson.