Deciding to Leave England

Ernest Joseph

In the spring of 1929 Ernest [Joseph] wrote and asked me how much I lacked in the amount I needed for my fare to come to America. He offered to loan me whatever amount I needed. I talked it over with my father. He, too, offered to loan me a part of my fare, so as far as finances were concerned, the way was opened up, but I hesitated. Here I was, over thirty years of age. My father's sight was failing (he had lost the sight of one eye at 9 years of age from small pox). I knew that when Mother found out what I proposed to do all Hell would break loose. I wasn't sure I could take any more agony, and could I find work at the age I was?

I wrote to Apostle Widstoe for counsel. He was President of the European Mission then and knew of our problems. Several days later I received a letter from him through the Elders (Mother often read and destroyed my mail). He said he had fasted and prayed about the situation. The answer was to follow my father's advice and leave. You have endured enough, he said, the Lord will take care of your father. The Church Authorities were counseling the Saints at that time to stay in their own countries and build up the church, so I was surprised and pleased with the answer. It's a good thing I couldn't foresee the days ahead or I would never have had the courage to go through with it.

Elder John A. Widtsoe (1872-1952)

The first thing Mother did when she found out from me what I intended to do was to go to the Matron of the factory where I was working and tell her the Mormons had persuaded me to go to Utah to become a plural wife. She also wrote the same story to the newspapers, then to the American Consul in Southampton telling him I had TB. It was a terrible and humiliating experience and I couldn't begin to tell all the things that took place at that time. Mother would prepare our meals most of the time, then shut herself in her bedroom and refuse to talk to us. I loved my Mother, she was a good woman. I know that she loved my Father and me but I know that Satan took possession of her to try to destroy us.

There were bright spots, however, that brought a little peace and consolation. The neighbors would stop me in the street and put their arms around me and ask if there was anything they could do for me. The girls I worked with when they knew of my plans came and wished me well, even some of the men who before had ridiculed me came and told me how much they admired my courage in standing up for the things I believed in. They had parties for me and I received many lovely gifts. The Saints were very kind and did all they could to help me.

On my birthday, October 13, 1929, which was Sunday, I was asked to speak in sacrament meeting. I was to leave on the Tuesday following for Liverpool, October 15, 1929. I tried to talk to Mother before I left but she locked herself in her room and wouldn't see me. It made me feel sad to have to leave her like this. Dad and Bob came to the station to see me off to Liverpool. The Saints and Elders were there and some of the people I worked with. It was quite heartbreaking to leave Dad and Bob. (Bob was my sister, Annie's son. I will tell of him later). But I felt saddest of all for the lonely soul I had left at home alone. 
My friend, Paul, accompanied me on my journey to Liverpool. I was so glad of her company. We were met at Liverpool by Elders Richard L. Evans (Secretary of European Mission) and Fred G. Pack who took us to the ship. President Widstoe was there with an 18 year old girl who was to be my traveling companion to Salt Lake City. They all stayed aboard until the signal was given to leave. Then the band started to play, "God be With You 'til we Meet Again". With tear-bleared eyes we watched the space between us and the shore widen and the waving figures on the shore became specks in the distance. We went to the State Room which was brightened with flowers and fruit and magazines, gifts from the office staff and President and Sister Widstoe. Thus began our journey to Zion. There won't be room to tell all the details of the journey but I was seasick all the way and was glad to see land. There used to be a tradition among Captains of ships that if a Mormon sailed with the ship it would reach port safely so the ship's captains always welcomed Mormons aboard. We were treated with great kindness.