Thora Palmer Winn

Anybody know what happened on March 14, 1920?

Thora Palmer (Winn) was born at 7:45 p.m. in the Preston Hospital. I think sharing some memories of her would be a fun way to celebrate her birthday!

I asked Vance to think of 5 words that would describe his mother. He said Charitable, Funny, Loving, Energetic and Beautiful. He said one of the things he admired was that she would do almost anything for almost anybody. He also said she was the life of every party with her quick wit and fun sense of humor.

I remember Thora as being a hard worker. She spent many hours in the kitchen cooking delicious food and would only stop if there was a baby to hold. I remember her getting up very early in the morning with a dishtowel tied around her waist to go pick raspberries. She had a certain way to pick them and didn't like others to help for fear they might break a precious plant or not do it correctly. But she did let me help make her delicious Raspberry Jam! It was YUMMY!

Thomas Condie Conversion

Thomas Condie was a great reader of the Bible and he had a good memory and quoted passages in the Bible to prove, in his own way, that Mormonism was not true but from the devil.  In November Elder Sharp was appointed to preside over the branch.  He and others came to the house and spent many hours discussing the Bible and the new religion.
       “One night a voice repeated to him ‘thrice sundry times’ the scripture found in Isaiah, 54th chapter, last three verses.  “15- Behold, they shall surely gather together, but not by me: whosoever shall gather together against thee shall fall for thy sake.  16-Behold, I have created the smith that bloweth the coals in the fire, and that bringeth forth an instrument for his work; and I have created the ‘waster to destroy’.  17- No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn.  This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is of me, saith the Lord.  After this manifestation he had a fervent testimony all of his life. Thomas wanted to emigrate to America with the body of the church.

Gibson Condie Description of Liverpool

Gibson Condie “I would have the privilege of seeing England.  The people never thought of going a hundred miles away from home. They would be astonished going that distance.  There are folks in Scotland that were born and died in the same town. They do not care for traveling.  They’re satisfied where they are.  I was surprised in Liverpool, there was Bands of Music and Brass instruments would play in the Streets on Sunday.  It was different in Scotland where I was raised.  Any kind of Instrument playing on Sunday was forbidden.  They were very strict in observing the Sabbath Day, more so than in England.  They would not allow anyone to go fishing, playing ball or playing marbles.  If you was to shave yourself or blackening your shoes or if any kind of play whatever it was strictly forbidden.  Those of that land would be prosecuted and punished.

Thomas & Ann Smith Palmer

Thomas Palmer was the only member of the family who accepted the Gospel at that time and came to Zion.  He was then twenty years of age.  About four years before leaving England he married Ann Smith, the 12th May 1844.  She was a faithful girl who also had joined the Mormons and was willing to sacrifice home, family, and friends in order that she might go to Zion, the promised land, and worship God as her conscience dictated and live under the radiant light of the Church.

Frances Starkins Palmer Baptism

Frances Starkins was baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by Daniel Brown on the17th of September, 1850, and confirmed by Henry Squires in the St. Albans Branch.  This shows a strength of character, to be able to make such a decision.  It must have been a shock to her parents and family as she was the only one of the family to join.  What was their reaction to this step she had made?  Was it bitterness and sending her from them, as many did, or did they accept her decision and allow her to still mingle with them?  It wasn’t for long, as on the 16th of December, 1850, she emigrated to America with other new members of the church, and was never to see her family again in this life.