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Two Mormon Missionaries visiting Wilcox County
early 20th century. Identity unknown. |
In 1890 three Mormon missionaries showed up in Wilcox
County. They traveled by train to Greeneville, Al and then walked to
Camden, a distance of around 50 miles. These Mormon Elders were
dedicated to their faith and quickly made converts. Their stay would
last for two years and then they would return to the State of Utah and be
replaced with two more missionaries. The Elders helped families with
whatever work was at hand. If it was cotton picking time, they would
pick cotton. The Elders were much loved by all and Millie D. Nettles
McIntosh writes about her love and respect for them in her diary. Converts
include members of the Nettles, Henderson, McIntosh families. Lillie
Martin may was baptized in 1897. She may have been the first
person baptized in the faith. James Thomas (Uncle Tom) Henderson was
Sunday School Superintendent.
The first Sunday Sunday was called McIntosh Mill Sunday
School and was held in homes in the area.
Today more than 100 years later, there is an active Mormon
Church in Camden with membership of around 100, many of which are
descendants of these early converts.
Below are letters received from Mormon Elders to his
friends back in Wilcox County AL.
Grantsville, UT
May 17, 1916
Mrs. Millie McIntosh
R.D. #3 Box 27
Camden, AL
Dear Sister and family:
Your letter came to hand a few days ago and was pleased to hear from you
and that you were all well and enjoying life.
I’m feeling just fine now and am working every day farming and its
beginning to seem quite the same as it did before I left.
I and my baby brother are still batching it. My Father and Mother are
still at Washington, D.C. I left them over a month ago there, and they
were going to come right home but they have forgotten us. I guess or think
if they stayed away long enough that we might find a cook but there’s no
chance for me getting farther away every day. Say did you people go to
conference on the 6 and 7 this year? I know you were well paid for your
time and trouble. I should like to have attended.
I did go to conference in Salt Lake City. It was sure fine. Heard many,
many good things and I want to go again this fall. Can’t see where I can
miss it.
Have you people still got March and Joe? That is, are they still with
Julia. Tell them hello and ask Joe when he is coming out to live with me.
Well, I guess you are having warm weather and your crops all planted by
now. I’m plowing on the dry farm but it isn’t very warm. Its frozen ice
every night. Since I came up here it has snowed two different days but the
crops look well. Some fruit has froze.
Give my kindest regard to all who inquire of me. Praying God to bless you
all with health and long life. I remain as ever your friend and brother in
Christ.
J. W. Clark
Glad you received the folder alright. The price is very large and its to
remember Clark and come and see me.
Glad Julia likes the door yet. I’d like to happen in and have a good piece
of cornbread.
I’m not where theres a post office so can’t just tell when this will be
mailed.
J. W. Clark
Orangeville, Utah
March 4, 1927 (may be 1921)
Dear Sister Martin and all:
Tonight my heart is filled with fond memories of you good people. Most
every time I think of you it makes a lump come in my throat.
I learned to love you folks and it is hard for me when I know that we are
so far apart. I shall never forget the Sunday night after our meeting. We
all sang “God be with you till we meet again”. It still rings in my ears.
I would give all I ever owned if I could spend two more years in Alabama
and call on you folks again. They were the happiest days of my life and I
shall always cherish them. When I think of how happy we all were when we
were together, I feel like I would like to go back and live with you.
I am sorry Sister Martin that your health is not so good. Hope it will get
better in the near future. How is dear old mother. “God bless her.”
Tell all the kiddies hello for me. Would that I had them on my knees. When
is Collie and Minnie coming west? Tell them to come. I am still waiting
for Earnestine to say she loves me.
I sure do miss the colored people out here. Haven’t saw one since I came
home. Would that I could see Aunt Lucy and Sucky and Jerry Brown.
We have been having a lot of wet weather. It is raining tonight. Makes me
lonesome. Our sheep are lambing and we sure have a job.
You asks about the girls. “Well” when I was in Salt Lake, *\I ___ Madge
twice. I haven’t heard or seen of her since, and as for Ona, well! Things
are quite interesting along that line. We, we, we are are engaged! I don’t
know just when we’ll be married but hope it will be soon. Maybe a year.
She is a baby doll. Oh boy.
I have gotten thin since I came home. I haven’t been getting any corn
bread.
God bless you . Good night
Your Bro. Jesse (Jesse Tuttle)
“Please send me a little can of snuff” to show the people.
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Brother Jesse Tuttle
Mormon Elder and early Mormon Missionary |
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
Southern States Mission
Box 852
Atlanta, Georgia
Jan. 15, 1927
Crangeville, Utah
Dear Mother McIntosh and all:
I suppose you think that I have about forgotten all about you good people.
But not so, that can never be. There shall always be a warm spot in my
heart for you folks. I guess you all had a nice xmas and have started out
on a bright new year.
How is Br. _____ and family. I hope Elder Hinton and Sanderson baptized
them. Say Mother, you don’t know how lonesome I am to see you. I wish I
could be a missionary in Alabama all my life. I will all ways remember the
good meetings I have held at little Salt Lake City and I hope you all do
too. I don’t get to preach as much here as in Alabama. But I take every
chance I get. They all like to hear me preach. Wednesday, I spoke in an
old folks party.
Last night I was out to a party, but it wasn’t as good as the ones we had
up to Collies. My mouth waters when I think of chicken fry we had and
those oysters.
I am getting broke in to work. You should see me feeding the cows and
sheep. I am sure it would amuse you.
I am a star player in a basket ball team now. We are playing with six
different towns. A big reward for the winner. Tell Vera it is alright for
men to play basketball but not girls.
I guess Collie is still sawing up the trees. Tell Neal and Barney hello
for me. And all the kids. I would sure love to see them.
I am going to school next year. Elder Killpack is in school now.
I sure had a wonderful time down in Florida.
I thought it was swell down there. Have the Elders been with you lately?
Well, Mother, I must close. God bless you all. I am your Bro.
Jesse (Jesse Tuttle)
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
Southern States Mission
P.O. Box 852
Atlanta, GA
May 29, 1926
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Mrs. Millie D. McIntosh
Camden, AL
Dear Sister McIntosh:
I am very sorry that your daughter Mrs Julia Martin was taken very ill
three weeks ago. You want us to join with you in prayer and fasting Sunday
the 13th for her recovery. It will not be possible dear Sister McIntosh
for me to reach the Elders by that time, because all the mail went out
Thursday. But we here will unit with you in prayer for the recovery of
your dear daughter. And if any of the Elders are near, I will try to get
them.
Elder Tuttle is in Birmingham and his address if 717 No. 18th St. With all
good wishes, and praying the Lord to bless you and your dear daughter and
recover her from her illness. I remain
Your brother in the Gospel,
Chas A. Callis
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