Three From My Tree

Joseph Henry Dean

Joseph Henry Dean was my great great grandfather through my Mom's side. In my religion, men and women choose to be sent all over the world to spread the gospel of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. In 1887, the First Presidency of my church felt that there should be effort to preach the gospel to the islands such as Samoa and Hawaii. Joseph was called to open a mission in Samoa, he would be the very first missionary to step foot in Samoa. On June 7th, 1888. He arrived on Monday June 21st with his wife, Florence, and his 10-pound newly born child. The painting above shows him and his family wading to shore and being welcomed by Samuela Manoa and his wife Faasopo. Manoa said to Joseph, "I feel greatly blessed that God has brought us together and that I can meet his good servant here in Samoa." Joseph H. Dean created a strong bond with the Samoan people and made a big difference in the history of my church.

Hyrum Smith

Photo 9. lds.org

Hyrum Smith is my 4 greats grandfather on my Dad's side. His name and story is familiar to millions of people all over the world. If he was never born, i would be living a completely different lifestyle, so I feel honored to be one of his direct descendants. Hyrum Smith is the brother of Joseph Smith, who restored my religion to the earth in 1830. Joseph was persecuted greatly because of his beliefs, and Hyrum stood by his side every second of the way. A famous quote by John Taylor says,"In life they were not divided, and in death they were not separated." Hyrum was one of the 8 witnesses of the golden plates, and he shared his testimony of the truth of them to the world even though it was dangerous. When he was 30 years old, he was one of the 6 men to formally organize the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He was the first person to start digging the foundation for the Kirtland, Ohio temple, which was the very first Mormon temple ever built. He was known as a man of Integrity, and a peacemaker. His brother said, "If Hyrum could not make peace between two who had fallen out, the angels themselves might not hope to accomplish the task." He was murdered at age 44 on June 27th, 1844 in Carthage Jail. My little brother was born on June 27th, 2000 so we named him Hyrum after our ancestor Hyrum Smith. All in all, Hyrum Smith was a hero and made a huge difference in the organization of my church.

Allan Mackay Acomb

Grandpa Acomb is my great grandfather. I was 8 years old when he died, and I have memories of visiting him in a hospital when he was very sick. I wish that I would have learned more about his life when he was alive to tell me first hand. Because I have living ancestors that were close to him, I know much about him. Allan Acomb worked very hard. He was state champion in track and field, earned every merit badge as a boy scout, and eventually went to law school and graduated from George Washington, University. What is extra special about Grandpa Acomb is that he served in World War Two. He was executive officer of camp John Hay during the surrender of the Philippines by the Japanese. Basically the Japanese took over, and we fought back forcing them to surrender. He was there for the signing of the surrender and he watched guard over Yamashita, the Japanese General, so he would not commit suicide. Allan Acomb was very brave and he loved everyone until his death in 2004.