Melitone Gonzales Trejo

MELITONE GONZALES TREJO The First Spanish Translator of the Book of Mormon By Tressie M. Post We are glad to give to the Era a sketch of the life of one whose name appears on the roll of the first Y. M. M. I. A., spoken of by Junius F. Wells in his history of the Thirteenth Ward, which was published in the Era for June, 1925: Melitone Gonzales Trejo was born in Castile, Spain, March 1 0, 1844, and was reared by his parents under very favorable circumstances. The Unveiling of a Monument to the Memory of M. G. Trejo, at St. David Cemetery, Arizona, August 3 0, 1925 He attained to a high degree of scholarship. His father held the office of Captain in the army; and Melitone received the necessary training to place him as 1st Lieutenant in the army stationed at the Philippine Islands. At that time the elders of the Church of Jesus Christ were scattering rays of living light, and a portion of that light penetrated his soul and awakened his conception of truth. He often related his apprehension of truth by slapping his breast with both hands, saying, "The gospel truths came to me like this." He was one among the many of whom Isaiah prophesied: "And many people shall go and say, come ye and let us go up to the mountains of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob, and he will teach us of his ways and we will walk in his paths." He consulted his father about leaving the army and going to Utah, which resulted in his arrival in Salt Lake City about the year

410 IMPROVEMENT ERA 1874, when he was about thirty years of age. He was converted to the gospel and baptized within two weeks after his arrival. President Brigham Young and associates recognized his ability, and called him to the responsible position of translating the Book of Mormon into the Spanish language. He commenced the work at once, and completed it at Logan, May 17, 1884. He had married, for time, Mrs. Mary Ann Christenson at Richfield, in the spring of 1875. One child, Louisa, was born to them, and soon after her birth they emigrated to Arizona, and arrived in St. David March 15, 1878. Brother Trejo was set apart as a missionary to the Mexican people. Wherever he found them, he filled this mission with unfaltering efforts. At one time he was interpreter for Moses Thatcher on a trip to Mexico. Later, about 1905, he was called on a ten-year mission to the Mexicans. He would always give back an allowance he received, or would give it to some poor Mexican, never keeping any for himself. Although he was reared in plenty, he did not maintain those conditions, but was very poor in worldly possessions. He married Emily Jones, May 29, 1884, in the Logan Temple, twelve days after he had completed thS translation of the Book of Mormon. Ten children were born to them. His wife and six children are still living. His favorite song was, "O, ye Mountains High." He possessed an unusually kind and generous disposition. He was net released from his mission, but was driven out with the "Mormon" Mexico refugees during the rebellion. He located his family at St. David, taking his eldest son, Melitone, and returned to Mexico, spending two more years in this labor. He died at Wilcox, Arizona, in the house of his daughter, Mrs. Sarah Kimball, April 29, 1917, and was buried at St. David. The unveiling of his monument took place at the St. David cemetery August 30, 1925. The monument had been recently erected by his children. The M. I. A., by request from Bishop Wright, was in charge. Decorations and pantomime were directed by Bee-Keeper, assisted by Bee-Hive girls. The following program was rendered at the cemetery: Quartette, "Jesus Lover of My Soul;" prayer, William G. Goodman; duet, "Rock of Ages;" pantomime by four Bee-Hive girls to the song, "Though Deep'ning Trials," sung as a duet,, while two other Bee-Hive girls slowly approached and unveiled the mon- ument; a short history of his life was given by John S. Merrill; quartette, "An Angel from on High;" benediction, James N. Christen- son. The inscription on the monument reads: "Melitone G. Trejo; Born March 10, 1844; Died April 29. 1917; First Spanish Trans- lator of the Book of Mormon." St. David, Arizona.