I'll be honest. I feel like I should want to love him. But I don't. I just don't. Almost everything I know about him represents so many things I've come to abhor and resent. Of course no one is all good or all bad. So he's not, y'know, ALL bad. Yeah, I'll keep reminding myself of that.
He was, by rightful admission, a product of his time and circumstance - I'll give him that. Even from before birth he was groomed to become the man he was.
By most of his descendants who knew him or know about him, I'll surmise, he is remembered as a stalwart, faithful man of God. A man who dedicated himself wholly to the cause of truth and building God's Kingdom on earth. A man who sacrificed daily for the care and needs of others. A man who lived by the Spirit and was guided and directed by God himself in all his dealings throughout his life. A man who knew and lived the gospel of Jesus Christ in its most pure and perfect form, at least as much as a mortal man could. He was a man to be celebrated, revered, and exemplified.
Maybe he was those things. Maybe he was to a certain extent. But he was also, no doubt, an arrogant, self-serving misogynist who couldn't acknowledge his own white male privilege if it bit him in the ass. He was not alone. As stated above, he was, in fact, a man of his time and circumstance.
I have so much to say about him - almost too much - gleaned from his many newspaper write-ups, biographies, and mostly his journals which I have in my possession. I don't have the actual journals, but I do have electronic images of every single page. Tucked among the journal entries were photos, programs, mementos, statistical reports from the Salt Lake Temple, and speeches he gave. I have all of that, too.
Everything that's been written about him so far - at least everything for which I'm aware - is glowing and complimentary. Since that's already been done I see no reason to include much of that side of him in my portrayal. I'll offer a different perspective and leave it to anyone interested to keep and discard whatever information and opinions they choose.
Joseph was a director in one capacity or another of the Genealogical Society of Utah for more than 37 years. In Oct 1937, when he was 72 yrs. old, he was featured in an article of the Utah Genealogical and Historical Magazine (here). I'll start with that.
Here's what the editor wrote about him:
Joseph Christenson is a valiant leader in latter-day Israel. His experience in temple work is longer and more varied than that of any other person now living. His service as a Director of the Genealogical Society of Utah covers a longer period than that of any other Director past or present, a period of 37 years. He served as Secretary of the Genealogical Society of Utah from 1900 to 1907; as Librarian from 1909 to 1929 and he has acted as Vice-President since 1933. He has seen temple work and genealogical activity grow to great proportions from very small beginnings. His voice has been heard in all sections of the Church in connection with genealogical conventions. From his 18th year he has kept a daily journal of his life's experience which is now in its ninth volume. In very recent times his heart has been made to rejoice in obtaining from the home land of his ancestors in Sweden a most remarkable pedigree of the forefathers of both his father and his mother.He wrote his own bio:
I was born in American Fork, on the 19th of April, 1865. My parents were John Christenson and Johanna Harling. My father came to this country in 1862, and married while crossing the plains; Christina Nilsson Akeson being his first wife. They lived in the 17th Ward for a few months and then moved to American Fork, where he worked for Bishop Edward Hunter.
My mother came to this country with her sister Christina and her brother-in-law, Pehr Hanson, in 1863. They stopped over night in American Fork, expecting to go on to Sanpete the next day. They were staying in Bishop Harrington's yard and mother was invited to stay at their home to work, and she accepted.
Father and Aunt Christina called on her there, where he first made her acquaintance. Later they became attached to each other, and in March, 1864, were married in the Endowment House.
In 1866, when I was a few months old, the family sold out the home in American Fork and moved to Gunnison, Sanpete County, Utah. In payment for the home father received a new wagon and a team of oxen. Because of Indian troubles, they had to travel in a group with many other people. There were eight wagons in their particular group. Among the number of people who traveled with them were William and Joseph Bardsley and Sylvester Whiting; who the others were I am not sure. The wagons were of the schooner type, with a heavy canvas top. The women and children rode inside, while the men walked outside carrying their guns.
Father's family consisted of two wives and three children. Josephine was born in 1863, and Brighamine on the 21st day of April, 1865, two days after I was born. Brighamine became Minnie as time went on. At this time, father purchased a house, one wall of which was formerly the wall of the fort. We lived in this house for a number of years until father built our permanent home upon Main Street. The new home was built of native gray sandstone; and at first had a dirt roof which was replaced with a shingle roof later on. The house was double, two rooms on each side with a room in the attic, on each side. A private room was built for father in addition to the family rooms. We lived here together until I was grown; and until during the "Crusade" father was compelled to build mother a new home. This was built on the farm.
During our sojourn in the Fort, an incident occurred that I think should be recorded for future reference. It relates to the locust or grasshopper plague. All of our grain had been destroyed but five acres of wheat, and father had plowed a trench around it hoping this would head the grasshoppers off, but it did not. One morning in June, I saw my parents and Aunt Christina, father's first wife, standing out in the yard looking up in the sky at a passing cloud. I wanted to know what it was, and mother told me it was the grasshoppers. They settled on this five acre patch of wheat and by night-fall not a spear was left. This made our prospects look very poor; many mouths to feed and nothing to do it with. Father then loaded his wagon with rock salt from nearby deposits, and with his oxen as a team, went to Pioche, a mining camp, to sell or barter this material for foodstuff. While he was away we were in dire want.
On a certain Saturday night, mother gave my sister Anna and me each a piece of bread; sister Emma was a nursing babe. Mother had nothing herself. Next morning was Sunday, and she roasted three onions, all she had, in the open fire place. This was all the food we had, and naturally we were hungry and cried for food. Mother wept bitterly and said to us children, "Let us kneel and pray to the Lord for help." I do not remember the words of her prayer, but I do remember the profound impression it had on my soul. She asked the Lord for bread for her children. When the prayer was over, I sat in a chair facing the door of the Fort square, expecting an answer to that prayer immediately, being just as confident that it would be answered as I am now sure that it was answered. A knock came to the door and an old lady came in. She said, ‘I fear there is want here and I have come to see about it.' She brought three biscuits, one for each of us who was old enough to eat food. These biscuits were food indeed and were very welcome. She invited us to her home, where we spent the day. When we were ready to go home, she divided her meager store of flour in half. Mother told me she thought about 25 pounds was the amount we brought home with us. A gruel was made of this flour and water, which tided us over until our father returned.
Elise Hanson shall always be remembered by me because of her generosity, and if I can do anything for her or hers, I shall always feel obligated to perform that service.
We were on rations for a long time. I was hungry for years because of being pinched for food at this time. The answer to my mother's prayer has left an indelible impression on my mind.
We moved up to the new home when I was about six or seven years old. I know we were there when I was baptized, which occurred on the 4th of June, 1873. I was baptized by James Hanson and confirmed the next day by Simon Hanson. The impression made on my soul by my confirmation was one of complete joy. I was lifted up in my happiness. I was ordained a deacon soon after baptism, and was set apart as president of a deacon's quorum of about fifty boys. My counselor and I proceeded to ordain other deacons until stopped by the Bishop of the Ward. We met in my father's house and went through a regular program. When about 14 years of age, I was ordained a priest; soon after I was set apart as president of the Priest's quorum, with two counselors, both much older than I.
When about 16 years old, I was appointed Assistant Super-intendent of Sunday School. When the Primary was first organ-ized, I was appointed Assistant Secretary. In 1875, when the Y. M. M. I. A., was organized, I was permitted to join though only ten years old. I was ordained a Seventy when 18 years of age and soon after was appointed Secretary. At age of 18, I took an examination to see if I could qualify as a school teacher. I failed the first time but later in the fall I tried again and was successful. I taught for two years and felt that I had progressed far enough to go to college; but a letter came from Box B, which changed all my plans. It was a call for a mission to Sweden, the land of my fathers.
I left Gunnison for Salt Lake in July, 1886, spending some time with relatives. In the month of August I left Salt Lake for Sweden, where I arrived in September. My mission cost $72.50, which demonstrates the fact that I had to travel without purse or scrip most of the time. My experiences as a missionary were cal-culated to develop faith in a wonderful manner. Returning home in November, 1888, I taught school that winter, my remuneration being $20.00 per month.
In the spring of 1889, I was called to Salt Lake City on a political mission, and with many others was called on to vote. The anti-Mormons were determined to steal the city government, and they were without scruples. The People's Party was ahead in votes, but the political machinery was in the hands of the Utah Commission, appointed by the National Government. They were anti-Mormon and controlled the election. While we had the votes, yet we were counted out.
My first employment in Salt Lake was selling sewing ma-chines. I earned $43.00 for the month thus engaged. Then I re-ceived employment from the Church. My first boss was George Reynolds. He was kindness itself. I appreciated his patience and forbearance very much. Our office was upstairs in the old adobe Museum, which stood at the head of Richards Street across from the Temple Block. When that building was torn down, we went to the old President's office Building, and from there to Gardo House. Later on I was transferred to the Historian's Office; Franklin D. Richards being in charge.
Early in 1893, I sought the Lord in prayer for a position in the Temple which was soon to be dedicated. In answer to my prayer, George F. Gibbs came to me one day and said he had been instructed by President Woodruff to say to me that he would like me to apply in writing for a position in the Salt Lake Temple. I filed my application and heard nothing from it until April 25, 1893, when John Nicholson came for me. He told me I was wanted at the Temple. For a month we were busy getting the books ready for the opening, which took place on the 23rd of May.
My different missions have been as follows: To Sweden 21 July, 1886; released 27 Sept., 1888; Home Mission, Salt Lake Stake, March, 1890; released 13 Dec., 1896; in the interest of the Temple, January, 1894, for a few months; first counselor to Joseph H. Felt, Salt Lake Stake Y. M. M. I. A., comprising all the valley, 13 Dec., 1896; released 7 Sept., 1897; Home Missionary, 7 Sept., 1897; released 31 Dec., 1902; 2nd counselor to Bishop Adam Spiers, 31 Dec., 1902; released 21 Aug., 1904; ordained Bishop of the Tenth Ward, Liberty Stake, 21 Aug., 1904; appointed Chief Recorder of the Salt Lake Temple, 30th Sept., 1916.
I was set apart as Second Counselor to President George F. Richards of the Salt Lake Temple 12th June, 1929 and First Counselor, 10th June, 1935.
Intrigued? Impressed? You should be. That's quite a set of accomplishments. And every single thing he mentions is completely wrapped up in the Mormon church. Everything! Even his heritage and upbringing - it's all framed in reference to the church. Obviously the church was front and center to his entire existence. Oh yeah, and throughout his life he enjoyed a lot of sports, both watching and participating. We'll get more into that later.
But it seems to me that there might be something missing in his bio. Something he may have forgotten to mention. Like, maybe, something, anything, about a wife and nine children? Oh, I'm just being silly. That bio wasn't about them! It was all about HIM and HIS life and HIS accomplishments. If he mentioned a wife someone might come to the mistaken conclusion that she may have had something to do with his success. After all, she was hardly around much after he sent her to the Utah Stake Mental Hospital where he eventually tried to have her committed for life (so he could get hold of a little inheritance money of hers when he needed a new roof on his house...but I'm getting ahead of myself).
Allow me a little latitude to veer off course right now. For some reason, thinking and writing about Joseph's bio and his relationship with his wife and kids makes me want to make a little comparison to an event that happened much more recently.
About six weeks ago my husband was awarded the Silver Beaver, BSA's highest award on the council level. His work and contributions in scouting spanned almost forty years. Of all the many Scouting awards he's earned as an adult scouter this was by far the most coveted and prestigious.
A week or so prior to the actual event we were invited to a reception in preparation for the subsequent recognition banquet where the current Silver Beaver recipients were to get their photo taken, edit their bios, submit scouting-related images for a power point presentation, and record their answers to a few key questions which were also to be part of the power point presentation.
One of the questions he was asked was this:
What are some of your most memorable Scouting experiences?
Oh my gosh, I'm sure there were so many! He attended so many summer scout camps and high adventures, went on 2 summer and 1 winter Philmont trek, participated in countless training sessions, and helped so many, many boys on their trail to eagle during his multiple sojourns as Scoutmaster. With almost forty years of Scouting memories and experiences how could he possibly choose?
He is a man of few words. His answer was simple and direct. It went something like this:
When we lived in Amarillo the council sponsored a family weekend at Philmont each fall. We were able to go a few times as a family. The best scouting experiences I had were spending those weekends at Philmont with my family.
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| Philmont Family Weekend September 1995 |
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