As an orthodox Christian, it came as a bit of shock to me that practically my entire father’s ancestry line was Mormon. This religious dynasty extended to even the founding of what I had previously considered a cult. While it might not seem that I would be thrilled to write about this discovery, after some research into the time, I became more interested. The early Mormons faced an extreme amount of persecution, and most fled from their native states to the generally uncharted land of Utah in order to escape. This fact aroused sympathy within me, and I was eager to learn more.
Francis Fletcher. Taken from Ancestry.com
Francis Fletcher, my great-great-great grandfather lived during the early to mid 1800’s. While born in Massachusetts, he, along with wife Esther, moved to Iowa and then Utah following the religious persecution in the 40’s. Expulsion, beatings, and unjust imprisonment were indicative of this tumultuous time for Mormons. Driven out of their homeland, many Mormons settled in temporary camps in Iowa and Nebraska. A harsh winter plagued the camps and poverty was rampant, causing about 1 in 12 Mormons to succumb to disease and die (“Peace and Violence”). Despite these obstacles, Francis and Esther reached the Zion community in Salt Lake City, just three years before Francis’ death in 1854. Together they bore seven children, one of which was my great-great grandfather Charles Eugene Fletcher. Following in his father’s footsteps, he too faithfully adhered to the Mormon teachings. This legacy continued up to my grandfather, while my father converted to Christianity when he requested my mother’s hand in marriage. I have practiced the Christian faith my whole life.
Charles Eugene Fletcher. Taken from Ancestry.com
The theme of persecution resonated with me. For while not dealing with the same magnitude of oppression, I have certainly felt societal prejudice from being a gay male. Homophobia is often untamed in the South, and owning a sense of belonging and identity in a heteronormative world has always been challenging. It brings me comfort to know that my ancestors persevered through their undeserved persecution.
From left to right: Veoma Elizabeth (Jones) Done, Elizabeth Done (baby), Sarah Elizabeth Fletcher, Charles Eugene Fletcher. Taken from Ancestry.com
While I may not ascribe to the tenets of Mormonism, I believe no group of people should suffer the persecution that my ancestors endured. Religious freedom and tolerance have always been hallmarks of America, and should remain that way. This project has allowed me to acquire a reverence for people of all religious and political beliefs. Hopefully, one day we can live in a world where different groups of thought can peacefully coexist, and the necessity for violence becomes a thing of the past. Otherwise, the efforts of our ancestors will be in vain.
Works Consulted
“Peace and Violence among 19th-Century Latter-day Saints.” lds. N.p., n.d. Web. 23 Mar 2015.