But One Husband
The Truth about Mormon History by a Woman Who Lived It
by
Book Cover & Preview Text
But One Husband is taken from the actual diaries of a young Sarah Ann from Yorkshire, England in the 1850s. Her father, John Thirkell, finds the recruitment from Mormon missionaries as a way to get his 5 daughters away from Lord Cardigan, his philandering employer. Leaving everything they hold dear behind, they make their way to America by ship and wagon train, learning the ways of the Mormon religion along the way. Hardship and frustration soon make them leary of their decision, especially when they hear that the men are expected to take more than one wife. When his wife, Mary, becomes angry at hearing the news, John promises he will never take another wife. But once in Salt Lake City, they find they cannot make that choice. Sarah Ann marries years later and tries to escape the Mormon life she has grown to depise, but finds the harsh reality of concequences if she tries to leave. But One Husband is a stirring, factual account of the life of Sarah Ann, along with what was happening in the rest of the country during this time. Never has there been a more detailed description about the lives and times of the pioneers; a story that will fill your heart with pride for our forefathers.
Formats
Book Details
About the Book
It is 1849, and Sarah Ann Thirkell is home from boarding school when she spies her father talking with two strangers near the bogs of Yorkshire, England. After her father invites the strangers to dinner, they tell of a prophet who will come to save the world, just as Jesus once did. As Sarah quietly listens, she has no idea that the two missionaries have just changed not only her life, but also the lives of everyone in her family. It is not long before the Thirkells are recruited to become Mormons bound for a new life in America.
Assigned to sail with a Mormon leader, the Thirkells carefully listen as he promises a life of harmony and brotherhood if they serve their leader well. Sarah’s mother, Mary, is already wary of the voyage, but when she hears a rumor that the men are expected to take plural wives once they arrive in America, she panics and forces her husband to promise he will never bring another woman into their home. And with that, their heartbreaking, frustrating journey to America begins.
Based on a true story, But One Husband shares a fascinating glimpse into the Mormon way of life as a family makes their way to Utah by wagon train and suddenly fi nds themselves in the middle of the opposite of two missionaries’ promises.
About the Author
Luella Pool Saxby spent twenty-five years writing But One Husband from the original diaries of her great-grandmother, Sarah Ann Thirkell Pool. Born in 1893, Luella was a police matron, department store detective, artist, poet, and business owner before her death in 1989. This was her fi rst and only book, brought to life by her granddaughter’s promise to her long ago.