President John R. Winder

President John R. Winder. BY EDWARD H. ANDERSON. In the death of President John R. Winder, a strong man and a remarkable pillar of the Church passed from the activities of this existence to new achievements in the world of spirits. For nearly sixty years he was a familiar figure in Salt Lake City and Utah, and took a leading part in a variety of public interests in our commonwealth. Business, industry, agriculture; civil, political, and military affairs and religious labors,constantly occupied his time and talents. In every capacity he was trustworthy, honest, just, kind, plain in deportment, willing to serve; energetic and loveable, public-spirited, simple in habit and taste, a good and noble man, — a splendid type of the pioneers of Utah, and a faithful Latter-day Saint. THE OLD WINDER HOME IN BIDDENDEN, COUNTY OF KENT, ENGLAND.

618 IMPROVEMENT ERA. He was born in Biddenden, a little village in Kent, just west of Dover, in the southwestern part of England. At the age of twenty, with a very limited education, he set out for London to make his own way in life. In reality he had already done so, because from the day he was old enough, he had been compelled to toil for his own living. A little incident in this his early life was related by him to his band of temple workers, some years ago, which shows his trust in the watchcare of God: I was a poor little boy. I was sent out into the fields to keep the birds off the grain, and it was a very lonely spot, surrounded with woods. (I might say this was a little more than seventy years ago.) Being entirely alone, I was somewhat fearful, and I remember that I was impressed to kneel down in the brush and pray to the Lord that his angels might watch over and protect me from harm. I remember now, just as well as I see your faces, that that was the end of my fear. I also think that that was the beginning of my success in life. Although that spot is many thousand miles distant, and it is more than seventy years ago, I could walk straight to that very spot where I knelt down, and where I received that blessing. Having obtained a situation in a west end shoe store, he labored at this task for about seven years; and in the meantime he married Ellen Walters, November 24, 1845, and later went to Liverpool, where he resided some seven years. It was in this city that he first heard the gospel. The strange circumstance that led him to the Latter-day Saints is best related by himself, as told to his temple friends: The manner in which the gospel came to me was somewhat singular. I was in a store one day, and a person had torn up a letter into very small fragments and thrown it on the floor. I was impressed to pick up a small 'piece of it, and on that piece of paper were the two words, "Latter-day Saint." I looked at it and wondered what it meant. I never had heard of Latter-day Saints, or "Mormons,'' or Joseph Smith, or anything of the kind. I was impressed to take it over and ask the man who was at the desk what it meant. He happened to be a Latterday Saint, and he went on and told me what it meant, and where these people were meeting in Liverpool, and I attended their meetings. He soon became convinced of the truth, and . was baptized September 20, 1848, by Elder Thomas D. Brown; his wife joined

Sun Lial on the old Winder home in Biddenden, County of Kent. some weeks later, and was baptized by Elder Orson Pratt. They were associated with the Liverpool branch until February, 1853, when they sailed for America, arriving in Salt Lake City, October 10, of that year. Ten days out on the Atlantic, small-pox was discovered among the passengers, and Brother Winder was taken ill with the disease. One young man lying next to him in the quarantined house on deck died, and was cast into the sea; the sailors, referring to Winder, said, "We will have him next." "I did not believe what they said," he stated later, "I had a living faith that I would recover and get to Zion." This abiding faith carried him through many dangers, for on another occasion he said: "Several times I have been snatched, as it were, from death by the hand of the Lord. I know this as well as I stand here." Arriving in Utah, he began business as a tanner, and as a maker of harness, saddles, boots and shoes, associating himself in this work with Samuel Mulliner and William Jennings; and later with Brigham Young and Feramorz Little, in which latter partnership he erected a tannery in Parley's canyon, which was operated until the native bark became so scarce and the competition of importation so strong that they were compelled to abandon the business.

620 IMPROVEMENT ERA. Then it was that he purchased his well-known Poplar Farm, south of Salt Lake City, and began the pursuit of farming and stock-raising, in which he took great delight all his days, and succeeded admirably. As to his military activities, he joined the Nauvoo Legion in 1855. This body of militia was perpetuated in Utah because there was need often, in those early days, of protection from the Indians. He was captain of a company of lancers; and, as in all things that he undertook, he did his work here so carefully and well that he soon became prominent in military circles. He was in the Echo canyon war during the fall and winter of 1857-8, where he had charge of fifty men, left to guard the canyon and its approaches after General Wells and Colonel Burton had returned home and Johnston's army had gone into winter quarters at Fort Bridger. Being temporarily relieved of duty about Christmas, it became necessary to call him on an Indian campaign in the West. He raised eighty-five mounted men, and with General George D. Grant, in early March, pursued a band of thieving Indians through Tooele county, and onto the Great Desert. The party was caught in a storm, lost the Indian trail, and returned to Salt Lake City. Only a short time after this, Colonel Winder was called with a company of men to take charge of the defenses in Echo canyon. He remained in service until the unfortunate episode was over and peace was declared. In the Black Hawk war of 1865-6-7, Colonel Winder was a part of the time an aid to General Daniel H. Wells. He collected and made a statement of the accounts of the expenses of this war, amounting to $1,100,000 which was presented later to Congress, but only recently, and after many efforts, has there been hope of recognition. For fourteen years, beginning with 1870, John R. Winder was assessor and collector of Salt Lake City; he served in the city council for three terms, 1872-8; and served also for about three years as watermaster. His religious duties and offices were many and important. In the spring of 1884 he was chosen second counselor to Presiding Bishop W. B. Preston, in which position he acted until October 17, 1901, when he became first counselor to President Joseph F. Smith in the First Presidency of the Church. In the quorums of

PRESIDENT JOHN R. WINDER. 621 the priesthood he held nearly every intermediate position, including High Councilor of the Salt Lake Stake of Zion, and was persistently zealous and active in his work. In 1892, at the April conference, it was decided to finish the Salt Lake temple by the next April for dedication, forty years from the day of its beginning. President Wilford Woodruff and his associates looked about for a man who could and would undertake to supervise the accomplishment of the immense task. The man chosen was John R. Winder, and he went about the work with characteristic zeal and determination. People said the work could not be done. Some of the workmen thought so. President Winder said recently, referring to that matter: I never had a doubt in my mind but that it would be accomplished. It never entered my mind that it could not be accomplished. I remember on one occasion, I had heard that some of the brethren at work had said it could not be done; so I called them together in the building. There were two hundred and fifty men. I was standing talking to them, and telling them that if there was a man among them that felt this work could not be accomplished, let him please get his pay and go to work A STREET IN BIDDENDEN, ENGLAND. Home town of President John R. Winder.

622 IMPROVEMENT ERA. somewhere else. I did not know that President Woodruff was in the house, but it appears that he stood right behind a curtain that was up there, and heard what I said, and throwing aside the curtain he said: "That's right; the work has got to be done, and if there is anybody here that thinks it can't be done, let him leave.'' Characteristic of President Winder, whenever he undertook anything, so in this case, the work was done, done well, and on time. When we remember that he was then past three score and ten, the remarkable activity of the man becomes apparent. This was really the beginning of the period in which his greatest life-work was accomplished. He not only finished the task by his faith, energy and work, but was a liberal donor to the fund which met the heavy expenses of the work, at a time when the Church was heavily involved financially. After the dedication, in April, 1893, he was selected and sustained in May following as first assistant to President Lorenzo Snow in charge of the temple. He remained a temple worker all his remaining life. At the temple dedication services President Joseph F. Smith commended Bishop Winder for his faithful, persistent and efficient labors, and pronounced a blessing upon him for time and all eternity. And the promise for this life surely came true, for he was exceedingly blessed in every way, and his heart was so full of thanks and gratitude that he could not refrain in every public speech to call attention to it and to thank and praise his Father in heaven. And for the future, happiness and eternal life are hisHe was exceedingly modest, and was adverse to any distinction being made of him. The Era desired to print a character sketch of his life, and obtained a near friend of his to prepare it. The paper was presented to him, but he objected: "It will not do," he said, "to write that way of me. There are so many good, faithful men who have done as much or more for the cause than I have, that it is not wise, in my position, to hold me up as a special example. In my feelings I am always opposed to distinctions among the Latter-day Saints. Not that I do not appreciate the kind sentiments expressed, but it will not do. Why should I be singled out?" So the article was not printed, and out of deference to his wishes, never will be. Pictures of his early home in England, and

I ■' [jtt^flBf MM CHURCH AT BIDDENDENT, WHERE THE WINDERS WORSHIPED. scenes in Biddenden prepared to accompany the discarded article are, however, presented with the present very inadequate sketch. The writer treasures many crisp counsels, wise sayings, and pointed expressions, heard at various times, in various places, under different circumstances, and uttered by the lips of President John R. Winder. His personal advice and counsel were not always agreeable at first, for he had a very terse way of saying things, but in the end they generally proved pleasant, best, and a blessing to him who followed them. Union, love and fellowship among the Saints, publicly and privately, he always sought to promote. His counsel to individuals was not mere mechanical words. When he counseled simplicity of life, you might be sure he lived the simple life; when he told a young man that purity of thought and action is the best course, it was because he had traveled in it ; when he advised frugality and thrift, it was because in his own life he had practiced these virtues; and when he impressed a young man that truthfulness and honesty are essential in business, it was because that was his policy all the day long. He was outspoken, and faithful in expressing his sentiments. On one occasion he gave this talk, which is a fair sample of his counsel: Never seek for place or power, for fame or honor, lest you embitter another life with jealousy, or canker another heart with envy. Remem-

624 IMPROVEMENT ERA. ber the covenants you have made — in the waters of baptism, and in the House of the Lord. Be honest in your dealings with your own people, and with all the world beside. Remember, 0 remember, to keep all your covenants — with yourself, with your families, with your brethren and with God! So will God remember you and yours, in the day when he makes up his jewels." His being chosen first counselor to President Joseph F. Smith was the greatest surprise of his life, he declares: One day President Smith sent for me. He said, "Brother Winder, are you willing to act as my counselor?" What could I say, brethren? To think that one who had sprung from the source I had, without any education (for when I was old enough I had to toil for my own living), slow of speech, feeling as though I could pass through the floor whenever I am called upon to speak to the people — was it possible that President Smith could choose me for his counselor under these circumstances? Don't you think, brethren and sisters, that I know how to appreciate these things? I think I do. His modest, energetic and effective service, his discretion, his conservative action and wise judgment, in this position, are evidences of the inspiration that led President Smith to select John R. Winder for the responsible station. His optimistic spirit held to the last, and he requested that there should be no "moaning at the bar when he put off to sea," and that his family should not wear black at the funeral — requests strictly adhered to. His favorite hymns were sung at the funeral services: "0 my Father," "Who are these arrayed in white?" ;"Mid scenes of confusion," "Rest for the weary soul," and "Zion stands with hills surrounded," the last being sung at the cemetery. Funeral services were held in the Salt Lake Tabernacle, beginning at 11 a. m., March 31, 1910. That thousands attended, including leading authorities from all parts of the Church, the governor and officers of the state, the mayor and officers of the city, judges and leading business men and citizens, was a testimony of the love and esteem in which he was held by all classes of people. More than two thousand people were at the grave, which was dedicated by Bishop Franklin S. Tingey. A sentiment from each of the speakers is here given: W. W. Riter: "He was totally without guile; plain in deportment, and had only one standard — right and justice."

626 IMPROVEMENT ERA. Bishop George Romney: "I feel I have lost one of my very best friends on earth. ^Bot a soul who worked with him for seventeen years in the temple but what loved him. He has been the instrument of releasing thousands in the spirit world, and he has gone to meet them yonder. He was one of the best men that ever lived upon God's footstool. He would willingly have laid down his life for his friends. I am as certain that his family will have the privilege of meeting Brother Winder in the life beyond, as I am that I stand here today.'' B. F. Grant: "So resigned was President Winder to go, that he frequently dedicated himself to the Lord, saying, 'Oh, Lord, here I am, poor, weak mortal man that I am. Father, I am dyir.g, do with me as thou wilt; and if it be thy will, I am willing to go on, or stop laboring in this life, and if it is thy will I am here. There is nothing in my heart but to say, Thy will be done, not mine.' '' President Anthon H. Lund: "He was a wise counselor — a just man. He ever had a smile on his face. I learned to love him — I was proud of his confidence. His opinion was sought; his word was to be relied on and he spoke what he meant, and meant what he said. Richard W. Young: "Colonel Winder had many of the qualities of a soldier — bravery, foresight and keen judgment. He was a man of strength, without harshness, a man pre-eminently just and considerate.'' Heber M. Wells: "Among his eminent characteristics were his perfectly wonderful industry and his untiring energy. * * * He was good to the poor and ever kept his life sweet. He was a friend and an inspiration to the young man." Nephi L. Morris: "I shall cherish his memory as long as I live." President Francis M. Lyman: "He sought the Lord early, and was never forsaken. No man ever came more worthily into the First Presidency than he.'' Heber J. Grant: "John R. Winder has done more for me in the hours of trouble and financial stress than any other man." President Joseph F. Smith: "If any man loved him any more than I do, I say God bless that man. In his military career and all other phases of his life, he never sought office nor honors; they were always in search of him. Heaven itself could scarcely be more true than President Winder was true." John R. Winder possessed comparatively little of this world's goods, as men count wealth these days, though he had plenty for his needs, and for his splendid family, but, as one of his friends remarked, "He is a rich man; he fought the good fight, and he has won eternal life."

JOHN REX WINDER. Pioneer, counselor, temple-worker, Churchman, militiaman, civilian, agriculturist and business man; born, Biddenden, England, December 1, 1821; joined the Church September 20, 1848; arrived in Utah October 10, 1853; joined the Nauvoo Legion in 1855; entered political service in 1870; was chosen counselor in the Presiding Bishopric, April, 1884; selected for temple work in 1892-3; became first counselor in the First Presidency of the Church October 17, 1901; died March 27, 1910.