Mathew Rowan papers [photocopies]
Collection
Identifier: MS 0588
Scope and Contents
The Mathew Rowan papers [photocopies] (1853-1864) consist of the Rowan family history and a journal, both written by Mathew Rowan while serving a mission in England for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Rowan began writing the family history, and his journal, shortly after his 1853 marriage to Jane Martin in Worcester, England. Together the two documents document his activities as a private citizen and as an official for the LDS church in England and Utah. The Family History and the journal together record Rowan's memories of his family and childhood while growing up in southwestern Scotland and his personal experiences later in life. His family was poor, and he describes working in mines as well as family problems with alcoholism and disease. Included are descriptions of family events, his travels throughout England as a missionary for the LDS church, and his responsibilities as President of the Worcester and Sheffield Branches of the LDS Church. Included are financial details of his expenses and the records of the Worcester Branch, including money donated for the building of the Salt Lake LDS Temple.
Later, Rowan and his family immigrated to Utah, and the ocean voyage and cross-country trek are recorded in the documents. Life on board the ship is described in detail in his journal, which concludes on reaching New York. Continuing his Family History, Mathew tells of meeting other Mormons in St. Louis, from where the Rowan family started across the plains. In Utah, he describes starting his farm, and lists what he paid for equipment and animals. He also recounts how he and his wife are baptized and sealed by Brigham Young, of serving in the Mormon Batallion, the death of his first wife, and of his remarriage. The Family History concludes with the documentation of his family's individual "Patriarchal Blessings."
Later, Rowan and his family immigrated to Utah, and the ocean voyage and cross-country trek are recorded in the documents. Life on board the ship is described in detail in his journal, which concludes on reaching New York. Continuing his Family History, Mathew tells of meeting other Mormons in St. Louis, from where the Rowan family started across the plains. In Utah, he describes starting his farm, and lists what he paid for equipment and animals. He also recounts how he and his wife are baptized and sealed by Brigham Young, of serving in the Mormon Batallion, the death of his first wife, and of his remarriage. The Family History concludes with the documentation of his family's individual "Patriarchal Blessings."
Dates
- 1853-1864
Creator
- Rowan, Mathew (Person)
Conditions Governing Access
Twenty-four hour advanced notice encouraged. Materials must be used on-site. Access to parts of this collection may be restricted under provisions of state or federal law.
Conditions Governing Use
The library does not claim to control copyright for all materials in the collection. An individual depicted in a reproduction has privacy rights as outlined in Title 45 CFR, part 46 (Protection of Human Subjects). For further information, please review the J. Willard Marriott Library’s Use Agreement and Reproduction Request forms.
Biographical Sketch
Mathew Rowan was born in Scotland in 1827 to a poor Protestant family. After contact with an LDS missionary in 1844, he converted to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and embarked on the life of a traveling preacher. He was gradually appointed to higher positions in the growing church, and was eventually sent to England to take the presidency of the Worcester Branch of the LDS Church.
In Worcester, shortly after his marriage, Mathew commenced work on his family history, and began his journal. There he met and married his wife, his first child was born, and he suffered the loss of his father. He remained in Worcester for two years carrying out the responsibilities of a branch president. He traveled throughout western, northwestern, and central England meeting other branch presidents, and conducting the business of his church, which was constantly expanding at the time. In his leisure time he wrote hymns and studied Greek. After two years of service in Worcester, Mathew was transferred to the position of President of the Church in Sheffield. He remained there for a few months until he was released from this position in 1855. That spring, Mathew, his wife Jane, and their son Ammon joined a large group of Mormons sailing for New York. Upon arrival, the group started for Salt Lake City, arriving there in October, 1855.
Lacking skills and equipment for farming, Mathew began a farm in the Cottonwood area of the Salt Lake Valley. His daughter Emma, and son Mathew Martin were born in the following years, during which he was appointed to various official positions within the church, including service in the Mormon Battalion. His wife eventually died during childbirth, after which Rowan married Ann Olsen.
In Worcester, shortly after his marriage, Mathew commenced work on his family history, and began his journal. There he met and married his wife, his first child was born, and he suffered the loss of his father. He remained in Worcester for two years carrying out the responsibilities of a branch president. He traveled throughout western, northwestern, and central England meeting other branch presidents, and conducting the business of his church, which was constantly expanding at the time. In his leisure time he wrote hymns and studied Greek. After two years of service in Worcester, Mathew was transferred to the position of President of the Church in Sheffield. He remained there for a few months until he was released from this position in 1855. That spring, Mathew, his wife Jane, and their son Ammon joined a large group of Mormons sailing for New York. Upon arrival, the group started for Salt Lake City, arriving there in October, 1855.
Lacking skills and equipment for farming, Mathew began a farm in the Cottonwood area of the Salt Lake Valley. His daughter Emma, and son Mathew Martin were born in the following years, during which he was appointed to various official positions within the church, including service in the Mormon Battalion. His wife eventually died during childbirth, after which Rowan married Ann Olsen.
Extent
0.5 Linear Feet (1 box)
Language of Materials
English
Abstract
The Mathew Rowan papers [photocopies] (1853-1864) consist of the Rowan family history and a journal, both written by Mathew Rowan while serving a mission in England for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Rowan began writing the family history, and his journal, shortly after his 1853 marriage to Jane Martin in Worcester, England. Together the two documents document his activities as a private citizen and as an official for the LDS church in England and Utah.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Gift of Frederick Buchanan in 1985.
Existence and Location of Originals
Original diary located at the LDS Church Historical Department, Salt Lake City, Utah.
Processing Information
Processed by Anne Thomas in 1991.
- Autobiographies (literary works)
- Diaries
- Latter Day Saint pioneers -- Emigration
- Latter Day Saints -- Diaries
- Latter Day Saints -- Missionary experiences -- England
- Latter Day Saints -- Missions -- England
- Mormonism (Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints)
- Rowan family
- Rowan, Mathew -- Archives
Creator
- Rowan, Mathew (Person)
- Title
- Inventory of the Mathew Rowan papers [photocopies]
- Author
- Finding aid created by Anne Thomas.
- Date
- 1993 (last modified: 2019)
- Description rules
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
- Language of description note
- Finding aid written in English.
Repository Details
Part of the J. Willard Marriott Library Special Collections Repository
Contact:
295 South 1500 East
Salt Lake City Utah 84112 United States
801-581-8863
special@library.utah.edu
295 South 1500 East
Salt Lake City Utah 84112 United States
801-581-8863
special@library.utah.edu